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La2O3 and CeO2, as main rare earth oxides, with unique physical and chemical properties have been widely used in catalyst and grinding industry. In this study, the effects of La2O3 and CeO2 on the anaerobic process were investigated. The biological methane production tests showed that 0–0.05 g/L La2O3 and 0–0.05 g/L CeO2 enhanced anaerobic methanogenesis process. The result showed maximum specific methanogenic rates of La2O3 and CeO2 were 56.26 mL/(h·gVSS) and 49.43 mL/(h·gVSS) and, compared with the control, increased 4% and 3%, respectively. La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), whereas CeO2 had no similar effect. Dissolution experiments demonstrated that the content of extracellular La in the anaerobic granular sludge reached 404 μg-La/g volatile suspended solid (VSS), which was 134 times higher than that of extracellular Ce (3 μg-Ce/gVSS). The content of intracellular La reached 206 μg-La/gVSS, which was 19 times higher than that of intracellular Ce (11 μg-Ce/gVSS). The different stimulation between La3+ and Ce3+ could be attributed to the different dissolution of La2O3 and CeO2. The result of this work is helpful to optimize anaerobic processes and to develop novel additives. Practitioner Points • Novel anaerobic additives were developed. • La2O3 and CeO2 in 0–0.05 g/L enhanced organics degradation and methane production. • The addition of La2O3 significantly reduced the accumulation of volatile fatty acids. • The solubilization of La2O3 was stronger than CeO2. • The promoting effects of low concentrations of La2O3 and CeO2 were derived from dissolved La and Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Originally considered to be a plant pathogen, reports of phaeohyphomycosis due to Curvularia lunata (C. lunata) in animals and humans are increasing. However, studies on the pathogenesis, virulence, and epidemiology of C. lunata have rarely been discussed. In the present study, BALB/c mice were experimentally inoculated with C. lunata suspension by different routes and the course of infection was evaluated. In addition, the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of C. lunata against six commonly used antifungals was evaluated using the microdilution method. Inoculation resulted in skin lesions in animals inoculated intraperitonially and subcutaneously. Infection was confirmed by both mycological and histopathologic examination. C. lunata spores and hyphae were detected in the histopathologic sections stained with hexamine silver staining. In addition, voriconazole (VRC) demonstrated greater activity against C. lunata when compared to the other antifungals, whereas fluconazole (FLC) was the least active antifungal with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 8–16 μg/mL. Further studies are necessary to understand the pathogenicity of C. lunata and uncover the mystery of this fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical ventilation is a life-sustaining therapy for patients with respiratory failure but can cause further lung damage known as ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). However, the intrinsic molecular mechanisms underlying recovery of VILI remain unknown. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (also known as efferocytosis) is a key mechanism orchestrating successful resolution of inflammation. Here we show the positive regulation of macrophage Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in efferocytosis and resolution of VILI. Mice were depleted of alveolar macrophages and then subjected to injurious ventilation (tidal volume, 20 mL/kg) for 4 h. On day 1 after mechanical ventilation, Tlr4+/+ or Tlr4-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were intratracheally administered to alveolar macrophage-depleted mice. We observed that mice depleted of alveolar macrophages exhibited defective resolution of neutrophilic inflammation, exuded protein, lung edema, and lung tissue injury after ventilation, whereas these delayed responses were reversed by administration of Tlr4+/+ BMDMs. Importantly, these proresolving effects by Tlr4+/+ BMDMs were abolished in mice receiving Tlr4-/- BMDMs. The number of macrophages containing apoptotic cells or bodies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was much less in mice receiving Tlr4-/- BMDMs than that in those receiving Tlr4+/+ BMDMs. Macrophage TLR4 deletion facilitated a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 maturation and enhanced Mer cleavage in response to mechanical ventilation. Heat shock protein 70 dramatically increased Mer tyrosine kinase surface expression, phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils, and rescued the inflammatory phenotype in alveolar macrophage-depleted mice receiving Tlr4+/+ BMDMs, but not Tlr4-/- BMDMs. Our results suggest that macrophage TLR4 promotes resolution of VILI via modulation of Mer-mediated efferocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents results of re-excavation and reanalysis of unit 5276N 4790E, located on Ridge West 3 (RW3) at the Poverty Point site. Jon Gibson excavated this unit and others in 1991 and argued that RW3 was constructed rapidly. We test the fast construction hypothesis by applying new methods (micromorphology, magnetic susceptibility, sequential loss-on-ignition) and by obtaining new radiocarbon dates. Before construction, the ground surface beneath RW3 was cleared and occupied. Preconstruction deposits are composed of anthropogenically enriched sediments. RW3 was constructed in layers of mixed heterogeneous natural and anthropogenically enriched sediments. The surfaces of these layers were used briefly during construction. The goal of the builders was to quickly raise the ridge to its full height. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and artifact density data show that the top of the constructed ridge is buried 10 to 30 cm below the modern surface. The construction of this section of RW3 was exceptionally rapid. The ridge was built after 3355–3210 cal BP and was under construction by at least 3450–2975 cal BP. Analysis of existing excavations offers great opportunity for pursuing vital research questions while having a limited effect on the integrity of archaeological deposits at Poverty Point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape white rot (Coniothyrium diplodiella) is a major fungal disease affecting grape yield and quality. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis is an important method for studying important horticultural traits of grapevine. This study was conducted to construct a high-density map and conduct QTL mapping for grapevine white rot resistance. A mapping population with 177 genotypes was developed from interspecific hybridization of a white rot-resistant cultivar (Vitis vinifera × V. labrusca 'Zhuosexiang') and white rot-susceptible cultivar (V. vinifera 'Victoria'). Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. The female, male, and integrated maps contained 2,501, 4,110, and 6,249 SNP markers with average genetic distances of adjacent markers of 1.25, 0.77, and 0.50 cM, respectively. QTL mapping was conducted based on white rot resistance identification of 177 individuals in July and August of 2017 and 2018. Notably, one stable QTL related to white rot resistance was detected and located on linkage group LG14. The phenotypic variance ranged from 12.93 to 13.43%. An SNP marker (chr14_3929380), which cosegregated with white rot resistance, was discovered and shows potential for use in marker-assisted selection to generate new grapevine cultivars with resistance to white rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventilator-induced lung injury is associated with an increase in mortality in patients with respiratory dysfunction, although mechanical ventilation is an essential intervention implemented in the intensive care unit. Intrinsic molecular mechanisms for minimizing lung inflammatory injury during mechanical ventilation remain poorly defined. We hypothesize that Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression in endothelial cells protects the lung against ventilator-induced