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Color-tunable CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors were prepared via a simple conventional solid-state reaction and their luminescent properties were investigated as a function of Dy3+ ion concentration under 258 and 353 nm excitations. A gradual enhancement in the emission intensity was observed with the increment of Dy3+ ion concentration, reaching its maximum value when x=0.05. The main reason for the concentration quenching of Dy3+ emission in CaWO4 host lattice is due to the electric dipole-dipole interaction. The cathodoluminescence spectra, which were measured at different accelerating voltages and filament currents, were in consistent with the photoluminescence spectrum excited at 258 nm. Additionally, the emission color of CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors can be suitably tuned from blue to green, and finally to yellow by the modulation of excitation wavelength and Dy3+ ion concentration. Ultimately, these color-tunable phosphors may have potential applications in the fields of miniature color displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na3V2O2(PO4)2F (marked as NVOPF) is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries owing to its high voltage and theoretical energy density, while the low electrical conductivity hinders its practical applications. Ion-doping could effectively improve electronic conductivity and structural stability of these materials. In this study, Mn-doping Na3V2-xMnxO2(PO4)2F (0≤x≤ 0.15) hollow microspheres were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method in the presence of H2O2. Among these obtained materials, NVMOPF-0.050 exhibits the best electrochemical performance with initial discharge capacity of 118 mAhg-1 and 61 mAhg-1 at 0.1 C and 2 C as cathode material for sodium ion batteries. Excellent performance can be attributed to the hollow spherical architecture, and good structural stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed clinical and tumor biological features and evaluated their association with positive surgical margins (PSMs) and positive apical margins (PAMs) variability after radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with non-metastasis prostate cancer (nmPCa) in our institute. Patients and methods: During the period from January 2013 to December 2017, clinical and pathological data were collected in 200 patients with nmPCa undergoing RP in the Urological department of Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute. Surgical and apical margins were stated negative and positive, separately. A dichotomous logistic regression model was used to assess clinical and tumor biological features including age, total prostate volume (TPV), biopsy positive cores (BPC), D’Amico risk grade, tumor clinical stage, International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade, tPSA, f/t and pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) invasion, and their association with PSMs and PAMs was evaluated. Results: Overall, men with nmPCa in this study had a high ISUP grade (58.5% grade 3–5), high risk grade (89.4%) and high clinical T stage (56% cT3-4). PSMs were detected in 106 patients; the rate of PSMs was 53%. Among patients with PSMs, 83% were PAMs; the overall rate of PAMs was 44%. Among patients with PSMs, high risk (OR, 1.439; p = 0.023), cT3a (OR, 1.737; p = 0.045), cT3b (OR, 5.286; p < 0.001), cT4 (OR, 6.12; p < 0.001), ISUP Grade 4 (OR, 2; p = 0.034) and Grade 5 (OR, 6.167; p < 0.001) and PLN invasion (OR, 6; p = 0.019) were strongly associated with PSMs using a dichotomous logistic regression univariable model, and high risk (OR, 6; p = 0.019), cT3a (OR, 5.116; p = 0.048), cT3b (OR, 9.194; p = 0.008), cT4 (OR, 4.58; p = 0.01), ISUP Grade 4 (OR, 7.04; p = 0.035), Grade 5 (OR, 16.514; p = 0.002) and PLN invasion (OR, 5.516; p = 0.03) were independently associated with PSMs by using multivariable analysis. Among patients with PAMs, cT3b (OR, 2.667; p = 0.004), cT4 (OR, 3; p = 0.034) and proportion of BPC (OR, 4.594; p = 0.027) were strongly associated with PAMs by using a dichotomous logistic regression univariable model, and cT3b (OR, 3.899; p = 0.02), cT4 (OR, 2.8; p = 0.041) and proportion of BPC (OR, 5.247; p = 0.04) were independently associated with PSMs by using multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Patients with nmPCa in our institute had high risk, high ISUP grade and high clinical stage. Tumor biological factors were strongly associated with PSMs and PAMs, and PLN invasion was independently associated with PSMs. The risk factors influenced the status of surgical margins, and apical margins were different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upconversion emissions of Er-doped and Er/Yb-codoped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 have been studied. Under 980 nm excitation, all samples exhibit strong green and red upconversion emissions, which can be seen by naked eyes. The Er/Yb-codoped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramic has stronger upconversion emission intensity than Er-doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramic. Additionally, the optical temperature sensing properties based on upconversion emissions of Er/Yb-codoped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramic were also investigated. The results demonstrate that the maximum sensitivity and temperature sensing resolution were 0.0031K-1 and 0.3K respectively, suggesting that the Er/Yb-codoped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 has potential application as optical temperature sensing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable studies exploring the relevance of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the prostate cancer noncoding RNA 1 (PRNCR1) gene with various cancer susceptibilities have obtained debatable results. This meta-analysis was performed to precisely assess this association. Relevant published studies were selected by retrieving studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and Chinese Wanfang databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the strength of PRNCR1 polymorphisms correlated with cancer susceptibility. A total of 12 articles, containing 40 independent case-control studies and seven SNPs (rs1016343, rs13252298, rs16901946, rs7007694, rs1456315, rs13254738 and rs7463708), were ultimately included in our meta-analysis. Summary results revealed a significant association with an increased overall risk of cancer for the rs1016343 C>T polymorphism (T vs C: OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.02-1.39; TT+CT vs CC: OR= 1.25, 95% CI=1.05-1.49) and rs16901946 A>G polymorphism (G vs A: OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.09-1.27; GG+AG vs AA: OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.09-1.32). Moreover, evidence of the rs13252298 A>G polymorphism correlation with decreased overall risk of cancer was observed (GG vs AG+AA: OR=0.78, 95% CI =0.67-0.92). Subgroup analyses by cancer type and ethnicity also revealed that the rs1016343 C>T polymorphism was linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer and Caucasians, respectively. The rs13252298 A>G polymorphism was correlated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. The rs16901946 A>G polymorphism was related to an increased risk of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer in Asians. Additionally, the rs13254738 A>C polymorphism was correlated with reduced cancer risk in Asians. No correlations were discovered with cancer risk in rs7007694 T>C, rs7463708 T>G, and rs1456315 A>G polymorphisms. In summary, our meta-analysis indicates that PRNCR1 rs1016343, rs16901946 and 13252298 polymorphisms are associated with cancer susceptibility. Further large-scale studies are required to certify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study, we confirmed that a novel immunosuppressive drug (LLDT8) can effectively alleviate the renal histopathological damage in diabetic nephropathy, delay renal fibrosis, and improve renal function without significant toxic effects. • In this study, we found that LLDT8 inhibits macrophage infiltration by down-regulating the secretion of renal tubular epithelial cell chemokines CCL2 and MCSF-1 in a high glucose environment. • In this study, we found that LLDT8 can effectively block the malignant interaction between renal tubular epithelial cells and macrophages, and indirectly inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, and there are no targeted treatment options at present. The efficacy