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Jute fibers are commonly used as reinforcement in composite materials manufacture due to its excellent mechanical properties. In this study, alkali (NaOH) and silane coupling agent KH570 treatment were conducted on component jute nonwovens to improve the bonding strength of jute/PLA composite interface. The jute/PLA composites were prepared from treated jute nonwovens and PLA films by molding method. The results show that alkali treatment can significantly improve the tensile, flexural and dynamic thermomechanical properties of jute/PLA composites. The composites treated with 1% NaOH exhibits the maximum tensile strength while the composites treated with 5% NaOH presents the maximum flexural strength and the minimum loss in the dynamic thermo-mechanical process. Moreover, the tensile and flexural strength of the composite treated with the combination of 5% NaOH-5% KH570 is significantly stronger than that when they act alone. This research can provide an optimal treatment strategy for the jute/PLA degradable composites with higher mechanical and thermos-mechanical tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In real life, it is not unusual that we face potential threats (i.e., physical stimuli and environments that may cause harm or danger) with other individuals together, yet it remains largely unknown how threat-induced anxious feelings influence prosocial behaviors such as resource sharing. In this study, we investigated this question by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging and a novel paradigm. Together with an anonymous partner, each participant faced the possibility of receiving a 10-s noise administration, which had a low or high probability to be a threat (i.e., the intensity of noise can induce a high level of unpleasantness). Each participant first reported her/his immediate feeling of anxiety about the current situation (being threatened by the unpleasant noise), then decided how to split a number of resources (which could relieve the noise) between her/him and the partner. Behavioral results revealed that the participants showed a selfish bias in the threat conditions than in the safe conditions, and that self-reported anxiety feeling significantly predicted this bias. Functional magnetic resonance imaging results revealed that: (1) the activation level of the anterior insula was correlated with self-reported anxiety and (2) the connectivity between the anterior insula and the temporoparietal junction was sensitive to the modulating effect of anxiety on the selfish bias. These findings indicate the neural correlates of the association between threat-induced anxiety and prosocial tendencies in social interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To promote the quality evaluation, clarify the processing mechanism and distinguish origins of Corni Fructus (cornus) from different regions. Methods: This study developed a high performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 2 phenolic acids and 4 iridoid glycosides and the reference fingerprint of cornus from different regions. In addition, the feedforward neural network model provided a pattern classification of sample regions. Results: The content of morroniside and loganin were the highest in all raw cornus samples ranging from 9.45 µg/mg to 16.3 µg/mg and 6.64 µg/mg to 13.7 µg/mg, respectively. The level of sweroside in raw cornus from Henan (0.83 µg/mg-1.39 µg/mg) and Zhejiang (0.64 µg/mg-1.17 µg/mg) were greater than other origins. After wine-processing, the glucose or fructose were dehydrated to increase the levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The C-4 position of -COOCH3 of hot-sensitive iridoid glycosides was hydrolyzed to generate -COOH as stable components. Polyphenol derivatives may be degraded to increase the content of phenolic acid. Subsequently, an excellent feedforward neural network model for identification of raw cornus and wine-prepared cornus was established which could distinguish the sample origins. Conclusion: This work provided a trustworthy method to evaluate the quality and distinguish the sources of cornus. Meanwhile, the clear processing mechanism provided a scientific foundation for controlling the cornus quality during wine-processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) transplantation is a treatment strategy for ischemic stroke (IS) with great potential. However, the vitality, migration and adhesion of BMSCs are greatly impaired due to the harsh environment of the ischemic area, which affects the therapeutic effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the roles of nerve growth factor (NGF) in regulating cell behaviors of BMSCs in IS. Methods: The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. To simulate ischemic-like conditions in vitro, Brain microvascular (bEnd.3) cells were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability and cell proliferation were evaluated by MTT assay and BrdU assay, respectively. Transwell migration and cell adhesion assays were carried out to determine cell migration and adhesion of BMSCs, respectively, coupled with flow cytometry to evaluate cell apoptosis of bEnd.3 cells. Finally, angiogenesis assay was performed to assess the angiogenesis ability of bEnd.3 cells. Results: NGF overexpression resulted in increased cell vitality, adhesion and migration of BMSCs, while NGF knockdown presented the opposite effects. We subsequently discovered that TrkA was a receptor for NGF, and TrkA knockdown significantly inhibited the cell viability, migration and adhesion of BMSCs. Besides, Nrf2 was confirmed as the downstream target of NGF/TrkA to promote the viability, adhesion and migration of BMSC cells. Finally, NGF-silenced BMSCs could not effectively restore the OGD-induced brain microvascular cell damage. Conclusions: NGF/TrkA promoted the viability, migration and adhesion of BMSCs in IS via activating Nrf2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original specimens of both Prunus zappeyana and P. zappeyana var. subsimplex