bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High concentrations of crude glycerin on ruminal parameters, microbial yield, and in vitro greenhouse gases production in dairy cows
Authors: van Cleef E.H.C.B. , Sancanari J.B.D. , Silva Z.F. , D’Aurea A.P. , Fávaro V.R. , van Cleef F.O.S , Homem Júnior A.C. , Ezequiel J.M.B.
Published: July 2016

Holstein cows were used to evaluate the inclusion of elevated concentrations of crude glycerin on ruminal parameters, production of greenhouse gases, and microbial yield. The use of up to 300 g kg−1 reduces ruminal bacteria yield and NH3-N, without affecting the pH. Moreover, 300 g kg−1 glycerin increases methane production.
Ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 mediates apoptosis-related gene expression of duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
Authors: Chen Yang , Tong Yiyu , Li Yang , Liu Ran , Xu Qi , Chang Guobin , Chen Guohong
Published: July 2016

Duck hepatitis virus type 1 (DHV-1) infection of ducklings causes hepatitis and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Virus infection may induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation. In humans, ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1) has been reported to affect the development of hepatitis and inhibit apoptosis. However, the effect of duck FTH1 (duFTH1) on apoptosis in DHV-1 infected ducklings has not been investigated. Therefore, we measured duFHT1 expression in tissues of DHV-1 infected ducklings and characterized the functional effects of ectopic overexpression and endogenous downregulation of FTH1 in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF) to elucidate possible mechanisms involved. In the present study, the expression of duFTH1 was decreased in liver and spleen after DHV-1 infection. The effects of altered FTH1 expression on expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes were evaluated by qPCR arrays. Decreased expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were observed in FTH1-overexpressing DEF cells, while decreased expression of Bcl-2 was detected in FTH1 knocked down DEF cells. Our findings suggest that the regulation of FTH1 expression indirectly mediated the expression of apoptosis-related genes; the protective effect of FTH1 was associated with the inhibition of apoptosis in DEF.
Exact soliton solutions for the interaction of few-cycle-pulse with nonlinear medium
Authors: Guo Bang-Xing , Lin Ji
Published: July 2016

We study the Panilevé property of the coupled equations describing the interaction of few-cycle-pulse with nonlinear medium. And we use the consistent tanh expansion (CTE) method to search for exact interaction soliton solutions of the coupled equations. Many interaction solutions are obtained, such as the one kink-one periodic wave interaction solution, one kink-two periodic waves interaction solution, one kink-one dipole soliton interaction solution, one kink-two dipole solitons interaction solution, and one kink-soliton-one periodic wave interaction solution. We also obtain the kink–kink interaction by using Painlevé truncated expansion method.
Thermodynamic properties of ZnTe in zinc-blende and wurtzite phases
Authors: Ferahtia S. , Saib S. , Bouarissa N.
Published: July 2016

The present study deals with first-principles calculations of the thermal properties of ZnTe in the two phases namely, zinc-blende and wurtzite. The calculations are mainly performed using the density functional theory with the local density approximation and response-function calculations. The full phonon dispersions throughout the Brillouin zone are presented. The temperature dependence of the lattice parameters, bulk modulus, entropy and heat capacity are examined and discussed. Our findings agree reasonably well with those available in the literature.
Structure determination of (Fe3O4)n+(n = 1 − 3) clusters via DFT
Authors: Li Yanhua , Cai Congzhong , Zhao Chengjun , Gu Yonghong
Published: July 2016

In virtue of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the global minimum candidate structures with the lowest energy for [Formula: see text] clusters were obtained by first-principles structural searches. The geometric structures and spin configurations of three cationic [Formula: see text] clusters have been identified for the first time by comparing the experimental IR spectra with the calculated results from density functional theory by using different exchange-correlation functionals. It is found that the lowest energy structures of these clusters are of a shape of hat, boat and tower, respectively, with a ferrimagnetic arrangement of spins, and M06L functional is more suitable for [Formula: see text] clusters than other ones.
Hydrothermal synthesis of micrometer doping CaWO4 phosphors assisted by polymerization
Authors: Wang Liyong , Han Yuanyuan , Wang Dan , Wang Shiqi , Lu Guoxin , Liang Danyang , Wang Xiaoyu , Pei Nana , Gao Lan
Published: July 2016

CaWO4 crystals were prepared by hydrothermal method assisting with phenol-formaldehyde polymer. The morphology can be controlled by polymer, and X-ray diffraction patterns results present a scheelite-type tetragonal structure, characteristic infrared active modes for O–W–O in the range from 500 cm[Formula: see text] to 4000 cm[Formula: see text] by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. Raman results indicate that the crystals possess seven Raman active modes in the range from 100 cm[Formula: see text] to 1000 cm[Formula: see text]. A scanning electron microscopy study reveals that the particles exhibit uniform morphology. Luminescent properties were investigated by photoluminescence measurements, multicolor phosphors were obtained when Ca[Formula: see text] was substituted partly by lanthanide ions.
DFT simulation on the temperature-dependent electronic transition of V (Nb or Ta) substituted NiMn2O4
Authors: Li Hai-Long , Bian Liang , Chang Ai-Ming , Jian Ji-Kang , Hou Wen-Ping , Gao Lei , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Wang Lei , Ren Wei , Song Mian-Xin , Dong Fa-Qin
Published: July 2016