injury. Wild-type and endothelial-specific YAPdeficient mice were subjected to a low (7 mL/kg) or high (21 mL/kg) tidal volume (VT) ventilation for 4 h. Infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung, vascular permeability, lung histopathology, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Here, we showed that mechanical ventilation with high VT upregulated YAP protein expression in pulmonary endothelial cells. Endothelial-specific YAP knockout mice following high VT ventilation exhibited increased neutrophil counts and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Evans blue leakage, and histological lung injury compared with wild-type littermate controls. Deletion of YAP in endothelial cells exaggerated vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin phosphorylation, downregulation of vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP), and dissociation of VE-cadherin and catenins following mechanical ventilation. Importantly, exogenous expression of wild-type VE-PTP in the pulmonary vasculature rescued YAP ablation-induced increases in neutrophil counts and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, vascular leakage, and histological lung injury as well as VE-cadherin phosphorylation and dissociation from catenins following ventilation. These data demonstrate that YAP expression in endothelial cells suppresses lung inflammatory response and edema formation by modulating VE-PTP-mediated VE-cadherin phosphorylation and thus plays a protective role in ventilator-induced lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial enzyme glutaminase (GLS) is frequently upregulated during tumorigenesis and is being evaluated as a target for cancer therapy. GLS catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, which then supplies diverse metabolic pathways with carbon and/or nitrogen. Here, we report that SIRT5, a mitochondrial NAD+-dependent lysine deacylase, plays a key role in stabilizing GLS. In transformed cells, SIRT5 regulates glutamine metabolism by desuccinylating GLS and thereby protecting it from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Moreover, we show that SIRT5 is up-regulated during cellular transformation and supports proliferation and tumorigenesis. Elevated SIRT5 expression in human breast tumors correlates with poor patient prognosis. These findings reveal a mechanism for increasing GLS expression in cancer cells and establish a role for SIRT5 in metabolic reprogramming and mammary tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical data related to industrial enterprises from 2011 to 2016 in Fujian Province of China show that the ecological efficiency of industrial enterprises has some temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. In general, ecological efficiency was increasing year by year with great differences within the regions, and the difference increase with time. The efficiency in the eastern region was higher than that in other areas. Based on considering spatial weights and combing the spatial econometric model, this paper studied the influencing factors of ecological efficiency of industrial enterprises, and draws conclusions that population density, per-capita GDP, the proportion of industrial output value and the comprehensive utilization rate of industrial solid waste have a significant positive impact on the ecological efficiency of industrial enterprises. In addition, the ratio of value of import and export goods to GDP and the ratio of expenditure on R&D to general public expenditures have a significant negative impact on the ecological efficiency of industrial enterprises, then put forward some relevant countermeasures and suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a scientific understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE) as well as its influencing factors in Fujian Province, effective recommendations were provided to promote agricultural green development. The Super-SBM model with undesired output was employed to assess AEE, and the GTWR model was used to analyze the main factors influencing AEE based on data from nine prefecture-level cities in Fujian Province spanning from 2000 to 2020. There are three conclusions to be drawn: Firstly, the AEE of Fujian Province has increased from 0.340 in 2000 to 0.971 in 2020, but it has not yet reached the efficiency frontier due to excessive input of agricultural factors and carbon emissions. The development of AEE across regions is unbalanced with a wide gap between them. Secondly, from a spatial correlation perspective, global correlation of AEE in Fujian Province showed random distribution while local agglomeration existed to varying degrees. Thirdly, AEE in Fujian Province was influenced by various driving factors that changed significantly over different periods and exhibited obvious regional differences. In summary, the AEE of Fujian Province has shown overall improvement; however, its effectiveness remains limited. The disparities among cities are evident, necessitating the formulation of differentiated strategies for agricultural ecological development to enhance regional synergistic driving forces and improve regional AEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic microenvironment of tumors is characterized by fluctuating and limited nutrient availability. To survive these conditions, cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms sense and signal nutritional status. We describe how glutaminase (GLS) is destabilized by lysine succinylation and stabilized by the NAD+-dependent desuccinylase sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), coupling nutrient levels to metabolic flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an active vibration isolation system based on hybrid algorithm is presented in a wide frequency band. Initially, a nonlinear magnetostrictive actuator model is used to establish the appropriate parameters by experiments, which make the actuator using in vibration isolation system work in a better linear dynamic performance, then the sliding mode algorithm modified by neural network, a hybrid algorithm is proposed as the active control controller and its stability is also analyzed by Lyapunov theory. Furthermore, a dynamic virtual prototype model of active vibration isolation is established to carry out the co-simulation with Adams and Matlab/Simulink and the results show that under the difference excitations, the neural network sliding mode controller exhibits a good control performance and the active vibration isolation can effectively improve the vibration isolation effect, reduce the force transmitted to the base and broaden the vibration isolation bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongly promoted by the development of Service-Oriented Computing and Cloud Computing technologies, a large number of functionally equivalent web services emerge on the Internet. Quality of Service (QoS) is becoming a key factor to distinguish different web services. Although many Collaborative Filtering (CF) based approaches are recently proposed to predict the QoS of web services, the prediction accuracy are not satisfactory, since they rarely take full use of the neighbor information and latent feature information contained in the historical QoS data. Especially when the realworld QoS data is highly sparse, the previous works fail to detect the actual relationships between services. