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Renal fibrosis is a common feature of various chronic kidney diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) family plays a role in renal fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CXCR7 in mediating renal fibrosis. CXCR7 expression is decreased in unilateral ischemia–reperfusion injury (UIRI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models. Furthermore, CXCR7 was specifically expressed primarily in the Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin-expressing segment of tubules, was slightly expressed in the peanut agglutinin-expressing segment, and was barely expressed in the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin-expressing segment. Administration of pFlag-CXCR7, an overexpression plasmid for CXCR7, significantly inhibited the activation of β-catenin signaling and protected against the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in a UIRI mouse model. Using cultured HKC-8 cells, we found that CXCR7 significantly downregulated the expression of active β-catenin and fibrosis-related markers, including fibronectin, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Furthermore, CXCR7 significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced changes in β-catenin signaling, EMT and fibrosis. These results suggest that CXCR7 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of β-catenin signaling and the progression of EMT and renal fibrosis. Thus, CXCR7 could be a novel therapeutic target for renal fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, advanced adenoma (AA) has been recognized as a target for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), the primary non-invasive screening method, shows limited sensitivity in detecting AA. This study investigates the relationship between adenoma characteristics and FOBT false-negative results. In a retrospective cohort study conducted from 2015 to 2022, we examined 342 inpatients with AA who underwent colonoscopy and received qualitative FOBT. FOBT sensitivity was analyzed about various adenoma characteristics, and logistic regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between adenoma features and FOBT false-negative outcomes. FOBT sensitivity in AA inpatients was 52.63%. Significant differences in sensitivity were observed based on adenoma location (left vs. right), morphology (with or without pedunculation), and size (≤ 10 mm vs. > 10 mm). After adjusting for several potential confounders, FOBT showed a reduced false-negative rate in AA with large-sized (OR, 0.49; 95% CI 0.31–0.77), left-sided location (OR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.31–0.89), and pedunculated morphology (OR, 0.73; 95% CI 0.43–1.24). AA with large size, left-sided location, and pedunculated morphology independently contribute to a decreased rate of FOBT false-negative results. However, these adenoma characteristics are not actively modifiable. Therefore, novel non-invasive methods are needed to improve AA detection accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP in patients with pleural effusion. • Serum NT-proBNP has moderate diagnostic accuracy for HF. • The diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP decreases in old patients. Serum N -terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-recognized diagnostic marker for heart failure (HF) in patients with dyspnea or pleural effusion (PE). The effects of age on the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP in dyspneic patients are widely known; however, whether its diagnostic accuracy is affected by age in patients with PE remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of age on the diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP for HF in patients with PE. Patients with PE were recruited from the BUFF (Biomarkers for patients with Undiagnosed pleural eFFusion) cohort and the SIMPLE (a Study Investigating Markers in PLeural Effusion) cohort. Serum NT-proBNP on admission and final diagnosis were extracted from the participant's medical records. The diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP was evaluated by a operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The influence of age on the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP was investigated through subgroup analyses. One hundred and four participants were enrolled from the BUFF cohorts (HF, 32; non-HF, 72). One hundred and sixteen participants were enrolled from the SIMPLE cohort (HF, 21; non-HF, 95). The area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of NT-proBNP in the pooled cohort was 0.78 (95 %CI: 0.71 – 0.85). The AUC of NT-proBNP decreased in older patients. Serum NT-proBNP has moderate diagnostic accuracy for HF in old patients with PE. The diagnostic accuracy of serum NT-proBNP in these patients decreases with the advancement of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Houttuynia cordata Thunb., called Yuxingcao in Chinese, is an important medicinal plant and vegetable consumed in the southern regions of China. This review aims to summarize studies on the phyto-physiological chemistry, cytology, molecular biology, and genomics of H. cordata. Studies on the physiology and biochemistry of H. cordata have grown over the past few decades. Phenotypic and agronomic traits, tissue culture, elemental analysis, photosynthetic studies, bioactive compound identification, and antioxidant research have been reported. Molecular biological studies, such as those of molecular markers, microRNAs, DNA variations, protein variations, and transcriptomes have also advanced. Recent studies have focused on the rDNA and chloroplast genome of this plant. This review could serve as a basis to perform the genetic breeding, genomic advance, and cultivation of this valuable diversified plant resource for medicinal applications and vegetable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the mechanisms of airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Interleukin (IL)-24 has been implicated in the promotion of tissue fibrosis, and increased IL-24 levels have been observed in the nasal secretions and sputum of asthmatic patients. However, the role of IL-24 in asthmatic airway remodeling, especially in EMT, remains largely unknown. We aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of IL-24 on EMT and to verify whether IL-37 could alleviate IL-24-induced EMT in chronic asthma.Methods: BEAS-2B cells were exposed to IL-24, and cell migration was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related biomarkers (E-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA) was evaluated after the cells were stimulated with IL-24 with or without IL-37. A murine asthma model was established by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extracts for 5 weeks, and the effects of IL-24 and IL-37 on EMT and airway remodeling were investigated by intranasal administration of si-IL-24 and rhIL-37.Results: We observed that IL-24 significantly enhanced the migration of BEAS-2B cells in vitro. IL-24 promoted the expression of the EMT biomarkers vimentin and α-SMA via the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. In addition, we found that IL-37 partially reversed IL-24-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells by blocking the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that IL-24 was overexpressed in the airway epithelium of an HDM-induced chronic asthma model, and IL-24 silencing or IL-37 treatment could reverse EMT biomarker expression.Conclusions: Overall, these findings indicated that IL-37 mitigated HDM-induced airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-24-mediated EMT via the ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways, thereby providing experimental evidence for IL-24 as a novel therapeutic target and IL-37 as a promising agent for