Previously, we reported that the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] (Mn-[Formula: see text]–O-[Formula: see text]) orbital hybridization induces Mn valence change (Mn[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]) in the octahedron. The electron transfer mechanism can be controlled by modifying the Mn-[Formula: see text] orbital in the octahedron. Here, we used the density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-CA) techniques to calculate the electron transfer mechanism of the V (Nb or Ta) substituted NiMn2O4 (NMO) in the temperature range of 50–1500 K. The results show that the heat accumulation accelerates the O-[Formula: see text] orbital splitting, inducing charge disproportionation. The V-[Formula: see text] substituted Mn increases the intensity and of the partial density of state (PDOS) at conduction band (1–3 eV), this enhances the V-[Formula: see text]–O-[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] orbital. The Nb-[Formula: see text]/Ta-[Formula: see text] substituted Mn reduces the intensity of the PDOS at conduction band (1–5 eV), this weakens the Nb-[Formula: see text]/Ta-[Formula: see text]–O-[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] orbital. This study effectively analyzes the microscopic changes of the electron transfer caused by the heat accumulation, provides a theoretical basis for the design of NMO-based negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors.
Liquid–solid transition of water confined in nanoporous titanium dioxide
Authors: Gao Xin , Wang Qiang , Sun Gang , Li Chenxi , Hu Lin
Published: July 2016

In this work, we performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments to investigate the phase transition temperature and the molar enthalpy of the absorbed water confined in porous titanium dioxide. The porous titanium dioxide with three different pore size distribution and different filling fraction of the absorbed water were examined. We found that both the pore size of the examined samples and the filling fraction of the absorbed water affected the water’s phase transition temperature and its molar enthalpy.
Analysis of a variational model for nematic shells
Authors: Segatti Antonio , Snarski Michael , Veneroni Marco
Published: July 2016

We analyze an elastic surface energy which was recently introduced by G. Napoli and L. Vergori to model thin films of nematic liquid crystals. We show how a novel approach in modeling the surface’s extrinsic geometry leads to considerable differences with respect to the classical intrinsic energy. Our results concern three connected aspects: (i) using methods of the calculus of variations, we establish a relation between the existence of minimizers and the topology of the surface; (ii) we prove, by a Ginzburg–Landau approximation, the well-posedness of the gradient flow of the energy; (iii) in the case of a parametrized torus we obtain a stronger characterization of global and local minimizers, which we supplement with numerical experiments.
Global existence of weak solutions for a nonlocal model for two-phase flows of incompressible fluids with unmatched densities
Authors: Frigeri Sergio
Published: July 2016

We consider a diffuse interface model for an incompressible isothermal mixture of two viscous Newtonian fluids with different densities in a bounded domain in two or three space dimensions. The model is the nonlocal version of the one recently derived by Abels, Garcke and Grün and consists in a Navier–Stokes type system coupled with a convective nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equation. The density of the mixture depends on an order parameter. For this nonlocal system we prove existence of global dissipative weak solutions for the case of singular double-well potentials and non-degenerate mobilities. To this goal we devise an approach which is completely independent of the one employed by Abels, Depner and Garcke to establish existence of weak solutions for the local Abels et al. model.
SunCity: Beyond the Green Marking
Authors: Decena Maria Jilla Phoebe S. , Muhamad Nur Sa’adah , Adham Khairul A.
Published: July 2016

Sunway City Berhad (also known as SunCity) is a well-known Malaysian company focusing on premium property development and investment. It began operation in 1986, and had since continued to integrate various innovations in its property offerings. In mid-2008, the global economic crisis had affected the overall performance of the Malaysian property development sector. In the midst of the crisis, SunCity realized that it needed to take a preemptive action to face the crisis. At the end of the year, SunCity applied for the Green Mark certification by the Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for two of its most recently launched projects. Although SunCity had consistently integrated green features in its projects to meet customer’s demands for the last several years, it had yet to obtain a proper evaluation of such efforts. Obtaining the certification was a way of demonstrating SunCity’s commitments toward creating values for its customers. By April 2009, while SunCity had the BCA Green Mark certifications in hand, the company’s top management team was aware that the construction industry was not doing well, and that getting the certification was expensive. As such, proper strategies were urgently needed to help avoid further decline in the company’s profitability. This case study aimed to analyze SunCity’s green initiatives and to stimulate discussion on the appropriate ‘green’ strategies that the company can implement in the future.
MedicCom
Authors: Seang Andrew T.K. , A.K. Siti-Nabiha
Published: July 2016

