bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular signalling pathways: targets to reverse immunosenescence
Authors: Fulop T , Witkowski J M , Le Page A , Fortin C , Pawelec G , Larbi A
Published: July 2016

Ageing is a very complex process, the result of the dysregulation of multiple systems interacting in many ways. A prominent change occurring with ageing is related to the architecture and functioning of the immune system, viewed commonly as detrimental and termed ‘immunosenescence’. However, age-associated changes may also lead to increased function in certain respects, which can be viewed as adaptive. None the less, on balance it is well-recognized that immunosenescence is accompanied by the low-grade inflammation observed commonly in elderly people, which has been dubbed ‘inflamm-ageing’. The exact cause and significance of all these changes is not clear, but there is a consensus that they are related to the occurrence of chronic non-infectious age-associated disease, as well as increased susceptibility to infections. Alterations to immune cell signalling may be a prominent cause of malfunctioning immunity. Emerging attempts to reverse immunosenescence have recently targeted the signalling pathways in various different cell types of the immune system. Here, we review and discuss alterations in the signalling pathways of immune cells with ageing and consider current targets and means to modulate altered functions. We discuss the potential dangers as well as the benefits of these interventions, and consider future approaches to this problem.
Discovery of pathogenic variants in a large Korean cohort of inherited muscular disorders
Authors: Park H.J. , Jang H. , Kim J.H. , Lee J.H. , Shin H.Y. , Kim S.M. , Park K.D. , Yim S.‐V. , Lee J.H. , Choi Y.‐C.
Published: July 2016

Inherited muscular disorders (IMDs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous genetic disorders. We investigated the mutational spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlations in Korean patients with IMD. We developed a targeted panel of 69 known IMD genes and recruited a total of 209 Korean patients with IMD. Targeted capture sequencing identified 994 different variants. Among them, 98 variants were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants; 38 were novel variations. A total of 39 patients had the pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. Among them, 75 (36%) patients were genetically confirmed, and 18 (9%) patients had one heterozygous variant of recessive myopathy. However, two genetically confirmed patients had an additional heterozygous variant of another recessive myopathy. Four patients with one heterozygous variant of a recessive myopathy showed different phenotypes, compared with the known phenotype of the identified gene. The major causative genes of Korean patients with IMDs were DMD (19 patients), COL6A1 (9), DYSF (9), GNE (7), LMNA (7), CAPN3 (6), and RYR1 (5). This study showed the mutational and clinical spectra in Korean patients with IMD and confirmed the usefulness of strategies utilizing targeted sequencing.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based substrates bearing pendant small chemical groups as a platform for systemic investigation of chondrogenesis
Authors: Chen Min , Xu Lei , Zhou Yan , Zhang Yan , Lang Meidong , Ye Zhaoyang , Tan Wen‐Song
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Physiochemical properties of biomaterials play critical roles in dictating types of cell behaviour. In this study, a series of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐derived polymers bearing different small chemical groups was employed as a platform to evaluate chondrogenesis of different cell types.

Materials and methods

Thin films were prepared by spin‐coating PCL derivatives. Rabbit articular chondrocytes (rACs) and rabbit bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were seeded on to the films, and cell adhesion, proliferation, extracellular matrix production and gene expression were evaluated.

Results

The presence of hydrophilic groups (‐NH2, ‐COOH, ‐OH and ‐C=O) promoted adhesion and proliferation of primary rACs and rMSCs. On these polymeric films, chondrogenesis of primary rACs depended on culture time. For passaged cells, re‐differentiation was induced on these films by chondrogenic induction, but less for cells of passage 5 compared to passage 3. While films with hydrophilic groups favoured chondrocytic gene expression of both types of passaged cells, production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) was similar for those of passage 3 on all films, and PCL‐CH3 film better supported GAG production for cells of passage 5. Under chondrogenic conditions, rMSCs were more efficient at GAG production on PCL and PCL‐NH2 films.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that different cells displayed distinct responses to substrate surface chemistry, implying that cell–biomaterial interactions can be developmental stage dependent. This provides a novel perspective for developing biomaterials for cartilage regeneration.
From Venture Idea to Venture Opportunity
Authors: Vogel Peter
Published: July 2016

Opportunities are a core construct in the field of entrepreneurship. Despite recent advances suggesting the separation of ideas from opportunities, the field still suffers from conceptual deficiencies. This article builds on this distinction and leverages insights from creativity and innovation management literature to propose a framework that allows tracing the evolution of a venture from first insight to exploitation. It discusses real–time/longitudinal and retrospective measurement techniques from the fields of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation management to empirically capture the framework. Several research questions for future studies are provided, concluding with a discussion of implications for research and practice.
Disentangling Relations among Repertoire Size, Song Rate, Signal Redundancy and Ambient Noise Level in European Songbird
Authors: Deoniziak Krzysztof , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: July 2016