treating severe asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model organism with three sequenced genomes capable of genetic transformation. C. reinhardtii has the advantages of being low cost, non-toxic, and having a post-translational modification system that ensures the recombinant proteins have the same activity as natural proteins, thus making it a great platform for application in molecular biology and other fields. In this review, we summarize the existing methods for nuclear transformation of C. reinhardtii , genes for selection, examples of foreign protein expression, and factors affecting transformation efficiency, to provide insights into effective strategies for the nuclear transformation of C. reinhardtii. • The methods of C. reinhardtii transformation and the expression of selection genes were reviewed. • The expression of exogenous proteins in the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii and factors affecting transformation efficiency were summarized. • To provide an effective strategy for nuclear transformation of C. reinhardtii. • The three tables are concisely and clearly present the key points of the nuclear transformation of C. reinhardtii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kidney is a key organ in the human body that excretes toxins and sustains the water–electrolyte balance. During embryonic development and disease progression, the kidney undergoes enormous changes in macrostructure, accompanied by a variety of microstructural histological changes, such as glomerular formation and sclerosis, tubule elongation and atrophy, interstitial establishment, and fibrosis progression. All of these rely on the frequent occurrence of cell death and growth. Notably, to overcome disease, some cells regenerate through self-repair or progenitor cell differentiation. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying kidney development and regeneration have not been elucidated. Recently, Wnt signaling has been noted to play an important role. Although it is a well-known developmental signal, the role of Wnt signaling in kidney development and regeneration is not well recognized. In this review, we review the role of Wnt signaling in kidney embryonic development, tissue repair, cell division, and progenitor cell differentiation after injury. Moreover, we briefly highlight advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of Wnt signaling in mediating cellular senescence in kidney parenchymal and stem cells, an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation blocking tissue repair and regeneration. We also highlight the therapeutic targets of Wnt signaling in kidney diseases and provide important clues for clinical strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past decades, the structural and functional genomics of rice have been deeply studied, and high density of molecular genetic markers have been developed. However, the genetic variation in leaf photosynthesis, the most important trait for rice yield improvement, was rarely studied. The lack of photosynthesis phenotyping tools is one of the bottlenecks, as traditional direct photosynthesis measurements are very low-throughput, and recently developed high-throughput methods are indirect measurements. Hence, there is an urgent need for a fast, accurate and direct measurement approach. Result: We reported a fast photosynthesis measurement (FPM) method for phenotyping photosynthetic capacity of rice, which measures photosynthesis of excised tillers in environment-controlled lab conditions. The light response curves measured using FPM approach coped well with that the curves measured using traditional gas exchange approach. Importantly, the FPM technique achieved an average throughput of 5.4 light response curves per hour, which was 3 times faster than the 1.8 light response curves per hour using the traditional method. Tillers sampled at early morning had the highest photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and the lowest variability. In addition, even 12 h after sampling, there was no significant difference of photosynthesis rate between excised tillers and in situ. We finally investigated the genetic variations of photosynthetic traits across 568 F2 lines using the FPM technique and discussed the logistics of screening several hundred samples per day per instrumental unit using FPM to generate a wealth of photosynthetic phenotypic data, which might help to improve the selection power in large populations of rice with the ultimate aim of improving yield through improved photosynthesis. Conclusions: Here we developed a high-throughput method that can measure the rice leaf photosynthetic capacity approximately 10 times faster than traditional gas exchange approaches. Importantly, this method can overcome measurement errors caused by environmental heterogeneity under field conditions, and it is possible to measure 12 or more hours per day under lab conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the role of mitochondrial solute carrier family 25 member 13 (SLC25A13) on breast cancer development. Methods. SLC25A13 mRNA and protein expressions in invasive breast cancer tissues and normal breast tissues were from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer dataset. Survival analysis was conducted online by Kaplan-Meier software. MCF-7 cell line was used for in vitro cell assay. Knockdown of SLC25A13 and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) were conducted by siRNA transfection. Cell viability was measured with trypan blue exclusion. Cell cycle arrest was determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of SLC25A13 and P27 were detected by quantitative PCR. The protein level of SLC25A13, P27 and SIRT2 were detected by Western blotting. Protein half-life of P27 was assessed by Western blotting after cyclohexinride treatment Results*SLC25AI3 was -regulated in invasive breast cancer tissues. High expression of SLC25A13 correlated with poor overall survival and breast cancer recurrence. SLC25A13 knockdown inhibited MCF-7 cell cycle progression. P27 and SERT2 both accumulated after SLC2SA13 knockdowit P27 accumulation resulted from prolonged protein half-life. Knockdown of SIRT2 restored cell cycle arrest as well as P27 accumulation caused by SLC2SA13 silencing. Conclusion • High expression of SLC25A13 may promote cell cycle progression via SIRT2 in breast cancer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Nurse-led program enhanced self-efficacy in managing hypertension and dyslipidemia. • The improvement effects maintained significantly 6 months after the program ended. • Blood pressure and lipid profile significantly improved in the intervention group. • It supports designing programs to improve self-efficacy and self-care skills. Abstract Objectives To investigate whether a community-based intervention program, based on self-efficacy theory, might improve older adults' self-care behaviors as well as health outcomes related to hypertension and dyslipidemia. