bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Failure Compensation for Uncertain Systems with Unknown Utility Decrement of Actuators
Authors: Cai Jianping , Zhang Meng , Xing Lantao , Shen Lujuan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUtility decrement caused by actuator aging and unknown failures of actuators is inevitable in practice. However, there is still no result available to compensate for instantaneous failures of actuators with unknown utility decrement. This paper aims at addressing this problem by considering a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems. The controller obtained by our proposed control scheme can be divided into two parts. The first one aims to handle the effects of unknown utility decrement, while the second one makes efforts to compensate for the uncertainties caused by unknown failures. Compared with the existing results, the proposed controller is able to compensate not only the uncertainties caused by unknown instantaneous failures but also the time‐varying utility decrement effect of actuators. Moreover, it does not require the prior knowledge about the sign of the constant control gain. In addition, the pre‐estimation functions of time‐varying gain based on the priori knowledge of utility decrements are fully used to improve the performance of the closed‐loop systems. It is shown that the proposed controller can guarantee the boundedness of all closed‐loop signals.
Generation of Oligodendrogenic Spinal Neural Progenitor Cells From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Khazaei Mohamad , Ahuja Christopher S. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis unit describes protocols for the efficient generation of oligodendrogenic neural progenitor cells (o‐NPCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Specifically, detailed methods are provided for the maintenance and differentiation of hiPSCs, human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural progenitor cells (hiPS‐NPCs), and human induced pluripotent stem cell‐oligodendrogenic neural progenitor cells (hiPSC‐o‐NPCs) with the final products being suitable for in vitro experimentation or in vivo transplantation. Throughout, cell exposure to growth factors and patterning morphogens has been optimized for both concentration and timing, based on the literature and empirical experience, resulting in a robust and highly efficient protocol. Using this derivation procedure, it is possible to obtain millions of oligodendrogenic‐NPCs within 40 days of initial cell plating which is substantially shorter than other protocols for similar cell types. This protocol has also been optimized to use translationally relevant human iPSCs as the parent cell line. The resultant cells have been extensively characterized both in vitro and in vivo and express key markers of an oligodendrogenic lineage. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Direct Cell Labeling to Image Transplanted Stem Cells in Real Time Using a Dual‐Contrast MRI Technique
Authors: Ngen Ethel J. , Kato Yoshinori , Artemov Dmitri 
Published: August 2017

AbstractExogenous direct cell labeling with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is currently the most employed cell‐labeling technique for tracking transplanted cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although SPION‐based cell labeling is effective for monitoring cell delivery and migration, monitoring cell survival is still a challenge. This unit describes an MRI technique that permits detection of the delivery, migration, and death of transplanted cells. This dual‐contrast technique involves labeling cells with two different classes of MRI contrast agents, possessing different diffusion coefficients: SPIONs (T2/T2
* contrast agents, with lower diffusion coefficients) and gadolinium chelates (T1 contrast agents, with higher diffusion coefficients). In live cells, where both agents are in close proximity, the T2/T2
* contrast predominates and the T1 contrast is quenched. In dead cells, where the cell membrane is breached, gadolinium chelates diffuse from the SPIONs and generate a signature T1 contrast enhancement in the vicinity of dead cells. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of Hepatocyte‐like Cell Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem cell as a Host for Clinically Isolated Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Sa‐ngiamsuntorn Khanit , Hongeng Suradej , Wongkajornsilp Adisak 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis unit describes protocols to develop hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) starting from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a natural host for hepatitis C virus (HCV). These include the preparation of MSCs from bone marrow, the reprogramming of MSCs into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and the differentiation of iPSCs into HLCs. This unit also incorporates the characterization of the resulting cells at each stage. Another section entails the preparations of HCV. The sources of HCV are either the clinically isolated HCV (HCVser) and the conventional JFH‐1 genotype. The last section is the infection protocol coupled with the measurement of viral titer. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthetic Manipulation of Hybrid Perovskite Systems in Search of New and Enhanced Functionalities
Authors: Naphade Rounak , Nagane Satyawan , Bansode Umesh , Tathavadekar Mukta , Sadhanala Aditya , Ogale Satishchandra 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOver the past few years the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite systems have emerged as a promising class of materials for photovoltaic and electroluminescent thin‐film device applications, in view of their unique set of tunable optoelectronic properties. Importantly, these materials can be easily solution‐processed at low temperatures and as such are amenable to facile molecular engineering. Thus, a variety of low‐dimensional forms and quantum structures of these materials can be obtained through strategic synthetic manipulations through small molecule incorporation or molecular ion doping. In this Minireview, we specifically focus on these approaches and outline the possibilities of utilizing these for enhanced functionalities and newer application domains.