The majority of male songbirds have small repertoires and sing with eventual variety; that is, they present one song type several times before switching to the next one. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. The antiexhaustion hypothesis argues that song‐type switching prevents muscle fatigue in the syrinx. The signal redundancy hypothesis suggests that repeating the same signal increases transmission success. Here, we have studied the song behaviour of the chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs, a common Eurasian species in which the males sing a few different song types and provide eventual variety. We tested different hypotheses to explain the temporal organisation of song output (repertoire size, song rate, bout duration, etc.) as a function of ambient noise by comparing birds from the same macrogeographic region in which the birds live either in a noisy town (n = 71) or in a quieter forest habitat (n = 68). Contrary to the prediction of the signal redundancy hypothesis and the results of earlier work on chaffinches living close to noisy streams, we found no significant differences in song characteristics between the town and forest populations. Our results support the antiexhaustion hypothesis because males with larger repertoires were able to sing with a significantly higher rate due to faster switching between different song types and producing shorter bouts. Sample size or population differences between our study and earlier investigations of the same species may explain the inconsistency with previous findings. Future studies should focus on determining the relations between song organisation and the directly measured quality of males and females' choice using, preferably, a longitudinal approach.
Delegation in Hard Times: The Financial Management of Arm's Length Bodies in the UK
Authors: Tonkiss Katherine
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the effectiveness of financial management tools in regulating the use of resources by arm's length bodies (ALBs) in a period of fiscal stress. The paper presents research undertaken into the implementation of a new financial management tool for ALBs in the UK since the 2008 financial crisis. Drawing on conflict ambiguity theory, the paper shows how the effectiveness of such tools is affected by deep‐rooted tensions implicit within public governance. This gives rise to micro‐level conflict over the means of achieving fiscal regulation, underpinned by macro‐level ambiguity over the logic of governance pursued by the government.
Effects of water velocity, turbulence and obstacle length on the swimming capabilities of adult Pacific lamprey
Authors: Kirk M. A. , Caudill C. C. , Tonina D. , Syms J. C.
Published: July 2016

The swimming capabilities of adult Pacific lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus Gairdner, were tested in an experimental vertical‐slot fishway in response to three different fishway features: water velocity (1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m s−1), the length of the vertical slot (0.33, 0.66, 1.00 m) and during the presence/absence of a turbulence‐intensifying structure that increased turbulence for each respective treatment. Passage success was lowest (52.7%) and attachment rates were highest (92.9%) during the most difficult passage conditions (high velocity, high turbulence, long slot length). Passage success was >83% for all other treatment combinations. Although passage of the vertical‐slot weir was not associated with fish body size, Pacific lamprey with larger dorsal distances (distance between the two dorsal fins) were more likely to pass the vertical‐slot weir. Increased attachment rates and longer attachment times during strenuous passage conditions suggest that endurance capacity may be an important factor limiting the passage of Pacific lamprey at fishway obstacles.
Treatment for cirrhotic ascites
Authors: Kawaratani Hideto , Fukui Hiroshi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: July 2016

Common complications of decompensated liver cirrhosis are esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. After the onset of complications, the prognosis worsens. In patients with ascites, the 5‐year mortality rate is 44%. Furthermore, hyponatremia, spontaneous bacterial translocation and hepatorenal syndrome also greatly worsen the prognosis. Effective treatment of cirrhotic ascites improves the quality of life and survival rate. Recently, the newly produced diuretic, tolvaptan (vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist), was reported to be effective in the treatment of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis; however, there has not been an associated positive effect on the prognosis. There are various types of treatment for ascites, such as large‐volume paracenteses, a cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and a peritoneo‐venous shunt. Although they improve the prognosis, liver transplantation remains the ultimate form of treatment. The present article discusses the therapeutic management of cirrhotic ascites.
In the Shadow of Anzac: Labour Historiography of the First World War in Australia
Authors: Holbrook Carolyn , Wise Nathan
Published: July 2016

Australia is by far the most enthusiastic and profligate commemorator of the centenary of the First World War; a phenomenon that is closely connected to the fact that the war produced Australia's premier national myth, the Anzac legend. The dominance of the nationalist interpretation in Australia has masked important aspects of the war, such as the experience of the working class. This article reviews Australian labour historiography of the First World War. It argues that the dominance of the Anzac legend muted the generation of labour historians born during the inter‐war years, who were under its nationalist thrall. More recent labour historians employ cultural methodologies, often in an attempt to counter the ubiquity of nationalist memory of the First World War in Australia.
Minimizing photodecomposition of flavin adenine dinucleotide fluorescence by the use of pulsed LEDs
Authors: RÖSNER J. , LIOTTA A. , ANGAMO E.A. , SPIES C. , HEINEMANN U. , KOVÁCS R.
Published: July 2016