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Taipei, Taiwan, From October 16, 2011 to July 31, 2014. Residents identified during community screening for the over 50 s were invited to participate if their blood pressure was 120–139/80–89 mmHg, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was <40 mg/dL (men) or <50 mg/dL (women), or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 130–159 mg/dL. The intervention group participated in a special health promotion program; the control group received conventional health education. Participants' demographic and anthropometric data were recorded, and each completed semi-structured questionnaires about hypertension and cholesterol management, and gave blood samples for biochemical analyses before the intervention and 6 months after it ended. Results From 90/98 eligible subjects who enrolled, 84 completed the study: 41/43 and 43/47 respectively in intervention and control groups. Body mass index, blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the intervention group improved significantly from baseline. The Self-Efficacy Scale (P = 0.020), Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (P = 0.014) and Perceived Therapeutic Efficacy Scale (P = 0.023) scores improved significantly. Conclusion This health promotion intervention program enhanced self-efficacy among older adults, with sustained effect through 6-months' follow-up. These findings are consistent with studies that evaluated the effect of a diabetes education program on self-efficacy. The beneficial effect on a population at high-risk for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, may serve as a model for developing and implementing such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)‐37 has been described as a negative regulator of immune responses and is critical for asthma pathogenesis, but the mechanisms behind the protective role of IL‐37 against allergic asthma are less well understood. We show here that IL‐37 administered intranasally inhibited house dust mite (HDM)‐induced chronic airway eosinophilic inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, peribronchial collagen deposition and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine. In contrast to a weakened Th2 response in the lung that was characterized by the downregulation of Th2‐associated cytokines and chemokines in IL‐37‐treated mice, IL‐37 has no effect on relevant markers of systemic Th2 immune including serum immunoglobulins expression and in vitro production of Th2‐associated cytokines by splenocytes on HDM recall. We demonstrated that the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the lung tissue was associated with IL‐37. Importantly, compared with IL‐37 alone, TSLP coadministration with IL‐37 restored HDM‐induced airway inflammation and structural alterations, increased AHR to methacholine and promoted Th2‐associated cytokine production. We further found that IL‐37 inhibited the induction of TSLP expression by the main antigen of house dust mite, Der p1, by suppressing NF‐κB and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation in human bronchial epithelial (16‐HBE) cells in vitro. These data highlight the importance of TSLP in IL‐37‐mediated protective role in asthma. IL‐37 might represent a useful innovative and alternative therapy to control TSLP production in the airway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soy protein isolate (SPI, 1–4 wt%) was heated by conventional heat treatment (90 °C) and subcritical water treatment (SW, 120 °C). The aggregation degree, surface hydrophobicity, interfacial adsorption behaviors, foaming and emulsifying properties were characterized to evaluate the effects of aggregation degree on the foaming and emulsifying properties of proteins. SW treatment induced the formation of larger soluble aggregates dominated by intermolecular hydrophobic interactions. Compared to native SPI and SPI heated at 90 °C (SPI90), SW-treated SPI showed a higher surface activity at the air-water and oil-water interface due to lower aggregation degree and more flexible conformation. Obvious improvements of foam capacity and stability may be attributed to the formation of an interfacial layer with higher macromolecule interactions. Moreover, SW treatment effectively improved storage and freeze-thaw stability against emulsion coalescence due to the formation of a thicker multilayer, although higher flocculation degree was observed. These results suggest that SW treatment could be an effective technique to modify structural and functional properties of soy protein for stable foam and emulsion foods. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Heating temperature and protein concentration affect protein aggregation behaviors. • Subcritical water-treated soy protein exhibited a higher surface activity. • The formation of gel-like interfacial layer improved foam capacity and stability. • A thicker multilayer provided an protection for oil droplets against coalescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictions of aflatoxin (AF) in grain at post-harvest can be useful for ensuring the safety of stored grain. Versicolorin (Ver) A, a precursor of AFB1, can serve as an early indicator of AF contamination, even when AFs themselves are present at undetectable levels. In the current research, we developed a probabilistic model based on logistic regression and Ver A levels to estimate the risk of AF contamination in stored corn. Moisture content, aflatoxigenic fungal load, and initial and maximum values of Ver A in the first three sampling cycles were experimentally determined as the four important factors for the probabilistic model. Both internal and external model validations were shown to be high at 96.4% and 93.3%, respectively. For high-risk samples, a precise model was developed to predict the maximum period of safe storage, which can be useful for decision-making by the stakeholders in feed and food supply chain. Our findings provide a basis tool for establishing an early warning system for AF contamination in granaries, which can improve global food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To assess the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for staging of liver fibrosis (F), necroinflammatory activity (A), and steatosis (S) of chronic hepatitis. Methods 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into a chronic hepatitis model group (n = 88) and a control group (n = 12). The chronic hepatitis model rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of 40% (v/v) of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) diluted in olive oil. All rats were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and then killed immediately to detect pathologic staging as liver fibrosis (F), necroinflammatory activity (A), and steatosis (S). Liver-to-muscle signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of SWI were analyzed and associated with histopathologic findings. Results There were ultimately 11 normal control rats and 60 chronic hepatitis model rats. Statistical data were as follows: F0 (n = 11), F1 (n = 18), F2 (n = 16), F3 (n = 13), F4 (n = 13); A0 (n = 11), A1 (n = 29), A2 (n = 21), A3 (n = 10); S0 (n = 11), S1 (n = 12), S2 (n = 12), S3 (n = 18), and S4 (n = 18). The liver-to-muscle SIR of the SWI was related to hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.05) and liver steatosis (P < 0.05) but not to necroinflammatory activity (P > 0.05). By partial correlation analysis, a significant negative correlation was shown between the liver-to-muscle SIR and staging of liver fibrosis (r = −0.68, P < 0.05) as well as a low correlation with liver steatosis (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). Except for F0–F1 and F1–F2, there were statistical differences between each of the stages of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.05), with an area under the ROC of 0.87 for F3 or above and of 0.96 for F4. Conclusion SWI can be a reliable method for staging hepatic fibrosis. Highlights • The liver-to-muscle SIR of SWI were related to fibrosis and steatosis but not to necroinflammatory activity. • The SIR of SWI could differentiate moderate to severe liver fibrosis. • There was no difference for liver-to-muscle SIR of SWI between stage of steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fibrocyte localization to the airways and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) overexpression in the lung are features of severe asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether TSLP contributes to fibrocyte trafficking and airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: We established a chronic asthma animal model by administering house dust mite (HDM) extracts intranasally for up to 5 consecutive weeks. Mouse anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody (mAb) was given intraperitoneally starting the 4th week. Fluorescence-labeled CD34/collagen I (Col I)-dual-positive fibrocytes were examined by confocal microscopy. The level of TGF-β1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was determined by ELISA. Results: We found significantly increased levels of TSLP and TGF-β1 in the lung of the mice subjected to repeated allergen exposure, which was accompanied by increased number of fibrocytes in the sub-epithelial zone and the BAL fluid. However, blocking TSLP markedly decreased the production of TGF-β1, reduced the number of fibrocytes and subsequently prevented alterations of both airway and vascular structures. Conclusions: Our data suggested that TSLP might function in airway remodeling by promoting circulating fibrocyte recruitment to the lung in the mice subjected to chronic allergen exposure. These results provide a better rationale for targeting the interaction between TSLP and fibrocytes as a therapeutic approach for chronic allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavone aglycone-rich calcium-binding soy protein hydrolysates were prepared by subcritical water treatment and subsequent protease hydrolysis. Contaminated β-glucosidase in the Protease M preparation could effectively convert glycosides into aglycones. Compared with Alcalase hydrolysates, Protease M hydrolysates exhibited higher molecular weight (>5000 Da) and more hydrophobic characteristics because of its weaker proteolytic activity. The antioxidant activity of Protease M hydrolysates was obviously improved. Initial increased DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate of Protease M hydrolysates may be ascribed to the conversion of isoflavones (<30 min) and a gradual release of antioxidant peptides. In the later hydrolysis, a gradual exposure of isoflavones involved in the interior of heat-induced protein aggregates was mainly responsible for further improved antioxidant activities. Higher calcium-binding capacity (up to 7.86%) with lower yield of peptide-calcium complex was observed for Protease M hydrolysates. These results could help researchers to develop a feasible protocol for producing nutrient-enhanced soy protein hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA), the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) and the National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) recently joined forces to bring the cardiovascular and stroke community together to convene and document a national discussion and propose a national CVD Implementation and Policy agenda and action plan. This includes prevention and screening, acute care and secondary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• iWUE of the young stand was higher than that of the old stand. • Trees at the more precipitation site had the stronger resistance to drought. • SPEI had a significant effect on iWUE at the young stand. As one of the main afforestation species, Pinus tabulaeformis is an important carbon sink in China. We developed tree-ring chronologies of Pinus tabulaeformis at five plantation sites (Lingkong Mountain (LKM), Fujia (FJ), Heishui (HS), Caijiachuan (CJC) and Jiufeng (JF)), and measured the δ13C values of tree rings using the stable carbon isotope method to calculate intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE). The responses of net primary productivity (NPP) and iWUE to climatic variables were explored. The annual variation in both NPP and iWUE had increasing trends, with lower iWUE increasing rate at LKM site in comparison with those at other 4 sites. iWUE of the young stand was higher than that of the old stand. Annual patterns of the δ13C values showed significant decreasing trends in LKM and CJC but a rising trend in HS. The growth of Pinus tabulaeformis was more sensitive to temperatures, and temperatures exerted positive effects on NPP and iWUE. At the old stands, both NPP and iWUE had closer relationships with temperatures. On the annual scale, precipitation had little effect on NPP and iWUE. Annual mean standardized precipitation evaporation index had a significant influence on iWUE at the young stand. Resistance was positively correlated with recovery, resilience and iWUE, but negatively correlated with NPP. Pinus tabulaeformis at CJC site had the stronger resistance to drought events in comparison with that at LKM and FJ sites. This study provides insight into the responses of Pinus tabulaeformis productivity and water use to climate change, and helps evaluate carbon sink and water-carbon trade-off of plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of arterial wall. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 (Cramp in mice) are involved in atherosclerosis. Recently, mtDNA has been found to escape from autophagy and cause inflammation. Normally, mtDNA as an inflammatogenic factor cannot escape from autophagy and degradation by DNase II. In this study, we found elevated amounts of LL37-mtDNA complex in atherosclerotic plasma and plaques. The complex was resistant to DNase II degradation and escaped from autophagic recognition, leading to activation of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-mediated inflammatory responses. Mouse model studies indicated that Cramp-mtDNA complex aggravated atherosclerotic lesion formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice and antibody treatment against the complex alleviated the lesion. These findings suggest that the LL-37-mtDNA complex acts as a key mediator of atherosclerosis formation, and thus represents a promising therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine, as a kind of commercially available and inexpensive ligand, is used to prepare an air-stable and water-soluble catalyst used in Sonogashira reaction in our study. In the presence of 1% [PdCl2(NH2CH2COOH)2] as catalyst, excellent catalytic activity towards the Sonogashira coupling of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes without using any additive such as Cu(I)-cocatalyst is observed in a mixture of water and acetone (3/3 mL) under air at 60 °C with NaOH as a base, giving products in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are significant associative factors for functional impairment related to aging. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, and their associations with functional status among men aged 80 years and older in Beijing. Methods A total of 75 young healthy volunteers, and 101 older men aged 80 years and older participated in the present study. Demographic characteristics, anthropometry, skeletal muscle mass measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA), 6-m gait speed and handgrip strength were collected. Relative appendicular skeletal muscle index ( RASM) and percentage skeletal muscle index ( SMI) were obtained. Results Overall, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 45.7% by using RASM. By the weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index definition ( SMI), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.2%. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was lower by using RASM than SMI (4.9% vs 11.5%, P < 0.05). When we compared the sarcopenia prevalence (%) in obese participants, it was also remarkably lower by using RASM (40.0%) than SMI (95.0%). By using either RASM or SMI, gait speed was of no significant difference among the pure sarcopenia group, pure obese group and sarcopenic obesity group (0.76 ± 0.27 vs 0.82 ± 0.37 vs 0.82 ± 0.27 m/s, P > 0.05, by RASM; 0.75 ± 0.25 vs 0.92 ± 0.27 vs 0.82 ± 0.35 m/s, P > 0.05 by SMI), respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that thigh skeletal muscle mass was positively correlated with gait speed independently (β = 0.221, P = 0.011), and total body fat (β = −0.216, P = 0.002) and age (β = −0.524, P = 0.000) were negatively correlated with gait speed independently. Conclusions The prevalence of sarcopenia is high either based on RASM or SMI among Chinese men aged 80 years and older. Functional limitations were significantly associated with older age, skeletal muscle mass and total body fat. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 1): 29-35. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Calculating and validating Q. variabilis transpiration δ T under NSS conditions. [•] δ ET of ecosystem obtained by Keeling curve showed an n-shaped variation in sunny day. [•] Transpiration also accounted for majority of ET under NSS conditions in the hilly area. [•] Vapor concentration was the key factor in partitioning evapotranspiration with isotope method. [•] Foreign vapor caused more uncertainties in the isotopic ET partitioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of our study was to confirm if hydraulic lift (HL) promotes nutrient uptake in field-grown plants in the same way as demonstrated previously in pot-grown plants. Methods: We conducted a field experiment in an agroforestry system, over an entire growing season that included a dry period and a wet period. We used a shallow-root crop plant, mung bean ( Vigna radiata L.), intercropped with walnut ( Juglans regia L.) and jujube ( Zizyphus jujube Mill.), as an indicator for the presence of HL and its effects on nutrient uptake. To monitor HL, we artificially applied deuterium isotope to the deep roots of trees. Results: We demonstrated the presence of a natural nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium gradient along the soil depth, and the occurrence of HL, evidenced by deuterium signature in the shallow soil layers and V. radiata stem, only during the dry season. J. regia and Z. jujube both had deep root systems, but the former species exhibited stronger HL to the shallow soil than the latter. Meanwhile, the upper soil layers of J. regia had significantly higher moisture content, and the intercropped V. radiata had higher nutrient content. Conclusion: HL can facilitate water uptake by V. radiata from the upper soil layers in the field condition during the dry season, which relates to nutrient acquisition by the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides have been widely identified from amphibian skins except salamanders. A novel antimicrobial peptide (CFBD) was isolated and characterized from skin secretions of the salamander, Cynops fudingensis. The cDNA encoding CFBD precursor was cloned from the skin cDNA library of C. fudingensis. The precursor was composed of three domains: signal peptide of 17 residues, mature peptide of 41 residues and intervening propeptide of 3 residues. There are six cysteines in the sequence of mature CFBD peptide, which possibly form three disulfide-bridges. CFBD showed antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. This peptide could be classified into family of β-defensin based on its seqeuence similarity with β-defensins from other vertebrates. Evolution analysis indicated that CFBD was close to fish β-defensin. As far as we know, CFBD is the first β-defensin antimicrobial peptide from salamanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild species, Secale africanum Stapf., serves as a valuable germplasm resource for increasing the diversity of cultivated rye ( Secale cereale L.) and providing novel genes for wheat improvement. The objective of this study was to identify new wheat- S. africanum chromosome 2R derivatives by molecular markers and in situ hybridization, and to test the effects of centric translocations of S. africanum chromosome 2R on disease resistance and agronomic performance of wheat. The T2RS.2DL and T2DS.2RL translocations, and other S. africanum chromosome introgressions such as a 2R substitution as well as monotelo-2RS and 2RL addition lines, were identified by the genomic in situ hybridization and sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Twenty-three molecular markers were localized on chromosome 2R arms which will facilitate future identification of their introgressions into wheat. A comparison of FISH patterns and the molecular marker distribution between the S. africanum chromosome 2R and cultivated rye chromosome 2R indicates differentiation between the wild and cultivated Secale genomes. Tests of disease resistance and agronomic performance of wheat- S. africanum chromosome 2R derivatives indicated that chromosome 2RL carried gene(s) for dwarfing and stripe rust resistance, while the 2RS translocation line was the most favorable for agronomic performance when compared with the substitution and 2RL translocation lines. These results encourage the continued use of novel wheat- S. africanum 2R derivative lines in wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is an abundant, renewable natural resource that shows UV resistance and whose amphiphilicity can be modified, which means that it could potentially encapsulate photo-sensitive agrichemicals. However, current technical lignins, e.g., alkaline lignin (AL), tend to form large aggregates, which severely limits its encapsulation performance. In this study, three cationic surfactants were selected for hydrophobic modification of AL, and to produce AL microspheres (AL-MPs) encapsulating abscisic acid (ABA). The surfactants tested were dodecyl tetramethyl ammonium bromide DTAB (single C12 chain), dimethyl behenyl ammonium bromide DDAB (two C12 chains) and cetylpyridinium chloride CPC (single C16 chain). The particle sizes, zeta-potentials, and encapsulation efficiencies of the AL-MPs were modified by changing the type of the surfactant and the weight percentage (wt%) of AL. The range of particle sizes, zeta potentials and encapsulation efficiencies were 232–1226 nm, –56.1–18.7 mV, and 62–78%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the MPs. The photolysis protection and release of ABA from ABA-loaded MPs (e.g., ABA@AL-DDAB) were studied and a release kinetics model was built to probe the release behaviour. The effects of ABA@AL-MPs on the salt tolerance of rice seedlings under salinity stress were studied, and the mechanism is discussed. ABA@AL-MPs effectively protected the seedlings from growth inhibition by salinity stress. ABA@AL-DDAB was the most effective formulation, outperforming ABA@AL-CTAB and even the no-salt control. DDAB is less cytotoxic than CTAB and has the potential, when combine with lignin to encapsulate ABA and other agrichemicals to produce formulations with photolysis resistance and sustained-release properties. [Display omitted] ● Hydrophobic modification of alkaline lignin (AL) by cationic surfactant. ● Prepared nanoparticles (AL-NPs) with controllable performance. ● AL-NPs loaded with photosensitive pesticide ABA showed anti-photolysis properties. ● ABA@AL-DDAB improved rice salt tolerance. ● The AL-NPs offer a considerable potential as green materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel bioactive peptide (polypedarelaxin 1) was identified from the skin secretions of the tree frog, Polypedates pingbianensis. Polypedarelaxin 1 is composed of 21 amino acid residues with a sequence of QGGLLGKVSNLANDALGILPI. Its primary structure was further confirmed by cDNA cloning and mass spectrometry analysis. Polypedarelaxin 1 was found to elicit concentration-dependent relaxation effects on isolated rat ileum. It has no antimicrobial and serine protease inhibitory activities. BLAST search revealed that polypedarelaxin 1 did not show similarity to known proteins or peptides. Especially, polypedarelaxin 1 do not contain conserved structural motifs of other amphibian myotropic peptides, such as bradykinins, bombesins, cholecystokinin (CCK), and tachykinins, indicating that polypedarelaxin 1 belongs to a novel family of amphibian myotropic peptide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wild