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This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on the physiological responses and antioxidant gene expression of Wuchang bream infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. The experimental diets were prepared with supplementing 0, 30, 100 and 150 mg kg-1 emodin to basal (control) diet respectively, and fed to fish with initial weight of 50.4 ± 2.35 g. All fish were divided into five experimental groups: uninfected fish fed with basal control diet (negative control, NC), infected fish fed with the diet supplemented with 0 (positive control group, PC), 30, 100, and 150 mg kg-1 emodin. The fish were reared for 14 days, sampled at different time points and then analyzed. The results showed that the physiological responses and related antioxidant gene expression of infected Wuchang bream were significantly influenced by the dosage of added emodin and the feeding duration (P < 0.05). Comparing to the positive control group, emodin could inhibit the levels of cortisol (COR), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in infected Wuchang bream, with hormone levels reaching equilibrium in the shortest time at 30 and 100 mg kg-1 emodin supplementation. Meanwhile, emodin significantly affected alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, glucose (Glu) and triglyceride (TG) contents, and related antioxidant gene expression in infected Wuchang bream (P < 0.05), with the best effect observed at 100 mg kg-1 emodin supplementation in the diet. In conclusion, the supplementation of 100 mg/kg emodin to diet can enhance the resistance of Wuchang bream to A. hydrophila infection via promoting physiological metabolism and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With recent methodological advances in the field of computational protein design, in particular those based on deep learning, there is an increasing need for frameworks that allow for coherent, direct integration of different models and objective functions into the generative design process. Here we demonstrate how evolutionary multiobjective optimization techniques can be adapted to provide such an approach. With the established Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) as the optimization framework, we use AlphaFold2 and ProteinMPNN confidence metrics to define the objective space, and a mutation operator composed of ESM-1v and ProteinMPNN to rank and then redesign the least favorable positions. Using the two-state design problem of the foldswitching protein RfaH as an in-depth case study, and PapD and calmodulin as examples of higher-dimensional design problems, we show that the evolutionary multiobjective optimization approach leads to significant reduction in the bias and variance in RfaH native sequence recovery, compared to a direct application of ProteinMPNN. We suggest that this improvement is due to three factors: (i) the use of an informative mutation operator that accelerates the sequence space exploration, (ii) the parallel, iterative design process inherent to the genetic algorithm that improves upon the ProteinMPNN autoregressive sequence decoding scheme, and (iii) the explicit approximation of the Pareto front that leads to optimal design candidates representing diverse tradeoff conditions. We anticipate this approach to be readily adaptable to different models and broadly relevant for protein design tasks with complex specifications. Author summary: Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of life, and engineering them has broad applications in medicine and biotechnology. Computational methods that seek to model and predict the protein sequence-structure-function relationship have seen significant advancement from the recent development in deep learning. As more models become available, it remains an open question how to effectively combine them into a coherent computational design approach. One approach is to perform computational design with one model, and filter the design candidates with the others. In this work, we demonstrate how an optimization algorithm inspired by evolution can be adapted to provide an alternative framework that outperforms the post hoc filtering approach, especially for problems with multiple competing design specifications. Such a framework may enable researchers to more effectively integrate the strengths of different modeling approaches to tackle more complex design problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with inflammatory liver diseases, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), have higher incidence of infections and mortality rate due to sepsis. The current focus in the development of drugs for MAFLD is the resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis. In patients with cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, sepsis is a major cause of death. As the metabolic center and a key immune tissue, liver is the guardian, modifier, and target of sepsis. Septic patients with liver dysfunction have the highest mortality rate compared with other organ dysfunctions. In addition to maintaining metabolic homeostasis, the liver produces and secretes hepatokines and acute phase proteins (APPs) essential in tissue protection, immunomodulation, and coagulation. Inflammatory liver diseases cause profound metabolic disorder and impairment of energy metabolism, liver regeneration, and production/secretion of APPs and hepatokines. Herein, the author reviews the roles of (1) disorders in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies, and amino acids as well as the clearance of ammonia and lactate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (2) cytokines/chemokines in inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (3) APPs and hepatokines in the protection against tissue injury and infections; and (4) major nuclear receptors/signaling pathways underlying the metabolic disorders and tissue injuries as well as the major drug targets for inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis. Approaches that focus on the liver dysfunction and regeneration will not only treat inflammatory liver diseases but also prevent the development of severe infections and sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C14H10BiKN2O10, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.029(8) Å, b = 10.460(9) Å, c = 11.891(9) Å, α = 71.19(2)°, β = 80.57(3)°, γ = 85.18(4)°, V = 815.9(13) Å3, Rgt(F) = 0.0512, wRref(F2) = 0.1410, Z = 2, T = 296(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the pharmacological implications of nutritional intervention and the occurrence of toxic side effects in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods: An extensive retrospective analysis of clinical data was carried out on individuals who received concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. 150 patients were included in the study, with 85 patients receiving nutritional management (intervention group) and 65 patients without nutritional support (control group). Assessments were conducted for Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) and patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) scores, serum nutritional parameters, toxic side effects and treatment completion rates at 2, 4, and 6 weeks before and during chemo-radiotherapy. Results: After concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, intervention group exhibited significantly lower NRS-2002 and PG-SGA scores compared to control group (p = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Intervention group had a statistically significant increase in PALB (p = 0.001) and ALB, while control group experienced a significant decline in ALB (albumin) and PALB (pre-albumin) levels. Grip strength also significantly decreased in control group compared to intervention group (p = 0.003). Intervention group showed a significantly lower incidence of radiation esophagitis. Moreover, a smaller proportion of patients in intervention group experienced interruptions or delays in radiotherapy compared to control group (95 % vs. 83.3 %). Conclusion: Nutritional intervention has a pharmacological impact on maintaining nutritional status, reducing treatment toxicities and improving the completion rates of chemo-radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Further investigations and longer-term studies are warranted to shed more light on the potential impact of nutritional interventions on the overall survival rates of these patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC–FLD) has been developed and refined for the simultaneous detection of florfenicol (FF) and its metabolite florfenicol amine (FFA) along with three fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (ENR), and sarafloxacin (SAR)) residues in different parts of eggs (whole egg, egg yolk, and egg albumen). The QuEChERS ("Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe") procedure utilized 0.1 M disodium EDTA solution, water, and acetonitrile as extractants; sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, and trisodium citrate as dehydrating salts; and N-propylethylenediamine and C18 as adsorbents. A dual-channel FLD method was utilized to analyze the target compounds using an XBridge BEH C18 chromatographic column (4.6 mm × 150 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was employed isocratically using a solution of 0.01 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.005 M sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 0.1% triethylamine (pH 4.8) in combination with acetonitrile at a ratio of 65:35 (V/V). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the analytes ranged from 0.03 to 1.5 µg/kg and from 0.1 to 5.0 µg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of the analytes in the blank egg samples ranged from 71.9% to 94.8% when reference standard concentrations of the LOQ, half of the maximum residual limit (MRL), MRL, and twice the MRL were added. The parameters of the presented protocol were validated and subsequently applied to the analysis of real samples, demonstrating the applicability and reliability of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal hyperthyroidism can occur secondary to maternal autoimmune hyperthyroidism. The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) transferred from the mother to the fetus stimulates the fetal thyroid and causes fetal thyrotoxicosis. Fetuses with this condition are difficult to detect, especially after maternal Graves disease therapy. Here, we present two cases of fetal hyperthyroidism with maternal hypothyroidism and review the assessment and intrauterine therapy for fetal hyperthyroidism. Both women were referred at 22+ and 23+ weeks of gestation with abnormal ultrasound findings, including fetal heart enlargement, pericardial effusion, and fetal tachycardia. Both women had a history of Graves disease while in a state of hypothyroidism with a high titer of TRAb. A sonographic examination showed a diffusely enlarged fetal thyroid with abundant blood flow. Invasive prenatal testing revealed no significant chromosomal aberration. Low fetal serum TSH and high TRAb levels were detected in the cord blood. Fetal hyperthyroidism was considered, and maternal oral methimazole (MMI) was administered as intrauterine therapy, with the slowing of fetal tachycardia, a reduction in fetal heart enlargement, and thyroid hyperemia. During therapy, maternal thyroid function was monitored, and the dosage of maternal levothyroxine was adjusted accordingly. Both women delivered spontaneously at 36+ weeks of gestation, and neonatal hyperthyroidism was confirmed in both newborns. After methimazole and propranolol drug treatment with levothyroxine for 8 and 12 months, both babies became euthyroid with normal growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olivine compositions are widely used to constrain magmatic thermodynamic conditions such as magmatic temperature, oxygen fugacity, and H2O content. However, elemental diffusion may change the initial compositions and lead to large uncertainty on the estimation of these thermodynamic conditions. In this study, we conducted LA-ICP-MS elemental mapping and EPMA analysis of olivine phenocrysts and olivine-hosted spinel from the Jiagedaqi (JGD) alkaline basalts in northeast China to evaluate the influence of elemental difusion on olivine-composition-based geothermometry, oxybarometry, and hygrometry. The JGD olivines show normal Fo [Mg/(Mg + Fe) × 100 in moles] zoning, with cores having Fo of 77–87 and rims having Fo of 67–73. The constant P contents from core to rim indicate that these compositional zonings were caused mainly by difusion. Because Al is a slow-diffusing element and its content is relatively constant from core to rim, the temperature calculated by the Al-in-olivine thermometer is not influenced by elemental difusion and preserves the JGD olivine crystallization temperature up to 1150 °C. The temperatures calculated using the Sc/Y-in-olivine thermometer, the oxygen fugacity calculated using the olivine–spinel oxybarometer, and the H2O content calculated on the basis of Ca partitioning between olivine and melt are strongly influenced by the diffusion of Fo, Sc/Y, and Ca. However, the compositional plateaus in olivine cores, which were not influenced by elemental diffusion, preserve the magmatic temperature (1150 °C), oxygen fugacity (QFM+1.4), and H2O content (4 wt%) that applied during the formation of the JGD olivines. Together, these findings suggest that the mantle source of the JGD basalts was metasomatized by fluids released from the subducted slab. This study highlights that elemental difusion in olivine phenocrysts can strongly afect the application of olivine-composition-based geothermometers, oxybarometers, and hygrometers. However, primitive olivine cores that have not been influenced by difusion preserve the initial magmatic thermodynamic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If left untreated, Bowen's disease may progress to invasive CSCC with the incidence of 3%-5%.[8] The exact mechanisms by which Bowen's disease progresses to CSCC are complicated and merits more attention. Keywords: ACTN1; biomarkers; Bowen's disease; cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma EN ACTN1 biomarkers Bowen's disease cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 1 4 4 05/03/23 20230401 NES 230401 Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) originates from epidermal keratinocytes or adnexal structures, including eccrine glands and (or) pilosebaceous units. According to our results, we only found the expression levels of SERPINB1 and ACTN1 in serum of patients with CSCC were significantly higher than that of Bowen's disease ( I p i < 0.05). [Extracted from the article]

The composite membranes ZJU-64-CH 3 -S/PVDF were prepared by electrostatic spinning technology. They showed excellent hydrophobicity and oil–water separation performances. [Display omitted] • ZJU-64-CH 3 -S/PVDF membranes with superhydrophobicity were prepared; • ZJU-64-CH 3 -S/PVDF membranes showed good oil adsorption performances; • ZJU-64-CH 3 -S/PVDF membrane M2 exhibited excellent and oil–water separation and cycle performances. The discharge of oily wastewater has caused heavy burden to the environment, so it is necessary to solve this problem. Membrane separation, as a simple and efficient separation technology, has attracted widespread attentions in the field of oil–water separation. In this work, a superhydrophobic PVDF-based membrane containing MOFs with small size (ZJU-64-CH 3 -S) was prepared. ZJU-64-CH 3 -S with different amounts (200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg) were added into PVDF to obtain ZJU-64-CH 3 -S/PVDF membranes, which named as M1, M2 and M3. They displayed ideal hydrophobicity according to the large water contact angle (about 130°). And composite membranes showed good oil adsorption and excellent oil–water separation efficiency. In particularly, the oil flux of M2 reached to 333.33 L/(m2·h) and its oil–water separation efficiency was as high as 99 %. The composite membrane was expected to be used in the field of oil–water separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is highly expressed on astrocytes and is critical for controlling brain water transport in neurological diseases. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a common cytokine found in disease microenvironment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether TNF-α can regulate the expression of AQP4 in astrocytes. Primary astrocyte cultures were treated with different concentrations of TNF-α and the cell viability was assessed through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and AQP4 expression was detected by qPCR, Western blots, and immunofluorescence assays. The activation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway was detected by Western blot. Further, dual-luciferase reporting system and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were used to detect the transcriptional regulation of AQP4 by p65. These experiments demonstrated that treatment with TNF-α can lead to astrocyte edema and an increase in AQP4 expression. Following TNF-α treatment, the expression levels of P-IKKα/β-IκBα and P-p65 increased significantly over time. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter system and ChIP assays revealed that p65 protein and AQP4 promoter had a robust binding effect after TNF-α treatment, and the NF-κB pathway inhibitor, BAY 11-7082 could inhibit these effects of TNF-α. The expression level of AQP4 was significantly decreased upon p65 interference, while the astrocyte viability was significantly increased compared with that in the TNF-α only group. In conclusion, TNF-α activated NF-κB pathway, which promoted the binding of p65 to the AQP4 gene promoter region, and enhanced AQP4 expression, ultimately reducing astrocyte viability and causing cell edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Image-based biomarkers could have translational implications by characterizing tumor behavior of lung cancers diagnosed during lung cancer screening. In this study, peritumoral and intratumoral radiomics and volume doubling time (VDT) were used to identify high-risk subsets of lung patients diagnosed in lung cancer screening that are associated with poor survival outcomes. METHODS: Data and images were acquired from the National Lung Screening Trial. VDT was calculated between two consequent screening intervals approximately 1 year apart; peritumoral and intratumoral radiomics were extracted from the baseline screen. Overall survival (OS) was the main endpoint. Classification and Regression Tree analyses identified the most predictive covariates to classify patient outcomes. RESULTS: Decision tree analysis stratified patients into three risk-groups (low, intermediate, and high) based on VDT and one radiomic feature (compactness). High-risk patients had extremely poor survival outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.15; 25% 5-year OS) versus low-risk patients (HR = 1.00; 83.3% 5-year OS). Among early-stage lung cancers, high-risk patients had poor survival outcomes (HR = 9.07; 44.4% 5-year OS) versus the low-risk group (HR = 1.00; 90.9% 5-year OS). For VDT, the decision tree analysis identified a novel cut-point of 279 days and using this cut-point VDT alone discriminated between aggressive (HR = 4.18; 45% 5-year OS) versus indolent/low-risk cancers (HR = 1.00; 82.8% 5-year OS). CONCLUSION: We utilized peritumoral and intratumoral radiomic features and VDT to generate a model that identify a high-risk group of screen-detected lung cancers associated with poor survival outcomes. These vulnerable subset of screen-detected lung cancers may be candidates for more aggressive surveillance/follow-up and treatment, such as adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosmarinic acid (RA) has biological and pharmaceutical properties and shows hepatoprotective potential. However, the hepatoprotective mechanism of RA needs to be further elucidated in vivo and in vitro. Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of RA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and elucidate the hepatoprotective mechanism of RA in vivo and in vitro. Design: In vivo, the mice were orally administrated with RA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg bw) daily for 28 consecutive days, and 1% CCl4 (5 mL/kg bw, dissolved in peanut oil) was used to induce liver injury. In vitro, the big rat liver (BRL) hepatocytes were pretreated with RA (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/mL) for 3 h, and then the hepatocytes were treated with CC14 (final concentration, 14 mM) for 3 h to induce cell injury. The related indexes, including hepatic function, oxidative stress, protein expression of nuclear-factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, inflammation, histopathological change, hepatocyte apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential, were evaluated. Results: Oral administration of RA to mice considerably decreased the CCl4-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triacylglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total bilirubin (TBIL), hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). RA also increased the levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and the protein expressions of Nrf2, quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1), and heme oxygenease-1 (HO-1). Histopathological examinations indicated that RA (20 and 40 mg/kg bw) alleviated the liver tissue injury induced by CCl4. Moreover, RA inhibited the hepatocyte apoptosis caused by CCl4 based on TUNEL assay. In vitro, RA pretreatment remarkably recovered the cell viability and reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ROS, and 8-OHdG. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with RA markedly inhibited the expression of IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Caspase-3 in CCl4-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, RA pretreatment significantly decreased the elevation of mitochondrial membrane potential in CCl4-treated hepatocytes. Conclusions: RA exerted a protective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, reducing antioxidant damage, suppressing inflammatory response, and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. RA could attenuate BRL hepatocyte ROS production, DNA oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis induced by CCl4 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the preoperative and intraoperative potential risk factors associated with miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) fever in the treatment of patients with large renal stones.Materials and Methods: All patients with renal stones larger than 2.5 cm, who had undergone mPCNL, were included in the period between April 2018 and September 2019. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify clinical variables associated with post-operative fever (>38°C).Results: A total of 53 patients were enrolled for whom the median maximal stone length was 3.08 cm. 24 (45%) patients had a fever after mPCNL. Significantly more patients with urine WBC ≥ 27(/HPF) had a fever after surgery (p = 0.004). No significant between-group differences in urine cultures were found for the fever and non-fever groups (p = 0.094). Stepwise and multivariable logistic regression analyses all revealed that urine WBC ≥ 27(/HPF) is the only risk factor for developing post-mPCNL fever. Based on the highest body temperature, all of the patients were assigned into no fever, mild fever (37.5 ≤ Temp < 38.0), and fever groups, and an ordinal logistic regression analysis still supported the premise that the result of urine analysis is strongly associated with post-mPCNL fever.Conclusion: Large renal stones are challenging to treat and associated with severe complications. Approximately 45% of large renal stone patients treated via mPCNL developed a fever. Urine WBC can easily and directly predict the risk of fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importin a family belongs to the conserved nuclear transport pathway in eukaryotes. However, the biological functions of importin a in the plasma membrane are still elusive. Here, we report that importin a, as a plasma membrane-associated protein, is exploited by the rice stripe virus (RSV) to enter vector insect cells, especially salivary gland cells. When the expression of three importin a genes was simultaneously knocked down, few virions entered the salivary glands of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus. Through hemocoel inoculation of virions, only importin a2 was found to efficiently regulate viral entry into insect salivary-gland cells. Importin a2 bound the nucleocapsid protein of RSV with a relatively high affinity through its importin ß-binding (IBB) domain, with a dissociation constant KD of 9.1 µM. Furthermore, importin a2 and its IBB domain showed a distinct distribution in the plasma membrane through binding to heparin in heparan sulfate proteoglycan. When the expression of importin a2 was knocked down in viruliferous planthoppers or in nonviruliferous planthoppers before they acquired virions, the viral transmission efficiency of the vector insects in terms of the viral amount and disease incidence in rice was dramatically decreased. These findings not only reveal the specific function of the importin a family in the plasma membrane utilized by viruses, but also provide a promising target gene in vector insects for manipulation to efficiently control outbreaks of rice stripe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diarrhea remains the leading cause of childhood illness in China. Better understanding of burden and etiology of diarrheal diseases is important for development of effective prevention measures. Methods: Population-based diarrhea surveillance was conducted in Sanjiang (southern China) year-round and Zhengding (northern China) in autumn/winter. Stool specimens were collected from children < 5 years of age experiencing diarrhea. The TaqMan Array Card (TAC), based on multiplex real-time PCR, was applied to detect multiple enteric microbial agents simultaneously. Results using these methods were compared to those derived from conventional PCR assays. Results: During the study period, 6,380 children in Zhengding and 3,581 children in Sanjiang < 5 years of age participated. Three hundred and forty (31.2%) and 279 (22.9%) diarrhea episodes were identified as moderate-to-severe in the two counties, with incidence of 60.4 and 88.3 cases per 1,000 child-years in Zhengding and Sanjiang, respectively. The five most frequently detected bacterial and viral agents in Sanjiang were adenovirus, enterovirus, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), rotavirus, and sapovirus all the year round, while the most common viral agents in Zhengding were rotavirus, followed by astrovirus and adenovirus during the cool season. Compared to conventional PCR assay, the average incremental detection via the TAC method was twofold. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated high diversity and prevalence of multiple major bacterial and viral agents, including rotavirus and calicivirus, among children in China. Further studies are needed to define the public health significance of neglected but frequently detected pathogens such as EAEC, enterotoxigenic E. coli, Campylobacter, adenovirus, and enterovirus. Key Points: Currently bacterial and viral agents in the gastrointestinal tract are under-detected and poorly defined in developing countries. A new sensitive TAC assay provided comprehensive identification of microorganisms, including neglected pathogens, in Chinese children with moderate and severe diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the variations of electrical parameters of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) when the DBD generator is used for the material modification, whereas the relevant physical mechanism is also elaborated. An equivalent circuit model is applied for a DBD generator working in a filament discharging mode, considering the addition of epoxy resin (EP) as the plasma modified material. The electrical parameters are calculated through the circuit model. The surface conductivity, surface potential decay, trap distributions and surface charge distributions on the EP surface before and after plasma treatments were measured and calculated. It is found that the coverage area of micro-discharge channels on the EP surface is increased with the discharging time under the same applied AC voltage. The results indicate that the plasma modified material could influence the ignition of new filaments in return during the modification process. Moreover, the surface conductivity and density of shallow traps with low trap energy of the EP samples increase after the plasma treatment. The surface charge distributions indicate that the improved surface properties accelerate the movement and redistribution of charge carriers on the EP surface. The variable electrical parameters of discharge are attributed to the redistribution of deposited surface charge on the plasma modified EP sample surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical models can enable a predictive understanding of mechanism in cell biology by quantitatively describing complex networks of interactions, but such models are often poorly constrained by available data. Owing to its relative biochemical simplicity, the core circadian oscillator in Synechococcus elongatus has become a prototypical system for studying how collective dynamics emerge from molecular interactions. The oscillator consists of only three proteins, KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC, and near‐24‐h cycles of KaiC phosphorylation can be reconstituted in vitro. Here, we formulate a molecularly detailed but mechanistically naive model of the KaiA—KaiC subsystem and fit it directly to experimental data within a Bayesian parameter estimation framework. Analysis of the fits consistently reveals an ultrasensitive response for KaiC phosphorylation as a function of KaiA concentration, which we confirm experimentally. This ultrasensitivity primarily results from the differential affinity of KaiA for competing nucleotide‐bound states of KaiC. We argue that the ultrasensitive stimulus–response relation likely plays an important role in metabolic compensation by suppressing premature phosphorylation at nighttime. Synopsis: This study takes a data‐driven kinetic modeling approach to characterize the interaction between KaiA and KaiC in the cyanobacterial circadian clock to understand how the oscillator responds to changes in cellular metabolic conditions. An extensive dataset of KaiC autophosphorylation measurements is generated and used to constrain a detailed yet mechanistically naive kinetic model within a Bayesian parameter estimation framework.KaiA concentration tunes the sensitivity of KaiC autophosphorylation and the period of the full oscillator to %ATP.The model reveals an ultrasensitive dependence of KaiC phosphorylation on KaiA concentration as a result of differential KaiA binding affinity to ADP‐ vs. ATP‐bound KaiC.Ultrasensitivity in KaiC phosphorylation likely contributes to metabolic compensation by suppressing premature phosphorylation at nighttime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adenoviruses have many attractive features for gene therapy applications. However, the high prevalence of preexisting immunity against these viruses in general populations worldwide has greatly limited their clinical utility. In addition, the most commonly used human adenovirus, human adenovirus subgroup C serotype 5 (HAd5), when systemically administered, triggers systemic inflammation and toxicity, with the liver being the most severely affected organ. Here, we evaluated the utility and safety of a new low-seroprevalence gorilla adenovirus (GAd; GC46) as a gene transfer vector in mice. Biodistribution studies revealed that systemically administered GAd had a selective and robust lung endothelial cell (EC) tropism with minimal vector expression throughout many other organs and tissues. Administration of a high dose of GAd accomplished extensive transgene expression in the lung yet elicited no detectable inflammatory histopathology in this organ. Furthermore, GAd, unlike HAd5, did not exhibit hepatotropism or induce liver inflammatory toxicity in mice, demonstrating the exceptional safety profile of the vector vis-à-vis systemic utility. We further demonstrated that the GAd capsid fiber shared the flexibility of the HAd5 equivalent for permitting genetic modification; GAd with the pan- EC-targeting ligand myeloid cell-binding peptide (MBP) incorporated in the capsid displayed a reduced lung tropism and efficiently retargeted gene expression to vascular beds in other organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the inhibitory effect of bisphosphonates (BPs) on the crystallization of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), calcium phosphate (CaP), and magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) in synthetic urine, aiming to see 1) which specific BPs work best on a particular type of crystal and 2) what is the lowest concentration of BPs that inhibits crystal formation. Materials and Methods: Crystals from synthetic urine were exposed to different concentrations of BPs. Urinary turbidity was used as a marker of crystallization and was measured by spectrophotometry by use of a validated method in our laboratory. The percent inhibitory activity (IA) was calculated by using the formula: (a -b )/a ×100, where a is baseline maximal turbidity and b is maximal turbidity with various concentrations of medication. Potassium citrate and magnesium citrate were used as positive controls. Results: At the lowest dose of 0.001 mg/mL, risedronate induced the highest IA of 37% on CaP, whereas ibandronate had the strongest IA on COM (24%). To initiate the inhibition of MAP crystallization, risedronate required a two-fold higher concentration (0.002 mg/mL) to reach 30% IA, whereas etidronate required a four-fold higher concentration (0.004 mg/mL) to reach 42% IA. Conclusions: BPs are good inhibitors of crystallization in synthetic urine, with risedronate and ibandronate being the most potent. At a low clinically acceptable dose, their highest inhibitory action was on CaP and COM crystals. Higher doses were needed to prevent MAP crystallization. Further investigation of the use of BPs in kidney stone prevention is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is a conserved bulk degradation and recycling process that plays important roles in multiple biological functions, including inflammatory responses. As an important component of the innate immune system, macrophages are involved in defending cells from invading pathogens, clearing cellular debris, and regulating inflammatory responses. During the past two decades, accumulated evidence has revealed the intrinsic connection between autophagy and macrophage function. This review focuses on the role of autophagy, both as nonselective and selective forms, in the regulation of the inflammatory and phagocytotic functions of macrophages. Specifically, the roles of autophagy in pattern recognition, cytokine release, inflammasome activation, macrophage polarization, LC3-associated phagocytosis, and xenophagy are comprehensively reviewed. The roles of autophagy receptors in the macrophage function regulation are also summarized. Finally, the obstacles and remaining questions regarding the molecular regulation mechanisms, disease association, and therapeutic applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rotavirus vaccine has not been introduced into the national immunization program and norovirus vaccines are being developed without a comprehensive understanding of epidemiology in China. • Population-based diarrhea surveillance was conducted in children <5 years of age in the rural north and south of China. • Rotavirus and norovirus are the two most important viral pathogens causing childhood diarrhea in rural China. • Vaccines to protect against rotavirus and norovirus are desirable for prevention of childhood diarrhea in China. Despite the considerable disease burden caused by the disease, rotavirus vaccine has not been introduced into routine national immunization schedule, and norovirus vaccines are being developed without a comprehensive understanding of gastroenteritis epidemiology. To bridge this knowledge gap, we investigated the disease burden of viral gastroenteritis in rural China. Between October 2011 and December 2013, population-based surveillance was conducted in Zhengding and Sanjiang counties in China. Stool samples were collected from children <5 years of age with diarrhea. All specimens were tested for rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses, enteric adenoviruses, and astroviruses. The most common pathogen causing diarrhea was rotavirus (54.7 vs 45.6 cases/1,000 children/year in Zhengding and Sanjiang, respectively), followed by norovirus (28.4 vs 19.3 cases/1,000 children/year in Zhengding and Sanjiang, respectively). The highest incidence of these viruses was observed in children 6–18 months of age. Among the 5 viral pathogens, rotaviruses caused the most severe illness, followed by noroviruses. Rotavirus and norovirus are the 2 most important viral pathogens causing childhood diarrhea in both northern and southern China; they should be the major targets for viral gastroenteritis prevention strategies among children in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effector proteins present in aphid saliva are thought to modulate aphid–plant interactions. Armet, an effector protein, is found in the phloem sap of pea-aphid-infested plants and is indispensable for the survival of aphids on plants. However, its function in plants has not been investigated. Here, we explored the functions of Armet after delivery into plants. Examination of the transcriptomes of Nicotiana benthamiana and Medicago truncatula following transgenic expression of Armet or infiltration of the protein showed that Armet activated pathways associated with plant–pathogen interactions, mitogen-activated protein kinase and salicylic acid (SA). Armet induced a fourfold increase in SA accumulation by regulating the expression of SAMT and SABP2, two genes associated with SA metabolism, in Armet-infiltrated tobacco. The increase in SA enhanced the plants’ resistance to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae but had no detectable adverse effects on aphid survival or reproduction. Similar molecular responses and a chlorosis phenotype were induced in tobacco by Armet from two aphid species but not by locust Armet, suggesting that the effector function of Armet may be specific for aphids. The results suggest that Armet causes plants to make a pathogen-resistance decision and reflect a novel tripartite insect–plant–pathogen interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An aqueous blend of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroburate ([Bmim][BF 4 ]) + piperazine (PZ) was proposed in this work. Density and viscosity of the aqueous blend were measured and correlated at (293.15–333.