of the new immunosuppressive drug (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT8) in improving kidney inflammation has been demonstrated in multiple studies. The present study was intended to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of LLDT8 on DN and to reveal its potential pharmacological mechanisms. The effects of LLDT8 on liver and kidney functions, and urine microprotein of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN mice were detected. The protective effect of LLDT8 on the kidney tissue was observed by pathological staining and transmission electron microscopy. Cell culture experiments were performed to detect the effects of LLDT8 on the expression of chemokines and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in high glucose-induced TCMK1 cells using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) techniques and to detect the influence of LLDT8 on the secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors in high glucose-induced RAW264.7 cells. In animal experiments, treatment with high-dose LLDT8 (0.25 mg/kg/2d) reduced 24 h urinary albumin excretion, improved structural kidney damage, and delayed fibrosis progression in DN mice. Immunofluorescence results showed that LLDT8 intervention reduced macrophage infiltration in kidney tissues of DN mice. PCR and WB results of kidney tissues showed reduced expressions of chemokines CCL2 and M-CSF1 in the LLDT8 intervention group compared to the DN group. In cellular assays, LLDT8 treatment reduced chemokine secretion in high glucose-induced TCMK1 cells, but had no effect on EMT of TCMK1 cells. LLDT8 treatment reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors in high glucose-induced RAW264.7 cells. The present study suggests that LLDT8 could effectively inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors by macrophages, which could alleviate high glucose-induced renal tissue injury and slow down the process of tissue fibrosis and DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and reliability of laser-activated polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) under the stress condition of drain voltage (V[sub d]) = 12V and gate voltage (V[sub g]) = 15 V have been investigated. In spite of reducing the source/drain resistivity by using laser activation method, the leakage current (V[sub g] < 0) is larger for laser-activated poly-Si TFTs in comparison with traditional furnace-activated counterparts. It is also found that the post-stress leakage and on/off current ratio degrade much faster for laser-activated poly-Si TFTs, while the degradation rates of threshold voltage and subthreshold swing are comparable to those of traditional furnace-activated TFTs. The laser activation modifies the grain structure between drain and channel region and causes grain discontinuity extending from the drain side to the channel region. The grain discontinuity near drain side in the polysilicon film has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The effective trap state density calculated from typical I-V curve has been compared for laser-activated and furnace-activated TFTs. As a result, an inferior reliability with extra trap state density and larger leakage current was observed in the laser-activated poly-Si TFTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The rice varieties with a low cadmium (Cd) content and a high yield were screened to provide reference for further experiments on moderate and high Cd-contaminated soils and local promotion. [Methods] Under the soil condition of a Cd content of 0.58mg/kg, differences in agronomic traits such as grain Cd content, yield, number of effective panicles, number of grains per panicle and I 000-grain weight of 26 different rice varieties such as Huang)iuazhau, Y Liangyou 9918 and T Von 109, were studied by pot experiment. [Results] Such six varieties as Xiangyou 109, Tianfengyou 316, C Liangyou 651, Y Liangyou 3218, Y Liangyou 9918 and T You 109 had a relatively higher yield and relatively lower Cd content, which was because tlial their traits including panicle length, number of effective panicles and I (HH)-grain weight were superior to other varieties. 'Hie correlation analysis between plant Cd content and yield showed tlial there was a negative correlation between Cd content and yield in rice. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for cultivating suitable varieties in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum) is a destructive pathogenic fungus that causes head blight or scab in wheat, barley and other cereals. To repress pathogen invasion, plants have evolved a sophisticated innate immunity system for pathogen recognition and defense activation. In plant immunity signaling pathways, a lot of small RNAs (sRNAs) have been proved in regulating plant immune response and plant-microbial interaction. In this study, we report that a wheat microRNA (miR1023) can suppress the invasion of F. graminearum by targeting and silencing FGSG_03101 which codes an alpha/beta hydrolase gene in F. graminearum. Transcriptional level evidence indicates that Tae-miR1023 can target FGSG_03101 mRNA and trigger silencing of FGSG_03101 in vivo, and translation level proof shows that Tae-miR1023 can suppress the accumulation of alpha/beta Hydrolase coding by FGSG_03101 in vitro. F. graminearum PH-1 FGSG_03101 mutant strain displays a weakening ability to invasion and PH-1 Argonaute like gene mutant strains with transferred artificial Tae-miR1023 show enhancing relative transcript level of FGSG_03101, compared with PH-1 wild-type strain. Taken together, our results suggest that wheat miR1023 can target and silence fungal FGSG_03101 to suppress invasion of F. graminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a globally transported pollutant, mercury (Hg) released from human activity and methylmercury (MeHg) in the food web are global concerns due to their increasing presence in the environment. In this study, we found that Hg released from municipal sewage into the environment in China is a substantial anthropogenic source based on mass sampling throughout China. In total, 160 Mg (140-190 Mg, from the 20th percentile to the 80th percentile) of Hg (THg) and 280 kg (240-330 kg) of MeHg were released from municipal sewage in China in 2015. The quantities of released THg and MeHg were the most concentrated in the coastal regions, especially in the East, North and South China regions. However, the per capita release of THg and MeHg was the highest in the Tibetan region, which is recognized as the cleanest region in China. THg released into aquatic environments was mitigated from 2001 to 2015 in China, but the amounts released into other sinks increased. This study provides the first picture of the release of Hg from municipal sewage into various sinks in China, and policy makers should pay more attention to the diversity and complexity of the sources and transport of Hg, which can lead to Hg accumulation in the food web and can threaten human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most commonly used alkylating agent in glioma chemotherapy. However, growing resistance to TMZ remains a major challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence emphasizes the key regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs and miRNAs) in tumor biology, including the chemoresistance of cancers. However, little is known about the role and regulation mechanisms of lncRNA cancer X-inactive specific transcripts (XIST) in glioma tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance. In the present study, higher XIST expression was observed in glioma tissues and cell lines, which was related to poorer clinicopathologic features and shorter survival time. XIST knockdown alone was sufficient to inhibit glioma cell proliferation and to amplify TMZ-induced cell proliferation inhibition. Moreover, XIST knockdown can sensitize TMZ-resistant glioma cells to TMZ. XIST can inhibit miR-29c expression by directly targetting TMZ-resistant glioma cells. DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA methytransferase (MGMT) plays a key role in TMZ resistance; transcription factor specificity protein 1 (SP1), a regulator of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) key protein MSH6, has been reported to be up-regulated in TMZ-resistant glioma cell lines. In the present study, we show that XIST/miR-29c coregulates SP1 and MGMT expression in TMZ-resistant glioma cell lines. Our data suggest that XIST can amplify the chemoresistance of glioma cell lines to TMZ through directly targetting miR-29c via SP1 and MGMT. XIST/miR-29c