MedicCom, a medical device manufacturer has been plagued by deteriorating customer feedback from the satisfaction survey results for the Asia Pacific region, particularly on the responsiveness, pricing, and delivery categories from July to December 2010. The Marketing and Sales department is also facing problems with employee dissatisfaction on their key performance indicator (KPI) system, high employee turnover, and time-consuming internal process and procedures that require manual labour. The top performance issues faced by the Marketing and Sales department personnel are slow response time or excessive time-consuming support, poor troubleshooting and resolution skills, lack of product knowledge, and poor communication skills of the Marketing and Sales personnel.
AN IMPROVED APPROACH TO EVALUATE DEFAULT PROBABILITIES AND DEFAULT CORRELATIONS WITH CONSISTENCY
Authors: LI WEIPING , KREHBIEL TIM
Published: July 2016

We provide (i) a simplified analytic closed form formula for evaluating joint default probability, (ii) an improved method to resolve the inconsistency between the univariate process underlying firm-specific default probability and the correlated bivariate process of the first-passage-time default correlation model, (iii) illustration of risk management implications from misspecification of the default state space. Our closed form formula provides a natural extension of previous structural first-passage-time models and shows the sensitivities of default correlation numerically with respect to the underlying asset correlation, obligor credit quality and time horizon. We emphasize the disparate credit risk management implications of our result in contrast to commonly used risk measurement methods.
Pseudotriangular weak Hopf algebras
Authors: Zhao Xiaofan , Liu Guohua , Wang Shuanhong
Published: July 2016

In this paper, in looking for the weak Hopf algebraic counterpart of pseudosymmetric braidings, we introduce the concept of a pseudotriangular weak Hopf algebra, which is a quasitriangular weak Hopf algebra satisfying an extra condition. Then, we investigate the question, when a quasitriangular weak Hopf algebra is pseudotriangular. As an application, we study a special class of pseudotriangular weak Hopf algebras, under the name almost-triangular weak Hopf algebras and list some nontrivial examples. Finally, in order to construct more examples of pseudotriangular weak Hopf algebras, we show that the pseudosymmetry of the Yetter–Drinfeld category [Formula: see text] is determined by the commutativity and cocommutativity of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a weak Hopf algebra with a bijective antipode.
The (p,q)-potent ranks of certain semigroups of transformations
Authors: Zhao Ping , You Taijie , Hu Huabi
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the partial transformation and the strictly partial transformation semigroups on the finite set [Formula: see text]. It is well known that the ranks of the semigroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], respectively. The idempotent rank, defined as the smallest number of idempotents generating set, of the semigroup [Formula: see text] has the same value as the rank. Idempotent can be seen as a special case (with [Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text]-potent. In this paper, we determine the [Formula: see text]-potent ranks, defined as the smallest number of [Formula: see text]-potents generating set, of the semigroups [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text].
Mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics: An advanced short course
Authors: Moretti Valter
Published: July 2016

This paper collects and extends the lectures I gave at the “XXIV International Fall Workshop on Geometry and Physics” held in Zaragoza (Spain) during September 2015. Within these lectures I review the formulation of Quantum Mechanics, and quantum theories in general, from a mathematically advanced viewpoint, essentially based on the orthomodular lattice of elementary propositions, discussing some fundamental ideas, mathematical tools and theorems also related to the representation of physical symmetries. The final step consists of an elementary introduction the so-called ([Formula: see text]-) algebraic formulation of quantum theories.
Strong stability of optimal design to dynamic system for the fed-batch culture
Authors: Zhang Jinxing , Yuan Jinlong , Dong Zhenyu , Feng Enmin , Yin Hongchao , Xiu Zhilong
Published: July 2016

Most economic and industrial processes are governed by inherently nonlinear dynamic system in which mathematical analysis (with few exceptions) is unable to provide general solutions; even the conditions to the existence of equilibrium point for the nonlinear dynamic system are simply not established in some special cases. In this paper, based on numerical solution of a nonlinear multi-stage automatic control dynamic (NMACD) in fed-batch culture of glycerol bioconversion to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), we consider an optimal design of the NMACD system. For convenience, the NMACD system is reconstructed together with the existence, uniqueness and continuity of solutions are discussed. Our goal is to prove the strong stability with respect to the perturbation of initial state for the solution to the NMACD system. To this end, we construct corresponding linear variational system for the solution to the NMACD system, and also prove the boundedness of fundamental matrix solutions to the linear variational system. On this basis, we prove the strong stability appearing above through the application of this boundedness.
Stimulation of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus increases brown adipose tissue nerve activity via hypothalamic paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei
Authors: Chitravanshi Vineet C. , Kawabe Kazumi , Sapru Hreday N.
Published: July 2016

Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARCN) stimulation elicited increases in sympathetic nerve activity (IBATSNA) and temperature (TBAT) of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). The role of hypothalamic dorsomedial (DMN) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei in mediating these responses was studied in urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, male Wistar rats. In different groups of rats, inhibition of neurons in the DMN and PVN by microinjections of muscimol attenuated the increases in IBATSNA and TBAT elicited by microinjections of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid into the ipsilateral ARCN. In other groups of rats, blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors by combined microinjections of D(-)-2-amino-7-phosphono-heptanoic acid (D-AP7) and NBQX into the DMN and PVN attenuated increases in IBATSNA and TBAT elicited by ARCN stimulation. Blockade of melanocortin 3/4 receptors in the DMN and PVN in other groups of rats resulted in attenuation of increases in IBATSNA and TBAT elicited by ipsilateral ARCN stimulation. Microinjections of Fluoro-Gold into the DMN resulted in retrograde labeling of cells in the ipsilateral ARCN, and some of these cells contained proopiomelanocortin (POMC), α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), or vesicular glutamate transporter-3. Since similar projections from ARCN to the PVN have been reported by us and others, these results indicate that neurons containing POMC, α-MSH, and glutamate project from the ARCN to the DMN and PVN. Stimulation of ARCN results in the release of α-MSH and glutamate in the DMN and PVN which, in turn, cause increases in IBATSNA and TBAT.
The effect of 1 year of Alagebrium and moderate-intensity exercise training on left ventricular function during exercise in seniors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carrick-Ranson Graeme , Fujimoto Naoki , Shafer Keri M. , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Shibata Shigeki , Palmer M. Dean , Boyd Kara , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: July 2016

Sedentary aging leads to left ventricular (LV) and vascular stiffening due in part to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cross-linking of extracellular matrix proteins. Vigorous lifelong exercise ameliorates age-related cardiovascular (CV) stiffening and enhances exercise LV function, although this effect is limited when exercise is initiated later in life. We hypothesized that exercise training might be more effective at improving the impact of age-related CV stiffening during exercise when combined with an AGE cross-link breaker (Alagebrium). Sixty-two seniors (≥60 yr) were randomized into four groups: sedentary + placebo, sedentary + Alagebrium, exercise + placebo, and exercise + Alagebrium for 1 yr. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was performed 3-4 sessions/wk; controls underwent similar frequency of yoga/balance training. Twenty-four similarly-aged, lifelong exercisers (4–5 sessions/wk) served as a comparator for the effect of lifelong exercise on exercising LV function. Oxygen uptake (Douglas bags), stroke index (SI; acetylene rebreathing), and effective arterial elastance (Ea) were collected at rest and submaximal and maximal exercise. Maximum O2 uptake (23 ± 5 to 25 ± 6 ml·kg−1·min−1) increased, while SI (35 ± 11 to 39 ± 12 ml/m2) and Ea (4.0 ± 1.1 to 3.7 ± 1.2 mmHg·ml−1·m−2) were improved across all conditions with exercise, but remained unchanged in controls (exercise × time, P ≤ 0.018). SI or Ea were not affected by Alagebrium (medication × time, P ≥ 0.468) or its combination with exercise (interaction P ≥ 0.252). After 1 yr of exercise plus Alagebrium, exercise SI and Ea remained substantially below that of lifelong exercisers (15–24 and 9–22%, respectively, P ≤ 0.415). In conclusion, Alagebrium plus exercise had no synergistic effect on exercise LV function and failed to achieve levels associated with lifelong exercise, despite a similar exercise frequency.
Evaluating the control: minipump implantation and breathing behavior in the neonatal rat
Authors: Kidder Ian J. , Mudery Jordan A. , Barreda Santiago , Taska David J. , Bailey E. Fiona
Published: July 2016

We evaluated genioglossus (GG) gross motoneuron morphology, electromyographic (EMG) activities, and respiratory patterning in rat pups allowed to develop without interference (unexposed) and pups born to dams subjected to osmotic minipump implantation in utero (saline-exposed). In experiment 1, 48 Sprague-Dawley rat pups (Charles-River Laboratories), ages postnatal day 7 (P7) through postnatal day 10 (P10), were drawn from two experimental groups, saline-exposed ( n = 24) and unexposed ( n = 24), and studied on P7, P8, P9, or P10. Pups in both groups were sedated (Inactin hydrate, 70 mg/kg), and fine-wire electrodes were inserted into the GG muscle of the tongue and intercostal muscles to record EMG activities during breathing in air and at three levels of normoxic hypercapnia [inspired CO2fraction (FiCO2): 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09]. Using this approach, we assessed breathing frequency, heart rate, apnea type, respiratory event types, and respiratory stability. In experiment 2, 16 rat pups were drawn from the same experimental groups, saline-exposed ( n = 9) and unexposed ( n = 7), and used in motoneuron-labeling studies. In these pups a retrograde dye was injected into the GG muscle, and the brain stems were subsequently harvested and sliced. Labeled GG motoneurons were identified with microscopy, impaled, and filled with Lucifer yellow. Double-labeled motoneurons were reconstructed, and the number of primary projections and soma volumes were calculated. Whereas pups in each group exhibited the same number ( P = 0.226) and duration ( P = 0.093) of respiratory event types and comparable motoneuron morphologies, pups in the implant group exhibited more central apneas and respiratory instability relative to pups allowed to develop without interference.
Predicting metabolic rate during level and uphill outdoor walking using a low-cost GPS receiver
Authors: de Müllenheim Pierre-Yves , Dumond Rémy , Gernigon Marie , Mahé Guillaume , Lavenu Audrey , Bickert Sandrine , Prioux Jacques , Noury-Desvaux Bénédicte , Le Faucheur Alexis
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of using speed and grade data obtained from a low-cost global positioning system (GPS) receiver to estimate metabolic rate (MR) during level and uphill outdoor walking. Thirty young, healthy adults performed randomized outdoor walking for 6-min periods at 2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 km/h and on three different grades: 1) level walking, 2) uphill walking on a 3.7% mean grade, and 3) uphill walking on a 10.8% mean grade. The reference MR [metabolic equivalents (METs) and oxygen uptake (V̇o2)] values were obtained using a portable metabolic system. The speed and grade were obtained using a low-cost GPS receiver (1-Hz recording). The GPS grade (Δ altitude/distance walked) was calculated using both uncorrected GPS altitude data and GPS altitude data corrected with map projection software. The accuracy of predictions using reference speed and grade (actual[SPEED/GRADE]) data was high [ R2 = 0.85, root-mean-square error (RMSE) = 0.68 MET]. The accuracy decreased when GPS speed and uncorrected grade (GPS[UNCORRECTED]) data were used, although it remained substantial ( R2 = 0.66, RMSE = 1.00 MET). The accuracy was greatly improved when the GPS speed and corrected grade (GPS[CORRECTED]) data were used ( R2 = 0.82, RMSE = 0.79 MET). Published predictive equations for walking MR were also cross-validated using actual or GPS speed and grade data when appropriate. The prediction accuracy was very close when either actual[SPEED/GRADE] values or GPS[CORRECTED] values (for level and uphill combined) or GPS speed values (for level walking only) were used. These results offer promising research and clinical applications related to the assessment of energy expenditure during free-living walking.
Management of Uncertainty by Statistical Process Control and a Genetic Tuned Fuzzy System
Authors: Birle Stephan , Hussein Mohamed Ahmed , Becker Thomas
Published: July 2016

