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Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nutritional therapy in adult patients with severe burns. Methods and Study Design: Sixty adult patients with severe burns were enrolled. Data on nutritional intake through enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-injury were collected. Patients were divided into target and non-target groups according to whether their energy or protein intake reached the target. Age, length of ventilation, and total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (pALB), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of patients were recorded. Results: The percentage of protein targets with protein delivery was lower than that of energy target with energy delivery. The ratio of PN protein to total protein was lower than that of PN energy to total energy on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). Compared to the non-target group on day 21, the target group was younger, had lower TBIL on day 7, higher ALB and pALB on day 21, and lower CRP on day 14 (p=0.025, p=0.021, p=0.028, p=0.029, and p=0.049, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age and longer ventilation were independent risk factors in patients who did not meet the nutritional target on day 21 (p=0.026 and p=0.043, respectively). Conclusions: The protein intake of adult patients with severe burns was low. Compared to the non-target group, the target group had better laboratory test results. Older age and longer ventilation were independent risk factors for patients not meeting the nutritional target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Metarhizium is one of the most significant entomopathogenic fungi with diverse morphological characteristics and host species. Species of Metarhizium have been widely used for pest control as an environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides. This study reports a new species of Metarhizium and a new record of M. bibionidarum from China. The taxonomic positions of the two species within Metarhizium were assessed by morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic data. This assessment confirmed that the new species M. dianzhongense on white grubs (Coleoptera) is a sister to M. ellipsoideum on adult leafhoppers (Hemiptera) and represents a distinctive fungus according to the morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The two species, M. dianzhongense and M. bibionidarum, were described and illustrated. Pathogenicity tests by M. bibionidarum and M. dianzhongense were performed on early instar larvae of the significant agricultural pest Spodoptera frugipera (Lepidoptera). The results demonstrated that both M. bibionidarum and M. dianzhongense exhibit significant insecticidal activity against larvae of S. frugipera, providing new fungal resources for the development of an eco-friendly biocontrol agent against this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the electromagnetic shaker table, the resonant fatigue testing system and the corresponding conventional fatigue testing system were designed respectively. The fatigue life (S-N) curves of smooth and notched 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy specimens were measured in the range of 105 - 107 cycles, and the notch fatigue property of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy under bending resonance environment was studied. The results indicate that the fracture mechanism under bending resonant fatigue environment is roughly the same as that under bending conventional fatigue loading. All the S-N curves obtained through resonant and conventional fatigue tests show a continuously downward trend, and there are no obvious fatigue limits. Notch fatigue property under bending resonance environment presents "stage characteristics", which increases first and then decreases with the increase of cycles. There is a critical cycle number Nc at 8×105 cycles, corresponding to the maximum fatigue notch factor Kf-max (or the maximum notch sensitivity factor qmax). There are two critical cycles N1 and N2. When N¹ < N < N2, the notch fatigue property of the material and the corresponding structures under resonance environment requires more consideration than conventional fatigue loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of functionalized 2‐pyrrolidinones bearing N‐trifluoromethylphenyl moieties were prepared in moderate to good yields with high diastereoselectivity through copper(II)‐catalyst and base co‐catalyzed formal [4+1] cycloaddition of cinnamaldehyde nitrones with 1‐ethynylnaphthalen‐2‐ols in the presence of m‐CPBA as the oxidant. The triple bond of 1‐ethynylnaphthalen‐2‐ol served as one‐carbon synthon for the pyrrolidinone ring formation. Mechanistic studies revealed that m‐CPBA played an important role to interrupt the intramolecular O‐cyclization to afford the 2‐pyrrolidinones. Moreover, the reaction could be easily performed at gram scales and the obtained products were selectively converted into diverse pyrroline scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the characteristics of respiratory involvement in Chinese paediatric neuromuscular disease (NMD) at early stage and to explore convenient monitoring methods. Children with NMD (age < 18) diagnosed at a multidisciplinary joint NMD clinic at Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to April 2021 were included. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) and pulmonary function test (PFT) data were analysed, and the characteristics of four groups: congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), congenital myopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were compared. A total of 83 children with NMD were referred for respiratory assessment, of who 80 children underwent PSG; 41 performed spirometry and 38, both. The duration of pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90% over apnoea and hypopnoea index (AHI) was lowest in DMD and significantly different from CMD (p = 0.033). AHI was positively correlated with the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (r = 0.929, p = 0.000). The peak expiratory flow (PEF) were positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC), both as actual values and percent pred, respectively (r = 0.820, 0.719, p = 0.000). ROC derived sensitivity and specificity of prediction of AHI > 15/h or duration of SpO2<90% ≥ 60 min from FVC <51% pred was 75.8% and 85.7%, respectively. AHI and hypoxia burden were independent factors in children with NMD in PSG and attention needed to be paid in both. FVC might be a daytime predictor for significant sleep-disordered breathing or hypoxia. Nocturnal consecutive oximetry with diurnal peak flow measurement may be convenient and effective for home monitoring at early stage of respiratory involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a hallmark of esophagitis. Rutaecarpine or rutecarpine is an alkaloid compound with both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity. Here, we sought to evaluate potential protective effects of Rutaecarpine on reflux esophagitis in a murine model of the disease, which was treated with different doses of Rutaecarpine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) for 6h, the results of which were compared with a non-esophagitis control group. Biochemical markers were measured based on tissue and serum samples collected from esophagitis-positive and control animals. Rutaecarpine significantly reduced macrophage cell