Lateral Diameter Research Articles

MnSe-loaded g-C3N4 nanocomposite with synergistic peroxidase-like catalysis: Synthesis and application toward colorimetric biosensing of H2O2 and glucose

Manganese selenide (MnSe) nanoparticles as nanocatalysts may present enhanced peroxidase-like catalysis if loaded on conductive graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) supports. In this work, MnSe nanoparticles were successfully loaded on the surface of polymeric g-C3N4 as a cocatalyst through a thermal condensation method by calcinating the mixture of pure MnSe, dicyandiamide and cyanuric acid. The morphology and composition of thus-prepared MnSe loaded doped graphite phase carbon nitride nanosheets (MnSe-g-C3N4) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Structural analyses revealed that the MnSe-g-C3N4 nanoparticles are composed of ultrathin nanosheets with 20nm lateral diameter. Compared with original MnSe and g-C3N4, the prepared MnSe-g-C3N4 nanosheets could achieve higher aqueous stability and, especially, much stronger peroxidase-like catalysis, presumably resulting from the synergetic effects of conductive carbon nitride and lamellate MnSe nanocatalysts effectively loaded. Significantly, MnSe-g-C3N4 nanosheets were proved to be novel peroxidase mimetics which could quickly catalyze oxidation of the peroxidase substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2, producing a blue colored solution. Kinetic analysis indicates that the catalytic behavior satisfy typical Michaelis–Menten kinetics and follows a ping-pong mechanism. Colorimetric detections of H2O2 and glucose using the MnSe-g-C3N4 nanosheets were conducted with high detection sensitivities, demonstrating the feasibility of practical sensing applications. It is therefore believed that our findings in this study could open up the possibility of utilizing MnSe-g-C3N4 nanosheets as enzymatic mimics in diagnostics and biotechnology fields.

Confinement and inhomogeneous broadening effects in the quantum oscillatory magnetization of quantum dot ensembles

We report on the magnetization of ensembles of etched quantum dots with a lateral diameter of 460 nm, which we prepared from InGaAs/InP heterostructures. The quantum dots exhibit 1/B-periodic de-Haas–van-Alphen-type oscillations in the magnetization M(B) for external magnetic fields B > 2 T, measured by torque magnetometry at 0.3 K. We compare the experimental data to model calculations assuming different confinement potentials and including ensemble broadening effects. The comparison shows that a hard wall potential with an edge depletion width of 100 nm explains the magnetic behavior. Beating patterns induced by Rashba spin–orbit interaction (SOI) as measured in unpatterned and nanopatterned InGaAs/InP heterostructures are not observed for the quantum dots. From our model we predict that signatures of SOI in the magnetization could be observed in larger dots in tilted magnetic fields.

Endoscopy evaluation to predict oral appliance outcomes in obstructive sleep apnoea.

The objective of this study was to determine the utility of nasoendoscopy of the upper airway as a predictor of the efficacy of oral appliance treatment in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).A total of 61 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe polysomnographically diagnosed OSA were recruited for this study. Using nasoendoscopy, we prospectively assessed the velopharynx and oro/hypopharynx in each patient while awake and in the supine position. We measured cross-sectional area (CSA), and anteroposterior and lateral diameters of the airway before and after mandibular advancement, and expressed the changes in dimensions as expansion ratios (after/before). We then compared the measurements of responders and nonresponders with oral appliance treatment.The expansion ratio (median (interquartile range)) for the CSA was greater in responders compared with nonresponders in the velopharynx (2.9 (2.3-5.0) versus 1.7 (1.5-1.9), p<0.001) and in the oro/hypopharynx (3.4 (2.5-5.6) versus 2.4 (1.8-3.7), p<0.05). Baseline apnoea-hypopnoea index and the CSA expansion ratio of the velopharynx were independent predictors of oral appliance treatment outcome based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The estimated area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.87 and the cut-off value of the expansion ratio was 2.00.These results indicate that nasoendoscopy may have significant clinical utility in predicting the success of oral appliance treatment.

