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As a new promising detection technology in the terahertz research field, the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) has very broad application potential in many fields because its advantage on the characteristic spectrum, wide spectrum and non-destructive analysis of interested substances. In this paper, the terahertz absorption spectra of gases mixed with 12CO and 13CO in the spectrum range of 0.5–2.5 THz are measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for the first time. Several isotopologues can be clearly distinguished based on the difference in their rotational energies and the consequent terahertz spectrum. The experimental results show that 12CO and 13CO have obvious characteristic absorption peaks in the spectrum range of 0.5–2.5 THz due to the difference in rotational energy, and the rotational constant B can be calculated according to the experimental values to distinguish the two gaseous isotopologues. The frequency positions of the characteristic absorption peak measured by this experiment and the rotation constant B calculated according to the experimental values are compared with those previous theoretical calculations and experimental results, and they are in good agreement. This result lays a foundation for developing more sophisticated terahertz instruments to the detection of different isotopologues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors in the world. Cholesterol plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumors. One of the cholesterol transporters, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR‐B1), a multi‐ligand membrane receptor protein, is expressed in the intestines which also highly expressed in various tumors. But the potential mechanism of SR‐B1 in CRC development has not been reported. Aims: This study aimed to clarify the importance of SR‐B1 in the development and prognosis of CRC as much as possible to provide a possible strategy in CRC treatment. Materials & Methods: In this study, we used SR‐B1 gene knockdown mice to study the effect of SR‐B1 on colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. The expression of related molecules were detected through the immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin–eosin staining, western blot analysis, and Flow cytometry. The gene expression and microbiota in microenvironment of CRC mice were analyzed through eukaryotic mRNA sequencing and 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing. Results: The results showed that SR‐B1 knockdown reduced the tumor load of colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. SR‐B1 knockdown improved the immune microenvironment by affecting the level of tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM), mononuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSCs), granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs), programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and human leukocyte antigen class I‐B (HLA‐B), and also reduced the level of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R), and increased the level of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) to regulate the cholesterol metabolism, and regulated the expression of related genes and intestinal microbiota. SR‐B1 knockdown can also trigger the anti‐CRC effect of anti‐PD 1 in colitis‐induced CRC. Discussion: SR‐B1 deficiency significantly improved the immunity in tumor microenvironment of colitis‐induced or APCmin/+‐induced CRC. In addition, the microbiota changes caused by SR‐B1 deficiency favor improving the immune response to chemotherapeutic drugs and anti‐PD1 therapy. The mechanism of action of SR‐B1 deficiency on the development of CRC still needs further in‐depth research. Conclusion: This study provides a new treatment strategy for treating CRC by affecting the expression of SR‐B1 in intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygalae radix (PR) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is used to treat depression, and polygalae radix oligosaccharide esters (PROEs) are the main active ingredient. Although gut microbiota are now believed to play key role in depression, the effects of PROEs on depression via modulation of gut microbiota remain unknown. In this article, we investigate the effect of PROEs on the gut microbiota of a depression rat and the possible mechanism responsible. The depression rat model was induced by solitary rearing combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The depression-like behavior, the influence on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the contents of monoamine neurotransmitter in the hippocampus, and the quantity of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces were each assessed, and the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Additionally, ultrastructural changes of the duodenal and colonic epithelium were observed under transmission electron microscope, and the gut microbiota were profiled by using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results show that PROEs alleviated the depression-like behavior of the depression model rats, increased the level of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, and reduced the hyperfunction of the HPA axis. Furthermore, PROEs regulated the imbalance of the gut microbiota in the rats, relieving intestinal mucosal damage by increasing the relative abundance of gut microbiota with intestinal barrier protective functions, and adjusting the level of SCFAs in the feces, as well as the serum levels of LPS and IL-6. Thus, we find that PROEs had an antidepressant effect through the restructuring of gut microbiota that restored the function of the intestinal barrier, reduced the release of intestinal endotoxin, and constrained the inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR−B1), a multiligand membrane receptor, is expressed in a gradient along the gastrocolic axis. SR−B1 deficiency enhances lymphocyte proliferation and elevates inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. However, whether SR−B1 affects intestinal metabolites is unclear. In this study, we detected metabolite changes in the intestinal tissue of SR−B1−/− mice, including amino acids and neurotransmitters, by ultra−performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time−of−flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC−Q−TOF/MS) and HPLC. We found that SR−B1−/− mice exhibited changes in intestinal lipid metabolites and metabolic pathways, including the glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, linoleic acid, taurine, and hypotaurine metabolic pathways. SR−B1 deficiency influenced the contents of amino acids and neurotransmitters in all parts of the intestine; the contents of leucine (LEU), phenylalanine (PHE), tryptophan (TRP), and tyrosine (TYR) were affected in all parts of the intestine; and the contents of 3,4−dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and dopamine (DA) were significantly decreased in both the colon and rectum. In summary, SR−B1 deficiency regulated intestinal lipids, amino acids, and neurotransmitter metabolism in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (Rosaceae, A. pilosa) has been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for treatment of acute and chronic enteritis and diarrhea. Secondary metabolites have been isolated and tested for biological activities. It remains unclear in terms of its potential components of anti-colorectal cancer properties. The study aimed to how extracts from A. pilosa and their components influenced tumor microenvironment and the colorectal tumor growth in vivo on AOM/DSS induced colorectal cancer mice, the metabolites of A. pilosa was also been studied. Different methods have been used to extract different parts of A. pilosa. And the anti-proliferation effect of these extracts on colon cancer cells have been tested. The components of A. pilosa and its metabolites in vivo were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) effects of A. pilosa and its components in vivo were studied on AOM/DSS induced CRC mice. The effects of constituents of A. pilosa on the composition of immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) were analyzed by flow cytometry. 