viability, while negatively regulating nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Rutaecarpine treatment was associated with marked reversal of esophageal lesions, reduced gastric secretion and activity (P<0.001), increased gastric pH and SH groups, as well as reduced levels of H2O2, free iron, calcium (P<0.001). Additionally, Rutaecarpine treatment negatively regulated the expression of H+K+ATPase and histamine, while markedly altering the levels of lactoperoxidase (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) glutathione (GSH) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (P<0.001). Rutaecarpine was found to confer protective effects against esophagitis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents an adaptive robust control method for the Pendubot subjects to matched and mismatched uncertainty. First, the control task is formatted as a reduced-dimension equality constraint of the system states. To handle the matched and mismatched uncertainties, an orthogonal decomposition method is employed to make the mismatched part disappear after decomposition. Based on the above, an adaptive robust control law based on constraint-following is devised. By the Lyapunov approach, it is rigorously proven that the proposed approach ensures the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop control system and thus renders approximate constraint-following, regardless of uncertainty. Simulation and experimental results are provided and discussed, demonstrating the good performance of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) volumetric productivity from wastewater limits low-cost PHA production. To resolve this problem, an external magnetic field (MF) coupled with upshock salinity was applied to PHA production by Haloferax mediterranei (family Halobacteriaceae). Elevating the fermentation salinity over the optimal growth salinity (200 g/L) increased the PHA cell content while inhibiting cell proliferation, decreasing volumetric productivity. When a MF of 50 mT in 300 g/L salinity was applied, H. mediterranei proliferation and PHA cell content were promoted, leading to a 7.95% increase in PHA volumetric productivity in synthetic molasses wastewater and a 13.82% increase in glucose feeding compared with those in 200 g/L salinity. Under the MF, osmotic pressure regulation was activated by accumulating K+ and increasing betaine synthesis. The maximum betaine content increased by 74.33% in 300 g/L salinity with a 50-mT MF compared with that in 200 g/L salinity. When a 50-mT MF in 300 g/L salinity was applied, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased by 32.66% and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased by 46.89%, which reduced the oxidative damage. This study provides a new solution to enhance PHA volumetric productivity by MF and an insight into the magnetic effects of H. mediterranei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a novel robust swing-up and balance control method using data-driven compensation signals for the Pendubot system, which is underactuated and subject to dynamic friction, backlash, and modeling uncertainty. The method involves three major developments. First, the uncertainty of the system is described by a previous sampled unknown nonlinear term and its changing rate. Compensation signals are then designed to eliminate the influence of the previous sampled unknown nonlinear term and its changing rate on the outputs of the controlled plant. Second, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a robust swing-up control method is proposed. Third, in order to eliminate the limit cycle phenomenon caused by the uncertainty near the unstable equilibrium point, a proportional-derivative balance controller based on compensation signals is proposed. The stability and tracking error analysis show that the compensation signals can effectively eliminate the influence of dynamic friction, backlash, and modeling uncertainty on the system. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method by showing significant improvements in production rate, accuracy, and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of serum biochemical indexes with disease activity and pruritus in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Methods: Fifty CSU patients were enrolled and 50 health screen examinees were recruited as the control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and thyroid colour Doppler ultrasounds were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for both groups. The urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS-7) was used to evaluate the disease activity and degree of pruritus. Results: There was no significant difference in BMI between CSU patients and control (p > .05). The serum WBC, NEU, CRP (all p = .000) and ALT levels (p = .013) in the CSU patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group, and the UAS-7 score was positively correlated with WBC and NEU in the CSU patient group. The TG level of the CSU group was higher than healthy controls, albeit no statistical significance (p = .522). The levels of T3 and TSH were significantly lower in the CSU group (p = .000). The incidence rate of thyroid nodules in the CSU patients was significantly higher (p = .045), and four CSU patients showed papillary carcinoma by pathology examination. The average UAS-7 score of patients with complications was significantly higher than that of patients without complications. Conclusion: Patients experiencing CSU generally exhibit abnormal serum biochemical indexes and thyroid function. Their incidence rates of thyroid nodule and thyroid papillary carcinoma are significantly higher than that of healthy subjects, which should be considered in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the problems of existence and computation of proper and stable stabilising compensators in the feedback path of a special class of linear time-invariant multivariable systems characterised by a strictly proper transfer function matrix. For the class of systems that are 'square', i.e. have the same number of inputs and outputs and have no zeros in the closed right half complex plane and the class of 'non-square' systems that include a 'square' subsystem that has no zeros in the closed right half complex plane we present a sufficient condition for the existence and computation of proper stabilising (pole placing) compensators which in certain cases that depend on the transfer function matrix of the system can be chosen to be stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an in-depth analysis and research on piano timbre teaching in the context of artificial intelligence interaction, a bold vision of piano teaching, proposes a feasible solution in terms of teaching modules in intelligent piano teaching for senior teachers, and proposes an implementation path for the integration of intelligent piano and piano teaching from the four main blocks of piano teaching. Based on the multiplicative harmonic model of monophonic signal, combined with the variability of timbre characteristics, an audio synthesis model with editable timbre is proposed, and the experimental results show that editing the timbre parameters in the model can realize timbre modification, and the synthesized timbre conforms to the piano timbre characteristics. Based on the timbre analysis and the timbre synthesis model, a piano timbre library generation system is designed. The detailed design of the software modules such as audio file reading and