In food industry, bioprocesses like fermentation often are a crucial part of the manufacturing process and decisive for the final product quality. In general, they are characterized by highly nonlinear dynamics and uncertainties that make it difficult to control these processes by the use of traditional control techniques. In this context, fuzzy logic controllers offer quite a straightforward way to control processes that are affected by nonlinear behavior and uncertain process knowledge. However, in order to maintain process safety and product quality it is necessary to specify the controller performance and to tune the controller parameters. In this work, an approach is presented to establish an intelligent control system for oxidoreductive yeast propagation as a representative process biased by the aforementioned uncertainties. The presented approach is based on statistical process control and fuzzy logic feedback control. As the cognitive uncertainty among different experts about the limits that define the control performance as still acceptable may differ a lot, a data-driven design method is performed. Based upon a historic data pool statistical process corridors are derived for the controller inputs control error and change in control error. This approach follows the hypothesis that if the control performance criteria stay within predefined statistical boundaries, the final process state meets the required quality definition. In order to keep the process on its optimal growth trajectory (model based reference trajectory) a fuzzy logic controller is used that alternates the process temperature. Additionally, in order to stay within the process corridors, a genetic algorithm was applied to tune the input and output fuzzy sets of a preliminarily parameterized fuzzy controller. The presented experimental results show that the genetic tuned fuzzy controller is able to keep the process within its allowed limits. The average absolute error to the reference growth trajectory is 5.2 × 106 cells/mL. The controller proves its robustness to keep the process on the desired growth profile.
Effective Utilization of the Electrostatic Repulsion for Improved Alignment of Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Wu Yong-Hui , Li Hai-Peng , Shi Xin-Xin , Wan Jia , Liu Yi-Fan , Yu Deng-Guang
Published: July 2016

Uniaxial alignment of electrospun fibers can provide a useful approach to develop novel functional nanomaterials for applications in a wide variety of fields. In this study, a polypropylene- (PP-) coated spinneret and a metal spinneret were utilized to carry out the single-fluid electrospinning processes. A metal rod frame was utilized as the collector to steer the nanofibers. Using polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90) as a filament-forming polymeric model at a concentration of 9% (w/v) in ethanol, the experimental observations and results demonstrated the following results: (1) the utilization efficiency of electrical energy could be improved through the PP-coated spinneret; (2) the texture of collector had a significant influence on the collection of aligned PVP K90 nanofibers; and (3) the combination of a PP-coated spinneret with the metal frame could ensure the electrostatic repulsion forces to play their roles effectively in generating PVP K90 nanofibers with thinner diameters and in collecting uniaxial alignment of them. The mechanisms about the orientation effects of the present method are discussed. This job opens a facile way for producing aligned polymeric nanofibers based on the reasonable manipulation of the interactions between the electrostatic field and the working fluids.
Acute Paraplegia due to Thoracic Hematomyelia
Authors: Akpınar Aykut , Celik Bahattin , Canbek Ihsan , Karavelioğlu Ergun
Published: July 2016

