Design, fabrication, and testing of an all-metal ultra-compact telescope.

The design, fabrication, and testing of an all-metal four-mirror telescope for high-resolution remote sensing is presented in this paper. The system works in the visible (VIS) band and is designed with a focal length of 1406 mm, an aperture of 200 mm, and a full field of view (FOV) of 1.32°. The mechanical structure is designed to realize the snap-together alignment. The primary mirror (M1) and tertiary mirror (M3) are designed as a co-substrate element to simplify the fabrication and alignment. The telescope's weight is 3.5 kg, and the volume is just φ230×220mm3. Metallic mirrors are fabricated with single-point diamond turning, and post-polishing is used to correct the mirror's surface form deviation and remove turning tool marks effectively. After polishing, the RMS value of the mirror surface form deviation of the final mirror can reach 0.02λ at λ=632.8nm, and the surface roughness Ra value is about 1.83 nm. Benefiting from the all-metal mechanical design, the alignment process of the telescope is fast and accurate. The interferometric wavefront, modulation transfer function, and focal length of the telescope are measured, and the results demonstrated that it achieves the near-diffraction-limited imaging performance.

Fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor with a segmented structure.

A segmented structure optic fiber sensor is proposed and demonstrated; it is based on evanescent wave absorption theory. The waveguide modes of the segmented structure are simulated and analyzed by using the beam propagation method, which shows the high-order modes are excited repeatedly at the first transition of each segmented region. The effect of the number of segments and the core diameters on the sensitivity of the sensors is investigated experimentally. The sensitivity of the sensors is tested by using different concentrations of methylene blue solution. The experimental results show that our sensor's sensitivity is ∼0.0476 L/g, which is two times higher than that of the conventional single straight sensor, with the same core diameters and length of the sensing region, and the absorbance is linearly proportional to the number of segments, while being inversely proportional to the residue core diameter of the etched segments within the concentration range from 2 to 14 g/L. These results are consistent with theoretical models and simulation analysis. The proposed sensor not only has high sensitivity, but it is also robust due to the large core diameter of the segmented region, which is suitable for materials spectrum measurements.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon: ultrastructural observation and immunohistochemistry staining reveal the trapping of blood components.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE), a borderline tumor of endothelial origin, is associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, characterized by profound thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulopathy resulting from the localized intravascular coagulation (LIC) in the tumor. Previous studies have suggested that the trapping of blood components, including platelets, may underlie the LIC in KHE. However, more evidence is needed to support this hypothesis. In this study, one case of a Chinese infant with a KHE in the left arm was complicated by Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. The tumor was partially resected and the sample was used for ultrastructural observation and immunohistochemistry staining of Glut-1. Ultrastructural observation found the trapping of erythrocytes, platelets, macrophages, and lymphocytes in the slit-like channels of the tumor nodules, and phagocytic vesicles in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemistry staining further showed numerous Glut-1(+) erythrocytes in the channels. In conclusion, our results provided compelling morphological evidence of the trapping of blood components in KHE, which may interpret the LIC in the tumor and subsequent consumptive coagulopathy.

A novel human error probability assessment using fuzzy modeling.

Human error is one of the significant factors contributing to accidents. Traditional human error probability (HEP) studies based on fuzzy number concepts are one of the contributions addressing such a problem. It is particularly useful under circumstances where the lack of data exists. However, the degree of the discriminability of such studies may be questioned when applied under circumstances where experts have adequate information and specific values can be determined in the abscissa of the membership function of linguistic terms, that is, the fuzzy data of each scenario considered are close to each other. In this article, a novel HEP assessment aimed at solving such a difficulty is proposed. Under the framework, the fuzzy data are equipped with linguistic terms and membership values. By establishing a rule base for data combination, followed by the defuzzification and HEP transformation processes, the HEP results can be acquired. The methodology is first examined using a test case consisting of three different scenarios of which the fuzzy data are close to each other. The results generated are compared with the outcomes produced from the traditional fuzzy HEP studies using the same test case. It is concluded that the methodology proposed in this study has a higher degree of the discriminability and is capable of providing more reasonable results. Furthermore, in situations where the lack of data exists, the proposed approach is also capable of providing the range of the HEP results based on different risk viewpoints arbitrarily established as illustrated using a real-world example.