may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonic cyclic motor patterns (CMPs) have been hypothesized to act as a brake to limit rectal filling. However, the spatiotemporal profile of CMPs, including anatomic origins and distributions, remains unclear. This study characterized colonic CMPs using high-resolution (HR) manometry (72 sensors, 1-cm resolution) and their relationship with proximal antegrade propagating events. Nine healthy volunteers were recruited. Recordings were performed over 4 h, with a 700-kcal meal given after 2 h. Propagating events were visually identified and analyzed by pattern, origin, amplitude, extent of propagation, velocity, and duration. Manometric data were normalized using anatomic landmarks identified on abdominal radiographs. These were mapped over a three-dimensional anatomic model. CMPs comprised a majority of detected propagating events. Most occurred postprandially and were retrograde propagating events (84.9 ± 26.0 retrograde vs. 14.3 ± 11.8 antegrade events/2 h, P = 0.004). The dominant sites of initiation for retrograde CMPs were in the rectosigmoid region, with patterns proximally propagating by a mean distance of 12.4 ± 0.3 cm. There were significant differences in the characteristics of CMPs depending on the direction of travel and site of initiation. Association analysis showed that proximal antegrade propagating events occurred independently of CMPs. This study accurately characterized CMPs with anatomic correlation. CMPs were unlikely to be triggered by proximal antegrade propagating events in our study context. However, the distal origin and prominence of retrograde CMPs could still act as a mechanism to limit rectal filling and support the theory of a "rectosigmoid brake". NEW & NOTEWORTHY Retrograde cyclic motor patterns (CMPs) are the dominant motor patterns in a healthy prepared human colon. The major sites of initiation are in the rectosigmoid region, with retrograde propagation, supporting the idea of a "rectosigmoid brake." A significant increase in the number of CMPs is seen after a meal. In our study context, the majority of CMPs occurred independent of proximal propagating events, suggesting that CMPs are primarily controlled by external innervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specific and reliable HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of protocatechuic acid (PCA), scopolin, (-)-pinoresinol-4,40-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PDG), acanthoside D, acanthoside B and hyperin in rat plasma for the first time. The analytes were separated on a C18 column (50 x 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) and a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source was used for detection. The rat plasma sample was prepared using the protein precipitation procedure. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 1.2-1200.0 ng/mL for PCA, 0.96-960.0 ng/mL for scopolin, 1.12-1120.0 ng/mL for PDG, 1.32-1320.0 ng/mL for acanthoside D, 0.99-990.0 ng/mL for acanthoside B and 1.01-1010.0 ng/mL for hyperin. The intra-day and inter-day precision was less than 11.4% and the relative error (RE) was all within ±15%. The validated method was successfully applied to assess the pharmacokinetics characteristics after the extracts of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits were orally administered to the Sprague-Dawley rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a crucial environmental problem, especially the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which has become one of the focal points. PM2.5 is a complex pollutant which can intrude the lungs and threaten people's health during the whole lives. In order to enable people to know the PM2.5 index of their surroundings at any time, an image‐based PM2.5 predictor with saliency detection (IPPS) is proposed. The proposed predictor first obtains the non‐salient regions based on saliency detection technologies. Then, the authors extract two features of the entropy and intensity values of non‐salient image saturation map. Finally, they multiply these two features into the approximation of PM2.5 concentration. Experiments show that the proposed IPPS is superior in accuracy and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric slow wave dysrhythmias are associated with motility disorders. Periods of tachygastria associated with slow wave re-entry were recently recognized as one important dysrhythmia mechanism, but factors promoting and sustaining gastric re-entry are currently unknown. This study reports two experimental forms of gastric re-entry and presents a series of multi-scale models that define criteria for slow wave re-entry initiation, maintenance and termination. High-resolution electrical mapping was conducted in porcine and canine models and two spatiotemporal patterns of re-entrant activities were captured: single-loop rotor and double-loop figure-of-eight. Two separate multi-scale mathematical models were developed to reproduce the velocity and entrainment frequency of these experimental recordings. A single-pulse stimulus was used to invoke a rotor re-entry in the porcine model and a figure-of-eight re-entry in the canine model. In both cases, the simulated re-entrant activities were found to be perpetuated by tachygastria that was accompanied by a reduction in the propagation velocity in the re-entrant pathways. The simulated re-entrant activities were terminated by a single-pulse stimulus targeted at the tip of re-entrant wave, after which normal antegrade propagation was restored by the underlying intrinsic frequency gradient. Main findings: (i) the stability of re-entry is regulated by stimulus timing, intrinsic frequency gradient and conductivity; (ii) tachygastria due to re-entry increases the frequency gradient while showing decreased propagation velocity; (iii) re-entry may be effectively terminated by a targeted stimulus at the core, allowing the intrinsic slow wave conduction system to re-establish itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of magnesium (Mg) is quite common in citrus trees and often results in leaf chlorosis. In this study, five-leaf-old trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were grown in sands and inoculated with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Funneliformis mosseae. After 8 days of transplanting, the seedlings were subjected to Mg-deficient (0.2 mM Mg2+) and Mg-sufficient (2 mM Mg2+) treatments for 92 days. Growth performance, chlorophyll concentration, soluble protein concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined. The results showed that root AMF colonization was significantly higher under Mg-deficiency than under Mg-sufficiency. AMF inoculation significantly increased leaf, stem, root, and total (leaf+ stem+root) biomass production and third-order lateral root number than non-AMF treatment under Mg-deficient and Mg-sufficient conditions. Compared with Mg-sufficiency, Mg-deficiency considerably reduced chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a+b concentration, whereas AMF inoculation significantly increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll a+b concentration, representing the alleviation of leaf chlorosis by mycorrhization. The AMF seedlings presented significantly higher concentration of soluble protein concentration in leaf and root and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in root than the non-AMF seedlings exposed to Mgdeficient and Mg-sufficient, respectively. It concludes that AMF inoculation had positive effects on growth performance and physiological activities of trifoliate orange under Mg deficient condition, thus, possibly enhancing tolerance to Mg deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial orchids worldwide are frequently infected with Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV). To date, no studies have described non-coding small RNA (sRNA) responses in the CymMV long-term-infected orchids. In this study, sRNA profiles of microRNAs (miRNA) and small virus-derived interfering RNAs (siRNA) in symptomless, long-term CymMV-infected Dendrobium and severe symptom, long-term CymMV-infected Ascocenda were identified in four sRNA libraries of virus-free and CymMV-infected orchids by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The miRNA analysis revealed that the infected orchids had unique sRNA profiles that differed in size distribution, specially the presence of 21 nt sequences in severe symptom Ascocenda. Gel blot analysis showed a change in the miR528 expression which was at high level in virus free Ascocenda, on the other