were found to belong to more than one taxon. In addition, P. zappeyana var. subsimplex was found to be invalid because, when the name was published, two separate descriptions were given to two cited collections, but not to the taxon, making the name unaccompanied with a description or diagnosis of this taxon (Art. 38.1 (a)). Therefore, a lectotype of P. zappeyana was designated under Art. 9.11 of ICN, by which P. zappeyana was placed in the synonymy of P. veitchii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A routine release of slow-degrading agrochemicals in the environment has resulted in their gradual accumulation posing a major threat both to the terrestrial and aquatic environments worldwide. Robust remediation of such chemicals without causing any further environmental hazard is a highly desirable solution. In this context, we explored the catalytic activity of MnO2 nanoparticles for the degradation of varieties of commonly used agrochemicals including halogenated aromatic compounds (HACs) under organic solvent-free environmental conditions. The dye Rhodamine B was used as a model compound to optimize degradation. Efficient degradation of RhB was observed at or below pH 5.0 in the 10.0 mM sodium acetate buffer at 25 °C. Degradation efficiency was not affected by light, and MnO2 nanoparticles could be recycled up to three times without a significant loss of catalytic activity. The catalyst was also capable of degrading a panel of structurally diverse HACs under buffered acidic conditions. The catalytic activities were inhibited by varieties of organic solvents in a concentration-dependent manner. The results provided herein offer a viable option for the timely remediation of varieties of organic pollutants in an environment-friendly manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the emotional disorders after the onset of stroke. Many studies have indicated that inflammatory processes can promote the occurrence and development of PSD. The purpose of our study was to explore the potential relationship between PSD and two inflammatory biomarkers: inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α). Methods: In total, 80 patients diagnosed with depression after the first-ever acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in PSD group consecutively. During the same period, 40 non-depressed patients following the first-ever acute ischemic stroke and 40 healthy control subjects were recruited as non-PSD group and normal group, respectively. All participants have performed serum iNOS and MIP-1α level examination with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The severity of depressive symptoms was evaluated by the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24). Results: Serum iNOS and MIP-1α levels were significantly higher in PSD group than those in non-PSD and normal groups (P < 0.001). Serum iNOS and MIP-1α levels of PSD patients with varying degrees of depression were significantly different, serum iNOS and MIP-1α levels became higher as the depressive symptoms became more severe (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the elevated levels of iNOS, MIP-1α and HAMD scores (r = 0.262, 0.209, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that both serum iNOS and MIP-1α levels were independently associated with PSD (OR = 2.790, 95% CI: 0.712– 10.933, P < 0.05 and OR = 1.922, 95% CI: 0.648– 9.815, P < 0.05, respectively) after adjustment for possible relevant confounders. Conclusion: High serum levels of iNOS and MIP-1α were found to be associated with the development of PSD and closely related to its severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grinding force is an important factor to consider in the field of precision manufacturing. In this study, a model of the thread grinding force in inner thread grinding that takes into account the thread helix angle and effect of grains overlapping is presented. The average undeformed chip thickness of a single abrasive grain can be obtained based on the Rayleigh probability density function. The contact length is assumed to be the arc contact length and is calculated based on the movement of an active grain. In addition, the effective grain overlap coefficient can be defined as the ratio of the effective area removed by a single grain to the cutting area without overlapping grains. The normal force is generated by material deformation and friction. Similarly, the tangential force is produced by material deformation and tangential friction. The normal and tangential forces can be calculated by considering a micro abrasive grain. Experiments were conducted to calculate the coefficients of the grinding force model in order to validate the model. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to determine the relationship between the normal force and the largest pit on the inner thread surface. Normal and tangential forces were analyzed under different spindle speeds, workpiece speeds, grinding depths, and thread helix angles. The numerical results suggest that grinding force is affected by the thread helix angle and friction forces; moreover, grain overlap cannot be ignored. Finally, a linear relationship between the normal force and the largest pit diameter was derived and used to determine the optimal normal force for generating improved inner thread surfaces. The proposed model provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of high-speed high-precision inner thread grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Meniscal injury is common among military service members. Objective: To examine the incidence and characteristics of meniscal injuries in cadets at a single military institution between 2013 and 2015. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Meniscal-injury data were collected at the Center of Rehabilitation Training, the People's Liberation Army University of Science and Technology. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 2479 cadets participating in physical activities between 2013 and 2015. Main Outcome Measure(s): Injury rates, injury proportions by body mass index, risk ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Conclusions: The high frequency and level of severity of meniscal injuries may negatively affect the readiness and health of cadets. High body mass index was a risk factor for meniscal injury. Results: The overall incidence rate was 10.08 (95% CI = 6.84, 14.84) per 1000 person-years. A multiple-comparisons test revealed differences in the relative injury rate in overweight or obese cadets versus normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (χ² = 8.98, P = .01). No differences were found between injured normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (P = .66, RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.32, 6.06) or between injured overweight or obese cadets and injured underweight cadets (P = .24, RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.09, 1.91). The absolute injury rate was higher for overweight and obese cadets compared with normal-weight cadets (P < .01, RR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.69). The overall proportional distribution for patterns of injury was 2:1 (medial to lateral) for meniscal injuries. Grade 2 injuries were the most common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have suggested that the balance of T helper 17 (Th17) and natural regulatory T (nTreg) cells in the Th17-mediated immune response are critical in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of circulating Th17 and nTreg cells in the disease progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 40 patients with chronic HBV (CHB), 27 patients with HBV-associated cirrhosis, 20 patients with HBV-associated liver failure and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. The frequencies of Th17 and nTreg cells in the peripheral blood were examined using flow cytometry. Th17-associated serum cytokine levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results revealed a significantly higher frequency of circulating Th17 cells in the patients with CHB, cirrhosis and liver failure compared, with the normal controls, particularly in the patients with liver failure. The same trend was observed in the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17. The frequency of Th17 cells and the serum levels of IL-17 were positively correlated with the levels of alanine aminotransferase and the prothrombin times. There was a significantly higher frequency of circulating nTreg cells in the patients with CHB, compared with the normal controls. The nTreg cell frequencies were significantly and positively correlated with plasma HBV DNA load, and were negatively correlated with Th17 frequencies in the cohort of patients with HBV. Taken together, the results suggested that Th17 cell-mediated inflammation is associated with progression from CHB to cirrhosis, and to liver failure. Peripheral Th17 cell frequency and serum levels of IL-17 may assisting in predicting the severity of liver damage and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the frequency and risk factors of cognitive and anxiety-depressive disorders in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND). Methods: This was an observational study of 100 ALS/MND patients treated at our hospital outpatient and inpatient departments between January 2009 and April 2010 and 100 matched healthy controls. Subjects were surveyed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Patient neurological status was graded by the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS). Multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors associated with the MMSE, SAS, SDS, and ALSFRS scores. Results: Patients had significantly lower MMSE scores than controls (P<0.05). MMSE score did not differ by sex or age (<50/≥50 years) (P.0.05). Patients with higher educational level (college and above), shorter disease course (<2 years), and lower ALSFRS score (<20) had significantly higher MMSE scores (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher education, shorter disease course, and lower ALSFRS score were independent predictors of better cognitive function (higher MMSE score). Patients had significantly higher mean SAS and SDS total scores than controls (both P<0.05), indicating higher subjective anxiety and depression. Female patients, patients with higher education, and those with higher ALSFRS scores had significantly higher SAS and SDS scores (all P<0.05). Age, occupation, diagnostic classification, disease duration, and disease awareness did not influence SAS or SDS scores. Multivariate analysis indicated that lower education and lower ALSFRS were protective factors against anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The frequency of anxiety-depressive disorders was high among patients with ALS/MND. High educational level, short course of disease, and lower ALSFRS were associated with preserved cognitive function. Female sex, higher education, and lower ALSFRS score conferred a greater risk of anxiety and depression. Tailored pharmacotherapy and psychological interventions may help in reducing anxiety and depression in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairpin DNA (hpDNA) as a novel biobarcode was conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a reporter DNA (rpDNA) to form hpDNA/AuNP/rpDNA nanoparticles for the detection of an oligonucleotide sequence associated with Helicobacter pylori as a model target. The rpDNA is complementary to about a half-portion of the target DNA sequence (tDNA). A capture DNA probe (cpDNA), complementary to the other half of the tDNA, was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode. In the presence of tDNA, a sandwich structure of (hpDNA/AuNP/rpDNA)/tDNA/cpDNA was formed on the electrode surface. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) detection was based on [Ru(NH3)5(3-(2-phenanthren-9-yl-vinyl)-pyridine)]2+, an electroactive complex that binds to the sandwich structure by its intercalation with the hpDNA and the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of the sandwich structure. The several factors—high density of biobarcode hpDNA on the surface of AuNPs, multiple electroactive complex molecules intercalated with each hpDNA and dsDNA molecule, and the intercalation binding mode of the electroactive complex with the DNA sandwich structure—contribute to the DNA sensor with highly selective and sensitive sensing properties. The DNA sensor exhibited a detection limit of 1 × 10-15 M (i.e., 1 fM), the DNA levels in physiological samples, with linearity down to 2 × 10-15 M. It can differentiate even one single mismatched DNA from the complementary tDNA. This novel biobarcode-based DNA sensing approach should provide a general platform for development of direct, simple, repetitive, sensitive, and selective DNA sensors for various important applications in analytical, environmental, and clinical chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile self-catalytic approach for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoclusters@mesoporous silica was proposed by subtly making use of successive spontaneous reactions in solution at near neutral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of permissive mechanisms and abundance of inhibitory molecules in the lesioned central nervous system of adult mammals contribute to the failure of functional recovery, which leads to severe disabilities in motor functions or pain. Previous studies have indicated that the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 constitutes a viable target to promote regeneration. In the present study, we describe the cloning, functional expression in Escherichia coli cells and purification of a recombinant aL1 Fab fragment that binds to L1 with comparable activity as the function-triggering monoclonal antibody 557.B6 and induces neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival in cultured neurons, despite its monovalent function. Infusion of aL1 Fab into the lesioned spinal cord of mice enhanced functional recovery after thoracic spinal cord compression injury. aL1 Fab treatment resulted in reduced scar volume, enhanced number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive axons and increased linear density of VGLUT1 (vesicular glutamate transporter 1) on motoneurons. Furthermore, the number and soma size of ChAT (choline acetyltransferase)-positive motoneurons and the linear density of ChAT-positive boutons on motoneurons as well as parvalbuminpositive interneurons in the lumbar spinal cord were elevated. Stimulation of endogenous L1 by application of the aL1 Fab opens newavenues for recombinant antibody technology, offering prospects for therapeutic applications after traumatic nervous system lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background IFN-α has been used to treat patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB). Recent studies have implicated the IL-23/Th-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of CAHB. In this study, we investigated whether IFN-α could affect this pathway. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with active CAHB (n = 61) and controls (n = 32) were cultured with or without IFN-α, and the levels of IL-17 and IL-10 in the supernatants were determined by ELISA, while the frequency of IL-17- expressing cells was measured by FACS. Similar experiments were also conducted with isolated CD4+ T cells from controls. Furthermore, an experiment using an anti-IL-10 antibody was performed to examine the underlying mechanisms of action of IFN-α. Results Both the levels of IL-17 and the frequency of IL-17-expressing cells were significantly higher in the PBMCs from CAHB patients than in the controls. IFN-α significantly decreased IL-17 production and the frequency of IL-17-expressing cells in PBMCs from both patients and controls. On the other hand, IFN-α increased IL-10 production by PBMCs from patients and controls. Anti-IL-10 antibody was able to neutralize the inhibitory effect of IFN-α on IL-17 production by PBMCs. Conclusions In vitro experiments showed that IFN-α could inhibit IL-17 expression and increase IL-10 production by PBMCs and CD4+ T cells. The inhibitory role of IFN-α on IL-17 production was partly mediated by IL-10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An obstacle to early stem cell transplantation into the acutely injured spinal cord is poor survival of transplanted cells. Transplantation of embryonic stem cells as substrate adherent embryonic stem cell-derived neural aggregates (SENAs) consisting mainly of neurons and radial glial cells has been shown to enhance survival of grafted cells in the injured mouse brain. In the attempt to promote the beneficial function of these SENAs, murine embryonic stem cells constitutively overexpressing the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 which favors axonal growth and survival of grafted and imperiled cells in the inhibitory environment of the adult mammalian central nervous system were differentiated into SENAs and transplanted into the spinal cord three days after compression lesion. Mice transplanted with L1 overexpressing SENAs showed improved locomotor function when compared to mice injected with wild-type SENAs. L1 overexpressing SENAs showed an increased number of surviving cells, enhanced neuronal differentiation and reduced glial differentiation after transplantation when compared to SENAs not engineered to overexpress L1. Furthermore, L1 overexpressing SENAs rescued imperiled host motoneurons and parvalbumin-positive interneurons and increased numbers of catecholaminergic nerve fibers distal to the lesion. In addition to encouraging the use of embryonic stem cells for early therapy after spinal cord injury L1 overexpression in the microenvironment of the lesioned spinal cord is a novel finding in its functions that would make it more attractive for pre-clinical studies in spinal cord regeneration and most likely other diseases of the nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique structures and properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted extensive investigations for many