Dynamic alterations in flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) fluorescence permit insight into energy metabolism‐dependent changes of intramitochondrial redox potential. Monitoring FAD fluorescence in living tissue is impeded by photobleaching, restricting the length of microfluorimetric recordings. In addition, photodecomposition of these essential electron carriers negatively interferes with energy metabolism and viability of the biological specimen. Taking advantage of pulsed LED illumination, here we determined the optimal excitation settings giving the largest fluorescence yield with the lowest photobleaching and interference with metabolism in hippocampal brain slices. The effects of FAD bleaching on energy metabolism and viability were studied by monitoring tissue pO2, field potentials and changes in extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o).

Photobleaching with continuous illumination consisted of an initial exponential decrease followed by a nearly linear decay. The exponential decay was significantly decelerated with pulsed illumination. Pulse length of 5 ms was sufficient to reach a fluorescence output comparable to continuous illumination, whereas further increasing duration increased photobleaching. Similarly, photobleaching increased with shortening of the interpulse interval. Photobleaching was partially reversible indicating the existence of a transient nonfluorescent flavin derivative. Pulsed illumination decreased FAD photodecomposition, improved slice viability and reproducibility of stimulus‐induced FAD, field potential, [K+]o and pO2 changes as compared to continuous illumination.
Perturbed proteostasis in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Louros Susana R. , Osterweil Emily K.
Published: July 2016

Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation and members of the UPS have been associated with an increased risk for the development of autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that these mutations result in a similar imbalance in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) at the synapse. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and propose that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorders.

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Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation (i.e. FMR1) and protein degradation (i.e. UBE3A) have been associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability (ASD/ID). These mutations similarly disrupt protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Compensatory changes that reset the rate of proteostasis may contribute to the neurological symptoms of ASD/ID. This review summarizes recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and proposes that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to ASD.

This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
Nociception modulation by supraspinal group III metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Palazzo Enza , Marabese Ida , Luongo Livio , Guida Francesca , de Novellis Vito , Maione Sabatino
Published: July 2016

The modulatory actions of glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), are exerted through the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Of the eight known mGluRs (mGluR1–8), group III mGluRs (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8) are less understood because of the lack of selective ligands. Except for mGluR6, group III mGluRs are widely distributed throughout the CNS. They are mainly located on presynaptic terminals where they inhibit neurotransmitter release at glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapses. Their location at certain synapses is considered critical for normal CNS function, which makes them potential targets in neurological and psychiatric treatments. Novel ligands that are selective for group III mGluR subtypes have recently been developed. These compounds, which mainly target allosteric sites and act as positive or negative allosteric modulators (PAMs or NAMs) of glutamate transmission, are contributing to the understanding of the functional roles of group III mGluRs in a number of pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic pain. Moreover, the presence of group III mGluRs throughout the entire pain neuraxis and particularly in the descending system suggests that these endogenous substrates that extend from the cortex to the first spinal synapse are candidates for pain control. Recent data on chronic pain alleviation by group III mGluR ligands encourage further studies as pathological pain is one of the most troublesome diseases because of the current lack of satisfactory therapy. This review summarizes recent studies on group III mGluRs in animal models of chronic pain, which evidence an opposite modulation of mGluR7 and mGluR8 on pain responses and their capability to affect pain responses only in pathological states.

This article is part of the special article series “Pain”.

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Prediction of self‐care behaviour on the basis of knowledge about chronic kidney disease using self‐efficacy as a mediator
Authors: Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Hsieh Nan‐Chen , Lin Li‐Ju , Tsai Juin‐Ming
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

This study was to investigate: (1) the important factors in the self‐care of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and (2) the mediating effects of self‐efficacy on knowledge and self‐care.

Background

Chronic kidney disease has become a major global health issue and is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in Taiwan where the dialysis population ranks first in the world. The number of patients with poor self‐care behaviours continues to rise despite ongoing health education. Knowledge and self‐efficacy are important factors that influence self‐care behaviour; however, very few articles have examined the relationships among them.

Design

Cross‐sectional and correlational design.

Methods

Subject recruitment was conducted by purposive sampling in the renal outpatient clinics and dialysis centres of two teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. A total of 247 patients with chronic kidney disease (stages 1–5) were enrolled.

Results

(1) Knowledge was positively correlated with self‐efficacy (r = 0·41, p < 0·01) and with self‐care (r = 0·18, p < 0·01). Self‐efficacy (r = 0·44, p < 0·01) as well as age (r = 0·15, p < 0·01) were positively correlated with self‐care. (2) The relationship between knowledge and self‐care was fully mediated by self‐efficacy (z = 4·82, p < 0·001) and the effect was 50%.

