Preparation of Mo(Si,Al)_2 feedstock used for air plasma spraying

In order to prepare high quality Mo（Si,Al）2 feedstock characterized with C40 phase, higher Al doping amount andexcellent flowability, Mo（Si1-x,Alx）2 with different Al contents （x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5） were synthesized by self-propagatinghigh-temperature synthesis first and Mo（Si0.6,Al0.4）2 was confirmed as the suitable material through X-ray diffraction analysis. Aseries of tests with different parameters of induction plasma spheroidization were applied to improving the flowability of feedstock.Mo（Si,Al）2 feedstock with excellent flowability （26.2 s/50 g） was prepared through adding hydrogen into sheath gas and decreasingthe powder feeding rate. The composition segregation occurred in the spheroidized powder after Al consumption and oxidation. Theinhomogeneous structure of the same particle was caused by the asymmetric heating and cooling when particle passed through theplasma jet.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha involvement in liver and intestinal inflammatory networks

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4-α) is a nuclear receptor regulating metabolism, cell junctions, differentiation and proliferation in liver and intestinal epithelial cells. Mutations within the HNF4A gene are associated with human diseases such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Recently, HNF4A has also been described as a susceptibility gene for ulcerative colitis in genome-wide association studies. In addition, specific HNF4A genetic variants have been identified in pediatric cohorts of Crohn’s disease. Results obtained from knockout mice supported that HNF4-α can protect the intestinal mucosae against inflammation. However, the exact molecular links behind HNF4-α and inflammatory bowel diseases remains elusive. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge about the role of HNF4-α and its isoforms in inflammation. Specific nature of HNF4-α P1 and P2 classes of isoforms will be summarized. HNF4-α role as a hepatocyte mediator for cytokines relays during liver inflammation will be integrated based on documented examples of the literature. Conclusions that can be made from these earlier liver studies will serve as a basis to extrapolate correlations and divergences applicable to intestinal inflammation. Finally, potential functional roles for HNF4-α isoforms in protecting the intestinal mucosae from chronic and pathological inflammation will be presented.

Malignant peritoneal effusion acting as a tumor environment in ovarian cancer progression: Impact and significance

Until recently, ovarian cancer research has mainly focused on the tumor cells themselves ignoring for the most part the surrounding tumor environment which includes malignant peritoneal effusions. However, one of the major conceptual advances in oncology over the last few years has been the appreciation that cancer progression cannot be explained by aberrations in cancer cells themselves and is strongly influenced by the surrounding tumor environment. The mechanisms of ovarian cancer progression differ from that of other solid tumors because ovarian cancer cells primarily disseminate within the peritoneal cavity.Malignant peritoneal effusion accumulates in the peritoneal cavity during ovarian cancer progression. These exudative fluids act as a unique tumor environment providing a framework that orchestrates cellular and molecular changes contributing to aggressiveness and disease progression. The composition of ascites, which includes cellular and acellular components, constantly adapts during the course of the disease in response to various cellular cues originating from both tumor and stromal cells. The tumor environment that represents peritoneal effusions closely constitute an ecosystem, with specific cell types and signaling molecules increasing and decreasing during the course of the disease progression creating a single complex network. Although recent advances aiming to understand the ovarian tumor environment have focused one at a time on components, the net impact of the whole environment cannot be understood simply from its parts or outside is environmental context.

Ion-transport characteristics of new-old concrete composite system

New-old concrete composite system usually exists in concrete repairing structure.In the present work,series of experiments were carried out to investigate permeability and ion diffusion properties of new-old concrete composite by measuring 6-hour coulomb charge and chloride diffusivity.The interrelation among transport properties of new-old composites,new,and old concretes was also discussed.Results indicate that the permeability and chloride diffusivity of new-old concrete composite system closely interrelate to the corresponding new concrete and old concrete.The interfacial transition zone between new concrete and old concrete greatly influences the transport property of new-old concrete system.Compared with the corresponding new concrete and old concrete lower permeability and diffusivity values for the new-old concrete composites can be achieved by choosing suitable new concrete.It is possible to design the tailor-made new-old concrete composite system for repair given the transport property.

