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In this article, antioxidant capacities of 20 amino acids were quantitatively determined via methodology of mixingone amino acid with the others and using four antioxidant assays to understand the synergistic effects of the individual amino acid contributing to the total antioxidant capacity. Some of the individual amino acids and their mixtures showed their characteristics of antioxidant capacities, and antioxidant peptides showed different results in different experiments. From the ABTS assay study, it was found that nine of 20 amino acids had antioxidant capacities, and most of their mixtures had synergetic effects, Moreover, an oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay study was conducted, and the results aligned well with the ABTS study. However, the DPPH and FRAP assay studies, indicated that cysteine was the only amino acid having antioxidant effect in 20 amino acids. The result showed that the combinations of high antioxidant amino acids and weak antioxidant amino acids or non-antioxidant amino acids led to an obvious increase in antioxidant capacity compared with the theoretical antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A 14-d trial was conducted to determine the effects of feeding corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, serum hormones levels and gene expression of Na+, K+-ATPase in ducklings. Methods: A total of 704 ducklings were blocked on the basis of sex and body weight (BW), and then allocated randomly to one of the following two treatments: i) CON, basal diet and ii) AFB1, diets with 100% of normal corn replaced with AFB1 contaminated corn. There were 22 pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen. The concentration of AFB1 was 195.4 and 124.35 µg/kg in the contaminated corn and AFB1 diet, respectively. Results: The AFB1 decreased average daily gain, average daily feed intake, d 7 BW, final BW in the whole trial, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during d 8 to 14 and d 1 to 14 by 10% to 47% (p<0.05), while FCR during d 1 to 7 was increased (p<0.05). AFB1 did not affect mortality to 7 d of age, and then increased to 5.8% from 8 to 14 d of age (p<0.01). Apparent ileal gross energy digestibility was reduced by AFB1, whereas apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and amino acid was improved (p<0.01). Feeding AFB1 diets increased serum concentration of leptin and insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1) (p<0.05), but had no effect on neuropeptide Y, ghrelin, cholecystokinin-8 or insulin (p>0.05). Dietary treatments did not influence relative expression of jejunal Na+, K+-ATPase gene (p>0.05). Conclusion: Taken together, feeding corn naturally contaminated with AFB1 reduced growth performance, improved apparent ileal digestibility, and affected serum leptin and IGF-1 in ducklings from d 1 to 14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by Brucella, a highly infectious Gram-negative coccobacillus that has been isolated from a variety of mammals. Brucella melitensis is considered the most common cause of human brucellosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum parameters that relate to Brucella melitensis infection. Methodology: This investigation retrospectively analyzed the clinical laboratory tests and symptoms of brucellosis, which was confirmed by microbiological and serological methods. A total of 36 patients (31 males, 5 females; mean age 49.17 ± 13.56 years) admitted with brucellosis were included in the study over a three-year period between 2012 and 2015 in Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH). Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with low titers of serum antibody when compared with those with high titers. No difference was observed between the two groups with respect to the other serum parameters such as procalcitonin or white blood cell count. Two blood culture systems also yielded different results. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that culture can be improved by using multiple blood culture systems to isolate Brucella melitensis. We also found the different role of inflammatory markers play during the process of brucellosis. The present study may be a helpful reference in the diagnosis of brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this research lies on fundamental research to provide guidelines for the design of new nanocatalyst toward improvement of the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To achieve this overarching goal, several specific steps were taken with aims to: (1) provide guidelines for the design of new catalysts; (2) promote nanocatalyst applications towards alternative energy applications; and (3) integrate advanced instrumentation into nanocharacterization and fuel cell (FC) electrochemical behavior. In tandem with these goals, the cathode catalysts were extensively refined to improve the performance of PEMFCs and minimize noble metal usage. In this study, the major accomplishment was producing aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs), which were then modified by platinum (Pt) nanoparticles via a post-functionalization colloidal chemistry approach. The Pt-ACNTs demonstrated improved cathodic catalycity, by building better device endurance and decreased Pt loading. It was also determined that surface mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and hardness were increased. Collectively, these enhancements provided an improved FC device. The electrochemical analyses indicated that the power density of the PEMFCs was increased to 900 mW/cm2 and current density to 3000 mA/cm2, respectively. The Pt loading was controlled at lower than 0.2 mg/cm2 to decrease the manufacturing expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a band-pass resonator in the terahertz (THz) range, based on a frequency-selective designer reflector. The resonator