Time‐lapse camera trapping as an alternative to pitfall trapping for estimating activity of leaf litter arthropods
Authors: Collett Rachael A. , Fisher Diana O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPitfall trapping is the standard technique to estimate activity and relative abundance of leaf litter arthropods. Pitfall trapping is not ideal for long‐term sampling because it is lethal, labor‐intensive, and may have taxonomic sampling biases. We test an alternative sampling method that can be left in place for several months at a time: verticallyplaced time‐lapse camera traps that have a short focal distance, enabling identification of small arthropods. We tested the effectiveness of these time‐lapse cameras, and quantified escape and avoidance behavior of arthropod orders encountering pitfall traps by placing cameras programed with a range of sampling intervals above pitfalls, to assess numerical, taxonomic, and body size differences in samples collected by the two methods. Cameras programed with 1‐ or 15‐min intervals recorded around twice as many arthropod taxa per day and a third more individuals per day than pitfall traps. Hymenoptera (ants), Embioptera (webspinners), and Blattodea (cockroaches) frequently escaped from pitfalls so were particularly under‐sampled by them. The time‐lapse camera method effectively samples litter arthropods to collect long‐term data. It is standardized, non‐lethal, and does not alter the substrate or require frequent visits.
Clonal structure through space and time: High stability in the holothurianStichopus chloronotus(Echinodermata)
Authors: Pirog Agathe , Gélin Pauline , Bédier Alexandre , Bianchetti Grégoire , Georget Stéphane , Frouin Patrick , Magalon Hélène 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSea cucumbers are increasingly exploited for human consumption and for their curative properties, and many wild populations are now depleted or in danger of extinction. While aquaculture is seen as an alternative to fisheries and as a mean to restore wild populations, more knowledge is needed on their reproductive strategies to render this practice efficient, notably for fissiparous holothurians, which are some of the mobile animals able of asexual reproduction by transverse fission. Little information is available on their population genetic diversity and structure. Here, the clonal structure of populations of the fissiparous sea cucumberStichopus chloronotushas been investigated using nine microsatellite loci and a random sampling, at different spatial (intra‐reef and inter‐reef) and temporal (inter‐season and inter‐year) scales. Our findings highlight the importance of asexual reproduction in maintaining these populations, and the prevalence of the “initial seedling recruitment” strategy (ISR), leading to a high stability of clonal composition over seasons and years. It also seemed that clonal propagation was limited to the reef scale (<10 km) while reefs were connected by sexual dispersal. This is the first time that clonal structure in sea cucumbers has been studied at such a fine scale, with a specific sampling strategy. It provides key findings on the genetic diversity and structure of fissiparous sea cucumbers, which will be useful for the management of wild populations and aquaculture.
Conditioned pain modulation is affected by occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus intensity, but not duration
Authors: Smith A. , Pedler A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundVarious conditioned pain modulation (CPM) methodologies have been used to investigate diffuse noxious inhibitory control pain mechanisms in healthy and clinical populations. Occlusion cuff parameters have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate whether occlusion cuff intensity and/or duration influenced CPM magnitudes. We also investigated the role of physical activity levels on CPM magnitude.MethodsTwo studies were performed to investigate the role of intensity and duration of occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus on test stimulus (tibialis anterior pressure pain thresholds). In Study 1, conditioning stimulus intensity of 2/10 or 5/10 (duration <20 s) was evaluated using a paired‐samples t‐test. In Study 2, duration of 2/10 conditioning stimulus was 3 min. One‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of time (0, 1, 2 and 3 min) on CPM magnitude.ResultsIn Study 1, 27 healthy volunteers (mean ± SD: 24.9 years (±4.5); eight female) demonstrated that an occlusion cuff applied to the upper arm eliciting 5/10 local pain resulted in a significant (mean ± SD: 17% ± 46%) increase in CPM magnitude, when compared to 2/10 intensity (−3% ± 38%, p = 0.026), whereas in Study 2, 25 healthy volunteers (22.5 years (±2.7); 13 female) demonstrated that 3 min of 2/10 CS intensity did not result in a significant change in CPM (p = 0.21). There was no significant relationship between physical activity levels and CPM in either study (p > 0.22).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that an occlusion cuff of 5/10 conditioning stimulus intensity, when compared to 2/10, significantly increased CPM magnitude. Maintaining 2/10 conditioning stimulus for 3 min did not increase CPM magnitude.SignificanceDysfunctional conditioned pain modulation (CPM) has been associated with poor health outcomes. Various factors can influence CPM outcomes. The role of occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus intensity and duration has not been previously investigated. Intensity (5/10), but not duration of lower intensity (2/10) conditioning stimulus, affects CPM magnitude.
