bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared Diagnostics of Free Charge Carriers in Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Efimova A. I. , Lipkova E. A. , Gonchar K. A. , Eliseev A. A. , Timoshenko V. Yu.
Published: March 2019

Free charge carrier concentration in arrays of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with cross-sectional size of the order of 100[Formula: see text]nm was quantitatively studied by means of the infrared spectroscopy in an attenuated total reflection mode. SiNWs were formed on lightly-doped [Formula: see text]-type crystalline silicon substrates by metal-assisted chemical etching followed by additional doping through thermoactivated diffusion of boron at 900–1000∘C. The latter process was found to increase the concentration of free holes in SiNWs up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. Potential applications of highly doped SiNWs in thermoelectric energy converters and infrared plasmonic devices are discussed.
Investigating controls on salt movement in extensional settings using finite-element modelling
Authors: Hamilton-Wright James , Dee Stephen , von Nicolai Christina , Johnson Howard
Published: March 2019

Salt structures present numerous challenges for targeting reservoirs. Salt movement within the subsurface can follow complex pathways, producing deformation patterns in surrounding strata which are often difficult to decipher. Consequently, the relative role of key salt-flow drivers and geological sensitivities on salt-structure evolution are often poorly understood. To address this, we have developed 2D geomechanical models using the finite-element method to simulate salt diapir and pillow development in two extensional tectonic settings. We conducted model sensitivity analyses to examine the influence of geological parameters on field-scale salt structures and their corresponding deformation pattern. Modelled diapirs developing in thin-skinned extensional settings closely resemble published analogue experiments; however, active and passive stages of diapir growth are seldom or never reached, respectively, thus challenging existing ideas that diapir evolution is dominated by passive growth. In all modelled cases, highly strained domains bound the diapir flanks where extensive small-scale faulting and fracturing can be expected. Asymmetrical diapirs are prone to flank collapse and are observed in models with fast extension or sedimentation rates, thin roof sections or salt layers, or initially short or triangular-shaped diapirs. In modelled thick-skinned extensional settings, salt pillows and suprasalt overburden faults can be laterally offset (decoupled) from a reactivating basement fault. This decoupling increases with increased salt-layer thickness, overburden thickness, sedimentation rate and fault angle, and decreased fault slip rates. Contrary to existing consensus, overburden grounding onto the basement fault scarp does not appear to halt development of salt structures above the footwall basement block.

Supplementary material:
Animations for all model runs are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4446272
Glycoengineering of Antibodies for Modulating Functions
Authors: Wang Lai-Xi , Tong Xin , Li Chao , Giddens John P. , Li Tiezheng
Published: March 2019

Antibodies are immunoglobulins that play essential roles in immune systems. All antibodies are glycoproteins that carry at least one or more conserved N-linked oligosaccharides ( N-glycans) at the Fc domain. Many studies have demonstrated that both the presence and fine structures of the attached glycans can exert a profound impact on the biological functions and therapeutic efficacy of antibodies. However, antibodies usually exist as mixtures of heterogeneous glycoforms that are difficult to separate in pure glycoforms. Recent progress in glycoengineering has provided useful methods that enable production of glycan-defined and site-selectively modified antibodies for functional studies and for improved therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights major approaches in glycoengineering of antibodies with a focus on recent advances in three areas: glycoengineering through glycan biosynthetic pathway manipulation, glycoengineering through in vitro chemoenzymatic glycan remodeling, and glycoengineering of antibodies for site-specific antibody–drug conjugation.
The Driving Force: Nuclear Mechanotransduction in Cellular Function, Fate, and Disease
Authors: Maurer Melanie , Lammerding Jan
Published: March 2019

Cellular behavior is continuously affected by microenvironmental forces through the process of mechanotransduction, in which mechanical stimuli are rapidly converted to biochemical responses. Mounting evidence suggests that the nucleus itself is a mechanoresponsive element, reacting to cytoskeletal forces and mediating downstream biochemical responses. The nucleus responds through a host of mechanisms, including partial unfolding, conformational changes, and phosphorylation of nuclear envelope proteins; modulation of nuclear import/export; and altered chromatin organization, resulting in transcriptional changes. It is unclear which of these events present direct mechanotransduction processes and which are downstream of other mechanotransduction pathways. We critically review and discuss the current evidence for nuclear mechanotransduction, particularly in the context of stem cell fate, a largely unexplored topic, and in disease, where an improved understanding of nuclear mechanotransduction is beginning to open new treatment avenues. Finally, we discuss innovative technological developments that will allow outstanding questions in the rapidly growing field of nuclear mechanotransduction to be answered.
Epigenetic Regulation and Risk Factors During the Development of Human Gametes and Early Embryos
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Qiang , Tang Fuchou , Yan Liying , Qiao Jie
Published: March 2019

