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The discharge characteristics of coupled capacitively argon plasmas with change of pressure are studied. The mean electron temperature and electron density are calculated via Ar spectral lines at different pressures (10–80 mTorr) and at four frequencies (13.56, 40.68, 94.92, and 100 MHz). From 10–30 mTorr, the mean electron temperature and the electron density both decrease with the increase of pressure at certain frequency. From 30–80 mTorr, the mean electron temperature similarly first increase then decrease with pressure at 94.92 and 100 MHz, and decrease at 40.68 MHz and increase at 13.56 MHz with pressure. The largest mean electron temperature is found at 40.68 MHz. From 40–80 mTorr, the electron density both increase at 94.92 and 100 MHz. The electron density change little at 40.68 and 13.56 MHz with pressure increase. Particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisions (PIC/MCC) method developed within the Vsim 8.0 simulation package is used to simulate the electron density, the potential distribution and the electron energy probability function (EEPF) under the experimental condition. Sheath width decrease with the pressure increase. The EEPF of 40.68 MHz is bi-Maxwellian and 100 MHz are nearly Maxwellian with a large population of low-energy electrons with the increase of pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a primary cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), is a pancreatic β-cell dysfunction that leads to insulin deficiency and resistance, resulting in microvascular complications. Argonaute 2 (Ago2), a catalytic engine in mammalian RNA interference, is involved in neurovascular regeneration under inflammatory conditions. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to determine whether an exogenous injection of Ago2 proteins can improve erectile function in STZ-induced type-1 diabetic mice and explore the specific mechanisms of Ago2 in the process. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used for in vivo study. The detailed mechanisms were evaluated in age-matched control or STZ-induced type-1 diabetic mice. Mouse cavernous endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used for in vitro study. The function of Ago2 in high-glucose condition was evaluated by tube formation assay, migration assay, immunofluorescence stain and western blot experiments. Results: We report that Ago2 administration can effectively improve penile erection by enhancing cavernous endothelial cell angiogenesis and survival under diabetic conditions. We found that although Ago2 is highly expressed around blood vessels and nerves, it is significantly reduced in the penis tissue of diabetic mice. Exogenous administration of the Ago2 protein restored erectile function in diabetic mice by reducing reactive oxygen species production-signaling pathways (inducing eNOS Ser1177/NF-κB Ser536 signaling) and improving cavernous endothelial angiogenesis, migration, and cell survival. Our study provides new evidence that Ago2 mediation may be a promising therapeutic strategy and a new approach for diabetic ED treatment. Conclusions: Our study provides new insights into Ago2 function and may represent a new therapeutic approach for ED and other vascular and neurological diseases. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a primary cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), is a pancreatic β-cell dysfunction that leads to insulin deficiency and resistance, resulting in microvascular complications. Argonaute 2 (Ago2), a catalytic engine in mammalian RNA interference, is involved in neurovascular regeneration under inflammatory conditions. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to determine whether an exogenous injection of Ago2 proteins can improve erectile function in STZ-induced type-1 diabetic mice and explore the specific mechanisms of Ago2 in the process. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used for in vivo study. The detailed mechanisms were evaluated in age-matched control or STZ-induced type-1 diabetic mice. Mouse cavernous endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used for in vitro study. The function of Ago2 in high-glucose condition was evaluated by tube formation assay, migration assay, immunofluorescence stain and western blot experiments. Results: We report that Ago2 administration can effectively improve penile erection by enhancing cavernous endothelial cell angiogenesis and survival under diabetic conditions. We found that although Ago2 is highly expressed around blood vessels and nerves, it is significantly reduced in the penis tissue of diabetic mice. Exogenous administration of the Ago2 protein restored erectile function in diabetic mice by reducing reactive oxygen species production-signaling pathways (inducing eNOS Ser1177/NF-κB Ser536 signaling) and improving cavernous endothelial angiogenesis, migration, and cell survival. Our study provides new evidence that Ago2 mediation may be a promising therapeutic strategy and a new approach for diabetic ED treatment. Conclusions: Our study provides new insights into Ago2 function and may represent a new therapeutic approach for ED and other vascular and neurological diseases. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As a peripheral nerve injury disease, cavernous nerve injury (CNI) caused by prostate cancer surgery and other pelvic surgery causes organic damage to cavernous blood vessels and nerves, thereby significantly attenuating the response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Objective: Here, we investigated the role of heme-binding protein 1 (Hebp1) in erectile function using a mouse model of bilateral CNI, which is known to promote angiogenesis and improve erection in diabetic mice. Methods: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Hebp1 in restoring erectile function in CNI-induced ED mice, we injected recombinant mouse Hebp1 protein into the penis of CNI-induced ED mice. Detailed mechanisms were assessed using Signaling Explorer Antibody Arrays on penile tissue from CNI-induced ED mice; MPG tissue and Schwann cells were cultured in the presence of 2.5 μg/ml LPS. Results: We found a potent neurovascular regenerative effect of Hebp1 in CNI mice, demonstrating that exogenously delivered Hebp1 improved erectile function by promoting the survival of cavernous endothelial-mural cells and neurons. We further found that endogenous Hebp1 delivered by mouse cavernous pericyte (MCP)-derived extracellular vesicles promoted neurovascular regeneration in CNI mice. Moreover, Hebp1 achieved these effects by reducing vascular permeability through regulation of claudin family proteins. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into Hebp1 as a neurovascular regeneration factor and demonstrate its potential therapeutic application to various peripheral nerve injuries. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As a peripheral nerve injury disease, cavernous nerve injury (CNI) caused by prostate cancer surgery and other pelvic surgery causes organic damage to cavernous blood vessels and nerves, thereby significantly attenuating the response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Objective: Here, we investigated the role of heme-binding protein 1 (Hebp1) in erectile function using a mouse model of bilateral CNI, which is known to promote angiogenesis and improve erection in diabetic mice. Methods: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Hebp1 in restoring erectile function in CNI-induced ED mice, we injected recombinant mouse Hebp1 protein into the penis of CNI-induced ED mice. Detailed mechanisms were assessed using Signaling Explorer Antibody Arrays on penile tissue from CNI-induced ED mice; MPG tissue and Schwann cells were cultured in the presence of 2.5 μg/ml LPS. Results: We found a potent neurovascular regenerative effect of Hebp1 in CNI mice, demonstrating that exogenously delivered Hebp1 improved erectile function by promoting the survival of cavernous endothelial-mural cells and neurons. We further found that endogenous Hebp1 delivered by mouse cavernous pericyte (MCP)-derived extracellular vesicles promoted neurovascular regeneration in CNI mice. Moreover, Hebp1 achieved these effects by reducing vascular permeability through regulation of claudin family proteins. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into Hebp1 as a neurovascular regeneration factor and demonstrate its potential therapeutic application to various peripheral nerve injuries. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a flat plate located between two symmetrical cylinders. Flow visualization experiments were conducted based on the open-loop fluid test bench to verify the accuracy of numerical simulation. The effects of nondimensional vertical gap space (C/D) between the cylinder and the plate ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 were considered. Simulations were carried out at a fixed Reynolds number of 500. The numerical results show that the gap space is a key parameter of the flow and heat transfer characteristics. In cases of small gap space, a pair of large-scale vortices and different shapes of vortices are formed along with the plate. The heat transfer effect is improved in the upstream and downstream areas of the plate but deteriorated in the middle area. In cases of large gap space, large-scale vortices disappear and a single vortex is formed near the middle area of the plate, which improves the heat transfer effect there. For special cases of C/D = 0.3 and 0.6, the heat transfer enhancement caused by flow instability is discussed in detail. These results could provide theoretical guidance for the design of heat exchanger equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of surface roughness on the calculation of optical constants, e.g., the complex refractive index n+ik or (n,k) of CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGSe) thin films, we took CuInSe2 (CISe) and CuGaSe2 (CGSe) as examples and applied the 'Modified Transfer-Matrix (MTM)' method to calculate optical constants with considering the effect of scattering due to surface roughness. Compared to the Transfer-Matrix (TM) method without considering surface roughness, it was revealed that the MTM method could improve the accuracy of calculation. The calculated refractive index values from the MTM method increase by 6.89% for CISe and 2.59% for CGSe in contrast to those from the TM method. In addition, bromine solution was confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy to be able to reduce the surface roughness. Calculated results from smoothened samples showed that the accuracy of calculated optical constants was further improved. Finally, optical constants calculated by the MTM method were compared to those from smoothened samples, validating that the MTM method could eliminate the influence of surface roughness on the calculation of optical constants more effectively for CGSe with low surface roughness than for CISe with high surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Despite its high contagiousness, high recurrence rate and potential for malignant transformation, effective treatments for condyloma acuminatum (CA) have not yet been developed. Accordingly, it is necessary to clarify the mechanisms underlying CA development. Aim: To investigate the expression and significance of the proteins Wnt‐1 and TSLC1 in patients with CA and in normal foreskin controls. Methods: Wnt‐1 and TSLC1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 45 patients with CA. Results: Positive expression rates of Wnt‐1 and TSLC1 were 82.22% (37/45) and 37.78% (17/45), respectively, in CA tissues, and 29.17% (7/24) and 91.67% (22/24), respectively, in normal foreskin controls. Wnt‐1 expression intensity in CA was markedly higher (positive to strongly positive) than that in normal controls (negative to weakly positive), whereas TSLC1 expression intensity ranged from weakly positive to positive in CA, and nearly strongly positive in the normal control group. The differences in the positive expression rate and expression intensity of Wnt‐1 and TSLC1 between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, Wnt‐1 and TSLC1 were negatively correlated. (r = −0.336, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Overexpression of Wnt‐1 and low expression of TSLC1 may be associated with the growth of CA. These findings may provide a basis for the development of therapies to prevent recurrence or malignant transformation of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire ground state potential energy curve of the strontium dimer is accurately described by the Tang–Toennies potential model defined by the three dispersion coefficients and two well parameters. The predicted vibrational frequency, anharmonicity, and vibration-rotation coupling constant are in excellent agreement with experiment. The Sr2 reduced potential is almost identical to that of Ca2 and Hg2, providing further evidence to the conjecture that the van der Waals dimer potentials of group IIA and group IIB elements have the same shape, which is different from that of rare-gas dimers. The potentials of Sr-RG complexes (RG=He,Ne,Ar,Kr,Xe) are generated by the same potential model with its parameters calculated