hand, only detected at low level in severe symptom Ascocenda. This expression alteration was also detected with the miR156 expression level in Dendrobium. Moreover, the characterization in polarity of CymMV-derived siRNAs in both infected orchids demonstrated that antisense polarity siRNAs accumulated in severe symptom Ascocenda, and the symptomless Dendrobium contained more sense polarity siRNAs. Here, we showed that miRNA expression was altered after long-term CymMV infection. Furthermore, a different pattern of siRNAs was observed between two orchid genera infected with the same virus and depended on the symptom severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbulent flow field on hydrophobic surface is measured in the gravitational low-speed water tunnel using hot-film anemometer. The mean velocity profile shows that hydrophobic surface has an apparent influence on the distribution of the turbulent boundary layer in the near-wall region ( y + < 80). The turbulence intensity and friction on hydrophobic surface are also decreased. In this study, drag reduction rate up to 14.2%, and slip length up to 18.290 μm are obtained. In view of the importance of the bursting events to the production of turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress, the energy distributions of flow data at y + = 20 (right in the buffer layer) are analyzed based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT), and the relation between the maximum value of energy and the bursting events is established. By proposing a new detecting method, phase averaged waveform of ejections and sweeps of the bursting events are extracted and analyzed. The results demonstrate that the intensity of the bursting events is decreased and the time scale is extended. Therefore, we concluded that hydrophobic surface decreases the turbulent fluctuations, by weakening the bursting events, and so decreases the Reynolds stress and wall friction in boundary layer, and finally results in macroscopic drag reduction in turbulence. At last, the prospect of hydrophobic drag reducing technology is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are effective ways to treat end-stage renal disease (ERSD). This study aimed to investigate the differences in survival and the factors that influence it in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with HD or PD. We retrospectively analyzed factors related to all-cause death with renal replacement therapy and compared the long-term mortality between HD and PD strategies in patients with ESRD who started HD or PD treatment in our renal HD center between January 1, 2008, and December 1, 2021. Overall, 1,319 patients were included, comprising 690 and 629 patients in the HD and PD groups, respectively, according to the inclusion criteria. After propensity matching, 922 patients remained, with 461 (50%) patients each in the two groups. There were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year mortality rates between the HD and PD groups (all p >.05). However, the 5- and 10-year mortality rates of the matched patients were 15.8%. 17.6% in the HD group and 21.0%. 27.3% in the PD group, respectively. The 5- and 10-year mortality rates were significantly lower in the HD group (all p <.05) as compared to the PD group. After matching, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis with log-rank test was performed, which showed a significant difference in the survival rates between the two groups (p =.001). Logistic multifactor regression analysis revealed that age, weight, hypertension, serum creatinine, and combined neoplasms influenced the survival rate of patients with ESRD (p <.05). In contrast, age, hypertension, parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum creatinine, and peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) influenced the survival rate of patients in the HD group (p <.05), and age and weight influenced the survival rate of patients in the PD group (p <.05). This study found that long-term mortality rates were higher in the PD group than that in the HD group, indicating that HD may be superior to PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we experimentally and numerically investigate the field enhancement and light absorption enhancement in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin-film by embedding silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Experimental results show that light absorption of --100 nm thick P3HT thin-film is enhanced by embedding Ag NPs of diameter 20 ~ 50 nm in the film. Numerical simulations show that by embedding coupled silver nanospheres (Ag NSs) of diameter 20-40 nm into P3HT, the region of field enhancement can be extended about 100 nm towards the incident light source, due to the interference between the incident field and the scattered field of the coupled Ag NSs. The long-distance field enhancement effect of large-sized Ag NPs can be used to improve the efficiency of organic thin-film solar cell devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiviral immunity controlled by RNA interference (RNAi) in plants and animals is thought to specifically target only viral RNAs by the virus-derived small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Here we show that activation of antiviral RNAi in Arabidopsis plants is accompanied by the production of an abundant class of endogenous siRNAs mapped to the exon regions of more than 1,000 host genes and rRNA. These virus-activated siRNAs (vasiRNAs) are predominantly 21 nucleotides long with an approximately equal ratio of sense and antisense strands. Genetically, vasiRNAs are distinct from the known plant endogenous siRNAs characterized to date and instead resemble viral siRNAs by requiring Dicer-like 4 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1 (RDR1) for biogenesis. However, loss of EXORIBONUCLEASE4/ THYLENE-INSENSITIVE5 enhances vasiRNA biogenesis and virus resistance without altering the biogenesis of viral siRNAs. We show that vasiRNAs are active in directing widespread silencing of the target host genes and that Argonaute-2 binds to and is essential for the silencing activity of vasiRNAs. Production of vasiRNAs is readily detectable in Arabidopsis after infection by viruses from two distinct supergroups of plant RNA virus families and is targeted for inhibition by the silencing suppressor protein 2b of Cucumber mosaic virus. These findings reveal RDR1 production of Arabidopsis endogenous siRNAs and identify production of vasiRNAs to direct widespread silencing of host genes as a conserved response of plants to infection by diverse viruses. A possible function for vasiRNAs to confer broad-spectrum antiviral activity distinct to the virus-specific antiviral RNAi by viral siRNAs is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four three-dimensional highly connected coordination polymers, [Zn4(μ4-O)(L)2(btbp)1.5] (1), [Zn8(μ3-OH)4(L)4(btb)(H2O)2] (2), [Cd8(μ3-OH)4(L)4(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)4]·H2O (3) and [Cd5(L)2(ipt)4(H2O)2]·6H2O (4), where H3L = (3,5-dicarboxyl-phenyl)-(4-(2'-carboxyl-phenyl)-benzyl) ether, btbp = 4,4'-bis(1,2,4- triazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl, btb = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane, 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine and Hipt = 5-(4-imidazol-1-yl-phenyl)-2H-tetrazole, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In complex 1, 9-connected tetranuclear [Zn4(μ4-O)(COO)6] clusters are bridged by L anions and btbp ligands to form a (3,3,9)-connected network. Complexes 2 and 3 possess (3,3,14)-connected nets based upon octanuclear [Zn8(μ3-OH)4(COO)12] and [Cd8(μ3-OH)4(COO)12(H2O)4] clusters, respectively. Complex 4 reveals a tetranodal (3,4,8)-connected network based on trinuclear [Cd3(COO)2(H2O)2] units. Additionally, the fluorescence properties of complexes 1-4 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical temperature sensing properties based on upconversion emission of Er-doped 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 ferroelectric ceramics are reported. The fluorescence intensity ratio of green upconversion emissions at 525 and 550 nm in the temperature range of 200-443K was investigated. The maximum sensing sensitivity and temperature resolution were found to be 0.0044K-1 and 0.4 K, respectively, suggesting that the Er-doped 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3- 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 ferroelectric ceramic possesses potential application in optical temperature sensing. Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties were also investigated. These results reveal that the Er-doped 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 ferroelectric ceramic is a promising multifunctional sensing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing ageing population, productive ageing in China must evolve with the new social and historical context. This paper summarizes the development of the concept of productive ageing in Chinese history and its components. By referring to other related concepts such as social participation among older adults and active ageing, it supplements the conceptual framework of productive ageing and makes it more complete. This paper proposes that the conceptual framework of productive ageing includes not only the social and political participation of older adults but also their contributions within families. It asserts that older adults are the most important part of productive ageing, as both the agents and the beneficiaries, in achieving the ultimate goal of harmonious development of individual and social values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of smart grid, flexible and interactive electricity market will finally emerge. Making full use of price can encourage consumers to use electricity during a low load period and reduce peak load, thus to guarantee electricity market stability. Impulse control is applied to price system in this paper. It is found that giving impulse control to price system can make the system reach stable state well, which is based on the theory of impulsive differential system. The sufficient condition for stable system and the max upper bound of impulse interval are also provided. The proposed method is proved to be feasible and effective by theoretically analysis and numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China' population has been ageing rapidly since the 1980s, with 178 million older persons (60 years or over) in 2010 and 45 million expected by 2050. The sheer size of the ageing population means that there is an urgent need to tackle ageing issues and improve social policies in order to achieve intergenerational solidarity, sustainable development and a harmonious society. This paper will summarise the issues and debates in the past decade on social exclusion and discuss the progress of policies and practices with respect to social inclusion. The focus of discussion will be on (a) ways to improve the social security system so as to achieve a better balance of formal and informal supports, (b) development of community services for meeting the needs of older people living alone or having special needs in daily living, and (c) new initiatives for balancing formal support and filial piety, taking into account the younger generation's expectation that in order to maintain the important role of filial piety in modern China, the ability to fulfil filial obligations must be supported by the development of formal support beyond the family. In addition, some emerging issues and challenges will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1), a cytoskeletal associated protein, has been indicated in certain types of human cancers, but its role in kidney cancer remains unknown. We have investigated the expression of MTSS1 in normal and malignant human kidney tissues and its molecular interaction within kidney cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The expression of MTSS1 in human kidney tissues and kidney cancer cell lines was assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Full-length MTSS1 cDNA expression vector was used to generate MTSS1 over-expressing cells. Effect ot MTSS1 over-expression on cellular functions, was examined in kidney cancer cells of MTSS1 being over-expressed using a variety of in vitro assays. Involvement of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway was tested by using Shh small inhibitors. Results: Epithelial cells at proximal tubules of kidney tissues were stained positively for MTSS1, while the staining was weak or absent from cells at corpuscles and cancer cells of tumour tissues. Similarly, in kidney cancer cell lines, CAKI-2 and UMRC-2, expressed very low level of MTSS1. Over-expression of MTSS1 reduced the growth, invasion, adhesion and migration of kidney cell lines in vitro. Shh inhibitors diminished the inhibitory effect of MTSS1 on cell migration. Conclusion: MTSS1 expression is reduced in human kidney cancer cells. MTSS1 levels are inversely correlated with the growth, invasion, adhesion and migration of kidney cancer cells in vitro. MTSS1 suppresses migration of kidney cancer cells via SHH pathway, and is a putative tumour suppressor of kidney cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene duplication has long been acknowledged by biologists as a major evolutionary force shaping genomic architectures and characteristics across the Tree of Life. Major research has been conducting on elucidating the fate of duplicated genes in a variety of organisms, as well as factors that affect a gene's duplicability--that is, the tendency of certain genes to retain more duplicates than others. In particular, two studies have looked at the correlation between gene duplicability and its degree in a protein-protein interaction network in yeast, mouse, and human, and another has looked at the correlation between gene duplicability and its complexity (length, number of domains, etc.) in yeast. In this paper, we extend these studies to six species, and two trends emerge. There is an increase in the duplicability-connectivity correlation that agrees with the increase in the genome size as well as the phylogenetic relationship of the species. Further, the duplicability-complexity correlation seems to be constant across the species. We argue that the observed correlations can be explained by neutral evolutionary forces acting on the genomic regions containing the genes. For the duplicability-connectivity correlation, we show through simulations that an increasing trend can be obtained by adjusting parameters to approximate genomic characteristics of the respective species. Our results call for more research into factors, adaptive and non-adaptive alike, that determine a gene's duplicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Zn2(L1)2(biim-4)(H2O)] (1), [Cd(HL1)2(biim-4)] (2), [Cd(HL2)2(biim-4)] (3), [Cd(HL3)2(biim-4)] (4), [Zn2(L4)2(biim-4)(H2O)] (5), [Cd(HL4)2(biim-4)] (6), [Zn2(L5)2(biim-4)(H2O)] (7), [Cd(HL5)2(biim-4)1.5]·H2O (8), [Zn2(L6)2(biim-4)(H2O)] (9), [Cd(HL6)2(biim-4)] (10), [Zn2(L7)2(biim-4)2]·H2O (11), [Cd2(L7)2(biim-4)2(H2O)]·H2O (12), and [Zn(HL8)(biim-4)]·0.5H2O (13), where H2L1 = salicylic acid, H2L2 = 3-methylsalicylic acid, H2L3 = 4-methylsalicylic acid, H2L4 = 4-chlorosalicylic acid, H2L5 = 5-chlorosalicylic acid, H2L6 = 5-bromosalicylic acid, H2L7 = 5-nitrosalicylic acid, H3L8 = 5-sulfosalicylic acid, and biim-4 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1and 5are isomorphous, and show the same 3-connected 103-thsnet. Compound 2possesses a meso-helical chain structure. Compound 3shows a zero-dimensional (0D) dimeric molecular structure, which is linked by π–π interactions into a two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular assembly. Compounds 4and 6exhibit similar one-dimensional (1D) chains, which are extended into different 2D supramolecular layers via C–H···O and C–H···Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions, respectively. Compound 9is isomorphous with 7and displays a typical 3D diamond framework. Compound 8shows an unusual 2D → 3D polythreading array. Compound 10furnishes a 2D supramolecular (44)-sqlnetwork formed by C–H···Br hydrogen-bonding interactions. Compounds 11and 12exhibit binodal (4,4)-connected 3D frameworks with (4.53.72)(4.52.83) and (42.62.82)(42.6.82.10) topologies, respectively. Compound 13has a 3D 4-fold interpenetrating diamond framework. The TGA and luminescent properties of 1–13have also been investigated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA silencing, mediated by small RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), is a potent antiviral or antibacterial mechanism, besides regulating normal cellular gene expression critical for development and physiology. To gain insights into host small RNA metabolism under infections by different viruses, we used Solexa/Illumina deep sequencing to characterize the small RNA profiles of rice plants infected by two distinct viruses, Rice dwarf virus (RDV, dsRNA virus) and Rice stripe virus (RSV, a negative sense and ambisense RNA virus), respectively, as compared with those from non-infected plants. Our analyses showed