Conclusion

The results showed that self‐efficacy was a crucial mediator between knowledge and self‐care. In addition to providing knowledge to chronic kidney disease patients, healthcare professionals should also offer strategies that can enhance self‐efficacy to increase self‐care behaviours in chronic kidney disease patients and implement effective disease management.

Relevance to clinical practice

Incorporate self‐efficacy strategies into the process of health education to improve knowledge and the effectiveness of self‐care. The findings of this study provide evidence of effectiveness of the use of group activity through self‐management and self‐efficacy enhancement programmes and may influence the policy makers to consider adding or modifying the reimbursement criteria.
THE RISE AND DECLINE OF ECONOMIC POLICY AS AN AUTONOMOUS DISCIPLINE: A CRITICAL SURVEY
Authors: Acocella Nicola
Published: July 2016

After Adam Smith's statement of market virtues, the process of gestation of economic policy as a rational set of rules for public agenda has been rather slow. Until not so long ago, economic policy as a discipline was often confined to prescribing practical rules intended to explain technical procedures of government intervention. Economic policy– as a coherent and to some extent autonomous discipline–only emerged in the late 1950s in Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Italy, when solid foundations indicating not only microeconomic but also macroeconomic market failures and a theory about the conditions for policy effectiveness and design were consistently developed. This paper intends to explain the reasons for the emergence of the discipline, the circumstances that favoured its diffusion, the reasons for its apparent setback and some factors that could facilitate its diffusion in the next years
TPGS-modified liposomes for the delivery of ginsenoside compound K against non-small cell lung cancer: formulation design and its evaluation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Yang Lei , Xin Jin , Zhang Zhenhai , Yan Hongmei , Wang Jing , Sun E , Hou Jian , Jia Xiaobin , Lv Huixia
Published: July 2016

Objective

This work aimed at preparing ginsenoside compound K (GCK)-loaded liposomes modified with TPGS (GCKT-liposomes) to enhance solubility and targeting capability of GCK, as well as inhibit the efflux of GCK from tumour cells.

Methods

GCKT-liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and characterized by particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential and drug encapsulation efficiency. A549 cells were used as antitumour cell model to access the cellular uptake of the GCK and perform its antitumour function. The enhancement of in vivo antitumour efficacy of GCKT-liposomes was evaluated by nude mice bearing tumour model.

Key findings

The results showed that GCKT-liposomes achieved a comparatively high drug loading efficiency and reasonable particle size at the ratio of 7 : 3 (phospholipid: TPGS). The in vitro release demonstrated that the dissolution of GCK was remarkably improved by entrapping it into liposomes. In addition, GCKT-liposomes exhibited a great hypersensitizing effect on A549 cells, and the cellular uptake was enhanced. Compared with free GCK, the IC50 of GCKT-liposomes was significantly reduced (16.3 ± 0.8 vs 24.9 ± 1.0 μg/ml). In vivo antitumour assay also indicated that GCKT-liposomes achieved higher antitumour efficacy (67.5 ± 0.5 vs 40.8 ± 0.7%).

Conclusion

The novel GCKT-liposomes significantly improved the antitumour efficacy of GCK.
In situ 3‐D mapping of pore structures and hollow grains of interplanetary dust particles with phase contrast X‐ray nanotomography
Authors: Hu Z. W. , Winarski R. P.
Published: July 2016

Unlocking the 3‐D structure and properties of intact chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) in nanoscale detail is challenging, which is also complicated by atmospheric entry heating, but is important for advancing our understanding of the formation and origins of IDPs and planetary bodies as well as dust and ice agglomeration in the outer protoplanetary disk. Here, we show that indigenous pores, pristine grains, and thermal alteration products throughout intact particles can be noninvasively visualized and distinguished morphologically and microstructurally in 3‐D detail down to ~10 nm by exploiting phase contrast X‐ray nanotomography. We have uncovered the surprisingly intricate, submicron, and nanoscale pore structures of a ~10‐μm‐long porous IDP, consisting of two types of voids that are interconnected in 3‐D space. One is morphologically primitive and mostly submicron‐sized intergranular voids that are ubiquitous; the other is morphologically advanced and well‐defined intragranular nanoholes that run through the approximate centers of ~0.3 μm or lower submicron hollow grains. The distinct hollow grains exhibit complex 3‐D morphologies but in 2‐D projections resemble typical organic hollow globules observed by transmission electron microscopy. The particle, with its outer region characterized by rough vesicular structures due to thermal alteration, has turned out to be an inherently fragile and intricately submicron‐ and nanoporous aggregate of the sub‐μm grains or grain clumps that are delicately bound together frequently with little grain‐to‐grain contact in 3‐D space.
Down‐regulation of the glucan synthase‐like 6 gene (HvGsl6) in barley leads to decreased callose accumulation and increased cell wall penetration by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei
Authors: Chowdhury Jamil , Schober Michael S. , Shirley Neil J. , Singh Rohan R. , Jacobs Andrew K. , Douchkov Dimitar , Schweizer Patrick , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Burton Rachel A. , Little Alan
Published: July 2016