writing, audio information analysis, timbre parameter acquisition, timbre synthesis, and simulated performance is given. The system can generate piano timbre libraries of different qualities flexibly and meet the requirements of timbre realism. The teaching experiment designed for teaching practice from solo teaching, and the practice target is first-year undergraduate students in the university, and the practice period is six weeks, and finally, the feasibility of intelligent piano teaching application is analysed by combining the experimental results. Through the teaching objectives, teaching content, and teaching methods, teaching environment reflects intelligent piano teaching to make up for the limitations of traditional piano teaching. Analyse the development trend of intelligent piano teaching in the context of artificial intelligence interaction, and explore the value of intelligent piano teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coumarins are widely used due to their wide range of biological activities, but the long-term or excessive use of coumarin flavors can pose serious health hazards. Therefore, sensitive and specific methods for the quantification of these compounds in different matrices have been developed. In this review, an updated overview of the latest trends in sample preparation techniques and methods used to detect coumarins from March 2012 to April 2019 is provided. This study reviews different analytical methods (such as liquid chromatography coupled with different detectors, electrochemical sensors, capillary electrophoresis, etc.) and different pretreatment methods (such as liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, etc.). Different methods for the pretreatment and determination of coumarins in plant, food, environmental, pharmaceutical and biological samples are summarized, discussed and compared. Progress in pretreatment and analytical methods of coumarins are summarized. Fundamentals, instrumentation and applications of purification and quantification are summarized and compared. Optimization of experimental conditions are discussed. Newly emerged eco-friendly methods are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the translocon-associated protein (TRAP) complex regulates quality control of N-linked glycosylation during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. It mentions the introduction of a fluorescence-based strategy to detect aberrant N-glycosylation in individual cells and identify a regulatory role for the heterotetrameric translocon-associated protein (TRAP) complex.

Chronic postoperative pain hinders functional recovery after bone fracture and orthopedic surgery. Recently reported evidence indicates that caspase-6 is important in excitatory synaptic plasticity and pathological pain. Meanwhile, netrin-1 controls postsynaptic recruitment of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and synaptogenesis. The present work aimed to examine whether caspase-6 and netrin-1 contribute to fracture-induced postoperative allodynia. A mouse model of tibial fracture by intramedullary pinning was generated for inducing postoperative pain. Then, paw withdrawal threshold, spinal caspase-6 activity, netrin-1 secretion, AMPAR trafficking, and spine morphology were examined. Caspase-6 inhibition and netrin-1 knockdown by shRNA were performed to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanism of allodynia and its prevention. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was performed to assess caspase-6's function in spinal AMPAR-induced current. Tibial fractures after orthopedic operation initiated persistent postsurgical mechanical and cold allodynia, accompanied by increased spinal active caspase-6, netrin-1 release, GluA1-containing AMPAR trafficking, spine density, and AMPAR-induced current in dorsal horn neurons. Caspase-6 inhibition reduced fracture-associated allodynia, netrin-1 secretion, and GluA1 trafficking. Netrin-1 deficiency impaired fracture-caused allodynia, postsynaptic GluA1 recruitment, and spine plasticity. The specific GluA2-lacking AMPAR antagonist NASPM also dose dependently prevented postoperative pain. The reduction of fracture-mediated postoperative excitatory synaptic AMPAR current in the dorsal horn by caspase-6 inhibition was compromised by recombinant netrin-1. Exogenous caspase-6 induced pain hypersensitivity, reversing by netrin-1 knockdown or coapplication of NASPM. Thus, spinal caspase-6 modulation of GluA1-containing AMPAR activation and spine morphology through netrin-1 secretion is important in the development of fracture-related postsurgical pain in the mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--In 2018 the College of American Pathologists Diagnostic Immunology and Flow Cytometry Committee designed and implemented a new plasma cell neoplasia flow cytometry proficiency testing program--PCNEO--to allow clinical flow cytometry laboratories to monitor and assess their performance compared with a peer group. Objective.--To report the results from the first 4 years of the PCNEO program. Design.--Program participants were sent 2 sets of challenges per year, each including 1 wet challenge and 2 dry challenges, with associated clinical and laboratory findings. The wet challenges were composed of myeloma cell line specimens (with or without dilution in preserved whole blood) for flow cytometric analysis. The dry (paper) challenges were composed of clinical case summaries and images of flow cytometric test results from various flow cytometry laboratories of committee members. Results.--A total of 116 to 145 laboratories from 17 countries enrolled in the proficiency testing program. For the wet challenges, almost all participants (97%--100%; cumulative, 98.2%) correctly identified the presence of neoplastic plasma cell populations based on flow cytometric analysis of undiluted myeloma cell lines. Slightly fewer participants (89.0%--97.4%; cumulative, 95.2%) correctly identified the presence of neoplastic plasma cell populations based on flow cytometric analysis of diluted myeloma cell lines (10% or 50% dilutions into peripheral blood) intended to better represent a typical clinical sample. There was generally agreement among 80% or more of participants for positive or negative staining for CD38, CD138, CD19, CD20, and surface and cytoplasmic K and λ light chains. Similarly, 84% to 100% of participants were able to correctly identify the presence of neoplastic plasma cell populations in paper challenges, including the presence of small, neoplastic plasma cell populations (0.01%--5.0% clonal plasma cells) and the presence of nonneoplastic plasma cell populations (correctly identified by 91%--96% of participants). Conclusions.