applications, such as those in the field of biomedical materials and devices, biosensors, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Anticipated large-scale productions for numerous diversified applications of CNTs might adversely affect the environment and human health. For successful applications in the biomedical field, the issue of interfacing between CNTs and mammalian cells in vitroneeds to be addressed before in vivostudies can be carried out systematically. We review the important studies pertaining to the internalization of CNTs into the cells and the culturing of cells on the CNT-based scaffold or support materials. The review will focus on the description of a variety of factors affecting CNT cytotoxicity: type of CNTs, impurities, lengths of CNTs, aspect ratios, dispersion, chemical modification, and assaying methods of cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer's disease, and the most common movement disorder. Drug treatment and deep brain stimulation can ameliorate symptoms, but the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra eventually leads to severe motor dysfunction. The transplantation of stem cells has emerged as a promising approach to replace lost neurons in order to restore dopamine levels in the striatum and reactivate functional circuits. We have generated substrate-adherent embryonic stem cell-derived neural aggregates overexpressing the neural cell adhesion molecule L1, because it has shown beneficial functions after central nervous system injury. L1 enhances neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration, differentiation and survival as well as myelination. In a previous study, L1 was shown to enhance functional recovery in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. In another study, a new differentiation protocol for murine embryonic stem cells was established allowing the transplantation of stem cell-derived neural aggregates consisting of differentiated neurons and radial glial cells into the lesioned brain. In the present study, this embryonic stem cell line was engineered to overexpress L1 constitutively at all stages of differentiation and used to generate stem cell-derived neural aggregates. These were monitored in their effects on stem cell survival and differentiation, rescue of endogenous dopaminergic neurons and ability to influence functional recovery after transplantation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Female C57BL/6J mice (2 months old) were treated with the mitochondrial toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine intraperitoneally to deplete dopaminergic neurons selectively, followed by unilateral transplantation of stem cell-derived neural aggregates into the striatum. Mice grafted with L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates showed better functional recovery when compared to mice transplanted with wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates and vehicle-injected mice. Morphological analysis revealed increased numbers and migration of surviving transplanted cells, as well as increased numbers of dopaminergic neurons, leading to enhanced levels of dopamine in the striatum ipsilateral to the grafted side in L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates, when compared to wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates. The striatal levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid were not affected by L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates. Furthermore, L1 overexpressing, but not wild-type stem cell-derived neural aggregates, enhanced survival of endogenous host dopaminergic neurons after transplantation adjacent to the substantia nigra pars compacta. Thus, L1 overexpressing stem cell-derived neural aggregates enhance survival and migration of transplanted cells, differentiation into dopaminergic neurons, survival of endogenous dopaminergic neurons, and functional recovery after syngeneic transplantation in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highly dispersed copper nanoparticles supported on silica were successfully prepared by a simple and convenient precipitation−gel technique, and their physicochemical properties and activity were compared to those of a catalyst prepared by the conventional impregnation method. As a consequence of the preparation method, the texture (BET), dispersion (dissociative N 2O adsorption), morphology (TEM), reduction behavior (TPR, XRD), state of copper species (XPS), and catalytic performance (glycerol hydrogenolysis) differ between samples. Both samples showed high selectivity (>98%) toward 1,2-propanediol in glycerol reaction. Because of a much smaller particle size, a higher dispersion of copper species with a strong metal−support interaction, and more resistance to sintering, the CuO/SiO 2catalyst prepared by precipitation–gel method presented a much higher activity and remarkably better long-term stability in glycerol reaction than did the catalyst prepared by impregnation method. The catalytic behavior of calcined and reduced samples and the structure changes of these samples after reaction allow the understanding of the stability toward sintering as well as the possible mechanism of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel, yet simple detection techniques of drug effect, including the effect of a vesicular monoamine transporter inhibitor (reserpine), a dopamine precursor (L-dopa), and a dopamine transporter inhibitor (nomifensine), on dopamine release from dopaminergic PC12 cells were developed based on a microelectrode array (MEA) biochip. Upon multi-injections of KCl solution into the culture of PC12 cells attached on a MEA biochip, the K+-stimulated dopamine release was temporally and amperometrically recorded by biochip microelectrodes. Two parameters in the recorded amperometric spectra were defined in this study: the peak current of the first KCl injection (Max1), and the steady current after the fourth KCl injection (St4). Statistically significant effects of ʟ-dopa and reserpine were demonstrated by comparing both Max1 