The adipogenesis in infantile hemangioma and the expression of adipogenic-related genes.

Infantile hemangioma, a common benign tumor of infancy, grows quickly in six months to one year after birth, then slowly involutes into fibrofatty tissue childhood. In this study, we observed the adipogenesis in hemangioma and investigated the expression of adipogenic differentiation-related genes. 33 fresh resected hemangioma samples were collected, including 18 proliferating cases (less than one year old), 9 involuting cases (from one to five years old), and 6 involuted cases (more than five years old). The pathological evolution of hemangioma was observed by H-E staining. The expression of Perilipin A was showed by immunohistochemistry staining. The expression and location of PPAR-γ (a key transcription factor in adipogenesis) was displayed by Immunofluorescence staining, with the co-staining of α-SMA and CD31. The expression of adipose differentiation-related genes including PPAR-γ2, LPL, CEBPA, and Perilipin A was detected by Quantitative real time PCR. The results of H-E and Immunohistochemical staining showed the increase of adipose cells as hemangioma developed from the proliferative phase to involuting phase and later to involuted phase. Immunofluorescence staining showed that PPAR-γ wa expressed in the perivascular cells in hemangioma. Quantitative PCR analysis showed a significant increase of PPAR-γ2, LPL, CEBPA and Perilipin A genes' expression in the involuting and involuted heangioma. In conclusion, the PPAR-γ(+) perivascular cells (specific mesenchymal stem cells or pericytes) contribute to the adipogenesis in hemangioma. The siginificantly increased expression of adipogenic differentiation-related genes in the involuting and involuted phase suggested that they played a role in the adipogenesis in hemangioma.

Over-expression of PPAR-γ2 gene enhances the adipogenic differentiation of hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Most of infantile hemangiomas involute into fibrofatty tissue in childhood, which indicates adipogenesis during this period. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute to the adipogenesis in IH. In this study, we investigated the effects of overexpression of PPAR-γ2 gene on the adipogenic differentiation of Hemangioma-derived MSCs (Hem-MSCs), and discussed the possibility of targeted therapy via PPAR-γ pathway. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from proliferating hemangioma by their selective adhesion to plastic culture dishes. Recombinant lentivirus with PPAR-γ2 gene were prepared, and used to transfect Hem-MSCs. Transfected cells were cultured in adipogenic medium to observe the differentiation in vitro. And the cells were mixed with Matrigel, then subcutaneously injected into the back of nude mice to observe the differentiation in vivo. RESULTS: In the in vitro tests, Hem-MSCs with overexpression of PPAR-γ2 gene showed enhanced adipogenic differentiation with increased expression of adipogenic-related genes, including PPAR-γ2, ADD1, LPL, and CEBPA genes. In the in vivo tests, Hem-MSCs/Matrigel plugs with overexpression of PPAR-γ2 gene also showed accelerated adipogenesis and time-phased changes of above genes. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of PPAR-γ2 gene enhances and accelerates the adipogenic differentiation of Hem-MSCs in vitro and in vivo. The results may provide the preliminary evidences for the targeted therapy of IH via PPAR-γ signal pathway.

Integument pattern formation involves genetic and epigenetic controls: feather arrays simulated by digital hormone models.

Pattern formation is a fundamental morphogenetic process. Models based on genetic and epigenetic control have been proposed but remain controversial. Here we use feather morphogenesis for further evaluation. Adhesion molecules and/or signaling molecules were first expressed homogenously in feather tracts (restrictive mode, appear earlier) or directly in bud or inter-bud regions ( de novo mode, appear later). They either activate or inhibit bud formation, but paradoxically colocalize in the bud. Using feather bud reconstitution, we showed that completely dissociated cells can reform periodic patterns without reference to previous positional codes. The patterning process has the characteristics of being self-organizing, dynamic and plastic. The final pattern is an equilibrium state reached by competition, and the number and size of buds can be altered based on cell number and activator/inhibitor ratio, respectively. We developed a Digital Hormone Model which consists of (1) competent cells without identity that move randomly in a space, (2) extracellular signaling hormones which diffuse by a reaction-diffusion mechanism and activate or inhibit cell adhesion, and (3) cells which respond with topological stochastic actions manifested as changes in cell adhesion. Based on probability, the results are cell clusters arranged in dots or stripes. Thus genetic control provides combinational molecular information which defines the properties of the cells but not the final pattern. Epigenetic control governs interactions among cells and their environment based on physical-chemical rules (such as those described in the Digital Hormone Model). Complex integument patterning is the sum of these two components of control and that is why integument patterns are usually similar but non-identical. These principles may be shared by other pattern formation processes such as barb ridge formation, fingerprints, pigmentation patterning, etc. The Digital Hormone Model can also be applied to swarming robot navigation, reaching intelligent automata and representing a self-re-configurable type of control rather than a follow-the-instruction type of control.