Direct shear tests on cemented paste backfill-rock wall and cemented paste backfill-backfill interfaces

Even though a large number of large-scale arch dams with height larger than 200 m have been built in the world, the transient groundwater flow behaviors and the seepage control effects in the dam foundations under difficult geological conditions are rarely reported. This paper presents a case study on the transient groundwater flow behaviors in the rock foundation of Jinping I double-curvature arch dam, the world＇s highest dam of this type to date that has been completed. Taking into account the geological settings at the site, an inverse modeling technique utilizing the time series measurements of both hydraulic head and discharge was adopted to back-calculate the permeability of the foundation rocks,which effectively improves the uniqueness and reliability of the inverse modeling results. The transient seepage flow in the dam foundation during the reservoir impounding was then modeled with a parabolic variational inequality（PVI） method. The distribution of pore water pressure, the amount of leakage, and the performance of the seepage control system in the dam foundation during the entire impounding process were finally illustrated with the numerical results.

The Relative Importance of Nitrogen vs. Moisture Stress May Drive Intraspecific Variations in the SLA-RGR Relationship: The Case of <i>Picea mariana</i>Seedlings

Plants acclimate to nitrogen (N) or moisture stress by respectively increasing photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) or water use efficiency (WUE), in order to maximize their relative growth rate (RGR). These two phenotypic adaptations have opposite effects on specific leaf area (SLA). Thus, intraspecific variations in the SLA-RGR relationship should reflect the relative importance of N vs. moisture stress in plants. In this study, we measured needle gas exchanges and N concentrations in order to derive PNUE and WUE, as well as SLA and RGR of black spruce (Picea mariana) seedlings growing on a rapidly drained site in the presence or absence of Kalmia angustifolia. The eradication of Kalmia had resulted in a ~140% increase in seedling growth over a 6 year period. We found a negative SLA-RGR relationship where Kalmia had been eradicated, and a positive one where Kalmia had been maintained. Kalmia eradication resulted in higher WUE when measurements were made directly on the seedlings, and in lower PNUE when twigs were rehydrated prior to gas exchange measurements. Our data suggest that the bigger seedlings on Kalmia-eradicated plots increase RGR by decreasing SLA, as a means of coping with moisture stress. By contrast, increasing SLA on noneradicated plots may be a means of coping with nutrient stress exerted by Kalmia. The SLA-RGR relationship could potentially be used to identify the limiting resource for black spruce seedlings in different environments.

The Role of Internet Pornography Use and Cyber Infidelity in the Associations between Personality, Attachment, and Couple and Sexual Satisfaction

Although adults in romantic relationships currently show more openness to online sexual behaviors [1], these behaviors can nevertheless increase couple conflicts and instability [2]. In the current study, we assess the mediating role of Internet pornography use and cyber infidelity in the relationship between 1) personality and attachment, and 2) couple and sexual satisfaction. A total of 779 participants in couple relationships (average age = 29.9 years) completed a series of online questionnaires. According to their responses, 65% of participants visited an adult site at least once during the six months preceding the study, while 16.3% did so multiple times per week. Path model results showed that Internet pornography use and cyber infidelity were sequential mediators between, on the one hand, personality and attachment, and on the other hand, couple and sexual satisfaction. The discussion highlights the importance of properly documenting the correlates of online sexual behavior to better understand new couple realities and dynamics.

Neurostimulation for fecal incontinence after correction of repair of imperforate anus

We are reporting the case of a 32-year-old female who had suffered from fecal incontinence(FI). She was born with an imperforate anus and a recto-vaginal fistula; she underwent repair at 6 mo of age. At 29 years of age, she was still fecally incontinent despite extensive pelvic floor reeducation. A magnetic resonance imaging and an anal electromyography were performed. Because her symptoms were considered to be probably due to extra-sphincteric implantation of the neo-anus, a redo was performed of the recto-neo-anal intra-sphincteric anastomosis. A neurostimulator device was subsequently implanted for persistent incontinence. Solid and liquid FI resolved, and her quality of life improved markedly. Combining surgery to correct the position of the neo-anus within the anal sphincter complex and neurostimulation could thus become a new approach in cases of refractory FI for patients with imperforate anus as a newborn. Follow-up into adulthood after pediatric imperforate anus surgery should be recommended for adult patients with persistent FI.