Drastic epigenetic reprogramming occurs during human gametogenesis and early embryo development. Advances in low-input and single-cell epigenetic techniques have provided powerful tools to dissect the genome-wide dynamics of different epigenetic molecular layers in these processes. In this review, we focus mainly on the most recent progress in understanding the dynamics of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and histone modifications in human gametogenesis and early embryo development. Deficiencies in remodeling of the epigenomes can cause severe developmental defects, infertility, and long-term health issues in offspring. Aspects of the external environment, including assisted reproductive technology procedures, parental diets, and unhealthy parental habits, may disturb the epigenetic reprogramming processes and lead to an aberrant epigenome in the offspring. Here, we review the current knowledge of the potential risk factors of aberrant epigenomes in humans.
Stem cells and extracellular vesicles: biological regulators of physiology and disease
Authors: Borgovan Theodor , Crawford Lorin , Nwizu Chibuikem , Quesenberry Peter
Published: March 2019

Many different subpopulations of subcellular extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been described. EVs are released from all cell types and have been shown to regulate normal physiological homeostasis, as well as pathological states by influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, organ homing, injury and recovery, as well as disease progression. In this review, we focus on the bidirectional actions of vesicles from normal and diseased cells on normal or leukemic target cells; and on the leukemic microenvironment as a whole. EVs from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can have a healing effect, reversing the malignant phenotype in prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as mitigating radiation damage to marrow. The role of EVs in leukemia and their bimodal cross talk with the encompassing microenvironment remains to be fully characterized. This may provide insight for clinical advances via the application of EVs as potential therapy and the employment of statistical and machine learning models to capture the pleiotropic effects EVs endow to a dynamic microenvironment, possibly allowing for precise therapeutic intervention.
Excessive activation of NMDA receptor inhibits the protective effect of endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on promoting alveolarization in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Yue Yinyan , Luo Ziqiang , Liao Zhengchang , Zhang Liming , Liu Shuai , Wang Mingjie , Zhao Feiyan , Cao Chuanding , Ding Ying , Yue Shaojie
Published: March 2019

We studied the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in our established model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) induced by intrauterine hypoxia in the rat. First, we found that intrauterine hypoxia can reduce the number of MSCs in lungs and bone marrow of rat neonates, whereas the administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or busulfan to either motivate or inhibit bone marrow MSCs to lungs altered lung development. Next, in vivo experiments, we confirmed that intrauterine hypoxia also impaired bone marrow MSC proliferation and decreased cell cycling activity. In vitro, by using the cultured bone marrow MSCs, the proliferation and the cell cycling activity of MSCs were also reduced when N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) was used as an NMDA receptor (NMDAR) agonist. When MK-801 or memantine as NMDAR antagonists in vitro or in vivo was used, the reduction of cell cycling activity and proliferation were partially reversed. Furthermore, we found that intrauterine hypoxia could enhance the concentration of glutamate, an amino acid that can activate NMDAR, in the bone marrow of neonates. Finally, we confirmed that the increased concentration of TNF-ɑ in the bone marrow of neonatal rats after intrauterine hypoxia induced the release of glutamate and reduced the cell cycling activity of MSCs, and the latter could be partially reversed by MK-801. In summary, intrauterine hypoxia could decrease the number of bone marrow MSCs that could affect lung development and lung function through excessive activation of NMDAR that is partially caused by TNF-ɑ.
Combined effects of cholecystokinin-8 and gastric distension on food intake in humans
Authors: Kissileff Harry R. , Gordon Rebecca J. , Thornton John C. , Laferrère Blandine , Albu Jeanine , Pi-Sunyer X. , Geliebter Allan
Published: March 2019

In a previous study (Kissileff HR, Carretta JC, Geliebter A, Pi-Sunyer FX. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 285: R992–R998, 2003), when subthreshold gastric distension (300 ml) and a low dose of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) (112 ng/min for 21 min) were concurrently administered to human participants, intake of a test meal was significantly reduced. However, the supra-additive interaction of CCK-8 and gastric distension was not significant. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a significant interaction would be obtained when CCK-8 and gastric distension were each increased by 50% above levels used in the previous study. Twelve normal-weight, healthy participants were tested four times each with either CCK-8 (168 ng/min for 30 min) or saline infusion crossed with gastric distension (450 ml) or no distension. The combination of CCK-8 and gastric distension reduced food intake by a mean of 405 ± 86 g (SE) in comparison with the saline nondistension condition ( P < 0.001), which is a 51% reduction. Although there were some differences in the protocols, the combined effect was double that seen in the previous study. Although the interactive effect was larger [118 ± 109 g (SE)] than it was previously [73 ± 86 (SE)], it was not significant ( P = 0.29). There were also reports of a short-lived sick feeling after CCK-8, with and without distension, that was not observed in the previous study. Thus the combination of CCK-8 at 1.5 times threshold and gastric distension at 450 ml (increased from 300 ml) resulted in a combined effect to reduce food intake, which was also 1.5 times its previous value, and thus appears linear.
Neurophysiology of the brain stem in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bove Cecilia , Travagli R. Alberto
Published: March 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is predominantly idiopathic in origin, and a large body of evidence indicates that gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions are a significant comorbid clinical feature; these dysfunctions include dysphagia, nausea, delayed gastric emptying, and severe constipation, all of which occur commonly before the onset of the well-known motor symptoms of PD. Based on a distinct distribution pattern of Lewy bodies (LB) in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and in the preganglionic neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), and together with the early onset of GI symptoms, it was suggested that idiopathic PD begins in the ENS and spreads to the central nervous system (CNS), reaching the DMV and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). These two areas are connected by a recently discovered monosynaptic nigro-vagal pathway, which is dysfunctional in rodent models of PD. An alternative hypothesis downplays the role of LB transport through the vagus nerve and proposes that PD pathology is governed by regional or cell-restricted factors as the leading cause of nigral neuronal degeneration. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize the neuronal electrophysiological findings in the SNpc and DMV in PD.
Border ownership-dependent tilt aftereffect for shape defined by binocular disparity and motion parallax
Authors: Rideaux Reuben , Harrison William J.
Published: March 2019