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in Chinese children: Report of 19 cases and brief review of literature.

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is life-threatening, charactered by the profound thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulopathy associated with vascular tumors. The therapy of KMP still remains challenging. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of KMP treated in Nanjing Children's Hospital and Jinling Hospital, China, and brief reviewed the literature on KMP. From Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2014, a total of 19 cases of KMP were enrolled into this study. Laboratory results showed that seven patients had typical disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and others were atypical DIC. CT scanning showed the low-density tumor with obvious intensification in enhanced scanning, and the large distorted arteries in association with the tumor. After the admission, the patients received the infusion of platelets and the applying of dipyridamole, steroids, and other necessary drugs. Eight patients underwent complete surgical removal of the tumor, or partial removal with subsequent chemotherapy of vincristine. Three patients underwent only the chemotherapy of vincristine. Eight patients underwent the intralesional injection of absolute ethanol. Pathological examination showed eighteen samples were kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, and one tufted agioma. In our cases, six patients died from extensive hemorrhage and subsequent multiple organ failure. The others survived. In conclusion, KMP in Chinese children has typical symptoms. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is the most frequent vascular tumor associated with KMP. The individual treatments with surgical management, chemotherapy with vincristine, and intralesional injection of absolute ethanol can achieve good results in most of the patients with KMP.

PDGFR-ß (+) perivascular cells from infantile hemangioma display the features of mesenchymal stem cells and show stronger adipogenic potential in vitro and in vivo.

Infantile hemangioma, a common benign tumor of infancy, grows quickly in the first year of life, and then regresses slowly to fibrofatty tissue in childhood. The accumulation of fibrofatty tissue in hemangioma involution indicates adipogenesis during this period. Perivascular cells (PCs) from multiple organs display multi-lineage differentiation, including adipogenesis. So we supposed that PCs in hemangioma may contribute to the adipogenesis in the involution. In this study, PDGFR-ß (+) PCs was isolated from hemangioma tissue (hemangioma-derived perivascular cells, Hem-PCs) by fluorescence-activated cell sorter. In vitro, Hem-PCs showed fibroblast-like morphology. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry showed Hem-PCs expressed MSCs markers CD105, CD90, CD29 and vimentin, pericyte markers α-SMA and PDGFR-ß, stem cell marker CD133, and the adipogenic transcription factor PPAR-γ, but not hematopoietic/endothelial markers CD45, CD34, CD31, and flt-1. In vitro inductions confirmed multi-lineage differentiation of Hem-PCs, especially strong adipogenic potential. Then a murine model was established to observe in vivo differentiation of Hem-PCs by subcutaneous injection of cells/Matrigel compound into nude mice. The results showed Hem-PCs differentiated into adipocytes in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the isolation of multipotential PDGFR-ß (+) PCs from hemangioma, and observing their adipogenic differentiation in vivo. PCs may be the cellular basis of adipogenesis in hemangioma involution, and may be the target cells of adipogenic induction to promote hemangioma involution.

Rosiglitazone accentuates the adipogenesis of hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by adipogenic media.

Hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Hem-MSCs) expressed PPAR-γ, the key transcription factor in adipogenesis. We supposed that rosiglitazone, the agonist of PPAR-γ, may promote the adipogenesis of Hem-MSCs. In this study, MSCs were isolated from proliferating hemangioma. Four groups were set up, which were Group A (DMEM-LG/10% FBS), Group B (1 µM rosiglitazone + DMEM-LG/10% FBS), Group C (adipogenic media), and Group D (1 µM rosiglitazone + adipogenic media). Cells were cultured in the medium above. On the day 7 and 14, Oil Red "O" staining and Western blot were performed to detect the cytoplasmic lipid and perilipin A in the cells. The results showed that cytoplasmic lipid appeared in Group C and D, and no cytoplasmic lipid in Group A and B on the day 7 and 14. Analysis of Oil Red "O" staining showed the area of staining in Group D was significantly larger than that in Group C. Analysis of western blot showed no expression of perilipin A in Group A and B, and upregulated expression in Groups C and D, with the greater upregulation in Group D. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that rosiglitazone promoted the adipogenesis of Hem-MSCs initiated by adipogenic media via the activation of PPAR-γ pathway. The results may put forward the possibility of treating hemangioma via PPAR-γ pathway.

[The role of the expression of PPAR-gamma gene in the adipogenesis in hemangioma evolution].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the expression of PPAR-gamma gene in the adipogenesis in hemangioma evolution. METHODS: Routine immunohistochemistry staining of Perilipin A, the marker antigen of adipocytes, was performed to observe the adipogenesis in hemangioma. Immunofluorescence staining of PPAR-gamma, the important transcription factor in promoting adipogenesis, was carried out to observe its location in hemangioma tissue, with the co-staining of alpha-SMA and CD31. And RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of PPAR-gamma gene in hemangioma in different stages. RESULTS: In the evolution of hemangioma, the number of adipocytes increased continuously. And the tumor was replaced by fibrofatty tissue finally. PPAR-gamma was located in the nuclei of perivascular cell in hemangioma tissue. The expression of PPAR-gamma gene in hemangioma increased in the evolution of hemangioma, but still was lower than that in normal fat tissue from children. CONCLUSION: The expression of PPAR-gamma in the perivascular cells suggests that they may contribute to the adipogenesis in hemangioma involution.

[Orbicular oris muscle flap wrapped by acellular dermis for the treatment of upper lip atrophy in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment of upper lip atrophy resulted by previous therapy. METHODS: From Mar. 2008 to Mar. 2012, 4 cases with upper lip atrophy resulted by radiotherapy and sclerosing agent injection were treated with lower orbicularis oris muscle flap wrapped by acellular dermis. The thickness and height of upper lip were increased to improve the lip atrophy. RESULTS: Primary wound healing was achieved in all the 4 cases. All the patients were followed up for 3 years with obvious improvement and inconspicuous scar. CONCLUSION: The volume of lower lip in children is not sufficient as donor site. The lower orbicularis oris muscle flap wrapped by acellular dermis can effectively improve the lip thickness and vermilion portion of upper lip.

[Plagiocephaly resulted from frontosphenoidal synostosis and squamosal suture synostosis: a report of five cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and mapagement of plagiocephaly resulted from For frontosphenoidal synostosis, frontosphenoidal synostosis and squamosal suture synostosis. METHODS: orthotic nolding therapy should be selected for patients under 3-month-old. If it can' t make effect after treatment for 3 months, transcranial surgery should be adopted with the horizontal advancement of orbitofrontal bar at the affected side. Patients with squamosal suture synostosis should receive prohotic molding From 2005 to 2012, five patients were therapy for six month, remolding the cap every month. RESULTS: treated with satisfactory result, including 3 patients with frontosphenoidal synostosis who received surgery and 2 patiens with squamosal suture synostosis who receive orthotic molding therapy only. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with plagiocephaly are caused by frontosphenoidal synostosis and squamosal suture synostosis. The orthotic molding therapy should be selected at an early time, but mostly, surgery may be needed for

Mesenchymal stem cells in infantile hemangioma reside in the perivascular region.

