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Many variants of RNA, DNA, and even proteins can be considered semiflexible polymers, where bending stiffness, as a type of energetic penalty, competes with attractive van der Waals forces in structure formation processes. Here, we systematically investigate the effect of the bending stiffness on ground-state conformations of a generic coarse-grained model for semiflexible polymers. This model possesses multiple transition barriers. Therefore, we employ advanced generalized-ensemble Monte Carlo methods to search for the lowest-energy conformations. As the formation of distinct versatile ground-state conformations, including compact globules, rod-like bundles, and toroids, strongly depends on the strength of the bending restraint, we also performed a detailed analysis of contact and distance maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient blue-cyan phosphors can fill the cyan gap in conventional white light-emitting diode (LED) devices to improve the spectral continuity while effectively increasing the white LED colour rendering index (Ra). In this study, Ba 0·94 Al 2- x Ga x Si 2 O 8 :0.06Ce3+, M+ (Li, Na, K, x = 0–0.8) blue-cyan phosphors with a feldspar structure were prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method using charge compensation and cation substitution strategies. The barium (Ba) vacancy due to the charge-imbalance substitution of Ce3+ is compensated by the different charge compensators Li+, Na+, and K+. The charge compensators affect the luminescence performance of the samples, with the K+-compensated samples showing the greatest enhancement, with intensities up to 1.8 times that of the uncompensated samples. The cation substitution strategy using Ga3+ to partially replace Al3+ further improves the luminescence performance of the Ba 0·94 Al 2 Si 2 O 8 :0.06Ce3+, 0.04 K+ sample, and the excitation band is also improved. In this case, the luminescence intensity of the Ba 0·94 Al 2 Si 2 O 8 :0.06Ce3+ luminescent material is increased by a factor of 6, and a broadband blue-cyan phosphor with a full-width at half-maximum of 118 nm containing blue, cyan and green is obtained. The co-doping of charge compensators and partial cation substitution improved the luminescence performance of phosphors. The representative sample Ba 0·94 Al 1.6 Ga 0.4 Si 2 O 8 :0.06Ce3+, 0.04 K+ has a luminescence intensity at a temperature of 150 °C that is 83.2% of that at room temperature and good thermal stability. The combination of 365 nm near-ultraviolet (NUV) LED chips with Ba 0·94 Al 1.6 Ga 0.4 Si 2 O 8 :0.06Ce3+, 0.04 K+ and the commercial red powder (Ca, Sr)AlSiN 3 :Eu2+ yields a white LED device with an Ra of up to 93 and a correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 4825 K. These results show that the blue-cyan phosphor complements the cyan component while simplifying the manufacturing process of white LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the association between dependency and cognitive function among older adults. A combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted in 26 locations in China. A total of 1160 participants aged ≥ 60 years were selected using a complex multistage sampling design, and 152 participants completed data collection after one year follow-up observation. A questionnaire was administered by face-to-face interviews. Dependency was measured using the standardized Chinese version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between dependency and cognitive function. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify causality between cognition function and dependency. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the orientation and outdoor instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) domains were significantly associated with dependency, with odds ratios of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.26–1.67; p < 0.001) and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.06–1.26; p < 0.001), respectively. In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, the DASC-21 score was significantly associated with dependency, with hazard ratio of 1.32 (95% CI, 1.03–1.69). The causality between cognition impairment and dependency was identified, and the orientation and outdoor IADL domains were significantly associated with dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular calcification (VC) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recently, ferroptosis has been recognised as a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. Although an association between ferroptosis and vascular calcification has been reported, the role and mechanism of iron overload in vascular calcification are still poorly understood. Specifically, further in-depth research is required on whether metalloproteins SLC39a14 and SLC39a8 are involved in ferroptosis induced by iron overload. Methods: R language was employed for the differential analysis of the dataset, revealing the correlation between ferroptosis and calcification. The experimental approaches encompassed both in vitro and in vivo studies, incorporating the use of iron chelators and models of iron overload. Additionally, gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate iron's effects on vascular calcification comprehensively. Electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to elucidate how Slc39a14 and Slc39a8 mediate iron overload and promote calcification. Results: Ferroptosis was observed in conjunction with vascular calcification (VC); the association was consistently confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Our results showed a positive correlation between iron overload in VSMCs and calcification. Iron chelators are effective in reversing VC and iron overload exacerbates this process. The expression levels of the metal transport proteins Slc39a14 and Slc39a8 were significantly upregulated during calcification; the inhibition of their expression alleviated VC. Conversely, Slc39a14 overexpression exacerbates calcification and promotes intracellular iron accumulation in VSMCs. Conclusions: Our research demonstrates that iron overload occurs during VC, and that inhibition of Slc39a14 and Slc39a8 significantly relieves VC by intercepting iron overload-induced ferroptosis in VSMCs, providing new insights into the VC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and reoccurring inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment effect of Alhagi maurorum and stem cell extracts on UC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of Alhagi maurorum combined with stem cell extract on the intestinal mucosal barrier in an intestinal inflammation mouse model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, Alhagi group, MSC group, and MSC/Alhagi group. MSC and Alhagi extract were found to reduce the disease activity index (DAI) scores in mice with colitis, alleviate weight loss, improve intestinal inflammation in mice (p < 0.05), preserve the integrity of the ileal wall and increase the number of goblet cells and mucin in colon tissues. Little inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the Alhagi, MSC, or MSC/Alhagi groups, and the degree of inflammation was significantly alleviated compared with that in the model group. The distribution of PCNA and TNF-alpha in the colonic tissues of the model group was more disperse than that in the normal group (p < 0.05), and the fluorescence intensity was lower. After MSC/Alhagi intervention, PCNA and TNF-alpha were distributed along the cellular membrane in the MSC/Alhagi group (p < 0.05). Compared with that in the normal control group, the intensity was slightly reduced, but it was still stronger than that in the model group. In conclusion, MSC/Alhagi can alleviate inflammatory reactions in mouse colonic tissue, possibly by strengthening the protective effect of the intestinal mucosal barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Monitoring microplastics (MPs) in cetaceans is challenging due to difficulties in obtaining samples, especially for endangered species. In this study, we characterized MPs ingested in nine individuals of four cetacean species stranded along the western coast of the Taiwan Strait including not only small coastal dolphins but also large pelagic and deep-diving cetaceans. A total intestine length of 123.2 m was analyzed, and the color, shape, size, and polymer types of MPs were then identified. The mean abundance of MPs was 86.44 ± 12.22 items individual−1, which was slightly higher compared with the same species from other waters worldwide. Moreover, a strong significant relationship between MPs abundance and intestine contents mass was identified. Transparent, fibrous MPs made from PET and PP were found to be predominant in the present study, indicating that the primary MPs source is from municipal and industrial sewage from clothing production and industry as well as from fisheries and aquaculture. Our study provides more information about the MPs pollution of endangered species in the western Taiwan Strait. It highlights the further risk assessment of MPs consumption in these threatened species. Microplastics (MPs) pollution is of global concern, which poses serious threats to various marine organisms, including many threatened apex predators. In this study, MPs were investigated from nine cetaceans of four different species, comprising one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), two pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps), one ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens), and five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded along the western coast of the Taiwan Strait from the East China Sea based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Mean abundances of 778 identified MPs items were 86.44 ± 12.22 items individual−1 and 0.43 ± 0.19 items g−1 wet weight of intestine contents, which were found predominantly to be transparent, fiber-shaped polyethylene terephthalate (PET) items usually between 0.5 and 5 mm. The abundance of MPs was found at a slightly higher level and significantly correlated with intestine contents mass (p = 0.0004*). The MPs source was mainly likely from synthetic fibers-laden sewage discharged from intense textile industries. Our report represents