An algorithm for multi-damage size estimation of composite laminates.

Localization and size estimation of composite damage are challenging but essential for composite performance evaluation. This paper proposes a new methodology for the size estimation of multi-damage in composite laminates using Lamb wave technology. The pure A modal of Lamb wave is excited to avoid dispersion and multi-modal effects of Lamb wave.

Research on spatial localization method of composite damage under strong noise.

In this paper, a damage spatial imaging approach based on novel signal extraction is suggested to reconstruct the Lamb wave response signal under strong noise and realize the spatial localization of damage. First, the Variable Mode Decomposition (VMD) parameters are optimized by the improved Grey Wolf optimization method (IGWO) to decompose the response signal. To rebuild the response signal, the correlation coefficient is used to choose the optimal modal component and the residual.

Fatigue Behavior of 3D Braided Composites Containing an Open-Hole.

The static and dynamic mechanical performances of notched and un-notched 3D braided composites were studied. The effect of longitudinal laid-in yarn was investigated in comparison with low braiding angle composites. The specimens were fatigue tested for up to millions of cycles, and the residual strength of the samples that survived millions of cycles was tested.

Prediction and Optimization of Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Fiber Diameter Based on Grey System Theory.

This paper provides a new method for predicting the diameter of electrospun nanofibers. Based on the grey system theory, the effects of polyacrylonitrile mass fraction, voltage, flow rate, and receiving distance on fiber diameter were studied. The GM(1,1) (grey model) model and DNGM(1,1) (The DNGM (1,1) model is based on the whitening differential equation using parameters to Directly estimate the approximate Non-homogeneous sequence Grey prediction Model) model were established to predict fiber diameter by a single-factor change, and the results showed high prediction accuracy.

CNS targets support and sustain differentiation of cultured neuronal and retinal progenitor cells.

Superior colliculus (SC) is the target of retinal neurons, allowing them to form connections. Cultured stem cells/progenitors can potentially be used as donor tissue to reconstruct degenerated retina including perhaps replacing lost ganglion cells in glaucoma. In which case, it will be essential for these cells to integrate with the central nervous system targets.

Effect of oxidative preconditioning on neural progenitor cells.

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have drawn attention because they offer possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders in the form of regenerative therapy or transplantation. NPCs adapt and change in response to the cues in the pathological environment. We assessed the effect of pre-exposure to non-cytotoxic levels of oxidative stress, a common pathogenic factor in a number of neurological disorders, on the cell viability and neurosphere morphology of NPCs derived from the periventricular zone of mice brain.

Safety and efficacy of a novel cannabinoid chemotherapeutic, KM-233, for the treatment of high-grade glioma.

Objective: To test in vitro and in vivo the safety and efficacy of a novel chemotherapeutic agent, KM-233, for the treatment of glioma.

Methods: In vitro cell cytotoxicity assays were used to measure and compare the cytotoxic effects of KM-233, Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and bis-chloroethyl-nitrosurea (BCNU) against human U87 glioma cells. An organotypic brain slice culture model was used for safety and toxicity studies.

Regulation of myeloid leukemia factor-1 interacting protein (MLF1IP) expression in glioblastoma.

The myelodysplasia/myeloid leukemia factor 1-interacting protein MLF1IP is a novel gene which encodes for a putative transcriptional repressor. It is localized to human chromosome 4q35.1 and is expressed in both the nuclei and cytoplasm of cells.

Up-regulation of neuropoiesis generating glial progenitors that infiltrate rat intracranial glioma.

To investigate adult neural stem cell (NSC) biology in relation to glioma, the C6 glioma cell line was tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and inoculated into the brain of adult rats. The in vivo biological response of the brain to glioma was studied using immunohistochemical analysis of the subventricular zone (SVZ), peritumoral areas, and glioma. Nestin immunoreactive cells were found infiltrating glioma, but the distribution of abnormal immunoreactivity was restricted to the dorsal and medial border of the tumor relative to the ipsilateral ventricle.

Correlation of N-cadherin expression in high grade gliomas with tissue invasion.

Cadherins are Ca2+-dependent cell adhesion molecules that play an important role in tissue construction and morphogenesis in multicellular organisms. Over the last few years, reports have emerged in the literature describing the involvement of cadherins in tumor invasion and metastasis. Cadherins typically demonstrate up and down-regulation according to the biological needs of the tissue.

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vectors as oncolytic agents in the treatment of high-grade gliomas in an organotypic brain tissue slice-glioma coculture model.

Object: The purpose of this study was to evaluate both replication-competent and replication-restricted recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectors as therapeutic agents for high-grade gliomas by using an organotypic brain tissue slice-glioma coculture system.

Methods: The coculture system involved growing different brain structures together to allow neurons from these tissues to develop synaptic connections similar to those found in vivo. Rat C6 or human U87 glioma cells were then introduced into the culture to evaluate VSV as an oncolytic therapy.

Blink-related sensorimotor anatomy in the rat.

Protection of the eye and maintenance of the precorneal tear film depend on sensory innervation of the cornea and eyelids and motor innervation of muscles involved in closing and opening the eyes. Using a variety of fluorescent and transganglionic tracers, the sensorimotor innervation of blink-related orbital and periorbital structures was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. The orbicularis oculi muscle surrounded the entire palpebral fissure and was innervated by motoneurons located along the dorsal cap of the ipsilateral facial motor nucleus.

Localization of preganglionic neurons that innervate choroidal neurons of pterygopalatine ganglion.

Purpose: The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) receives preganglionic input from the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) of the facial motor complex and is the main source of parasympathetic input to the choroid in mammals. The present study was undertaken to determine in rats the location and neurotransmitters of SSN neurons innervating those PPG neurons that target the choroid and to determine the location and neurotransmitters of the PPG choroidal neurons themselves.

Methods: Retrograde labeling from rat choroid using a fluorescent tracer, in combination with immunofluorescence labeling for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), was used to characterize the location and neurotransmitters of choroidal PPG neurons.