Technical Note: Improved CT number stability across patient size using dual-energy CT virtual monoenergetic imaging.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, over a wide range of phantom sizes, CT number stability achieved using two techniques for generating dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic images. Water phantoms ranging in lateral diameter from 15 to 50 cm and containing a CT number test object were scanned on a DSCT scanner using both single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) techniques. The SE tube potentials were 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 kV; the DE tube potential pairs were 80/140, 70/150Sn, 80/150Sn, 90/150Sn, and 100/150Sn kV (Sn denotes that the 150 kV beam was filtered with a 0.6 mm tin filter). Virtual monoenergetic images at energies ranging from 40 to 140 keV were produced from the DECT data using two algorithms, monoenergetic (mono) and monoenergetic plus (mono+). Particularly in large phantoms, water CT number errors and/or artifacts were observed; thus, datasets with water CT numbers outside ±10 HU or with noticeable artifacts were excluded from the study. CT numbers were measured to determine CT number stability across all phantom sizes. Data exclusions were generally limited to cases when a SE or DE technique with a tube potential of less than 90 kV was used to scan a phantom larger than 30 cm. The 90/150Sn DE technique provided the most accurate water background over the large range of phantom sizes evaluated. Mono and mono+ provided equally improved CT number stability as a function of phantom size compared to SE; the average deviation in CT number was only 1.4% using 40 keV and 1.8% using 70 keV, while SE had an average deviation of 11.8%. The authors' report demonstrates, across all phantom sizes, the improvement in CT number stability achieved with mono and mono+ relative to SE.

Influence of Water Content on the Flow Consistency of Dredged Marine Soils

In present time, dredged marine soils (DMS) are generally considered as geo-waste in Malaysia. It is also known to contain high value of water and low shear strength. Lightly solidified soils such as soilcement slurry and flowable fill are known as controlled low strength materials (CLSM). On site, the CLSM was tested for its consistency by using an open-ended cylinder pipe. The vertical and lateral displacement from the test would determine the quality and workability of the CLSM. In this study, manufactured kaolin powder was mixed with different percentages of water. Cement was also added to compare the natural soil with solidified soil samples. There are two methods of flowability test used, namely the conventional lift method and innovative drop method. The lateral displacement or soil spread diameter values were recorded and averaged. Tests showed that the soil spread diameter corresponded almost linear with the increasing amount of water. The binder-added samples show no significant difference with non-binder sample. Also, the mixing water content and percentage of fines had influenced the soil spread diameter.

Evaluation and optimization of multi-lateral wells using MODFLOW unstructured grids

AbstractMulti-lateral wells have been increasingly used in recent years by different industries including oil- and gas industry along with coal bed methane- and water production. The common purpose of these wells is to achieve a higher production rate per well. More and more sophisticated well patterns and geometries can be implemented in practice which calls for improved modelling techniques. Complicated well geometries and small lateral diameters require high resolution models in the vicinity of the wells. With structured finite difference grids this can only be achieved by unnecessary refinements even far away from the wellbores. However the model may still suffer from orientation problems if laterals do not coincide with the rows or columns of the rectangular mesh.In the present work, we applied unstructured grids to model multi-lateral wells and compared the results to structured models. We used the MODFLOW-USG code, which simulates groundwater flow using a generalized control volume finite-difference approach, allowing grids other than orthogonal structured grids to be applied. This offers a solution for orientation and resolution problems. The second part of the paper aims to optimize multi-lateral well geometry by evaluating the effect of length, angle and number of laterals.

Efficacy and mechanism of mandibular advancement devices for persistent sleep apnea after surgery: a prospective study.

