bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of metformin in pregnant obese women: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chiswick Carolyn A , Reynolds Rebecca M , Denison Fiona C , Whyte Sonia A , Drake Amanda J , Newby David E , Walker Brian R , Forbes Shareen , Murray Gordon D , Quenby Siobhan , Wray Susan , Norman Jane E
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Increasing evidence suggests obesity has its origins prior to birth. There is clear correlation between maternal obesity, high birthweight and offspring risk of obesity in later life. It is also clear that women who are obese during pregnancy are at greater risk of adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes and stillbirth. The mechanism(s) by which obesity causes these problems is unknown, although hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance are strongly implicated. We present a protocol for a study to test the hypothesis that metformin will improve insulin sensitivity in obese pregnant women, thereby reducing the incidence of high birthweight babies and other pregnancy complications.

Methods and analysis

The Efficacy of Metformin in Pregnant Obese Women, a Randomised controlled (EMPOWaR) trial is a double-masked randomised placebo-controlled trial to determine whether metformin given to obese (body mass index >30 kg/m2) pregnant women from 16 weeks’ gestation until delivery reduces the incidence of high birthweight babies. A secondary aim is to test the mechanism(s) of any effect. Obese women with a singleton pregnancy and normal glucose tolerance will be recruited prior to 16 weeks’ gestation and prescribed study medication, metformin or placebo, to be taken until delivery. Further study visits will occur at 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation for glucose tolerance testing and to record anthropometric measurements. Birth weight and other measurements will be recorded at time of delivery. Anthropometry of mother and baby will be performed at 3 months postdelivery. As of January 2014, 449 women had been randomised across the UK.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. A favourable ethical opinion was obtained from Scotland A Research Ethics Committee, reference number 10/MRE00/12. Results will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN51279843.
Advancing the science of measurement of diagnostic errors in healthcare: the Safer Dx framework
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Sittig Dean F
Published: January 2015

Diagnostic errors are major contributors to harmful patient outcomes, yet they remain a relatively understudied and unmeasured area of patient safety. Although they are estimated to affect about 12 million Americans each year in ambulatory care settings alone, both the conceptual and pragmatic scientific foundation for their measurement is under-developed. Health care organizations do not have the tools and strategies to measure diagnostic safety and most have not integrated diagnostic error into their existing patient safety programs. Further progress toward reducing diagnostic errors will hinge on our ability to overcome measurement-related challenges. In order to lay a robust groundwork for measurement and monitoring techniques to ensure diagnostic safety, we recently developed a multifaceted framework to advance the science of measuring diagnostic errors (The Safer Dx framework). In this paper, we describe how the framework serves as a conceptual foundation for system-wide safety measurement, monitoring and improvement of diagnostic error. The framework accounts for the complex adaptive sociotechnical system in which diagnosis takes place (the structure), the distributed process dimensions in which diagnoses evolve beyond the doctor's visit (the process) and the outcomes of a correct and timely “safe diagnosis” as well as patient and health care outcomes (the outcomes). We posit that the Safer Dx framework can be used by a variety of stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, health care organizations and policymakers, to stimulate both retrospective and more proactive measurement of diagnostic errors. The feedback and learning that would result will help develop subsequent interventions that lead to safer diagnosis, improved value of health care delivery and improved patient outcomes.
Do health plans work?
Authors: Moran Mark
Published: January 2015

Health plans can increase client loyalty and compliance, along with a practice's revenue, but they can be difficult to get right. Mark Moran discusses how to setup, maintain and get the most out of having a practice health plan.
Building career resilience
Authors: Moffett Jenny , Matthew Susan , Fawcett Anne
Published: January 2015

Vets can face a variety of career setbacks and workplace stressors which can profoundly affect their professional and personal lives. This article considers how vets can learn and implement coping skills that can protect against those stressors and foster resilience.
Differential diagnosis and management of corneal ulceration in horses, part 2
Authors: Hartley Claudia
Published: January 2015

This article considers the various aetiologies of corneal ulceration in horses, along with treatments and prognoses. It is the second in a two‐part series in In Practice. The first article (Hartley 2014) focused on corneal anatomy and healing, ulcer classification and the diagnostic approach to a painful eye, emphasising the importance of appropriate and timely treatment.
Value and treatment
Authors: Roger Paul
Published: January 2015

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Value and treatment’, was submitted and is discussed by Paul Roger. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Fate of a severely lame cow’, which was published in the November/December issue of In Practice, appears on page 47.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Feline injection site‐associated sarcomas
Authors: Bowlt Kelly
Published: January 2015

Feline injection site‐associated sarcomas were first reported in 1991. They are reported to affect between 0.63 and 13 cats per 10,000. This article discusses the clinical presentation and diagnosis of feline injection site‐associated sarcomas, along with current approaches to treatment.
Utility of bone marrow examination for workup of fever of unknown origin in patients with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Quesada Andrés E , Tholpady Ashok , Wanger Audrey , Nguyen Andy N D , Chen Lei
Published: January 2015

Aims

The utility of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMAB) as a diagnostic tool in patients with HIV/AIDS and fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a subject of debate. Because highly active antiretroviral therapy has reduced incidence of opportunistic infections, it is important to reassess the efficacy of BMAB for this diagnostic purpose. To our knowledge, no such studies have been performed in Harris County which has the highest incidence of HIV in the state of Texas.