Discerning objects from their surrounds (i.e., figure-ground segmentation) in a way that guides adaptive behaviors is a fundamental task of the brain. Neurophysiological work has revealed a class of cells in the macaque visual cortex that may be ideally suited to support this neural computation: border ownership cells (Zhou H, Friedman HS, von der Heydt R. J Neurosci 20: 6594–6611, 2000). These orientation-tuned cells appear to respond conditionally to the borders of objects. A behavioral correlate supporting the existence of these cells in humans was demonstrated with two-dimensional luminance-defined objects (von der Heydt R, Macuda T, Qiu FT. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 22: 2222–2229, 2005). However, objects in our natural visual environments are often signaled by complex cues, such as motion and binocular disparity. Thus for border ownership systems to effectively support figure-ground segmentation and object depth ordering, they must have access to information from multiple depth cues with strict depth order selectivity. Here we measured in humans (of both sexes) border ownership-dependent tilt aftereffects after adaptation to figures defined by either motion parallax or binocular disparity. We find that both depth cues produce a tilt aftereffect that is selective for figure-ground depth order. Furthermore, we find that the effects of adaptation are transferable between cues, suggesting that these systems may combine depth cues to reduce uncertainty (Bülthoff HH, Mallot HA. J Opt Soc Am A 5: 1749–1758, 1988). These results suggest that border ownership mechanisms have strict depth order selectivity and access to multiple depth cues that are jointly encoded, providing compelling psychophysical support for their role in figure-ground segmentation in natural visual environments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Figure-ground segmentation is a critical function that may be supported by “border ownership” neural systems that conditionally respond to object borders. We measured border ownership-dependent tilt aftereffects to figures defined by motion parallax or binocular disparity and found aftereffects for both cues. These effects were transferable between cues but selective for figure-ground depth order, suggesting that the neural systems supporting figure-ground segmentation have strict depth order selectivity and access to multiple depth cues that are jointly encoded.
V1 microcircuit dynamics: altered signal propagation suggests intracortical origins for adaptation in response to visual repetition
Authors: Westerberg Jacob A. , Cox Michele A. , Dougherty Kacie , Maier Alexander
Published: March 2019

Repetitive visual stimulation profoundly changes sensory processing in the primary visual cortex (V1). We show how the associated adaptive changes are linked to an altered flow of synaptic activation across the V1 laminar microcircuit. Using repeated visual stimulation, we recorded layer-specific responses in V1 of two fixating monkeys. We found that repetition-related spiking suppression was most pronounced outside granular V1 layers that receive the main retinogeniculate input. This repetition-related response suppression was robust to alternating stimuli between the eyes, in line with the notion that repetition-related adaptation is predominantly of cortical origin. Most importantly, current source density (CSD) analysis, which provides an estimate of local net depolarization, revealed that synaptic processing during repeated stimulation was most profoundly affected within supragranular layers, which harbor the bulk of cortico-cortical connections. Direct comparison of the temporal evolution of laminar CSD and spiking activity showed that stimulus repetition first affected supragranular synaptic currents, which translated into a reduction of stimulus-evoked spiking across layers. Together, these results suggest that repetition induces an altered state of intracortical processing that underpins visual adaptation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our survival depends on our brains rapidly adapting to ever changing environments. A well-studied form of adaptation occurs whenever we encounter the same or similar stimuli repeatedly. We show that this repetition-related adaptation is supported by systematic changes in the flow of sensory activation across the laminar cortical microcircuitry of primary visual cortex. These results demonstrate how adaptation impacts neuronal interactions across cortical circuits.
Weighting neurons by selectivity produces near-optimal population codes
Authors: Zavitz Elizabeth , Price Nicholas S. C.
Published: March 2019