BackgroundTo explore the feasibility, the efficacy, and the mechanism of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) in the treatment of persistent sleep apnea after surgery.MethodsNineteen patients who failed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or UPPP plus genioglossus advancement and hyoid myotomy (GAHM) were given a non-adjustable MAD for treatment. All patients had polysomnography (PSG) at least 6 months post-UPPP with and without the MAD. Seventeen patients had computed tomography (CT) examinations.ResultsAfter the application of MAD, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased significantly from 41.2 ± 13.1/h to 10.1 ± 5.6/h in the responder group. The response rate was 57.9 % (11/19). During sleep apnea/hypopnea acquired from sedated sleep, the cross-sectional area and anterior-posterior and lateral diameters of the velopharynx enlarged significantly from 4.2 ± 6.0 mm2 to 17.5 ± 15.3 mm2, 1.9 ± 2.3 mm to 6.5 ± 4.1 mm, and 1.1 ± 1.3 mm to 2.6 ± 2.1 mm, respectively (P < 0.01) in the responder group with MAD. The velopharyngeal collapsibility also decreased significantly from 83.3 ± 21.8 % to 46.5 ± 27.1 %. The glossopharyngeal collapsibility decreased from 39.8 ± 39.1 % to −22.9 ± 73.2 % (P < 0.05).ConclusionMAD can be an effective alternative treatment for patients with moderate and severe OSAHS after surgery. The principal mechanisms underlying the effect of MAD are expansion of the lateral diameter of the velopharynx, the enlargement of the velopharyngeal area, the reduction of velopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal collapsibility, and the stabilization of the upper airway.

Effects of aspect ratio and concentration on rheology of epoxy suspensions containing model plate-like nanoparticles

Hexagonal 2-dimensional α-zirconium phosphate crystals were prepared with lateral diameters ranging from 110 nm to 1.5 μm to investigate the effect of particle size on suspension rheology. The nanoplatelets were exfoliated to individual sheets with monodisperse thickness and dispersed in a Newtonian epoxy fluid. The steady shear response of dilute and semi-dilute suspensions was measured and compared to expressions obtained from theory for infinitely dilute suspensions. For suspensions containing the smaller nanoplatelets, aspect ratio ∼160, the low shear rate viscosity and transition to shear thinning behavior were well described by theory for loadings up to 0.5 vol. %. The agreement was improved by assuming a moderate polydispersity in lateral diameter, ∼30%–50%, which is consistent with experimental observation. For the higher aspect ratio nanoplatelets, good agreement between theory and experiment was observed only at high shear rates. At lower shear rate, theory consistently over-predicted viscosity, which was attributed to a progressive shift to non-isotropic initial conditions with increasing particle size. The results suggest that at a fixed Peclet number, there is an increasing tendency for the nanoplatelets to form transient, local stacks as particle size increases. The largest particles, aspect ratio ∼2200, showed unusual shear thinning and thickening behaviors that were attributed to particle flexibility. The findings demonstrate the surprising utility of theory for infinitely dilute suspensions to interpret, and in some cases quantitatively describe, the non-Newtonian viscosity of real suspensions containing high aspect ratio plate-like particles. A simple framework is proposed to interpret deviations from ideal behavior based on the local and collective behavior of the suspended nanoplatelets.

Sonographic Evaluation of the Fetal Thymus Using the Thy‐Box Technique Between 13 and 16 Weeks' Gestation

The purposes of this study were to assess the feasibility of fetal thymus measurement between 13 and 16 weeks' gestation, to evaluate the potential difference using color Doppler sonography with the thy-box technique, and to construct normal percentile ranges. This retrospective study included 287 healthy singleton pregnancies. The fetal thymus was shown in an axial plane of the upper mediastinum. Color Doppler imaging was applied to outline the thy-box: ie, the area between the brachiocephalic artery posteriorly and internal mammary arteries laterally. Measurements of the lateral and anteroposterior diameters of the thymus with and without color Doppler imaging were compared. The thymus was shown in 95% of the cases (273 of 287) between 13 and 16 weeks' gestation. The mean lateral thymus diameter ± SD with color Doppler imaging (5.30 ± 0.7 mm) was significantly longer in comparison to the measurement without color Doppler imaging (5.06 ± 0.8 mm; P < .001), whereas the anteroposterior diameter was significantly shorter (3.19 ± 0.9 versus 3.26 ± 0.8 mm; P = .044). Normal percentiles of thymus measurements for gestational age were constructed. The fetal thymus can be clearly and accurately shown as early as 13 weeks' gestation by using the thy-box. Measurements with color Doppler imaging were significantly different from those without and hence are preferable, as color Doppler imaging can delineate the thymus borders more accurately.

Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers Embedded with MoS2 Nanocrystals for Extraordinary Li-Ion Storage.