that RSV infection enhanced the accumulation of some rice miRNA*s, but not their corresponding miRNAs, as well as accumulation of phased siRNAs from a particular precursor. Furthermore, RSV infection also induced the expression of novel miRNAs in a phased pattern from several conserved miRNA precursors. In comparison, no such changes in host small RNA expression was observed in RDV-infected rice plants. Significantly RSV infection elevated the expression levels of selective OsDCLs and OsAGOs, whereas RDV infection only affected the expression of certain OsRDRs. Our results provide a comparative analysis, via deep sequencing, of changes in the small RNA profiles and in the genes of RNA silencing machinery induced by different viruses in a natural and economically important crop host plant. They uncover new mechanisms and complexity of virus-host interactions that may have important implications for further studies on the evolution of cellular small RNA biogenesis that impact pathogen infection, pathogenesis, as well as organismal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Previous studies have shown that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is overexpressed in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and closely associated with the invasiveness of ESCC cells. Recently, NGAL receptor (NGALR) was identified from ESCC cells, and was also found to be increased in ESCC. The purpose of this study was to reveal the clinical significance of NGAL and/or NGALR in ESCC. METHODS: Tissue microarray was performed to detect expression of NGAL and NGALR in 222 ESCC specimens. Pearson χ2test was used to analyse correlations between NGAL and/or NGALR expression and clinicopathological features. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the effect of NGAL and/or NGALR expression on prognosis of patients with ESCC. RESULTS: NGAL and NGALR were highly expressed in ESCC. χ2test results showed no significant correlations between NGAL or NGALR expression and clinicopathological features. However, NGAL/NGALR coexpression correlated with histological differentiation grade (p=0.033). Survival analysis showed that positive expression of NGAL or NGALR was significantly associated with a poor prognosis for patients with ESCC (p=0.000 or p=0.002). Patients with positive expression of both NGAL and NGALR had a shorter survival time than those with negative expression of both (p=0.048). Multivariate analysis showed that both NGAL and NGALR were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that both NGAL and NGALR may be involved in the progression of ESCC and can be considered as independent prognostic factors of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow waves coordinate gastric motility, and abnormal slow-wave activity is thought to contribute to motility disorders. The current understanding of normal human gastric slow-wave activity is based on extrapolation from data derived from sparse electrode recordings and is therefore potentially incomplete. This study employed high-resolution (HR) mapping to reevaluate human gastric slow-wave activity. HR mapping was performed in 12 patients with normal stomachs undergoing upper abdominal surgery, using flexible printed circuit board (PCB) arrays (interelectrode distance 7.6 mm). Up to six PCBs (192 electrodes; 93 cm²) were used simultaneously. Slow-wave activity was characterized by spatiotemporal mapping, and regional frequencies, amplitudes, and velocities were defined and compared. Slow-wave activity in the pacemaker region (mid to upper corpus, greater curvature) was of greater amplitude (mean 0.57 mV) and higher velocity (8.0 mm/s) than the corpus (0.25 mV, 3.0 mm/s) (P < 0.001) and displayed isotropic propagation. A marked transition to higher amplitude and velocity activity occurred in the antrum (0.52 mV, 5.9 mm/s) (P < 0.001). Multiple (3-4) wavefronts were found to propagate simultaneously in the organoaxial direction. Frequencies were consistent between regions (2.83 ± 0.35 cycles per min). HR mapping has provided a more complete understanding of normal human gastric slow-wave activity. The pacemaker region is associated with highamplitude, high-velocity activity, and multiple wavefronts propagate simultaneously. These data provide a baseline for future HR mapping studies in disease states and will inform noninvasive diagnostic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric pacing has been investigated as a potential treatment for gastroparesis. New pacing protocols are required to improve symptom and motility outcomes; however, research progress has been constrained by a limited understanding of the effects of electrical stimulation on slow-wave activity. This study introduces highresolution (HR) "entrainment mapping" for the analysis of gastric pacing and presents four demonstrations. Gastric pacing was initiated in a porcine model (typical amplitude 4 mA, pulse width 400 ms, period 17 s). Entrainment mapping was performed using flexible multielectrode arrays (⩽192 electrodes; 92 cm²) and was analyzed using novel software methods. In the first demonstration, entrainment onset was quantified over successive waves in spatiotemporal detail. In the second demonstration, slow-wave velocity was accurately determined with HR field analysis, and paced propagation was found to be anisotropic (longitudinal 2.6 ± 1.7 vs. circumferential 4.5 ± 0.6 mmls; P < 0.001). In the third demonstration, a dysrhythmic episode that occurred during pacing was mapped in HR, revealing an ectopic slow-wave focus and uncoupled propagations. In the fourth demonstration, differences were observed between paced and native slow-wave amplitudes (0.24 ± 0.08 vs. 0.38 ± 0.14 mV; P < 0.001), velocities (6.2 ± 2.8 vs. 11.5 ± 4.7 mm/s; P < 0.001), and activated areas (20.6 ± 1.9 vs. 32.8 ± 2.6 cm2 P < 0.001). Entrainment mapping enables an accurate quantification of the effects of gastric pacing on slow-wave activity, offering an improved method to assess whether pacing protocols are likely to achieve physiologically and clinically useful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric pacing is used to modulate normal or abnormal gastric slow-wave activity for therapeutic purposes. New protocols are required that are optimized for motility outcomes and energy efficiency. A computational tissue model was developed, incorporating smooth muscle and interstitial cell of Cajal layers, to enable predictive simulations of slow-wave entrainment efficacy under different pacing frequencies. Concurrent experimental validation was performed via high-resolution entrainment mapping in a porcine model (bipolar pacing protocol: 2 mA amplitude; 400 ms pulsewidth; 17-s period; midcorpus). Entrained gastric slow-wave activity was found to be anisotropic (circular direction: 8.51 mm·s-1; longitudinal: 4.58 mm·s-1), and the simulation velocities were specified accordingly. Simulated and experimental slow-wave activities demonstrated satisfactory agreement, showing similar propagation patterns and frequencies (3.5-3.6 cycles per minute), and comparable zones of entrainment (ZOEs; 64 cm²). The area of ZOE achieved was found to depend on the phase interactions between the native and entrained activities. This model allows the predictions of phase interactions between native and entrained activities, and will be useful for determining optimal frequencies for gastric pacing, including multichannel pacing studies. The model provides a framework for the development of more sophisticated predictive gastric pacing simulations in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper to describe the research work on the long-term preservation of Chinese digital information funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) since 2001. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides an overview, in text and figures, of ways in which e-documents originating in China, in now obsolete formats, can be made readable again. Also, results of a recent survey of electronic records management in government and corporations are given. Findings - The lifecycle management gap with respect to electronic records is highlighted and the main factors that restrict the Chinese anti-disaster data backup plan are analysed. It is suggested that the data backup centre which can be accepted by small medium enterprises should be the e-government disaster recovery centre for local government. Originality/value - All the research results are useful for those who need to understand the long-term preservation of Chinese digital information and electronic records management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhythmic electrical events, termed slow waves, govern the timing and amplitude of phasic contractions of the gastric musculature. Extracellular multielectrode measurement of gastric slow waves can be a biomarker for phenotypes of motility dysfunction. However, a gastric slow-wave conduction pathway for the rat, a common animal model, is unestablished. In this study, the validity of extracellular recording was demonstrated in vitro with simultaneous intracellular and extracellular recordings and by pharmacological inhibition of slow waves. The conduction pathway was determined by in vivo extracellular recordings while considering the effect of motion. Slow-wave characteristics [means (SD)] varied regionally having higher amplitude in the antrum than the distal corpus [1.03 (0.12) mV vs. 0.75 (0.31) mV; n ¼ 7; P ¼ 0.025 paired t test] and faster propagation near the greater curvature than the lesser curvature [1.00 (0.14) mm·s-1 vs. 0.74 (0.14) mm·s-1 ; n ¼ 9 GC, 7 LC; P ¼ 0.003 unpaired t test]. Notably, in some subjects, separate wavefronts propagated near the lesser and greater curvatures with a loosely coupled region occurring in the area near the distal corpus midline at the interface of the two wavefronts. This region had either the greater or lesser curvature wavefront propagating through it in a time-varying manner. The conduction pattern suggests that slow waves in the rat stomach form annular wavefronts in the antrum and not the corpus. This study has implications for interpretation of the relationship between slow waves, the interstitial cells of Cajal network structure, smooth muscles, and gastric motility. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mapping of rat gastric slow waves showed regional variations in their organization. In some subjects, separate wavefronts propagated near the lesser and greater curvatures with a loosely coupled region near the midline, between the wavefronts, having a varying slow-wave origin. Furthermore, simultaneous intracellular and extracellular recordings were concordant and independent of movement artifacts, indicating that extracellular recordings can be interpreted in terms of their intracellular counterparts when intracellular recording is not possible [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel TiO2 supported core–shell (Pd@Ag) bimetallic catalyst was fabricated via the sequential photodeposition method. The Ag shell effectively blocks the high coordination sites on the Pd core, and therefore pronouncedly enhances the ethylene selectivity for the catalytic hydrogenation of acetylene in excess ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor with self-aligned SiGe raised source/ drain (SiGe-RSD TFT). The SiGe-RSD regions were grown selectively by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition at 550 °C. It was observed that, with SiH[sub 4] and GeH[sub 4] gas flow rates of 5 and 2 sccm, respectively, the poly-SiGe could be selectively grown up to 100 nm for source/drain regions. The resultant transistor structure features an ultrathin active channel region (20 nm) and a self-aligned thick source/drain region (120 nm), which is ideally suited for optimum performance. The significant improvements in electrical characteristics, such as higher turn-on current, lower leakage current, and higher drain breakdown voltage have been observed in the SiGe-RSD TFT, compared to the conventional TFT counterpart. These results indicate that TFTs with SiGe raised source/drain structure would be highly promising for ultrathin TFTs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, the characteristics and reliability of laser-activated polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) have been investigated by stressing the devices under V[sub ds] = 12 V and V[sub gs] = 15 V. In comparison with traditional furnace-activated poly-Si TFTs, the leakage current is relatively large for laser-activated poly-Si TFTs. Further, while the degradation rates of threshold voltage and subthreshold swing are comparable to those of traditional furnace-activated TFTs, the post-stress leakage and on/off current ratio for laser-activated poly-Si TFTs degrade much faster than those of furnace-activated counterparts. The laser activation modifies the grain structure between the drain and the channel region, and causes grain discontinuity extending from the drain to the channel region. As a result, an inferior reliability with extra trap state density and larger leakage current was observed in the laser-activated poly-Si TFTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric peristalsis is critically dependent on an underlying electrical conduction system. Recent years have witnessed substantial progress in clarifying the operations of this system, including its pacemaking units, its cellular architecture, and slow-wave propagation patterns. Advanced techniques have been developed for assessing its functions at high spatiotemporal resolutions. This review synthesizes and evaluates this progress, with a focus on human and translational physiology. A current conception of the initiation and conduction of slow-wave activity in the human stomach is provided first, followed by a detailed discussion of its organization at the cellular and tissue level. Particular emphasis is then given to how gastric electrical disorders may contribute to disease states. Gastric dysfunction continues to grow in their prevalence and impact, and while gastric dysrhythmia is established as a clear and pervasive feature in several major gastric disorders, its role in explaining pathophysiology and informing therapy is still emerging. New insights from high-resolution gastric mapping are evaluated, together with historical data from electrogastrography, and the physiological relevance of emerging biomarkers from body surface mapping such as retrograde propagating slow waves. Knowledge gaps requiring further physiological research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Gastric emptying testing (GET) assesses gastric motility, however, is nonspecific and insensitive for neuromuscular disorders. Gastric Alimetry (GA) is a new medical device combining noninvasive gastric electrophysiological mapping and validated symptom profiling. This study assessed patient-specific phenotyping using GA compared with GET. METHODS: Patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms underwent simultaneous GET and GA, comprising a 30-minute baseline, 99m TC-labelled egg meal, and 4-hour postprandial recording. Results were referenced to normative ranges. Symptoms were profiled in the validated GA App and phenotyped using rule-based criteria based on their relationships to the meal and gastric activity: (i) sensorimotor, (ii) continuous, and (iii) other. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were assessed, 77% female. Motility abnormality detection rates were as follows: GET 22.7% (14 delayed, 3 rapid), GA spectral analysis 33.3% (14 low rhythm stability/low amplitude, 5 high amplitude, and 6 abnormal frequency), and combined yield 42.7%. In patients with normal spectral analysis, GA symptom phenotypes included sensorimotor 17% (where symptoms strongly paired with gastric amplitude, median r = 0.61), continuous 30%, and other 53%. GA phenotypes showed superior correlations with Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index, Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index, and anxiety scales, whereas Rome IV Criteria did not correlate with psychometric scores ( P > 0.05). Delayed emptying was not predictive of specific GA phenotypes. DISCUSSION: GA improves patient phenotyping in chronic gastroduodenal disorders in the presence and absence of motility abnormalities with increased correlation with symptoms and psychometrics compared with gastric emptying status and Rome IV criteria. These findings have implications for the diagnostic profiling and personalized management of gastroduodenal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is widely accepted as a radical surgery for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Definite results on the appropriate pouch length for an evaluation of the risk-to-benefit ratio regarding technical complications and long-term quality of life (QOL) are still scarce. Methods: Data on UC patients who underwent IPAA from 2008 to 2022 in four well-established pouch centers affiliated to China UC Pouch Center Union were collected. Results: A total of 208 patients with a median follow-up time of 6.0 years (interquartile range, 2.3 to 9.0 years) were enrolled. The median lengths of the