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid web service QoS prediction approach that systematically combines the memory-based CF and model-based CF. Firstly a non-negative matrix factorization model for web service QoS prediction is presented. Then an Expectation-Maximization (EM) based approach is designed to learn the model for making further prediction. The service neighbor information, which integrates the direct similarity and transitive indirect similarity of services to handle the data sparsity problem, is introduced into EM based learning process to make the prediction results more accurate. Large-scale real-world experiments are conducted using the WSDREAM QoS dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach can achieve better prediction accuracy than other state-of-the-art approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanin (HN) is an endogenous mitochondria-associated peptide that has been shown to protect against various Alzheimer's disease-associated insults, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and reactive oxygen species-induced cell death. We have shown previously that HN improves whole body glucose homeostasis by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from the ß-cells. Here, we report that intraperitoneal treatment with one of HN analogs, HNG, decreases body weight gain, visceral fat, and hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation in high-fat diet-fed mice. The decrease in hepatic TG accumulation is due to increased activity of hepatic microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) and increased hepatic TG secretion. Both intravenous (iv) and intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of HNG acutely increase TG secretion from the liver. Vagotomy blocks the effect on both iv and icv HNG on TG secretion, suggesting that the effects of HNG on hepatic TG flux are centrally mediated. Our data suggest that HN is a new player in central regulation of peripheral lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering, a generalization of the original concept of "steering" proposed by Schrodinger, describes the ability of one system to nonlocally affect another system's states through local measurements. Some experimental efforts to test EPR steering in terms of inequalities have been made, which usually require many measurement settings. Analogy to the "all-versus-nothing" (AVN) proof of Bell's theorem without inequalities, testing steerability without inequalities would be more strong and require less resources. Moreover, the practical meaning of steering implies that it should also be possible to, store the state information on the side to be steered, a result that has not yet been experimentally demonstrated. Using a recent AVN criterion for two-qubit entangled states, we experimentally implement a practical steering game using quantum memory. Furthermore, we develop a theoretical method to deal with the noise and finite measurement statistics within the AVN framework and apply it to analyze the experimental data. Our results clearly show the facilitation of the AVN criterion for testing steerability and provide a particularly strong perspective for understanding EPR steering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the design and implementation of a spectral ellipsometer at near-infrared wavelength (700-1000 nm) for samples placed in high magnetic fields (up to 14 T) at low temperatures (~4.2 K). The main optical components are integrated in a probe, which can be inserted into a conventional long-neck He dewar and has a very long free-space optical path (~1.8 mx2). A polarizer-sample-(quarter-wave plate)-rotating analyzer configuration was employed. Two dielectric mirrors, one before and one after the sample in the optical path, helped to reflect the light back to the analyzer and a two-axis piezo-driven goniometer under the sample holder was used to control the direction of the reflected light. Functional test results performed on an intrinsic GaAs wafer and analysis on the random error of the system are shown. We obtained both amplitude and phase ellipso-metric spectra simultaneously and observed helicity transformation at energies near the GaAs exciton transitions in the phase spectra. Significant shifts of them induced by magnetic fields were observed and fitted with a simple model. This system will allow us to study the collective magneto-optical response of materials and spatial dispersive exciton-polariton related problems in high external magnetic fields at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABCG5 and ABCG8 form a complex (G5G8) that opposes the absorption of plant sterols but is also expressed in liver where it promotes the excretion of cholesterol into bile. Hepatic G5G8 is transcriptionally regulated by a number of factors implicated in the development of insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that G5G8 may influence the development of diet-induced obesity phenotypes independently of its role in opposing phytosterol absorption. G5G8 knock-out (KO) mice and their wild type (WT) littermates were challenged with a plant sterol-free low fat or high fat (HF) diet. Weight gain and the rise in fasting glucose were accelerated in G5G8 KO mice following HF feeding. HF-fed G5G8 KO mice had increased liver weight, hepatic lipids, and plasma alanine aminotransferase compared withWTcontrols. Consistent with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, macrophage infiltration, the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines were also increased in G5G8 KO mice. Hepatic lipid accumulation was associated with increased peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ, CD36, and fatty acid uptake. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eiF2α) and expression of activating transcription factor 4 and tribbles 3 were elevated in HF-fed G5G8 KO mice, a pathway that links the unfolded protein response to the development of insulin resistance through inhibition of protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Akt and insulin receptor was reduced, whereas serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 was elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermentation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic sugars from biomass could resolve food-versus-fuel conflicts inherent in the bio-conversion of grains. However, the inability to coferment glucose and xylose is a major challenge to the economical use of ligno-cellulose as a feedstock. Simultaneous cofermentation of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose is problematic for most microbes because glucose represses utilization of the other saccharides. Surprisingly, the ascomycetous, beetle-associated yeast Spathaspora passalidarum, which ferments xylose and cellobiose natively, can also coferment these two sugars in the presence of 30 g/liter glucose. S. passalidarum simultaneously assimilates glucose and xylose aerobically, it simultaneously coferments glucose, cellobiose, and xylose with an ethanol yield of 0.42 g/g, and it has a specific ethanol production rate on xylose more than 3 times that of the corresponding rate on glucose. Moreover, an adapted strain of S. passalidarum produced 39 g/liter ethanol with a yield of 0.37 g/g sugars from a hardwood hydrolysate. Metabolome analysis of 5. passalidarum before onset and during the fermentations of glucose and xylose showed that the flux of glycolytic intermediates is significantly higher on xylose than on glucose. The high affinity of its xylose reductase activities for NADH and xylose combined with allosteric activation of glycolysis probably accounts in part for its unusual capacities. These features malee S. passalidarum very attractive for studying regulatory mechanisms enabling bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials by yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of immediate feedback on computer- based foreign language listening comprehension tests and on intrapersonal test-associated anxiety in 72 English major college students at a Taiwanese University. Foreign language listening comprehension of computer-based tests designed by MOODLE,3 a dynamic e-learning environment, with or without immediate feedback together with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were tested and repeated after one week. The analysis indicated that immediate feedback during testing caused significantly higher anxiety and resulted in significantly higher listening scores than in the control group, which had no feedback. However, repeated feedback did not affect the test anxiety and listening scores. Computer-based immediate feedback did not lower debilitating effects of anxiety but enhanced students' intrapersonal eustress-like anxiety and probably improved their attention during listening tests. Computer-based tests with immediate feedback might help foreign language learners to increase attention in foreign language listening comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes were purified by the mixed acid (HNO3 and H2SO4). The multi-wall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline composite (MWCNTs/PANI) was prepared by in situ polymerisation using aniline monomer and nanotubes in HC1 solution. The content of MWCNTs in the samples was 0.20 wt.