Perception is produced by “reading out” the representation of a sensory stimulus contained in the activity of a population of neurons. To examine experimentally how populations code information, a common approach is to decode a linearly weighted sum of the neurons’ spike counts. This approach is popular because of the biological plausibility of weighted, nonlinear integration. For neurons recorded in vivo, weights are highly variable when derived through optimization methods, but it is unclear how the variability affects decoding performance in practice. To address this, we recorded from neurons in the middle temporal area (MT) of anesthetized marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) viewing stimuli comprising a sheet of dots that moved coherently in 1 of 12 different directions. We found that high peak response and direction selectivity both predicted that a neuron would be weighted more highly in an optimized decoding model. Although learned weights differed markedly from weights chosen according to a priori rules based on a neuron’s tuning profile, decoding performance was only marginally better for the learned weights. In the models with a priori rules, selectivity is the best predictor of weighting, and defining weights according to a neuron’s preferred direction and selectivity improves decoding performance to very near the maximum level possible, as defined by the learned weights.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined which aspects of a neuron’s tuning account for its contribution to sensory coding. Strongly direction-selective neurons are weighted most highly by optimal decoders trained to discriminate motion direction. Models with predefined decoding weights demonstrate that this weighting scheme causally improved direction representation by a neuronal population. Optimizing decoders (using a generalized linear model or Fisher’s linear discriminant) led to only marginally better performance than decoders based purely on a neuron’s preferred direction and selectivity.
Research on Adaptive Trajectory Tracking Algorithm for a Quadrotor Based on Backstepping and the Sigma-Pi Neural Network
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Niu Kang , Li Lei
Published: March 2019

In this paper, adaptive tracking control is applied to improve performances of an underactuated quadrotor helicopter with respect to attitude and position control. Firstly, the dynamic model is presented. Then a new trajectory tracking algorithm is designed by using the sigma-pi neural network and backstepping. The paper designs the sigma-pi neural network compensation control law and gives the Lyapunov-type stability analysis. Then the corresponding numerical simulations are performed by using MATLAB. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, which could reduce tracking error, decrease tracking time, and improve the anti-interference ability of the system.
Model Predictive Control of Robotic Grinding Based on Deep Belief Network
Authors: Chen Shouyan , Zhang Tie , Zou Yanbiao , Xiao Meng
Published: March 2019

Considering the influence of rigid‐flexible dynamics on robotic grinding process, a model predictive control approach based on deep belief network (DBN) is proposed to control robotic grinding deformation. The rigid‐flexible coupling dynamics of robotic grinding is first established, on the basis of which a robotic grinding prediction model is constructed to predict the change of robotic grinding status and perform feed‐forward control. A rolling optimization formula derived from the energy function is also established to optimize control output in real time and perform feedback control. As the accurately model parameters are hard to obtain, a deep belief network is constructed to obtain the parameters of robotic grinding predictive model. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed model predictive control approach can predict abrupt change of robotic grinding status caused by deformation and perform a feed‐forward and feedback based combination control, reducing control overflow and system oscillation caused by inaccurate feedback control.
Secretory Carcinoma of Minor Salivary Gland in Buccal Mucosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paudel Durga , Nishimura Michiko , Adhikari Bhoj Raj , Hiraki Daichi , Onishi Aya , Morikawa Tetsuro , Neopane Puja , Giri Sarita , Yoshida Koki , Sato Jun , Ono Masayuki , Kamino Yoshitaka , Nagayasu Hiroki , Abiko Yoshihiro
Published: March 2019

Secretory carcinoma (SC) of the salivary gland was recently added to the fourth edition of the World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumors. Some salivary tumors, including acinic cell carcinoma, have been reclassified as SC. Most of these tumors are located on the parotid gland with very few cases reported in the minor salivary glands of the buccal mucosa. Herein, we present a case of SC of buccal mucosa, which appeared clinically as a benign lesion in a 54-year-old Japanese female patient. Histopathologically, the tumor cells presented with an eosinophilic cytoplasm with microcytic structure along with eosinophilic secretory material and hemosiderin deposit. Immunohistochemical staining revealed strongly positive staining for S100, vimentin, and mammaglobin and negative staining for DOG-1. The tumor was finally diagnosed as secretory carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. We present a review of the medical literature of SC arising from minor salivary glands. We found only 15 cases of SC of buccal mucosa out of 63 cases of SC in the minor salivary glands. They showed good prognoses and only one case of SC in the buccal mucosa exhibited local recurrence and lymph node metastases.
A Double Adaptive Approach to Tackle Malicious Users in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sajjad , Jibran Muhammad , Koo Insoo , Kim Su Min , Kim Junsu
Published: March 2019