with combining rules. These potentials are shown to have the same shape which is between that of the strontium and rare-gas dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With nonequilibrium Green’s function approach combined with density functional theory, we perform an ab initio calculation to investigate transport properties of graphene nanoribbon (GNR) junctions self-consistently. Tight-binding approximation is applied to model the zigzag (ZGNR) electrodes, and its validity is confirmed in comparison to the GAUSSIAN03 periodic boundary condition calculation result of the same system. The origin of abnormal jump points usually appearing in the transmission spectrum is explained with the detailed tight-binding ZGNR band structure. Transport property of an edge-defect ZGNR junction is investigated, and the tunable tunneling current can be sensitively controlled by transverse electric fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel point grinding wheel (NPGW) with coarse grinding zone angle θ. According to earlier studies, this type of grinding wheel has high grinding efficiency, long service life, and generates very little surface roughness. The contact zone between the grinding wheel and workpiece is modified by the addition of the NPGW with the coarse grinding zone angle θ and the inclined angle α of point grinding process, and as a result, grinding force and grinding zone temperature are also altered. The grinding force theoretical model of NPGW was established and the grinding zone temperature was simulated by the finite element method, based on the theory of grinding heat generation and distribution and triangular heat source distribution model. At the same time, seven pieces of NPGW with different angles θ used for grinding experiments were fabricated. The theoretical model of grinding force and the simulation of grinding temperature coincided with experimental results. Therefore, the grinding force theoretical model and the grinding temperature simulation provide an auxiliary and predictive method for the actual process. Moreover, the influence of parameters on grinding force and grinding zone temperature can be obtained, and the results indicate that the NPGW and point grinding process can reduce grinding force and grinding zone temperature. Finally, plastic deformation is attributed to the production of compressive stress and grinding heat is attributed to the production of tensile stress. Therefore, the residual stress is influenced by the grinding force and the grinding temperature coupled. The residual stress of workpiece surface and subsurface was studied. In conclusion, the NPGW and point grinding process can reduce residual stress of workpiece surface and subsurface, in the case of tensile and compressive stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile erection is a neurovascular phenomenon that requires well coordinated and functional interaction between penile vascular and nervous systems. In order to provide a useful tool to examine pathologic changes in the erectile tissue, mainly focusing on penile neurovascular dysfunction, we established the technique to determine the differential distribution of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and nerve fibers in the mouse penis using immunohistochemical staining with three-dimensional reconstruction. Immunofluorescent staining of penile tissue was performed with antibodies against CD31 (an endothelial cell marker), smooth muscle α -actin ( SMA, a smooth muscle cell marker), NG2 (a pericyte marker), or β III-tubulin (a neuronal marker). We reconstructed three-dimensional images of penile vascular or neurovascular system from stacks of two-dimensional images, which allows volume rendering and provides reliable anatomic information. CD31-positive endothelial cells, SMA-positive smooth muscle cells, and NG2-positive pericytes were evenly distributed and composed sinusoidal or venous wall. However, the endothelial layer of the cavernous artery or dorsal artery was mainly covered with smooth muscle cells and rarely associated with pericytes. The reconstructed three-dimensional images clearly visualized typical wavy appearance of nerve fibers that evenly innervate to cavernous sinusoids, cavernous artery, dorsal vein, and dorsal artery. We observed a significant decrease in CD31-positive endothelial cells, NG2-positive pericytes, and β III-tubulin-positive nerve fibers in the penis of diabetic mice compared with those in normal condition. Our protocol for immunofluorescent staining with three-dimensional reconstruction will allow a better understanding of the penile neurovascular anatomy and may constitute a standard technique to determine the efficacy of candidate therapeutics targeting therapeutic angiogenesis or neural regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superstorm Sandy provided an opportunity to study filamentous fungi (molds) associated with winter storm damage. We collected 36 morphologically distinct fungal isolates from flooded buildings. By combining traditional morphological and cultural characters with an analysis of ITS sequences (the fungal DNA barcode), we identified 24 fungal species that belong to eight genera: Penicillium (11 species), Fusarium (four species), Aspergillus (three species), Trichoderma (two species), and one species each of Metarhizium, Mucor, Pestalotiopsis, and Umbelopsis. Then, we used a Drosophila larval assay to assess possible toxicity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by these molds. When cultured in a shared atmosphere with growing cultures of molds isolated after Hurricane Sandy, larval toxicity ranged from 15 to 80%. VOCs from Aspergillus niger 129B were the most toxic yielding 80% mortality to Drosophila after 12 days. The VOCs from Trichoderma longibrachiatum 117, Mucor racemosus 138a, and Metarhizium anisopliae 124 were relatively non-toxigenic. A preliminary analysis of VOCs was conducted using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from two of the most toxic, two of the least toxic, and two species of intermediate toxicity. The more toxic molds produced higher concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone, 3-octanol, 2-octen-1-ol, and 2-nonanone; while the less toxic molds produced more 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol, or an overall lower amount of volatiles. Our data support the hypothesis that at certain concentrations, some VOCs emitted by indoor molds are toxigenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penile erection requires complex interaction between vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and autonomic nerves. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction ( ED) and multiple pathogenic factors, such as cavernous angiopathy and autonomic neuropathy, are associated with diabetic ED. Although a variety of animal models of diabetic ED play an important role in understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms of diabetes-induced ED, these animal models have limitations for addressing the exact cellular or molecular mechanisms involved in ED. Therefore, we established an in vitro model of ED for the study of high-glucose-induced angiopathy and neuropathy. We successfully isolated and cultivated mouse cavernous endothelial cells ( MCECs) and mouse cavernous pericytes ( MCPs). The cells were exposed to the normal-glucose (5 mmoL) or high-glucose (30 mmoL) condition for 48 h. In vitro matrigel assay revealed impairments in tube formation in primary cultured MCECs or MCPs exposed to high-glucose condition. To study cellular interaction between MCECs and MCPs, co-culture systems including indirect contact, indirect non-contact, and direct mixed co-culture system, were established. We observed impaired tube formation and increased permeability in MCECs- MCPs co-culture exposed to high-glucose condition. To evaluate the effect of high-glucose on neurite sprouting, the mouse major pelvic ganglion ( MPG) tissue was harvested and cultivated in matrigel. Neurite outgrowth and nNOS-positive nerve fibers were significantly lower in MPG tissues exposed to the high-glucose condition than in the tissues exposed to the normal-glucose condition. We believe that in vitro model of ED will aid us to understand the role of each cellular component in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED, and also be a useful tool for determining the efficacy of candidate therapeutics targeting vascular or neuronal function. This model would present a new avenue for drug discovery and development of novel therapeutic modalities for erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the fermentation characteristics, nutrient composition and in vitro digestibility of desert wormwood ( DW, Artemisia desertorum Spreng.) silage as the sole ingredient, or mixed with high-moisture maize (corn) straw ( HMCS). Desert wormwood and HMCS were harvested and chopped (1-2 cm) then ensiled in laboratory silos (25 cm high with an internal diameter of 7·6 cm) at a density of 550 g L−1 at room temperature for 60 days. The proportions of DW in the DW/ HMCS mixtures were 1, 0·75, 0·50, 0·25 and 0, based on fresh weight. The silages were analysed for fermentation characteristics, nutrient composition and in vitro digestibility. Desert wormwood ensiled with HMCS had lower p H and acetic acid concentration and higher lactic acid concentration as the proportion of DW decreased. As the proportion of DW decreased, the crude protein concentration and the in vitro digestibility of dry matter increased and the concentrations of neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin decreased. This study has indicated that mixing HMCS with DW can improve the fermentation quality and nutrient composition of these silage mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on optimal controls of diffusions in an infinite horizon. It has several distinct features in contrast to the existing literature. The discount factor is allowed to be randomly varying and state dependent. The existence and uniqueness of the viscosity solution to the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation are established. The verification theorem is also obtained. Because closed-form solutions are virtually impossible to obtain in most cases, we develop numerical methods. Using the Markov chain approximation methods, numerical schemes are constructed; viscosity solution methods are used to prove the convergence of the algorithm. In addition, examples are given for demonstration purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-D closely packed SiO 2 nanosphere arrays serving as the photonic structure for light absorption enhancement on top of ultra-thin Cu(In 1− x Ga x )Se 2 solar cells are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is theoretically demonstrated that whispering gallery modes and high order Mie resonances contribute to the light absorption enhancement for the large spheres and an anti-reflection effect is prominent for small ones. The ultra-thin CIGSe solar cells achieve the optimum absorption enhancement for the small sphere array with a diameter of 110 nm, contrary to the larger spheres used in Si solar cells. The reason is attributed to the strong parasitic absorption in the AZO/ZnO/CdS front layers. They absorb mainly in the short wavelength range where the Mie resonances occur. Additionally, it is shown that the 110-nm-diameter sphere array exhibits a better angular tolerance than a conventional planar anti-reflection layer, which shows the potential as a promising anti-reflection structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is concerned with optimal harvesting problems in random environments. In contrast to the existing literature, the Markov chain is hidden and can only be observed in a Gaussian white noise in our work. We first use the Wonham filter to estimate the Markov chain from the observable evolution of the given process so as to convert the original problem to a completely observable one. Then we treat the resulting optimal control problem. Because the problem is virtually impossible to solve in closed form, our main effort is devoted to developing numerical approximation algorithms. To approximate the value function and optimal strategies, Markov chain approximation methods are used to construct a discrete-time controlled Markov chain. Convergence of the algorithm is proved by weak convergence method and suitable scaling. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the "sub-aortic complex (SAC)", a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI)-derived parameter, for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), compared with conventional CMRI parameters and Doppler echocardiography. A total of 157 consecutive patients with HCM were recruited retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 87 with LVOT obstruction and 70 without obstruction. The SAC was defined as a specific anatomical SAC affecting the LVOT, which were measured on the LV three-chamber steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine image at the end-systolic phase. The relations between the existence and severity of obstruction and SAC index (SACi) were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and logistic regression. The SACs were significantly different between the obstructive and non-obstructive groups. The ROC curves indicated that the SACi was able to discriminate obstructive and non-obstructive patients with the best predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.949, p< 0.001). The SACi was an independent predictor of LVOT obstruction and there was a significant negative correlation between resting LVOT pressure gradient and SACi (r= 0.72 p< 0.001). In the subgroup of patients with or without severe basal septal hypertrophy, the SACi was still able to predict LVOT obstruction with excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.944 and 0.948, p< 0.001, respectively). The SAC is a reliable and straightforward CMRI marker for assessing LVOT obstruction. It is more effective than CMRI two-dimensional flow in diagnosing the severity of obstruction in patients with HCM. • SAC is a reliable and straightforward CMR marker for assessing LVOT obstruction. • SAC evaluated the severity of LVOT obstruction is more effective than CMR 2D flow. • SAC can predict LVOT obstruction in HCM without severe basal septal hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops a generalization of the Goodwin–Lotka–Volterra models. The traditional model describes the evolution of the employment rate and the labor share. Motivated by recent developments on business cycles and Goodwin-type models, we consider a generalized Goodwin business cycle model with noise. We aim at investigating the impact of telegraph noise and white noise on the evolution of trajectories and the energy on trajectories of the model. It is proved that with the presence of the noises, all trajectories exit any compact subset of the open unit square D = ( 0 , 1 ) × ( 0 , 1 ) and the energy along trajectories can be arbitrarily large. Moreover, under certain additional conditions, the boundary of D is the stable limit cycle of the perturbed model by white noise. Noise impact on the period of business cycles is also discussed. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a robust controller for four wheel independently-actuated (FWIA) electric ground vehicles to preserve vehicle stability and improve vehicle handling performance. Thanks to the actuation flexibility of FWIA electric ground vehicles, an external yaw moment, which is usually employed to regulate the vehicle yaw and lateral motions, can be easily generated with the torque differences between the left and right side motors. A μ-synthesis control method which can deal with unmodeled dynamics and parametric uncertainties is proposed by taking the external yaw moment as the control input. Simulations with a high-fidelity, CarSim®, full-vehicle model are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system. Simulation results in various driving scenarios with vehicle payload variations show the robustness of the proposed controller.w [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grains motion path will be changed in the point grinding process due to the existence of variable angle α. To verify the difference between point grinding and traditional grinding, the moving relationship and coordinate transformation between grinding wheel and workpiece are used to put the grain movement function equivalent to parabola, then point grinding cutting path is concluded. Based on grains distribution on the grinding wheel surface, the 3D geometry simulation topography of workpiece is obtained by extending the effective interference trails along the axial direction. Furthermore, a vitrified bond CBN wheel with a coarse grinding area angle θ is proposed and the principle of design and preparation of these novel grinding wheels are studied. The typical processing parameters are chosen to grind QT700 ladder shaft; the simulation results are verified by using the VHX-1000E microscope and the non-contact 3D surface profilometer to observe the workpiece surface topography and measure the surface roughness. The results indicated that the simulation microstructures coincide well with the experimental measurements and the values of simulation roughness are 0.5 times of experiments. So, the geometric simulation model provided an auxiliary and prediction method for the actual processing topography analysis. In addition, grinding wheels with different θ are used to grind ladder shafts with a series of grinding parameters. The influence trend of inclining angle α, cutting depth a, axial feeding speed v and grinding wheel speed v on surface roughness is obtained. It is concluded that the values of workpiece surface roughness using novel grinding wheel are less than using the traditional grinding wheel under the condition of the same processing parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the efficacy of human osteoprotegerin (hOPG) transgene to accelerate osteointegration of titanium implant in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Bone marrow stromal cells transduced with Ad-hOPG-EGFP could sustainedly express hOPG. Osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells treated by the hOPG were examined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone slice resorption assay. The results showed differentiation and function of osteoclasts were significantly suppressed by hOPG in vitro. Ad-hOPG-EGFP was locally administered to the bone defect prior to implant placement in OVX and sham rats. After 3, 7, 28 days of implantation, the femurs were harvested for molecular and histological analyses. Successful transgene expression was confirmed by western blot and cryosectioning. A significant reduction in TRAP+ numbers was detected in Ad-hOPG-EGFP group. Real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR examination revealed that hOPG transgene markedly diminished the expression of cathepsin K and receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B ligand in vivo. The transgene hOPG modification revealed a marked increasing osteointegration and restored implant stability in OVX rats (P<0.01), compared with the control groups (Ad-EGFP or sterilized phosphate-buffered saline) 28 days after implantation. In conclusion, hOPG via direct adenovirus-mediated gene transfer could accelerate osteointegration of titanium implants in OVX rats. Osteoprotegerin gene therapy may be an effective strategy to osteointegration of implants under osteoporotic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on stability analysis of numerical solutions to jump diffusions and jump diffusions with Markovian switching. Due to the use of Poisson processes, using asymptotic expansions as in the usual approach of treating diffusion processes does not work. Different from the existing treatments of