%. The results showed that the MWCNTs were well dispersed in water after purification. The interaction between PANI and MWCNTs was proved by FT-IR spectrometry. The conductivity and the tensile strength of the MWCNTs/PANI were improved obviously after purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the network equation for the slow neutron capture process (s-process) of heavy element nucleosynthesis is investigated. Dividing the s-process network reaction chains into two standard forms and using the technique of matrix decomposition, a group of analytical solutions for the network equation are obtained. With the analytical solutions, a calculation for heavy element abundance of the solar system is carried out and the results are in good agreement with the astrophysical measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells indicates that mesodermal lineages in the mammalian heart (cardiac, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells) develop from a common, multipotent cardiovascular precursor. To isolate and characterize the lineage potential of a resident pool of cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPcs), we developed BAC transgenic mice in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is placed under control of the c-kit locus (c~kitBAC-EGFP mice). Discrete c-kit-EGFP+ cells were observed at different stages of differentiation in embryonic hearts, increasing in number to a maximum at about postnatal day (PN) 2; thereafter, EGFP+ cells declined and were rarely observed in the adult heart. EGFP+ cells purified from PN 0-5 hearts were nestin+ and expanded in culture; 67% of cells were fluorescent after 9 days. Purified cells differentiated into endothelial, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells, and differentiation could be directed by specific growth factors. CPc-derived cardiac myocytes displayed rhythmic beating and action potentials characteristic of multiple cardiac cell types, similar to ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Single-cell dilution studies confirmed the potential of individual CPcs to form all 3 cardiovascular lineages. In adult hearts, cryoablation resulted in c-kit-EGFP+ expression, peaking 7 days postcryolesion. Expression occurred in endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the revascularizing infarct, and in terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes in the border zone surrounding the infarct. Thus, c-kit expression marks CPc in the neonatal heart that are capable of directed differentiation in vitro; however, c-kit expression in cardiomyocytes in the adult heart after injury does not identify cardiac myogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca+-activated Cl- channel (CLCA) proteins are encoded by a family of highly related and clustered genes in mammals that are markedly upregulated in inflammation and have been shown to affect chloride transport. Here we describe the cellular processing and regulatory sequences underlying murine (m) CLCA4 proteins. The 125-kDa mCLCA4 gene product is cleaved to 90- and 40-kDa fragments, and the NH2- and COOH-terminal fragments are secreted, where they are found in cell media and associated with the plasma membrane. The 125-kDa full-length protein is only found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and specific luminal diarginine retention and dileucine forward trafficking signals contained within the CLCA4 sequence regulate export from the ER and proteolytic processing. Mutation of the dileucine luminal sequences resulted in ER trapping of the immaturely glycosylated 125-kDa peptide, indicating that proteolytic cleavage occurs following recognition of the trafficking motifs. Moreover, the mutated dileucine and diarginine signal sequences directed processing of a secreted form of enhanced green fluorescent protein in a manner consistent with the effects on mCLCA4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we report the firstfacile open-bench synthesis of BaTiO3, SrTiO3nanocrystals, and their nanosolid solutions BaxSr1-xTiO3(BST) at 80 °C. The size of the BST nanoparticles was readily tuned from ∼50 to ∼10 nm with achievable giant dielectric constants. The process yielded these important perovskite mixed-metal oxide crystals of high quality on the nanometer scale without a history of thermal stress. This new synthesis system involves inorganic starting materials without organic components and does not require demanding conditions such as an inert environment, high pressure, and high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of silica nanoparticles is controlled when they are synthesized at liquid/liquid interfaces; the combination of organic and aqueous phases that form the interface can change the shape of silica into a triangle, cube, or rod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the rapid screening of degradation products derived from nerve agents by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is described. Five standard products were selected as model compounds, including isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA), pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA), ethyl methylphosphonic acid (EMPA), isobutyl methylphosphonic acid (i-BuMPA), and cyclohexyl methylphosphonic acid (CHMPA), which are degradation products of Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), VX, Russian VX (RVX), and GF, respectively. For comparison, CHCA (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) and DCCA (7-(diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid) were used as the MALDI-matrix when the third harmonic generation (355 nm) of a Nd:YAG laser and a hydrogen Raman laser (multifrequency laser) were used, respectively. The method permitted the five nerve agent degradation products to be screened rapidly and successfully, suggesting that it has the potential for use as a routine monitoring tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects on the transient capillary flow in a wedge due to the interfacial shear-stress distribution S along the flow direction z is studied theoretically. With the assumptions of a slender liquid column and negligible gravitational and inertia effects, the problem is reduced to finding the axial velocity distribution at any cross section. The propagation of the liquid column h(z,t) and the tip location l(t) are then solved with the aid of the continuity equation. When the half-wedge angle α, the contact angle θ, and the shear-stress distribution on the free surface S are constant, analytic solutions exist. Otherwise, numerical simulation has to be applied. The results indicate that when S(z) is acting in the flow direction, the flow is strengthened and the liquid column propagates faster. When S(z) is opposing the flow direction, reverse flow may exist near the free surface and the propagation speed of the liquid column is reduced. Moreover, for a capillary flow in a wedge with constant α, θ, and S, both the analytic solutions and the numerical simulation predict that l(t)∝t3/5 for the constant-flow-rate stage and l(t)∝t1/2 for the constant-height flow stage. When S is a function of the flow direction z, the above functional relationship between l and t becomes no longer valid; it varies as the liquid column propagates along the wedge. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the reversed micellar extraction procedure to separate immunoglobulin-G (IgG) from the bovine colostral whey. Methodology; Results and discussion.

Presents information on the sensitivity analysis of a rotor to its support stiffness. What are the characteristics of the rotor; Details on the receptance method.