Methods

We reviewed all BMABs from patients with HIV/AIDS and FUO or persistent cytopenia(s) from 2007 to 2011.

Results

Of 57 evaluable patients, BMAB was positive in 24 samples by acid fast bacilli (AFB) or Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains (17.5%), presence of granuloma and/or lymphohistiocytic aggregates (31.6%), culture (21.0%) or a combination. Cultures demonstratedMycobacterium avium/intracellulare(4),M tuberculosis(2),M gordonae(1),Histoplasma capsulatum(3) andCryptococcus neoformans(2). There were three cases in which a pathogen was grown in culture but that had a negative of ‘direct examination’ on tissue sections (negative AFB and GMS special stains, no morphological evidence of granuloma/lymphohistiocytic infiltrates).

Conclusions

This study supports the use of diagnostic BMAB as a rapid decision-making tool in patients with HIV and FUO in the proper clinical setting. BMAB demonstrated infection-related evidence prior to positive bone marrow culture in 75% of cases. Special stains and blood cultures had similar diagnostic yield, but BMAB offers faster results. Thus, this procedure assists in clinical decision making and the refinement of treatment in a more timely manner.
Traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) admixed with other serrated (so-called precursor) polyps and conventional adenomas: a frequent occurrence
Authors: Chetty Runjan , Hafezi-Bakhtiari Sara , Serra Stefano , Colling Richard , Wang Lai Mun
Published: January 2015

Background

Traditional serrated adenoma (TSA) is a very characteristic type of serrated polyp that has a predilection for the left colon. Recent molecular advances have shown two molecular phenotypes of TSA: one associated with BRAF mutations and the other with KRAS mutations. The former is associated with hyperplastic polyps (HPs) and sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs), while the latter is associated with more conventional adenomatous dysplasia.

Aims

The association of TSAs with so-called precursor lesions (HPs and SSAs) is not well recognised and the purpose of this study was to explore the coexistent presence of HPs, SSAs and adenomatous polyps within a large cohort of TSAs.

Methods

In total 149 TSAs were examined for the presence of HP, SSA and adenomatous polyps.

Results

Seen in 83 men and 65 women ranging in age from 32 to 89 years and 127 were left sided with 22 in the right colon. Seventy-eight of the 149 TSAs showed evidence of another polyp (52.34%): 32 were low-grade tubular/tubulovillous adenomas (TAs/TVAs; 41%), 28 were HPs (36%) and 18 were SSAs (23%). Eleven of the 22 right-sided TSAs were associated with a precursor lesion (1 HP and 7 SSA). In addition, five TSAs showed more than one polyp type: TSA with TA/TVA and HP (3); TSA with TA/TVA and SSA (2). The TAs/TVAs were adjacent to the TSA but occurred as a separate discrete polyp, while HPs and SSAs were intermingled with the TSA and present at the base and surface of the lesion.

Conclusions

More than 50% of TSAs are associated with a precursor lesion or adjacent TA/TVA. Their recognition is important as this may have surveillance and management ramifications.
Narratives of HIV: measuring understanding of HIV and the law in HIV-positive patients
Authors: Phillips Matthew D , Schembri Gabriel
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study aimed to identify the understanding of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) regarding the application of the law around transmission of HIV in England and Wales.

Design

A questionnaire was designed to prompt participants attending a large HIV department to discuss their understanding of the law with reference to HIV transmission. The design focused on qualitative analysis as there were insufficient data available to inform a metric reflecting quantitative data on PLWHA's understanding of the legal implications of transmission.

Methods

The data were collected from PLWHA attending their HIV outpatient appointment to ensure relevance of population to the analysis. The answers were analysed using grounded theory and thematic analysis to identify key themes and theories for further testing.

Results

Analysis demonstrated that understanding of legal obligations and outcomes of prosecutions was poor and patchy, with behavioural restrictions often overstated. There was a strong theme of ownership of responsibility amongst PLWHA, and of reference to principles of morality beyond legal restrictions.

Conclusions

PLWHA remain at risk of prosecution through poor understanding of the law. Clinical services and advocacy agencies should strive to increase understanding in order to enable PLWHA to comprehend the law and negotiate it successfully. This information should be shared as a process, not an isolated event.
Republished: Advanced digital subtraction angiography and MR fusion imaging protocol applied to accurate placement of flow diverter device
Authors: Faragò Giuseppe , Caldiera Valentina , Tempra Giovanni , Ciceri Elisa
Published: January 2015

In recent years there has been a progressive increase in interventional neuroradiology procedures, partially due to improvements in devices, but also to the simultaneous development of technologies and radiological images. Cone beam CT (Dyna-CT; Siemens) is a method recently used to obtain pseudo CT images from digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with a flat panel detector. Using dedicated software, it is then possible to merge Dyna-CT images with images from a different source. We report here the usefulness of advanced DSA techniques (Syngo-Dyna CT, three-dimensional DSA iPilot) for the treatment of an intracranial aneurysm with a flow diverter device. Merging MR and Dyna-CT images at the end of the procedure proved to be a simple and rapid additional method of verifying the success of the intervention.
Feasibility of simultaneous CO2 storage and CH4 production from natural gas hydrate using mixtures of CO2 and N2
Authors: Kvamme Bjørn
Published: January 2015