Euler–Maruyama methods for solutions of stochastic differential equations, we use techniques from stochastic approximation. We analyze the almost sure exponential stability and exponential p -stability. The benchmark test model in numerical solutions, namely, one-dimensional linear scalar jump diffusion is examined first and easily verifiable conditions are presented. Then Markovian regime-switching jump diffusions are dealt with. Moreover, analysis of stability of numerical methods for linearizable and multi-dimensional jump diffusions is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the process temperature on the growth of ultra-thin (≤500 nm) Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) absorbers and the corresponding performance of solar cells, the process temperature was set to 610 °C and 440 °C, respectively. It was found that the low process temperature (440 °C) could reduce the inter-diffusion of Ga–In and thus result in a higher back [Ga]/([Ga]+[In]) ([Ga]/[III]) grading than at the temperature of 610 °C. The higher back [Ga]/[III] grading at 440 °C was evidenced to both electrically and optically contribute to the efficiency enhancement of the solar cells in contrast to the lower back [Ga]/[III] grading at 610 °C. It was also implied that the high back [Ga]/[III] grading was beneficial to the collection of carriers generated from the back-reflected light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary aldosteronism (PA) has been associated with increased target organ damage (TOD), most likely through mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent endothelial dysfunction, in comparison with essential hypertension (EH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in PA and the relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and microalbuminuria (MAU). A total of 50 PA patients and 51 patients with EH individually matched for age, sex, blood pressure and duration of hypertension participated in this study. Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, including von Willebrand factor (vWF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), were measured. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), MAU and echocardiography were also evaluated. In PA patients, vWF, ICAM-1, ox-LDL, LVH and MAU were all significantly higher than in EH patients (all P<0.05). Furthermore, LVH was positively correlated with PAC (P=0.002), vWF (P=0.013) and ox-LDL (P=0.020). MAU was positively correlated with PAC (P<0.001), vWF (P=0.013) and ICAM-1 (P=0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that vWF, ICAM-1 and PAC independently predicted MAU (all P<0.05). Likewise, PAC, vWF and ox-LDL were significant predictors of LVH (all P<0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction may contribute to TOD in PA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytes with a high ionic conductivity are the prerequisite for the success of solid state rechargeable ion batteries. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are applied in combination with a climbing-image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method to obtain the diffusion barriers of the lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) in stoichiometric AM2(PO4)3 (A = Li, Na, M = Ti, Sn and Zr) compounds. In the AM2(PO4)3, Li and Na ions occupy the interstitial sites, M1, which is coordinated by a trigonal antiprism of oxygen, and M2, which has a distorted eight-fold coordination. Results show that the diffusion barriers are closely related with the average bond length of A–O bond when the atom A occupies the M2 site in the AM2(PO4)3 compounds, and the diffusion barriers decrease with increasing the average bond length. Among the various types of the AM2(PO4)3 compounds, the AM2(PO4)3 has a good potential for solid electrolytes due to its low diffusion barriers for the Li and Na. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, sodium and nickel ion dynamics in layered cathode materials of NaNi1/2Mn1/2O2 and NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 for Na-ion battery applications were investigated using first principles based on density functional theory. The diffusion pathways for sodium and nickel migration inside the layered cathode materials were optimized and their energy barriers were calculated based on the nudged elastic band method. The energy barrier of Na diffusion in NaNi1/2Mn1/2O2 and NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 is about 1.0 eV. However, when the Ni is located at the Na layer, i.e. occupying the Na position, the energy barrier for Ni diffusion inside the layered cathode materials is about 0.36 eV, which indicates that Ni will diffuse to the surface of electrode materials, thus will block or slow down the sodium diffusion, limiting the battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tensile behavior of single crystalline nanotube bundles was studied using classical molecular dynamics. Stillinger-Weber potential was used to describe the atom-atom interactions. The bundles consisted of several individual nanotubes with {100} side planes. The simulation results show that the nanotube bundles show a brittle to ductile transition (BDT) by changing the temperatures. The fracture of nanotube bundles is ruled by a thermal activated process, higher temperature will lead to the decrease of the critical stress. At high temperatures the individual nanotube in the bundles interact with each other, which induces the increase of the critical stress of bundles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by problems arising in time-dependent queues and dynamic systems with random environment, this work develops moderate deviations principles for dynamic systems driven by a fast-varying non-homogeneous Markov chain in continuous time. A distinct feature is that the Markov chain is time dependent or inhomogeneous, so are the dynamic systems. Under irreducibility of the non-homogeneous Markov chain, moderate deviations of a non-homogeneous functional are established first. With the help of a martingale problem formulation and a functional central limit theorem for the two timescale system, both upper and lower bounds of moderate deviations are obtained for the rapidly fluctuating Markovian systems. Then applications to queueing systems and dynamic systems modulated by a fast-varying Markov chain are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