Spontaneous intraspinal intramedullary hemorrhage is a rare entity with the acute onset of neurologic symptoms. The etiology of idiopathic spontaneous hematomyelia (ISH) is unknown, and there are few published case reports. Hematomyelia is mostly associated with trauma, but the other nontraumatic etiologies are vascular malformations, tumors, bleeding disorders, syphilis, syrinx, and myelitis. MRI is a good choice for early diagnosis. Hematomyelia usually causes acute spinal cord syndrome due to the compression and destruction of the spinal cord. A high-dose steroid treatment and surgical decompression and evacuation of hematoma are the urgent solution methods. We present idiopathic spontaneous hematomyelia of a previously healthy 80-year-old male with a sudden onset of back pain and paraplegia.
Application of the Value Optimization Model of Key Factors Based on DSEM
Authors: Su Chao , Ren Zhiming
Published: July 2016

The key factors of the damping solvent extraction method (DSEM) for the analysis of the unbounded medium are the size of bounded domain, the artificial damping ratio, and the finite element mesh density. To control the simulation accuracy and computational efficiency of the soil-structure interaction, this study establishes a value optimization model of key factors that is composed of the design variables, the objective function, and the constraint function system. Then the optimum solutions of key factors are obtained by the optimization model. According to some comparisons of the results provided by the different initial conditions, the value optimization model of key factors is feasible to govern the simulation accuracy and computational efficiency and to analyze the practical unbounded medium-structure interaction.
Impact of Indocyanine Green Concentration, Exposure Time, and Degree of Dissolution in Creating Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome: Evaluation in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Tandogan Tamer , Khoramnia Ramin , Uwe Auffarth Gerd , Janusz Koss Michael , Young Choi Chul
Published: July 2016

Purpose. To investigate the role of indocyanine green (ICG) dye as a causative material of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) in an experimental rabbit model.Method. Eight eyes of four rabbits were allocated to this study. Capsular staining was performed using ICG dye, after which the anterior chamber was irrigated with a balanced salt solution. The effects of different concentrations (control, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0%), exposure times (10 and 60 seconds), and the degree of dissolution (differently vortexed) were investigated. The analysis involved anterior segment photography, ultrasound pachymetry, prostaglandin assay (PGE2Parameter Assay, R&D systems, Inc.), and scanning electron microscopy of each iris.Result. There was no reaction in the control eye. A higher aqueous level of PGE2and more severe inflammatory reaction were observed in cases of eyes with higher concentration, longer exposure time, and poorly dissolved dye. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy revealed larger and coarser ICG particles.Conclusion. TASS occurrence may be associated with the concentration, exposure time, and degree of dissolution of ICG dye during cataract surgery.
The Effect of Metformin on Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Xiao-Jie
Published: July 2016

Background. The effect of metformin in combination with insulin in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is controversial.Methods and Results. The PubMed and EMBASE online databases were searched. Five double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included 301 adolescents with T1DM were identified. Metformin plus insulin was associated with reduced hemoglobin A1C levels, total daily insulin dosage, body mass index (BMI), and body weight. However, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that HbA1c levels were not significantly changed in overweight/obese adolescents and were significantly reduced in the general patients. On the contrary, BMI and body weight were significantly reduced in overweight/obese adolescents but not in the general patients. Metformin was associated with higher incidence of adverse events.Conclusions. Among adolescents with T1DM, administering adjunctive metformin therapy in addition to insulin was associated with improved HbA1c levels, total daily insulin dosage, BMI, and body weight. However, there may be differences in the effects of this regimen between overweight/obese and nonobese adolescents. The risk of an adverse event may be increased with metformin treatment. These results provide strong evidence supporting future high-quality, large-sample trials.
Optimization of the Parameters of RISE Feedback Controller Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Abu Khadra Fayiz , Abu Qudeiri Jaber , Alkahtani Mohammed
Published: July 2016

A control methodology based on a nonlinear control algorithm and optimization technique is presented in this paper. A controller called “the robust integral of the sign of the error” (in short, RISE) is applied to control chaotic systems. The optimum RISE controller parameters are obtained via genetic algorithm optimization techniques. RISE control methodology is implemented on two chaotic systems, namely, the Duffing-Holms and Van der Pol systems. Numerical simulations showed the good performance of the optimized RISE controller in tracking task and its ability to ensure robustness with respect to bounded external disturbances.
Approaching the Discrete Dynamical Systems by means of Skew-Evolution Semiflows
Authors: Stoica Codruţa
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to highlight current developments and new trends in the stability theory. Due to the outstanding role played in the study of stable, instable, and, respectively, central manifolds, the properties of exponential dichotomy and trichotomy for evolution equations represent two domains of the stability theory with an impressive development. Hence, we intend to construct a framework for an asymptotic approach of these properties for discrete dynamical systems using the associated skew-evolution semiflows. To this aim, we give definitions and characterizations for the properties of exponential stability and instability, and we extend these techniques to obtain a unified study of the properties of exponential dichotomy and trichotomy. The results are underlined by several examples.
Noise Gain Features of Fiber Raman Amplifier
Authors: Felinskyi Georgii S. , Dyriv Mykhailo Y.
Published: July 2016