MoS2 nanocrystals embedded in mesoporous carbon nanofibers are synthesized through an electrospinning process followed by calcination. The resultant nanofibers are 100-150 nm in diameter and constructed from MoS2 nanocrystals with a lateral diameter of around 7 nm with specific surface areas of 135.9 m(2) g(-1) . The MoS2 @C nanofibers are treated at 450 °C in H2 and comparison samples annealed at 800 °C in N2 . The heat treatments are designed to achieve good crystallinity and desired mesoporous microstructure, resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. The small amount of oxygen in the nanofibers annealed in H2 contributes to obtaining a lower internal resistance, and thus, improving the conductivity. The results show that the nanofibers obtained at 450 °C in H2 deliver an extraordinary capacity of 1022 mA h g(-1) and improved cyclic stability, with only 2.3 % capacity loss after 165 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) , as well as an outstanding rate capability. The greatly improved kinetics and cycling stability of the mesoporous MoS2 @C nanofibers can be attributed to the crosslinked conductive carbon nanofibers, the large specific surface area, the good crystallinity of MoS2 , and the robust mesoporous microstructure. The resulting nanofiber electrodes, with short mass- and charge-transport pathways, improved electrical conductivity, and large contact area exposed to electrolyte, permitting fast diffusional flux of Li ions, explains the improved kinetics of the interfacial charge-transfer reaction and the diffusivity of the MoS2 @C mesoporous nanofibers. It is believed that the integration of MoS2 nanocrystals and mesoporous carbon nanofibers may have a synergistic effect, giving a promising anode, and widening the applicability range into high performance and mass production in the Li-ion battery market.

Value of real-time sharewave elastography in Achilles tendinopathy: Ultrasound technology of the future?

To determine if the viscoelastic properties of Achilles tendon assessed by real-time sharewave elastography (SWE) are modified in tendinopathy and provide informations for subsequent applications of this technique. Twenty-six abnormal tendons (16 unilateral and 5 bilateral tendinopathy) from 21 patients with Achilles tendinopathy and 176 normal tendons (from 16 patients and 80 healthy volunteers) were prospectively included and compared. Mean sharewave velocity (Vmean) was measured on axial and sagittal SWE images at two degrees of passive ankle flexion (position 1: complete plantar flexion? and position 2: 0 degree flexion). Tendon maximum anteroposterior and lateral diameters, cross sectional area and the presence of tears were also noted. In position 1, the abnormal tendons Vmean was significantly lower than for contralateral normal tendons on sagittal ( Δ = 1.23 m/s, P = 0.004) and axial elastograms ( Δ = 0.68 m/s, P = 0.03)? and significantly lower than for normal tendons only on axial images ( Δ = 0.49 m/s, P = 0.01). In position 2 and on axial elastograms, the abnormal tendons Vmean was 1.14 m/s lower than for contralateral normal tendons however without reaching statistical significance ( P = 0.07). In position 2, the abnormal tendons Vmean was significantly lower than for normal tendons on sagittal ( Δ = 1.26 m/s, P < 0.001) and axial elastograms ( Δ = 0.52 m/s, P = 0.05). In tendon with complete tears Vmean was significantly lower than for normal tendons on both sagittal and axial images and in both positions ( P < 0.001). All tears ( n = 4) appeared as signal void areas. Abnormal Achilles tendons have lower Vmean and are therefore softer than normal tendons. There is no SWE signal into tendon tears. Tendon softening, assessed by realtime SWE, is a new helpful tool in the evaluation of Achilles tendinopathy. SWE may also provide quantitative parameters to assess the severity of tendinopathy to monitor the effect of therapeutics.

Cast index in predicting outcome of proximal pediatric forearm fractures.