Cognitive radio (CR) is being considered as a vital technology to provide solution to spectrum scarcity in next generation network, by efficiently utilizing the vacant spectrum of the licensed users. Cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio network has a promising performance compared to the individual sensing. However, the existence of the malicious users’ attack highly degrades the performance of the cognitive radio networks by sending falsified data also known as spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) to the fusion center. In this paper, we propose a double adaptive thresholding technique in order to differentiate legitimate users from doubtful and malicious users. Prior to the double adaptive approach, the maximal ratio combining (MRC) scheme is utilized to assign weight to each user such that the legitimate users experience higher weights than the malicious users. Double adaptive threshold is applied to give a fair chance to the doubtful users to ensure their credibility. A doubtful user that fails the double adaptive threshold test is declared as a malicious user. The results of the legitimate users are combined at the fusion center by utilizing Dempster-Shafer (DS) evidence theory. Effectiveness of the proposed scheme is proved through simulations by comparing with the existing schemes.
Role of MMP-2(-1306 C/T) and TIMP-2(-418G/C) Polymorphism in Chinese Han Patients with Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Gao Ruixue , Yu Heling , Zhao Qian , Wang Suhong , Bai Bingxue
Published: March 2019

Acne is the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Multiple factors, such as hormonal, environmental, immunological, and genetic factors, are thought to be involved in acne. However, genetic studies have yet to elucidate the full mechanism of acne. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of MMP-2 (-1306C/T) and TIMP-2 (-418G/C) polymorphisms with the risk of acne vulgaris in a Chinese Han population. We also analyzed the correlation of clinical parameters and family history in patients with acne vulgaris. This study included 251 acne patients and 121 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and genotyping was performed by PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. There is a significant correlation between the MMP-2 (-1306C/T) polymorphism and the acne vulgaris (P<0.001). Although no association was found between the TIMP-2 (-418G/C) polymorphism and the acne vulgaris, patients with the MMP-2 CT/TIMP-2 GG or GC allele are at higher risk of acne vulgaris. There is also a significant difference in the severity of the disease between acne vulgaris patients with and without family history (P<0.001). This study indicated that the MMP-2 (-1306C/T) polymorphism, in combination with the TIMP-2 (-418G/C) polymorphism, contributes to acne vulgaris susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
Effect of Dissolution and Dispersion Conditions of VC-713 on the Hydrate Inhibition
Authors: Wang Ren , Sun Huicui , Sun Jinsheng , Qu Yuanzhi , Zhang Jie , Shi Xiaomei , Zhang Ling , Guo Dongdong
Published: March 2019

VC-713 is a kind of hydrate kinetics inhibitor, which is widely used because of its strong hydrate inhibition. In this paper, VC-713 was dissolved and dispersed into its solution to various degrees by stirring the solution at the speeds of 600 r·min−1 and 12000 r·min−1. Then, under the condition of normal pressure and temperature change (gradually decreasing from 278.15 K to 273.65 K), the hydrate inhibitory effect of dissolution and dispersion of VC-713 on THF hydrate formation was studied. The variation in the concentration of VC-713 was monitored during the experiments. In addition, the mesoscopic structure characteristics of aqueous solutions were observed, and experimental phenomena in the reactor were recorded along with real time. Then, the experimental data were comprehensively analyzed, and the underlying mechanism of inhibition was revealed. Results showed that VC-713 inhibits hydrate nucleation and growth by adsorbing and binding. When the addition amounts are the same, better dissolution and dispersion of VC-713 can inhibit the hydrate formation more effectively. This is due to more complex skeleton structures formed by the hydrated VC-713 molecule. When the amount of VC-713 is 0.5 wt.%, the induction time, the formation rate, and the degree of supercooling of hydrate formation were extended, mitigated, and increased by 10.30%, 21.43%, and 17.80%, respectively, and changed to values of 8.75%, 14.29%, and 22.50%, respectively, for 1.0 wt.% VC-713.
A Novel Sensor for Noninvasive Detection of In Situ Stem Water Content Based on Standing Wave Ratio
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhao Yue , Zhao Yandong
Published: March 2019

Stem water content (StWC = volume of water : volume of stem) is an important physiological parameter for vascular plants. And a better understanding of StWC contributes to solving some research hotspots in forestry, such as drought resistance, cold resistance, precise irrigation, and health assessment. However, there are few noninvasive, in situ, real-time, safe, and low-cost methods for detecting StWC of woody plants. This article presents a novel sensor for noninvasive detection of in situ StWC based on standing wave ratio. Moreover, extensive experiments were conducted to analyze the performance of this sensor including sensitive distance, measuring range, influence factors, and measuring accuracy. The experimental results show that the sensitive distance of StWC sensor is approximately 53 mm in axial direction and 20 mm in radial direction with the measuring range from 0.01 to 1.00 cm3 cm-3. The combined effects of stem EC and temperature on sensor output are significant and it is necessary to correct the error caused by the two factors. Compared with the oven-drying method, StWC sensor has higher measuring accuracy than Testo 606-2 which is a sensor for measuring wood water content and its average error is less than 0.01 cm3 cm-3. In addition, StWC sensor performed very well on the crape myrtle with high sensitivity equal to 1022.1 mV (cm3 cm-3)-1 and measuring results also accorded with the diurnal dynamics of stem water content.
Isolation and Characterization of Antagonistic Bacteria Paenibacillus jamilae HS-26 and Their Effects on Plant Growth
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Li Qian , Sui Junkang , Zhang Jiamiao , Liu Zhaoyang , Du Jianfeng , Xu Ruiping , Zhou Yanyan , Liu Xunli
Published: March 2019