Dual regulatory role for phosphatase and tensin homolog in specification of intestinal endocrine cell subtypes

AIM:To investigate the impact of phosphatase and tensin homolog(Pten) in the specification of intestinal enteroendocrine subpopulations.METHODS:Using the Cre/loxP system,a mouse with conditional intestinal epithelial Pten deficiency was generated.Pten mutant mice and controls were sacrificed and small intestines collected for immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Blood was collected on 16 h fasted mice by cardiac puncture.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure blood circulating ghrelin,somatostatin(SST) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP) levels.RESULTS:Results show an unexpected dual regulatory role for epithelial Pten signalling in the specification/differentiation of enteroendocrine cell subpopulations in the small intestine.Our data indicate that Pten positively regulates chromogranin A(CgA) expressing subpopulations,including cells expressing secretin,ghrelin,gastrin and cholecystokinin(CCK).In contrast,Pten negatively regulates the enteroendocrine subtype specification of non-expressing CgA cells such as GIP and SST expressing cells.CONCLUSION:The present results demonstrate that Pten signalling favours the enteroendocrine progenitor to specify into cells expressing CgA including those producing CCK,gastrin and ghrelin.

Industrialization, Environment and Health:the Impacts of Industrial SO_2 Emission on Public Health in China

In this paper, we construct a model in which the impact of pollution on health is exerted through both direct and indirect channels. The indirect channel is captured by a production func-tion in which the principal health-improving factor, income growth, can be realized only in the cost of pollution increase. This model is then tested by the aggregated chronicle disease data in over 78 Chinese counties. Our results show, after attaining the threshold of 8 μg/m2, continuous increase in industrial SO2 emission density will lead the ratio of population suffering chronicle diseases, among which respiratory diseases occupy a significant proportion, to rise. However, owing to technological progress in pollution control activities, the needed SO2 emission to produce one unit of GDP diminishes with time. Therefore, the negative effect from pollution augmentation on public health seems to be recompensed more and more by the positive effect of economic growth.

Integrin α6β4 in colorectal cancer

The ability of cells to interact with extracellular matrix macromolecules is at the forefront of the regulation of cell phenotype and organization.Indeed most if not all cells bear specific cell surface receptors for these molecules,namely the integrins,which are specific for the ligation of various macromolecules such as the laminins,fibronectins and tenascins.It is now well established that integrins can regulate a variety of biological activities,most notably cell cycle and tissue-specific gene expression.In the intestine,several observations suggest functional roles for cell-matrix interactions in the regulation of epithelial cell functions.This article focuses on integrin α6β4 as a paradigm to illustrate the importance as well as the complexity of integrins in the mediation of cell-matrix interactions.Indeed,α6β4 has been well-characterized for its involvement as a link between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix molecules as well as in the activation of a variety of intracellular signalization processes in cooperation with growth factor receptors.Furthermore,recent studies show that distinct forms of α6 and β4 subunits are expressed in the human intestine and,more importantly,recent work provides experimental evidence that various forms of α6β4 can differentially regulate intestinal epithelial cell functions under both normal and pathological conditions.For instance,it has been discovered that colorectal cancer cells express a hybrid form of α6β4 that is never seen in normal cells.Although further work is needed,integrin α6β4 is emerging as a key regulator of intestinal functions in both intestinal health and disease.

Allelopathic Effect of Three Wild Plants (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>, <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i>and <i>Thevetia peruviana</i>) on Tomato (<i>Lycopersicum esculentum</i>Mill.) Growth and Stimulation of Metabolites Involved in Plant Resistance