SUMMARY Feedback systems with communication channels encounter unique challenges. Communication channels mandate signal sampling and quantization, and introduce errors, data losses, and delays. Consequently, transmitted signals must be estimated. The signal estimation introduces a dynamic system that interacts with communication channels and affects the stability and performance of the feedback system. This paper studies interactions among communications, sampling, quantization, signal estimation, and feedback, in terms of fundamental stability and performance limitations. Typical empirical-measure-based algorithms are used for signal estimation under quantized observations. When the sampling interval and signal estimation step size are coordinated, the ODE approach for stochastic approximations provides a suitable platform for an integrated system analysis for signal estimation, sampling and quantization, and feedback robustness. Feedback design for enhancing robustness against communication uncertainty and signal estimation dynamics is studied under the new notion of stability margin under signal averaging. Fundamental limitations on noise attenuation in such an integrated system are derived. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops asymptotic properties for a parabolic system with two-time scales associated with a transient switching diffusion. Although the problem is motivated by stochastic systems, the techniques that we are using are purely analytic. Asymptotic expansions are constructed; their validity is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops asymptotic properties of randomly switching and time inhomogeneous dynamic systems under Brownian perturbation with a small diffusion. The switching process is modeled by a continuous-time Markov chain, which portraits discrete events that cannot be modeled by a diffusion process. In the model, there are two small parameters. One of them is ε associated with the generator of the continuous-time, inhomogeneous Markov chain, and the other is δ=δε signifies the small intensity of the diffusion. Assume ε→0 and δε→0 as ε→0. This paper focuses on large deviations type of estimates for such Markovian switching systems with small diffusions. The ratio ε/δε can be a nonzero constant, or equal to 0, or ∞. These three different cases yield three different outcomes. This paper analyzes the three cases and present the corresponding asymptotic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies identification of linear systems with binary-valued observations generated via fixed thresholds. In addition to stochastic measurement noises, the systems are also subject to structural uncertainties, including deterministic unmodelled dynamics, nonlinear model mismatch, and sensor observation bias. Since binary-valued observations can supply only limited information on the signals, truncated empirical measures are introduced to extract further information for system identification. An effective identification algorithm is constructed based on the proposed empirical measures. Optimal identification errors, time complexity, optimal input design, and impact of disturbances, unmodelled dynamics, observation bias, and nonlinear model mismatch are thoroughly investigated in a stochastic information framework. Asymptotic upper and lower bounds are established on identification errors. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithms and the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article is devoted to the study of stochastic Liénard equations with random switching. The motivation of our study stems from modeling of complex systems in which both continuous dynamics and discrete events are present. The continuous component is a solution of a stochastic Liénard equation and the discrete component is a Markov chain with a finite state space that is large. A distinct feature is that the processes under consideration are time inhomogeneous. Based on the idea of nearly decomposability and aggregation, the state space of the switching process can be viewed as “nearly decomposable” into l subspaces that are connected with weak interactions among the subspaces. Using the idea of aggregation, we lump the states in each subspace into a single state. Considering the pair of process (continuous state, discrete state), under suitable conditions, we derive a weak convergence result by means of martingale problem formulation. The significance of the limit process is that it is substantially simpler than that of the original system. Thus, it can be used in the approximation and computation work to reduce the computational complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A high-sensitive fiber curvature sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in a large measurement range by using a twin core fiber (TCF)-based filter as sensor head. Applying the coupled-mode theory and equivalent refractive index model, we theoretically anticipate the 'blue shift' of the transmission dips of the TCF-based filter when sensor head is bent. Experimentally, we fabricate an 86.9 mm TCF-based filter with a free spectral range of 49 nm and characterize its curvature performance by measuring the wavelength shift. A nonlinear 'blue shift' of the wavelength is observed when we increase the curvature. The relationship between wavelength shift and curvature is a second-order polynomial function. In the range from 0 to 9.30 m, the maximum sensitivity is up to −14.7 nm/m. The measurement range can be further increased by selecting a shorter TCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the influence of substrate and its temperature on the optical constants of CuIn1−xGaxSe2 (CIGSe) thin films using the transfer-matrix method. The optical constants of a CIGSe layer on top of a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer were calculated considering the realistic optical constants of the TCO layer after CIGSe deposition. It was found that TCO substrates could influence the optical constants of CIGSe layers and that the ITO (Sn doped In2O3) substrate had a greater impact than IMO (Mo doped In2O3) for the CIGSe (x = 0.4) film when compared to a reference on bare glass substrate. Additionally, the varied substrate temperatures did not impact the optical constants of CGSe (x = 1). For CIGSe (x = 0.4), the refractive index n stayed relatively independent although at low temperature the grain size was reduced and the Ga/(Ga+In) profile was altered compared to that at high temperature (610 °C). In contrast, the extinction coefficient k at low temperature showed higher absorption at longer wavelengths because of a lower minimum bandgap (Eg,min) originating from reduced inter-diffusion of Ga–Se at a low substrate temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are globally present in the environment and are widely distributed in human populations and