Constrained control using novel nonlinear mapping for underactuated unmanned surface vehicles with unknown sideslip angle.

This paper addresses the problem of guidance and control for underactuated unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with state constraints and input saturation, in support of enabling an underactuated USV to follow a parameterized curved path in the case of unknown sideslip angle and cross-tracking error constraint. First, a cross-tracking error constraint line-of-sight (LOS) guidance law with sideslip angle compensation is originally designed to guide an underactuated USV to convergence to the desired path within a time-varying cross-tracking error constraint. Second, a novel nonlinear mapping (NM) function is first constructed to map the heading and surge control subsystems with state constraints to unconstrained nonlinear systems, transforming the constrained control problem into the unconstrained control problem. Subsequently, adaptive fuzzy control laws are designed to achieve the control objectives for the USV using the new unconstrained nonlinear systems with unknown disturbance and input saturation. Then, a series of theoretical analyses using input-to-state stability theories are presented to prove the boundness of the tracking errors for the underactuated USV during path following. Finally, numerical results obtained using a physics-based simulation model are shown to reveal the effectiveness of the guidance and control algorithms.

A new, alternative risk score for sarcopenia in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new, alternative sarcopenia risk score to screen for sarcopenia in type 2 diabetes patients in China and to demonstrate its validity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The data for this study came from a multicenter, cross-sectional study that had been designed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia among adults with type 2 diabetes and had been conducted in several hospitals in Beijing, China. A total of 1125 participants were randomly divided into two groups: an exploratory population and a validation population. A multivariable logistic regression model using the backward stepwise likelihood ratio method to estimate the probability of sarcopenia was fitted with candidate variables in the exploratory population. A new, alternative sarcopenia risk score was developed based on the multivariable model. The internal and external validations were performed in the exploratory and validation populations. The study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-EOC-15006901). RESULTS: The new, alternative sarcopenia risk score included five variables: age, gender, BMI, total energy intake per day, and the proportion of calories supplied by protein. The score ranged from - 2 to 19. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the risk score for the prediction of sarcopenia in type 2 diabetes patients was 0.806 (95% CI 0.741-0.872) and 0.836 (95% CI 0.781-0.892) in the exploratory and validation populations, respectively. At the optimal cutoff value of 12, the sensitivity and specificity of the score for the prediction of sarcopenia were 70.9% and 81.0% in the exploratory population and 53.7% and 88.8% in the validation population, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed a good calibration with the risk score in external validation (χ2 = 4.459, P = 0.813). CONCLUSIONS: The new, alternative sarcopenia risk score appears to be an effective screening tool for identification of sarcopenia in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes in clinical practice. Clinical trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-15006901.

Design of a Real-Time Salinity Detection System for Water Injection Wells Based on Fuzzy Control.

Salinity is an important index of water quality in oilfield water injection engineering. To address the need for real-time measurement of salinity in water flooding solutions during oilfield water injection, a salinity measurement system that can withstand a high temperature environment was designed. In terms of the polarization and capacitance effects, the system uses an integrator circuit to collect information and fuzzy control to switch gears to expand the range. Experimental results show that the system can operate stably in a high-temperature environment, with an accuracy of 0.6% and an uncertainty of 0.2% in the measurement range of 1-10 g/L.

Electrochemical Synthesis, Deposition, and Doping of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Films.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are employed as organic semiconductors because their delocalized π-electron systems and strong intermolecular interactions endow them with an exceptional charge-transport ability. However, the deposition of PAHs from solution onto high-quality thin films is often difficult. Here, we report a one-step electrochemical method to synthesize and deposit unsubstituted PAHs, starting from twisted oligophenyl precursors. The cyclodehydrogenated products were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser-desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry as well as Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. With this electrosynthesis and deposition, the PAHs stack into compact and ordered supramolecular structures along the π-π direction to form thin films with controllable thicknesses and doping levels. The direct fabrication of PAH films opens new pathways toward PAH-based optoelectronic devices.