The aim of this study was to determine the allelopathic effects of Azadirachta indica oil and aqueous extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Thevetia peruviana on the growth and stimulation of metabolites involved in tomato plant resistance. Randomized in blocks within a shaded area, the different treatments prepared at 10% and 15% (v/v and w/v) in water were subsequently applied on tomatoes seeds to monitor the effect on germination, and on tomatoes leaves to monitor the effect on growth and resilience of the plants. The result showed that in stressful conditions all the treatments significantly inhibit (p < 0.05) the germination capacity of the seeds from 21.22% to 92.61%, the germination rate from 39.82% to 92.76% and the germination viability of the seedlings from 64.67% to 100%. However, the negative allelopathic effect of the treatment was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when used for germination initiation by botanical priming. In addition, while T. diversifolia at 10% promotes a better aerial and root growth in tomato plants, T. peruviana at 15% induces the activation of resistance mechanisms in tomato plants by increasing protein levels to 104.5%, phenol levels to 183.33% and peroxidase enzyme activity to 586.15%. Therefore, allelopathic compound of wild plants would be a good alternative for growth promotion and resistance of tomato crops.

What Do We Know about Individuals Who Are Assessed as Being at Moderate Risk for Future Fracture in Canada?

Objective: We examined what was known about individuals in Canada who were assessed as being at moderate risk for future fracture. Methods: A scoping review was conducted. Eligible articles were Canadian studies published from 2010 onwards reporting on primary data that included patients at moderate risk for future fracture. We limited the search to Canada as fracture risk categorization is unique to each country. Studies were identified by searching relevant databases. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts to determine each study’s eligibility. General information about each study, demographic information about the moderate risk groups (including tool used to determine moderate risk (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC)), and outcomes (number of patients: recommended treatment, prescribed treatment, initiating treatment, persisting with treatment after six months, who refractured, who died) were documented. Results: We identified 1193 papers which were further screened for eligibility. Of the 1193 identified, 7 were eligible for the review but only 4 articles contained demographic or outcome data on moderate risk patients. In one study, 1.8% of moderate risk patients died over a mean 5.3 years of observation and in three studies, the risk of fracture was 5.9% over a median of 3 years of follow-up, 8.3% over a mean of 5.4 years, and 14.7% over 10 years of follow-up. Conclusion: There is a wide knowledge gap in the literature concerning individuals who are assessed as moderate risk for future fracture in Canada.

From skeletal to non skeletal: The intriguing roles of BMP-9: A literature review

In the well-known superfamily of transforming growth factors beta (TGF-b), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are one of the most compelling cytokines for their major role in regulation of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. This subfamily was first described for its ability of potentiating bone formation, but nowadays, the power of BMPs is well beyond the bone healing scope. Some of the BMPs have been well studied and described in the literature, but the BMP9 is still worthy of attention. It has been shown by many authors that it is the most potent osteogenic BMP. Moreover, it has been described as one of the rare circulating BMPs. In this paper, we will review the recent literature on BMP9 and the different avenues for future research in that field. Our primary scope is to review its relation to bone formation and to elaborate on the available literature on other systems.

A Numerical Approach to Possible Identification of the Noisiest Zones of a Wall Surface with a Flow Interaction

This paper examines the use of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) to identify zones on the surface of the source that contribute the most to the sound power the source radiates. First, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to obtain the pressure field at the surface of the blade in a subsonic regime. Then the fluctuation of this pressure field is used as the input for the loading noise in the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW&H) acoustic analogy. The FW&H analogy is used to calculate the sound power that is radiated by the blade. Secondly, the most important acoustic modes of POD and SVD are used to reconstruct the radiated sound power. The results obtained through POD and SVD are similar to the acoustic power directly obtained with the FW&H analogy. It was observed that the importance of the modes to the radiated sound power is not necessarily in ascending order (for the studied case, the seventh mode was the main contributor). Finally, maps of the most contributing POD and SVD modes have been produced. These maps show the zones on the surface of the blade, where the dipolar aeroacoustic sources contribute the most to the radiated sound power. These identifications are expected to be used as a guide to design and shape the blade surface in order to reduce its radiated noise.