and St4 of the second detections in drugs with those of the control without drug treatment. The values of both Max1 and St4 in the first detections were normalized as 1. In contrast, the statistically significant effect of nomifensine was detected by comparing the ratios of St4 to Max1 in the first detections in drug with those of the control. The reason for using different analytical methods for measurements between ʟ-dopa/reserpine and nomifensine lies in the different mechanisms of action on PC12 cells among these drugs. The novel analytical methods developed use the same detection setup and parameters, and the data analysis for the effect of drugs becomes simple. The methods hence may provide a high-throughput in vitro drug screening approach for dopamine-related psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were deposited at the surface of well-aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by potential cycling between +0.50 and −0.70 V at a scanning rate of 50 mV · s−1 in 5 mM Na2PtCl6 solution containing 0.1 M NaCl. The electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at the nanocomposites of Pt nanoparticles/nanotubes (Ptnano/MWNTs) has been investigated using 0.2 M H2SO4 as supporting electrolyte. The effects of various parameters, such as Pt loading, concentration of methanol, medium temperature as well as the stability of Ptnano/MWNTs electrode, have been studied. Compared to glassy carbon electrode, carbon nanotube electrode significantly enhances the catalytic efficiency of Pt nanoparticles for methanol oxidation. This improvement in performance is due not only to the high surface area and the fast electron transfer rate of nanotubes but also to the highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles as electrocatalysts at the tips and the sidewalls of nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel method for extracting the proton radius from elastic electron-proton (ep) scattering data. The approach is based on interpolation via continued fractions augmented by statistical sampling and avoids any assumptions on the form of function used for the representation of data and subsequent extrapolation onto Q²≃0. Applying the method to extant modern ep datasets, we find that all results are mutually consistent and, combining them, we arrive at rp=0.847(8)  fm. This result compares favorably with values obtained from contemporary measurements of the Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen, transitions in electronic hydrogen, and muonic deuterium spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new algorithm to solve the quasi-Wigner solution of the gap equation beyond the chiral limit. Employing a Gaussian gluon model and rainbow truncation, we find that the quasi-Wigner solution exists in a limited region of quark mass, m < 43.1 MeV, at zero temperature T and zero chemical potential μ. The difference between Cornwall–Jackiw–Tomboulis (CJT) effective actions of quasi-Wigner and Nambu–Goldstone solutions shows that the Nambu–Goldstone solution is more stable. Moreover, the quasi-Wigner solution is studied at finite temperature and chemical potential, the infrared mass function of the quasi-Wigner solution is negative and decreases along with T at μ = 0. Its susceptibility is divergent at certain temperatures with small m, and this temperature decreases along with m. Taking T = 80 MeV as an example, the quasi-Wigner solution is shown at finite chemical potential up to μ = 350 MeV as well as Nambu solution, the coexistence of these two solutions is used to analyze the properties of phase transition. The first order chiral phase transition line is determined by the difference of CJT effective actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically investigate the high-order harmonic generation of the one-dimensional hydrogen molecular ion at fixed intermediate internuclear distance, driven by a multicycle laser field. Our results show that the initial electronic state of the hydrogen molecular ion affects the modulation of the high-order harmonic spectrum, especially the positions of the minima. Based on the two-state model, the underlying physical mechanism of the minimum is analyzed and discussed. Further analysis shows that the different positions of the minima in the different initial electronic states can be understood via the different interferences of the two phase-adiabatic states at the ionization times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about the case of a 35-year-old male patient with neuropathy associated with thiamphenicol use is presented.

The title compound, C28H26N4O7, (I) crystallizes with two mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. It is a glycoluril derivative with five fused rings. A phenylethynyl-substituted benzene ring is fused to a seven-membered ring, which binds two of the N atoms from separate rings of the glycoluril system. The other two N atoms are each linked to an O atom by methyl­ene groups, forming a six-membered ring. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to demonstrate a novel strategy for the facile synthesis of lead sulfide nanoparticle or polymer composite nanofibers through combining y-ray irradiation and gas or solid reaction. It also discusses the preparation of organic metal-salt nanofibers. Moreover, administration of lead ions into nanofibers before polymerization and sulfuration allows the generation of nanoparticles without aggregation in the polymer fibers.