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Performance of CO 2 absorption into the aqueous blend was evaluated. It turned out that PZ mass fraction slightly influenced on the density and viscosity, being linear with them. Temperature significantly affected the viscosity. The calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental values. The main factors affecting the CO 2 loading of the aqueous blend were PZ mass fraction, gas CO 2 mole fraction and temperature. The average absorption rate of the aqueous blend was the biggest in the aqueous [Bmim][BF 4 ], PZ and [Bmim][BF 4 ]/PZ, and much higher than that of the former two. The performance of the aqueous [Bmim][BF 4 ]/PZ with low PZ mass fraction was better than that with high PZ mass fraction. It demonstrated that the aqueous blend of [Bmim][BF 4 ]/PZ is a good absorbent of CO 2. Highlights • A aqueous [Bmim][BF 4 ]/PZ was proposed as a CO 2 absorbent. • Correlative equations for physical property of the absorbent were developed. • Performance of the absorbent was evaluated at atmospheric pressure. • Applicability of physical [Bmim][BF 4 ] IL was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new method of microwave-enhanced hydrogen reduction was developed to carry out isothermal reduction experiments. The effects and mechanisms of different hydrogen volume fractions on the direct reduction behavior of a vanadium titanium magnetite concentrate (VTM) were investigated. The experimental results and theoretical analysis proved that combining the advantages of microwaves and hydrogen to reduce the VTM is feasible. The thermodynamics of the non-microwave field indicated that the hydrogen reduction of iron titanium oxides was more difficult than that of iron oxides and required a higher reaction temperature. Under microwave heating conditions, with an increase in hydrogen volume fraction, the metallization rate and reduction degree increased, the microscopic morphology developed into a porous sponge-like structure, the size of the internal pores increased, and the migration of metallic iron to the edges of the particles became obvious. When the hydrogen volume fractions exceeded 60%, the products did not contain TiO 2 , and the final products consisted of metallic iron containing a small amount of dissolved Ti. The reduction reaction was controlled by gas phase diffusion, and the average apparent activation energy was calculated to be 84.05 kJ/mol using a new kinetic model. Moreover, increased hydrogen volume fraction weakened the gas phase diffusion and was converted into internal diffusion. • It is feasible to reduce vanadium-titanium magnetite by microwave hydrogenation of hydrogen. • With the increase of hydrogen volume fraction, the microstructure develops to porous sponge structure. • The volume fraction of H 2 is 40%, which is the transition point of the product phase composition. • Gas diffusion control is the limiting link of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the effect of examinees' ability levels on the relationship between Reflective- Impulsive (RI) cognitive style and item response time in computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The total of 56 students majoring in Educational Technology from Shandong Normal University participated in this study, and their RI cognitive styles were diagnosed using the Matching Familiar Figures Test-20 (MFFT-20). Examinees' ability values and average item response time were recorded by the computerized adaptive testing system. Then mediation analysis was implemented and the findings revealed that there was direct and indirect effect between RI cognitive style and item response time in CAT. What's more, RI cognitive style also directly affected the ability levels, and then the ability levels impacted on item response time. So, examinee's ability level was a partly mediator between RI cognitive style and item response time. Furthermore, RI cognitive style of the examinees might also be diagnosed according to ability values and average item response time. The relevant research and implications were further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supra-clavicular lymph node metastasis from ovarian cancer is rare. The present study reports the unique case of a 43-years-old patient who initially presented with left supra-clavicular lymph node metastasis, and was nulliparous. According to fine-needle aspiration cytology of the metastatic left supra-clavicular lymph nodes and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, the patient was diagnosed with poorly differentiated serous carcinoma of ovarian cancer, stage IV. Following two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy, PET/CT showed that the patient had achieved a complete response. Next, cytoreductive surgery was performed and the postoperative histological findings showed that the patient had achieved a complete pathological response. According to NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, the patient was stage IV and four cycles of chemotherapy were provided, with no recurrence observed during 3 years of follow-up. This case indicates that patients who initially present with distant metastatic lymph nodes and are nulliparous might have a better prognosis and avoid overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spline-gear-shaft (SGF), which is mainly composed of gear and spline shaft, is an important transmission system of RAT (driving the generator to output power with ram air). And its dynamic characteristics affect performance of RAT greatly. In this situation, gear coupling and spline coupling, must be taken into account when analyzing dynamics characteristics of SGF. The misalignment of axis for internal and external spline is inevitable owing to mass eccentricity and unconstrained in axial direction in a high-speed operation. Consequently, the dynamic model of SGF is established considering gear coupling and spline coupling based on whole transfer matrix method (WTMM) in this paper. In addition, numerical calculation method of meshing force for spline teeth under the condition of misalignment is presented considering the distribution force on contact surface of spline teeth in this paper, based on this, the coupled transfer matrix of misaligned spline coupling is established and the dynamic characteristics of SGF is analyzed using whole transfer matrix method with Riccati (WTMMR). The test experiments of dynamic characteristics for SGF are carried out by using portable vibration monitoring analyzer in this paper, furthermore, the time-frequency characteristics of SGF are analyzed through the analysis and processing of acceleration signal. The orders of magnitude for the first four natural frequencies with WTMMR are respectively consistent with experiment results, and the relative error is in the accepted range. Therefore, the correctness of solving meshing force and WTMMR for SGF are all verified. Moreover, it also shows that WTMMR is suitable for the analysis of complex coupled systems SGF and provides a new thought for dynamic analysis of complex shafting and promotes dynamic analysis to efficient and streamlined development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fact that the reliability of IGBTs has become a more and more significant aspect of power converters has resulted in an increase in the research on the open circuit (OC) fault location of IGBTs. When an OC fault occurs, a zero-current phenomena exists and frequently appears, which can be found in a lot of the existing literature. In fact, fault variables have a very high correlation with the zero-current interval. In some cases, zero-current interval actually decides the most significant fault feature. However, very few of the previous studies really explain or prove the zero-current phenomena of the fault current. In this paper, the zero-current phenomena is explained and verified through mathematical derivation, based on two-level and three-level NPC static var generators (SVGs). Mathematical models of single OC fault are deduced and it is concluded that a zero-current interval with a certain length follows the OC faults for both two-level and NPC three-level SVGs. Both inductive and capacitive reactive power situations are considered. The unbalanced load situation is discussed. In addition, simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root (FPLR) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro was first evaluated. Oral administration of FPLR (100 mg/kg bw) to mice significantly reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin. FPLR also increased the hepatic GSH contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the hepatic MDA level. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the FPLR could protect the liver from CCl4-induced damage. Further research indicated that FPLR prevented the DNA fragmentation caused by CCl4 based on TUNEL assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with FPLR significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, COX-2, and Caspase-3 in CCl4-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that FPLR remarkably reduced BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage caused by CCl4 treatment. These findings indicate that FPLR could be developed as a functional food or medication for therapeutic purpose and prevention of hepatic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors investigate the optical reflection phenomena of the periodic nanostructure of a Morpho butterfly wing under the oblique-incident light condition. Also, they discuss the simulation of butterfly wings under the view of an optical grating and photonic crystal by using rigorous coupled-wave analysis method and plane wave expansion, respectively. The simulation results show that the displaced lamella is the foremost condition of the reflection light having strong frequency stability under oblique incidence. Moreover, the modified photonic density of state is proposed to evaluate the reflection feature under oblique incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive and rapid detection of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), a cancer-related protein, could help early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancers. Although some methods have been developed to detect PDGF-BB, few can provide quantitative results using an affordable and portable device that is suitable for home use or field application. In this work, we report the first use of a portable kind of personal glucose meter (PGM) combining a catalytic and molecular beacon (CAMB) system with a cation exchange reaction (CX reaction) for ultrasensitive PDGF-BB assay. It realized the amplification of the detection in three ways, including greater aptamer payload on nanoparticles, CX reaction releasing thousands of Zn 2+ and the cycle by the catalyzing cleavage of 8–17 DNAzyme. In the process, with the addition of PDGF-BB into the aptasensor, the specific recognition between aptamer and protein was initiated resulting in the combination of ZnS NNC for further CX reaction to release thousands of Zn 2+ , which could cleave the substrate DNA in the CAMB system realizing multiple cycle. The cleaved DNA fragment was designed with invertase-labeled could convert sucrose into glucose which could be detected and quantified by PGM accompanying with the change of color of the control window from yellow to green. The enhanced signal of the PGM has a relationship with the concentration of PDGF-BB in the range of 3.16×10 –16 M to 3.16×10 –12 M, and the detection limit is 0.11 fM. Moreover, the catalytic and cleavage activities of 8–17 DNAzyme can be achieved in solution; thus, no enzyme immobilization is needed for detection. The triply amplified strategy showed high selectivity, stability, and applicability for detecting the desired protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine treatment adherence and disease burden, analyze detailed medication problems experienced by patients, and identify factors associated with adherence in patients with rheumatic diseases in China. Patients and methods: Patients with confirmed diagnoses of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were recruited, regardless of demographics, disease severity, and treatment characteristics. Adherence was assessed using the Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology and interview-based self-reports. A backwardsstepwise multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with adherence. Results: We collected data on 252 patients who had a rheumatic disease and visited our outpatient clinic in January or February of 2017. There were 121 patients with SLE, 70 with RA, and 61 with AS. The overall adherence rate was 41.7%, with 48.7% for SLE patients, 38.6% for RA patients, and 31.1% for AS patients. The overall EuroQol (EQ)-index was 0.761; AS patients had the best EQ-index (0.792), followed by those with SLE (0.780) and RA (0.700). SLE patients also had greater annual direct costs (US$5,103.58) than RA or AS patients. Conclusion: Overall, 41.7% of our rheumatic disease patients were adherent to treatment, lower than in many other parts of the world. This indicates that it is important to identify methods that improve adherence in this population. It is particularly important to improve the health status and reduce the disease burden of patients with SLE, the most common of the three rheumatic diseases we analyzed. Our results suggest that reminder tools may improve adherence. Further prospective research is needed to confirm whether reminder tools and other measures can improve patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A PPh3 mediated reductive annulation reaction between isatins and 4,4-dicyano-2-methylenebut-3-enoates was developed. The reaction provided an alternative method for constructing five- and three-membered all-carbon spirooxindole compounds. Lithium chloride as a Lewis acid played a key role in the synthesis of spirocyclopentenyl oxindole compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by subduction-related fluids/melts is recorded in the Early Cretaceous Xinkailing high magnesium andesites (HMAs) from Western Liaoning. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions within the Xinkailing HMAs are alkaline and record a much lower SiO 2 content and higher Al 2 O 3 and CaO contents than the sub-alkaline bulk rock compositions. These observed compositional differences between bulk rocks and melt inclusions suggest that a crustally derived, high-SiO 2 melt was incorporated in the Xinkailing HMAs within the pre-eruptive magma chamber. The process of this incorporation accounts for the compositional differences between upper (HMAs) and lower (high magnesium basalts) successions of the Yixian Formation. Olivine phenocrysts also record unusually high Ni and Ni/MgO contents with high Fo values. Based on the fact that bulk rocks record low Ni contents, whereas olivine crystals record a steep correlation between Fo and Ni and low CaO and CaO/FeO contents, in addition to the likely considerable depression of the olivine liquidus temperature, we argue that a hydrous (2–6% H 2 O) orthopyroxene-rich pyroxenite source was formed by the reaction between subducted slab-released SiO 2 -rich fluids and overlying mantle peridotite. We further propose that during a series of Phanerozoic successive subduction events around the Eastern NCC, a significant amount of water may have been transported to the lithospheric mantle, thus lowering its viscosity and ultimately destabilizing the cratonic lithosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility may indicate an underlying predisposition toward premature cardiovascular disease, yet little is known about potential long-term cardiovascular events following fertility therapy. We investigated whether failure of fertility therapy is associated with subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.Methods: We performed a population-based cohort analysis of women who received gonadotropin-based fertility therapy between Apr. 1, 1993, and Mar. 31, 2011, distinguishing those who subsequently gave birth and those who did not. Using multivariable Poisson regression models, we estimated the relative rate ratio of adverse cardiovascular events associated with fertility therapy failure, accounting for age, year, baseline risk factors, health care history and number of fertility cycles. The primary outcome was subsequent treatment for nonfatal coronary ischemia, stroke, transient ischemic attack, heart failure or thromboembolism.Results: Of 28 442 women who received fertility therapy, 9349 (32.9%) subsequently gave birth and 19 093 (67.1%) did not. The median number of fertility treatments was 3 (interquartile range 1-5). We identified 2686 cardiovascular events over a median 8.4 years of follow-up. The annual rate of cardiovascular events was 19% higher among women who did not give birth after fertility therapy than among those who did (1.08 v. 0.91 per 100 patient-years, p < 0.001), equivalent to a 21% relative increase in the annual rate (95% confidence interval 13%-30%). We observed no association between event rates and number of treatment cycles.Interpretation: Fertility therapy failure was associated with an increased risk of long-term adverse cardiovascular events. These women merit surveillance for subsequent cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fluorescent label-free “turn-on” NAD + and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosensing strategy is proposed by fully exploiting ligation triggered Nanocluster Beacon (NCB). In the presence of the target, the split NCB was brought to intact, which brought the C-rich sequence and enhancer sequence in close proximity resulting in the lightening of dark DNA/AgNCs (“On” mode). Further application was presented for logic gate operation and aptasensor construction. The feasibility was investigated by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fluorescence, lifetime and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) etc. The strategy displayed good performance in the detection of NAD + and ATP, with the detection limit of 0.002 nM and 0.001 mM, the linear range of 10–1000 nM and 0.003–0.01 mM, respectively. Due to the DNA/AgNCs as fluorescence reporter, the completely label-free fluorescent strategy boasts the features of simplicity and low cost, and showing little reliance on the sensing environment. Meanwhile, the regulation by overhang G-rich sequence not relying on Förster energy transfer quenching manifests the high signal-to-background ratios (S/B ratios). This method not only provided a simple, economical and reliable fluorescent NAD + assay but also explored a flexible G-rich sequence regulated NCB probe for the fluorescent biosensors. Furthermore, this sensing mode was expanded to the application of a logic gate design, which exhibited a high performance for not only versatile biosensors construction but also for molecular computing application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classic traditional Chinese compound Naoluoxintong (NLXT) has been proven an effective remedy for ischemic stroke (IS). The protective effect of NLXT on neural stem cells (NSCs), however, remains unclear. To investigate the protective effect of NLXT on NSCs in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and the effect of Nestin expression in vivo. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham-operated group, the MCAO model group and the NLXT group. The MCAO model in rats was established by modified Longa wire embolization method. The sham-operated group, the model group and the NLXT groups were divided into three subgroups according to the sampling time points of 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after successful model-making. Immunofluorescence staining, including bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)/glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), β-tubulinIII/GFAP, BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) and BrdU/neuronal nuclei (NeuN), was used to detect the proliferation and survival of NSCs in the hippocampal after drug administration. Protein expression of Nestin, DCX, GFAP and NeuN in the hippocampal was detected by Western blot (WB). Immunofluorescence experiment of Nestin labeled: on the first day, a few Nestin-positive cells were found in the hippocampal DG area. Afterwards, the number of Nestin-labeled positive cells in the model group increased, while the number of cells in the sham group did not fluctuate significantly. The number of positive cells in each administration group increased more than that in the model and normal group. β-tubulin III/GFAP double-labeled: a small amount of double labeled cells was expressed in the normal group, and the number subsequently fluctuated little. In the model group, β-tubulin III/GFAP positive cells increased initially after acute ischemia, and gradually decreased afterwards. In the NLXT-treated group, β-Tubulin III positive cells were significantly increased on day 1, 3 and 7, while GFAP positive cells had little change. BrdU/DCX double-labeled: initially, a small number of BrdU/DCX-labeled positive cells were observed in the normal group and the model group, but there was no increasing trend over time. The positive cells in the NLXT group increased over time, and those in the seven-day group were significantly higher than those in the one-day and three-day groups. BrdU/NEUN double-labeled: in the normal group, BrdU/NEUN positive cells were enriched and distributed regularly. The number of positive cells in the model group was small and decreased gradually with time, and the decrease was most obvious on the third day. The number of positive cells in the NLXT group was significantly higher than that in the model group, and the number of positive cells in the seven-day group was significantly higher than that in the one-day and three-day groups. WB results reflected those three proteins, Nestin, NeuN and DCX, showed an increase in expression, except GFAP, which showed a decreasing trend. Preliminarily, NLXT can promote the migration and differentiation of NSCs. It may have a protective effect on the brain by promoting repair of brain tissue damage through upregulation of Nestin after IS. [Display omitted] • The curative effect of Naoluoxintong (NLXT) in treating ischemic stroke clinically is accurate, but, its protective mechanism is unclear. • The article revealed the protective mechanism of NLXT on the neural stem cells by facilitating proliferation and differentiation in vitro and on protecting neurons by up-regulating the expression of Nestin in MCAO rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a high-power and broadband photoconductive terahertz emitter operating at telecommunication optical wavelengths, at which compact and high-performance fiber lasers are commercially available. The presented terahertz emitter utilizes an ErAs:InGaAs substrate to achieve high resistivity and short carrier lifetime characteristics required for robust operation at telecommunication optical wavelengths. It also uses a two-dimensional array of plasmonic nano-antennas to offer significantly higher optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiencies compared to the conventional photoconductive emitters, while maintaining broad operation bandwidths. We experimentally demonstrate pulsed terahertz radiation over 0.1-5 THz frequency range with the power levels as high as 300 μW. This is the highest-reported terahertz radiation power from a photoconductive emitter operating at telecommunication optical wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a highly sensitive electrochemical DNA methyltransferase (MTase) activity assay was fabricated with DNA–gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) network as signal amplification unit and an easy assembly method by the linkage of benzenedithiol bridge. By two complementary AuNPs modified single-stranded DNA, DNA–gold nanoparticles network was self-assembled. With the linkage of benzenedithiol bridge, the DNA network structure was immobilized on the surface of gold electrode through the covalent Au–S bond. In the presence of Dam MTase, the special sites of DNA–AuNPs network were methylated and could not be digested by restriction endonuclease Mbo I. Thus the loaded electrochemical indicator Methylene blue (MB) was MB molecules still remained on the DNA–Au NPs network. The electrochemical response depended on the methylated degree, which could be used to detect MTase activity. By the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), it was demonstrated that a linear relationship between the DPV response and logarithm of Dam concentration ranged from 0.075 to 30 U/mL, achieving a low detection limit of 0.02 U/mL. The use of benzenedithiol avoided the direct incubation of the solid electrode with the capture DNA probe under complex and harsh conditions. Therefore the immobilization of DNA–AuNPs network was easy to be carried out, which is favorable for the specially high stability and reproducibility of the electrochemical biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intermolecular, quaternary carbon center forming [4+3] cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by Lewis base and Brønsted base has been successfully developed. The dual catalysis exhibits a superior ability to enable a previously challenging reaction, and the corresponding quaternary aza-spirocycloheptane oxindole scaffolds are efficiently synthesized with moderate to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Markets, democracies, and organizations rely on accurate aggregate predictions to function properly. A large literature explains how accuracy can arise from diverse predictive models, typically captured as independent or non-perfectly correlated signals. Yet, that literature largely ignores how the diversity of models arises and is maintained. In this paper, we derive equilibrium levels of model diversity as a function of social structure, population size, the probability of experimentation, and the number of available models by building on a theoretical framework used to study biodiversity. We then link model diversity to collective accuracy by generalizing the bias-variance decomposition formula. Assuming equally accurate models, we find that for large populations collective accuracy depends primarily on the diversity of available models and that for small populations, social structure and rates of experimentation also matter. We then show, contrary to intuition, that dividing a population into isolated sub groups does little to increase equilibrium diversity levels. We also extend the model to allow for heterogeneity in accuracy and selection effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve our understanding of the similarities and differences between neutralizing antibodies elicited by simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected rhesus macaques and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected humans, we examined the plasma of 13 viremic macaques infected with SHIVSF162P3N and 85 HIV-1-infected humans with known times of infection. We identified 5 macaques (38%) from 1 to 2 years postinfection (p.i.) with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against tier 2 HIV-1. In comparison, only 2 out of 42 (5%) human plasma samples collected in a similar time frame of 1 to 3 years p.i. exhibited comparable neutralizing breadths and potencies, with the number increasing to 7 out of 21 (30%) after 3 years p.i. Plasma mapping with monomeric gp120 identified only 2 out of 9 humans and 2 out of 4 macaques that contained gp120-reactive neutralizing antibodies, indicating distinct specificities in these plasma samples, with most of them recognizing the envelope trimer (including gp41) rather than the gp120 monomer. Indeed, a total of 20 gp120-directed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) isolated from a human subject (AD358) and a Chinese rhesus macaque (GB40) displayed no or limited neutralizing activity against tier 2 strains. These isolated MAbs, mapped to the CD4-binding site, the V3 loop, the inner domain, and the C5 region of gp120, revealed genetic similarity between the human and macaque immunoglobulin genes used to encode some V3-directed MAbs. These results also support the use of envelope trimer probes for efficient isolation of HIV-1 bnAbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of many biological processes in eukaryotes, including pathogen infection and host interactions. Flavobacterium columnare (FC) infection can cause great economic loss of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) which is one of the most important cultured fish in the world. However, miRNAs in response to FC infection in common carp has not been characterized. To identify specific miRNAs involved in common carp infected with FC, we performed