Secale species, Secale africanum Stapf., serve as a valuable source for increasing the diversity of cultivated rye (Secale cereale L.) and provide novel genes for wheat improvement. New wheat - S. africanum chromosome lRafr addition, lRafr(lD) substitution, lBL.lRafrS and lDS.lRafrL translocation, and 1 RallL monotelocentric addition lines were identified by chromosome banding and in situ hybridization. Disease resistance screening revealed that chromosome lRafrS carries resistance gene(s) to new stripe rust races. Twenty-nine molecular markers were localized on S. africanum chromosome lRafl by the wheat - S. africanum introgression lines. Twenty markers can also identically amplify other reported wheat - S. cereale chromosome 1R derivative lines, indicating that there is high conservation between the wild and cultivated Secale chromosome 1R. Nine markers displayed polymorphic amplification between S. africanum and S. cereale chromosome lRafl derivatives. The comparison of the nucleotide sequences of these polymorphic markers suggested that gene duplication and sequence divergence may have occurred among Secale species during its evolution and domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinnitus and uveitis have shared commonality in pathophysiology in terms of autoimmunity. However, no studies that have linked any association between the conditions of tinnitus and uveitis. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database in order to investigate whether tinnitus patients are at increased risk of uveitis. Patients newly diagnosed with tinnitus between 2001 and 2014 were recruited and followed up until 2018. The endpoint of interest was a diagnosis of uveitis. Results: A total of 31,034 tinnitus patients and 124,136 matched comparisons were analyzed. Tinnitus patients were found to have a significantly higher cumulative incidence for uveitis than those without the diagnosis of tinnitus with incidence rate of 1.68 (95% CI 1.55–1.82) per 10 000 person-months for tinnitus group and 1.48 (95% CI 1.42–1.54) per 10 000 person-months for non-tinnitus group. Conclusion: Tinnitus patients were found to have increased risk of developing uveitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study endeavors to formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing a Geological Knowledge Base (GKB) tailored to fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops within the North Tarim Basin. The acquisition of quantitative geological parameters was accomplished through diverse means such as outcrop observations, thin section studies, unmanned aerial vehicle scanning, and high-resolution cameras. Subsequently, a three-dimensional digital outcrop model was generated, and the parameters were standardized. An assessment of traditional geological knowledge was conducted to delineate the knowledge framework, content, and system of the GKB. The basic parameter knowledge was extracted using multiscale fine characterization techniques, including core statistics, field observations, and microscopic thin section analysis. Key mechanism knowledge was identified by integrating trace elements from filling, isotope geochemical tests, and water-rock simulation experiments. Significant representational knowledge was then extracted by employing various methods such as multiple linear regression, neural network technology, and discriminant classification. Subsequently, an analogy study was performed on the karst fracture-cavity system (KFCS) in both outcrop and underground reservoir settings. The results underscored several key findings: (1) Utilization of a diverse range of techniques, including outcrop observations, core statistics, unmanned aerial vehicle scanning, high-resolution cameras, thin section analysis, and electron scanning imaging, enabled the acquisition and standardization of data. This facilitated effective management and integration of geological parameter data from multiple sources and scales. (2) The GKB for fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops, encompassing basic parameter knowledge, key mechanism knowledge, and significant representational knowledge, provides robust data support and systematic geological insights for the intricate and in-depth examination of the genetic mechanisms of fracture-cavity reservoirs. (3) The developmental characteristics of fracturecavities in karst outcrops offer effective, efficient, and accurate guidance for fracture-cavity research in underground karst reservoirs. The outlined construction method of the outcrop geological knowledge base is applicable to various fracture-cavity reservoirs in different layers and regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based health promotion program targeting people with hypertension and high cholesterol. A pre-experimental study was conducted. A total of 60 residents were recruited to participate. Participants were assessed at baseline and at a 6 month follow up at a regional hospital in northern Taiwan. The questionnaires used for data collection consisted of an assessment of self-efficacy, self-care activities, health outcomes, and physical fitness. Several teaching resources were used, including a DVD, a self-care booklet, group support (exercise and counseling sessions), and telephone follow up. A significant decrease in waist circumference ( t = 2.20, P = 0.03) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level ( t = 4.71, P < 0.00) was found at follow up. Moreover, the level of physical fitness activity, and sit-ups specifically ( t = 3.10, P < 0.00), was increased. Participants also showed significant increases between baseline and 6 month follow up in their efficacy expectation score ( t = −5.81, P < 0.00), outcome expectation scores (t = −4.76, P < 0.00) and self-care behavior scores ( t = −2.78, P = 0.007). The community-based health promotion program is an effective means of helping people with hypertension and high cholesterol and should be instituted regularly and evaluated in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent decades, forest area in China increased rapidly by afforestation and reforestation, especially in its temperate parts. However, lack of information on carbon exchange in temperate plantations in China reduced the accuracy of estimation on regional carbon budget. In this study, CO2 flux was measured using the eddy covariance method over a broadleaf dominant mixed plantation in the lithoid hilly area of the North China. The results showed that annual maximum photosynthetic capacity (A max) varied from 0.81 to 1.22 mg CO2 m−2 s−1 and annual initial light use efficiency (α) from 0.014 to 0.026. Net CO2 uptake was depressed when vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was more than 2.5 kPa. Annual temperature sensitivity coefficient (Q 10) for ecosystem respiration, ranged from 1.84 to 2.35, was negatively correlated with base ecosystem respiration (R 0) (P < 0.05). Annual R 0 decreased but Q 10 increased evidently when winter drought occurred. From 2006 to 2010, annual net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE), Gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (R ec) were −355 ± 34, 1196 ± 21 and 841 ± 43 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively. The warm-temperate mixed plantation in the lithoid hilly area of the North China was a strong carbon sink of the atmosphere, which was usually weaken when spring drought happened. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Taipei Osteoarthritis Program (TOAP) for community elderly persons who suffer from knee OA. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted between January 2008 and December 2008. Two hundred and five community-dwelling individuals aged 67±10 years with knee OA were recruited from four districts in Taipei City and randomized. By a clustered randomization according to the districts, 114 participants were in the intervention group (IG) with a 4-week TOAP program and 91 participants were in the control group (CG) with routine care. The main outcome measures included health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and disability level, which were assessed by the Short Form-36 Taiwan Version (T-SF36) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index Taiwan Version (T-WOMAC), respectively, and were repeatedly measured at the baseline, post invention (4 weeks after baseline), and follow-up (8 weeks after baseline). Results: Subjects in the IG increased their changes of GH scores from baseline to post-intervention and follow-up, which were significantly more than those of subjects in the CG (p =0.011 and 0.005, respectively). Significant difference of changes was also found at follow-up for the mental component scale between the groups (p =0.013). There was no change in disability level. Conclusions: The arthritis self-management program improved the psychological outcomes among the participants, but it had no significant effect on a self-reported disability level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Temporal and spatial variations in the water status of walnut trees (Juglans regia L.) and the soil in which they were growing were traced by analyzing the differences in hydrogen isotopes during spring and summer in a 7-year-old walnut stand. Walnut root dynamics were measured in both dry and wet seasons. Walnut roots were mainly distributed in the upper soil (0–30 cm depth), with around 60% of the total root mass in upper soil layers and 40% in deep soil layers (30–80 cm depth). The upper soil layers contributed 68% of the total tree water requirement in the wet season, but only 47% in the dry season. In the wet season, total roots, living roots and new roots were all significantly more abundant than in the dry season. There were significant differences in pre-dawn branch percentage loss of hydraulic conductance (PLC), pre-dawn leaf water potential and transpiration between the dry and wet seasons. Water content in the upper soil layers remarkably influenced xylem water stable-hydrogen isotope (δD) values. Furthermore, there were linear relationships between the xylem water δD value and pre-dawn branch PLC, pre-dawn leaf water potential, transpiration rate and photosynthetic rate. In summary, J. regia was compelled to take a larger amount of water from the deep soil layers in the dry season, but this shift could not prevent water stress in the plant. The xylem water δD values could be used as an indicator to investigate the water stress of plants, besides probing profiles of soil water use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Motion information scalability is an important requirement for a fully scalable video codec, especially in low bit rate or small resolution decoding scenarios, for which the fully scalable motion model (SMM) has been proposed. SMM can collaborate flawlessly with other scalabilities, such as spatial, temporal and quality, in a scalable video codec. It performs better than the nonscalable motion model. To further improve the SMM, this correspondence extends the algorithm to support the hierarchical B frame structure and bidirectional or multidirectional motion estimation. Furthermore, the corresponding rate distortion optimized estimation for improved efficiency in several scenarios is discussed. Several simulation results based upon the updated framework are presented to verify the advantage of this extension. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The demands of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) residents are complex which usually require a range of professionals and caregivers to provide treatment and care. To reduce this fragmentation of care, integrated care models are developed in modern health care system, and a gradual change from traditional LTCF care to integrated care has occurred in many countries. Although integrated care is assumed to improve the quality of care, evidences supporting these effects are insufficient. We recruited 7 private LTCF (74 residents) in northern Taipei and randomized them into integrated care model (N =42, mean age=82.8±8.0 years, 54.8% males) and traditional model (N =32, 81.7±8.8 years, 43.8% males). Integrated care model group was provided an actively working interdisciplinary team in addition to traditional nursing and personal care in traditional model group. Physical function, nutritional status and several quality indicators (unplanned feeding tube replacement, unplanned urinary catheter replacement, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and so on) were compared with both groups. Overall, LTCF residents in the integrated care model group showed significant improvement in serum levels of albumin (3.78±0.32 vs. 3.60±0.45, p =0.004) and hemoglobin (12.62±1.58 vs. 12.03±1.24, p =0.004) during the study period. Among selected quality indicators, subjects in integrated care model group were similar to traditional model group except that integrated care model group had a significantly reduced unplanned feeding tube replacement rate. In conclusion, the clinical effectiveness of integrated care model among severly disabled LTCF residents is minimal and a further cost-effectiveness study is needed to promote optimal quality of care in this setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Motion scalability is designed to improve the coding efficiency of a scalable video coding framework, especially in the medium to low range of decoding bit rates and spatial resolutions. In order to fully benefit from the superiority of motion scalability, a rate-distortion optimized bitstream extractor, which determines the optimal motion quality layer for any specific decoding scenario, is required. In this paper, the determination process first starts off with a brute force searching algorithm. Although guaranteed by the optimal performance within the search domain, it suffers from high computational complexities. Two properties, i.e., the monotonically nondecreasing property and the unimodal property, are then derived to accurately describe the rate-distortion behavior of motion scalability. Based on these two properties, modified searching algorithms are proposed to reduce the complexity (up to five times faster) and to achieve the global optimality, even for those decoding scenarios outside the search domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of an electrostatically actuated user-reconfigurable elastomer microfluidic system intended for very large scale integration (VLSI) microfluidics. By adding thin film metal flexures into the PDMS polymer, individual elastomer channels were made to self-close without the use of pneumatics viathe application of 15–20 V, 5 MHz signals synthesized digitally by a microcontroller and a radio-frequency amplifier IC. These valves were arranged into hexagonal or quadricular arrays with 75% fill factor. During use, valves were selected to be permanently closed, permanently open or addressable; this allowed for the on-the-fly determination of channels, valves and pumps. We present characterization of flow and pressure data for valves and pumps and demonstrate various multi-component configurations of the system capable of pumping, mixing, splitting and circulating flow. The presented technology is compatible with standard PDMS microfluidics, has actuation voltages low enough to be driven by commercial CMOS IC's and can be used to displace aqueous, gaseous and lipid phases. The primary contribution of this technology is to provide a scalable non-pneumatic platform for the very large scale integration of microfluidic total analysis systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motion information scalability is an important requirement for a fully scalable video