Production of natural gas from hydrate using carbon dioxide allows for a win-win situation in which carbon dioxide can be safely stored in hydrate form while releasing natural gas from in situ hydrate. This concept has been verified experimentally and theoretically in different laboratories worldwide, and lately also in a pilot plant in Alaska. The use of carbon dioxide mixed with nitrogen has the advantage of higher gas permeability. Blocking of flow channels due to formation of new hydrate from injected gas will also be less compared to injection of pure carbon dioxide. The fastest mechanism for conversion involves the formation of a new hydrate from free pore water and the injected gas. As a consequence of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the most stable hydrate will form first in a dynamic situation, in which carbon dioxide will dominate the first hydrates formed from water and carbon dioxide / nitrogen mixtures. This selective formation process is further enhanced by favorable selective adsorption of carbon dioxide onto mineral surfaces as well as onto liquid water surfaces, which facilitates efficient heterogeneous hydrate nucleation. In this work we examine limitations of hydrate stability as function of gradually decreasing content of carbon dioxide. It is argued that if the flux of gas through the reservoir is high enough to prevent the gas from being depleted for carbon dioxide prior to subsequent supply of new gas, then the combined carbon dioxide storage and natural gas production is still feasible. Otherwise the residual gas dominated by nitrogen will still dissociate the methane hydrate, if the released in situ CH4 from hydrate does not mix in with the gas but escapes through separate flow channels by buoyancy. The ratio of nitrogen to carbon dioxide in such mixtures is therefore a sensitive balance between flow rates and formation rates of new carbon dioxide dominated hydrate. Hydrate instability due to undersaturations of hydrate formers have not been discussed in this work but might add additional instability aspects.
Geochronology and structural setting of Latest Devonian – Early Carboniferous magmatic rocks, Cape Kiber, northeast Russia
Authors: Lane Larry S. , Cecile Michael P. , Gehrels George E. , Kos’ko Mikhail K. , Layer Paul W. , Parrish Randall R.
Published: January 2015

Cape Kiber on the Arctic coast of Chukotka, northeast Russia, consists of a granite intruding Devonian (and older?) strata in the core of a large southeast trending anticline. These strata are structurally overlain by Carboniferous and younger strata. A U–Pb age of 351.4 ± 5.6 (2σ) Ma shows that the granite is Early Carboniferous in age. A large granite cobble extracted from a Carboniferous conglomerate produced a Late Devonian or Early Carboniferous U–Pb age of ∼355–361 Ma. Also, a deformed and altered granitic dyke yielded an age of 363.7 ± 5.7 (2σ) Ma. Major and trace elements suggest a syn-collisional (orogenic) setting. The granite’s (biotite) Ar release spectrum is reset. The granitic dyke also shows a disturbed Ar–Ar whole-rock spectrum implying an Early Cretaceous age (∼122–130 Ma) for closure of the Ar system. We interpret this as due to widespread greenschist metamorphism accompanying regional deformation of the Anyuy–Chukotka Fold Belt that accompanied closure of the South Anyuy Ocean. Regionally, this event predates deposition of Aptian and Albian strata and the eruption of Okhotsk–Chukotsk magmatic rocks. An Ar–Ar (biotite) plateau age of 96.4 ± 1.0 (2σ) Ma from a mildly deformed, lamprophyre dyke reflects intrusion in a setting of regional extension. Its deformation reflects a younger tectonic event. The record of Devonian–Carboniferous magmatism and early Carboniferous unroofing is younger and less complex than that of Arctic Alaska. However, evidence for Early Devonian (Caledonian) or Late Devonian (Ellesmerian) deformation could have been masked by intense Mesozoic deformation. Outcrop data and geochronology support and refine regional interpretations of Early Cretaceous deformation and mineral growth accompanying accretion of Chukotka to north Asia, followed by regional extension and subsequent convergent deformation.
Genetic and maternal effects on juvenile survival and fitness-related traits in three populations of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Houde Aimee Lee S. , Black Craig A. , Wilson Chris C. , Pitcher Trevor E. , Neff Bryan D.
Published: January 2015

Although studies addressing natural selection have primarily focused on additive genetic effects because of their direct relationship with responses to selection, nonadditive genetic and maternal effects can also significantly influence phenotypes. We partitioned the phenotypic variance of survival and fitness-related traits in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from three allopatric populations (LaHave, Sebago, and Saint-Jean) into additive genetic, nonadditive genetic, and maternal environmental effects using a full-factorial breeding design. We also modelled the potential increase in offspring performance if nonrandom mating (e.g., mate choice) is considered instead of random mating. The three populations exhibited significant differences in trait values as well as the genetic architecture of the traits. Nevertheless, nonadditive genetic and maternal environmental effects tended to be larger than the additive genetic effects. There was also a shift from maternal environmental to genetic effects during development in two of the populations. That is, maternal environmental effects were larger at early (egg and alevin) life stages, whereas nonadditive effects were larger at the later (fry) life stage. The amount of additive genetic effects was small, suggesting the traits will respond slowly to selection. We discuss how different maternal environmental effects across years may influence the genetic architecture of offspring traits.
Generalized homogeneous Besov spaces associated with the Riemann–Liouville operator
Authors: Hamadi N. B.
Published: January 2015