--Participant performance in the new proficiency testing program was excellent overall, with the vast majority of participants able to perform flow cytometric analysis and identify neoplastic plasma cell populations and to identify small plasma cell clones or expanded populations of reactive plasma cells in dry challenge flow cytometry results. This program will allow laboratories to verify the accuracy of their testing program and test interpretations for the assessment of patients suspected of having a plasma cell neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative lifetime model called the new Marshall Olkin Weibull (NMOW) distribution is proposed and studied. The importance of the new distribution comes from its ability to model some life distributions with increasing, decreasing, bathtub, and unimodal shapes of hazard rate functions, which are quite common in reliability study. We obtain the origin moments, generating function, conditional moment, conditional moment generating function, mean residual life function, mean deviations, order statistics and R¶enyi entropies. The maximum likelihood method is used to estimate parameters of the model. Two real data sets are used to illustrate the applicability of this new model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of spirofluorenyl‐β‐lactams have been prepared in moderate yields over three steps from N‐aryl fluorenone nitrones and methylenecyclopropanes through a [3+2] cycloaddition, reduction and subsequent acid‐catalyzed ring contraction cascade strategy under mild reaction conditions. Experimental studies showed that the stereochemistry remained intact after the ring contraction step. Furthermore, the obtained spirofluorenyl‐β‐lactam was easily converted to two novel spiroazetidine and spiroquinolinone scaffolds in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational construction of active targeting liposomes will provide an important structural support for its effective brain targeting. However, there is no clear understanding of the structure-activity relationship of active targeting liposomes. Combining multiscale computational simulation and experimental verification, we established a computational model of RVGP modified PEGylated liposomes (RVGP-PEG-L) and investigated the role of PEG and molecular interaction mechanism of carrier-ligand-receptor. The result indicated that the complex network conformation formed by PEG with 42 monomers (42PEG) above the density of 8% was the molecular basis for PEG-L to achieve long-circulation function. The lowest monomer number of PEG linker to ensure the targeting ability of RVGP was 42. However, the pose of RVGP binding to nAChR changed after it was linked with PEG-L due to the restraint of PEG chain, leading to a decrease of binding free energy. Increasing the monomer number of PEG linker or improving the non-polarity of polymers was a potential strategy to enhance the combination of RVGP-PEG-L with nAChR on the targeting cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many gene expressions changed during the development of gastric cancer, and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to regulate cancer progression by participating in the process of tumor cell growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Our previous study has identified 29 miRNAs that are highly expressed in gastric cancer stem cells. One of these miRNAs, miR-1915-3p, has shown great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the cancers in liver, colon and thyroid, as well as in immune and kidney diseases. Herein, we found that miR-1915-3p exhibited low expression level in differentiated gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer tissues. It was found that the miR-1915-3p inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and thus promoted cell apoptosis.We discovered that the expressions of miR-1915-3p were significantly correlated to the lymph node metastasis and overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Further study showed that there was a negative correlation between miR-1915-3p and Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2) expression, suggesting that Bcl-2 was a target gene of miR-1915-3p. Hence, miR-1915-3p possibly contributes to the development and progression of gastric cancer by inhibiting the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The finding provides a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The judicial review of government actions is often used as a bellwether of the government's attitude towards the rule of law in China. Accordingly, in gauging the direction of legal reform in the Xi era, media reports have highlighted changes in litigation against government agencies as evidence of positive movement towards greater rule of law. We provide a selective review of changes in China's administrative litigation system in the last few years, giving special attention to the amendment in 2014 of the Administrative Litigation Law (ALL), and a 2018 Supreme People's Court Interpretation of the same statute. In our view, the question of whether lawsuits might be brought against the government has arguably been superseded in importance by the question of how courts will decide such lawsuits. And the generic notion of judicial independence itself no longer sheds sufficient light on actual and possible judicial responses. Using the purportedly expanded scope of review of informal policy directives as an example, we show that symbolism-motivated advocacy to improve the administrative litigation in China may come at the expense of protecting the non-symbolic functions of judicial review, e.g., the coherence of law and consistency in the delivery of justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le contrôle juridictionnel(1) des actions du gouvernement est souvent utilisé comme un baromètre de l'attitude du gouvernement visà-vis de l'État de droit en Chine. Ainsi, en observant l'orientation des réformes judiciaires de l'administration du président Xi Jinping, les médias ont considéré l'évolution du traitement des contentieux contre les agences gouvernementales comme un signe d'amélioration de l'État de droit. Nous proposons un examen sélectif de l'évolution du système de règlement des contentieux administratifs en Chine au cours des dernières années, en accordant une attention particulière à la Loi sur les contentieux administratifs de 2014 et à une interprétation de cette loi faite en 2018 par la Cour populaire suprême. Selon nous, la question de savoir s'il est possible de poursuivre le gouvernement a de toute évidence été supplantée par la question du traitement de ces éventuelles poursuites par les tribunaux. Par ailleurs, la notion générique d'indépendance judiciaire ne permet plus d'éclairer suffisamment les réponses judiciaires réelles ou possibles. En utilisant le champ supposément vaste du contrôle des directives politiques informelles comme exemple, nous montrons en quoi le plaidoyer en faveur d'une amélioration symbolique du traitement des contentieux administratifs en Chine peut se faire au prix de la protection des fonctions non symboliques du contrôle juridictionnel, à savoir la cohérence du droit et l'uniformité des décisions de justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the problem of two-dimensional (2D) direction of arrival estimation for uncorrelated signals with an L-shaped array is discussed. The estimated cross covariance matrix (CCM) between the sample data along the x-axis and the z-axis is constructed. The elevation angle of the signal is obtained by finding the sparse coefficients of the estimated CCM based on the discussion of statistical probability distribution of the sample data error. Once the elevation angle is obtained, with the non-coupling between the elevation angle and the azimuth angle, the azimuth angle of each source is estimated by the eigenvalue decomposition of the conjugate transpose matrix of the estimated CCM. The proposed algorithm has better estimation performance in the situation of low signal-to-noise-ratio cases but also the estimated azimuth and elevation angles are paired automatically. The performance of the proposed method is compared with some existing schemes and the effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by computer simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic vibration has been found to play a significant role in promoting surface nano-crystallization of sapphire in a liquid aluminum bath. And the distribution of the vibration field is critical in controlling the modification procedure. Here, distribution of the ultrasonic vibration in a liquid aluminum bath was investigated by finite element method (FEM). Effects of shape of the ultrasonic horn and distance between the horn and the sapphire plates were investigated. It was found that the ultrasonic vibration density is high in the area adjacent to the ultrasonic horn. The distance between the horn and the plates significantly influence the vibration distribution. And the vibration density decreased significantly at the liquid/solid interface, indicating obvious energy absorption there. Vibration energy grads can be formed on sapphire surface. And this phenomenon shall be used to achieve different aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translocated in liposarcoma (TLS) is an RNA-binding protein and a transcription-regulatory sensor of DNA damage. TLS binds promoter-associated noncoding RNA (pncRNA) and inhibits histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of CREB-binding protein (CBP)/E1A-binding protein P300 (p300) on the cyclin D1 (CCND1 ) gene. Although post-translational modifications of TLS, such as arginine methylation, are known to regulate TLS's nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and assembly in stress granules, its interactions with RNAs remain poorly characterized. Herein, using various biochemical assays, we confirmed the earlier observations that TLS is methylated by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in vitro. The arginine methylation of TLS disrupted binding to pncRNA and also prevented binding of TLS to and inhibition of CBP/p300. This result indicated that arginine methylation of TLS abrogates both binding to pncRNA and TLS-mediated inhibition of CBP/p300 HAT activities. We also report that an arginine residue within the Arg-Gly-Gly domain of TLS, Arg-476, serves as the major determinant for binding to pncRNA. Either methylation or mutation of Arg-476 of TLS significantly decreased pncRNA binding and thereby prevented a pncRNA-induced allosteric alteration in TLS that is required for its interaction with CBP/ p300. Moreover, unlike WT TLS, an R476A TLS mutant did not inhibit CCND1 promoter activity in luciferase reporter assays. Taken together, we propose the hypothesis that arginine methylation of TLS regulates both TLS-nucleic acid and TLS-protein interactions and thereby participates in transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A question of considerable importance is why some animals are able to succeed on a wide range of diets whereas others are more tightly constrained. Theory predicts that generalists should show a flexible response for macronutrient regulation in the face of ecologically driven constraint on the nutritional balance of available foods, which in the modeling framework of nutritional geometry has been quantitatively characterized as an "equal distance" regulatory model. This prediction, which has empirical support from several laboratory studies on insects, has not been tested for any generalist animal in the wild, nor for any vertebrate. We performed the first such test, using dawn-to-dusk focal animal observations over 3 years (2013-2015) of rhesus macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), a species that among primates is second only to humans in ecological generalism. Results showed, as predicted, that macronutrient regulation conformed closely to the equal distance pattern and differed markedly from the other, ecologically more-specialized primate species that have been studied to date. The same was independently true for lactating and non-lactating macaques, but lactating females had substantially higher intake of macronutrients, as well as the non-nutritional food components, indigestible fiber and tannins. This demonstrates that equal distance regulation by non-lactating monkeys was not an artefact of confounding constraints such as restricted food availability or an upper limit to the ingestion of dietary fiber or plant tannins, but a strategic regulatory response to variation in dietary macronutrient balance. We discuss implications of our results for the most generalist primate of all, humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultimate strength is a critical and fundamental consideration in the design of ship and offshore structures. Accurate assessment of the (residual) ultimate strength of a ship hull is important not only for the initial design, but also for the operation, maintenance, repair, and even for disaster management, rescue, and salvage assessment of the ship hulls. In fact, under ocean wave conditions, the hull girder is likely to withstand extreme cyclic bending. In this article, a simplified method based on Smith's method is proposed to assess the ultimate strength of the ship hulls under extreme cyclic bending. To obtain the nonlinear average stress-average strain relationship (σ-ε curve) of the basic structural element (consisting of a stiffener with its attaching plating) under cyclic in-plane compression and tension, systematic calculations are carried out by using a combination of the Beam-Column analysis and the nonlinear finite element method (NLFEM). By introducing the cyclic σ-ε curves of basic structural elements to a simplified calculation program, which is developed by the authors and based on Smith's method, the ultimate strength of hull girders exposed to extreme cyclic bending is subsequently determined. The ultimate strength of three box girder models and an actual ship are obtained under cyclic bending by using the authors' developed procedures including the simplified calculation program and are compared with the corresponding results from NLFEM calculations and also the box girder experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Synchronous improvements of both nutritional properties and the flavour of protein by optimising preparation processes are highly challenging. The prehydrolysis of soy meals by cocktail enzyme (β‐glucosidase, phytase and acid protease) treatment and subsequent countercurrent extraction were designed based on similar hydrolysis conditions. The composition, flavour volatiles and physicochemical properties of soy proteins were investigated. Compared to alkaline extraction and acid precipitation, enzyme‐assisted countercurrent extraction significantly increased protein yield and carbohydrate content, accompanied by a decrease in protein purity. This protein exhibited larger molecular weight distribution, less flavour volatiles, higher thermal stability and surface hydrophobicity, as evidenced by higher denaturation temperature (Td) and enthalpy change (ΔH) of protein. The conversion of isoflavone glycosides to aglycone and the partial degradation of phytic acid were observed for enzyme‐prepared soy proteins. These results suggest a feasible protocol for producing a nutrient‐improved soy protein with excellent flavour and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large Hollow nanoparticulate aggregates (LHNAs) based on albumin nanoparticles is a promising technology for developing dry powder inhaler (DPI) with good aerodynamic properties in order to provide a new drug delivery system (DDS) for the treatment of lung disease. Improved understanding of molecular interactions could lead to prepare the DDS rationally. Therefore, this investigation utilized computations and experiments to reveal the mechanisms of budesonide (BUD) interactions with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at the molecular level. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation revealed that there were three critical stable binding sites of BUD on BSA (P1, P2, P3) mainly by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond. The energy decomposition of each residue to the whole BUD-BSA complex system in P1-P3 showed that nonpolar residues in or around the binding site played an important role in the binding of BUD to BSA. The molar ratio was close to 3 in preparations in drug-loading efficiency experiment, which was confirmed to the simulation results. The details of the binding sites from computation provided a guideline for the design of the BSA nanoparticles carrying BUD, which was prepared successfully at last. Combination of the MD simulation and experiment as well as the mechanism of the molecular interaction provided a solid theoretical basis for the preparation of BSA-LHNAs for DPI in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ)-based cross-linkable photo-sensitive cresol novolak resin through acid-catalyzed condensation with melamine molecules is presented as an organic gate insulator (OGI) for the fabrication of poly(3-hexylthiophene) thin-film transistors. This novolak OGI exhibits a remarkably smooth surface of Ra 1.0 nm and RMS 0.3 nm and shows excellent chemical resistance against common process solvents upon a post exposure bake ≥150°C. The corresponding metal-insulator-metal diode incorporated with a 200 nm thick OGI demonstrates remarkable low leakage current level of 10 pA/cm2 @3 MV/cm. Bottom-contact poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) transistors with novolak OGI on both rigid glass and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic substrates are further demonstrated, suggesting that novolak polymer is a promising candidate for realizing a high performance OGI at low processing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of oocytes from juvenile female mice would improve the efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In the present study, 15 adult and 14 juvenile C57BL6/J female mice were superovulated, with 17.8 oocytes per mouse harvested from adults, significantly lower than the 40.2 harvested from juveniles (P,0.01). Sixty and 233 oocytes were harvested from C57BL/6J adult and juvenile mice respectively, activated in 10mM SrCl2+5 μgmL -1 cytochalasin B for 5-6 h and cultured in potassium simplex optimisation medium (KSOM) for 3.5 days, with no differences in morula and blastocyst rates between groups (91.7% vs 96.6%; P.0.05). Twelve hours after injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin, oocytes were harvested from C57BL/6J juvenile mice into KSOM, randomly divided into groups and activated with the same method mentioned above at 0, 2, 4 or 6 h and then cultured in KSOM for 3.5 days. There was no significant difference in morula and blastocyst rates among the different groups (P.0.05). Oocytes from juvenile mice activated in 10mM SrCl2 for 2 h were subjected to ICSI and the rates of pronuclear formation and Day 1 cleavage were significantly improved compared with the control group (P,0.01). ICSI combined with activation of oocytes from inbred mouse strains (C57BL/6J, C57BL/6N and 129Svev) successfully produced pups. The fertility of some these mice resulting from ICSI was tested, and the animals proved fertile. In conclusion, superovulated juvenile mice can yield more useable oocytes than adult mice, but additional activation is essential for full development of ICSI oocytes harvested from juvenile inbred mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a phase-decoupling permanent magnet brushless ac motor which can offer better controllability, faster response, and smoother torque than its counterparts. The key is due to its different motor configuration and simple scalar control. The motor configuration is so unique that it inherently offers the features of phase decoupling, flux focusing, and flux shaping, hence achieving independent phase control, fast response, and smooth torque. The scalar control is fundamentally different from the complicated vector control. It can achieve direct torque control through independent control of the phase currents. The proposed motor is prototyped and experimentally verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration signal modeling of a localized defective rolling bearing under unbalanced force excitations is carried out in this paper. A mass-spring-damping system with eight degrees of freedom is derived to consider the transverse vibrations and high frequency resonances of the rotor and bearing pedestals. External excitations come from the unbalanced mass and self-weight of the rotor. Due to the Hertz contact and bearing clearance, the dynamic model is coupled by the nonlinear stiffness. The inner/outer race defects are localized and modeled by additional contact deformations. The Runge-Kutta method is utilized to solve the nonlinear coupled differential equations and vibration signals with and without defects are obtained. Through envelope analysis, the fault characteristic frequencies of inner/outer raceway defects with and without unbalanced force excitations are presented. Detailed comparisons show that the unbalanced force excitations have significant influence on the fault characteristic frequencies. Finally, dynamic tests on a typical rotor-bearing system are conducted to verify the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers the first comprehensive scholarly response to proposals for destinationbased, cash-flow taxation (DCFT). DCFT proposals have attracted heightened public attention in 2016 because of the incorporation of one version into the US House Republican blueprint for tax reform and Donald Trump's subsequent election to the White House. They also continue to fascinate tax specialists by suggesting that corporate profit can be taxed not only in countries of 'source' or 'residence' but also (or even exclusively) in the countries where sales to final consumers occur. This article clarifies the logical structure of DCFT proposals and exposes substantial gaps between their rhetoric and technical details. I argue first that it is crucial to distinguish between two versions of the DCFT. The first version resembles proposals for taxing corporate income by sales-factoronly formulary apportionment. The second version, which is what the US House Republican blueprint proposes, resembles a destination-based value-added tax with deductions for labour costs and refundable losses. I argue that the latter version of the DCFT introduces no fundamental new option into international tax design. Instead, it may create substantial trade distortions (and its loss refund feature is also unlikely to be administrable). The first version of the DCFT does present a new option for taxing corporate profit but is un-implementable. I also highlight ways in which DCFT proposals make ad hoc normative and behavioral assumptions. Finally, the article offers a novel explanation of why it is difficult to incorporate information about consumer location into international tax design and argues that 'residence' is more promising than 'destination' (when both are understood as capturing information about natural persons) for dealing with problems arising from capital mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction have limited life expectancy because of limited stent patency and tumor progression. The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining intraductal RFA with biliary metal stent placement for patients with malignant biliary obstruction.Methods: Patients who received percutaneous intraductal RFA and biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction between 2013 and 2015 were identified. Outcomes were stent patency, technique and clinical success rate, overall survival (OS) and complication rates. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to examine the association of various factors with stent patency and OS. Complications and laboratory abnormalities were recorded.Results: Fifty patients were treated with percutaneous RFA and stent placement. The rates of technical success and clinical success were 98% and 92%, respectively. The median stent patency was 7.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3, 8.7) months and OS was 5.0 (95% CI: 4.0, 6.0) months. On univariable analysis, previously cholangitis was an independent poor prognosis factor for recurrent biliary obstruction. OS was improved in patients who received more than one intervention compared to those who received only one intervention (log-rank P = 0.007), and in those treated without versus those treated with sequential chemotherapy (log-rank P = 0.017). On multivariable analysis, the occurrence of more than one intervention (P = 0.019) had independent prognostic significance for OS.Conclusion: Percutaneous RFA and stent placement is a technically safe and feasible therapeutic option for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. The long-term efficacy and safety of the procedure is promising, but further study is required via randomized and prospective trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is the main active component of Carthamus tinctorius L which has been used for hundreds of years in Chinese folk medicine in the treatment cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to investigate whether HSYA exerts cardioprotection in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury heart and the mechanisms involved. The protective effect and mechanisms in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury of HSYA was evaluated by hypoxia–recover (H/R) injury cell model which induced by hypoxia and recovered with oxygen in H9c2 cells. PI3K/Akt and ERK as the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway and Hexokinase II (HKII) were both examined. In H/R cell model, HSYA significantly reduced dehydrogenase (LDH), Caspase 3 level, alleviated oxidative stress injury and apoptosis, meanwhile restored mitochondrial energy metabolism. Pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or hexokinase II inhibitor (3-BrPA), the protective effect of HSYA was significantly attenuated. On the contrary, pretreatment with ERK inhibitor (PD98059), the protective effect of HSYA on myocardial cells was decreased slightly, not as significant as PI3K inhibitor or hexokinase II inhibitor. ERK play a protective role in myocardial protection by phosphorylation of GSK3-β, but the effect of HSYA on phosphorylation of GSK3-β is weakly, however the effect of HSYA on Akt and hexokinase II were significantly up-regulated. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of GSK3-β by HSYA was significantly reduced after gave the ERK inhibitor and had no significant difference between the model group. The cardioprotection effect of HSYA appears to be mainly mediated via the PI3K/Akt/hexokinase II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lawsuits against the government form a part of the regular functioning of legal systems in democratic countries, and responding to such lawsuits constitutes an unavoidable part of governance. However, in the context of authoritarian regimes, administrative litigation has been viewed as a distinctively valuable institution for promoting the rule of law and individual rights. Moreover, the judiciary is portrayed as the keystone to this institution and to the rule of law in general: the more powerful and competent is the judiciary, the more it is able to "constrain government" through judicial review. Through empirical and comparative analyses of over two decades of administrative litigation in China against one of the state's essential branches, tax collection, I challenge the utility of this normative conception of administrative litigation. Using conceptual tools that apply across legal systems and regulatory areas, I show that while litigant behavior as well as the regulatory environment offer useful explanations of litigation patterns such as case volume and the plaintiff win rate, the relevance of judicial quality is barely discernible. This highlights the intuitive idea that judicial review can operate only when a private party brings suit, and whether and when they will do so cannot be taken for granted. In countries with weak legal systems, the rule of law may fail in certain basic ways that even a competent and well-subsidized judiciary cannot remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a microwave-sensitive solid acid catalyst was successfully synthesized from sweet potatoes via a simple process. The catalyst was proven to have superior microwave-sensitive and homogeneous properties. The physicochemical properties were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and elemental analysis (EA). Results showed that the total acid density and specific surface area for the catalyst were 6.35 mmol/g and 78.35 m2/g, respectively. The elemental sulfur content reached 7.449% after sulfonation and the catalytic activity could reach over 91% within 30 min with microwave power density of 1.0 W/mL. The catalytic reaction temperature should not exceed 200 °C, as shown in TGA curve, and the moisture content in the oil raw material should be within 1%-2%. The catalyst deactivated gradually to 64.38% after reutilization five times, but the catalytic activity could be simply regenerated by re-sulfonation, albeit slightly reduced (87.56%). The shift of diffraction peaks in the XRD patterns and new absorption peaks at 619.98 and 1190.49 cm--1 of FT-IR spectra demonstrated that the -SO3H group was effectively attached to the catalyst. The SEM images displayed a loose and porous amorphous structure in the end catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatidylinositide 3 kinases (PI3Ks) and their downstream mediators AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) constitute the core components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling cascade, regulating cell proliferation, survival and metabolism. Although these functions are well-defined in the context of tumorigenesis, recent studies -- in particular those using pluripotent stem cells -- have highlighted the importance of this pathway to development and cellular differentiation. Here, we review the recent in vitro and in vivo evidence for the role PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling plays in the control of pluripotency and differentiation, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying these functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) primarily affects hepatocytes, it has also been shown to cause complications in the skin, joints, muscles, and kidneys. Thyroid dysfunction is uncommon in cases of acute HBV infection. Case presentation: In this report, we describe a case of