Background:Many pediatric forearm fractures can be treated in plaster following closed reduction. The cast index (CI, a ratio of anteroposterior to lateral internal diameters of the cast at the fracture site) is a simple, reliable marker of quality of molding and a CI of >0.8 correlates with increased risk of redisplacement. Previously, CI has been applied to all forearm fractures. We hypothesize that an acceptable CI is more difficult to achieve and does not predict outcome in fractures of the proximal forearm.Materials and Methods:Seventynine cases of pediatric forearm fractures initially treated by manipulation alone over a year were included in this retrospective radiographic analysis. The CI was calculated from the post manipulation radiographs. All fractures were divided as either proximal or distal half forearm based on the location of the radius fracture. Subsequent radiographs were reviewed to assess redisplacement and reoperation.Results:The mean CI was 0.77. Remanipulation was required in five cases (6%), all distal half fractures – mean CI 0.79. CI was higher in proximal half forearm fractures (0.83 vs. 0.76, P = 0.006), nonetheless these fractures did not re-displace more than distal fractures.Conclusion:Cast index is useful in predicting redisplacement of manipulated distal forearm fractures. We found that in proximal half forearm fractures it is difficult to achieve a CI of <0.8, but increased CI does not predict loss of position in these fractures. We therefore discourage the use of CI in proximal half forearm fractures.

Root system development and architecture in various genotypes of the Solanaceae family

We present an extensive, dynamic, and quantitative study of the root system architecture of Solanaceae based on 29 genotypes from three important groups (aubergines, capsicums, and tomatoes). Quantitative traits were essentially obtained from measurements made on high resolution images of different plant parts at several stages. The developmental schema was common to all genotypes. Several traits showed significant genetic variations: root apical diameter (reflecting meristem size), interbranch distances, slopes of the regression lines of elongation rate versus apical diameter, and ratios of diameters of laterals to mother roots. On all genotypes, the initial root system was complemented by a strong adventitious system emerging near the plant collar, made up of a set of fast growing roots with large apical diameters. Correlations between traits were evidenced within the root systems on one hand (e.g., interbranch distance and diameter ratio of laterals to their mother) and between shoot and root on the other hand (e.g., leaf area growth rate and root elongation rate). They revealed both trade-offs in developmental processes and coordination between plant parts. Beyond these results, we demonstrated the importance of characterizing phenotypes through multiple criteria, considering the whole plant and including late stages.

Growth of the lateral ventricle in normal second-trimester fetuses: Is a nomogram practical?

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth of lateral ventriclar size of fetuses between 15 and 25 weeks of gestation. A prospective study of normal singleton pregnancies was evaluated consecutively. Measurement of the lateral ventricle was performed by transabdominal sonography as a part of routine obstetric examination in 338 fetuses. The mean size of the lateral ventricular atrial diameter for the 338 fetuses was 6.65 ± 0.95 mm. A weak correlation was found between gestational age and lateral ventricle width (R2 = 0.03, P

A new computer-tomography-based method of sex estimation: Development of Turkish population-specific standards

The identification of victims involved in mass fatality incidents has become an increasingly important issue nowadays, and identification of unknown individuals is an important aspect in criminal cases and Disaster Victim Identification scenarios. Therefore, the sex estimation is one of the most important biological attributes towards establishing personal identity. In addition, several studies have demonstrated that metric sex determination methods of the skeleton are population-specific due to variation in size and patterns of sexual dimorphism. Unfortunately, the modern Turkish population still lacks wide and representative population standards for identification. Previous research has shown that modern technologies, such as CT scanning appear to offer promising means for the establishment of new standards for contemporary populations. The main aim of this project is to examine the application of measurements taken from the femur in order to assess sex, as well as to contribute to the establishment of discriminant function equations for the Turkish population for forensic applications.The sample population was composed of CT images taken from 200 adult hospital patients. The images of the femora were segmented from the surrounding bones to ensure correct usage of landmarks as accurately as possible. The 3D reconstructions were then created using the volume-rendering function in OsiriX (v.5.6.). Thirteen measurements were acquired using a 3D viewer and were located and marked on each of the CT reconstructed femora.Thirteen anthropometric parameters were measured and analysed by basic descriptive statistics and discriminant analysis methods using the SPSS 21.0 software package. The intra-observer variation was assessed by obtaining the inter-cross correlation coefficient in order to evaluate the accuracy of the linear measurements taken. The accuracy of sex prediction ranged from 63.5 to 88% with single variables. In stepwise analysis, Epicondylar Breadth, Femur Vertical Diameter of Neck and Medial Lateral Subtrochanteric Diameter were found to be the most discriminating variables providing an accuracy of 91%.Ultimately, it is envisaged that this research study will produce data and interpretations that will inform on and improve standards of sex estimation from postcranial osteometric landmarks. Additionally, this research will consider how this data provides value for a developing discipline of forensic anthropology and how it integrates within the existing systems of criminal investigation and Disaster Victim Identification practices in Turkey.