consists of a parallel-plate waveguide, a designed groove pattern cut into the output facet of each plate, and a reflecting mirror. The patterned facet supports a spoof surface plasmon mode, which modifies the reflectivity at the waveguide output facet by interacting with the waveguide mode. By tuning the geometrical parameters of the groove pattern, the reflectivity at the patterned output facet can be increased up to ~100% for a selected frequency. Broadband THz waves are quasi-optically coupled into this resonator and reflected multiple times from the patterned facet. This leads to a narrowing of the spectrum at the selected frequency. The Q value of the resonator increases as the number of reflections on the patterned facet increases, reaching ~25 when the THz wave has experienced 12 reflections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the hepatic proteome of newborn piglets after maternal folic acid supplementation (FS). Methods: Pregnant dams were fed a control diet (folic acid 1.3 mg/kg) or an FS diet (folic acid 30 mg/kg) during gestation. The liver samples of newborn piglets from each group were collected at birth for the analysis of the proteome using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Results: The results indicated that the expression levels of 11 proteins were changed dramatically in the newborn piglets after maternal FS. FS during gestation increased the content of proteins that regulate the immune response (90-kDa heat shock protein), energy metabolism (aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase), and intermediary metabolism (formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase and abhydrolase). In addition, maternal FS down regulated the expression of proteins associated with cellular signal transduction (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein and exportin), proteolysis (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and porcine e-trypsin), and cell migration regulation (actin-related protein-3). Conclusion: These findings suggest that maternal FS alters the expression abundance of several hepatic proteins that are involved in metabolic regulation, oxidative responses, and cancer-related processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that spoof surface plasmons can be used to control the reflection of terahertz radiation at the output facet of a parallel-plate waveguide. Using a periodic groove pattern on the output face, reflectivity approaching 100% can be achieved within a limited spectral range. Unlike the conventional geometry for plasmon-enhanced transmission, this approach enables a unique method for studying the coupling between the guided mode and the surface plasmon through angle-dependent measurement of the plasmon-mediated reflection. A simple model incorporating the surface plasmon coupling to the waveguide mode can adequately explain all of the observed phenomena, including the observed Goos-Hanchen shift in the reflected beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recognized that there is a relationship between prenatal growth restriction and the development of metabolicrelated diseases in later life, a process involved in mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) increases the susceptibility of offspring to high-fat (HF) diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Recent findings suggested that HF feeding decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and impaired mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. Therefore, we hypothesized that the long-term consequences of IUGR on mitochondrial biogenesis and function make the offspring more susceptible to HF diet-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Normal birth weight (NBW), and IUGR pigs were allotted to control or HF diet in a completely randomized design, individually. After 4 weeks of feeding, growth performance and molecular pathways related to mitochondrial function were determined. The results showed that IUGR decreased growth performance and plasma insulin concentrations. In offspring fed a HF diet, IUGR was associated with enhanced plasma leptin levels, increased concentrations of triglyceride and malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glycogen and ATP contents in skeletal muscle. High fat diet-fed IUGR offspring exhibited decreased activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). These alterations in metabolic traits of IUGR pigs were accompanied by impaired mitochondrial respiration function, reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents, and down-regulated mRNA expression levels of genes responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In conclusion, our results suggest that IUGR make the offspring more susceptible to HF diet-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate both the genetic features of MRSA strains and the occurrence of virulence factors produced by Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing, China, between 2005 and 2009. A total of 179 S. aureus strains were isolated, 139 of which were MRSA. The MRSA strains were characterized epidemiologically by SCCmec typing, spa typing and agr typing, then were classified into different genetic groups. The prevalence of genes coding for 14 exotoxins and eight adhesion factors among the S. aureus samples was assessed via polymerase chain reaction. Cluster analysis based on virulence factors-encoding gene content was performed to divide the MRSA isolates into valid clusters. Correspondence analysis was done to analyze the correlation between virulence factors clusters and genetic groups. JCSC1716-agrI-t030 (67.6%), SCCmec-IIIA-agrI-t030 (14.4%), SCCmec-IIIA-agrI-t037 (8.6%) and SCCmecII-agrII-t002 (2.2%) were four predominant MRSA clones. PVL was positive only in MSSA strains, there were at least three superantigenic toxins in our HA-MRSA clones, the prevalence of 16 virulence factors genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, seg, sei, sej, pvl, lukE-lukD, eta, bbp, can, ebp, clfA, fib, fnbB) in MRSA and MSSA was found to be significantly different from MSSA ( P < 0.05). Results of correspondence analysis among clusters based on virulence factors genes and groups based on genetic typing illustrated not only the correspondence relationship between groups and clusters overall ( P < 0.001), but also the genetic diversity of MRSA strains with respect to virulence factors genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrorist explosion is dreadful for current world. In various explosive events, vehicle bomb explosion has been commonly used by terrorists to approach the targets. This paper evaluated and analyzed the minatory grades of various vehicle bombs, and calculated the failure distances of the buildings under the main impulse effect of air shock wave. Thereafter, a few kinds of setting methods of the blast resistant walls under various vehicle bombs are established. The research will provide effect protective measures for the survival ability of the important buildings under various vehicle bombs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the ac small signal modeling and analysis of Z source converter (ZSC) in continuous conduction mode. The ac small signal model considers the dynamics introduced by Z network uniquely contained in ZSC. AC small signal model of ZSC is derived and computer simulation results are used to validate the small signal modeling method. Various applications of the ac small signal models to ZSC design and experimental verifications are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different types of Co oxide films, each having a distinct electrochemical signature correlated with the film drying temperature, were formed using the sol-gel (SG) technique. Two different states of gelation of the film precursor were also explored. Cyclic voltammograms, collected in alkaline solutions for the low temperature films, displayed two pairs of peaks corresponding to the Co(II) to Co(III) and Co(III) to Co(IV) transitions, centered at 1.2 and 1.4 V, respectively, while the high temperature films underwent only the Co(III) to Co(IV) redox process at 1.4 V. The charge densities obtained for the lower temperature films (particle sizes 2–10 nm in diameter) ranged between 40 and 70 mC/cm2; charge densities for the higher temperature films (particle sizes of 5–40 nm), otherwise formed identically, were between 10 and 20 mC/cm2. The more viscous Co oxide gels led to significantly higher charge densities than less viscous gels, as well as greater film stability during electrochemical cycling. Using a wide range of film characterization techniques, it was shown that Co oxide films formed at > 180∘C are composed mainly of Co3O4 spinel, while films formed at < 180∘C consist predominantly of CoO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goals of this research were to describe the daily life of children and teachers in Chinese kindergarten programmes, to better understand how teacher–child interactions affect both teachers and children. The main assumption guiding this research was that teacher–child interaction is one of the most important processes in early childhood education. A clear understanding of typical teacher–child interactions may help to improve teachers’ support of children’s learning and development. In‐depth field observations of 12 Chinese teachers in six classrooms were conducted using a participant‐observer approach. Five hundred and eighty‐nine teacher–child interaction cases were observed and described. An inductive content analysis of the cases resulted in the creation of nine functional categories for teacher‐initiated interactive behaviours and nine functional categories for child‐initiated interactive behaviours. In this paper, we describe these functional interaction categories and report on their relative frequency in the Chinese kindergarten classrooms involved in this study. Teacher and child interactive behaviours are complementary, depending on the shared meaning of the interaction. Some differences were found in the interactive behaviours of older and younger children with their teachers. We discuss the results in the cultural context of China and conclude that careful and systematic observation and analysis of early childhood classroom interaction is essential for better understanding and improvement of teaching practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current therapies for heart failure due to transmural left ventricular (LV) infarction are limited. We have developed a novel patch method for delivering autologous bone marrow stem cells to sites of myocardial infarction for the purpose of improving LV function and preventing LV aneurysm formation. The patch consisted of a fibrin matrix seeded with autologous porcine mesenchymal stem cells labeled with lacZ. We applied this patch to a swine model of postinfarction LV remodeling. Myocardial infarction was produced by using a 60-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery distal to the first diagonal branch followed by reperfusion. Results were compared between eight pigs with stem cell patch transplantation, six pigs with the patch but no stem cells (P), and six pigs with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation alone (L). Magnetic resonance imaging data collected 19 ± 1 days after the myocardial infarction indicated a significant increase of LV systolic wall thickening fraction in the infarct zone of transplanted hearts compared with P or L hearts. Blue X-gal staining was observed in the infarcted area of transplanted hearts. PCR amplification of specimens from the X-gal-positive area revealed the Ad5 RSV-lacZ vector fragment DNA sequence. Light microscopy demonstrated that transplanted cells had differentiated into cells with myocyte-like characteristics and a