Metabolic and Nutritional Characteristics in Middle-Aged and Elderly Sarcopenia Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Sarcopenia is considered to be a new complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) leading to increased risk of adverse outcome. We performed a survey to evaluate glucose metabolism and nutritional status in sarcopenia patients with T2DM. Diabetic participants aged ≥50 years were grouped into a probable sarcopenia group with low muscle strength (n = 405) and a nonsarcopenia group with normal muscle strength (n = 720) according to the revised recommendations from EWGSOP2 (2018). Compared to the controls, the probable sarcopenia participants were older and had lower waist-to-hip ratio and BMI, longer diabetes duration, higher fasting plasma glucose level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and lower bone mineral content, lower fatless upper arm circumference, lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and muscle quality in both genders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed increased age, male, low BMI, and increased HbA1c, combined with diabetic nephropathy and decreased serum albumin levels, were risk factors associated with low muscle strength in diabetes patients. In conclusion, diabetic patients with sarcopenia had worse glucose metabolism and nutritional status, decreased renal function and reduced muscle quality ,and muscle mass with a greater likelihood of osteoporosis, who need an overall health management to improve outcomes. This clinical trial registration is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-15006901.

MicroRNA-194 Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Nucleus Pulposus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc by Targeting TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6).

BACKGROUND The dramatic increase of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered to be a major cause of discogenic low back pain. The current study focused on the regulatory function of microRNA-194 (miR-194) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS LPS was used to treat NP cells to induce inflammatory responses. MiRNA and gene expression were detected by quantitative PCR. Proteins and protein expression levels were detected by Western blot and ELISA kit. Dual luciferase reporter assay was applied to identify the correlation between an miR-194- and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and to test NF-κB activity. RESULTS MiR-194 expression was reduced in LPS-induced NP cells. Both miR-194 overexpression and miR-194 inhibitor could regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) genes expression (Aggrecan and collagen II), MMP3, MMP13, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS5, as well as inflammatory cytokines-associated genes (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, PGE2). Through a further study of the molecular mechanism, miR-194 was proved to be involved in the regulation of TRAF6 and its downstream signal molecule, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). CONCLUSIONS Finding of our study suggest that miR-194 can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response in NP cells of the intervertebral disc (IVD) by targeting TRAF6, which may contribute development of IDD biological therapy.

Metformin-Induced Changes of the Coding Transcriptome and Non-Coding RNAs in the Livers of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies have suggested that changes in non-coding mRNA play a key role in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Metformin is now recommended and effective for the treatment of NAFLD. We hope the current analyses of the non-coding mRNA transcriptome will provide a better presentation of the potential roles of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that underlie NAFLD and metformin intervention. METHODS: The present study mainly analysed changes in the coding transcriptome and non-coding RNAs after the application of a five-week metformin intervention. Liver samples from three groups of mice were harvested for transcriptome profiling, which covered mRNA, lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA), using a microarray technique. RESULTS: A systematic alleviation of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced transcriptome alterations by metformin was observed. The metformin treatment largely reversed the correlations with diabetes-related pathways. Our analysis also suggested interaction networks between differentially expressed lncRNAs and known hepatic disease genes and interactions between circRNA and their disease-related miRNA partners. Eight HFD-responsive lncRNAs and three metformin-responsive lncRNAs were noted due to their widespread associations with disease genes. Moreover, seven miRNAs that interacted with multiple differentially expressed circRNAs were highlighted because they were likely to be associated with metabolic or liver diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified novel changes in the coding transcriptome and non-coding RNAs in the livers of NAFLD mice after metformin treatment that might shed light on the underlying mechanism by which metformin impedes the progression of NAFLD.