IMPACT OF JOINT ATTENTION ON SOCIAL‐COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN INTERNATIONALLY ADOPTED CHILDREN
Authors: Moberg Stephanie A. , Ng Rowena , Johnson Dana E. , Kroupina Maria G. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTInternationally adopted (IA) children have often experienced early adversity and are at risk for long‐term deficiencies in multiple developmental domains. This study examined the association between IA children's joint attention (JA) soon after arrival and later cognitive, communicative, and socioemotional competency 6 months’ postadoption. We expected a child's initial JA would positively predict later cognitive, communication, and social ability. IA children (n = 63) adopted from Eastern Europe were seen soon after their arrival into the United States to assess their JA. Their socioemotional competency, social communication, and cognitive abilities were measured at a follow‐up session 6 months’ postadoption. We found that higher order JA was positively associated with measures of social relatedness. Furthermore, individual hierarchical regressions of each measure of JA (higher order JA, initiating JA, responding to JA, and initiating behavior requests [BR]) considered with age‐at‐adoption showed that each measure was an independent and positive predictor of Mullen outcomes in the receptive and expressive language domains. These results suggest that JA may be a sensitive predictor of subsequent functioning in the social, communicative, and cognitive domains. Thus, assessing JA soon after arrival has the potential to identify at‐risk IA children, and interventions targeting JA may support those children in overcoming the negative impacts of early adversity.
Outcomes of post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy at a Regional Cancer Centre
Authors: Nicholls Luke , Winter Amber , Harwood Ashley , Plank Ashley , Bagga Preeti , Wong Winnie , Khoo Eric 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionTo investigate the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer at Radiation Oncology Centres, Toowoomba.MethodsThe electronic medical records of 130 consecutive patients with histologically proven prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent post‐prostatectomy RT between January 2008 and December 2014 were analysed. Primary endpoint was Biochemical Recurrence (BCR) after RT. BCR was defined by PSA > 0.2 ng/mL and BCR endpoints were analysed using Kaplan–Meier methods. The impact of RT technique and the rates of acute and late toxicities are also reported. Toxicities were graded according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.ResultsMedian follow‐up time after RT (regardless of technique) was 28 months. BCR occurred in 32 of the 126 patients (25%) whose prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels have been monitored post‐RT. At 24 and 36 months, 85% and 75% of patients were BCR‐free, respectively. Patients with a pre‐RT PSA above 0.2 ng/mL had a higher probability of recurrence than patients with values below 0.2 ng/mL (P = 0.03). RT technique, pelvic nodal irradiation, androgen deprivation therapy, T staging or surgical margin did not significantly impact BCR results.No patient experienced acute toxicities greater than grade 2. Grade 1 or 2 late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity occurred in 11% and 1 patient experienced a grade 3 event. 12% of patients developed grade 1 or 2 late genitourinary (GU) toxicity, with evidence of grade 3 severity in only 1 patient. Evidence of a trend in reduction in late GI toxicity with the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was apparent but not with late GU toxicity.ConclusionAt our regional centre, early RT (PSA < 0.2 ng/mL) was associated with significant improvement in BCR‐free survival. Rates of toxicity mirror those of landmark trials which suggest no detriment for our regional prostate cancer patients. The use of IMRT/VMAT techniques was associated with a trend towards reduced rates of GI toxicity.
Coefficient of Variance as Quality Criterion for Evaluation of Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Using 2D Shear‐Wave Elastography
Authors: Lim Sanghyeok , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Yongsoo , Cho Young Seo , Kim Tae Yeob , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Sohn Joo Hyun 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo compare the diagnostic performance for advanced hepatic fibrosis measured by 2D shear‐wave elastography (SWE), using either the coefficient of variance (CV) or the interquartile range divided by the median value (IQR/M) as quality criteria.MethodsIn this retrospective study, from January 2011 to December 2013, 96 patients, who underwent both liver stiffness measurement by 2D SWE and liver biopsy for hepatic fibrosis grading, were enrolled. The diagnostic performances of the CV and the IQR/M were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves with areas under the curves (AUCs) and were compared by Fisher's Z test, based on matching the cutoff points in an interactive dot diagram. All P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsWhen using the cutoff value IQR/M of 0.21, the matched cutoff point of CV was 20%. When a cutoff value of CV of 20% was used, the diagnostic performance for advanced hepatic fibrosis ( ≥ F3 grade) with CV of less than 20% was better than that in the group with CV greater than or equal to 20% (AUC 0.967 versus 0.786, z statistic = 2.23, P = .025), whereas when the matched cutoff value IQR/M of 0.21 showed no difference (AUC 0.918 versus 0.927, z statistic = −0.178, P = .859).ConclusionsThe validity of liver stiffness measurements made by 2D SWE for assessing advanced hepatic fibrosis may be judged using CVs, and when the CV is less than 20% it can be considered “more reliable” than using IQR/M of less than 0.21.