robust increase of neovascularization as evidenced by yon Willebrand factor-positive angioblasts and capillaries in transplanted hearts. Thus this patchbased autologous stem cell procedure may serve as a therapeutic modality for myocardial repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solution method is presented for analyzing three-dimensional dynamic contact problems in visco-elastic media with kinetic and static friction considered. The approach is an extension to three dimensions of our previous work where a two-dimensional case was considered. The time integration scheme adopted in the algorithm is explicit and has second-order accuracy. No iteration is performed when dynamic contact is determined and dynamic contact conditions are exactly satisfied. Determining friction in a three-dimensional problem is very different from that in a two-dimensional case. Formulations integrating static and kinetic friction are given. In addition a sub-procedure for calculating the direction of kinetic friction is employed. Finally several numerical examples including one benchmark test and four general problems are given to illustrate the precision and effectiveness of the algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although high-energy phosphate metabolism is abnormal in failing hearts [congestive heart failure (CHF)], it is unclear whether oxidative capacity is impaired. This study used the mitochondrial uncoupling agent 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) to determine whether reserve oxidative capacity exists during the high workload produced by catecholamine infusion in hypertrophied and failing hearts. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was produced by ascending aortic banding in 21 swine; 9 animals developed CHF. Basal myocardial phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP measured with [sup 31]P NMR spectroscopy was decreased in both LVH and CHF hearts (corresponding to an increase in free [ADP]), whereas ATP was decreased in hearts with CHF. Infusion of dobutamine and dopamine (each 20 µg·kg[sup -1]·min[sup -1] iv) caused an approximate doubling of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO[sub 2]) in all groups and decreased PCr/ATP in the normal and LVH groups. During continuing catecholamine infusion, DNP (2-8 mg/kg iv) caused further increases of MVO[sub 2] in normal and LVH hearts with no change in PCr/ATP. In contrast, DNP caused no increase in MVO[sub 2] in the failing hearts; the associated decrease of PCr/ATP suggests that DNP decreased the mitochondrial proton gradient, thereby causing ADP to increase to maintain adequate ATP synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines high-energy phosphates (HEP) and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase) protein expression in hearts in which myocardial infarction resulted in either compensated ventricular remodeling of congestive heart failure. Effect of oxygen insufficiency on HEP changes in failing hearts; Assessment of myocardial deoxymyoglobin; Mitochondrial protein levels at mATPase subunits.

Presents a study which examined high-energy phosphates and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase protein expression in hearts. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Presents information on a study which discussed the effect of tectonic overpressure on ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism. Depth estimated by petrologic data; Some foundations in estimating the depth where UHP rocks formed; Conclusions.

We describe subwavelength-resolved measurements of the broadband terahertz field propagating inside a finite-width parallel-plate waveguide. We observe a transition in the spatial mode of the waveguide, in which the energy distribution shifts from the waveguide center to the edges with increasing frequency. This transition is surprisingly abrupt, and depends sensitively on the gap between the waveguide plates. These results may have important implications for a variety of terahertz experiments as well as in the design of optical systems and components in the visible and near-infrared regimes, which rely on plasmonic wave guiding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the polar code was discovered by Arikan, many decoding methods have been proposed, one of which is the belief propagation (BP) decoding. Its inherent high parallel level makes it suitable for high-speed applications. A novel BP decoder based on a modified three-by-three kernel matrix is proposed. The corresponding decoding algorithm and frozen bits selection method are presented. The numerical results show that it has a similar error correcting capability compared with the original polar BP decoder. More importantly, the message memory requirement can be reduced from O(N log2 N) to O (N log3 N), and the decoding delay can be reduced accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tests of underground structure subjected to multiple explosions are carried out. • The dynamic response and failure mode of structure after explosions are investigated. • The response spectra of underground structure under explosions are obtained. A deeply buried straight-walled round-arch structure in a rock medium is taken as the research object in this study. Model tests of the underground structure subjected to multiple 45° side–top far-field explosions, with a scale of 1:20 and a proportional explosion distance of 1.68, are designed and carried out to study the dynamic responses, failure modes and damage mechanisms of the deep-burial underground structure after ground shocks induced by explosions. The macroscopic phenomena and measured data of the tests are reported and analyzed. The results show that after the first explosion and the second explosion, the surface of the surrounding rock model and the reserved charging port are seriously damaged. In contrast, the damage to the underground structure