Platelet-Activating Factor Induces Du-al-Specificity Phosphatase 1 and 5 Gene Expression

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory phospholipid mediator that is known to play a role in early-phase responses in asthma and other diseases. Through its high affinity receptor, PAFR, PAF is known to activate multiple signalling pathways contributing to its proinflammatory effects. Of these pathways, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is initiated upon PAF stimulation, leading to the activation of the conventional MAPKs ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Since dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSP) downregulated MAPK activity, we postulated that PAF could also enhance DUSP expression and thus induced an autoregulatory loop. In this report, we studied the effect of PAF on DUSP mRNA expression in human monocytes. Our results demonstrate that PAF induces DUSP1 and DUSP5 gene expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, with maximal effects at PAF 100 nM and at 20 - 30 min of stimulation. In contrast, DUSP2 and DUSP6 gene expression was not enhanced by PAF. Moreover, leukotriene D4, another lipid mediator of inflammation, was unable to modulate DUSP expression. PAF-induced DUSP expression was prevented by the PAFR antagonist WEB2170 and by pretreatment with the transcriptional inhibitor Actinomycin D. Moreover, enhanced DUSP5, but not DUSP1 expression was prevented by pretreatment with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 or the PI3K inhibitor Wortmannin. Taken together, our results indicate that PAF selectively enhances DUSP1 and DUSP5 gene expressions through PAFR activation, and suggest that PAF may have an active role in the resolution of inflammation by its ability to upregulate the two DUSPs and thus provide a negative auto-regulatory signalling mechanism.

Pathobiological role of MUC16 mucin(CA125) in ovarian cancer: Much more than a tumor biomarker

MUC16 （CA125） has remained the mainstay for ovarian cancer assessment and management since the early 1980’s. With the exception of HE4, it is the only reliable serum biomarker for ovarian cancer. MUC16 belongs to a family of high-molecular weight glycoproteins known as mucins. The mucin family is comprised of large secreted transmembrane proteins that includes MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16. These mucins are often overexpressed in a variety of malignancies. MUC1 and MUC4 have been shown to contribute to breast and pancreatic tumorigenesis. Recent studies have uncovered unique biological functions for MUC16 that go beyond its role as a biomarker for ovarian cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the literature to highlight the importance of MUC16 in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. We focus on the growing literature describing the role of MUC16 in proliferation, migration, metastasis, tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Accumulating experimental evidence suggest that the C-terminal domain of MUC16 is critical to mediate theses effects. The importance of MUC16 in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer emphasizes the need to fully understand the signaling capabilities of MUC16 C-terminal domain to develop more effcient strategies for the successful treatment of ovarian cancer.

Levetiracetam-Associated Acute Kidney Injury and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome

DRESS syndrome is a severe drug induced reaction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is sometimes present in the form of an acute interstitial nephritis. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with glioblastoma who developed a DRESS two months after starting levetiracetam and a few days after stopping dexamethasone. His skin and kidneys improved after removing levetiracetam and introducing again corticosteroids. DRESS has been reported more frequently with other antiepileptics, rarely with levetiracetam. Clinicians should add this drug to the list of potential causes of AKI.

Collisions, or Reflections and Rotations, Leading to the Digits of π

We analyze a problem of elastic collisions between elements of a system composed of two balls and a wall. Thanks to a change of variables, the problem is reduced to a sequence of reflections and rotations. Moreover, the total number of collisions is easily found. For specific ratios of ball weights, the number of collisions is related to the first successive digits of π.

Modelling Willingness-to-Adopt an Intelligent Oven： Capturing the Seniors Perspective

Introduction： The senior population is projected to continue to increase dramatically for the foreseeable future and cognitive issues associated with aging have become a major concern as they affect people’s ability to carry on activities of daily living. One area of daily living, which has often been cited as a key problem area for seniors is the detection of risks in the home, especially in the kitchen. The kitchen is the place where most domestic accidents occur and the oven is the main source. Methods： We propose a safety kitchen solution, InOvUS, which focuses on safety and reducing the risk of fire, burn and intoxication. We present the evaluation of the soundness of the method we designed to evaluate the adoption intention and interest of a safety kitchen system from a senior user’s perspective. Results： We develop a conceptual model utilizing several existing scales such as the CAI （consumer adoption intention）, CI （consumer innovativeness）, TAM （technology acceptance model）, PEOU （perceived ease of use） and PU （perceived usefulness） scales, but specific to the senior 65＋ segment. Conclusion： The evaluation results of InOvUS through the application of our model show a clear buying intention toward InOvUS and also a clear intent to use it.