16 S rDNA technology was used to analyze the effect of administration on the composition of intestinal microflora. Pathological section staining was used to compare the morphological changes and molecular expression of intestinal tissue in different groups. The constituent exists in root of A. pilosa showed the strongest anti-proliferation ability on colon cancer cells in vitro. The extract from the root of A. pilosa could attenuate the occurrence of colorectal tumors induced by AOM/DSS in a concentration-dependent manner. Administration of the extract from the root of A. pilosa could affect the proportion of γδT cells, tumor associated macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells in TME, increasing the proportion of anti-tumor immune cells and decrease the immunosuppressive cells in the TME to promote the anti-tumor immune response. The administration of the extract adjusted the composition of gut microbiota and its components Agrimoniin and Agrimonolide-6-o-glucoside showed the strongest anti-CRC effect in vivo with adjusting the gut microbiota differently. The extract from root of A. pilosa showed anti-colorectal cancer effects in vivo and in vitro , affecting the composition of gut microbiota and the anti-tumor immune response. Within all components of A. pilosa , Agrimoniin and Agrimonolide-6-o-glucoside showed remarkable anti-CRC efficiency in vivo and in vitro. Besides, the metabolites of extract from root of A. pilosa in gastrointestinal tract mainly composed of two parts: Agrimonolide-related metabolites and Urolithins. The extract from root of A. pilosa could contribute to potential drugs for assisting clinical anti-colon cancer therapy. [Display omitted] • The extract from the root of A. pilosa shows anti-CRC effect by affecting gut microbiota and anti-tumor immune response. • Within its components, Agrimoniin and Agrimonolide-6-o-glucoside shows anti-CRC outcomes. • Metabolites mainly include Agrimonolide-related metabolites and Urolithins. • The root of A. pilosa extraction is beneficial for assisting clinical anti-colon cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids have been recognized as promising electrolytes in electrochromic devices (ECDs). However, the limited solubility of commercial electrochromic materials (ECMs) in ionic liquid effects the electrochromic performance of ECDs. This work synthesized viologen-type (Vio-IL) and ferrocene-type (Fc-IL) room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), which have melting points of −22.5 °C and −43.6 °C, respectively. ECDs prepared using these two RTILs exhibit superior optical modulation ability (ΔT = 79.4 %) and good cyclic stability (1000cycles 96.2 %). These two RTILs exhibit advantages because they can be miscible with commonly ionic liquids solvent. Further, ultra-thin (10 μm) ECDs prepared using these RTILs with 20 wt% ionic liquid diluent not only have good electrochromic performance (ΔT = 73.1 %, 1000cycles 95.6 %, 3.7 s for coloring and 13.3 s for bleaching) but also have a wide temperature working window (−30°C–70 °C). These ultra-thin and low-solvent ECDs have the potential to enable temperature adaptability and lightweight and eco-friendly smart windows. [Display omitted] • Room-temperature Vio-IL and Fc-IL were successfully synthesized. • Ultra-thin, all-ionic liquid ECDs with minimal diluent was developed. • All-ionic liquid ECDs can operate across a broad temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical information is private, and medical data are valuable for medical research. Thus, medical information sharing is challenging because the data might be manipulated improperly and revealed during the operational process. The accuracy and integrity of medical information should be guaranteed throughout the sharing process. Medical institutions require shared information for scientific research and development; however, the issue of privacy inhibits the sharing process. In this article, we propose a new business process and a blockchain-based platform for medical information sharing. Our method exploits the advantages of blockchain in medical information recording and sharing. Information can be stored, shared, and credibly verified among parties in the distributed network. In addition, we propose a new consensus algorithm and a universal anonymous sharing model. These methods improve the efficiency and security of medical information sharing between users. In this way, both the information and the traces of the transaction can be stored in a distributed manner to prevent manipulation and fraud. Consequently, the value of medical information can be fully utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a flexible optical goniometer for the measurement of single-axis joint angular displacement. The design philosophy behind the apparatus lies that the agent's angular displacement is converted to the laser's distance measurement thanks to geometric conversion. We propose a dual-laser ranging model for joint angle measurement with the aid of a reference plane. This model converts the agent's rotational angle to the distance of laser range measurements under triangular constraints. Compared with the commonly used rotary encoders, the proposed sensor shows its competence in easy installation and flexible deployment. Furthermore, a model parameter calibration approach is introduced to decrease the angular measurement error. Extensive validation experiments with a prototype sensor on a robot arm prove the aforementioned claims and show that the prototype sensor can reach an angular precision of 0.3° with a measurement range of −30° – 30°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic isopods have negative effects on several commercially important fishes and crustaceans. However, studies on these parasites, especially on their morphology, are limited. In the present study, scanning electron microscopy and simultaneous histological analysis were carried out to examine the external structure and composition of the internal organs of Tachaea chinensis (Isopoda, Corallanidae). Seven pairs of pereopods are sharp and hook-like, which are used for attaching to the host. Four pairs of the paddle-shaped pleopods indicate that it has the ability to swim freely. Analysis of the mouth appendages revealed that T. chinensis mainly feeds on the host's blood. Moreover, we found numerous glands, including the salivary glands and hepatopancreas, in the coelom; loose connective tissue was also found in the ventral body cavity, which appeared to be a vestigial gonad. In addition, the description of the gland also provides valuable empirical data for future research. Résumé: Les isopodes parasites ont des effets négatifs sur plusieurs poissons et crustacés d'importance commerciale. Cependant, les études sur ces parasites, en particulier sur leur morphologie, sont limitées. Dans la présente étude, une microscopie électronique à balayage et une analyse histologique simultanée ont été réalisées pour examiner la structure externe et la composition des organes internes de Tachaea chinensis (Isopoda, Corallanidae). Sept paires de péréopodes sont tranchants et en forme de crochet, qui sont utilisés pour se fixer à l'hôte. Quatre paires de pléopodes en forme de pagaie indiquent qu'il a la capacité de nager librement. L'analyse des appendices buccaux a révélé que T. chinensis se nourrit principalement du sang de l'hôte. De plus, nous avons trouvé de nombreuses glandes, dont les glandes salivaires et les hépatopancréas dans le cœlom; du tissu conjonctif lâche a également été trouvé dans la cavité ventrale du corps, qui semblait être une gonade vestigiale. En outre, la description de la glande fournit également de précieuses données empiriques pour de futures recherches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain, the underlying technology of digital currency, such as Bitcoin, has the characteristics of decentralization, stability, security, anonymity, and nontampering. Blockchain is being applied in an increasing number of fields. Supply chain finance is a financing model in which banks connect core enterprises with upstream and downstream enterprises to provide flexible financial products and services. In the traditional supply chain finance, the core enterprises with strong competitiveness and a large scale play an irreplaceable role in managing the supply chain information flow, logistics, and capital flow, which results in inequality and information asymmetry. Fraud in supply chain finance is also very serious. To