codec, especially for decoding scenarios of low bit rate or small image size. So far, several scalable coding techniques on motion information have been proposed, including progressive motion vector precision coding and motion vector field layered coding. However, it is still vague on the required functionalities of motion scalability and how it collaborates flawlessly With other scalabilities, such as spatial, temporal, and quality, in a scalable video codec. In this paper, we first define the functionalities required for motion scalability. Based on these requirements, a fully scalable motion model is proposed along with tailored encoding techniques to minimize the coding overhead of scalability. Moreover, the associated rate distortion optimized motion estimation algorithm will be provided to achieve better efficiency throughout various decoding scenarios. Simulation results will be presented to verify the superiorities of proposed scalable motion model over nonscalable ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, [MnCl2(C21H19N3)]0.5CH2Cl2 or [MnCl2-(Plep)]·0.5C2Cl2 {Plep is 2,6-bis[1-(phenylimino)ethyl]- pyridine, derived from the condensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine and aniline in methanol} is composed of two crystallographically independent [MnCl2(Plep)] neutral units and a CH2Cl2 solvent molecule. Both complex molecules have similar geometries in which the MnII atom is coordinated by the N atoms of pyridine and the two imine groups of a neutral Schiff base, and by two chloride anions in a distorted trigonal- bipyramidal geometry. The structure of each [MnCl2(Plep)] unit exhibits a pseudo-mirror plane through the metal atom, two chloride anions and the pyridine ring. The crystal packing is stabilized by intermolecular C—H⋯Cl and C—H⋯π and interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cites a study on lipid-like juvenile hormone (JH) in insects. Examination of the role of JH, the most versatile animal hormone, in genetics and endocrinology; Influence of JH on processes and traits in Drosophila development and life history; Analysis on the chemical structure of JH.

Abstract: Juvenile hormone (JH) is a key endocrine regulator of insect metamorphosis, reproduction, and aging. The synthesis of JH is regulated by neuropeptides and biogenic amines, but the molecular and cellular basis of this control remains largely unknown. Genetic analysis of JH synthesis in Drosophila melanogaster mutant for insulin signaling may provide new and powerful insights. Mutants of the insulin receptor (InR) are slow to develop, small, infertile, and long-lived. We previously reported that mutants of InR had reduced JH synthesis as young adults, and that normal longevity and vitellogenesis were restored by topical application of a JH analog [Science 292 (2001) 107]. Here, we describe the 10-day adult age course of JH synthesis from isolated corpus allatum (CA) of InR and of chico, the insulin receptor substrate homolog. JH synthesis increased in wildtype flies to a maximum of 30fmol/gland/h at day 10. In contrast, homozygous InR mutants produced no more than 3fmol/gland/h JH within the first 5 days, and only 7fmol/gland/h at day 10. InR mutation disproportionately reduced the synthesis of JH III-bisepoxide, the major JH subtype of the fly. Mutation of chico also reduces body size and extends longevity [Science 292 (2001) 104; Aging Cell 1 (2002a) 75]. Both homozygous and heterozygous chico genotypes reduced JH synthesis, but only to 47 and 67%, respectively, of wildtype and without influencing the ratio of JH subtypes. Because JH synthetic rate does not correlate with the size of CA, it is not likely that insulin signaling mediates JH by impeding endocrine tissue development. Alternatively, we find allatotropin-positive axons to be abundant in the adult brain and in the corpora cardiaca–corpus allatum complex but these neurons are less immunoreactive in the InR mutant genotype, suggesting that insulin signaling may affect JH synthesis through control of JH regulatory neuropeptides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new semi-empirical model associated with an improved single blow method for exploring the heat transfer behavior in porous channels is successfully developed. The heat transfer paths and mechanisms in such a complicated porous channel have systematically been investigated. From the present results, it is found that the conventional transient liquid crystal method cannot be applied to perform the heat transfer investigation in porous channels because of the following two factors: (1) the existence of a very large solid capacity of porous metallic foam in the channel, and (2) a significant heat transfer path existed in solid–wall interface. The assumptions of constant hb and hi for using the model of 1-D semi-infinite transient conduction in transient liquid crystal method are valid only for the cases with negligible hsw and (Cp)s values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of experimental investigations by using the transient liquid crystal method on the studies related to the convective heat transfer in rectangular channels with different wall material types have been successfully performed. The results show that the local and average Nusselt numbers on the test channel surface for wall material type (II) are higher than those for wall material type (I). The effect of the steady-state air preheating temperature on average Nusselt numbers is not significant, while the average Nusselt numbers increase with increasing Reynolds number in a power of 0.627. Furthermore, two empirical Nu correlations for channels with wall material type (I) and type (II) are respectively proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations of the insulin signal pathway in Drosophila melanogaster produce long-lived adults with many correlated phenotypes. Homozygotes of insulin-like receptor ( InR) and insulin-like receptor substrate ( chico) delay time to eclosion, reduce body size, decrease reproduction and increase life span. Because these mutations are expressed through all life stages it is unclear when insulin signals must be reduced to increase life span. As a first analysis of this problem in D. melanogaster we have manipulated the larval diet to determine if changes in metabolic regulation at this stage are sufficient to slow aging. We controlled the dietary yeast fed to third instar larvae and studied the size, mortality, fecundity and hormones of the resulting adults, which were fed a normal, yeast-replete diet. Adults from yeast-deprived larvae phenocopied many traits of InR and chico mutants: small body size, delayed eclosion, reduced ovariole number and reduced age-specific fecundity. But unlike constitutive mutants of the insulin/IGF system, adults from yeast-deprived larvae had normal patterns of demographic senescence, and this was accompanied by normal insulin-like peptide and juvenile hormone syntheses. Surprisingly, the normal aging in these adults was also associated with greatly reduced fecundity. Although nutritional conditions of the larvae can affect the subsequent body size and fecundity of adults, these are not sufficient to slow aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylenic sulfides are readily oxidized to acetylenic sulfoxides by a solution of pyridine, water, benzoic acid and trichloroisocyanuric acid in acetonitrile and methylene chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiols are readily oxidized to disulfides by a solution of pyridine, water, benzoic acid and trichloroisocyanuric acid in acetonitrile and methylene chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenols are readily oxidized to diselenides by a solution of pyridine, water, benzoic acid, and trichloroisocyanuric acid in acetonitrile and methylene chloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]