The recent characterization of the polysaccharide composition of papillae deposited at the barley cell wall during infection by the powdery mildew pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh), has provided new targets for the generation of enhanced disease resistance. The role of callose in papilla‐based penetration resistance of crop species is largely unknown because the genes involved in the observed callose accumulation have not been identified unequivocally.

We have employed both comparative and functional genomics approaches to identify the functional orthologue of AtGsl5 in the barley genome. HvGsl6 (the barley glucan synthase‐like 6 gene), which has the highest sequence identity to AtGsl5, is the only Bgh‐induced gene among the HvGsls examined in this study.

Through double‐stranded RNA interference (dsRNAi)‐mediated silencing of HvGsl6, we have shown that the down‐regulation of HvGsl6 is associated with a lower accumulation of papillary and wound callose and a higher susceptibility to penetration of the papillae by Bgh, compared with control lines.

The results indicate that the HvGsl6 gene is a functional orthologue of AtGsl5 and is involved in papillary callose accumulation in barley. The increased susceptibility of HvGsl6 dsRNAi transgenic lines to infection indicates that callose positively contributes to the barley fungal penetration resistance mechanism.
Total 3D‐viewshed Map: Quantifying the Visible Volume in Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Cervilla Antonio Rodriguez , Tabik Siham , Vías Jesús , Mérida Matías , Romero Luis F.
Published: July 2016

The 3D perception of the human eye is more impressive in irregular land surfaces than in flat land surfaces. The quantification of this perception would be very useful in many applications. This article presents the first approach to determining the visible volume, which we call the 3D‐viewshed, in each and all the points of a DEM (Digital Elevation Model). Most previous visibility algorithms in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are based on the concept of a 2D‐viewshed, which determines the number of points that can be seen from an observer in a DEM. Extending such a 2D‐viewshed to 3D space, then to all the DEM‐points, is too expensive computationally since the viewshed computation per se is costly. In this work, we propose the first approach to compute a new visibility metric that quantifies the visible volume from every point of a DEM. In particular, we developed an efficient algorithm with a high data and calculation re‐utilization. This article presents the first total‐3D‐viewshed maps together with validation results and comparative analysis. Using our highly scalable parallel algorithm to compute the total‐3D‐viewshed of a DEM with 4 million points on a Xeon Processor E5‐2698 takes only 1.3 minutes.
THE EFFECTS OF FOOD INTAKE AND ITS FAT COMPOSITION ON INTESTINAL ECHOGENICITY IN HEALTHY DOGS
Authors: Gaschen Lorrie , Granger L. Abbigail , Oubre Olivia , Shannon Dylan , Kearney Michael , Gaschen Frederic
Published: July 2016

Dogs presenting for ultrasonography due to suspected gastrointestinal disease might have residual ingesta and this could have an affect on the appearance of intestinal mucosa unrelated to pathology. The purpose of this prospective descriptive study was to determine effects of a recent meal consisting of the recommended daily fat content (meal 1) and a higher fat one (meal 2) on mucosal echogenicity in healthy dogs. Sixty client‐owned and clinically healthy dogs were recruited. Two meals, one with 15% fat dry matter basis (meal 1) and a second with 1.5 ml/kg body weight corn oil added to result in a range of 41–63% fat dry matter basis (meal 2), were fed 1 week apart after a 12 h fast. Mucosal echogenicity scores were assigned at fasting, immediate postprandial and at 60 min after each meal. Duodenal scores were significantly greater for meal 1 at 60 min (P < 0.001) as opposed to fasting and immediate postprandial. With meal 2, the duodenal score was significantly different (P < 0.001) at the immediate and 60‐min data point compared to meal 1. Jejunal scores were significantly greater for meal 1 at the 60‐min data point (P < 0.001) as opposed to fasting and immediate postprandial. With meal 2, the jejunal score was significantly different (P < 0.001) only at the 60‐min data point compared to meal 1. Intestinal mucosal echogenicity can be increased in healthy dogs after food intake, regardless of fat content. This effect should be taken into consideration when increased mucosal echogenicity is identified in clinical patients.
Whole genome microarray data of chronic wound debridement prior to application of dermal skin substitutes
Authors: Ashrafi Mohammed , Sebastian Anil , Shih Barbara , Greaves Nicholas , Alonso‐Rasgado Teresa , Baguneid Mohamed , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: July 2016