We define and study generalized homogeneous Besov spaces connected with the Riemann–Liouville operator. We establish some results of density of subspaces, completeness and continuous embedding. Also, a discrete equivalent norm is examined.
A hybrid artificial bee colony algorithm for numerical function optimization
Authors: Alqattan Zakaria N. , Abdullah Rosni
Published: January 2015

Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is one of the swarm intelligence algorithms; it has been introduced by Karaboga in 2005. It is a meta-heuristic optimization search algorithm inspired from the intelligent foraging behavior of the honey bees in nature. Its unique search process made it as one of the most competitive algorithm with some other search algorithms in the area of optimization, such as Genetic algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). However, the ABC performance of the local search process and the bee movement or the solution improvement equation still has some weaknesses. The ABC is good in avoiding trapping at the local optimum but it spends its time searching around unpromising random selected solutions. Inspired by the PSO, we propose a Hybrid Particle-movement ABC algorithm called HPABC, which adapts the particle movement process to improve the exploration of the original ABC algorithm. Numerical benchmark functions were used in order to experimentally test the HPABC algorithm. The results illustrate that the HPABC algorithm can outperform the ABC algorithm in most of the experiments (75% better in accuracy and over 3 times faster).
Pair-instability supernovae of fast rotating stars
Authors: Chen Ke-Jung
Published: January 2015

We present 2D simulations of pair-instability supernovae considering rapid rotation during their explosion phases. Recent studies of the Population III (Pop III) star formation suggested that these stars could be born with a mass scale about 100 M⊙and with a strong rotation. Based on stellar evolution models, these massive Pop III stars might have died as highly energetic pair-instability supernovae. We perform 2D calculations to investigate the impact of rotation on pair-instability supernovae. Our results suggest that rotation leads to an aspherical explosion due to an anisotropic collapse. If the first stars have a 50% of keplerian rotational rate of the oxygen core before their pair-instability explosions, the overall56Ni production can be significantly reduced by about two orders of magnitude. An extreme case of 100% keplerian rotational rate shows an interesting feature of fluid instabilities along the equatorial plane caused by non-synchronized and non-isotropic ignitions of explosions, so that the shocks run into the in-falling gas and generate the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability.
Gravitons and a complex of differential operators
Authors: Krasnov Kirill
Published: January 2015

Gravity is now understood to become simple on-shell. We sketch how it becomes simple also off-shell, when reformulated appropriately. Thus, we describe a simple Lagrangian for gravitons that makes use of a certain complex of differential operators. The Lagrangian is constructed analogously to that of Maxwell's theory, but using a different complex. The complex, and therefore also our description of gravitons, makes sense on any half-conformally flat four-dimensional manifold.
The positive energy theorem for asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Wang Yaohua , Xie Naqing , Zhang Xiao
Published: January 2015

We establish the inequality for Henneaux–Teitelboim's total energy–momentum for asymptotically anti-de Sitter initial data sets which are asymptotic to arbitrary t-slice in anti-de Sitter spacetime. In particular, when t = 0, it generalizes Chruściel–Maerten–Tod's inequality in the center of AdS mass coordinates. We also show that the determinant of energy–momentum endomorphism Q is the geometric invariant of asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes.
Parabolic systems with measurable coefficients in weighted Orlicz spaces
Authors: Byun Sun-Sig , Ok Jihoon , Palagachev Dian K. , Softova Lubomira G.
Published: January 2015

We consider a parabolic system in divergence form with measurable coefficients in a cylindrical space–time domain with nonsmooth base. The associated nonhomogeneous term is assumed to belong to a suitable weighted Orlicz space. Under possibly optimal assumptions on the coefficients and minimal geometric requirements on the boundary of the underlying domain, we generalize the Calderón–Zygmund theorem for such systems by essentially proving that the spatial gradient of the weak solution gains the same weighted Orlicz integrability as the nonhomogeneous term.
BLM realization for the integral form of quantum 𝔤𝔩n
Authors: Fu Qiang
Published: January 2015

Let U(n) be the quantum enveloping algebra of 𝔤𝔩n over ℚ(v). We will use q-Schur algebras to realize the Lusztig integral form of U(n). Furthermore, we will use this result to realize quantum 𝔤𝔩n over k, where k is a field containing an lth primitive root ε of 1 with l ≥ 1 odd.
Analytical workflow profiling gene expression in murine macrophages
Authors: Nixon Scott E. , González-Peña Dianelys , Lawson Marcus A. , McCusker Robert H. , Hernandez Alvaro G. , O'Connor Jason C. , Dantzer Robert , Kelley Keith W. , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L.
Published: January 2015

Comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of all genes in a biological sample is a capability of RNA-Seq technology. Analysis of the entire transcriptome benefits from summarization of genes at the functional level. As a cellular response of interest not previously explored with RNA-Seq, peritoneal macrophages from mice under two conditions (control and immunologically challenged) were analyzed for gene expression differences. Quantification of individual transcripts modeled RNA-Seq read distribution and uncertainty (using a Beta Negative Binomial distribution), then tested for differential transcript expression (False Discovery Rate-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Enrichment of functional categories utilized the list of differentially expressed genes. A total of 2079 differentially expressed transcripts representing 1884 genes were detected. Enrichment of 92 categories from Gene Ontology Biological Processes and Molecular Functions, and KEGG pathways were grouped into 6 clusters. Clusters included defense and inflammatory response (Enrichment Score = 11.24) and ribosomal activity (Enrichment Score = 17.89). Our work provides a context to the fine detail of individual gene expression differences in murine peritoneal macrophages during immunological challenge with high throughput RNA-Seq.
4D Einstein equations in a general gauge Kaluza–Klein space
Authors: Bejancu Aurel , Călin Constantin
Published: January 2015

Using the new approach on higher-dimensional Kaluza–Klein theories developed by the first author, we obtain the 4D Einstein equations on a (4 + n)D relativistic gauge Kaluza–Klein space. Adapted frame and coframe fields, adapted tensor fields, and the Riemannian adapted connection, have a fundamental role in the study. The high level of generality of the study, enables us to recover several results from earlier papers on this matter.
On a projectively invariant pseudo-distance in Finsler geometry
Authors: Bidabad Behroz , Sepasi Maryam
Published: January 2015

Here, a nonlinear analysis method is applied rather than classical one to study projective changes of Finsler metrics. More intuitively, a projectively invariant pseudo-distance is introduced and characterized with respect to the Ricci tensor and its covariant derivatives.
Fabrication of Mn-FeOx/CNTs Catalysts for Low-Temperature NO Reduction with NH3
Authors: Zhang Yanbing , Xu Zhe , Wang Xie , Lu Xiulian , Zheng Yuying
Published: January 2015

Mn - FeO x/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) catalysts were firstly prepared via simple incipient wetness method and used for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH 3. The structure and surface properties of the catalysts were characterized by N 2 sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed reduction by hydrogen ( H 2-TPR). It was found that Mn - FeO x/CNTs catalyst exhibited excellent low-temperature SCR activity and SO 2 resistance. XRD patterns revealed that metal oxides catalysts were possessed of amorphous structure. FESEM and TEM images showed that metal oxides catalysts were successfully supported on CNTs. The XPS results indicated that the obtained catalyst presented high Mn 4+/ Mn 3+ and OS/(OS + OL) ratios. The H 2-TPR profiles showed that Mn - FeO x/CNTs catalyst possessed better low-temperature reducibility. Besides, the obtained catalyst exhibited better SO 2 resistance.
Rapid Movement of Water Droplets on the Hydrophobic Surface of ZnO Nanorod Array Impregnated by Lubricant
Authors: Wang Xue-Wei , Zhang Shen-Ao , Guo Cui , Yuan Zhi-Hao
Published: January 2015

In this paper, it is described that the motion of water droplets on the hydrophobic surface of ZnO nanorod array impregnated lubricant, is called slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS). The energy gradient required to induce the motion of the droplets is created on the boundary of superhydrophobic ZnO nanorod array and SLIPS. Because of the lower viscous force of SLIPS, the water droplet can rapidly move for longer distance on the surface. In view of changing the release distance of water droplet, the mechanism for the rapid movement is discussed. The results indicate that the movement distance of water droplet markedly increases with the increasing of the release distance. Because the potential energy of the height is converted into kinetic energy, the water droplet intensively collides the interface between ZnO nanorod array and SLIPS. This impact makes the water droplet distort, which enhances the driving force. These new findings will not only deepen our understanding of the relationship between surface structure and dynamic wetting properties, but also afford the new notion and beneficial reference for designing liquid droplet transportation devices in micro-fluidic systems.
Influence of Sm3+ doping on microstructure and electrical properties of ((Nd0.7Yb0.3)1-xSmx)2Zr2O7
Authors: Ouyang Jia-Hu , Zhu Cheng , Liu Zhan-Guo , Ren Zhe , Jing Lin
Published: January 2015

( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)2 Zr 2 O 7 and (( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)1-x Sm x)2 Zr 2 O 7 (0 < x ≤ 0.25) ceramics have been synthesized by pressureless sintering by tailoring the chemical compositions. Microstructure and electrical conductivity of (( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)1-x Sm x)2 Zr 2 O 7 were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and AC impedance spectroscopy. ( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramic exhibits a mixed crystal structure of defect fluorite and pyrochlore. After doping with Sm 3+ cations, the structure changes from a mixed type of ( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)2 Zr 2 O 7 to a single pyrochlore type of (( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)1-x Sm x)2 Zr 2 O 7, as the addition of Sm 3+ reduces the difference in ionic radius between Nd 3+ and Yb 3+. However, (( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)1-x Sm x)2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramics contain the localized short-range disorder despite the structural order overall in the pyrochlore. The measured total conductivities of (( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)1-x Sm x)2 Zr 2 O 7 obey the Arrhenius relation. Doping of Sm 3+ enhances the electrical conductivity of ( Nd 0.7 Yb 0.3)2 Zr 2 O 7 ceramic significantly, which is closely related to the variations in the concentration of oxygen vacancies at 48f sites, relatively low activation energy and high pre-exponential factor caused by the long-range order and short-range disorder.
Enhanced adhesion and conductivity ofCuelectrode on AlN substrate for thin film thermoelectric device
Authors: Hu Shaoxiong , Chen Xin , Deng Yuan , Wang Yao , Gao Hongli , Zhu Wei , Cao Lili , Luo Bingwei , Zhu Zhixiang , Ma Guang , Han Yu
Published: January 2015

The Cu thin film electrode grown on aluminum nitride ( AlN ) substrate is widely used in the thin film thermoelectric devices due to its high electrical conductivity. We have developed a new type of buffer layer by co-sputtering Ti and Cu forming Ti – Cu layer. The Ti – Cu layer was sputtered on the Ti buffered AlN substrate so that the adhesion and electrical conductivity properties of the Cu film electrode on AlN substrate could be improved. The interface between the thin films and the substrate were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanoscratch tests were conducted on a nanomechanical test system to investigate the adhesion between the Cu film electrodes and AlN substrate. Meanwhile, accelerated ageing test under thermal cycling was conducted to evaluate the reliability of the thin film electrode. The results show that the adhesion and the reliability of Cu film electrode on AlN substrate have been greatly improved by employing Ti – Cu/Ti buffer layers.
Reliable resistive switching and its tunability in La-doped PbTiO3\TiO2 composite bilayer
Authors: Wang Ying , Lin Shaopeng , Zhang Xiaoyue , Xiong Weiming , Wang Biao , Zheng Yue
Published: January 2015

Nanoscale La-doped PbTiO 3( PLT )\ TiO 2 (PLTT) composite structures have been fabricated. It shows that the structure presents reliable resistive switching (RS) behavior, and importantly, has great tunability on RS characteristics such as forming/set/reset voltages and resistance ratio by adjusting the PLT layer thickness. Particularly, the set voltage can be tuned at a large range from several volts to dozens of volts. Meanwhile, the set current keeps almost the same, indicating the RS is current dominating. The space-charge-limited current (SCLC) feature indicates that the localized traps are decisive for the RS. Our result sheds light on the prospects of composite structures for designing tunable RS devices.
Non-Debye relaxation and resonance phenomena in dielectric spectra of CaCu3Ti4O12 family functional ceramic materials
Authors: Turik A. V. , Bogatin A. S.
Published: January 2015

Experimental data on dielectric spectra of calcium copper titanate, CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 (CCTO) family functional ceramics have been studied and analyzed. It is shown that there are both non-Debye relaxation and resonance regions in their spectra. An occurrence of a retardation of complex permittivity and a relaxation of electric modulus is established. An average relaxation frequency of the electric modulus is considerably (in some cases several orders of magnitude) larger than the retardation frequency of the permittivity. A parallel connection of the capacity and complex conductivity is used to model and interpret experimental data on a negative permittivity in the infralow frequency range. Computer simulation enables us to reveal that the hopping conductivity, characteristic for disordered heterogeneous systems, is to be taken into account to describe adequately experimental data on passing the real part of the capacity (or permittivity) through zero. We have found a critical frequency at which the parallel resonance would take place.
Finite element multigrid method for multi-term time fractional advection diffusion equations
Authors: Bu Weiping , Liu Xiangtao , Tang Yifa , Yang Jiye
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a class of multi-term time fractional advection diffusion equations (MTFADEs) is considered. By finite difference method in temporal direction and finite element method in spatial direction, two fully discrete schemes of MTFADEs with different definitions on multi-term time fractional derivative are obtained. The stability and convergence of these numerical schemes are discussed. Next, a V-cycle multigrid method is proposed to solve the resulting linear systems. The convergence of the multigrid method is investigated. Finally, some numerical examples are given for verification of our theoretical analysis.
Numerical 3D-modeling of spall and shear fractures in shells of austenitic 12Kh18N10T steel and 30KhGSA steel under their spherical and quasi-spherical explosive loading
Authors: Kozlov Evgeny A. , Ol'khov Oleg V. , Shuvalova Ekaterina V.
Published: January 2015

To pursue VNIIEF–VNIITF joint investigations, this paper briefly describes the experimental setup and provides numerical 3D-computation results (LEGAK-3D technique) on special features in the convergence dynamics of steel shells under their quasi-spherical explosive loading in the system with the 40-mm outer radius of the explosive layer.