A multi-center survey on dietary knowledge and behavior among inpatients in oncology department.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current associated factors of dietary knowledge and behavior, the intake and nutritional status in malignancy Chinese inpatients, and the malnutrition causes involved in dietary nutrition knowledge level and behavior, providing recommendations to patients for nutrition education and intervention. METHOD: Five hundred and thirty-five participants from 18 hospitals were investigated by a questionnaire related to dietary knowledge and behavior. Physicians asked and recorded the level of dietary intake and appetite scoring of the participants. The nutritional risk screening with the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and the dietary survey by 24 h dietary recalls were completed by a dietitian. Besides, the target energy intake and the target protein intake were calculated by the "rule of thumb" recommended by ESPEN guideline, comparing the difference between the actual intake and target intake. RESULTS: According to the questionnaire, 95.2% of participants thought it was important to have a good dietetic habit, and nearly half of them have searched for guides on how to diet; 70% of the patients had no clear idea of what was a scientific diet; 82% of patients had contradictory dietary knowledge; 64.2% of patients would listen to the opinion of the attending physician when a contradiction happened. The main three ways of learning about healthy diet were attending physician, network, and TV, respectively, with the values 26.0, 18.5, and 16.1%. Importantly, 99.6% of patients have made mistakes about dietary knowledge, for example, crab, chicken, lamb, fish, and prawns should not be eaten in their concept. In addition, more than 90% of participants have taken Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, sea cucumber, ginseng, Cordyceps sinensis, and so on. Ninety-three percent of the patients never reached a qualified nutrition education. Besides, 15.6% of the participants had nutritional risk (NRS-2002 ≥ 3). The actual daily energy intake was 1169.20 ± 465.97 kcal, which was significantly less than target energy intake (P < 0.01), amounting to 65.3% of the target requirements. The actual daily protein intake was 46.55 ± 21.40 g, which was significantly less than target protein intake (P < 0.01), amounting to 74.44%. On the other hand, 69% of the participants were "Not too bad, Ok, Good, or Very good" according to the records of physicians, while 34% of them did not reach 60%of the target requirements through dietary survey. CONCLUSION: The survey indicated that cancer patients had poor understanding of the scientific dietary nutrition and were in low level of normative nutritional education among Chinese malignancy inpatients. Dietary intake of most cancer patients decreased, and the actual intake cannot be revealed by NRS-2002 score or the physicians' inquiry. It is necessary to enhance the cooperation between dietitians and physicians and develop nutrition education to improve the level of dietary knowledge.

In situ synthesis of electroactive conjugated microporous fullerene films capable of supercapacitive energy storage.

We describe a general strategy for synthesizing conjugated microporous fullerene thin films via a high-throughput, efficient and controllable thiophene-based electropolymerization. By virtue of the ambipolar redox charge/discharge of the films, we showed the microporous fullerene films as outstanding pseudocapacitor materials with high capacity and wide potential windows.

Microscope Enhanced the Efficacy and Safety of Anterior Cervical Surgery for Managing Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

BACKGROUND We aimed to compare microscope-assisted anterior cervical surgery with traditional open-base surgery for treating cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients were grouped into microscope-assisted anterior cervical surgery group (case group, n=30) and conventional anterior cervical surgery group (control group, n=30). Baseline characteristics, intraoperative and post-operative indexes including operation time, blood loss amount, duration of hospitalization, visual analogue scale (VAS), and complication rate were recorded. The neurological functions of patients were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Furthermore, the corresponding rate of improved JOA score (RIS) in each group was also calculated to evaluate surgery outcomes. RESULTS The average blood loss amount and hospital stay duration in the case group were lower than in the control group (p<0.05). The post-operative VAS scores of both groups were decreased significantly. Particularly the post-operative VAS score in the case group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). While the improvement rate of JOA scores in the case group was significantly higher than that in control group after cervical spine surgery. A significantly higher RIS rate was observed in the case group (p<0.05). Furthermore, post-operative complications of patients in the case group were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to conventional anterior cervical surgery, surgeries operated with microscope exhibit higher efficacy and safety including less bleeding amount, shorter operation time, released pain degree, improved neurological functions, and fewer incidences of complications.

Design and Analyze a New Measuring Lift Device for Fin Stabilizers Using Stiffness Matrix of Euler-Bernoulli Beam.

Fin-angle feedback control is usually used in conventional fin stabilizers, and its actual anti-rolling effect is difficult to reach theoretical design requirements. Primarily, lift of control torque is a theoretical value calculated by static hydrodynamic characteristics of fin. However, hydrodynamic characteristics of fin are dynamic while fin is moving in waves. As a result, there is a large deviation between actual value and theoretical value of lift. Firstly, the reasons of deviation are analyzed theoretically, which could avoid a variety of interference factors and complex theoretical derivations. Secondly, a new device is designed for direct measurement of actual lift, which is composed of fin-shaft combined mechanism and sensors. This new device can make fin-shaft not only be the basic function of rotating fin, but also detect actual lift. Through analysis using stiffness matrix of Euler-Bernoulli beam, displacement of shaft-core end is measured instead of lift which is difficult to measure. Then quantitative relationship between lift and displacement is defined. Three main factors are analyzed with quantitative relationship. What is more, two installation modes of sensors and a removable shaft-end cover are proposed according to hydrodynamic characteristics of fin. Thus the new device contributes to maintenance and measurement. Lastly, the effectiveness and accuracy of device are verified by contrasting calculation and simulation on the basis of actual design parameters. And the new measuring lift method can be proved to be effective through experiments. The new device is achieved from conventional fin stabilizers. Accordingly, the reliability of original equipment is inherited. The alteration of fin stabilizers is minor, which is suitable for engineering application. In addition, the flexural properties of fin-shaft are digitized with analysis of stiffness matrix. This method provides theoretical support for engineering application by carrying out finite element analysis with computers.