Clinical consensus is that debridement is necessary for successful application of dermal skin substitutes (DSS) to chronic wounds. The aim here was to identify commonly expressed genes associated with wound healing in untreated acute wounds and chronic wounds treated with wound debridement followed by DSS. Cutaneous biopsies were taken at two time points from untreated acute and chronic wounds and from chronic wounds treated with DSS following debridement. Microarray analysis identified significant differences (p < 0.05) related to proliferation (HIPK2, LGR4, FGFR1, SRRT), migration (RHOC, PRPF40A, FGFR1), differentiation (TCF4, COL13A1, GNPTAB, HUWE1, FGFR1), angiogenesis (HIPK2, CASP8), extracellular matrix organization (VWA1), and apoptosis (BBC3, HIPK2, KLF11, PSME3, MSFD10, TOP2A, MLH1, CASP8, PDIA3, XAF1) when comparing untreated chronic wounds to chronic wounds treated with DSS, with similar expression levels compared to untreated acute wounds. Chronic wounds treated with debridement followed by DSS resemble untreated acute wounds at a genomic level. These novel findings, albeit with limited clinical specimen numbers, strengthen the recommendation to transform chronic into acute wounds prior to application of DSS.
Manufacturing of Smart Goods: Current State, Future Potential, and Research Recommendations
Authors: Paul Brian K. , Panat Rahul , Mastrangelo Christina , Kim Dave , Johnson David
Published: July 2016

Smart goods are everyday products with wireless connection to cloud computing enabling cost-effective strategies for embedded computation, memory and sensing. A 2015 workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute brought industry and academic leaders together in the Pacific Northwest to help identify future manufacturing research needs in this emerging industry. Workshop findings show that the impetus exists to drive the costs of smart goods lower and several technological challenges stand in the way. This paper summarizes the outcomes of the workshop including the current state of practice, future potential, technological gaps, and research recommendations to realize lower cost routes to manufacture smart goods.
Machining Setting Optimization for Formate® Face-Hobbing of Bevel Gears With the Cutting Force and Tool Wear Constraints
Authors: Habibi Mohsen , Chevy Chen Zezhong
Published: July 2016

Trial and error experiments are the dominant approaches to select machining settings and also cutting system design in face-hobbing of bevel gears. These time-consuming experimental tests impose undesired costs to industries. In the present paper, an integrated method is proposed to find optimum machining settings in face-hobbing based on minimum machining time and allowable cutting force and tool wear. Cutting blades in face-hobbing are converted to many infinitesimal oblique elements along the cutting edge, and the cutting forces and the tool wear are predicted on all these small elements. The constructed optimization problem seeks a face-hobbing scenario with minimum plunge time which meets the cutting force or crater wear depth constraints. The proposed method is applied in two case studies successfully to show the capability of the approach.
Additive Manufacturing to Advance Functional Design: An Application in the Medical Field
Authors: Comotti Claudio , Regazzoni Daniele , Rizzi Caterina , Vitali Andrea
Published: July 2016

The improvement and the massive diffusion of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have fostered the research of design methods to exploit at best the feature introduced by these solutions. The whole design paradigm needs to be changed taking into account new manufacturing capabilities. AM is not only an innovative method of fabrication, but it requires a new way to design products. Traditional practices of mechanical design are changing to exploit all potential of AM, new parameters and geometries could be realized avoiding technologies constrains of molding or machine tooling. The concept of “manufacturing for design” increasingly acquires greater importance and this means we have the chance to focus almost entirely on product functionality. The possibility to confer inhomogeneous properties to objects provides an important design key. We will study behavior and structure according to desired functions for each object identifying three main aspects to vary: infill type, external topology and shape, and material composition. In this research work, we focus on fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology of three dimensional (3D) printing that easily allows to explore all previous conditions. We present a new way to conceive design process in order to confer variable properties to AM objects and some guidelines to control properties of deformation and elasticity using classic infills. The ultimate aim is to apply new design rules provided by AM in the prosthetic field of lower limb amputees. The socket of the prosthesis represents a deformable interface between the residual limb and the artificial leg that must be optimized according to geometry and loads distribution of patient. An application for a transfemoral patient will be discussed.
On Nano-Ellipsoid Transport and Deposition in the Lung First Bifurcation-Effect of Slip Correction
Authors: Tian Lin , Ahmadi Goodarz
Published: July 2016