The computation results were compared with the data experimentally registered for shells of the 30KhGSA steel, both as-received and quenched to HRC 35…40, and the austenitic 12Kh18N10T stainless steel. The comparison was also made with laser-interferometry results obtained directly under explosive loading, as well as with gamma-tomography and scanning electron microscopy investigations of the recovered shells.
Inhibitory role of REV-ERBα in the expression of bone morphogenetic protein gene family in rat uterus endometrium stromal cells
Authors: Tasaki Hirotaka , Zhao Lijia , Isayama Keishiro , Chen Huatao , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi , Hashimoto Seiichi , Hattori Masa-aki
Published: January 2015

Uterus circadian rhythms have been implicated in the gestation processes of mammals through entraining of the clock proteins to numerous downstream genes. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), having clock-controlled regulatory sites in their gene promoters, are expressed in the uterus during decidualization, but the regulation of the Bmp gene expression is poorly understood. The present study was designed to dissect the physiological roles of the uterus oscillators in the Bmp expression using the uterus endometrial stromal cells (UESCs) isolated from Per2-dLuc transgenic rats on day 4.5 of gestation. The in vitro decidualization of UESCs was induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate and 2-O-dibutyryl cAMP. A significant decline of Per2-dLuc bioluminescence activity was induced in decidual cells, and concomitantly, the expression of canonical clock genes was downregulated. Conversely, the expression of the core Bmp genes Bmp2, Bmp4, Bmp6, and Bmp7 was upregulated. In UESCs transfected with Bmal1-specific siRNA, in which Rev-erbα expression was downregulated, Bmp genes, such as Bmp2, Bmp4, and Bmp6 were upregulated. However, Bmp1, Bmp7, and Bmp8a were not significantly affected by Bmal1 silencing. The expression of all Bmp genes was enhanced after treatment with the REV-ERBα antagonist (SR8278), although their rhythmic profiles were differed from each other. The binding of REV-ERBα to the proximal regions of the Bmp2 and Bmp4 promoters was revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR analysis. Collectively, these results indicate that the Bmp genes are upregulated by the attenuation of the cellular circadian clock; in particular, its core component REV-ERBα functions as a transcriptional silencer in the Bmp gene family.
P2X7 receptor inhibition protects against ischemic acute kidney injury in mice
Authors: Yan Yanli , Bai Jianwen , Zhou Xiaoxu , Tang Jinhua , Jiang Chunming , Tolbert Evelyn , Bayliss George , Gong Rujun , Zhao Ting C. , Zhuang Shougang
Published: January 2015

Activation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has been associated with the development of experimental nephritis and diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. However, its role in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of P2X7R inhibition in a murine model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI using A438079, a selective inhibitor of P2X7R. At 24 h after I/R, mice developed renal dysfunction and renal tubular damage, which was accompanied by elevated expression of P2X7R. Early administration of A438079 immediately or 6 h after the onset of reperfusion protected against renal dysfunction and attenuated kidney damage whereas delayed administration of A438079 at 24 h after restoration of perfusion had no protective effects. The protective actions of A438079 were associated with inhibition of renal tubule injury and cell death and suppression of renal expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and regulated upon expression normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Moreover, I/R injury led to an increase in phosphorylation (activation) of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 in the kidney; treatment with A438079 diminished this response. Collectively, these results indicate that early P2X7R inhibition is effective against renal tubule injury and proinflammatory response after I/R injury and suggest that targeting P2X7R may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of AKI.
Functional analysis of matriptase-2 mutations and domains: insights into the molecular basis of iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: McDonald Cameron J. , Ostini Lesa , Bennett Nigel , Subramaniam Nanthakumar , Hooper John , Velasco Gloria , Wallace Daniel F. , Subramaniam V. Nathan
Published: January 2015