Infantile hemangioma grows quickly in the first year of life and regresses slowly to fibrofatty tissue during childhood; mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to contribute to this adipogenesis. Recent studies have shown the perivascular origin of MSCs in multiple organs. We hypothesized that MSCs in hemangioma might also reside in the perivascular region. We isolated MSCs from proliferating hemangioma by their selective adhesion to plastic culture dishes. Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and foreskin-derived fibroblasts were used as controls. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine their antigen profiles; in vitro induction of multi-lineage differentiation was performed to test their pluripotency. Platelet-derived growth factor R-ß (PDGFR-ß), CD133, and peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) were selected as the markers to observe MSCs in hemangioma by immunohistochemistry staining, with costaining of CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Hemangioma-derived MSCs (Hem-MSCs) had fibroblast-like morphology; they expressed the MSC markers CD105, CD90, CD29, and vimentin and did not express the hematopoietic/endothelial markers CD45, CD34, CD31, and flt-1; Hem-MSCs also expressed CD133 and PPAR-γ. Most Hem-MSCs expressed PDGFR-ß and α-SMA; in contrast, the expression of PDGFR-ß and α-SMA in BM-MSCs was very weak. The Hem-MSCs differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondroblasts in vitro. This confirmed their pluripotency. Immunohistochemistry showed the colocalization of PDGFR-ß/α-SMA, CD133/α-SMA, and PPAR-γ/α-SMA in the perivascular region. MSCs were successfully obtained from proliferating hemangioma, revealing the perivascular origin of MSCs in hemangioma.

[Segmental monobloc osteotomy and bi-directional distraction for the treatment of Crouzon syndrome in an infant].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the segmental monobloc osteotomy and bi-directional distraction for the treatment of Crouzon syndrome in an infant. METHODS: A 9-month-old female infant underwent monobloc osteotomy through combined intra- and extra-cranial way. The facial skull was divided into frontal, orbital and maxillary segments. The external distractor was used to move the frontal segment, orbital segment and midface forward. The internal distractor was used to move the maxilla downward. The consolidation lasted for 3 months after distraction. RESULTS: The osteotomy and distraction were successfully completed. The distraction distance reached 18 mm, showing by distractor. The real distraction distance of facial bone was 12 mm, documented by 3-D image. The skull deformity and severe depression of midface improved a lot. The exophthalmos and underbite were corrected. The obstructive sleep apnea also improved markedly. However, the downward movement of maxilla was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Monobloc osteotomy with external distractor, as well as maxillary distraction, could be used for Crouzon syndrome in infant. It is safe and effective method which can be performed in an early age for Crouzon syndrome with obstructive sleep apnea.

[Management of congenital scalp defects in infants].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the management of congenital scalp defects in infants. METHODS: From 1996 to 2008, 6 infants with congenital scalp defects were treated with dressing change, flap transposition, or tissue expansion combined with skull defect reconstruction. RESULTS: Parietal scalp defects in 6 cases were healed after treatment. 5 cases were followed up for 3 months to one year. 2 cases had scalp alopecia in some areas. The scar was inconspicuous in the other 3 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Dressing change is suitable for small scalp defect, while flap transposition should be used for medium defect. For large full-thickness cranial defect, dressing change and tissue expansion should be performed at the first stage, followed by skull defect reconstruction and expanded flap transposition.

[Treatment of airway obstruction with mandibular distraction osteogenesis in Pierre Robin syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in the treatment of airway obstruction in Pierre Robin syndrome (PRS). METHODS: From 2007 to 2009, 8 newborns with PRS were treated with MDO. The mandibular distractors were fixed after bilateral oblique mandibular osteotomy. The distraction was started one day after operation, three times a day. The distraction distance was 1.2 mm per day until it reached about 12 -20 mm (mean 15 mm). RESULTS: The distraction was successfully completed in 8 cases with no complication. The distraction distance reached 15 mm, as we expected. The discontinuity cyanosis, inspiratory dyspnea, dystithia were improved after distraction. CONCLUSIONS: MDO is feasible and safe for the treatment of airway obstruction in PRS.

[Diagnosis and treatment of children sinus pericranii].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of children sinus pericranii (SP). METHODS: From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2008, 12 cases of SP were treated. The clinical data and CT results were studied. If the SP had no communication with the intracranial vessels, DSA was performed to know its venous drainage. The operation procedures included excision of bump, followed by hemostasis. Then the local flap was used to cover the cranial defect. RESULTS: 12 cases all had scalp bump whose size was changed with body position. Three-dimensional CT showed a crater-like depression and multiple honeycomb diploic holes in the skull. 6 cases with venous malformation received DSA. 12 patients were operated. CONCLUSIONS: SP can be diagnosed with typical CT results and symptoms. DSA should be performed if the communication with the intracranial vessels is existed. The main methods include operation, embolization and reserved observation. Medicine injection is not recommended due to the high risk.