Reduced miR-200b and miR-200c expression contributes to abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation by stimulating JUN expression and activating the transcription of srebp1.

Previous studies indicated that miR-200s participated in IL-6-induced hepatic insulin resistance. However, the role of miR-200s in hepatic lipid accumulation has not been elucidated. Here we found that miR-200b and miR-200c were reduced in the steatotic livers of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This down-regulation was accompanied by an increase in the expression of lipogenic proteins such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The suppression of miR-200b and miR-200c in Hep1-6 and NCTC1469 hepatocytes enhanced intracellular triglyceride levels, which were associated with increased SREBP-1 and FAS protein levels. In contrast, the over-expression of miR-200b and miR-200c suppressed lipid accumulation and reduced the expression of SREBP1 and FAS in Hep1-6 and NCTC1469 cells transfected with miR-200b or miR-200c mimics. Importantly, the up-regulation of miR-200b and miR-200c could reverse oleic acid/palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. A luciferase reporter assay identified that miR-200b and miR-200c could directly bind the 3'UTR of jun. JUN activated the transcription of srebp1 to increase lipid accumulation. The data also demonstrated that increased miR-200b and miR-200c expression might be associated with sitagliptin-reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in mice fed a HFD. These findings suggest, for the first time, that reduced miR-200b and miR-200c expression contributes to abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation by stimulating JUN expression and activating the transcription of srebp1.

Augmented Rac1 Expression and Activity are Associated with Oxidative Stress and Decline of ß Cell Function in Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship among Rac1 expression and activation, oxidative stress and ß cell dysfunction in obesity. METHODS: In vivo, serum levels of glucose, insulin, oxidative stress markers and Rac1 expression were compared between ob/ob mice and C57BL/6J controls. Then, these variables were rechecked after the administration of the specific Rac1 inhibitor-NSC23766 in ob/ob mice. In vitro, NIT-1 ß cells were cultured in a hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic state with or without NSC23766, and the differences of Rac1 expression and translocation, NADPH oxidase(Nox) enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and insulin mRNA were observed. RESULTS: ob/ob mice displayed abnormal glycometabolism, oxidative stress and excessive expression of Rac1 in the pancreas. NSC23766 injection inhibited the expression of Rac1 in the pancreas, along with amelioration of oxidative stress and glycometabolism in obese mice. Under hyperglycemic and/or hyperlipidemic conditions, Rac1 translocated to the cellular membrane, induced activation of the NADPH oxidase enzyme and oxidative stress, and simultaneously reduced the insulin mRNA expression in NIT-1 ß cells. Inhibiting Rac1 activity could alleviate oxidative stress and meliorate the decline of insulin mRNA in ß cells. CONCLUSIONS: Rac1 might contribute to oxidative stress systemically and locally in the pancreas in obesity. The excessive activation and expression of Rac1 in obesity were associated with ß cell dysfunction through ROS production.

[Impacts of atorvastatin on blood lipids and arterial media thickness in new-onset type 2 diabetes patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of atorvastatin on blood lipids and arterial media thickness (IMT) in new-onset type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: 333 patients, 30-70 years old and diagnosed within one year as type 2 diabetes, were selected from the Chinese Diabetes Complication Prevention Study (CDCPS) to take part in this study. Changes of blood lipids and IMT of carotid, femoral and iliac artery pre and post the administration of atorvastatin were tested and followed for 24 months. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein decreased significantly (P = 0.000) and maintained at a low level. The carotid artery IMT decreased significantly (P = 0.022) at the end of this study, but the femoral and iliac artery IMT did not show any obvious change. There were no serious adverse events noticed, during the study period. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of atorvastatin seemed to be safe and effective in reducing blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes thus could delay the development of atherosclerosis.