Configuration, Dimension and Density Control of 3-D Gold Nanostructures on Various Type-B GaAs Surfaces by the Systematic Variation of Annealing Temperature, Annealing Duration and Deposition Amount

Metallic nanoparticles have received extensive research attention due to their potential to be utilized in catalytic, electronic and optical applications. Tunable feature of quantum effect related to the configuration, dimension as well as the density of nanoparticles makes them appropriate building blocks for their applications at the nano-scale. In this paper, we systematically investigate the fabrication of self-assembled Au nanoparticles on high-index type-B GaAs (n11), where n is 9, 8, 4, and 2. By means of varying annealing temperature, Au deposition amount and annealing duration, the evolution of Au nanoparticles in terms of the average height, lateral diameter and average density is systematically studied. We observe that the variation of annealing temperature leads to an abrupt configuration evolution from the wiggly Au nanostructures to the round-dome shaped nanoparticles due to the limited and/or enhanced surface diffusion at various temperatures. Meanwhile, the variation of deposition amount leads to a wide range of dimensions of Au nanoparticles as a result of the size increase and the corresponding density decrease. Furthermore, based on the annealing duration control, the size of Au nanoparticles tends to be gradually increased owing to the Ostwald-ripening. Meanwhile, the effect of surface index on the size and density is also witnessed. The results are systematically analyzed by using the atomic force microscope images, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra and maps, Fourier filter transforms power spectra, cross-sectional line-profiles and size and density plots.

P119. Correlation of ventricular diameter and cognitive dysfunction in patients with IPD – Comparison of transcranial sonography and MRI

Background In the course of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) 30% of patients develop dementia yielding to new challenges in diagnosis and therapy. Several studies in multiple sclerosis or HIV patients indicated a correlation of ventricular diameter as a marker of brain atrophy and a decline of cognitive function. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate if ventricular diameter measured by TCS and MR-imaging is a marker of brain atrophy and if it is correlated with severity of disease and cognitive dysfunction. Methods In this study 108 PD patients (64% male, 36% female; mean age: 63,64±8,24years (yrs)) and 39 controls (36% male, 64% female; mean age: 51,7±15,6yrs) underwent a T1/T2-weighted MR Imaging and TCS. The transverse diameter of the third ventricle (3v) and the frontal horns of right (rv) and left (lv) lateral ventricles were measured. Furthermore, neurological examinations, standardized motor functional (UPDRS, Webster) and cognitive (MMST, PANDA, ZVT) tests were performed. 31 individuals underwent a follow up examination after 5yrs. Results The TCS measurement of ventricular diameter significantly correlated with the MRI measurement (Spearman rank correlation, 3v: r =0.8, lv: r =0.4; p r =0.2; p r =0.49; p r =0.389; p r =0.421; p 3v : r =−0.3; p =n. s.; lv : r =−0.5; p rv: r =−0.5; p 3v : r =−0.457; p lv : r =−0.417; p rv: r =−0.261; p =n.s.). No correlation between motor function and ventricular diameter was found. In 5-year follow-up all individuals showed a significant increase of lateral ventricular diameter (rv+lv: p Conclusions Our results suggest that TCS measurement of ventricular diameter represents a quick, low priced and simple method as a surrogate marker of brain atrophy associated in IPD with age and cognitive function. Future investigations may define the value of TCS ventricular diameter measurement for evaluation of cognitive dysfunction in IPD in routine clinical practice.