the first study of MPs in pelagic and deep-diving cetaceans in China, which not only adds baseline data on MPs for cetaceans in Asian waters but also highlights the further risk assessment of MPs consumption in these threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadband cyan-emitting phosphors with strong absorption between 300 and 400 nm are ideal replacements for traditional blue and green phosphors used in commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In this paper, a series of K 1-x AlSiO 4 : xCe3+(x = 0.02–0.06) broadband cyan phosphors were prepared using the traditional high-temperature solid state method and the cation un-equivalent substitution strategy. It was found that the KAlSiO 4 matrix has a monoclinic structure with high symmetry. The experimental and theoretical optical band gaps of the host were 5.6 eV and 4.86 eV, respectively. After doping with Ce3+, strong absorption was observed in the near ultraviolet region. The optimum Ce3+ doping concentration in the host was 0.04 as indicated by the strongest observed emission intensity. The full width at half maximum of the emission spectra of the series of samples are all greater than 120 nm and covered the blue and green wavelength ranges (370–600 nm). The luminous intensity of the K 0 · 96 AlSiO 4 : 0.04Ce3+phosphor at 150 °C was 91.1% of that at room temperature, and the Gaussian peak of the emission spectrum slightly broadened. These results were also combination with theoretical DFT calculations. It was found that the phosphor had very good thermal stability and rigidity. The phosphor was also mixed with a commercial red phosphor, interfaced with a UV chip and packaged into an LED. This LED was characterized and had a color rendering index greater than 90 across a broad range of drive currents. This work highlights the utility of the fabricated phosphor as means of simplifying white-light LED fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, good results have been obtained in the treatment of hematogenous osteomyelitis(HO) in children by the use of drug-loaded calcium sulfate, but there are few clinical studies reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of radical debridement combined with drug-laden calcium sulphate antibiotics in paediatric haematogenous osteomyelitis. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 cases of pediatric hematogenous osteomyelitis admitted to our hospital in recent years. A total of 15 pediatric patients with HO treated in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2022 were included for evaluation. Results: All 15 patients were treated with drug-laden calcium sulfate, and the antibiotic of choice was vancomycin in 14 cases and vancomycin combined with gentamicin in 1 case. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 36 months, with a mean follow-up time of 24.73 months, and all children were treated with drug-laden calcium sulfate with satisfactory clinical outcomes. The results of serological examination showed that the preoperative white blood cell count level, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were higher than the postoperative ones, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).After the operation, referring to the treatment standard of McKee's osteomyelitis, 15 cases were cured without recurrence; According to the Lower Extremities Functional Scale, 12 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good and 1 case was moderate, with an excellent rate of 93.33%. Children with lower limb involvement could walk with full weight bearing, and gait was basically normal. Conclusion: Drug-loaded calcium sulfate is a good therapeutic method for the treatment of hematogenous osteomyelitis in children, with a effect of reducing complications and reducing recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyan emission band contains blue and green light regions, which can simplify the fabrication process of white light-emitting diodes and help promote the development of solid-state lighting. In this paper, a series of Eu2+ singly doped and Eu2+ and Li+ co-doped cyan light-emitting KAlSiO 4 : x Eu2+, y Li + materials were synthesized using the high temperature solid-state method. It was found that the incorporation of 10% Li + could increase the emission intensity of the KAlSiO 4 :0.02Eu2+ sample by up to a factor of ∼3. This also shifted the emission color of the sample from blue-cyan (472 nm) to cyan (485 nm), and the quantum yield was increased from 71.5% to 93.3%. When the temperature is increased to 150 °C, the peak emission intensity was increased from 75.9% to 92.7% of that at room temperature. DFT calculations were used to demonstrate that the KAlSiO 4 phosphor host possesses a wide bandgap of 4.86 eV and the experimentally-determined optical bandgap of the phosphor was 5.6 eV. The phosphor was combined with a commercial red phosphor, and these together were used as the emitting components in a white LED package. The characteristics of the white LED when using two representative samples of the phosphor (KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Eu2+ and KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Eu2+, 0.1Li+) were examined; these white LEDs had color rendering indices of 82 and 95, and color temperatures of 5656 K and 4126 K respectively. This work demonstrates the significant potential that KAlSiO 4 :0.02 Eu2+, 0.1 Li+ phosphors have in the field of LED lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that is associated with long-lasting memories of traumatic experiences. Extinction and discrimination of fear memory have become therapeutic targets for PTSD. Newly developed optogenetics and advanced in vivo imaging techniques have provided unprecedented spatiotemporal tools to characterize the activity, connectivity, and functionality of specific cell types in complicated neuronal circuits. The use of such tools has offered mechanistic insights into the exquisite organization of the circuitry underlying the extinction and discrimination of fear memory. This review focuses on the acquisition of more detailed, comprehensive, and integrated neural circuits to understand how the brain regulates the extinction and discrimination of fear memory. A future challenge is to translate these researches into effective therapeutic treatment for PTSD from the perspective of precise regulation of the neural circuits associated with the extinction and discrimination of fear memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we detail the preparation of new luminescent Li+ and K+ doped Na 2 Zn 3 Si 2 O 8 : Er3+ up-conversion phosphors using the high-temperature solid-phase method. We investigate the phosphors phase structure, elemental distribution, up-conversion luminescence characteristics and temperature sensing properties. Our fabricated samples were found to be homogeneous and when excited using 980 nm light, they emitted wavelengths in the green and red visible wavelength bands, which correspond to two major emission bands of Er3+. Doping with Li+ and K+ increased the luminescence intensity of the Na 2 Zn 3 Si 2 O 8 : Er3+ phosphor at 661 nm by 36 and 21 times respectively. The highest relative temperature sensitivity (Sa) of the fabricated phosphor reached a value of 19.69% K−1 and the highest absolute temperature sensitivity (Sr) reached 1.20% K−1. These values are superior to other materials which utilize up-conversion by Er3+ ions as a tool for temperature sensing. We anticipate that these new phosphors will find significant application as components in optical temperature measurement systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Luminescence thermometry using sharp line emission of lanthanide ions has become an active area of research as it offers the advantages of remote temperature sensing with high sensitivity and superior spatial resolution. The most widely applied method relies on the temperature dependence of the luminescence intensity ratio of emission lines from two thermally coupled levels. However, the usable temperature range for this type of Boltzmann thermometer is limited. In addition, the weak and narrow line absorption of the parity forbidden 4f-4f transitions of lanthanides forms a serious drawback. To solve both problems, we here report a new dual functionality luminescence thermometer: Gd 2 O 2 S co-doped with Eu3+ and Nd3+. This material combines Boltzmann and energy transfer thermometry to extend the temperature range and uses the strong and broad charge transfer absorption band of Eu3+ for sensitization. In the T -range of 300–500 K efficient energy transfer from Eu3+ to Nd3+ allows for charge transfer-sensitized luminescence thermometry using near infrared emission from the thermally coupled 4F 3/2 and 4F 5/2 levels of Nd3+. Above 500 K a high temperature sensitivity is obtained using the strong temperature dependence of the luminescence intensity ratio of red Eu3+ to near infrared Nd3+ emission. The dual-functionality provides a single thermometer combining strong absorption and high relative sensitivity (0.6 – 1.4%) over a wide temperature range (300 to 650 K). Finally, it is proposed that this dual-function luminescent thermometer has promising potential for multifunctional applications in biosensors and in situ temperature measurements of chemical reaction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aims to evaluate the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) and investigate the role of the IL-6/signal transducers and activators of transduction-3 (STAT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathways in the progression of IH. Methods Serum samples were obtained from the patients with IH and normal infants to measure IL-6 expression. Hemangioma-derived stem cells (HemSCs) were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IL-6, HIF-1α, or STAT3. Then, cell viability and wound healing assays were conducted. After that, the HemSC tumor mouse model was established. The in vivo anticancer effect of the IL-6 inhibitor was investigated. Results The patients with IH had much higher IL-6 levels compared with the healthy controls (p = 0.005). HemSCs transfected with IL-6 siRNA had significantly lower viability and migration rates than normal HemSCs. HemSCs transfected with STAT3 siRNA or HIF-1α siRNA had similar tendencies. On tumor-bearing mice, the IL-6 inhibitor treatment significantly delayed tumor growth. Compared with the control group, caspase-3 was significantly increased in the IL-6 inhibitor group (p < 0.05), whereas Ki-67 was decreased in the IL-6 inhibitor group (p < 0.05). In the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, the IL-6 inhibitor group had much higher apoptosis rates than the controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicate that inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathways could suppress IH growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultrasound-assisted extraction of Glycyrrhiza uralensis seed protein (GSP-U) was optimized through response surface methodology, and the enzymatic hydrolysates (GSP-H) was prepared. Then, the structural, functional properties, and antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro were evaluated. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions of GSP-U were as follows: ultrasonic power 400 W, time 40 min, material-liquid ratio 1:29 g/mL. Under these conditions, the yield and content of GSP-U were 15.14% and 39.72%, respectively. Alkaline protease was determined to be has a better effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of GSP-U, both GSP-U and GSP-H has great water and oil holding capacity. Additionally, GSP-H showed stronger scavenging activity on DPPH, OH and ABTS radicals, with IC 50 of 0.129, 0.597 and 0.046 mg/mL, respectively. GSP-H protected mice from D -galactose-induced oxidative damage by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels. This study could provide a basis for the discovery of potential development and application value of Glycyrrhiza uralensis seed protein in the functional food, pharmaceutical, and other fields. [Display omitted] • The extraction process of Glycyrrhiza uralensis seed protein (GSP-U) was optimized. • Four proteases were employed to hydrolyze GSP-U. • GSP-U and its alcalase hydrolysate (GSP-H) showed excellent functional properties. • GSP-H has strong antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Constructed a risk model for PWD using an ensemble of species distribution models. • Summer temperature, soil clay content, and summer precipitation are key global PWD factors. • Southwestern China, Southeast Asia, and central-southern Europe face high PWD risks. • Future climate changes will expand PWD risk to higher latitudes. Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the invasive pine wood nematode, is a major threat to global pine forests. This study utilized global PWD occurrence data alongside climatic, soil, and topographic variables to develop an ensemble of species distribution models. Using this ensemble model, we identified key factors influencing PWD and assessed the risk for current conditions and future periods (2041–2060 and 2071–2090) under three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585). The results indicate that key factors include the average temperature during the hottest quarter, clay content in soil, and precipitation during the hottest quarter, total annual precipitation, and precipitation during the coldest quarter. Currently, southern and northeastern China, central-southern Europe, and Southeast Asia are at high risks. With future climate changes, potential risk areas are expected to expand to higher latitudes, affecting regions like Hokkaido, Canada, and Northern Europe, especially under the SSP585 scenario. This study offers essential insights for global PWD prevention and forests resource conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of luminescent materials, the search for good substrates and the use of a single substrate to excite near-ultraviolet chips to produce white LED devices has always been of great interest. This study utilized energy transfer between Bi3+ and Eu3+ to design KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Bi3+, 0.04Eu3+ red emission phosphors with a potassium nepheline structure, which were calcined in air with a high-temperature solid-state method. Under 286 nm excitation, energy transfer between Bi3+ and Eu3+ up to 85.9 %. Through DFT theoretical calculations, it was found that the bandgap of the matrix was 4.86 eV, KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Bi3+, 0.04Eu3+ has excellent heat quenching resistance, and the emission intensity at 150 °C is 92.9 % of that seen at room temperature. Second, by doping with Eu 2 O 3 and calcining in a reducing atmosphere, KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Eu2+, 0.1Li+ broadband blue emitting phosphors were obtained. Finally, KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Bi3+, 0.04Eu3+ was mixed with KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Eu2+, 0.1Li+ to prepare a near-ultraviolet white LED device. The color rendering index of the device reached 87.1, the color coordinates were (0.3328, 0.3015), and the color temperature was 5422 K. These results proved that KAlSiO 4 : 0.02Bi3+, 0.04Eu3+ samples have potential for use in near-ultraviolet white LEDs and that KAlSiO 4 is a good substrate in the field of luminescence. This work provides a new breakthrough in the use of a single substrate to prepare multiple colored fluorescent powders and mix them together to produce white LED devices. • KAlSiO 4 :0.02Bi3+,0.04Eu3+ has excellent heat quenching resistance, and the emission intensity at 150℃ is 92.9% of that seen at room temperature. • KAlSiO 4 :0.02Bi3+,0.04Eu3+ was mixed with KAlSiO 4 :0.02Eu2+,0.1Li+ to prepare a near-ultraviolet white LED device with high color rendering index. • This work provides a new breakthrough in the use of a single substrate to prepare multiple colored fluorescent powders and mix them together to produce white LED devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The degradation characteristics of lattice‐matched (LM) GaInP/InGaAs/Ge solar cell under 1 MeV electron irradiation are numerically simulated using APSYS finite element analysis software and Essential Macleod Program. Main output parameters of solar cells are simulated based on the material energy band, minority carrier lifetime, and interface surface recombination velocity. The results show that the adverse effects of the displacement damages in solar cell materials induced by irradiation are the primary reasons for overall cell performance degradation. The minority carrier lifetime degraded mostly in InGaAs middle subcell after irradiation, and it became to the current‐limiting unit in the end‐of‐life condition. The simulation results of the current‐voltage curves and the external quantum efficiency spectra are well agreed with the irradiation experimental data under similar conditions. Furthermore, an approach to radiation hardening of LM GaInP/InGaAs/Ge solar cell by adjusting the base and emitter layer thickness in the InGaAs middle subcell is proposed based on this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grouting mortar has widespread application in engineering because of the advantages of good durability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. To study the flowing properties of grouting mortar, laboratory minislump tests taking different rheological parameters of grouting mortar into consideration were conducted to obtain the flow time and flow pattern of grouting mortar. A modified MPS method (moving-particle semi-implicit method) introduced two sections of Bingham rheological, and segregation was proposed. The effects of the plastic viscosity on the flow state of mortar were studied, and the relationship between the plastic viscosity and the flowing time was established. The numerical results show that the modified MPS method can be used to predict the flow time and flow pattern of mortar in the template, and plastic viscosity has a great influence on the flow time of concrete, and with the increase of plastic viscosity, the time to flow to the specified area also increases. Moreover, the analysis of the rheological parameters can provide the basis for the design of mix ratio in the construction practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A series of constant anatomical structures were used as guide targets for screw placement to improve the accuracy of cortical screw placement and reduce surgical injury and fluoroscopy radiation. The most commonly used angles and distances between the cortical bone screw insertion point and the lateral margins of the isthmus were selected as the contents of the questionnaire. Methods: A total of 40 physicians were selected to determine the specific values for each angle and distance. Screw placements were performed on four dry and six wet lumbar spine specimens according to the proposed anatomical target guidance technique. A total of 100 cortical bone trajectories were evaluated using X‐ray and CT scanning of the specimens to verify the practicability, accuracy, and safety of the anatomical target guidance technique in screw placement. Results: The average deviation rates for angle and distance determination were 105.5% and 14.33%, respectively, indicating a significant difference between the estimated and actual values from other angles (P < 0.05). Based on visual inspection, probe penetration, X‐ray, and CT examination of 100 cortical bone trajectories, the excellent rate of 40 trajectories on four dry specimens was 95%, while that of 60 trajectories on six wet specimens was 88.7%. Conclusion: Use of lumbar constant anatomical structures as targeting guidance could assist cortical bone screw placement and reduce surgical damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue regeneration and disease treatment. However, long-term in vitro passaging leads to stemness loss of MSCs, resulting in failure of MSC therapy. This study investigated whether the combination of melatonin and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) was superior to hUC-MSCs alone in ameliorating high-fat diet and streptozocin (STZ)-induced type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a mouse model. Methods: Mice were divided into four groups: normal control (NC) group; T2DM group; hUC-MSCs treatment alone (UCMSC) group and pretreatment of hUC-MSCs with melatonin (UCMSC/Mel) group. Results: RNA sequence analysis showed that certain pathways, including the