Soilborne pathogens affect plant growth and food production worldwide. The application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to control plant diseases has harmful effects; fortunately, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can be used as a potential alternative strategy. Here, Paenibacillus jamilae HS-26 was selected for its highly antagonistic activity against several soilborne pathogens. The bacterium synthesized hydrolytic enzymes and released extracellular antifungal metabolites and volatile organic compounds—primarily, N, N-diethyl-1, 4-phenylenediamine, which was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and shown to inhibit fungal mycelial growth. Furthermore, HS-26 was useful for nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, and siderophore and indoleacetic acid production. In vitro tests and pot experiments revealed that HS-26 considerably increased plant biometric parameters. Illumina MiSeq sequencing data showed a significant reduction in soilborne pathogens and increase in beneficial bacteria in the wheat rhizosphere after treatment with strain HS-26.
Urinary Tract Infections and Preeclampsia among Pregnant Women Attending Two Hospitals in Mwanza City, Tanzania: A 1:2 Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Kaduma Joshua , Seni Jeremiah , Chuma Clotilda , Kirita Richard , Mujuni Fridolin , Mushi Martha F. , van der Meer Frank , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: March 2019

Urinary tract infection (UTI) and preeclampsia are common among pregnant women and are associated with adverse maternal-fetal and neonatal outcomes. Despite this, limited information exists on the association between UTIs and preeclampsia in Tanzania to guide specific management and thereby averting the adverse outcomes. A 1:2 matched case-control study (by age and gravidity) involving 131 pregnant women with preeclampsia (cases) and 262 without preeclampsia (controls) was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected using a questionnaire. Midstream urine samples were collected during admission for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Out of 393 pregnant women enrolled, 110 (28.0%), 95% CI: 23.8%-32.7%, had significant bacteriuria [cases: 50.4% (66/131) and control: 16.8% (44/262)]. Pregnant women with preeclampsia had 7.7 odds of having significant bacteriuria than those without preeclampsia [OR=7.7, 95% CI (4.11-14.49); p-value <0.001]. Escherichia coli, 50 (45.5%), and Klebsiella spp., 25 (23.6%), predominated, and resistance to gentamicin, ceftriaxone, and piperacillin-tazobactam ranged from 9.0% to 29.0% in these dominant species. Extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) production in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. was 18.0% (9/50) and 15.4% (4/26), respectively. Routine urine culture and AST among pregnant women with preeclampsia should be introduced in the antenatal clinics to ensure prompt management. Delineation of maternal-fetal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with preeclampsia and UTIs would be of interest in future studies.
PEGylation of Ginsenoside Rg3-Entrapped Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Studies
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Hui Junfeng , Ma Pei , Mi Yu , Fan Daidi , Zhu Chenhui , Chi Lei , Dong Yanan
Published: March 2019

Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) is one of three triterpene saponins from red ginseng. It has important structural functions and pharmacological properties. However, due to its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and short half-life in blood circulation, its clinical application was unsuccessful for the treatment of a variety of cancers. In order to overcome this limitation, this study prepared mPEGylation-Rg3 bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (mPEG-Rg3-BSA NPs). The characteristics of the NPs, such as drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading efficiency, surface morphology, thermal stability, and cytotoxicity in vitro, were investigated. The results showed that the appropriate particle size of the obtained NPs was 149.5 nm, the water solubility and stability were better than free Rg3, and the drug entrapment efficiency and drug loading efficiency were 76.56% and 17.65%, respectively. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assays of the mPEG-Rg3-BSA NPs and free Rg3 revealed that the mPEG-Rg3-BSA NPs have greater anticancer effects in HepG2 cells and A549 cells. However, the cytotoxic effect of free Rg3 was higher than the mPEG-Rg3-BSA NPs in L929 cells. The results indicated that using the mPEGylation method and selecting BSA as a carrier to form the nanodrug carrier system were effective for improving the properties of Rg3.
Safety of Trypan Blue Capsule Staining to Corneal Endothelium in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Abdelmotaal Hazem , Abdelazeem Khaled , Hussein Mohamed S. , Omar Ahmed F. , Ibrahim Walid
Published: March 2019

Purpose. To study the potential corneal endothelial cell toxicity of trypan blue (TB) when used for phacoemulsification to stain the anterior capsule in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods. This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, individual cohort study. One eye in each patient with diabetic retinopathy underwent phacoemulsification without trypan blue capsule staining (control eye), while the other eye underwent phacoemulsification with trypan blue capsule staining (study eye). Both eyes underwent intraocular lens implantation. Preoperative and four-week postoperative quantitative and qualitative morphometric endothelial cell analyses of the cornea were performed using noncontact specular microscopy. Results. There were no significant differences in endothelial cell density (mean ± SD for the study group: 2506.74 ± 413.99 cells/mm2; mean ± SD for the control eyes: 2466.34 ± 369.12 cells/mm2; P=0.316) or endothelial cell density (CD) loss% (mean CD loss% was 7.23 ± 13.31 for the study eyes and 9.94 ± 9.36 for the control eyes; P=0.157) four weeks after the operation. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in the percentage of hexagonal cells, coefficient of variation, or corneal thickness between the two groups preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions. Direct administration of trypan blue into the anterior chamber for staining of the anterior capsule during cataract surgery did not result in any significant corneal endothelial changes on specular microscopy in patients with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy at 4 weeks postoperatively. This trial is registered with NCT03755752.
A Decision on the Store‐within‐a‐Store Strategy Based on the Uncertainty Model
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhuang Guijun , Teng Wenbo
Published: March 2019