The formation dynamics of the optical noise in a silica single mode fiber (SMF) as function of the pump power variation in the counter pumped fiber Raman amplifier (FRA) is experimentally studied. The ratio between the power of amplified spontaneous emission and the power of incoherent optical noise is quantitatively determined by detailed analysis of experimental data in the pump powers range of 100–300 mW within the full band of Stokes frequencies, including FRA working wavelengths over the C + L transparency windows. It is found out the maximum of Raman gain coefficient for optical noise does not exceed ~60% of corresponding peak at the gain profile maximum of coherent signal. It is shown that the real FRA noise figure may be considerably less than 3 dB over a wide wavelength range (100 nm) at a pump power of several hundreds of mW.
Ultrasound Guidance in Performing a Tendoscopic Surgery to Treat Posterior Tibial Tendinitis: A Useful Tool?
Authors: Nishimura Akinobu , Nakazora Shigeto , Fukuda Aki , Kato Ko , Sudo Akihiro
Published: July 2016

A 25-year-old man with a pronation-external rotation type of fracture was surgically treated using a fibular plate. Five years later, he underwent resection of bone hyperplasia because of the ankle pain and limitation of range of motion. Thereafter, the left ankle became intermittently painful, which persisted for about one year. He presented at the age of 43 with persistent ankle pain. Physical and image analysis findings indicated a diagnosis of posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis, which we surgically treated using tendoscopy. Endoscopic findings showed tenosynovitis and fibrillation on the tendon surface. We cleaned and removed the synovium surrounding the tendon and deepened the posterior tibial tendon groove to allow sufficient space for the posterior tibial tendon. Full weight-bearing ambulation was permitted one day after surgery and he returned to his occupation in the construction industry six weeks after surgery. The medial aspect of the ankle was free of pain and symptoms at a review two years after surgery. Although tendoscopic surgery for stage 1 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction has been reported, tendoscopic surgery to treat posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis has not. Our experience with this patient showed that tendoscopic surgery is useful not only for stage 1 posterior tibial dysfunction, but also for posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis.
Comparison of Physicochemical Characteristics of Starch Isolated from Sweet and Grain Sorghum
Authors: Ahmed Abuelgasim Mohamed , Zhang Changquan , Liu Qiaoquan
Published: July 2016

The worldwide interest about sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. Moench) goes towards stem sugar, but little has been focused on its grain. The starches were isolated from the grains of eight sweet and four grain sorghum varieties, and their physical, chemical, and morphological properties were carefully compared. The results reflected that starch from sweet varieties usually had larger granule size than that from grain ones, especially from two sweet varieties GL-4 and GL-6 with the granule size of 15.49 μm and 15.67 μm, respectively. The amylose content of sweet varieties starch was lower than that of grain ones. For water solubility index, starch from sweet varieties ranked top, whereas that from grain varieties ranked top for swelling power. The starch from both sweet and grain had A-type crystalline pattern, while the data from13C NMR reflected pattern differences forC1andC6resonance between sweet and grain varieties. Chains length distribution from sweet varieties debranched starch was found a little different from grain one. The starch particles surface of sweet sorghum was smooth with some dents, while that from grain was smooth without appearance of dents. As sweet sorghum has ability to withstand harsh environments where other crops do not and is characterized by low production cost, the extensive potential existed for starch from sweet varieties to be used in starch industries.
Iatrogenic Transient Complete Heart Block in a Preexisting LBBB
Authors: Wani Adil S. , Fasanya Adebayo , Kalamkar Prachi , Bonnet Christopher A. , Bajwa Omer A.
Published: July 2016

Catheter induced cardiac arrhythmia is a well-known complication encountered during pulmonary artery or cardiac catheterization. Injury to the cardiac conducting system often involves the right bundle branch which in a patient with preexisting left bundle branch block can lead to fatal arrhythmia including asystole. Such a complication during central venous cannulation is rare as it usually does not enter the heart. The guide wire or the cannula itself can cause such an injury during central venous cannulation. The length of the guide wire, its rigidity, and lack of set guidelines for its insertion make it theoretically more prone to cause such an injury. We report a case of LBBB that went into transient complete heart block following guide wire insertion during a central venous cannulation procedure.
Detecting Warming Hiatus Periods in CMIP5 Climate Model Projections
Authors: Li Tony W. , Baker Noel C.
Published: July 2016

The observed slow-down in the global-mean surface temperature (GST) warming from 1998 to 2012 has been called a “warming hiatus.” Certain climate models, operating under experiments which simulate warming by increasing radiative forcing, have been shown to reproduce periods which resemble the observed hiatus. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of 38 CMIP5 climate models to provide further evidence that models produce warming hiatus periods during warming experiments. GST rates are simulated in each model for the 21st century using two experiments: a moderate warming scenario (RCP4.5) and high-end scenario (RCP8.5). Warming hiatus periods are identified in model simulations by detecting (1) ≥15-year periods lacking a statistically meaningful trend and (2) rapid changes in the GST rate which resemble the observed 1998–2012 hiatus. Under the RCP4.5 experiment, all tested models produce warming hiatus periods. However, once radiative forcing exceeds 5 W/m2—about 2°C GST increase—as simulated in the RCP8.5 experiment after 2050, nearly all models produce only positive warming trends. All models show evidence of rapid changes in the GST rate resembling the observed hiatus, showing that the climate variations associated with warming hiatus periods are still evident in the models, even under accelerated warming conditions.
Challenges Facing Early Phase Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute: An Analysis of Corrective Action Plans to Improve Accrual
Authors: Massett Holly A. , Mishkin Grace , Rubinstein Larry , Ivy S. Percy , Denicoff Andrea , Godwin Elizabeth , DiPiazza Kate , Bolognese Jennifer , Zwiebel James A. , Abrams Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2016