signaling pathway involved in the regulation of cell proliferation signaling pathway, were regulated by melatonin. The blood glucose levels of the mice in the UCMSC and UCMSC/Mel treatment groups were significantly reduced compared with the T2DM group without treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hUC-MSCs enhance the key factor in the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in T2DM mouse hepatocytes. Conclusion: The pretreatment of hUC-MSCs with melatonin partly boosted cell efficiency and thereby alleviated impaired glycemic control and insulin resistance. This study provides a practical strategy to improve the application of hUC-MSCs in diabetes mellitus and cytotherapy. Overview of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. (A) Underlying mechanism of UCMSC/Mel inhibition of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance T2DM mice via regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway. hUC-MSCs stimulates glucose uptake and improves insulin action thus should inhibition the clinical signs of T2DM, through activation of the p-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and then regulates glucose transport through activating AS160. UCMSC/Mel increases p53-dependent expression of BCL2, and inhibit BAX and Capase3 protein activation. Leading to the decrease in apoptosis. (B) Melatonin modulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Melatonin activated PI3K/AKT response pathway through binding to MT1and MT2 receptor. Leading to the increase in hUC-MSCs proliferation, migration and differentiation. → (Direct stimulatory modification); ┴ (Direct Inhibitory modification); → ┤ (Multistep inhibitory modification); ↑ (Up regulate); ↓ (Down regulate); PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase); AKT (protein kinase B); PDK1 (Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1); IR, insulin receptor; GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4); ROS (reactive oxygen species); BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2); PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1) BAX (B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein); PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen); Cell cycle-associated proteins (KI67, cyclin A, cyclin E) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Olfactory identification dysfunction is considered as a preclinical symptom in AD • The OB and PCx- related neural networks are impaired in the olfaction system of AD • Aberrant network oscillations and synaptic plasticity damages might lead to the degeneration of the OB and PCx- related neural networks in AD. The olfactory dysfunction can signal and act as a potential biomarker of preclinical AD. However, the precise regulatory mechanism of olfactory function on the neural pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. The impairment of neural networks in olfaction system has been shown to be tightly associated with AD. As key brain regions of the olfactory system, the olfactory bulb (OB) and the piriform cortex (PCx) have a profound influence on the olfactory function. Therefore, this review will explore the mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in preclinical AD in the perspective of abnormal neural networks in the OB and PCx and their associated brain regions, especially from two aspects of aberrant oscillations and synaptic plasticity damages, which help better understand the underlying mechanism of olfactory neural network damages related to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The Chinese herbal formula Mamiran cream (MMC) has been known for its ameliorative effects on diverse skin diseases, such as eczema. Atopic dermatitis (AD; eczema) is a chronic recurrent skin disease dominated by T-helper type 2-driven inflammation (Th2). Objective. In this study, the inhibitory effect of MMC on AD was investigated in vivo. Methods. An animal model was established by sensitization with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the skin of SD rats. Cutaneous administration of MMC was applied, and its mechanism of action was investigated via RT-PCR and IHC assay. Result. Our data showed that topical application of MMC reduced the skin severity scores and alleviated the histological changes. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that MMC significantly decreased the levels of Th2 cytokine IL-5 and IL-4Ra in the skin lesion. In addition, it was demonstrated that MMC downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TLR4. Moreover, MMC inhibited the activation of NF-κB, JNK1, and STAT6 pathways in skin lesions. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that MMC exhibits the inhibitory effect on AD, suggesting that MMC may be a potential therapeutic agent for this atopic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Progressive enrichment of Se and Te in submarine glasses along the Reykjanes Ridge towards Iceland. • No influence of the bulk Icelandic plume component on δ82Se of the Reykjanes Ridge mantle. • Highly homogeneous δ82Se of the depleted MORB mantle (−0.15 ± 0.11‰; 2SD, N = 44). • Extensive Se–Te degassing (~40–95%) and Se isotopic fractionation during shallow-level basalt eruption. Selenium behaves as a chalcophile and moderately volatile element during planetary accretion and magmatic processes on Earth. Together with the geochemically similar S and Te, Se is more volatile than most other moderately volatile elements and thus potentially becomes a new tracer to constrain the mechanism of volatile depletion in the Earth's mantle and other planetary bodies. As previously observed for several volatile elements, stable isotopes of Se are expected to fractionate upon eruptive outgassing of magmas. To understand the degassing behavior of Se and associated isotope fractionation, we report on Se and Te contents and Se isotope compositions (δ82Se) of submarine glasses across a range of distant ridge depth intervals along the Reykjanes Ridge and subglacial/subaerial basalts on Iceland (51–65°N; N = 22). Selenium (150–399 ng/g) and Te (2.61–14.5 ng/g) contents of the submarine glasses display progressive enrichment along the Reykjanes Ridge towards Iceland. This can be explained either by enhanced mantle melting towards Iceland or by enrichment of Se–Te contents in the mantle source due to the Icelandic plume–Reykjanes Ridge interaction. Both scenarios are equally plausible. The δ82Se values of submarine Reykjanes Ridge glasses range between −0.20 ± 0.08‰ and −0.08 ± 0.08‰ (on average −0.15 ± 0.07‰; 2SD, N = 15), which are unaffected by the Icelandic plume contribution and remain strictly within the previously reported average for depleted MORBs. These new data combined with literature δ82Se for depleted MORBs define a highly homogeneous depleted mantle composition δ82Se = −0.15 ± 0.11‰ (2SD, N = 44). On the other hand, we observed degassing of Se and Te to a variable extent (~40–95%) in submarine Reykjanes glasses at depths shallower than ~250 m and in subaerial/subglacial basalts on Iceland. Degassing-induced Se isotope fractionation shifted δ82Se of subaerial lavas towards heavier values (by up to ~0.44‰) well outside the range of submarine MORBs. However, when Se outgassing is associated with subglacial eruption, the outer glass rim of basalt preserves the primary/undegassed Se isotopic signature; whereas the pillow interior experiencing further Se loss (~50%) is enriched in heavier isotopes (−0.01 ± 0.12‰) relative to the outer glass rim (−0.22 ± 0.08‰). These observations are complemented by measurements of BHVO-2G from high-temperature heating experiments of the natural Hawaiian basalt BHVO-2, which show evaporation of 40% Se and 85% Te and resulting shift in δ82Se by ~+0.74‰. Degassing-induced Se isotope fractionation during volcanic eruption may be well explained by a simple Rayleigh distillation model with an empirical fractionation factor α of ~0.9998 (between volcanic gas and silicate melt). The results presented here show that Se isotope and Se–Te systematics can potentially contribute further constraints on degassing of chalcophile and volatile elements during terrestrial volcanism and large-scale planetary processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum‐based compounds in chemotherapy such as oxaliplatin often induce peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain such as cold allodynia in patients. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel is a nociceptor critically involved in such pathological processes. Direct blockade of TRPM8 exhibits significant analgesic effects but also incurs severe side effects such as hypothermia. To selectively target TRPM8 channels against cold allodynia, a cyclic peptide DeC‐1.2 is de novo designed with the optimized hot‐spot centric approach. DeC‐1.2 modality specifically inhibited the ligand activation of TRPM8 but not the cold activation as measured in single‐channel patch clamp recordings. It is further demonstrated that DeC‐1.2 abolishes cold allodynia in oxaliplatin treated mice without altering body temperature, indicating DeC‐1.2 has the potential for further development as a novel analgesic against oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease causing fibrosis and necrosis of diseased livers caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus (E.g). There is evidence that E.g is susceptible to immune escape and tolerance when host expression of immunoinflammation and fibrosis is suppressed, accelerating the progression of CE. Ghrelin has the effect of suppressing immunoinflammation and fibrosis, and whether it is involved in regulating the progression of E.g-infected liver lesions is not clear. Methods: Serum and hepatic Ghrelin levels were observed in E.g-infected mice (4, 12 and 36 weeks) and compared with healthy control groups. Co-localization analysis is performed between protein expression of Ghrelin in and around the hepatic lesions of E.g-infected 12-week mice and protein expression of different hepatic histiocytes by mIHC. HepG2 cells and protoscoleces (PSCs) protein were co-cultured in vitro, as well as PSCs were alone in vitro, followed by exogenously administered of Ghrelin and its receptor blocker, [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6, to assess their regulatory effects on