wildlife. The chemicals are ubiquitous in human body fluids and have a long serum elimination half-life. The notorious member of PFAAs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is prioritized as a global concerning chemical at the Stockholm Convention in 2009, due to its harmful effects in mammals and aquatic organisms. PFOS is known to affect lipid metabolism in adults and was found to be able to cross human placenta. However the effects of in utero exposure to the susceptibility of metabolic disorders in offspring have not yet been elucidated. In this study, pregnant CD-1 mice (F0) were fed with 0, 0.3 or 3 mg PFOS/kg body weight/day in corn oil by oral gavage daily throughout gestational and lactation periods. We investigated the immediate effects of perinatal exposure to PFOS on glucose metabolism in both maternal and offspring after weaning (PND 21). To determine if the perinatal exposure predisposes the risk for metabolic disorder to the offspring, weaned animals without further PFOS exposure, were fed with either standard or high-fat diet until PND 63. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured while HOMA-IR index and glucose AUCs were reported. Our data illustrated the first time the effects of the environmental equivalent dose of PFOS exposure on the disturbance of glucose metabolism in F1 pups and F1 adults at PND 21 and 63, respectively. Although the biological effects of PFOS on the elevated levels of fasting serum glucose and insulin levels were observed in both pups and adults of F1, the phenotypes of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance were only evident in the F1 adults. The effects were exacerbated under HFD, highlighting the synergistic action at postnatal growth on the development of metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on numerical methods for finding optimal dividend payment and investment policies to maximize the present value of the cumulative dividend payment until ruin; the surplus is modeled by a regime-switching jump diffusion process subject to both regular and singular controls. Using the dynamic programming principle, the optimal value function obeys a coupled system of nonlinear integro-differential quasi-variational inequalities. Since the closed-form solutions are virtually impossible to obtain, we use Markov chain approximation techniques to approximate the value function and optimal controls. Convergence of the approximation algorithms are proved. Examples are presented to illustrate the applicability of the numerical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops asynchronous stochastic approximation (SA) algorithms for networked systems with multiagents and regime-switching topologies to achieve consensus control. There are several distinct features of the algorithms: (1) In contrast to most of the existing consensus algorithms, the participating agents compute and communicate in an asynchronous fashion without using a global clock. (2) The agents compute and communicate at random times. (3) The regimeswitching process is modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain with a finite state space. (4) The functions involved are allowed to vary with respect to time; hence, nonstationarity can be handled. (5) Multiscale formulation enriches the applicability of the algorithms. In the setup, the switching process contains a rate parameter ε > 0 in the transition probability matrix that characterizes how frequently the topology switches. The algorithm uses a step-size μ that defines how fast the network states are updated. Depending on their relative values, three distinct scenarios emerge. Under suitable conditions, it is shown that a continuous-time interpolation of the iterates converges weakly either to a system of randomly switching ordinary differential equations modulated by a continuous-time Markov chain or to a system of differential equations (an average with respect to certain measure). In addition, a scaled sequence of tracking errors converges to either a switching diffusion or a diffusion. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work develops almost sure stability criteria for switching-jump-diffusion systems with state-dependent switching. By means of introducing certain auxiliary Markov chains and constructing certain order-preserving couplings, upper and lower “stability envelops” are constructed, which lead to systems with “upper and lower” approximating Markov chains. Using these approximations, sufficient conditions that are relatively easily verifiable for the almost sure stability and instability are obtained. When the jump process is missing, it is demonstrated that the techniques work equally well and provide a way to analyze the corresponding switching diffusion systems with -dependent switching. In addition, stochastic stabilization and destabilization are examined. Moreover, illustrative examples are provided for demonstration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In search of a next generation molecule to the novel wake-promoting agent modafinil, a series of aryl-heteroayl-derived wakefulness enhancing agents (in rats) was developed. From this work, compound 16 was separated into its enantiomers to profile them individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for embryogenesis but is abnormally activated during cancer metastasis and recurrence. This process enables epithelial cancer cells to acquire mobility and traits associated with stemness. It is unknown whether epithelial stem cells or epithelial cancer stem cells are able to undergo EMT, and what molecular mechanism regulates this process in these specific cell types. We found that epithelial-ovarian cancer stem cells (EOC stem cells) are the source of metastatic progenitor cells through a differentiation process involving EMT and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). We demonstrate both in vivo and in vitro the differentiation of EOC stem cells into mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and their capacity to initiate an active carcinomatosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that human EOC stem cells injected intraperitoneally in mice are able to form ovarian tumors, suggesting that the EOC stem cells have the ability to 'home' to the ovaries and establish tumors. Most interestingly, we found that TWIST-1 is constitutively degraded in EOC stem cells, and that the acquisition of TWIST-1 requires additional signals that will trigger the differentiation process. These findings are relevant for understanding the differentiation and metastasis process in EOC stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]