Accruing patients in a timely manner represents a significant challenge to early phase cancer clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program analyzed 19 months of corrective action plans (CAP) received for slow-accruing phase I and II trials to identify slow accrual reasons, evaluate whether proposed corrective actions matched these reasons, and assess the CAP impact on trial accrual, duration, and likelihood of meeting primary scientific objectives. Of the 135 CAPs analyzed, 69 were for phase I trials and 66 for phase II trials. Primary reasons cited for slow accrual were safety/toxicity (phase I: 48%), design/protocol concerns (phase I: 42%, phase II: 33%), and eligibility criteria (phase I: 41%, phase II: 35%). The most commonly proposed corrective actions were adding institutions (phase I: 43%, phase II: 85%) and amending the trial to change eligibility or design (phase I: 55%, phase II: 44%). Only 40% of CAPs provided proposed corrective actions that matched the reasons given for slow accrual. Seventy percent of trials were closed to accrual at time of analysis (phase I = 48; phase II = 46). Of these, 67% of phase I and 70% of phase II trials met their primary objectives, but they were active three times longer than projected. Among closed trials, 24% had an accrual rate increase associated with a greater likelihood of meeting their primary scientific objectives. Ultimately, trials receiving CAPs saw improved accrual rates. Future trials may benefit from implementing CAPs early in trial life cycles, but it may be more beneficial to invest in earlier accrual planning. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5408–16. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Mileham and Kim, p. 5397
Novel Bispecific Domain Antibody to LRP6 Inhibits Wnt and R-spondin Ligand-Induced Wnt Signaling and Tumor Growth
Authors: Jackson Heather , Granger David , Jones Gavin , Anderson Louisa , Friel Sarah , Rycroft Daniel , Fieles William , Tunstead James , Steward Michael , Wattam Trevor , Walker Adam , Griggs Jeremy , Al-Hajj Muhammad , Shelton Christopher
Published: July 2016

Aberrant WNT signaling is associated with the formation and growth of numerous human cancer types. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is the least redundant component of the WNT receptor complex with two independent WNT ligand-binding sites. Using domain antibody (dAb) technology, a bispecific antibody (GSK3178022) to LRP6 was identified that is capable of blocking stimulation in the presence of a range of WNT and R-spondin (RSPO) ligands in vitro. GSK3178022 was also efficacious in reducing WNT target gene expression in vivo, in both cancer cell line and patient-derived xenograft models, and delays tumor growth in a patient-derived RSPO fusion model of colorectal cancer.

Implications: This article demonstrates the inhibition of a key oncogenic receptor, intractable to mAb inhibition due to multiple independent ligand interaction sites, using an innovative dAb approach. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 859–68. ©2016 AACR.
Urotensin II Induces ER Stress and EMT and Increase Extracellular Matrix Production in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell in Early Diabetic Mice
Authors: Pang Xin-Xin , Bai Qiong , Wu Fei , Chen Guan-Jong , Zhang Ai-Hua , Tang Chao-Shu
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Urotensin II (UII) and its receptor are highly expressed in the kidney tissue of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study is to examine the roles of UII in the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in DN in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Kidney tissues were collected from patients with DN. C57BL/6 mice and mice with UII receptor knock out were injected with two consecutive doses of streptozotocin to induce diabetes and were sacrificed at 3th week for in vivo study. HK-2 cells in vitro were cultured and treated with UII. Markers of ER stress and EMT, fibronectin and type IV collagen were detected by immunohistochemistry, real time PCR and western blot. Results: We found that the expressions of protein of UII, GRP78, CHOP, ALPHA-SMA, fibronectin and type IV collagen were upregulated while E-cadherin protein was downregulated as shown by immunohistochemistry or western blot analysis in kidney of diabetic mice in comparison to normal control; moreover expressions of GRP78, CHOP, ALPHA-SMA, fibronectin and type IV collagen were inhibited while E-caherin expression was enhanced in kidney in diabetic mice with UII receptor knock out in comparison to C57BL/6 diabetic mice. In HK-2 cells, UII induced upregulation of GRP78, CHOP, ALPHA-SMA, fibroblast-specifc protein 1(FSP-1), fibronectin and type collagen and downregulation of E-cadherin. UII receptor antagonist can block UII-induced ER stress and EMT; moreover, 4-PBA can inhibit the mRNA expression of ALPHA-SMA and FSP1 induced by UII in HK-2 cells. Conclusions: We are the first to verify UII induces ER stress and EMT and increase extracellular matrix production in renal tubular epithelial cell in early diabetic mice. Moreover, UII may induce renal tubular epithelial EMT via triggering ER stress pathway in vitro, which might be the new pathogenic pathway for the development of renal fibrosis in DN.