immunoinflammation, fibrosis and survival rate of PSCs. Results: Serum Ghrelin levels were increased in E.g-infected 4- and 12-week mice, and reduced in 36-week mice. E.g-infected mice consistently recruited Ghrelin in and around the hepatic lesions, which was extremely strongly co-localized with the protein expression of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), T cells and the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. The secretion of Ghrelin was increased with increasing concentrations of PSCs protein in HepG2 cells culture medium. Moreover, Ghrelin could significantly inhibit the secretion of IL-2, INF-γ and TNF-α, as well as the expression of Myd88/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway protein, and promoted the secretion of IL-4 and IL-10. Blocking Ghrelin receptor could significantly inhibit PSCs growth in in vitro experiment. Conclusion: Ghrelin is highly expressed in the early stages of hepatic E.g infection and may be involved in regulating the progression of liver lesions by suppression immunoinflammation and fibrosis. Author summary: There is evidence that Echinococcus granulosus (E.g) is susceptible to immune escape and tolerance when host expression of immunoinflammation and fibrosis is suppressed, accelerating the progression of hepatic cystic Echinococcosis (CE). Ghrelin has the effect of suppressing immunoinflammation and fibrosis, and whether it is involved in the regulation of CE progression is not clear. The present study demonstrated that Ghrelin is highly expressed in the early stage of hepatic E.g infection and may act mainly on hepatic stellate cells and T cells, exerting biological effects to inhibit Th1-type cellular immunity, the Myd88/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways and agonize Th2-type cellular immunity, which in turn suppresses host expression of immunoinflammation and fibrosis. However, this biological effect of Ghrelin may regulate the progression of CE. [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6, as a Ghrelin receptor blocker, is expected to be a drug target against CE. In addition, we found protoscoleces of E.g with gene expression of Ghrelin, which also provides some evidence that Ghrelin regulates the disease progression of CE. Our study reveals the possible regulatory role and mechanism of Ghrelin in the process of hepatic E.g infection. In-depth studies could help to further unravel the disease mechanisms of CE and provide potential targets for therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Systemic vasculitis includes a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the vessel wall, involving multiple systems, and can cause malignant hypertension. CD163 is a specific marker of anti-inflammatory macrophages. This study is aimed at evaluating the CD163 levels in relation to systemic vasculitis and renal involvements. Methods. Urinary CD163 levels were retrospectively measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 51 patients with systemic vasculitis, 42 essential hypertensions, and 36 healthy volunteers. The associations between urinary CD163 levels and clinical indicators were analyzed. Results. Urinary CD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis [68.20 (38.25~158.78) (pg/ml)] compared to essential hypertension [43.86 (23.30-60.71) (pg/ml)] (p = 0.003) and the healthy volunteers [30.76 (9.30-54.16) (pg/ml)] (p < 0.001). Furthermore, systemic vasculitis patients with renal involvement had significantly higher urinary CD163 levels relative to patients without renal involvement [86.95 (47.61 and 192.38) pg/ml] vs. [41.99 (17.70 and 71.95) pg/ml, p = 0.005 ]. After control factors age, sex, and BMI, urinary CD163 levels in systemic vasculitis patients were positively correlated with serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and β-2 microglobulin (r = 0.45 , 0.48, and 0.46; p = 0.001 , 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). In addition, we found the level of urinary CD163 in granulomatous vasculitis (including TA, GPA, and EGPA) was significantly higher than that in necrotizing vasculitis (including PAN) [86.95 (41.99 and 184.82) pg/ml] vs. [45.73 (21.43 and 74.43) pg/ml, p = 0.016 ]. Conclusion. Urinary CD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with systemic vasculitis, especially in patients with renal involvement. Thus, urinary CD163 has the potential to be a biomarker for systemic vasculitis with renal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrating and harnessing electroluminescent cooling at technologically viable cooling powers requires the ability to routinely fabricate large area high quality light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Detailed information on the performance and yield of relevant large area devices is not available, however. Here, we report extensive information on the yield and related large area scaling of InP/ InGaAs LEDs and discuss the origin of the failure mechanisms based on lock-in thermographic imaging. The studied LEDs were fabricated as mesa structures of various sizes on epistructures grown at five different facilities specialized in the growth of III-V compound semiconductors. While the smaller mesas generally showed relatively good electrical characteristics and low leakage current densities, some of them also exhibited unusually large leakage current densities. The provided information is critical for the development and design of the optical cooling technologies relying on large area devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to establish and validate an accurate and personalized nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prediction model based on the nonobese population in China. This study is a secondary analysis of a prospective study. We included 6,155 nonobese adults without NAFLD at baseline, with a median follow-up of 2.3 years. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to optimize the selection of variables. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, a prediction model was established. Harrell's consistency index (C-index) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the discrimination of the proposed model. The goodness of fit of the calibration model was tested, and the clinical application value of the model was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). The participants were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 4,605) and a validation cohort (n = 1,550). Finally, seven of the variables (HDL-c, BMI, GGT, ALT, TB, DBIL, and TG) were included in the prediction model. In the training cohort, the C-index and AUC value of this prediction model were 0.832 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.820-0.844) and 0.861 (95% CI, 0.849-0.873), respectively. In the validation cohort, the C-index and AUC values of this prediction model were 0.829 (95% CI, 0.806-0.852) and 0.859 (95% CI, 0.841-0.877), respectively. The calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the estimated probability and the actual observation. DCA demonstrated a clinically effective predictive model. Our nomogram can be used as a simple, reasonable, economical, and widely used tool to predict the 3-year risk of NAFLD in nonobese populations in China, which is helpful for timely intervention and reducing the incidence of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study which reported significant mass-dependent selenium (Se) isotope variations in modern hot spot-influenced lavas that records ocean-atmosphere oxygenation. Topics discussed include origin of Se isotopic variability in the mantle, recycled sediments from a redox-stratified ocean, and mantle recycling record of atmospheric oxygenation.

Correlation between asthmatic infants with rickets and vitamin D, inflammatory factors and immunoglobulin was investigated. A total of 60 child patients with asthma who met the inclusion criteria and received treatment from January 2016 to October 2017 were collected. Among them, 17 asthmatic infants with rickets were set as observation group, while 43 child patients with simple asthma were regarded as the control group. Venous blood was drawn from the two groups of subjects after admission. The levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and IL-17 in serum were determined by ELISA, vitamin D and immunoglobulin E levels in serum were detected using a fully-automatic biochemical analyzer, and wheezing duration during asthma attack was recorded. IL-1, IL-6, IL-17 and immunoglobulin E levels in serum of observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The vitamin D level in the observation group was remarkably lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Wheezing duration in observation group was evidently longer than that in control group (P<0.05). Moreover, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17 and immunoglobulin E levels in serum were positively related to wheezing duration, but the vitamin D level was negatively associated with wheezing duration. Infantile asthma with rickets is closely correlated with vitamin D, inflammatory factors and immunoglobulin E, which are major risk factors in infantile asthma with rickets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammatory responses mediated by microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, have long been a subject of study in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia express a wide range of receptors that act as molecular sensors, through which they can fulfill their various functions. In this review, we first analyzed the changes in the expression levels of microglial membrane receptors SR-A, TREM2, CD36, CD33, and CR3 in aging and AD and described the different roles of these receptors in amyloid-beta clearance and inflammatory responses. Two classical hallmarks of AD are extracellular amyloid-beta deposits and intracellular aggregated phosphorylated tau. In AD, microglia reaction was initially thought to be triggered by amyloid deposits. New evidence showed it also associated with increased phosphorylation of tau. However, which first appeared and induced activated microglia is not clear. Then we summarized diverse opinions on it. Besides, as AD is tightly linked to aging, and microglia changes dramatically on aging, yet the relative impacts