Preparation and analysis of active rat model of rheumatoid arthritis with features of TCM toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction

ObjectiveTo establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction (bi zheng; arthromyodynia) as well as pathologic features of active RA. The Chinese herbal medicine Tengmei decoction was used to validate the animal model. MethodsNinety specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 6 rats and a model group of 84 rats. To establish the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), bovine type II collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the model group rats as a priming dose (Day 0) and boosting dose (Day 9). Changes in arthritic index (AI) scores, including limb swelling, were monitored. Thereafter, 24 successfully-established CIA rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 animals each: model, positive control drug, high-dose traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. A blank control group of 6 rats was included. After 12 weeks of intervention with Tengmei decoction, articular synovial tissue and serum specimens were collected to detect interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-17 transcription and protein expression levels. ResultsDays 0 through 9, the anterior–posterior and lateral diameters of the limbs in model group rats did not differ significantly when compared to the normal control group (P > .05). On day 16, anterior–posterior, lateral diameters, and footpad thicknesses of both hind limbs in the model group were higher than those of the normal control group (P < .01, P < .05). Total AI, AI of both hind limbs between Days 11 and 16 were significantly higher than those of the normal control group (P < .01). Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses of rat joint tissues indicated that compared to the normal control group, levels of mRNA transcription of IL-2 and IL-17 were significantly upregulated (P < .01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, levels of mRNA transcription of the aforementioned inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated in the positive control drug and traditional Chinese medicine treatment groups (P < .01). Results of ELISA analyses indicated that compared with the normal control group, levels of protein expression of cytokines IL-2, IL-17 were significantly upregulated (P < .01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, levels of protein expression of the aforementioned inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated in the positive control drug and traditional Chinese medicine treatment groups (P < .01). ConclusionThe CIA model established in this study presents both active RA pathologic features and characteristics of the symptoms of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction 12 weeks after successful establishment of an animal model. In addition, this study may be a valuable reference for development of animal studies with combined Eastern and Western medicines in dialectics and identification of diseases.

Assessment of upper airway patency in spontaneously breathing non-intubated neonates and infants undergoing conventional MRI of head and neck.

Neonates and infants frequently undergo MRI examinations of the brain or head and neck in spontaneous respiration. This study aims to evaluate the patency of the upper airway and associated risk factors in spontaneously breathing neonates and infants undergoing MRI of head and neck. Airway patency was assessed on sagittal and axial MRI images of the head and neck region for neonates and infants retrospectively. Anteroposterior diameters were measured at the soft palate and tongue levels as well as a lateral diameter at the tongue level for the patent airway. Chart review for risk factors was carried out. A total of 831 children between 0 and 12 months of age had an MRI. Eighty-two children with spontaneous ventilation were included. The airway was occluded in 29/82 (35%) of children. Twenty-four out of 29 (83%) children with airway occlusion had a depressed level of consciousness, 7/24 (29%) of whom were sedated with a single dose of benzodiazepine and 17/24 (71%) were on anti-epileptic therapy for an underlying seizure disorder and/or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Forty-three out of 82 (65%) of children had an open airway. The airway diameters (mean ± SD) were 5.9 ± 2 mm (anteroposterior (AP) at soft palate), 7.4 ± 2.9 mm (lateral at soft palate), and 6.3 mm ± 1.6 (AP at dorsum of tongue). A significant proportion of spontaneously breathing neonates and infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or sedation show evidence of airway obstruction during MRI. Careful pre-MRI screening for decision of spontaneous breathing versus artificial airway support during MRI and robust airway monitoring during MRI are required for these vulnerable children.

Observation of Shape, Configuration, and Density of Au Nanoparticles on Various GaAs Surfaces via Deposition Amount, Annealing Temperature, and Dwelling Time.

Metallic nanoparticles have been widely witnessed in many applications: serving as the catalysts for various nanowire systems, as the active mediums of various device applications, and also for the nanoscale templates for hybrid quantum structures. In the performance of devices and configurations of the resulting nanostructures, the size and density of nanoparticles play critical roles. In this paper, the control of self-assembled Au droplets on GaAs (100), (110), and (111) is systematically investigated through the variation of deposition amount (DA), annealing temperature (AT), and dwelling time (DT). Based on the Volmer–Weber growth model, the formation of Au droplets and dramatic evolution of Au nanostructures on various GaAs surfaces is observed from the Au clusters to the round-dome shapes with the AT variation between 250 and 550 °C. With the systematic DA control, a radical size and density evolution of Au droplets shows the size expansion of over 400 % in average height and 800 % in average lateral diameter, while the density shows over two orders of decrease. With the DT variation, the self-assembled Au droplets tend to grow larger due to the Ostwald ripening while a clear distinction among the surface indexes is observed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11671-015-0950-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.