is relatively slight. The overall structure produces downward-bending deformation, and an axial crack occurs on the inner surface of the vault. The peak accelerations of the underground structure after the explosions are significant, with values reaching 2400 g, and the corresponding prototype value can exceed 120 g. After the first explosion, the damage to the upper part of the surrounding rock and the axial crack at the vault lead to a decrease in local stiffness. The crushed areas and cracks of the surrounding rock formed by the first explosion intensify the attenuation and leakage of shock wave energy during the second explosion, resulting in reductions in the ground shock pressure on the structure, the structural strain and the acceleration response. It is also found that on the floor of the prototype structure, the maximum spectral acceleration in the range of the natural vibration period of the human body exceeds 10 g, which poses a safety threat to the usage of underground structures. The research results in this study provide an experimental reference for the anti-explosion design of deeply buried underground structures and provide a basis for the establishment of performance and vulnerability indicators for straight wall round arch underground structures subjected to far-field explosions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most genetic changes have negligible reversion rates. As most mutations that confer resistance to an adverse condition (e.g., drug treatment) also confer a growth defect in its absence, it is challenging for cells to genetically adapt to transient environmental changes. Here, we identify a set of rapidly reversible drugresistance mutations in Schizosaccharomyces pombe that are caused by microhomology-mediated tandem duplication (MTD) and reversion back to the wild-type sequence. Using 10,000× coverage whole-genome sequencing, we identify nearly 6,000 subclonal MTDs in a single clonal population and determine, using machine learning, how MTD frequency is encoded in the genome. We find that sequences with the highest-predicted MTD rates tend to generate insertions that maintain the correct reading frame, suggesting that MTD formation has shaped the evolution of coding sequences. Our study reveals a common mechanism of reversible genetic variation that is beneficial for adaptation to environmental fluctuations and facilitates evolutionary divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sonic hedgehog subtype of medulloblastoma (SHH MB) is associated with treatment failure and poor outcome. Current strategies utilizing whole brain radiation therapy result in deleterious off-target effects on the normal developing childhood brain. Most conventional chemotherapies remain limited by ineffective blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetrance. These challenges signify an unmet need for drug carriers that can cross the BBB and deliver drugs to targeted sites with high drug-loading efficiency and long-term stability. We herein leverage the enhanced stability and targeting ability of engineered high-density lipoprotein-mimetic nanoparticles (eHNPs) to cross the BBB and deliver a SHH inhibitor effectively to the cancer stem-like cell population in SHH MB. Our microfluidic technology enabled highly reproducible production of multicomponent eHNPs incorporated with apolipoprotein A1, anti-CD15, and a SHH inhibitor (LDE225). We demonstrate the dual-targeted delivery and enhanced therapeutic effect of eHNP-A1-CD15-LDE225 via scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) and CD15 on brain SHH MB cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Moreover, we show that eHNP-A1 not only serves as a stable drug carrier, but also has a therapeutic effect itself through SR-B1-mediated intracellular cholesterol depletion in SHH MB cells. Through the facilitated and targeted cellular uptake of drugs and direct therapeutic role of this engineered biomimetic nanocarrier in SHH MB, our multifunctional nanoparticle provides intriguing therapeutic promise as an effective and potent nanomedicine for the treatment of SHH MB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of rutile by Fe-Ti oxides is a common phenomenon during the retrogression of eclogites. Here, we report an unusual case regarding the replacement of Fe-Ti oxides by rutile during greenschist-facies metamorphic overprinting of veins in amphibolites (retrograded eclogites) from the Dabie ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane, eastern China. The veins mainly consist of plagioclase, Fe-Ti oxides, and quartz, which crystallized from a Ti-rich amphibolite-facies fluid that formed during exhumation of the eclogites. Two types of textures involving the replacement of Fe-Ti oxides by rutile are recognized in the veins: (1) the first type is characterized by the development of rutile coronas (Rt-C) and other silicates (high-Fe epidote, muscovite, and chlorite) around the external boundaries of the Fe-Ti oxide grains, and (2) the second type is characterized by the formation of symplectitic intergrowths of rutile (Rt-S) and magnetite after exsolved hemo-ilmenite (H-Ilm) lamellae in the Fe-Ti oxides. The micro-textures, mineral assemblages, and Zr-in-rutile thermometry indicate that both replacement reactions involved mineral re-equilibration processes in the presence of an infiltrating fluid phase at ~476-515 °C, taking place by an interface-coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanism. Thermodynamic modeling reveals that both replacement reactions occurred during oxidation processes under relatively high-oxygen fugacity (fO2) conditions, approximately 2.5-4.5 logfO2 units higher than the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) reference buffer. In situ Sr isotopic analyses of epidote (Ep-C) coexisting with the Rt-C suggest that the infiltrating fluid involved in the greenschist-facies replace- ment