of both aging and microglia are less frequently considered, so at last, we discussed the roles of aging microglia in AD. We hope to provide a reference for subsequent research. • Similar changes in microglial membrane receptor expression during aging and AD. • Microglia participate in neuropathogenesis of AD via receptor-mediated phagocytosis and immune response. • Aβ deposition damages microglia functions and thereby exacerbates Tau pathology. • Microglial dysfunction after aging results in increased incidence of sporadic AD. • Microglial immune clearance and immune inflammation co-regulate the neuropathogenesis of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing the impact of radiation-induced degradation in dilute nitride based optoelectronic devices is crucial in its applications. The effects of 1-MeV electron irradiation (of 1 × 1014–1 × 1016 e/cm2 range) on undoped GaInNAs|GaAs single quantum-well (QW) structure has been studied by low-temperature photoluminescence (PL). PL spectra of GaInNAs|GaAs QW are measured before and after electron irradiation. The results show a slight enhancement of the PL intensity in relatively low electron fluence, and then subsequent deterioration of PL with the increase of cumulative electron fluences. The enhancement in PL intensity at low electron doses is explained by recombination-enhanced defect reaction model, and the degradation at high electron doses is explained by irradiation-induced defects in the lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nociceptive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is a polymodal receptor for multiple painful stimuli, hence actively pursued as a target for analgesic drugs. We identified a small peptide toxin RhTx2 from the Chinese red-headed centipede that strongly modulates TRPV1 activities. RhTx2, a 31-amino-acid peptide, is similar to a TRPV1-activating toxin RhTx we have previously discovered but with four extra amino acids at the N terminus. We observed that, like RhTx, RhTx2 activated TRPV1, but RhTx2 rapidly desensitized the channel upon prolonged exposure. Desensitization was achieved by reducing both the open probability and the single-channel conductance. RhTx2 is not only a tool to study the desensitization mechanism of TRPV1, but also a promising starting molecule for developing novel analgesics. • A 31-amino-acid peptide RhTx2 from the venom of Chinese red-headed centipede strongly activated TRPV1 channel. • RhTx2 rapidly desensitized the TRPV1 channel upon prolonged exposure. • RhTx2 reduced single-channel conductance of TRPV1 during desensitization. • Computational docking was employed to explore the structural mechanisms underlying RhTx2 binding and channel desensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we reported the electrical and spectral properties of 1 MeV electron and 3 MeV proton irradiated In0.53Ga0.47As single junction solar cell, which is used as the fourth subcell of wafer bonded GaInP/GaAs//InGaAsP/InGaAs four-junction full spectra solar cell. The equivalent displacement damage dose model was applied to study the radiation effects of solar cell. The results show that the electrical parameters of the solar cell degrade seriously with the increase of irradiation fluences, the reduction of minority carrier life-time and changes of series and shunt resistance caused by irradiation-induced displacement damage are the main reason for the degradation of cell performance. Degradation of spectral response mainly occurred in the long wavelength region of solar cell due to the bigger displacement damage in the base layer of solar cell. Degradation properties of solar cell by electron and proton irradiation can be predicted by electron to proton damage equivalency factor Rep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The selenium stable isotope system emerges as a new potential tracer of volatile origin and evolution of the terrestrial planets. Accurate determination of the mantle Se isotope composition requires an assessment of Se isotopic behavior in magmatic processes and potential variations across all mantle reservoirs. Here we report the first high-precision Se isotope and Se–Te abundance data for a suite of basaltic glasses from the Pacific–Antarctic ridge. These MORBs display a narrow range in δ82/76Se values (deviation of 82Se/76Se relative to NIST SRM 3149) between −0.30 ± 0.09‰ and −0.05 ± 0.09‰, with an average of −0.16 ± 0.13‰ (2 s.d., n = 27). We quantify the main processes relevant to MORB petrogenesis in order to better understand the Se–Te elemental behavior in the mantle and investigate if these are systematically related to Se isotope variations. We show that both Se isotopes and S–Se–Te abundances of MORB melts remain unaffected by assimilation of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids and sulfides, whereas the latter has been shown to overprint the 34S/32S ratios. MORB differentiation involving sulfide segregation (sulfide liquid and monosulfide solid solution) significantly fractionates Se and Te (Se/Te ratio ∼ 45–190), with no systematic Se isotope variation. The Se–Te contents of the primary MORB melt corrected for magmatic differentiation can be successfully reproduced by near-fractional decompression melting of a mantle with 170–200 μg g−1 S (as sulfide liquid), which has either (1) "fertile lherzolite-like" Se and Te contents (80 ± 17 and 11 ± 1.7 ng g−1, respectively; 1 s.d.) or (2) distinctly lower Se (49 ± 11 ng g−1) and Te (3.5 ± 1.3 ng g−1) contents depending on the choice of experimental partition coefficients published by different studies. Regardless, our model shows that Se-Te systematics of "fertile" lithospheric peridotites preserve little primary melt depletion signatures and reflect significant, if not complete, metasomatic overprinting. Finally, based on the observed negligible Se isotopic fractionation between sulfide phase and silicate melt, we suggest that MORBs preserve their mantle source isotopic signature (δ82/76Se = −0.16 ± 0.13‰). Our MORB average is similar within uncertainty to chondritic values but significantly lighter than previously published δ82/76Se data for basalts from a variety of geodynamic settings. The subtle but significant Se isotope variation observed within the investigated MORB suite (up to ∼0.25‰) and between other mantle samples analyzed so far may reflect intrinsic source heterogeneity and potential isotopic differences across various mantle reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The current study was aimed to investigate the effect of benzofuran on asthma neonatal rat model. Twenty-five neonatal rats were assigned into five groups; Normal control, untreated, 1 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg treatment groups. Methacholine was administered orally to the rats of untreated and treatment groups. Animals in the normal control group were given PBS as a vehicle. FlexiVent system employing a computer-controlled mouse ventilator along with respiratory mechanics was used for the analysis of airway resistance in the rats. Cytokine level and IFN-γ in the rat serum samples was performed by ELISA in accordance with the instructions of manufacturer. Methacholine administration into the rats caused a marked increase in lung airway resistance. However, treatment with 8 and 10 mg/kg doses of benzofuran led to marked decrease in the airway resistance. Benzofuran treatment prevented accumulation of macrophages and inflammatory cells in the lung airways. Inhibition of inflammation in methacholine administered rats by benzofuran was also confirmed by hematoxylin & eosin-staining. Examination of the rat serum showed significantly higher level of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, -5 and -13) in the untreated rats. However, treatment of methacholine administered rats with benzofuran significantly inhibited Th2 cytokine expression. The level of IFN-γ was increased by benzofuran treatment in methacholine administered rats. In methacholine administered rats the level of IgE was markedly higher however treatment of asthma rats with benzofuran inhibited up-regulation of IgE significantly. The expression of T-bet is decreased and that of GATA-3 is increased by methacholine administration in the rat lungs. Benzofuran treatment of methacholine administered rats prevented reduction in T-bet and up-regulation of GATA-3 expression in the rat lungs. The effect of benzofuran was significant at the doses of 8 and 10 mg/kg and non-significant at 1 mg/kg. These finding suggest that benzofuran inhibits expression of dominant T-helper 2 cytokines through targeting GATA-binding protein 3 transcription factor. Thus benzofuran can be of therapeutic importance for the treatment of asthma. Highlights • Benzofuran treatment led to marked decrease in the airway resistance. • It prevented accumulation of macrophages and inflammatory cells in the lung airways. • The level of IFN-γ was increased by benzofuran in methacholine administered rats. • Benzofuran prevented reduction in T-bet and up-regulation of GATA-3 in methacholine administered rats. • Thus benzofuran can be of therapeutic importance for the treatment of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical parameters and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3 MeV and 8 MeV proton beam irradiated upright metamorphic (UMM) GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells, grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, have been investigated and compared to lattice-matched (LM) GaInP/GaInAs/Ge solar cells. High-resolution X-ray diffraction was used to study the relaxation of strain by analysing reciprocal space maps. Threading dislocation density was estimated from cathodoluminescence image. SRIM simulation results have been applied for analysing the irradiation induced displacement damage and its effects on cell performance. The results show that the electrical parameters of both UMM and LM cells degraded more by 3 MeV proton compared to 8 MeV proton irradiation. The degradation of V oc and I sc depends on each other in both UMM and LM cells but have different features under proton irradiation due to different cell configurations, materials, and parameters etc. EQE spectra of UMM and LM cells mainly degrades in longer wavelength region due to the reduction of minority carrier diffusion length. Top GaInP subcell in UMM cell shows better radiation resistance than LM cell due to the higher In-P composition, and middle GaInAs middle subcell in UMM structure shows weaker radiation resistance because of the relatively higher indium composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in output parameters of 1 MeV electron irradiated MOCVD grown upright metamorphic (UMM) GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple junction solar cells have been studied. Non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) approach and MULASSIS simulation were applied for analyzing the effects of irradiation induced displacement damage on cell performance. The influence of base thickness on radiation resistance has been studied by changing the base thickness of top GaInP and middle GaInAs subcell, respectively. The experimental results show that the electrical parameters, Voc, Isc, and Pmax of UMM cell degrade with the increase of electron fluence. The change of spectra response indicates middle GaInAs subcell degrades more severe than top GaInP subcells, and the base thickness of two subcells has different effects on spectra response of UMM cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze urinary stone compositions in patients from Kashgar, China. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the components of urinary stones in 732 consecutive patients with urolithiasis admitted to the First and Second People's Hospital of Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, from July 2014 to November 2016. The patients were divided into two groups by ages: group A, 0 to 18 years and group B, >18 years old. The distributions of various stone compositions were analyzed and correlated with the gender and age. Results: The mean age of group A was 3.90 ± 4.09 years and that of group B was 39.88 ± 16.40 years. The overall gender ratio (male:female) was 2.27:1. Ammonium acid urate (AAU) stone was the most frequent stone, male 35.83% and female 33.48%. Female patients were significantly more common than male patients in calcium apatite stone (p = 0.004). Of all 732 cases, patients younger than 18 years were more than patients older than 18 years (58.47% vs 41.53%). The majority of the patients (77.87%) had the stone located in the upper urinary tract. Two peak ages for both genders were noted in 1 to 3 years and 19 to 40 years group of the patients. In group of 1 to 3 years patients, male were more than female (37.60% vs 24.55%, p = 0.001), whereas in the group of 10 to 18 years patients, female were more than male (10.71% vs 4.13%). AAU was the predominant stone component in group <1 year (70. 5%, p < 0.01, as compared with other groups.). Uric acid stone was more prevalent in group >60 years (66.8%, p < 0.01) than in other groups. Patients in 1 to 3 years were in the peak age group of AAU stones in both the upper and lower urinary tract. Conclusion: Most of the patients with urolithiasis diagnosed and treated in Kashgar are <18 years old, especially younger than 3 years old. The most frequent stone component in this area was AAU. More than 50% patients <18 years old had AAU stone. The mechanisms that could trigger the high prevalence of AAU stone in patients <18 years old are worth further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased demand for renewable energy and the development of energy independent building designs have motivated significant research into the improvement of wind power technologies that target urban environments. However, the implementation of wind turbines in urban environments is still very limited. There have been some studies analyzing different designs of urban wind turbines either using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel tests or field data for existing or new turbine designs. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of urban wind energy by examining the various types of urban wind turbine designs, with a view to understand their performance and the synergy between the turbines and the urban environments. It also considers a flanged diffuser shroud mechanism - a fluid machine, mounted on rooftop of buildings used as casing for small wind turbines to improve turbine performance by using mainly CFD. The diffuser shroud mechanism can draw the airflow over buildings utilizing its special features such as, cycloidal curve geometry at the inlet and a vortex generating flange at the outlet, to guide and accelerate the airflow inside. The performance of the fluid machine is optimized parametrically. The mechanism is modeled on a building rooftop in a real test site in Montreal, Canada with real statistical wind data. The CFD result confirms the functionality of the fluid machine to take advantage of the airflow over buildings in complex built-environments for wind power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Hawthorn is a popular herb in many different traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine, where it has long been used for the treatment of hyperglycemia. However, most of its varied biological activities remain unexplored. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn extracts in type II diabetic ( T2DM) rat model. A total of 54 rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group; type II diabetic model group ( T2DM; these rats were induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin); high, middle and low concentrations of hawthorn treatment ( HTH, HTM and HTL T2DM rats were given hawthorn extract at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 body weight, respectively); and positive control group (orlistat 40 mg kg−1 body weight). RESULTS Triglyceride and total cholesterol serum levels were lower in the hawthorn extract-treated groups than in the T2DM control group ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, hawthorn extracts decreased blood glucose level and increased plasma insulin release from pancreas. CONCLUSION Positive effects of hawthorn against streptozotocin-induced T2DM were demonstrated. This study suggests that hawthorn extract represents a useful agent for the prevention or treatment of T2DM. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) and stone-related parameters for medical expulsive therapy (MET) success with an alpha blocker in pediatric upper ureteral stones. Patients and Methods: A total of 35 children receiving MET ureteral stones (<10 mm) were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups where MET was successful in 18 children (51.4%) and unsuccessful in 17 children (48.6%). Prior to management, stone size, stone density (in Hounsfield unit), degree of hydronephrosis, and UWT were evaluated with patient demographics and recorded. The possible predictive value of these parameters in success rates and time to stone expulsion were evaluated in a comparative manner between the 2 groups. Results: The overall mean patient age and stone size values were 5.40 ± 0.51 years and 6.24 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Regarding the predictive values of these parameters for the success of MET, while stone size and UWT were found to be highly predictive for MET success, patients age, body mass index, stone density, and degree of hydronephrosis had no predictive value on this aspect. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that some stone and anatomical factors may be used to predict the success of MET in pediatric ureteral stones in an effective manner. With this approach, unnecessary use of these drugs that may cause a delay in removing the stone will be avoided, and the possible adverse effects of obstruction as well as stone-related clinical symptoms could be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facilitated approach for improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells is explored by introducing the potassium cation-18-crown ether-6 (18C6) complexes at the interface of the electron transport layer and perovskite absorber layer. The results indicated that the 18C6 molecular can capture the potassium cation (K+) owing to the matched size of the K+ and crown ether cavity, which eventually suppresses the migration of K+ and then improving the stability of perovskite solar cells while retaining its excellent passivation effect. Furthermore, 18C6 also plays a crucial role in trap density reduction by mitigating the grain boundaries, passivating the uncoordinated Pb2+in the crystals, as witnessed by the SEM images, absorption spectra, carrier lifetime, and chemical bonding information. Ultimately, the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and conversion efficiency are enhanced accompanied with the improved long-term stability and eliminated hysteresis. The champion efficiency of 21.57% is delivered for the 18C6–K+ incorporated solar cells, much-leading the control cell without the 18C6–K+ incorporation with an efficiency of 20.25%. [Display omitted] • 18C6–K+ complexes are an effective approach for enhancing efficiency and stability. • K+ passivates the grain boundaries while 18C6 passivates the unsaturated cations. • The efficiency enhances from 20.25% up to 21.57% after 18C6–K+ incorporation. • The stability exhibits a significant improvement over 550 h of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial bioactivity-guided isolation of the root extract of R umex dentatus L. resulted in the characterization of nineteen natural products, including three undescribed compounds (rumexs A−C). Rumexs A and B are rare anthraquinone-anthrone dimers consisting of an emodin-10-C-glycoside linked via C-10 to C-7 of a chrysophanol moiety. They differed only in their configuration at C-10; their absolute configurations were determined by NOESY and ECD analysis. LC-HRMS analysis was performed to identify nineteen compounds. Anthraquinone derivatives such as anthraquinone aglycone, oxanthrone C-glycoside, anthraquinone O -glycoside and anthraquinone dimer were found to be the dominant components of R. dentatus. In addition, naphthol, naphthoquinone, chromone, flavonoid, isocoumarin, and lignanamide derivatives were also identified. Chrysophanol and emodin were the most abundant compounds in the crude ethanol extract; their contents were determined by HPLC to be 7.38 and 5.74 mg/g, respectively. The fractions and isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Candida albicans , and Escherichia coli. Most of them showed inhibitory activity against S. aureus , some fractions and 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against C. albicans, and 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone had moderate inhibitory effects against E. coli. Emodin exhibited inhibitory activity against NO release in LPS-reduced RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. [Display omitted] • Nineteen compounds were isolated and identified from the roots of Rumex dentatus guided by antimicrobial activity. • Rumexs A and B are rare anthraquinone-anthrone dimers, and rumex C is an undescribed isocoumarin. • Most of compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against S. aureus. • Emodin exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against NO production. • The contents of chrysophanol and emodin in the crude ethanol extract were determined by quantitative HPLC analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Whether radical debridement is necessary for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis is still questionable. The objective of this prospective randomized study was to compare the outcomes of radical debridement versus no debridement for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis.Methods: Seventy-four thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis patients with a neurological function of grade D and E underwent surgery and received the same chemotherapy regiment from January 2009 to October 2014. All patients were divided into group A and B by taking the drawing of lots. In group A, radical debridement, bone graft, and instrumentation were performed. Isolated posterior instrumentation without debridement were performed in group B. The operative time, blood loss, visual analogue score (VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), kyphotic angle, Frankel grading, fusion rate, and complications were evaluated.Results: Group B had a better clinical outcome with regard to the operative time, blood loss, VAS score first week post-operatively, and the ESR value in the third and sixth month post-operatively than group A, and the differences between the two groups about those values all presented a significant difference (P < 0.05). However, no difference was observed between the two groups for the kyphotic angle (P = 0.088) and fusion rate (P = 0.164) at the final follow-up. Neurological function of all cases exhibited normal neurological function in the two groups at the final follow-up. Two cases of pulmonary infection and four cases of wound infection in group A. No serious complications were observed in group B.Conclusions: Isolated posterior instrumentation without debridement is a suitable treatment for selected patients because of minor surgical trauma, fewer complications, and spontaneous fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt mainly distributed in Hetian region of Xinjiang at an altitude of 3000 m, which is used as Uyghur traditional medicine because of its clearing heat, promoting circulation and removing toxicity and antihypertension, ect. effect. Aim of the study This research was to study the four ingredients in the extracts of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. that are absorbed in different intestinal segments in rats to lay the foundation for further study on the effective constituents, tissue distribution, metabolism, and spectrum-effect relationships of these extracts. Materials and methods High, medium, and low concentrations were prepared according to their pharmacological effects. Quantitative analysis multi-components by single marker was used to test the cumulative absorption volume Q, absorption rate constant Ka, and apparent permeability coefficient P app of the four main ingredients in C. tinctoria Nutt. extract in different intestinal segments in rats using a Ussing chamber model and high-performance liquid chromatography. Results The P app of chlorogenic acid and flavanomarein in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were 1.0×10 −6 to 10×10 −6 cm s −1 . P app of marein in the duodenum and jejunum was <1.0×10 −6 , and was 1.0×10 −6 to 10×10 −6 cm s −1 in the ileum and colon. P app of 3,5- O -dicaffeoylquinic acid in the duodenum was <1.0×10 −6 cm s −1 , while it was 1.0× 1 0 −6 to 10×10 −6 cm s −1 in the jejunum, ileum, and colon. Conclusions All four chemical components of the plant extract can be absorbed by the intestinal canal of rats, which conforms to zero-order absorption; the ileum presented the best absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many investigations on the anthocyanins of the freshLycium ruthenicumMurray fruits have been reported; while few studies about dried fruits have been published. In this study, chemical profile of dried fruits was illustrated by a high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method, which provided evidence for the certain identification of the main anthocyanins. Among these compounds, nine of them were selected as marker compounds for the semiquantitative evaluation, using a simple and reliable method by high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC–DAD), with the combination of chromatographic fingerprint analysis. Separation was achieved on a C18 ODS 80TS QA analytical column with linear gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10% formic acid and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) aqueous solution. Our results showed that the contents of anthocyanins of driedL. ruthenicumMurray from different origins were different. We also inferred the anthocyanin compositions of driedL. ruthenicumMurray through analyzing the UV spectrum, retention time, elution order, and MS data. Finally, eight kinds of anthocyanin compositions were identified and different from the anthocyanins in freshL. ruthenicumMurray. In a word, this study may provide experimental data in further development and utilization ofL. ruthenicumMurray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children aged 6-11 years with uncontrolled asthma are treated with low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with stepwise increase in ICS dosage and/or add-on maintenance treatment, as necessary. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tiotropium add-on treatment in children with severe and mild symptomatic asthma. The present prospective cohort study included 144 children with severe and mild asthma (age, 6-11 years) who received ICS (budesonide) with ≥1 controller treatment combination therapies for ≥1 month and score ≥1.5 based on Asthma Control Questionnaire-Interviewer-Administered. In addition to ICS with ≥1 controller treatment, children received 5 µg once-daily tiotropium (treatment group; n=72) or did not receive tiotropium (control group; n=72). The peak forced expiratory volume in 1-sec change from the baseline 3 h post-administration of tiotropium was significantly improved in the treatment group compared with the control group (384±31 vs. 248±28 ml; P<0.0001). The trough forced expiratory volume in 1-sec (224±28 vs. 140±31 ml; P<0.0001) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of forced vital capacity (389±36 vs. 116±27 ml/sec; P<0.0001) showed significant improvement following treatment with tiotropium. Significant differences were noted for trough forced vital capacity (153±29 vs. 139±30 ml/sec; P<0.0001), mean weekly rescue treatment usage (0.29±0.08 vs. 0.36±0.09; P<0.0001), mean weekly peak expiratory flow measurement (4.12±3.56 vs. 7.46±3.29 l/min; P<0.0001) and mean weekly symptom-free time (0.19±0.04 vs. 0.16±0.04 days; P<0.0001) between both cohorts. Children of both groups tolerated any adverse effects. Tiotropium 5 µg administered once/day as an add-on treatment to ICS with ≥1 controller treatments in children (6-11 years of age) with severe and mild symptomatic asthma was found to be efficacious and safe (level of evidence 2; technical efficacy stage 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of a new class of phosphorene nanotubes (PNT) are investigated by performing first-principles calculations. We demonstrate that it is advantageous to use blue phosphorene in order to make small nanotubes and propose a way to create low-energy PNTs by the inclusion of defect lines. Five different types of defect lines are investigated and incorporated in various combinations. The resulting defect-induced faceted PNTs have negligible bending stresses which leads to a reduction in the formation energy with respect to round PNTs. Our armchair faceted PNTs have similar formation energies than the recently proposed multiphase faceted PNTs, but they have a larger variety of possible structures. Our zigzag faceted PNTs have lower formation energies than round tubes and multiphase faceted nanotubes. The electronic properties of the defect-induced faceted PNTs are determined by the defect lines which control the band gap and the shape of the electronic states at the band edges. These band gaps increase with the radius of the nanotubes and converge to those of isolated defect lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different allotropes of phosphorene are possible of which black and blue phosphorus are the most stable. While blue phosphorus has isotropic properties, black phosphorus is strongly anisotropic in its electronic and optical properties due to its anisotropic crystal structure. In this work, we systematically investigated the lattice thermal properties of black and blue phosphorene by using first-principles calculations based on the quasiharmonic approximation approach. Similar to the optoelectronic and electronic properties, we predict that black phosphorene has highly anisotropic thermal properties, in contrast to the blue phase. The linear thermal expansion coefficients along the zigzag and armchair direction differ up to 20% in black phosphorene. The armchair direction of black phosphorene is more expandable as compared to the zigzag direction and the biaxial expansion of blue phosphorene under finite temperature. Our comparative analysis reveals that the inclusion of finite-temperature effects makes the blue phase thermodynamically more stable over the black phase above 135 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]