Purpose Heart failure ( HF) is a multifactorial entity that combines derangements in both systolic and diastolic function. The relationship between systolic and diastolic function and exercise capacity is not fully understood. We sought to determine the mechanisms linking cardiac function and exercise tolerance in patients with HF. Methods One hundred fifty-six subjects with different cardiac function levels were included in the study. Subjects' 2D echocardiographic, 3D speckle tracking echocardiographic, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing ( CPET) data were collected. Result The amount of untwisting at 25% of the untwist duration (25%Untwist) and global longitudinal peak systolic strain ( GLS) showed the best positive correlations with peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) ( r = .41; P < .001 and r = .32; P < .001, respectively), while the left ventricular ejection fraction ( EF) was weakly correlated with peak VO2. The 25%Untwist value was negatively correlated with the carbon dioxide equivalent slope ( VE/ VCO2) ( r = −.49; P < .001). Both E/ e and the left atrium volume index ( LA index) exhibited good positive correlations with VE/ VCO2 ( r = .39; P < .01 and r = .32; P < .001). In the multiple regression analysis, the best predictive model for the peak VO2 included the 25%Untwist, GLS, and E/ e, explained 64% of the variation in peak VO2, with 25%Untwist explaining 17.6% of the variation. Including EF in the model explained only 3.1% of the variation in peak VO2. In a multivariable model for VE/ VCO2, 25%Untwist was the strongest independent predictor, explaining 23% of the variance in VE/ VCO2. Conclusion Left ventricular early diastolic function is a modest independent predictor of aerobic exercise capacity. The 25%Untwist value is a good indicator of cardiac diastolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease commonly treated with immunosuppressants. We evaluated the novel immunosuppressant, rapamycin (RAPA), in a rat model of experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG). Mortality rates in the RAPA (12%) were significantly down compared with the EAMG (88%) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) (68%) intervention groups. Muscular weakness decreased after both RAPA and CTX treatment. However, Lennon scores were lower (1.74 ± 0.49, 3.39 ± 0.21, and 3.81 ± 0.22 in RAPA, CTX, and EAMG groups, respectively), and body weights (203.12 ± 4.13 g, 179.23 ± 2.13 g, and 180.13 ± 5.13 g in RAPA, CTX, and EAMG groups, respectively) were significantly higher, only in the RAPA group. The proportion of regulatory T cells (Treg) significantly increased, while that of Th17 cells significantly decreased in the RAPA group compared with the EAMG group. In comparison, CTX intervention resulted in increased Th17 but significantly decreased Tregs. Hence, RAPA can be more effectively used in comparison with CTX to treat MG, with an efficacy higher than that of CTX. In addition, our results suggest RAPA's efficacy in alleviating symptoms of MG stems from its ability to correct the Treg/Th17 imbalance observed in MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were modified to further improve their performance in electrochemical sensing of dopamine (DA) levels. After a redox polymer, poly(vinylimidazole) complexed with Os(4, 4'-dimethyl- 2, 2-bipyridine)2Cl (termed PVI-dmeOs) was electrodeposited on multi-wall CNTs (MWCNTs), Nafion and PVI-dmeOs films were successfully layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled on the hydrophilic surface of the as-prepared PVI-dmeOs/CNTs nanocomposites through electrostatic interactions. The LBL assembly was proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemistry and UV-vis spectroscopy measurements. LBL assembly of Nafion/PVI-dmeOs films on CNTs significantly enhanced their linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) response sensitivity to DA, with a maximum enhancement for three Nafion/PVI-dmeOs film-modified MWCNTs. The LSV peak current density of (Nafion/PV I-dmeOs)3/CNT electrodes in response to 10 and 50 uM DA solutions was about 7.3 and 3.9 times those for bare CNTs. At the (Nafion/PV I-dmeOs)3/CNT electrodes, the limit of detection (LOD) (signal-to-noise ratio: 3) was 0.05 uM DA, the linear range was 0.1-10 uM DA (with a linear regression coefficient of 0.97) and the DA-sensing sensitivity was 8.15 uA cm [?] 2 uM [?] 1. The newly fabricated (Nafion/PV I-dmeOs)3/CNT electrodes may be developed as an ideal biosensor for direct and in situ measurement of DA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study of a 51-year-old man was found with a low-grade fever present for 10 d, followed by high fever without obvious cause and facial pallor. He was detected with bilateral cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy with multiple lymph nodes of different sizes. He was diagnosed with mixed phenotype acute leukaemia.

Novel one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of rare earth complexes (europium methacrylate (Eu(MA)3)) have been prepared from the precursor of irregularly shaped Eu(MA)3 powder in ethanol solvent without the assistance of an added surfactant, catalyst, or template. These hexagonal-shaped complex nanowires have diameters of about 100-300 nm and lengths ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) show that the precursor powder and the resulting nanowires have identical compositions. Under UV light excitation, strong red fluorescence can be clearly seen throughout the whole wires. This good luminescence characteristic of the complex nanowires is further confirmed by the fluorescence spectrum where strong and narrow emission can be seen. These rare earth complex nanowires provide a useful source for 1D rare earth oxide materials, as the europium ions are distributed uniformly in the Eu(MA)3 nanowires. Through calcination, the Eu(MA)3 nanowires are successfully converted into Eu2O3 nanotubes. X-ray investigation confirms that the Eu2O3 nanotubes have a cubic body-centered structure. FTIR measurements and TGA analysis are used to follow the calcination process. A plausible mechanism responsible for the formation of Eu2O3 nanotubes is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate and reliable short-term wind speed forecasting can benefit the stability of the grid operation. However, it is a challenging issue to generate consistently accurate forecasts due to the complex and stochastic nature of wind speed distribution in meteorological interactions. In this study, a novel solution using AdaBoost neural network in combination with wavelet decomposition is proposed to solve the defects