The store‐within‐a‐store (SWS) arrangement is one of the most important channel structures. Taking the perspective of manufacturers, this paper extends the literature by examining the role of manufacturers’ prediction accuracy, moderated by demand uncertainty and inventory‐related parameters, in determining the adoption of the SWS strategy. This study constructs a theoretical model to investigate manufacturers’ decision based on the uncertainty model. The result shows that, first, as a manufacturer’s demand forecast accuracy increases, it would be more likely to choose the SWS mode, and demand uncertainty and inventory‐related parameters further strengthen this effect. Second, if the manufacturer and retailer can reach an agreement on a proper percentage of the revenues that the manufacturer pays to the retailer, the SWS mode would be a better choice for both of them. This research provides new insights for the adoption of the SWS strategy.
One Novel and Optimal Deadlock Recovery Policy for Flexible Manufacturing Systems Using Iterative Control Transitions Strategy
Authors: Row Ter-Chan , Syu Wei-Ming , Pan Yen-Liang , Wang Ching-Cheng
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on solving deadlock problems of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) based on Petri nets theory. Precisely, one novel control transition technology is developed to solve FMS deadlock problem. This new proposed technology can not only identify the maximal saturated tokens of idle places in Petri net model (PNM) but also further reserve all original reachable markings whatever they are legal or illegal ones. In other words, once the saturated number of tokens in idle places is identified, the maximal markings of system reachability graph can then be checked. Two classical S3PR (the Systems of Simple Sequential Processes with Resources) examples are used to illustrate the proposed technology. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm of control transition technology seems to be the best one among all existing algorithms.
Control Strategy and Experiments for Robot Assisted Craniomaxillofacial Surgery System
Authors: Cui Tengfei , Wang Yonggui , Duan Xingguang , Ma Xiaodong
Published: March 2019

Since the intricate anatomical structure of the craniomaxillofacial region and the limitation of surgical field and instrument, the current surgery is extremely of high risk and difficult to implement. The puncturing operations for biopsy, ablation, and brachytherapy have become vital method for disease diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, a craniomaxillofacial surgery robot system was developed to achieve accurate positioning of the puncture needle and automatic surgical operation. Master‐salve control and “kinematic + optics” hybrid automatic motion control based on navigation system, which is proposed in order to improve the needle positioning accuracy, were implemented for different processes of the operation. In addition, the kinematic simulation, kinematic parameters identification, positioning accuracy experiment (0.56 ± 0.21 mm), and phantom experiments (1.42 ± 0.33 mm, 1.62 ± 0.26 mm, and 1.41 ± 0.30 mm for biopsy, radiofrequency, and brachytherapy of phantom experiments) were conducted to verify the feasibility of the hybrid automatic control method and evaluate the function of the surgical robot system.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Disulfide-Containing Polyethylenimine Derivative Functionalized Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes as an Efficient Gene Vector
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Yu Fangzheng , Lei Ming , Fu Huili , Yan Guoping , Li Liang
Published: March 2019

Magnetic nanoparticles have been widely developed as vectors in targeting drug and gene delivery. Disulfide-containing polyethylenimine derivative- (SSPEI-) functionalized magnetic carbon nanotubes (CNTs/Fe3O4-SSPEI) were synthesized as gene vector. Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize CNTs/Fe3O4-SSPEI nanoparticles. The magnetic nanoparticles displayed typical superparamagnetic behavior and excellent dispersibility in water. Plasmid DNA could be bound by CNTs/Fe3O4-SSPEI to form the complexes. The sizes of complexes are about 400 nm, and the zeta potentials are positive at the w/w ratio over 6. CNTs/Fe3O4-SSPEI nanoparticles displayed higher transfection activity than did PEI (25 kDa), whereas the cytotoxicity was rather lower. Moreover, the transfection efficiency was further increased with the assistance of an external magnetic field. These results indicate that CNTs/Fe3O4-SSPEI nanoparticles would be a promising vector in targeted gene delivery.
Impact of Moisture Content on the Dynamic Failure Energy Dissipation Characteristics of Sandstone
Authors: Lu Aihong , Hu Shanchao , Li Ming , Duan Tianzhu , Li Bing , Chang Xiya
Published: March 2019