solve the problems of the traditional supply chain finance, in this article, we build a new type of supply chain financial platform that uses blockchain technology to manage the whole process. This supply chain financial platform solves the problem of nontrust among the participants in the supply chain, improves the efficiency of the capital flow and information flow, reduces costs, and provides better financial services to the relevant parties in the supply chain. To protect users' privacy, we propose a new method of using homomorphic encryption in the blockchain to meet the needs of sensitive data privacy protection in supply chain financial scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel strategy for constructing a stable cathode material by modifying LiNi 0.7 Mn 0.3 O 2 (NM73) with CeO 2 to address the issues of interfacial degradation and significant capacity decay during cycling of Co-free materials. In this approach, Ce3+/Ce4+ is doped within the NM73 bulk material, while CeO 2 is coated on the surface of the bulk material to suppress the attack of electrolyte on the particle surface during cycling. As a result, the modified sample, Ce/NM-1.0, exhibits excellent cycling performance compared to the bare sample, NM73, with an initial discharge capacity of 181.7 mAh/g at a rate of 1C within the voltage range of 2.7 V–4.3 V, which is significantly higher than that of NM73 (164.7 mAh/g). Notably, the capacity retention rate of Ce/NM-1.0 after 200 cycles is 85.36%, whereas that of NM73 is only 78.93%. These results demonstrate that the strategy significantly improves the electrochemical performance and cycle stability of the modified material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterizations indicate that the excellent discharge specific capacity is attributed to the Ce ions doping, while the excellent structural stability is attributed to the CeO 2 coating on the particle surface. This work provides valuable insights into the modification of other cathode materials to promote their commercialization. • A CeO 2 coating layer was fabricated on the surface of LiNi 0.7 Co 0.3 O 2 material by a solid phase annealing method. • Ce3+/Ce4+ were doped into the lattice of LiNi 0.7 Co 0.3 O 2 material to improve the Li+ diffusion coefficient and rate capacity. • The coating layer effectively protects the bulk material from attack by electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the problem of vehicle sideslip angle estimation is studied based on a single-track model, and an approach to robust ℋ∞ filter design with sampled-data measurements is proposed. Considering the changes of the vehicle mass, the moment of inertia about the yaw axis and the nonlinear relationships between the road surface and tyres, the vehicle lateral dynamics are characterized by a system with parameter uncertainties, which belong to a given convex polytope. By utilizing an input delay approach, the filtering error system is transformed into a continuous-time system with time delay in the state. By introducing a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and a free weighting matrix technique, LMI-based conditions have been formulated for the stability analysis of the filtering error system and the existence of admissible filters, which ensure the filtering error system is asymptotically stable with a prescribed ℋ∞ disturbance attenuation level. Finally, some simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature measurement inside the laser crystal was performed based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique. • Polarized up-conversion fluorescence spectra in 500–580 nm of an Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 crystal were measured at 300–680 K. • Temperature distribution inside an Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 crystal was measured in real time when a 1.55 μm laser was operating. • The experimental result was compared with the theoretical temperature distribution inside the crystal. Based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique, the temperature distribution inside an Er:Yb:Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 crystal was measured in real time when a 1.55 μm laser was operating. The polarized green up-conversion fluorescence in 500–580 nm of the crystal generated simultaneously under laser operation was used as the temperature probe. At a pump beam waist diameter of 400 μm, the highest temperature inside the crystal reached 507 K when the incident pump power and output mirror transmission were 11.13 W and 1.3%, respectively. The experimental result was compared with the theoretical temperature distribution inside the crystal simulated by the finite element analysis method, and the difference between them was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An antifreezing and self-healing EC organohydrogel based on CS was designed. • Proposed a facile method for preparing gel-based EC displays by extrusion firstly. • Various properties of the EC organohydrogel show dependence on EG content. • The gel-based ECD show great cyclic stability in a wide temperature range. Though numerous patterned electrochromic (EC) displays have been developed, a low-cost, eco-friendly and convenient strategy for fabricating customizable EC displays with great low and high temperature adaptability is still desired urgently. Herein, an antifreezing and self-healing EC oganohydrogel with reversible Schiff base linkages was prepared facilely through mixing a chitosan solution based on a water/ethylene glycol (EG) binary solvent and a dibenzaldehyde-modified poly(ethylene oxide) aqueous solution, and its mechanical and electrochromic properties can be regulated by EG content. The optimized gel exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 0.2 mS cm−1 at -60 ℃ and the EC gel-based device shows great cyclic stability with 99%, 98% and 95% optical modulation retention after 1000 cycles at different temperature of -30 ℃, 20 ℃ and 45 ℃, respectively. By extruding the EC gels from syringes onto transparent electrodes to form the specific patterns or characters, a series of customized EC displays for convey information were obtained. Such EC displays are expected to exhibit unique advantages over a wide operating temperature range and become a paradigm for future EC displays manufacturing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook genetic and nongenetic approaches to investigate the relationship between telomere maintenance and osteoblast differentiation, as well as to uncover a possible link between a known mediator of cellular aging and senile bone loss. Using mouse models of disrupted telomere maintenance molecules, including mutants in the Werner helicase (Wrn−/−), telomerase (Terc−/−), and Wrn−/− Terc−/− double mutants predisposed to accelerated bone loss, we measured telomere dysfunction-induced foci (TIFs) and markers of osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs). We found that telomere maintenance is directly and significantly related to osteoblast differentiation, with dysfunctional telomeres associated with impaired differentiation independent of proliferation state. Telomere-mediated defects in osteoblast differentiation are associated with increased p53/p21 expression and concomitant reduction in RUNX2. Conversely, MPCs from p53−/− mice do not have substantial telomere dysfunction and spontaneously differentiate into osteoblasts. These results suggest that critical telomere dysfunction may be a prominent mechanism for age-related osteoporosis and limits MPC differentiation into bone-forming cells via the p53/p21 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, while gastric metaplasia (GM) and Helicobacter pylori infections are key causes for UGI symptoms. This study is targeted to compare GM and H. pylori infections in patients with different durations of HD. Methods: A total of 406 subjects from Ningbo Urology and Nephrology Hospital were included. The mean age of subjects was 44.7 ± 13.5 years; 62.9%% were male; and subjects were divided into four groups according to different HD durations. Upper endoscopy and lesion were performed in these patients and methylene blue staining was used in detecting H. pylori and GM. Results: Erosive gastritis was the most common symptom in uremic subjects. GM was found in 139 patients. The longer the dialysis duration, the higher the