of the lower accuracy and enhance the model robustness. Based on the real data provided by sampling device weak wind turbine (type-FD77) in a wind farm plant of East China, the experimental evaluation demonstrates that the proposed strategy can significantly enhance model robustness and effectively improve the prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular assembly of cyclometalated gold(III) complexes by choosing appropriate bidentate C,N-donor ligands and ancillary ligands for chemoselective cysteine modification of peptides and proteins via C--S bond-forming reductive elimination has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus sunhangii was recently described as an independent species related to P. cerasoides with molecular evidence from ITS and four cpDNA sequences (psbA-trnH, rpS16, trnL-trnF and trnS-trnG). However, while repeating the phylogenetic analysis of P. sunhangii, we found some flaws in the previous analysis, including the extremely long branch of the outgroup and the poor sequence quality, which may affect the reliability of the result. Therefore, a new phylogenetic analysis was performed to verify the identity of P. sunhangii with a new data matrix and morphological comparisons. The results showed that P. sunhangii forms a monophyletic clade with P. itosakura var. ascendens with high support and P. sunhangii is similar with P. itosakura var. ascendens in every morphological aspect. We concluded that P. sunhangii is conspecific with P. itosakura var. ascendens and should be synonymized with the latter species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriobotrya fulvicoma W.Y. Chun ex W.B. Liao, F.F. Li & D.F. Cui, a new species endemic to Xinyi, Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. It differs from the morphologically close E. delexa by having papery leaves (vs. leathery in E. delexa), leaf margin shallowly but sharply serrate and not revolute (vs. coarsely obtusely serrate and revolute), 1-2 cm long petioles (vs. 2-6 cm), 8-10.5 mm long petals (vs. 5 mm), and ca. 4.5-6 mm long styles (vs. 2-3 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism and regulates processes such as adaptive thermogenesis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis by coactivating numerous nuclear receptors and transcription factor. Here, we demonstrate the presence of the ERRα binding site in the regulatory sequence of the glucokinase gene and that PGC-1α coactivates ERRα to stimulate the transcription of glucokinase. Simultaneous overexpression of PGC-1α and ERRα potently induced the glucokinase gene expression and its enzymatic activity in primary hepatocytes: however, expression of either PGC-1α or ERRα alone had no significant effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the interaction of ERRα with the glucokinase promoter. Finally, the knockdown of endogenous ERRα with specific siRNA/siERRα) or pharmacological inhibition of ERRα with XCT790 attenuated insulin-induced glucokinase expression. Taken together, this research identifies glucokinase as a novel target of PGC-1α/ ERRα and underscores the regulatory function of ERRα in insulin-dependent enzyme regulation. peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α; coac [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Tigridiopalma, formerly considered monotypic, is here described as T. exalata and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. It is morphologically similar to T. magnifica in having a short stem, huge basal leaves, scorpioid cymes, and 5-merous flowers, but differs in having ribbed and pale yellow puberulent petioles, purple petals with a small white apical patch, connectives of longer stamens with a distinct dorsal short spur at their base, and wingless capsules. Due to the restricted distribution, small populations and horticultural potential of this new species, it should be categorized as an Endangered species (EN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important cognitive bias, the framing effect shows that our decision preferences are sensitive to the verbal description (i.e., frame) of options. This study focuses on the neural underpinnings of the social framing effect, which is based on decision- making regarding other people. A novel paradigm was used in which participants made a trade-off between economic benefits and the feelings of others. This decision was described as either a "harm" to, or "not helping," other persons in two conditions (Harm frame vs Help frame). Both human males and females were recruited. Participants behaved more prosocially for Harm frame compared with Help frame, resulting in a significant social framing effect. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, Experiment 1 showed that the social framing effect was associated with stronger activation in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), especially its right part. The functional connectivity between the right TP) (rTPJ) and medial prefrontal cortex predicted the social framing effect on the group level. In Experiment 2, we used transcranial direct current stimulation to modulate the activity of the rTPJ and found that the social framing effect became more prominent under anodal (excitatory) stimulation, while the nonsocial framing effect elicited by the economic gain/loss gambling frame remained unaffected. The rTPJ results might be associated with moral conflicts modulated by the social consequences of an action or different levels of mentalizing with others under different frame conditions, but alternative interpretations are also worth noting. These findings could help elucidate the psychological mechanisms of the social framing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of 23‑year old female patient with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Topics discussed include observation of mild dysarthria along with horizontal nystagmus in neurological examination; demonstration of motor unit changes through needle electromyography (EMG); and observation of genetic mutation prevalence in the patient's family.