Rockburst frequently occurs in deep underground engineering, which poses a threat to safety and causes economic losses. Water injection into surrounding rock masses is an effective method for preventing rockburst, and the moisture content of rocks is significant for assessing the probability of rockburst. However, the majority of studies focus on the relationship between the macromechanical properties of rock masses under static loads and the moisture content of rock masses and seldom explore the impact of moisture variation (under dynamic loads) on the mechanical properties and energy dissipation. In this paper, the mechanical properties and energy dissipation of sandstone with different moisture contents have been experimentally investigated by the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. The test results indicate that the peak strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and unloading elastic modulus of sandstone in dry conditions are considerably larger than those in moisture conditions, and the three parameters linearly decrease as the moisture content increases from 0% to 2.58%. The distribution law of sandstone fragments with different moisture contents has been investigated by sieving test fragments with different grain sizes of grading sieves. The results show that the percentage of large grain size fragments incrementally decreases, and the percentage of small grain size fragments incrementally increases with moisture contents from 0% to 2.58%. When the moisture content ranges from 2.01%∼2.58%, the fractal dimension linearly increases, which indicates that the higher the moisture content is, the larger the dimension of the broken sandstone is. The calculation results for energy indicate that the sandstone energy attains the peak value with 0% moisture content. When the moisture content ranges from 2.01%∼2.58%, the reflected energy increases, and the transmitted energy and dissipated energy linearly decrease. In addition, the surface energy of the sandstone with different moisture contents has been investigated by converting fragments into spheres with the corresponding size. The results indicate that the smallest surface area of sandstone is obtained in dry conditions, but its surface energy in dry conditions is larger than that in moisture conditions. When the moisture ranges from 0% to 2.58%, due to 3% illite and 2% chlorite clay minerals reacting with different proportions of moisture, the surface areas of sandstone fragments linearly increase and the surface energy of sandstone linearly decreases.
Improved Hole Injection in Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) Hybrid Solar Cells by Applying a Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide Buffer Layer
Authors: Madsuha Alfian F. , Van Pham Chuyen , Eck Michael , Neukom Martin , Krueger Michael
Published: March 2019

In this work, the utilization of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films as hole transport and electron-blocking layers in polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cells is demonstrated. A simple method has been used to modify the anode of hybrid solar cells by depositing these two solution-processable nanocarbon materials between poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) layers. Upon the use of an rGO interlayer, we found a substantial improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 2.5% to 3.2% due to a decrease in series resistance (Rs). This decrease has been obtained by a careful tuning of the reduction degree of rGO, inducing optimization of the energy band alignment at the solar cell anode. In addition, charge extraction by linearly increasing voltage (CELIV) measurements show an increase in light-induced charge extraction of ca. 50%. Finally, the utilization of rGO as replacement for PEDOT:PSS is also presented. The findings reported in this work demonstrate the excellent potential of rGO as an efficient hole transport material in hybrid solar cells.
Inhibition of Aberrant IGF-I Signaling in Diabetic Male Rat Retina Prevents and Reverses Changes of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Xi Gang , Wai Christine , Clemmons David
Published: March 2019

Hyperglycemia results in inhibition of cleavage of integrin-associated protein (IAP) thereby allowing it to bind to SHPS-1 which results in pathophysiologic changes in endothelial function. This study determined if an anti-rat IAP antibody directed against the SHPS-1 binding site which disrupts IAP/SHPS-1 association could inhibit these pathophysiologic changes. The anti-IAP antibody inhibited IGF-I-stimulated SHPS-1, p52Shc, MAP kinase phosphorylation, and proliferation in endothelial cells. To determine if it could reverse established pathophysiologic changes in vivo, this antibody or normal rat IgG F(ab)2 was injected intraperitoneally for 6 weeks into rats that had diabetes for 4 weeks. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed that retinal thickness increased at 4 weeks and this increase was maintained in rats treated with the control antibody for an additional 6 weeks. The increase was reversed by anti-IAP antibody treatment (84.6±2.0 compared to 92.3±2.5 μm, p<0.01). This value was similar to nondiabetic animals (82.2±1.6 μm, p, NS). The anti-IAP antibody also decreased retinal vascular permeability (0.62±0.12 vs. 0.96±0.25%/g/h, p<0.001). To determine if it was effective after local injection, this antibody or control was administered via intravitreal injection. After 3 weeks, retinal thickness increased to 6.4±2.8% in diabetic rats, and IAP antibody treatment prevented this increase (0.8±2.5%, p<0.01). It also prevented the increase of retinal vascular permeability (0.92±0.62 vs. 1.63±0.99%/g/h, p<0.001). Biochemical analyses of retinal extracts showed that the anti-IAP antibody inhibited IAP/SHPS-1 association and SHPS-1 phosphorylation. This resulted in inhibition of AKT activation and VEGF synthesis in the retina: changes associated with increased vascular permeability. We conclude the anti-rat IAP antibody disrupts IAP/SHPS-1 association and attenuates aberrant IGF-I signaling thereby preventing or reversing the progression of retinal pathophysiological changes.