patients’ short and long pouches were 14.0 cm (interquartile range, 14.0 to 15.0 cm) and 22.0 cm (interquartile range, 20.0 to 24.0 cm), respectively. Patients with a short J pouch configuration were less likely to achieve significantly improved long-term QOL (p=0.015) and were prone to develop late postoperative complications (p=0.042), such as increased defecation frequency (p=0.003) and pouchitis (p=0.035). A short ileal pouch was an independent risk factor for the development of late postoperative complications (odds ratio, 3.100; 95% confidence interval, 1.519 to 6.329; p=0.002) and impaired longterm QOL improvement (odds ratio, 2.221; 95% confidence interval, 1.218 to 4.050, p=0.009). Conclusions: The length of the J pouch was associated with the improvement in long-term QOL and the development of late post-IPAA complications. A long J pouch configuration could be a considerable surgical option for pouch construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fructose is widely used in beverages, processed foods, and Western diets as food additives, and is closely related to the increased prevalence of multiple diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the detailed mechanism by which high fructose disrupts intestinal homeostasis remains elusive. The present study showed that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) administration exacerbated intestinal inflammation and deteriorated barrier integrity. Several in vivo experimental models were utilized to verify the importance of gut microbiota and immune cells in HFCS-mediated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed the imbalance between primary bile acids (PBAs) and secondary bile acids (SBAs) in feces. Hence, high fructose was speculated to modulate gut microbiota community and reduced the relative abundance of Clostridium and Clostridium scindens at genus and species level respectively, followed by a decrease in SBAs, especially isoalloLCA, thereby affecting Th17/Treg cells equilibrium and promoting intestinal inflammation. These findings provide novel insights into the crosstalk between gut flora, bile acids, and mucosal immunity, and highlight potential strategies for precise treatment of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides insights into the importance of maintaining an intact epithelial barrier in the gut to prevent intestinal inflammation and mucosal injury. It emphasizes the significance of mucosal healing for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and discusses how impaired intestinal stem cell (ISC) function can contribute to chronic inflammation in IBD.

INTRODUCTION: Body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) is a new noninvasive test of gastric function. BSGM offers several novel and improved biomarkers of gastric function capable of differentiating patients with overlapping symptom profiles. The aim of this study was to define normative reference intervals for BSGM spectral metrics in a population of healthy controls. METHODS: BSGM was performed in healthy controls using Gastric Alimetry (Alimetry, New Zealand) comprising a stretchable high-resolution array (8 3 8 electrodes; 196 cm2), wearable Reader, and validated symptom-logging App. The evaluation encompassed a fasting baseline (30 minutes), 482 kCal meal, and 4-hour postprandial recording. Normative reference intervals were calculated for BSGM metrics including the Principal Gastric Frequency, Gastric Alimetry Rhythm Index (a measure of the concentration of power in the gastric frequency band over time), body mass index (BMI)–adjusted amplitude (mV), and fed:fasted amplitude ratio. Data were reported as median and reference interval (5th and/or 95th percentiles). RESULTS: A total of 110 subjects (55% female, median age 32 years [interquartile range 24–50], median BMI 23.8 kg/m2 [interquartile range 21.4–26.9]) were included. The median Principal Gastric Frequency was 3.04 cycles per minute; reference interval: 2.65–3.35 cycles per minute. The median Gastric Alimetry Rhythm Index was 0.50; reference interval: ‡0.25. The median BMI-adjusted amplitude was 37.6 mV; reference interval: 20–70 mV. The median fed:fasted amplitude ratio was 1.85; reference interval ‡1.08. A higher BMI was associated with a shorter meal-response duration (P 5 0.014). DISCUSSION: This study provides normative reference intervals for BSGM spectral data to inform diagnostic interpretations of abnormal gastric function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible connection between the wall and the frame can improve the seismic performance of the structure, thus minimizing the pushing effect of the infill wall on the main frame. Masonry infill walls with flexible connection have lower out-of-plane stability than walls with rigid connection. However, local collapses are more likely to occur. A comparative study was conducted on the load-carrying capacity, initial stiffness, deformation and ductility of different wall structures based on a monotonous static load test, and the out-of-plane mechanical properties exhibited by flexible masonry infill walls were investigated. A simplified separated finite element model of masonry infill wall was built in accordance with the test results, and then the monotone out-of-plane static loading was performed. The structural configuration, the wall-frame connection method, and the spacing between structural columns were found to have significant effects on the out-of-plane mechanical behavior of the infill wall. The wall structural configuration was found to have the strongest effect, followed by the wall-frame connection method. Under the conditions of flexible connection, when the wall structure was in the "grid-beam" form, and the spacing between structuring columns was 2.5–3.0 m, the frame-infill wall was found with the best restraint effect, so the optimal out-of-plane comprehensive mechanical performance would be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the chronological changes in postoperative complications in surgical ulcerative colitis patients over the past decade in China and to investigate the potential parameters that contributed to the changes. Methods: Ulcerative colitis patients who underwent surgery during 2008-2017 were retrospectively enrolled from 13 hospitals in China. Postoperative complications were compared among different operation years. Risk factors for complications were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 446 surgical ulcerative colitis patients were analyzed. Fewer short-term complications (24.8% vs. 41.0%, P= 0.001) and more laparoscopic surgeries (66.4% vs. 25.0%, P< 0.001) were found among patients who received surgery during 2014-2017 than 2008-2013. Logistic regression suggested that independent protective factors against short-term complications were a higher preoperative body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.785-0.964; P= 0.008), laparoscopic surgery (OR, 0.391; 95% CI, 0.217-0.705; P= 0.002) and elective surgery (OR, 0.213; 95% CI, 0.067-0.675; P= 0.009). The chronological decrease in short-term complications was associated with an increase in laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions: Our data revealed a downward trend of short-term postoperative complications among surgical ulcerative colitis patients in China during the past decade, which may be due to the promotion of minimally invasive techniques among Chinese surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the self-reduction behavior of manganese (Mn) in Mg2SnO4 (MSO) host lattices prepared by using the solid-state reaction technique in air atmosphere is reported. Excited by 282 nm, only the emission of Mn2+ is seen, and the observed results are confirmed by theoretical calculation based on the density functional theory. Noteworthy, with the codoping of Li+, the self-reduction process of Mn is suppressed, leading to the coexistence of Mn2+ and Mn4+ in MSO host lattices along with the multicolor emissions. For the suppressed self-reduction behavior, possible hypotheses are proposed to elucidate the corresponding mechanisms. Furthermore, benefiting from the different thermal quenching behaviors of Mn2+ and Mn4+, ratiometric optical thermometers with high sensitivity of 6.59% K-1 are designed. Moreover, the prepared phosphors possess a good green afterglow phenomenon, in which their trap depth are 0.71 and 0.91 eV. In addition, via using the designed phosphors, applications in anti-counterfeiting, fingerprint identification, and optical information storage are also realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]