Characterization of Hydrogels Made of a Novel Spider Silk Protein eMaSp1s and Evaluation for 3D Printing
Authors: Thamm Christopher , DeSimone Elise , Scheibel Thomas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRecombinantly produced spider silk proteins have high potential for bioengineering and various biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Here, the recently described small spider silk protein eMaSp1s is assembled into hydrogels, which can be 3D printed into scaffolds. Further, blending with a recombinantly produced MaSp2 derivative eADF4(C16) alters the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels. Different spider silk hydrogels also show a distinct recovery after a high shear stress deformation, exhibiting the tunability of their features for selected applications.
Azobenzene‐Incorporated Single‐ and Double‐Stranded Polynorbornenes: Facile Synthesis and Diverse Photoresponsive Property
Authors: Ding Liang , Li Tianjing , Li Juan , Song Wei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDouble‐stranded polymeric ladderphane using azobenzene as linkers and the single‐stranded polynorbornene with azobenzene pendants are synthesized by the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization using Grubbs ruthenium‐based catalyst. Hydrolysis of these as‐prepared polynorbornenes gives the corresponding isotactic single‐stranded polynorbornene having similar polydispersity and degree of polymerization as those of the original polymers. The photosensitive property of double‐stranded ladderphane indicates significant interactions between adjacent chromophores. These single‐ and double‐stranded polynorbornenes incorporating azobenzene chromophores exhibit distinct photoresponsive performance in the dilute solutions. The rate of photoisomerization for double‐stranded ladderphane is found to be from 6 to 9 times slower than that obtained for single‐stranded polymer. This is ascribed to the differences in structure of polymers and the interaction between azobenzene chromophores in the polymers.
A symmetric fully optimized second‐order method for nonlinear homogenization
Authors: Furer Joshua , Ponte Castañeda Pedro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe consider an alternate formulation of the recently developed ‘fully optimized second‐order’ (FOSO) nonlinear homogenization method, which is based on a stationary variational principle for the macroscopic energy function. In this method, the trial fields are the properties of a suitably designed linear comparison composite (LCC), thus allowing for the estimation of the effective response and field statistics of the nonlinear composite in terms of available estimates for the corresponding quantities in the LCC. The formulation considered in this paper makes use of an alternative choice for the linear comparison composite, leading to homogenization estimates that are more symmetric with respect to Legendre duality than earlier FOSO estimates. The new ‘symmetric’ FOSO method is applied to a class of two‐phase power‐law composites with fibrous microstructures subjected to plane strain loading. The resulting estimates for the effective response and field statistics are found to improve on earlier estimates, and to be in good agreement with full‐field numerical simulations for nonlinear composite cylinder assemblages, as well as with available results for sequentially layered composites.
Radical Nephrectomy for Primary Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Near the Kidney has a Beneficial Effect on Disease‐Free Survival
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Cho Chan Woo , Lee Kyo Won , Park Hyojun , Park Jae Berm , Choi Yoon‐La , Kim Sung Joo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical impact of radical nephrectomy on retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney.MethodsData of patients who underwent surgery for unilateral primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into four groups according to whether they underwent nephrectomy and combined resection of other organs. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate disease‐free survival and overall survival. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to analyze factors related to disease‐free survival and overall survival.ResultsNephrectomy (HR = 0.260, CI = 0.078–0.873, p = 0.029) had a beneficial effect on disease‐free survival, while interaction model of nephrectomy*other organ resection (HR = 4.655, CI = 1.767–12.263, p = 0.002) showed poor disease‐free survival. Other organ resection was not related to disease‐free survival (HR = 1.543, CI = 0.146–16.251, p = 0.718). Operation method (p = 0.007) and FNCLCC grade (p < 0.001; G2, HR = 1.833, CI = 0.684–4.915, p = 0.228; G3, HR = 9.190, CI = 3.351–25.199, p < 0.001) were significant factors for disease‐free survival. While combined organ resection without nephrectomy group (HR = 1.604, CI = 0.167–15.370, p = 0.682) and radical nephrectomy with combined organ resection group (HR = 1.309, CI = 0.448–3.825, p = 0.622) did not show significant difference in disease‐free survival from the mass excision only group, radical nephrectomy without combined organ resection group (HR = 0.279, CI = 0.078–0.991, p = 0.048) showed superior disease‐free survival.ConclusionsRadical nephrectomy of unilateral primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney has a beneficial effect on disease‐free survival.