reactions was externally derived from the surrounding granitic gneisses (the wall rocks of the amphibolites). Compared with the rutile in the UHP eclogites (Rt-E) and amphibolites (Rt-A), the Rt-C is characterized by distinctly lower contents of Nb (<10 ppm) and Ta (<2 ppm) and Nb/Ta ratios (<10) and higher contents of Cr (>340 ppm) and V (>1580 ppm). These results provide a geochemical fingerprint for distinguishing the low-pressure (LP) rutile from relic high-grade phases in retrograded HP-UHP rocks. Our results reveal that rutile can form during LP retrograde stage in UHP rocks by high-fO2 fluid-induced replacement reactions. The unusual replacements of Fe-Ti oxides by rutile-bearing assemblages during retrogression provide important constraints on fluid-mineral reactions and fO2 variations in exhumed UHP slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidisciplinary therapy is essential in dental practice to achieve optimized outcomes. The present case report describes the application of periodontal surgery with a five-year follow-up in a patient with malocclusion and chronic periodontitis. In the presence of periodontal inflammation, orthodontic therapy may result in further periodontal breakdown due to plaque accumulation. In order to prevent this progression, scaling and root planning with a periodontal endoscope was applied, and continuous clinical monitoring and risk assessment was performed every 3 months using a Florida Probe. This combined treatment supports the long-term maintenance of periodontal conditions, functional occlusion and harmony of the facial profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid structure of a graphene nanomesh with the gold nanodisks is studied to enhance the light absorption by the localized surface plasmon resonance. From the reflection spectra of the visible range for graphene nanomesh samples without and with nanodisks, it is found that the absorption of graphene nanomesh structures is greatly enhanced in the presence of gold nanodisks around the resonance wavelength. Simulation results based on the finite-difference time-domain method support the experimental observations. This study demonstrates the potential of constructing graphene based photodetectors with a high light absorption efficiency and wavelength selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn silk is a well-known ingredient frequently used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of crude flavonoids extracted from corn silk (CSFs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The results revealed that treatment with 300 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg of CSFs significantly reduced the body weight loss, water consumption, and especially the blood glucose (BG) concentration of diabetic mice, which indicated their potential anti-diabetic activities. Serum total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays were also performed to evaluate the anti-oxidant effects. Besides, several serum lipid values including total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were reduced and the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C) was increased. The anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the CSFs suggest a potential therapeutic treatment for diabetic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn gluten meal, a corn processing industry by-product, is a good source for the preparation of bioactive peptides due to its special amino acid composition. In the present study, the in vitro and cellular free radical scavenging activities of corn peptide fractions (CPFs) were investigated. Results indicated that CPF1 (molecular weight less than 1 kDa) and CPF2 (molecular weight between 1 and 3 kDa) exhibited good hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion radical and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Meanwhile, the in vitro radical scavenging activity of CPF1 was slightly higher than that of CPF2. Both CPF1 and CPF2 also exhibited significant cytoprotective effects and intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in Caco-2 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The amino acid composition analysis revealed that the CPF were rich in hydrophobic amino acids, which comprised of more than 45% of total amino acids. An antioxidant peptide sequence of Tyr-Phe-Cys-Leu-Thr (YFCLT) was identified from CPF1 using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF MS). The YFCLT exhibited excellent ABTS radical scavenging activity with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 37.63 µM, which was much lower than that of Trolox. In conclusion, corn gluten meal might be a good source to prepare antioxidant peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of different numbers of intercostal nerve (ICN) transfers for elbow flexion and to determine whether age, body mass index (BMI), type of injury, and preoperative delay influence the outcomes. From 2004 to 2010, 32 (30 included) consecutive patients underwent ICN transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve following brachial plexus injury. Elbow flexion strength was evaluated according to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grading system. Of nine patients who received two ICN transfers, six (66.7%) recovered with useful elbow flexion compared with 14 of 17 (82.4%) patients who received three ICN transfers. Of the four patients with four ICN transfers, three (75%) achieved useful recovery. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. There is no significant difference among the outcomes of two, three, and four ICN transfers to the musculocutaneous nerve. Two ICN transfers are sufficient for useful recovery of elbow flexion. Younger patients achieve better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SF-CO2) extraction (SFE) of flavonoids from Maydis stigma and its nitrite-scavenging ability were investigated. The effects of extraction time, particle size and co-solvent composition in terms of water content in ethanol were first optimized. Then, a Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to study the effects of three independent variables (temperature, pressure and co-solvent amount) on the extraction yield of flavonoids. A maximal extraction yield of flavonoids of approximately 4.24 mg/g of M. stigma by SFE was obtained under optimal conditions (a temperature of 50.88 °C, a pressure of 41.80 MPa, a co-solvent amount of 2.488mL/g and an extraction time of 120 mm with 0.4-mm particle sizes and 20% aqueous ethanol as the co-solvent). Furthermore, the nitrite-scavenging ability of the flavonoid-enriched SFE extracts was assessed using the Griess reagent. The flavonoid-enriched SFE extracts exhibited the highest scavenging ability on nitrite (88.1 ± 3.04%) at the concentration of 500 μg/mL and at pH 3.0. The nitrite-scavenging ability of the extracts appeared to be concentration dependent but negatively correlated with the pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of the water supply by protozoa often causes outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. The goals of the present study was to investigate the level of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in wastewater from wastewater treatment plants in Harbin, China, and to understand the endemic transmission characteristics of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. Forty-eight domestic wastewater specimens from the two wastewater treatment plants in Harbin City were collected from April 2009 to March 2010. Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis assemblages were identified by PCR and sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA and the triosephosphate isomerase genes, respectively. In total, 15 wastewater specimens were PCR positive for Cryptosporidium and 23 were PCR positive for G. duodenalis. The prevalence of contamination with G. duodenalis (47.9%) was higher than that of Cryptosporidium (31.3%). Molecular identification showed the presence of two Cryptosporidium spp. (14 belonging to Cryptosporidium andersoni and one belonging to Cryptosporidium ubiquitum) and two G. duodenalis assemblages (18 belonging to assemblage AII and six belonging to assemblage B). In addition, eight specimens contained both Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis, and one specimen contained G. duodenalis assemblages AII and B. These results suggested humans might be the primary source of G. duodenalis contamination in wastewater in the studied area. In contrast, a low prevalence of C. ubiquitum suggested a reduced risk of human cryptosporidiosis caused by C. ubiquitum via waterborne route. This work provides basic experimental data needed for local wastewater treatment plants to develop protective strategies for water safety and to eliminate waterborne parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checkerboard microdilution method, performed according to the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, was used to study the in vitro interaction of fluconazole and allicin in 24 fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans, one experimentally induced strain S-1, and one ATCC type strain 10231. The interaction intensity was determined by spectrophotometric methods and visual reading of the checkerboard assay, and the nature of the interactions was assessed using two nonparametric approaches [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and Δ E models]. Synergism was observed in 23 strains using FICI, and in 22 strains using Δ E. The Δ E model gave results consistent with FICI, but no antagonistic action was observed. The positive interactions were also confirmed by the time-killing test and agar diffusion in the selected strains. Moreover, the in vivo experiment showed that a combination of fluconazole and allicin exhibited a good synergism against C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p-Anisaldehyde (4-methoxybenzaldehyde), an extract from Pimpinella anisum L. seeds, is a potential novel preservative. To reveal the possible action mechanism of p-anisaldehyde against microorganisms, yeast-based commercial oligonucleotide microarrays were used to analyze the genome-wide transcriptional changes in response to p-anisaldehyde. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed for selected genes to verify the microarray results. We interpreted our microarray data with the clustering tool, T-profiler. Analysis of microarray data revealed that p-anisaldehyde induced the expression of genes related to sulphur assimilation, aromatic aldehydes metabolism, and secondary metabolism, which demonstrated that the addition of p-anisaldehyde may influence the normal metabolism of aromatic aldehydes. This genome-wide transcriptomics approach revealed first insights into the response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ( S. cerevisiae) to p-anisaldehyde challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regions of myocardial infarct (MI) are surrounded by a border zone (BZ) of normally perfused but dysfunctional myocardium. Although systolic dysfunction has been attributed to elevated wall stress in this region, there is evidence that intrinsic abnormalities of contractile performance exist in BZ myocardium. This study examined whether decreases of high-energy phosphates (HEP) and mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase (mtATPase) subunits typical of failing myocardium exist in BZ myocardium of compensated postinfarct remodeled hearts. Eight pigs were studied 6 wk after MI was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) distal to the second diagonal. Animals developed compensated LV remodeling with a decrease of ejection fraction from 54.6 ± 5.4% to 31 ± 2.1% (MRI) 5 wk after LAD occlusion. The remote zone (RZ) myocardium demonstrated modest