microRNA sequencing using livers of common carp infected with and without FC. A total of 698 miRNAs were identified, including 142 which were identified and deposited in the miRbase database (Available online: http://www.mirbase.org/) and 556 had only predicted miRNAs. Among the deposited miRNAs, eight miRNAs were first identified in common carp. Thirty of the 698 miRNAs were differentially expressed miRNAs (DIE-miRNAs) between the FC infected and control samples. From the DIE-miRNAs, seven were selected randomly and their expression profiles were confirmed to be consistent with the microRNA sequencing results using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. In addition, a total of 27,363 target genes of the 30 DIE-miRNAs were predicted. The target genes were enriched in five Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including focal adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ErbB) signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and adherent junction. The miRNA expression profile of the liver of common carp infected with FC will pave the way for the development of effective strategies to fight against FC infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a case of mediastinal primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (MPSCN) in a 36-year-old woman. Upon presentation, the patient reported experiencing chest distress, dizziness and red face for one and a half months. She died more than three years after combined local resection, radiation and chemotherapy for MPSCN.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an enormous health problem in the world. Dermatoglyphs are cutaneous ridges on the fingers, palms, and soles, formed by genetic regulation and control during early intrauterine life. The Dermatoglyphic traits do not change significantly as the growth of the age. They may be the phenotypic characters of individual genes and represent the predisposition to certain diseases. Aims and Objectives: The study was carried out to document characteristic dermatoglyphic patterns in coronary artery disease which could be useful in early diagnosis of the disease. Materials and Methods: Dermatoglyphic study of 258 male (129 coronary artery disease cases and 129 normal subjects) of Ningxia China were studied in the present cross-sectional study. It involved the digital patterns, ATD angles, A-B ridge counts on the hands. Chi-square test, t-test were used for the statistical analysis in this study. Results: The overall frequency of whorls was higher followed by loop and arch in both two groups. It was observed that there was significant difference of digital frequency of whorls and ulnar loops in patients in both hands as compared to controls (p≤0.01). The mean value of finger ridge counts, total ridge counts were similar between two groups. The A-B ridge counts were significantly higher in coronary artery disease compared with controls on the right palm (p≤0.01). However, the mean ATD angle values were significantly higher in cases than those of in normal on both hands (p<0.05). conclusion: Abnormally high A-B ridge count, ATD angles and the frequency of whorls are characteristic dermatoglyphic patterns of coronary artery disease. Dermatoglyphics may have an important role in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents new olivine and whole-rock geochemical data for the Xiaogulihe ultrapotassic volcanic rocks of northeastern China. These data provide insights into the petrogenesis of the rocks of the Erkeshan–Wudalianchi–Keluo–Xiaogulihe (EWKX) potassic–ultrapotassic volcanic belt. The petrography and whole-rock geochemical compositions of the Xiaogulihe volcanic rocks are indicative of formation from magmas that primarily underwent olivine + clinopyroxene fractionation with insignificant crustal contamination and post-magmatic alteration. The high-Fo (87–90) olivine within the Xiaogulihe volcanic rocks has high Ni (2050–3800 ppm) and Mn (1190–1750 ppm) contents, high 10000Zn/Fe values (12–15), low Ca (1310–1800 ppm) contents, and low Fe/Mn (56–72) and Mn/Zn (10–14) values. Their high Mn contents and low Fe/Mn values together with their low FC3MS (<0.65; FC3MS = FeO/CaO – 3MgO/SiO 2), low FCKANTMS (<0.37; FCKANTMS = ln(FeO/CaO) − 0.08ln(K 2 O/Al 2 O 3) − 0.052ln(TiO 2 /Na 2 O) − 0.036ln(Na 2 O/K 2 O) ln(Na 2 O/TiO 2) − 0.062(ln(MgO/SiO 2))3–0.641(ln(MgO/SiO 2))2–1.871ln(MgO/SiO 2) − 1.473) and low CaO–Al 2 O 3 –Fe 2 O 3 Total values are indicative of derivation from a mantle source containing refractory peridotite. The Xiaogulihe olivines have slightly higher Zn/Fe and lower Mn/Zn values than expected for olivines formed from typical peridotite-derived melts, suggesting that the source for these lavas was previously metasomatized by interaction with Zn-rich sedimentary carbonatitic melts. The low magmatic water contents of the Xiaogulihe lavas (<1 wt% determined by use of the Ca-in-olivine geohygrometer) is also indicative of derivation from an anhydrous mantle source. These data suggest that the Xiaogulihe ultrapotassic lavas represent partial melts of anhydrous refractory subcontinental lithospheric mantle peridotite. The K-rich nature of these volcanic rocks is indicative of derivation from the K-rich reservoir of the mantle, which is closely associated with carbonatitic metasomatism, indicating the role of this process in the generation of the K-rich EWKX volcanics. [Display omitted] • New olivine and whole-rock geochemical data for the Xiaogulihe ultrapotassic volcanic rocks in NE China are reported. • The Xiaogulihe lavas were derived from an anhydrous refractory peridotite mantle source within SCLM. • Mantle carbonatitic metasomatism plays important role in generation of the K-rich EWKX volcanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of surface energy balance and a key process of hydrological cycle. Continuous and accurate estimation of regional ET is meaningful for water management, agricultural production, and climate change adaptation. Remote sensing (RS) technique is of important meaning for estimating ET on regional scale. In this study, a new method is developed to integrate the RS information and meteorological data based on the decouple model which is deduced from Penman–Monteith (PM) model. Firstly, a parameterization method for decoupling factor (Ω) which is key parameter in the decouple model and could reflect the coupling relationship between the land surface and atmosphere systems is introduced. Subsequently, the decouple model is applied to inverse regional ET in Beijing City and nearby region, from 1st, May, 2013 to 31th, October, 2020. Thirdly, the inversed daily ET values are evaluated based on the measured data at Huailai station and in Badaling Forest Farm. The results show that the changing trend of estimated ET and measured ET are basically the similar. The bias value is −0.12 mm d−1, the RSME value is 0.66 mm d−1, and the correlation coefficient is 0.52. Finally, the spatiotemporal trend of water consumption in study area is analysed based on the ET estimation results. The month with the largest water consumption in 2013 is July with the quantity of 0.92 billion m3, accounting for about 22% of the regional total water consumption in growing season. The regions with high ET values agree well with the regions of high soil moisture and high air humidity as well as high biomass. These results suggest that the decouple model is with great potential to generate regional daily ET products and to support irrigation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the role of epidermal stem cell-expressed microRNA let-7b in the pathogenesis of hypertrophied anal papillae. Hypertrophied anal papillae were examined for the presence of epidermal stem cells. Epidermal stem cells were identified using flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining for the cell surface markers, integrin α6 and integrin β1 subunits. Expression levels of microRNA let-7b in α6+/β1+and α6-/β1-cells were compared using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and northern blotting. Lentivirus-mediated expression of microRNA let-7b in epidermal stem cells was utilized in order to study the effects of this microRNA on the cell cycle proteins, cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). MicroRNA let-7b-overexpressing cells were examined using flow cytometry, in order to determine the effects of the microRNA on cell cycle progression. α6+/β1+epidermal stem cells were identified in hypertrophic anal papillae. Following isolation and enrichment of the α6+/β1+population, these cells were found to have a rapid rate of proliferation in vitro. The expression of cell cycle-related proteins was elevated in this population, compared with that in α6-/β1-cells. The expression of microRNA let-7b in α6+/β1+epidermal stem cells was significantly lower than that in α6-/β1-cells. Two microRNA let-7b target genes, CCND1 and CDK4, were found to be upregulated in α6+/β1+cells. When the exogenous precursor, microRNA let-7, was overexpressed in α6+/β1+ epidermal stem cells, the cell proliferation rate was significantly lower than that in cells expressing microRNA let-7 containing a mutated seed sequence. The addition of exogenous microRNA let-7 resulted in an increased expression level of mature microRNA let-7b, while the expression of CCND1 and CDK4 was reduced. Epidermal stem cells transfected with microRNA let-7b were arrested in the G2/M phase and the percentage of cells in S-phase was significantly reduced. In conclusion, let-7b expression results in upregulation of the cell cyclerelated proteins, CCND1 and CDK4, resulting in the excessive proliferation that leads to the formation of hypertrophic anal papillae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]