Characterization of ß-cell function and insulin resistance in overweight Chinese adolescents with normal glucose tolerance.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of insulin resistance and ß-cell secretion in healthy adolescents. A total of 124 adolescents with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were divided according to BMI into normal weight (n=31; control), overweight (n=52) and obese (n=41) groups. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed, and blood glucose (G0, G30 and G120) and insulin (I0, I30 and I120) levels at 0, 30 and 120 min, respectively, were measured. The homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and early insulin release index (IRI) were calculated to evaluate insulin sensitivity and early ß-cell secretion. The G0, G120 levels and the natural logarithm (Ln) of I30 and ΔI30/ΔG30 were similar in the overweight and obese groups, but significantly higher compared with those of the normal weight group (P<0.05). LnI0 and LnHOMA-IR progressively increased (P<0.01) in correlation with the degree of obesity among the three groups. LnΔI30/ΔG30 and LnHOMA-IR were significantly positively correlated with the indices of obesity (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). LnHOMA-IR was also positively correlated with the insulin levels at 30 and 120 min (r=0.454 and 0.314, respectively; P<0.001). In healthy adolescents, insulin resistance progressively increased with increased body mass index (BMI), but the compensatory increase in early insulin secretion was limited.

Alkoxy-position effects on piezofluorochromism and aggregation-induced emission of 9,10-bis(alkoxystyryl)anthracenes.

Changing the linking positions of alkoxy chains can significantly alter the aggregation-induced emission and piezofluorochromic activities of 9,10-bis(alkoxystyryl)anthracenes.

Rac1 is a possible link between obesity and oxidative stress in Chinese overweight adolescents.

Enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in the monocytes occurred in metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes and obese patients in adults. However, whether NADPH oxidase is involved in the oxidative stress of overweight adolescents without comorbidities is still unclear. This study aimed to identify whether and how NADPH oxidase plays a crucial role in overweight adolescents. The study was performed in 93 overweight adolescents and 31 normal weight controls. Moreover, 87 overweight adolescents were enrolled in weight-loss program. Demographics characteristics, anthropometrics, composition and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Oxidative stress indexes including the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and the expression of NADPH oxidase in the monocytes were examined. Overweight adolescents showed a higher oxidative stress state, as indicated by decreased SOD activity and elevated MDA level (P < 0.01). Furthermore, increased NADPH oxidase activity in the monocytes was accompanied by Rac1 upregulation. A significant positive bivariate correlation was found between Rac1 expression and MDA (r = 0.289). There also was a significant positive bivariate correlation between Rac1 expression and obesity-related indexes including BMI (r = 0.227) and percentage of trunk fat (r = 0.233). Data from weight-loss program reinforced the results. Partial correlation analysis indicated that obesity-induced oxidative stress and Rac1 expression is a consequence of aberrant glucose-lipid metabolism in overweight adolescents. In conclusion, we provided novel data showing that NADPH oxidase in the monocytes was highly activated by enhancing Rac1 expression in Chinese overweight adolescents and Rac1 may act as a link between obesity and oxidative stress in overweight adolescents.

One-hour after-school exercise ameliorates central adiposity and lipids in overweight Chinese adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents was increasing during the past few decades. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of after-school exercise with or without diet restriction on total and central obesity, fitness level, and metabolic profile in overweight Chinese adolescents. METHODS: A ten-week weight loss trial was performed using a 2 × 2 block design (exercise × diet). Ninety-three overweight adolescents (average age: (13.6 ± 0.7) years; body mass index (BMI): 22.4 - 34.1 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) diet (D); 2) exercise (EX); 3) diet plus exercise (DEX); and 4) overweight control (C). Caloric intake recipes were enacted based on individual age and corresponding ideal body weight. One-hour after-school exercise was performed once per day, four days per week for ten weeks. Changes of anthropometry, body composition, aerobic fitness, and metabolic biomarkers were determined. RESULTS: Groups D, EX and DEX had a significant decrease in BMI (P < 0.01) after the intervention. The percentage of body and truncal fat, and waist circumference were independently reduced by exercise (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), but not diet. The decrease in body fat percentage was positively related with the exercise compliance (r = 0.34, P = 0.01). Exercise decreased truncal fat percentage and waist circumference, suggesting a reduction of central adiposity, but did not significantly affect body weight and BMI. Exercise significantly reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.037), which was positively correlated with decreases of truncal fat percentage (r = 0.222, P = 0.048). No significant effects of interventions on insulin sensitivity, early insulin release index, and aerobic fitness were observed. CONCLUSION: At least twice a week of one-hour after-school exercise significantly attenuated central adiposity and had a significant impact on lipid profiles in overweight Chinese adolescents.