Recent rapid development of industrial usage of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has raised health concerns as these engineered elongated particles resemble the appearance of asbestos, which is a well-known inhalation hazard. While CNTs have elongated rod shaped structure similar to asbestos, they are nanosized, and therefore, their motions are strongly affected by Brownian diffusion. The available studies in this area are rather limited and details of the nanofiber dynamics along the transport route are largely unknown. In this study, the CNTs were modeled as elongated ellipsoids and their full motions including the coupled translational and rotational movement in the human tracheobronchial first airway bifurcation were analyzed. Particular attention was given to the effects of the slip-correction and Brownian motion, which are critical to the accuracy of the modeling of motions of nanoscale CNTs in free molecular and transition regimes.
Response of a Squeeze Film Damper-Elastic Structure System to Multiple and Consecutive Impact Loads
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Jeung Sung-Hwa
Published: July 2016

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are common in aircraft gas turbine engines, customized to provide a desired level of damping while also ensuring structural isolation. This paper presents measurements obtained in a test rig composed of a massive cartridge, an elastic structure, and an open-ends SFD with length L = 25.4 mm, diameter D = 127 mm, and radial clearance c = 0.267 mm. ISO VG 2 oil at room temperature lubricates the thin film. The measurements quantify the system transient response to sudden loads for motions departing from various static eccentricity displacements, es/c = 0–0.6. The batch of tests include recording the system response to (a) one single impact, (b) two (and three) impacts with an elapsed time of 30 ms in between, and (c) two or more consecutive impacts, without any delay, each with a load magnitude at 50% of the preceding impact. The load actions intend to reproduce, for example, a hard landing on an uneven surface or plunging motions from sudden contacts in a machine tool. The test system transient responses due to one or more impacts, each 30 ms apart, show the peak amplitude of motion (ZMAX) is proportional to the magnitude of applied load (FMAX). The identified system damping ratio (ξ) is proportional to the peak dynamic displacement as a linear system would show. Predictions of transient response from a physical SFD model accounting for fluid inertia correlate best with the experimental results as they produce greatly reduced peak dynamic motions when compared to predictions from a purely viscous SFD model. For the responses due to consecutive impacts, one after the other with no delay, the system motion does not decay immediately but builds to produce larger motion amplitudes than in the earlier cases. Eventually, as expected, after several oscillations, the system comes to rest. For an identical damper having a smaller clearance cs = 0.213 mm (0.8c), its damping ratio (ξs) is ∼1.3 to ∼1.7 times greater than the damping ratio for the damper with a larger film clearance (ξ). Hence, the experimentally derived (ξs/ξ) scales with (c/cs)2. The finding demonstrates the importance of manufacturing precisely the components in a damper to produce an accurate clearance.
Robust Control of Three-Dimensional Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Barjuei Erfan Shojaei , Boscariol Paolo , Vidoni Renato , Gasparetto Alessandro
Published: July 2016

Position control and vibration damping of flexible-link mechanisms are still challenging open issues in robotics. Finding solutions for these problems can lead to improvement in the operation and accuracy of the manipulators. In this paper, the synthesis of robust controllers based on H∞ loop shaping and μ-synthesis for both position control and vibration damping in a spatial flexible L-shape mechanism with gravity is presented. The design of the controllers is based on the evaluation of an uncertainty model which takes into account a ±20% uncertainty in the elasticity and mass density of the links. The response of each controller is tested also in the presence of external disturbances with the aid of highly accurate numerical simulations; furthermore, a comparison between the robust performances of synthesized controllers is presented in order to show the effectiveness of synthesized control systems.
Study on the Friction and Wear Characteristics of Tungsten Carbide and Zirconium With Phosphor-Containing Liquid
Authors: Ha Myeong-Woo , Lee Kwang-Hee , Lee Chul-Hee , Choi Jong-Myung , An Jun-Wook
Published: July 2016

The dispenser ejects the ceramic filler and phosphor-containing liquid for making various products. When the particle-containing liquid is ejected under high-velocity conditions, however, the ejection reliability decreases because of the wear of the contact surface between the rod and nozzle even though these components are made of hard materials. It is therefore necessary to characterize the friction and wear properties of the hard materials, tungsten carbide (WC) and zirconium (Zr), with the high-viscosity liquid-containing nitride or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) particles under reciprocating conditions. Particle contents of 15 wt.% and 30 wt.% are added to the liquid. A reciprocating test was implemented to this end, and WC and Zr specimens were used. The liquid used in the experiment contains nitride and YAG. The experimental results show that the particles inside the liquid are worn out, leading to particle lubrication and the decrease in the coefficient of friction. Also, it is confirmed that the more the particles are, the less the coefficient of friction is due to particle lubrication. For each experimental condition, the coefficient of friction is measured and compared. Moreover, the contact surface of the specimen is analyzed using an electron microscope, and a profilometer is used to measure the surface roughness of the specimen before and after the test. The reciprocation friction and wear characteristics of WC and Zr with phosphor-containing liquid are evaluated by analyzing the experimental results.
Auto-Ignition Control in Spark-Ignition Engines Using Internal Model Control Structure
Authors: Duarte Jorge , Garcia Jesús , Jiménez Javier , Sanjuan Marco E. , Bula Antonio , González Jorge
Published: July 2016