incidence rate of GM ( p < 0.05). H. pylori infection accounted for 24.1%% in HD patients. The occurrence of H. pylori infection decreased as dialysis periods progressed within the first 4-year follow-up after the start of HD. Conclusions: Almost all patients with HD experienced gastrointestinal discomfort in the current patient cohort. The most common mucosal lesion observed in our study pool was chronic erosive gastritis. The overall incidence of GM was normal at 35.0%%, since quite a part of patients are the elderly group in this study. We need not worry about this too much, unless the HD patients have registered for renal transplantation or are suffering from severe gastrointestinal discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the locomotion control of quadruped robots inspired by the biological concept of central pattern generator (CPG). A control architecture is proposed with a 3-D workspace trajectory generator and a motion engine. The workspace trajectory generator generates adaptive workspace trajectories based on CPGs, and the motion engine realizes joint motion imputes. The proposed architecture is able to generate adaptive workspace trajectories online by tuning the parameters of the CPG network to adapt to various terrains. With feedback information, a quadruped robot can walk through various terrains with adaptive joint control signals. A quadruped platform AIBO is used to validate the proposed locomotion control system. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control architecture. A comparison by experiments shows the superiority of the proposed method against the traditional CPG-joint-space control method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper considers the design of robust H∞ filtering problem for switched stochastic discrete time-delay system with missing measurements via switched Lyapunov function approach. Attention is focused on the design of an exponentially stable filter guaranteeing a prescribed noise attenuation level in the H∞ sense and missing measurements probability. By using switched Lyapunov functionals, some sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sporozoites of Plasmodium parasites undergo several transmigrations before their establishment in the hepatocytes of a vertebrate host. Techniques that illustrate parasite intra-vital migration and their interaction with host cells will advance the understanding of parasite biology. In a recent publication, Amino et al. provided a detailed protocol for in vivo imaging of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites in the dermis. The report has important implications in the dissection of malaria parasite biology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Malaria vaccine development has so far been largely focused on antigens involved in parasite invasion pathways rather than on antigens associated with severe disease and naturally acquired immunity. Individuals repeatedly exposed to Plasmodium falciparum will eventually become immune to severe disease. Parasite-derived antigens expressed on the infected red blood cell (iRBC) surface are the main targets of protective immunity and can be explored as a rational alternative in development of an anti-malaria vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OsNHX1 gene (Na+/H+ antiporter gene ofOryza sativa L.) was introduced into Poplar 84K withAgrobacterium tumefaciens- mediated transformation. PCR, Southern and Northern blot analysis showed thatOsNHX1 gene was incorporated successfully into the genome of Poplar 84K and expressed in these transgenic plants. Salt tolerance test showed that three lines of transgenic plants grew normally in the presence of 200 mmol/L NaCl, while the Na+ content in the leaves of the transgenic plants grown at 200 mmol/L NaCl was significantly higher than that in plants grown at 0 mmol/L NaCl. The osmotic potential in the transgenic plants with high salinity treatment was lower than that of control plants. Our results demonstrate the potential use of these transgenic plants for agricultural use in saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OsNHX1 gene (Na+/H+ antiporter gene of Oryza saliva L.) was introduced into Poplar 84K with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. PCR, Southern and Northern blot analysis showed that OsNHX1 gene was incorporated successfully into the genome of Poplar 84K and expressed in these transgenic plants. Salt tolerance test showed that three lines of transgenic plants grew normally in the presence of 200 mmol/L NaCl, while the Na+ content in the leaves of the transgenic plants grown at 200 mmol/L NaCl was significantly higher than that in plants grown at 0 mmol/L NaCl. The osmotic potential in the transgenic plants with high salinity treatment was lower than that of control plants. Our results demonstrate the potential use of these transgenic plants for agricultural use in saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of parasite antigens known as Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is believed to play an important role in the binding of infected erythrocytes to host receptors in the micro-vasculature. Available data advocates the existence of a subset of very adhesive (rosetting, auto-agglutinating) and antigenic PfEMP1s implicated as virulence factors. Serum antibodies that disrupt rosettes are rarely found in children with severe malaria but are frequent in those with mild disease suggesting that they may be protective. Here we have developed a Semliki forest virus (SFV) vaccine construct with a recombinant gene (mini-var gene) encoding a mini-PfEMP1 (DBL1α-TM-ATS) obtained from a particularly antigenic and rosetting parasite (FCR3S1.2). The mini-PfEMP1 is presented to the host mimicking the location of the native molecule at the infected erythrocyte surface. Antibodies generated by a regimen of priming with SFV RNA particles and boosting with a recombinant protein recognize the infected erythrocyte surface (immuno-fluorescence/rosette-disruption) and prevent the sequestration of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes in an in vivo model of severe malaria. The data prove the involvement of DBL1α in the adhesion of infected- and uninfected erythrocytes and the role of rosette-disruptive antibodies in preventing these cellular interactions. The work supports the use of DBL1α in a vaccine again severe malaria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is an important virulence factor encoded by a family of roughly 60 var genes and is used by the parasite to interact with the human host. The parasite regularly exchanges the expressed var gene generating antigenic variation of the infected RBCs (pRBC) surface which is crucial for successful proliferation and transmission. PfEMP1 is also an adhesive molecule that binds to an array of human receptors. By sequestration in the post-capillary venules, pRBCs are able to escape the spleen-mediated clearance but severe malaria may develop if the local binding is extensive. Anti-PfEMP1 immunity is important for preventing the development of both cerebral malaria and placental malaria, but more immunological studies on PfEMP1 antigens and their interaction with the human host are needed. Over the last few years our knowledge about var genes and PfEMP1s has increased dramatically through genetic, biochemical, immunological and epidemiological studies. In addition, the genome sequence has also provided us with a new platform for further dissecting its biological functions. This review highlights the recent analyses of var genes in the P. falciparum genome and postulates significance of genome recombination to the diversity of parasite virulence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Relapse variants in chronic Plasmodium falciparum infections are antigenically distinct from the parental parasites. The variable antigen PfEMP1 expressed at the surface of the infected erythrocyte (IE) is encoded by the var gene family with &ap;60 copies per haploid genome. Placental isolates commonly express DBLγ containing subtypes of var genes with homology to either 3D7var5.2 (varCOMMON) or FCR3varCSA. Here we report that varCOMMON related genes are constitutively transcribed in &ap;60% of malaria infected children in Gabon. varCOMMON is conserved in field isolates over at least 2.1 kb. In 3D7 parasites varCOMMON is present on chromosome 5 (var5.2) and constitutively transcribed in the opposite direction to most other var genes. It lacks a regulatory intron, an acidic terminal segment and ends in telomeric repeat sequences. varCOMMON encodes a large, hypothetical PfEMP1 of a structure similar to previous placenta-binding PfEMP1s but it is not present at the IE-surface. IE of a 3D7 clone (3D7S8) transcribe varCOMMON but express a PfEMP1 distinct from varCOMMON at the surface and adhere to placental tissues through varCOMMON independent novel mechanisms. Our report suggests that expression of varCOMMON type genes is not restricted to placental malaria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The var gene family of Plasmodium falciparum encodes the clonally variant adhesin PfEMP1 present on the surface of infected erythrocytes. A poorly understood mechanism of allelic exclusion controls the expression of PfEMP1. Transcription of var genes is developmentally and, most likely, epigenetically regulated. Here we have studied the transcriptional pattern of 28 members of this multigene family in individual parasites, early in the intraerythrocytic cycle. The results show unique patterns (type and number) of var transcripts in each individual PRBC, with 1–15 mRNA species detected per cell at 2–4 h post-invasion. When a panel of ten single PRBC was analyzed, the var gene coding for the expressed PfEMP1 was transcribed in more cells than any other, although transcripts from this gene did not give the strongest hybridization signal within each individual cell. Chromosomal mapping of transcriptionally active var genes indicated that their distribution reflects that of var loci in the genome, including a pronounced clustering in chromosome 4. These findings, taken together with existing data on var transcription at later developmental stages, suggest that the mosaic-like transcription of multiple var genes detected at the ring stage and the steady transcription of the gene encoding the expressed PfEMP1 are distinct although superimposed events, one of them random and the other taking place under some form of imprinting. With its unique features, the expression of P. falciparum var genes may reveal new principles of gene regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We developed an artificial neural network to predict pre-crash condition of passenger cars in traffic accidents. By using virtual car crash data generated by finite element simulations, we demonstrated the proof of concept of machine-learning method and its feasibility in car crashworthiness inverse solution. • It is shown that by using plastic deformation signature one can practically uniquely determine carcrash inverse solution of pre-crash data with high accuracy and precision. • We developed a large scale parallel machine learning Python code that has mega data capacity, and it can process inelastic deformation in more that 70,000 × 50,000 data points. In this work, we have successfully developed a data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) inverse problem solution for traffic collision reconstruction. In specific, we have developed and implemented a machine learning computational algorithm and built a deep neural network to determine and identify the initial impact conditions of car crash based on its final material damage state and permanently deformed structure configuration (wreckage). In this work, we have demonstrated that the developed machine learning algorithm as an inverse problem solver can accurately identify initial collision conditions in an inverse manner, which are practically unique if we use permanent plastic deformation as the forensic data signatures. In other words, we think that the massive plastic energy dissipation process and the related big data will make final structure damage state insensitive to the initial car collision conditions. Thus, it provides an inverse solution for car crash forensic analysis by reconstructing the initial failure load parameters and conditions based on the permanent plastic deformation distribution of cars. This approach has general significance in solving the inverse problem for engineering failure analysis and vehicle crashworthiness analysis, which provides a key contribution for the unmanned autonomous vehicle and the related technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research which showed that multiple var gene transcripts can be detected in cultures of the rosetting parasite FCR3S1.2. Plasmodium falciparum the cause of lethal malaria; Binding of P. falciparum mediated by erythrocyte-membrane-protein-1 (PfEMP-1); Expression and switching of var genes; Var transcripts in single erythrocytes; Single P. falciparum parasite simultaneously transcribing multiple var genes.

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors associated with cancer death; however, the mechanisms involved in lung tumor development have not been completely elucidated, which impedes the advancement of clinical diagnosis and therapy. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) is an important member of the microRNA family and is encoded by intron 7 of epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing gene 7. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that miR-126, as a distinct endothelial-enriched miRNA and new tumor suppressor gene, serves a promising role in the occurrence, development and metastasis of various types of cancer, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. In the present review, the current knowledge of the role of miR-126 in lung cancer growth, metastasis, diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapy was summarized, which may provide new insights on the biological roles of miRNAsin lung cancer and facilitate the ultimate development of miRNA-based therapies in clinical patients with non-small cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of phthalate-based electrochromic materials were prepared and investigated. The introduced functional substituents on phthalate π-framework have a significant influence on the optical and electrochemical behaviors. Electrochromic devices of these phthalates exhibit a praiseworthy electrochromism, to be specific, with vivid colors, high optical contrast, fast response and excellent durability. To our surprise, one phthalate with the methoxyl substituent reveals an unanticipated photoluminescent nature, which renders the compound multifunction. In summary, outstanding electrochromic performances indicate that these phthalate derivatives are promising for applications in displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternating current (ac) impedance spectra facilitate lithium-ion battery management. Realizing a low-cost and low-complexity onboard impedance measuring system is a vital issue for the management based on the ac impedance. In the article, a novel impedance measuring system combined with a high-power dual active bridge (DAB) converter and distributed sampling units is proposed and verified. The DAB converter is designed to generate the ac disturbance to ensure a quasi-steady measurement of the battery impedance. The distributed signal sampling units simultaneously measure the voltage and current of all the series-connected battery cells in a module to measure their impedance. The measured impedance in a frequency range of 0.1–500 Hz shows the feasibility of the system. The root-mean-square errors of the measured impedance phase from 0.2 to 200 Hz and the magnitude from 0.1 to 500 Hz are less than 6.9% and 4.0%, respectively. The errors in some frequency ranges are slightly larger, which are analyzed. The novelty is reflected in that the system is easily integrated into a bidirectional onboard charger and compatible with the battery management system, thus reducing costs and complexity. It provides a basis for the onboard application of the battery impedance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The human sortilin protein is an important drug target and detection marker for cancer research. The sortilin from Toxoplasma gondii transports proteins associated with the apical organelles of the parasite. In this study, we aimed to determine the intracellular localization and structural domains of T. gondii sortilin, which may mediate protein transportation. Approaches to the functional inhibition of sortilin to establish novel treatments for T. gondii infections were explored. Methods: A gene encoding the sortilin protein was identified in the T. gondii genome. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were performed to identify the protein species transported by T. gondii sortilin. The interaction of each structural domain of sortilin with the transported proteins was investigated using bio-layer interferometry. The binding regions of the transported proteins in sortilin were identified. The effect of the sortilin inhibitor AF38469 on the infectivity of T. gondii was investigated. The binding site of AF38469 on sortilin was determined. Results: The subdomains Vps10, sortilin-C, and sortilin-M of the sortilin were identified as the binding regions for intracellular transportation of the target proteins. The sortilin inhibitor AF38469 bound to the Vps10 structural domain of T. gondii sortilin, which inhibited parasite invasion, replication, and intracellular growth in vitro and was therapeutic in mice infected with T. gondii. Conclusion: The Vps10, sortilin-C, and sortilin-M subdomains of T. gondii sortilin were identified as functional regions for intracellular protein transport. The binding region for the sortilin inhibitor AF38469 was also identified as the Vps10 subdomain. This study establishes sortilin as a promising drug target against T. gondii and provides a valuable reference for the development of anti-T. gondii drug-target studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC) presented in the gut‐associated strain Enterococcus faecalis can convert levodopa (L‐dopa) into dopamine (DA), and its increased abundance would potentially minimize the availability and efficacy of L‐dopa. However, the known human decarboxylase inhibitors are ineffective in this bacteria‐mediated conversion. This study aims to investigate the inhibition of piperine (PIP) on L‐dopa bacterial metabolism and evaluates the synergistic effect of PIP combined with L‐dopa on Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Metagenomics sequencing was adopted to determine the regulation of PIP on rat intestinal microbiota structure, especially on the relative abundance of E. faecalis. Then, the inhibitory effects of PIP on L‐dopa conversion and TDC expression of E. faecalis were tested in vitro. We examined the synergetic effect of the combination of L‐dopa and PIP on 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats and tested the regulations of L‐dopa bioavailability and brain DA level by pharmacokinetics study and MALDI‐MS imaging. Finally, we evaluated the microbiota‐dependent improvement effect of PIP on L‐dopa availability using pseudo‐germ‐free and E. faecalis‐transplanted rats. Results: We found that PIP combined with L‐dopa could better ameliorate the move disorders of 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by remarkably improving L‐dopa availability and brain DA level than L‐dopa alone, which was associated with the effect of PIP on suppressing the bacterial decarboxylation of L‐dopa via effectively downregulating the abnormal high abundances of E. faecalis and TDC in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats. Conclusion: Oral administration of L‐dopa combined with PIP can improve L‐dopa availability and brain DA level in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats by suppressing intestinal bacterial TDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although an automatic parking system has been installed in many vehicles recently, it is still hard for the system to confirm by itself whether a vacant parking area truly exists or not. In this paper, we introduced a robust vision-based vacancy parking area detecting method for both indoor and outdoor environments. The main contribution of this paper is given as follows. First, an automatic image stitching method is proposed. Secondly, the problem of environment illuminating change and line color difference is considered and solved. Thirdly, the proposed algorithm is insensitive to the shadow and scene diversity, which means the detecting result satisfies most of the environment. Finally, a vehicle model is considered for tracking and reconfirming the detecting results to eliminate most of the false positives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudo-shock waves in a scramjet isolator are worth studying. These waves are generally subjected to back pressure fluctuation induced by combustion. The characteristics and unsteadiness mechanism of pseudo-shock waves are investigated using a numerical method. A second nozzle with a movable pintle is utilized to simulate the back pressure fluctuation of a combustion chamber in the numerical model. A 2D numerical method with the kω-shear stress transport turbulence model is adopted to investigate the behavior of pseudo-shock waves. Validation of the numerical model is performed by comparing its results with existing experimental results. The accuracy of the numerical model is proven. The present study aims to investigate the unsteady characteristics of pseudo-shock waves in a scramjet isolator. As indicated by the results, the amplitude of pseudo-shock wave motion can be reduced by increasing the exciting frequency of back pressure fluctuation. The influence mechanism of exciting frequency is the phase difference caused by time delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and robust correspondence matching is of utmost importance for various 3D computer vision tasks. However, traditional explicit programming-based methods often struggle to handle challenging scenarios, and deep learning-based methods require large well-labeled datasets for network training. In this article, we introduce Epipolar-Constrained Cascade Correspondence (E3CM), a novel approach that addresses these limitations. Unlike traditional methods, E3CM leverages pre-trained convolutional neural networks to match correspondence, without requiring annotated data for any network training or fine-tuning. Our method utilizes epipolar constraints to guide the matching process and incorporates a cascade structure for progressive refinement of matches. We extensively evaluate the performance of E3CM through comprehensive experiments and demonstrate its superiority over existing methods. To promote further research and facilitate reproducibility, we make our source code publicly available at https://mias.group/E3CM/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have developed a novel deep learning inverse solution or identification method to determine and identify the impact load conditions of shell structures based on their final state of damage or inelastic deformation. This artificial intelligence approach offers a practical solution to solve the inverse problem of engineering failure analysis based on final material and structure damage state and permanent plastic deformation. More precisely, the machine learning inverse problem solver may provide a practical solution to characterize failure load parameters and conditions based on the final permanent plastic deformation distribution of the shell structure that is under examination. In this work, we have demonstrated that the proposed deep learning method can accurately identify a "practically unique" static loading condition as well as the impact dynamic loading condition for a hemispherical shell structure based the permanent plastic deformation after the impact event as the forensic signatures. The data-driven based method developed in this work may provide a powerful tool for forensically diagnosing, determining, and identifying damage loading conditions for engineering structures in various accidental failure events, such as car crashes, pressure vessel failure, or thin-walled infrastructure structure collapses. The machine learning inverse problem solver developed here in this work may have potential impacts on general forensic material and structure failure analysis based on final permanent plastic deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • T. gondii invasion-related proteins, ROP9, MIC3, and SAG2 bind to heparin. • The three proteins adhere on host cell plasma membrane. • Specific antibodies to the proteins inhibited the parasite invasion in host cells. • Immunized mice exhibited sterile immunity against a lethal T. gondii challenge. • The work supported the important role of the proteins during T. gondii invasion. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligatory intracellular parasite that can infect varieties of warm-blooded animals, including humans and birds. Heparan sulfate (HS) is widely distributed on the eukaryotic cell surface of vertebrates and can inhibit T. gondii invasion. In this study, we investigated the transcription and expression of the level of Tg ROP9, Tg MIC3, and Tg SAG2 in T. gondii RH strain, and found that the expression levels of these three proteins in invading parasites were higher compared to those free ranging parasites. The recombinant proteins showed specific binding activity to both heparin and host cell surface. Incubation of these proteins with the host cells could block T. gondii invasion. Furthermore, protein-specific antibodies also blocked parasite invasion. Antibodies in the sera of T. gondii infected individuals recognized the recombinant Tg ROP9, Tg MIC3, and Tg SAG2, which suggested the exposure of these proteins to human immune system. Mice immunized with the three proteins exhibited protective immunity against lethal challenge. The data collectively suggested that these parasitic proteins may be used as candidate antigens for development of anti-toxoplasmosis vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Recombinant adenoviruses express T. gondii invasion-related proteins. • Vaccinations trigger humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. • Divalent or trivalent adenoviruses provide protection against acute toxoplasmosis. Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii , an obligate intracellular parasite. Currently, no viable vaccine or effective drug strategies exist to prevent and control toxoplasmosis. T. gondii microneme protein 3 (MIC3), rhoptry protein 9 (ROP9), and surface antigen 2 (SAG2) are related to active invasion of the parasite. Hence, we constructed recombinant adenoviruses expressing Tg MIC3, Tg SAG2, or Tg ROP9 and evaluated the recombinant adenoviruses as potential vaccines against acute T. gondii infection in BALB/c mice. Mice immunized with the recombinant adenoviruses were measured the antibody levels, percentages of lymphocytes and actived T lymphocytes, cytokine productions, and the survival rates and time to evaluate the protective efficacy. Results showed that immunization with the bivalent or trivalent recombiant adenoviruses could strongly stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, resulting in effective immune protections against lethal challenge with the tachyzoites of T. gondii RH. These results indicated that the divalent and trivalent adenoviruses, especially Ad-ROP9-MIC3-EGFP, may be promising vaccine candidates against acute T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interruption of parasite reproduction by targeting migrating schistosomula is a promising strategy for managing schistosomiasis. Hepatic schistosomula proteins previously identified based on second-generation schistosome DNA sequencing were found to hold excellent potential for schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis and as vaccine candidates. However, there are still many unknown schistosomula proteins that warrant further investigations. Herein, a novel schistosomula protein, the Schistosoma japonicum erythroid Krüppel-like factor (SjEKLF/KLF1), was explored. Methods: Sequence alignment was carried out to detect the amino acid sequence characteristics of SjEKLF. The expression profile of SjEKLF was determined by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the antigenicity of SjEKLF in hosts. Mice immunised with recombinant SjEKLF were challenged to test the potential value of the protein as an immunoprotective target. Results: SjEKLF is defined as EKLF/KLF1 for its C-terminal DNA-binding domain. SjEKLF is mainly expressed in hepatic schistosomula and male adults and located within the intestinal intima of the parasites. Notably, high levels of SjEKLF-specific antibodies were detected in host sera and SjEKLF exhibited outstanding sensitivity and specificity for schistosomiasis japonica immunodiagnosis but failed to distinguish between ongoing infection and previous exposure. In addition, SjEKLF immunisation reduced the infection in vivo, resulting in decreased worm and egg counts, and alleviated body weight loss and hepatomegaly in infected mice. Conclusions: Overall, these findings demonstrate that SjEKLF is critical for the infection of S. japonicum and may be a potential target to help control S. japonicum infection and transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon encapsulated in conductive layers has proven to be an excellent method for retaining the high capacity of silicon in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) throughout cycling. This study presents an ultra-fast, single-step, and scalable method for synthesizing graphene@Fe–Si nanoparticles via an atmospheric pressure surface-wave-sustained plasma. The verification of the synthesized nanoparticles, encompassing graphene cladding and silicon nanoparticles encapsulated in iron, was conducted through energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping, line scanning in the transmission electron microscopy mode, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy corroborated the identity of the cladding as graphene. This study provides a viable strategy for the industrial production of anode materials for high-performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph Convolution Network (GCN) algorithms have greatly improved the accuracy of skeleton-based human action recognition. GCN can utilize the spatial information between skeletal joints in subsequent frames better than other deep learning algorithms, which is beneficial for achieving high accuracy. However, the traditional GCN algorithms consume lots of computation for the stack of multiple primary GCN layers. Aiming at solving the problem, we introduce a lightweight network, a Differential Learning and Parallel Convolutional Networks (DL-PCN), whose key modules are Differential Learning (DLM) and the Parallel Convolutional Network (PCN). DLM features a feedforward connection, which carries the error information of GCN modules with the same structure, where GCN and CNN modules directly extract the original information from the input data, making the spatiotemporal information extracted by these modules more complete than that of GCN and CNN tandem structure. PCN comprises GCN and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) in parallel. Our network achieves comparable performance on the NTU RGB+D 60 dataset, the NTU RGB+D 120 dataset and the Northwestern-UCLA dataset while considering both accuracy and calculation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria caused by Plasmodium species is a prominent public health concern worldwide, and the infection of a malarial parasite is transmitted to humans through the saliva of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium invasion is a rapid and complex process. A critical step in the blood-stage infection of malarial parasites is the adhesion of merozoites to red blood cells (RBCs), which involves interactions between parasite ligands and receptors. The present study aimed to investigate a previously uncharacterized protein, PbMAP1 (encoded by PBANKA_1425900), which facilitates Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbANKA) merozoite attachment and invasion via the heparan sulfate receptor. Methods: PbMAP1 protein expression was investigated at the asexual blood stage, and its specific binding activity to both heparan sulfate and RBCs was analyzed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, a PbMAP1-knockout parasitic strain was established using the double-crossover method to investigate its pathogenicity in mice. Results: The PbMAP1 protein, primarily localized to the P. berghei membrane at the merozoite stage, is involved in binding to heparan sulfate-like receptor on RBC surface of during merozoite invasion. Furthermore, mice immunized with the PbMAP1 protein or passively immunized with sera from PbMAP1-immunized mice exhibited increased immunity against lethal challenge. The PbMAP1-knockout parasite exhibited reduced pathogenicity. Conclusions: PbMAP1 is involved in the binding of P. berghei to heparan sulfate-like receptors on RBC surface during merozoite invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is an uncommon malignant neoplasm. Due to the complicated anatomical structure of the human head, standard imaging modalities including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan remain limited in detection of salivary tumors. We used three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CT angiography) for the assessment and pre-operative surgical planning of facial fractures of a case with LEC. The study results demonstrated that 3D-CT angiography provided an insightful approach to preoperative evaluation in the treatment of salivary tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of promising schistosome antigen targets is crucial for the development of anti-schistosomal strategies. Schistosomes rely on their neuromuscular systems to coordinate important locomotory behaviors. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is critical in the initial rate-limiting step in biosynthesis of catecholamine, the important neuroactive agents, which promote the lengthening of the worm through muscular relaxation and are therefore of great importance to the movement of the organism both within and between its hosts. THs from both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum and their enzyme activities have been discovered; however, the role of these proteins during infection have not been explored. Herein, a recombinant protein of the nonconserved fragment of S. japonicum TH (SjTH) was produced and the corresponding polyclonal antibody was generated. The expression and antigenicity of SjTH were detected by qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence assays, and ELISA. Mice immunized with the recombinant SjTH were challenged with cercariae to evaluate the immunoprotective value of this protein. Our results showed SjTH not only distributed in the head associated with the central nervous system, but also expressed along the tegument and the intestinal intima, which are involved in the movement, coupling and digestion of the parasites and associated with the peripheral nervous system. This protein can effectively stimulate humoral immune responses in mammalian hosts and has high potential as a biomarker for schistosomiasis immunodiagnosis. Furthermore, immunization with recombinant SjTH showed to reduce the worm and egg burden of challenged mice, and to contribute to the systemic balance of the Th1/Th2 responses. Taken together, these results suggest that SjTH is an important pathogenic molecule in S. japonicum and may be a possible target for anti-schistosomal approaches. Author summary: Schistosomiasis is still a disease imposing great threat to human life and which is far from elimination. The identification and function of many schistosome antigens remains limited, which constrains the development of schistosomiasis vaccines and new diagnostics markers. Schistosomes rely on their neuromuscular systems to coordinate important locomotory behaviors. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is critical for normal physiological and neuropathological conditions, which are of great importance to the movement of the parasites both within and between its hosts. THs from both S. mansoni and S. japonicum and their enzyme activities have been discovered, however, the role of these proteins during infection have not been explored. In this study we show SjTH may be expressed in the head, on the tegument surface, and along the intestinal intima of the parasites, associated with both central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This protein effectively stimulates the host immune response and exhibited highly encouraging performance for schistosomiasis immunodiagnosis. We also show that immunization with the recombinant SjTH was able to protect mice from a challenge S. japonicum infection. Overall, these results indicate the SjTH holds potential value as an immunoprotection target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For biped robots, the ability to maintain balance under external forces is an essential requirement. Inspired by human beings' behaviors to resist external forces, a compliant-resistant balance-control method is proposed to keep the biped robot balance subjected to an external force. A model-free trajectory generator is designed based on the central pattern generator (CPG) to generate compliant-resistant human-like behavior. The CPG pattern generator generates the desired pulse signal utilizing Matsuoka's CPG. The signal modulator applies the defined signal to the robot's center of mass (CoM) to generate the workspace trajectory when standing on double feet. Moreover, when standing on single foot, the output signal of the CPG will directly act on the hip joint of the robot to generate the joint space trajectory. Furthermore, the motion engine calculates the workspace trajectory into joint sequence values. The proposed control strategy can generate defined pulse signals to realize compliant-resistant balance control for biped robots. The control strategy proposed in this paper is verified in the NAO simulation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) occurring in the female genital tract are rare, and typically found in the uterine corpus. PEComa occurring in the cervix is extremely rare, and very few cases have been reported till now. Cytological diagnosis of cervical PEComa is even rarer. So far, only two cases of PEComa diagnosed by conventional cervical smears have been reported. Case presentation: A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with abnormal vagina discharge for 3 months. A liquid-based cytology test was performed. Microscopically, some loosely cohesive epithelioid cells were uniform with abundant clear cytoplasm, showing predominantly round or oval nuclei with finely stippled chromatin. Distinct round nucleoli were visible in some cells, notably with numerous melanin pigments in the cytoplasm. The cytopathological features were well correlated with cell block and histopathological findings. Upon immunohistochemistry (IHC), the tumor cells were positive for HMB45 and TFE3, focally positive for MelanA, while negative for muscle marker. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed TFE3 gene rearrangement. The final pathological diagnosis was PEComa identified by the liquid-based cytology, cell block, cervical biopsy, IHC and FISH result. The patient underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and was followed up for 2 years with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: The cytologic characteristics of the tumor can provide sufficient clues for PEComa diagnosis, which includes loosely cohesive, epithelioid morphology with abundant clear or eosinophilic cytoplasm, low-grade nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic melanin pigments. This will help cytopathologists to recognize this rare tumor that occurred in the cervix, and the combination of predictive morphology evaluation, immunophenotype, and molecular testing can achieve the definitive diagnosis of PEComa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a potent antimalarial drug, also exhibits distinct property in modulation on Treg and B cells, which has been recognized for decades, but the underlying mechanisms remain understood. Herein we revealed that DHA could promote Treg proliferation, meanwhile, suppress B cell expansion in germinal centers, and consequently decrease the number of circulating plasma cells and the content of serum immunoglobulins. Further, DHA-activated Treg significantly mitigated lipopolysaccharide-induced and malaria-associated inflammation. All these scenarios were attributed to the upregulation of c-Fos expression by DHA and enhancement of its interaction with target genes in both Treg and circulating plasma cells with bilateral cell fates. In Treg, the c-Fos-DHA complex upregulated cell proliferation-associated genes and promoted cell expansion; whereas in plasma cells, it upregulated the apoptosis-related genes resulting in decreased circulating plasma cells. Thus, the bilateral immunoregulatory mechanism of DHA was elucidated and its application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases is further justified. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) promotes Treg cell proliferation and suppresses plasma cell expansion through direct interaction and activation of c-Fos, underling the bilateral immunoregulatory mechanism of DHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]