decreases of ATP and mtATPase components. In contrast, BZ myocardium demonstrated profound abnormalities with ATP levels decreased to 42% of normal, and phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratio (31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) decreased from 2.06 ± 0.19 in normal hearts to 1.07 ± 0.10, with decreases in α-, β-, OSCP, and IF1 subunits of mtATPase, especially in the subendocardium. The reduction of myocardial creatine kinase isoform protein expression was also more severe in the BZ relative to the RZ myocardium. These abnormalities were independent of a change in mitochondrial content because the mitochondrial citrate synthase protein level was not different between the BZ and RZ. This regional heterogeneity of ATP content and expression of key enzymes in ATP production suggests that energetic insufficiency in the peri-infarct region may contribute to the transition from compensated LV remodeling to congestive heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NO and O2 compete at cytochrome-c oxidase, thus potentially allowing NO to modulate mitochondrial respiration. We previously observed a decrease of myocardial phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP during very high cardiac work states, corresponding to an increase in cytosolic free ADP. This study tested the hypothesis that NO inhibition of respiration contributes to this increase of ADP. Infusion of dobutamine + dopamine (DbDp, each 20 μg·kg-1·min-1 iv) to more than double myocardial oxygen consumption (M&Vdot;O2) in open-chest dogs caused a decrease of myocardial PCr/ATP measured with 31P NMR from 2.04 ± 0.09 to 1.85 ± 0.08 (P < 0.05). Inhibition of NO synthesis with Nω-nitro-L- arginine (L-NNA), while catecholamine infusion continued, caused PCr/ATP to increase to the control value. In a second group of animals, L-NNA administered before catecholamine stimulation (reverse intervention of the first group) increased PCr/ATP during basal conditions. In these animals L-NNA did not prevent a decrease of PCr/ATP at the high cardiac work state but, relative to M&Vdot;O2, PCr/ATP was significantly higher alter L-NNA. In a third group of animals, pharmacological coronary vasodilation with carbochromen was used to prevent changes in coronary flow that might alter endothelial NO production. In these animals L-NNA again restored depressed myocardial PCr/ATP during catecholamine infusion. The finding that inhibition of NO production increased PCr/ATP suggests that during very high work states NO inhibition of mitochondrial respiration requires ADP to increase to drive oxidative phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the cause of the fall in myocardial high-energy phosphates that occurs during high cardiac workstates. Influence of supplemental pyruvate and butyrate on reductions in myocardial phosphocreatine (PCr)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP); Implications of the PCr/ATP fall during catecholamine infusion; Process influenced by pyruvate infusion; Alternative mechanisms for pyruvate effects on PCr/ATP.

Examines the effect of augmented delivery of pyruvate on myocardial high-energy phosphates (HEP) metabolism at high workstate. Impact of inadequate glycolytic pyruvate generation on HEP levels; Reduction of phosphocreatinine/adenosine triphosphate at high workstate; Mechanism of action of pyruvate.

We report a highly efficient tunable THz reflector in graphene. By applying a small gate voltage (up to ±3 V), the reflectance of graphene is modulated from a minimum of 0.79% to a maximum of 33.4% using graphene/ionic liquid structures at room temperature, and the reflection tuning is uniform within a wide spectral range (0.1–1.5 THz). Our observation is explained by the Drude model, which describes the THz wave-induced intraband transition in graphene. This tunable reflectance of graphene may contribute to broadband THz mirrors, deformable THz mirrors, variable THz beam splitters and other optical components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study which highlights the novel and simple procedure of identifying the distal cut end of lower and/or upper canalicular laceration through intubation of a modified soft probe in the uninjured ipsilateral canaliculus. It includes a non-comparative, interventional study involving 36 eyes with canalicular lacerations as a result of trauma. It refers to the development of a modified soft probe system with a segmental epidural catheter having a blind tip.

The reported flexible and transparent triboelectric generator (FTTG) can only output ultralow power density (∼2 μW cm−2), which has seriously hindered its further development and application. The low power density of FTTG is mainly limited by the transparent material and the electrode structure. Herein, for the first time, a FTTG with a superior power density of 60.7 μW cm−2 has been fabricated by designing asymmetric electrodes where graphene and indium tin oxide (ITO) act as top and bottom electrodes respectively. Moreover, the performance of FTTG with graphene/ITO (G/I) asymmetric electrodes (GI-FTTG) almost remains unchanged even after 700 cycles, indicating excellent mechanical stability. The excellent performance of GI-FTTG can be attributed to the suitable materials and unique asymmetric electrode structure: the extraordinary flexibility of the graphene top electrode ensures the GI-FTTG excellent mechanical robustness and stability even after longer cycles, and the bottom electrode with very low sheet resistance guarantees lower internal resistance and higher production rate of induction charges to obtain higher output power density. It shows that light-emitting diodes (LED) can be easily powered by GI-FTTG, which demonstrates that the GI-FTTG is very promising for harvesting electrical energy from human activities by using flexible and transparent devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]