Discusses synthetic routes to azarcarborane clusters from the reactions of nitriles with the isoelectronic anions, nido-5,6-C[sub2]B[sub8]H[sub11] and nido-B[sub10]H[sub13]. Occurrence of hydroboration of the nitrile; Inclusion of cafe frameworks containing two six-membered open faces that may be derived from a bicapped hexagonal antiprism by removal of two non-adjacent five-coordinated vertices; Confirmation of a single-crystal X-ray study.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has become an increasingly important technique for patients with respiratory or cardiac failure for a variety of causes. In addition, there are many reports about the use of ECMO in surgical operation on neonates and children patients with tracheal obstruction. In this report we present a case about an adult patient who underwent a carinal resection and reconstruction after left pneumonectomy with ECMO assistance successfully. To our knowledge, this case is the first of its kind to use ECMO in adult carinal resection and reconstruction after pneumonectomy. In this report, we try to illustrate that ECMO is effective in operations of this kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of gamma irradiation on GaN quasi-vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) has been investigated for the first time. Compared with original GaN SBDs, the ideality factor decreases from 1.2 to 1.01–1.02 and the on/off ratio increases from 109 to 1012 for the irradiated GaN SBDs. The reduction of dynamic on-resistance from 0.67 mΩ · cm2 to 0.54 mΩ · cm2 was observed at the quiescent bias of  −100 V compared with the original SBDs. The temperature dependent current characteristics has revealed the existence of Schottky barrier inhomogeneities at the anode/GaN Schottky interface, and the level of barrier inhomogeneities can be effectively suppressed after gamma irradiation. Based on x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence and x-ray diffraction results, the interface state density at the interface and the deep electron trap in the bulk GaN are reduced after gamma irradiation. The voltage dependent capacitance-frequency measurements further confirm that the interface trap states dominate the degraded characteristics of pre-irradiated devices and the trap time constant is estimated to be in the range of 5 μs to 50 μs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumour‐derived microvesicles (MVs) serve as critical mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication in the tumour microenvironment. So far, the underlying mechanisms of MV biogenesis, especially how key tumorigenesis signals such as abnormal EGF signalling regulates MV release, remain unclear. Here, we set out to establish reliable readouts for MV biogenesis and then explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate MV generation. We found that Rho family small G protein Cdc42 is a convergent node of multiple regulatory signals that occur in MV biogenesis. The binding of activated GTP‐bound Cdc42 and its downstream effector, Ras GTPase‐activating‐like protein 1 (IQGAP1), is required for MV shedding. Activated Cdc42 maintains sustained EGF signalling by inhibiting the internalization of cell surface receptors, including EGFR and the VEGF oligomer, VEGF90K, and then facilitates MV release. Subsequently, we further demonstrated that blocking these signalling pathways using the corresponding mutants effectively reduced MV shedding and significantly inhibited MV‐promoted in vivo tumour angiogenesis. These findings reveal a complex regulation of MV shedding by tumour cells, shedding light on the regulatory mechanism of MV biogenesis, and potentially contributing to strategies that target MVs in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the era of wisdom, intelligent meteorology emerged as the times require. If there is no communication, there will be no meteorology, and communication of intelligent meteorology is an important part of intelligent meteorology. In this paper, generation mechanism of intelligent meteorology communication is analyzed, and characteristics and reform path of intelligent meteorology communication are explored. Some opinions are put forward : core of intelligent meteorology communication is construction of intelligent platform; path of intelligent meteorology communication is integrating media and needs; the future of intelligent meteorology communication will connect everything. It shows and outlines reality and future ecological picture of intelligent meteorology communication with the vigorous development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in energy expenditure by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis. Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is one of the key transcription factors regulating de novo lipogenesis (DNL). As a constitutively active form, ChREBP-β is expressed at extremely low levels. Up to date, its functional relevance in BAT remains unclear. In this study, we show that ChREBP-β inhibits BAT thermogenesis. BAT ChREBP-β mRNA levels were elevated upon cold exposure, which prompted us to generate a mouse model overexpressing ChREBP-β specifically in BAT using the Cre/LoxP approach. ChREBP-β overexpression led to a whitening phenotype of BAT at room temperature, as evidenced by increased lipid droplet size and decreased mitochondrion content. Moreover, BAT thermogenesis was inhibited upon acute cold exposure, and its metabolic remodeling induced by long-term cold adaptation was significantly impaired by ChREBP-β overexpression. Mechanistically, ChREBP-β overexpression downregulated expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, and respiration. Furthermore, thermogenic gene expression (e.g. Dio2, UCP1) was markedly inhibited in BAT by the overexpressed ChREBP-β. Put together, our work points to ChREBP-β as a negative regulator of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pericytes have been implicated in tissue repair, remodeling, and fibrosis. Although the mammalian heart contains abundant pericytes, their fate and involvement in myocardial disease remains unknown. METHODS: We used NG2Dsred;PDGFRαEGFP pericyte:fibroblast dual reporter mice and inducible NG2CreER mice to study the fate and phenotypic modulation of pericytes in myocardial infarction. The transcriptomic profile of pericyte-derived cells was studied using polymerase chain reaction arrays and single-cell RNA sequencing. The role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in regulation of pericyte phenotype was investigated in vivo using pericyte-specific TGF-β receptor 2 knockout mice and in vitro using cultured human placental pericytes. RESULTS: In normal hearts, neuron/glial antigen 2 (NG2) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) identified distinct nonoverlapping populations of pericytes and fibroblasts, respectively. After infarction, a population of cells expressing both pericyte and fibroblast markers emerged. Lineage tracing demonstrated that in the infarcted region, a subpopulation of pericytes exhibited transient expression of fibroblast markers. Pericyte-derived cells accounted for ~4% of PDGFRα+ infarct fibroblasts during the proliferative phase of repair. Pericyte-derived fibroblasts were overactive, expressing higher levels of extracellular matrix genes, integrins, matricellular proteins, and growth factors, when compared with fibroblasts from other cellular sources. Another subset of pericytes contributed to infarct angiogenesis by forming a mural cell coat, stabilizing infarct neovessels. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that NG2 lineage cells diversify after infarction and exhibit increased expression of matrix genes, and a cluster with high expression of fibroblast identity markers emerges. Trajectory analysis suggested that diversification of infarct pericytes may be driven by proliferating cells. In vitro and in vivo studies identified TGF-β as a potentially causative mediator in fibrogenic activation of infarct pericytes. However, pericyte-specific TGF-β receptor 2 disruption had no significant effects on infarct myofibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition. Pericyte-specific TGF-β signaling was involved in vascular maturation, mediating formation of a mural cell coat investing infarct neovessels and protecting from dilative remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: In the healing infarct, cardiac pericytes upregulate expression of fibrosis-associated genes, exhibiting matrixsynthetic and matrix-remodeling profiles. A fraction of infarct pericytes exhibits expression of fibroblast identity markers. Pericyte-specific TGF-β signaling plays a central role in maturation of the infarct vasculature and protects from adverse dilative remodeling, but it does not modulate fibrotic remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare form of invasive, rapidly progressive and lethal opportunistic fungal infection caused by Mucorales. Although Rhizopus arrhizus (R. arrhizus) is the most commonly isolated Mucorales worldwide, infections caused by Apophysomyces variabilis (A. variabilis) are increasing. Objectives and Methods: We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. variabilis in an immunocompetent woman. In order to further understand the characteristics of the strain isolated from the patient, we identified the strain through ITS sequencing, assessed the ability to tolerate salt concentrations and temperature conditions, in addition to performing in vitro drug susceptibility testing against common antifungal agents. Results: The strain showed 98.76% identity with A. variabilis in the NCBI database, and it was found to tolerate higher temperatures and salt concentrations than previously reported strains. The strain was sensitive to amphotericin B and posaconazole, but not to voriconazole, itraconazole, 5‐fluorocytosine and echinocandins. Conclusions: This case indicates that Mucorales caused by A. variabilis should be recognised as an emerging pathogen that can cause a high mortality rate in the absence of prompt diagnosis and proper treatment in China, aggressive surgical debridement combined with prompt and appropriate antifungal treatment may improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of the unique internal recirculation characteristics of an oxidation ditch (OD) system, namely, the internal recirculation frequency (IRF) on denitrifying phosphorus removal (DNPR). The ratios of denitrifying polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) to polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) under different IRF conditions were measured using a batch experiment. On this basis, the variation of nutrient transformations was studied using the IRF changes by the mass balance method. The results showed that, for the OD system that had an anaerobic zone upstream from the circular corridor and set anoxic and aerobic zones along the circular corridor, when the IRF was between 3.4 h-1 and 7.5 h-1, the DPAOs/PAOs ratio reached about 50%. Approximately 20% of the total phosphorus (TP) was removed and over 11% of the total nitrogen (TN) was transformed into nitrogen gas by the DNPR process, and meanwhile the total removal efficiencies of the TP and TN were over 93% and 80%. When the IRF was greater than 11.5 h-1, the TN removal efficiency decreased significantly, and this was not conducive to simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The results indicated that the OD process would possess a better DNPR potential if the IRF were controlled within the proper scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles (MVs), have emerged as a major form of intercellular communication, playing important roles in several physiological processes and diseases, including cancer. EVs generated by cancer cells contain a variety of proteins and RNA species that can be transferred between cancer cells as well as between cancer and non-transformed (normal) cells, thereby impacting a number of aspects of cancer progression. Here we show how oncogenic transformation influences the biogenesis and function of EVs using a mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line that can be induced to express an oncogenic form of diffuse B cell lymphoma (Dbl). Although MEFs induced to express onco- Dbl generated a similar amount of MVs as uninduced control cells, we found that MVs isolated from onco-Dbl-transformed cells contain a unique signaling protein, the ubiquitously expressed non-receptor tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase. The addition of MVs isolated from MEFs expressing onco-Dbl to cultures of fibroblasts strongly promoted their survival and induced their ability to grow under anchorage-independent conditions, outcomes that could be reversed by knocking down focal adhesion kinase and depleting it from the MVs or by inhibiting its kinase activity using a specific inhibitor. We then showed the same to be true for MVs isolated from aggressive MDAMB231 breast cancer cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that the induction of oncogenic transformation gives rise to MVs, which uniquely contain a signaling protein kinase that helps propagate the transformed phenotype and thus may offer a specific diagnostic marker of malignant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive dietary fat intake causes systemic metabolic toxicity, manifested in weight gain, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. In addition, carbohydrate utilization as a fuel is substantially inhibited. Correction or reversal of these effects during high-fat diet (HFD) intake is of exceptional interest in light of widespread occurrence of diet-associated metabolic disorders in global human populations. Here we report that mangiferin (MGF), a natural compound (the predominant constituent of Mangifera indica extract from the plant that produces mango), protected against HFD-induced weight gain, increased aerobic mitochondrial capacity and thermogenesis, and improved glucose and insulin profiles. To obtain mechanistic insight into the basis for these effects, we determined that mice exposed to an HFD combined with MGF exhibited a substantial shift in respiratory quotient from fatty acid toward carbohydrate utilization. MGF treatment significantly increased glucose oxidation in muscle of HFD-fed mice without changing fatty acid oxidation. These results indicate that MGF redirects fuel utilization toward carbohydrates. In cultured C2C12 myotubes, MGF increased glucose and pyruvate oxidation and ATP production without affecting fatty acid oxidation, confirming in vivo and ex vivo effects. Furthermore, MGF inhibited anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate to lactate but enhanced pyruvate oxidation. A key target of MGF appears to be pyruvate dehydrogenase, determined to be activated by MGF in a variety of assays. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of activation of carbohydrate utilization in correction of metabolic syndrome and highlight the potential of MGF to serve as a model compound that can elicit fuel-switching effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work uses a low-cost, reliable, and microchip-based wireless transmission solution to real-time collect earthquake data across local and wide areas. A transmission chain consisting of sensor units (nodes), each transmitting earthquake data unidirectionally to the end, is proposed. Each node consists of a seismic sensor, analog digital converter, radio frequency module, and a microchip for central control. The terminal node is responsible for transmitting data to a display server, which collects and analyzes all earthquake data from different transmission chains. Moreover, users also can distribute nodes, plug-in computers, in a wide area to monitor earthquake activities and transmit data to a web server. Then interested people can view the circumstance of an earthquake via web maps. For efficient wireless transmissions and to maximize bandwidth usage, a modified ripple protocol is applied to the wireless transmission between nodes in a daisy chain. Field experiments verify the practicality of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been suggested that the antioxidant properties of olmesartan (OLM), an angiotensin II type 1receptor (AT1R) blocker, contribute to renal protection rather than blood pressure lowering effects despite the fact that causal relationships between hypertension and renal artery disease exist. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis whether the antioxidative activities of OLM were correlated to arterial stiffness, reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF).Methods: CRF rats were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and randomly assigned to an OLM (10 mg/day) group or a control group. Hemodynamic states, oxidative stress, renal function and AGEs were measured after 8 weeks of OLM treatment.Results: All the hemodynamic derangements associated with renal and cardiovascular dysfunctions were abrogated in CRF rats receiving OLM. Decreased cardiac output was normalized compared to control (p <0.05).Mean aortic pressure, total peripheral resistance and left ventricular weight/body weight ratio were reduced by21.6% (p <0.05), 28.2% (p <0.05) and 27.2% ((p <0.05). OLM also showed beneficial effects on the oscillatorycomponents of the ventricular after-load, including 39% reduction in aortic characteristic impedance (p < 0.05),75.3% increase in aortic compliance (p <0.05) and 50.3% increase in wave transit time (p < 0.05). These results implied that OLM attenuated the increased systolic load of the left ventricle and prevented cardiac hypertrophy in CRF rats. Improved renal function was also reflected by increases in the clearances of BUN (28.7%) and serumcreatinine (SCr, 38.8%). In addition to these functional improvements, OLM specifically reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents in aorta and serum by 14.3% and 25.1%, as well as the amount of AGEs in the aortic wall by 32% (p < 0.05) of CRF rats.Conclusion: OLM treatment could ameliorate arterial stiffness in CRF rats with concomitant inhibition of MDA and AGEs levels through the reduction of oxidative stress in aortic wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we explored the attitudes and motives of business studies students taking examinations for professional certificates, where their participation may have a cognition-oriented motive. The study was divided into 2 phases: in the first phase, a questionnaire survey was used to examine the differences between internal and external encouragement perspectives for those students with and without professional certificates. We found that the intrinsic motivation of students with professional certificates was significantly higher than their extrinsic motivation. In the second phase we examined whether the impact of the external justifications of attitude changes are associated with students' attitudes toward participation in the examination. Multiple regression analyses revealed that reward, satisfaction, effort, responsibility, and commitment were predictive of participants' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized to serve as laser desorption/ionization elements as well as solid-phase extraction probes for simultaneous enrichment and detection of small molecules in matrix- assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Two laser- absorbing matrices were each conjugated onto MNP to give MNP@matrix which provided high ionization efficiency and background-free detection in MS leading to unambiguous identification of target small molecules in a complex mixture. MNP@matrix was demonstrated to serve as a general matrix-free additive in MALDI-TOF MS analysis of structurally distinct small molecules. Also, MNP@matrix provides a simple, rapid, and reliable quantitative assay for small molecules by mass without either the use of an internal standard or an isotopic labeling tag. Furthermore, the affinity extraction of small molecules from complex biofluid was achieved by probe protein-conjugated MNP@matrix without laborious purification. We demonstrated that a nanoprobe-based assay is a cost-effective, rapid, and accurate platform for robotic screening of small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness and complication rate of the 1 cm right-sided unilateral sublabial trans-sphenoidal surgery for patients with pituitary adenoma equal to or greater than 5 mm in diameter. A total of 350 patients were surgically treated for pituitary adenomas between December 1999 and December 2003 in an academic neurosurgical unit in China. Three hundred patients (86%) were treated with the 1-cm right-sided unilateral sublabial trans-sphenoidal approach. The mean age of patients was 43 years (range 10–78 years) and female patients accounted for 59% of the total. One hundred and ninety-six (64%) patients had functioning endocrine tumours and 104 (36%) patients had non-functioning tumours or macroadenomas. Tumours which were outside this simple and basic classification were excluded from the study. There were no operative mortalities. One patient developed hypopituitarism and 16 (5%) developed transient diabetes insipidus that required pituitrin treatment. The remission rate for macroadenoma was 85% and that for microadenoma was 98.5% during a medium term follow-up of 1–5 years. One hundred and fifteen patients had prolactin secreting tumours and 90.4% achieved endocrine remission. Fifty-six patients had growth hormone secreting tumours and 75.4% achieved endocrine remission. Preoperatively, one hundred and fifty-one patients presented with visual impairment and 148 (98%) achieved a documented improvement in visual acuity. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4 days (range 3–7 days). This minimally invasive trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas could be used as the primary treatment for small pituitary tumours. The effectiveness of the tumour removal and low morbidity rate compare favourably with the conventional sublabial approach as well as the more recently developed endoscopic endonasal approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium release through ryanodine receptors (RYR) activates calcium-dependent membrane conductances and plays an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle. The specific RYR isoforms associated with this release in smooth muscle, and the role of RYR-associated proteins such as FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), has not been clearly established, however. FKBP12.6 proteins interact with RYR2 Ca2+ release channels and the absence of these proteins predictably alters the amplitude and kinetics of RYR2 unitary Ca2+ release events (Ca2+ sparks). To evaluate the role of specific RYR2 and FBKP12.6 proteins in Ca2+ release processes in smooth muscle, we compared spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), Ca2+ sparks, Ca2+induced Ca2+ release, and Ca2+ waves in smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from wild-type, FKBP12.6-/-, and RYR3-/- mouse bladders. Consistent with a role of FKBP12.6 and RYR2 proteins in spontaneous Ca2+ sparks, we show that the frequency, amplitude, and kinetics of spontaneous, transient outward currents (STOCs) and spontaneous Ca2+ sparks are altered in FKBP12.6 deficient myocytes relative to wild-type and RYR3 null cells, which were not significantly different from each other. Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release was similarly augmented in FKBP12.6-/-, but not in RYR3 null cells relative to wild-type. Finally, Ca2+ wave speed evoked by CICR was not different in RYR3 cells relative to control, indicating that these proteins are not necessary for normal Ca2+ wave propagation. The effect of FKBP12.6 deletion on the frequency, amplitude, and kinetics of spontaneous and evoked Ca2+ sparks in smooth muscle, and the finding of normal Ca2+ sparks and CICR in RYR3 null mice, indicate that Ca2+ release through RYR2 molecules contributes to the formation of spontaneous and evoked Ca2+ sparks, and associated STOCs, in smooth muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everolimus, which inhibits mTOR kinase activity and is clinically used in graft rejection treatment, may have a two-sided influence on metabolic syndrome; its role in obesity and hyperglycemic in animals and humans, however, has been explored insufficiently. This study further determined how continual everolimus treatment affects glucose homeostasis and body weight control in C57BL6/J mice with obesity. An obesity mouse model was developed by administering a high-fat diet (HFD) to C57BL6/J mice over 12 weeks. The experimental group, while continuing their HFD consumption, were administered everolimus daily for 8 weeks. Metabolic parameters, glucose tolerance, fatty liver score, endocrine profile, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulin resistance (IR) index, and Akt phosphorylation, GLUT4, TNF-α, and IL-1 levels were measured in vivo. Compared with the control group, the everolimus group gained less body weight and had smaller adipocytes and lower fat pad weight; triglyceride (serum and hepatic), patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3, and fatty acid synthase levels; fatty liver scores; and glucose tolerance test values-all despite consuming more food. However, the everolimus group exhibited decreased ISI and muscle Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4 expression as well as impaired glucose tolerance and serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels-even when insulin levels were high. In conclusion, continual everolimus treatment may lead to diabetes with glucose intolerance and IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the simultaneous enlarged growth of seven single crystal diamond (SCD) plates free from polycrystalline diamond (PCD) rim by using a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) system. Optical microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) show the typical step-bunching SCD morphology at the center, edge, and corner of the samples. The most aggressively expanding sample shows a top surface area three times of that of the substrate. The effective surface expanding is attributed to the utilization of the diamond substrates with (001) side surfaces, the spacial isolation of them to allow the sample surface expanding, and the adoption of the reported pocket holder. Nearly constant temperature of the diamond surfaces is maintained during growth by only decreasing the sample height, and thus all the other growth parameters can be kept unchanged to achieve high quality SCDs. The SCDs have little stress as shown by the Raman spectra. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) data of both the Raman characteristic peak and (004) x-ray rocking curve of the samples are at the same level as those of the standard CVD SCD from Element Six Ltd. The nonuniformity of the sample thickness or growth rate is observed, and photoluminescence spectra show that the nitrogen impurity increases with increasing growth rate. It is found that the reduction of the methane ratio in the sources gas flow from 5% to 3% leads to decrease of the vertical growth rate and increase of the lateral growth rate. This is beneficial to expand the top surface and improve the thickness uniformity of the samples. At last, the convenience of the growth method transferring to massive production has also been demonstrated by the successful simultaneous enlarged growth of 14 SCD samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spiral case with its steel spiral case (SSC) being embedded in reinforced concrete under a pressurized condition is called a preloaded filling spiral case structure (PFSCS) in a hydropower plant. As a steel-concrete composite structure, a PFSCS is designed to work reliably. The non-uniform gap and contact nonlinearity between the SSC and the surrounding mass concrete have a great effect on the bearing mechanism of the composite structure. However, the description of the gap and contact nonlinearity in a PFSCS is a tough work. With the aim of efficiently describing the evolution process of the non-uniform gap and contact nonlinearity, we performed an experimental investigation and proposed a novel numerical simulation technique for structural finite element analyses (FEA) of PFSCSs. In the technique, the gap and contact nonlinearity as well as the construction process and operation process of a PFSCS are taken into account. A frictioncontact model is used to simulate the sliding of the SSC against the concrete. A plasticity damage model is employed to describe the concrete. The development of the gap, contact status between the steel liner and the surrounding concrete, stresses of the steel liner and the steel bars, as well as the concrete cracking time and crack pattern, are presented in this work. The FEA results agree well with the experimental results. The agreement provides evidence that the applicability and competence of the proposed technique are valid and satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of coverage control strategy for spatial ecological nodes and the correct evaluation of the stability of spatial ecological network structure are the basis for understanding and optimizing the ecological network structure. The excellent ecological network structure, especially in arid and semi-arid regions in northwest China, is the basis of sustainable development of regional ecological environment. Based on this, Deng Kou County, the typical ecological vulnerable zone, was chosen as the study area. Minimum cumulative resistance model improved by emergy theory was used to extract the ecological network, and a new spatial layout strategy based on Tyson blind zone was constructed to optimize the spatial layout of ecological nodes. In the aspect of ecological network stability, the connectivity robustness and recovery robustness index were used to analyze structural robustness of un-optimized and optimized ecological network. The results showed that the spatial distribution of ecological source nodes at level 3, 4, and 5 with higher emergy value formed the desertification protection pattern. 1058 ecological nodes and 47,466 ecological corridors were extracted at the county level, which formed the ecological network in Deng Kou County. After optimization, the coverage area of ecological nodes reached 1870.03 km 2 , and the area of Tyson blind spot was reduced to 1179.27 km 2 . Compared with the un-optimized ecological nodes, the spatial distribution of the optimized ecological nodes was more homogeneous, the coverage index ( CR ) of the optimized ecological nodes reached 87.79%, and the distribution uniformity ( U ) of optimized ecological nodes was reduced to 0.3978. Based on the above, the robustness of the un-optimized and optimized ecological network structure was analyzed. The initial connectivity robustness of the un-optimized ecological network was 0.73, but the optimized ecological network was 1. The optimized network was more stable than the un-optimized network. For these two kinds of networks, the malicious attack was more destructive than the random attack. The node recovery robustness and edge recovery robustness under random attack were superior to those of the malicious attack. In summary, the spatial layout optimization of the ecological nodes improved the stability of the ecological network in Deng Kou County. This analysis provided insights that will support planning to adjust the ecological spatial structure and future sustainable development of ecological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report characterizations of biofunctionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) associated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for biomedical applications. The example BMNP in this study is anti-alpha-fetoprotein (anti-AFP) conjugated onto dextran-coated Fe3O4 labeled as Fe3O4-anti-AFP, and the target is AFP. We characterize magnetic properties, such as increments of magnetization ΔMH and effective relaxation time Δτeff in the reaction process. It is found that both ΔMH and Δτeff are enhanced when the concentration of AFP, ΦAFP, increases. The enhancements are due to magnetic interactions among BMNPs in magnetic clusters, which contribute extra MH after the association with MH and in turn enhance τeff. The screening of patients carrying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is verified via ΔMH/MH. The proposed method can be applied to detect a wide variety of analytes. The scaling characteristics of ΔMH/MH show the potential to develop a vibrating sample magnetometer system with low field strength for clinic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]