Mutations in the TMPRSS6 gene are associated with severe iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia resulting from an overexpression of hepcidin, the key regulator of iron homeostasis. The matriptase (MT)-2 protein (encoded by the TMPRSS6 gene) regulates hepcidin expression by cleaving hemojuvelin [HJV/hemochromatosis type 2 (HFE2)], a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) coreceptor in the hepcidin regulatory pathway. We investigated the functional consequences of five clinically associated TMPRSS6 variants and the role of MT-2 protein domains by generating epitope-tagged mutant and domain-swapped MT-2-MT-1 (encoded by the ST14 gene) chimeric constructs and expressing them in HepG2/C3A cells. We developed a novel cell culture immunofluorescence assay to assess the effect of MT-2 on cell surface HJV expression levels, compatible with HJV cleavage. The TMPRSS6 variants Y141C, I212T, G442R, and C510S were retained intracellularly and were unable to inhibit BMP6 induction of hepcidin. The R271Q variant, although it has been associated with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia, appears to remain functional. Analysis of the chimeric constructs showed that replacement of sperm protein, enterokinase, and agrin (SEA), low-density-lipoprotein receptor class A (LDLRA), and protease (PROT) domains from MT-2 with those from MT-1 resulted in limited cell surface localization, while the complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB) domain chimera retained localization at the cell surface. The SEA domain chimera was able to reduce cell surface HJV expression, while the CUB, LDLRA, and PROT domain chimeras were not. These studies suggest that the SEA and LDLRA domains of MT-2 are important for trafficking to the cell surface and that the CUB, LDLRA, and PROT domains are required for cleavage of HJV.
The beneficial effects of exercise on cartilage are lost in mice with reduced levels of ECSOD in tissues
Authors: Pate Kathryn M. , Sherk Vanessa D. , Carpenter R. Dana , Weaver Michael , Crapo Silvia , Gally Fabienne , Chatham Lillian S. , Goldstrohm David A. , Crapo James D. , Kohrt Wendy M. , Bowler Russell P. , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca E. , Regan Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with increased mechanical damage to joint cartilage. We have previously found that extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) is decreased in OA joint fluid and cartilage, suggesting oxidant damage may play a role in OA. We explored the effect of forced running as a surrogate for mechanical damage in a transgenic mouse with reduced ECSOD tissue binding. Transgenic mice heterozygous (Het) for the human ECSOD R213G polymorphism and 129-SvEv (wild-type, WT) mice were exposed to forced running on a treadmill for 45 min/day, 5 days/wk, over 8 wk. At the end of the running protocol, knee joint tissue was obtained for histology, immunohistochemistry, and protein analysis. Sedentary Het and WT mice were maintained for comparison. Whole tibias were studied for bone morphometry, finite element analysis, and mechanical testing. Forced running improved joint histology in WT mice. However, when ECSOD levels were reduced, this beneficial effect with running was lost. Het ECSOD runner mice had significantly worse histology scores compared with WT runner mice. Runner mice for both strains had increased bone strength in response to the running protocol, while Het mice showed evidence of a less robust bone structure in both runners and untrained mice. Reduced levels of ECSOD in cartilage produced joint damage when joints were stressed by forced running. The bone tissues responded to increased loading with hypertrophy, regardless of mouse strain. We conclude that ECSOD plays an important role in protecting cartilage from damage caused by mechanical loading.
Spaceflight on the Bion-M1 biosatellite alters cerebral artery vasomotor and mechanical properties in mice
Authors: Sofronova Svetlana I. , Tarasova Olga S. , Gaynullina Dina , Borzykh Anna A. , Behnke Bradley J. , Stabley John N. , McCullough Danielle J. , Maraj Joshua J. , Hanna Mina , Muller-Delp Judy M. , Vinogradova Olga L. , Delp Michael D.
Published: January 2015

Conditions during spaceflight, such as the loss of the head-to-foot gravity vector, are thought to potentially alter cerebral blood flow and vascular resistance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of long-term spaceflight on the functional, mechanical, and structural properties of cerebral arteries. Male C57BL/6N mice were flown 30 days in a Bion-M1 biosatellite. Basilar arteries isolated from spaceflight (SF) ( n = 6), habitat control (HC) ( n = 6), and vivarium control (VC) ( n = 16) mice were used for in vitro functional and mechanical testing and histological structural analysis. The results demonstrate that vasoconstriction elicited through a voltage-gated Ca2+ mechanism (30–80 mM KCl) and thromboxane A2 receptors (10−8 − 3 × 10−5 M U46619) are lower in cerebral arteries from SF mice. Inhibition of Rho-kinase activity (1 μM Y27632) abolished group differences in U46619-evoked contractions. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation elicited by acetylcholine (10 μM, 2 μM U46619 preconstriction) was virtually absent in cerebral arteries from SF mice. The pressure-diameter relation was lower in arteries from SF mice relative to that in HC mice, which was not related to differences in the extracellular matrix protein elastin or collagen content or the elastin/collagen ratio in the basilar arteries. Diameter, medial wall thickness, and medial cross-sectional area of unpressurized basilar arteries were not different among groups. These results suggest that the microgravity-induced attenuation of both vasoconstrictor and vasodilator properties may limit the range of vascular control of cerebral perfusion or impair the distribution of brain blood flow during periods of stress.
Comparative diffusion tractography of corticostriatal motor pathways reveals differences between humans and macaques
Authors: Neggers S. F. W. , Zandbelt B. B. , Schall M. S. , Schall J. D.
Published: January 2015

The primate corticobasal ganglia circuits are understood to be segregated into parallel anatomically and functionally distinct loops. Anatomical and physiological studies in macaque monkeys are summarized as showing that an oculomotor loop begins with projections from the frontal eye fields (FEF) to the caudate nucleus, and a motor loop begins with projections from the primary motor cortex (M1) to the putamen. However, recent functional and structural neuroimaging studies of the human corticostriatal system report evidence inconsistent with this organization. To obtain conclusive evidence, we directly compared the pattern of connectivity between cortical motor areas and the striatum in humans and macaques in vivo using probabilistic diffusion tractography. In macaques we found that FEF is connected with the head of the caudate and anterior putamen, and M1 is connected with more posterior sections of the caudate and putamen, corroborating neuroanatomical tract tracing findings. However, in humans FEF and M1 are connected to largely overlapping portions of posterior putamen and only a small portion of the caudate. These results demonstrate that the corticobasal connectivity for the oculomotor and primary motor loop is not entirely segregated for primates at a macroscopic level and that the description of the anatomical connectivity of corticostriatal motor systems in humans does not parallel that of macaques, perhaps because of an expansion of prefrontal projections to striatum in humans.