This paper analyzes the feasibility of applying model predictive control strategies for mitigation of the auto-ignition phenomenon, which affects the performance of spark-ignition internal combustion engines. The first part of this paper shows the implementation and experimental validation of a two-dimensional model, based on thermodynamic equations, to simulate operating conditions in engines fueled with natural gas. Over this validated model, several control strategies are studied in order to evaluate, through simulation analysis, which of these offer the best handling capacity of the auto-ignition phenomenon. In order to achieve this goal, multivariate control strategies are implemented for a simultaneous manipulation of the fuel/air ratio, the crank angle at ignition, and the inlet pressure. The controlled variable in this research is the temperature at the ignition point. This temperature is obtained through an estimation based on pressure in the combustion chamber at that point, which is located toward the end zone of the compression stroke. If the ignition temperature of the fuel–air mixture is reached during the compression process, then auto-ignition takes place. Proposed control strategies consist of maintaining the temperature in the ignition point below the fuel–air mixture auto-ignition temperature. The results show that auto-ignition is difficult to avoid using a single input–single output (SISO) strategy. However, a multiple input–single output (MISO) approach avoids the influence of the phenomenon without a significant impact over the engine's performance. Among the developed strategies, an approach based on model predictive control and feedforward control strategy shows the best performance, measured through the integral absolute error (IAE) index. These results open the possibility of new ways for improving the control capacity of auto-ignition phenomenon in engines compared to currently available feedback control systems.
Composite Nanofiber Membrane for Lithium-Ion Batteries Prepared by Electrostatic Spun/Spray Deposition
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhao Xiao-Ming , Jiao Xiao-Ning , Qi Dong-Yue
Published: July 2016

A new kind of sandwiched composite membrane (SCM) for lithium-ion batteries is prepared by depositing zirconia microparticle between two layers of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) nanofibers by electrostatic spray deposition. The thermal shrinkage, electrochemical properties of the separator, and cycle performance for batteries with the SCM were investigated. The results show that the SCM has a high electrolyte uptake and easily absorbs electrolyte to form gelled polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The SCM GPEs have a high ionic conductivity of up to 2.06 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature and show a high electrochemical stability potential of 5.4 V. With LiCoCO2 as cathode, the cell with SCM GPEs exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 149.7 mAh g−1.
Extreme-ultraviolet plasma source with full, infrared to vacuum ultraviolet spectral filtering, and with power recycling
Authors: Johnson Kenneth C.
Published: July 2016

A laser-produced plasma source for extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography conventionally uses a diffraction grating on the collection mirror for spectral purity filtering via diffractive scattering of infrared (IR) radiation. This paper proposes an alternative approach in which an EUV-blazed diffraction grating diverts in-band EUV radiation into the intermediate-focus aperture, rather than diverting IR out of the aperture. The full out-of-band spectrum, from long-wave IR to vacuum ultraviolet, can be fully excluded by this method regardless of whether the radiation is undiffracted or diffractively scattered by the grating. Much of the out-of-band radiation—especially the IR—is undiffracted, and this radiation can be efficiently returned to the plasma via retroreflection to enhance IR-to-EUV conversion. Plasma-emitted radiation that does not intercept the collection mirror can also be recycled back to the plasma via retroreflection to further boost EUV output.
Study of the effect of thermal treatment on morphology and chemical composition of silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Barimar Prabhava S. N. , Doyle Catherine M. , Naydenov Borislav , Boland John J.
Published: July 2016

Removing the ultrathin native oxide layer from silicon-on-insulator (SOI) without damaging the Si device layer poses several processing challenges, the main one being the maintenance of the device layer integrity during oxide layer removal. In order to address this challenge and find a low thermal budget process, the thermal decomposition of the ultrathin native oxide in ultrahigh vacuum has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The evolving morphology and chemical composition of the ultrathin oxide and the SOI device layer were investigated as a function of anneal temperature and duration. Multiple anneal cycles at 750 °C, each lasting for 30–90 s, was found to be an effective method of desorbing the oxide without causing dewetting of the device layer. The total amount of carbon present on the sample was not altered significantly by thermal treatment; however, a change in the chemical composition of the carbon was noted. A simple oxygen plasma-based ex situ cleaning step before annealing was found to be effective in reducing the density of SiC on the annealed sample while keeping the annealed surface atomically smooth.