a 46-year-old woman with incipient acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who presented clinically with Graves' hyperthyroidism. She showed typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and laboratory tests revealed high levels of HBV DNA and alanine transaminase (ALT). The patient was not administered with antithyroid medicine or radioiodine, but she was given antiviral therapy and symptomatic treatment with propranolol. Follow-up studies showed that as the HBV DNA levels decreased, the thyroid function recovered. Conclusion: Graves' disease maybe an extrahepatic manifestation of acute HBV infection. Antiviral therapy is likely to be beneficial for this condition as without severe thyrotoxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progesterone receptor (PGR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor with key roles in the regulation of female fertility. Much has been learned of the actions of PGR signaling through the use of pharmacologic inhibitors and genetic manipulation, using mouse mutagenesis. Characterization of rats with a null mutation at the Pgr locus has forced a reexamination of the role of progesterone in the regulation of the female reproductive cycle. We generated two Pgr mutant rat models, using genome editing. In both cases, deletions yielded a null mutation resulting from a nonsense frame-shift and the emergence of a stop codon. Similar to Pgr null mice, Pgr null rats were infertile because of deficits in sexual behavior, ovulation, and uterine endometrial differentiation. However, in contrast to the reported phenotype of female mice with disruptions in Pgr signaling, Pgr null female rats exhibit robust estrous cycles. Cyclic changes in vaginal cytology, uterine histology, serum hormone levels, and wheel running activity were evident in Pgr null female rats, similar to wild-type controls. Furthermore, exogenous progesterone treatment inhibited estrous cycles in wild-type female rats but not in Pgr-null female rats. As previously reported, pharmacologic antagonism supports a role for PGR signaling in the regulation of the ovulatory gonadotropin surge, a result at variance with experimentation using genetic ablation of PGR signaling. To conclude, our findings in the Pgr null rat challenge current assumptions and prompt a reevaluation of the hormonal control of reproductive cyclicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-frequency force balance (HFFB) test is a widely used method for estimating lateral turbulent wind loads on tall buildings in a wind tunnel. The method relies on use of a highly accurate force sensor placed at the base of the tall building model to measure base forces and overturning moments. Because the turbulent wind load excitation is broadband, it is important to adequately design the connection detail between the model and the sensor. Accurate design is needed to avoid contaminating the measurement of the lateral wind loads by the potential spurious resonant effect, which is induced by flexibility in the connection detail. This design often relies on the experience of the wind tunnel modeler. On occasion, because of the limitations of test setup and environment, the connection detail between the building model and the HFFB force sensor may not be sufficiently stiff. Consequently, resonant response caused by the flexible connection may affect the power spectral density function of the measured wind loads. One of the methods to address this problem is tofilter the HFFB output signal and to remove undesirable response within a specific frequency interval by conventional digital filter methods. However, this may cause the removal of important features of the wind loading. This paper presents a simple yet efficient method, based on classical dynamic theory, to eliminate the spurious effect. The method is applied to the "correction" of an experimental wind load spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the metastable solubilities of Strontium sulfate in sodium chloride solution. Topics discussed include changes in ion equilibrium in aqueous solution because of thermodynamic conditions such as temperature and pressure, decline in oil and gas production and use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to determine strontium and sodium ion concentration.

Objective: Culturing aortic valve interstitial cells is a useful way to investigate the physiology and pathology of the aortic valve at the cellular level. The culture methods of the cells have been established in many species. However, the previous methods need some improvements Methods: We evaluated various techniques with regard to the isolation of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat aortic valve interstitial cells and established suitable conditions about the culture and passage of the primary cells. The specimens from the aortic valve were processed by tissue explant methods before seeding them onto the dishes Results: The cells obtained emerged from the explants after 2 to 3 days and stained positive for a-SMA and vimentin protein. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy images showed that the cells had abundant mitochondria, prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, and plentiful myofilaments Conclusion: In the present study, we provided reliable and efficient methods for the isolation and culture of rat aortic valve interstitial cells that could serve for in vitro studies on aortic valve physiology and pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localization algorithms based on received signal strength indication (RSSI) are widely used in the field of target localization due to its advantages of convenient application and independent from hardware devices. Unfortunately, the RSSI values are susceptible to fluctuate under the influence of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) in indoor space. Existing algorithms often produce unreliable estimated distances, leading to low accuracy and low effectiveness in indoor target localization. Moreover, these approaches require extra prior knowledge about the propagation model. As such, we focus on the problem of localization in mixed LOS/NLOS scenario and propose a novel localization algorithm: Gaussian mixed model based non-metric Multidimensional (GMDS). In GMDS, the RSSI is estimated using a Gaussian mixed model (GMM). The dissimilarity matrix is built to generate relative coordinates of nodes by a multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) approach. Finally, based on the anchor nodes' actual coordinates and target's relative coordinates, the target's actual coordinates can be computed via coordinate transformation. Our algorithm could perform localization estimation well without being provided with prior knowledge. The experimental verification shows that GMDS effectively reduces NLOS error and is of higher accuracy in indoor mixed LOS/NLOS localization and still remains effective when we extend single NLOS to multiple NLOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and evolution of Cu–Zn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and Al–Cu–Zn ternary IMCs of Cu/Sn–9Zn/Al joint interfaces by ultrasonic-assisted soldering without flux in air were investigated. Aluminum particulates dissolved from the base metal and migrated into the solder by ultrasonic action. As the duration of ultrasonic action increased to 60 s, the contents of Al in the solders reached 7.85 wt%, which is significantly higher than the equilibrium solubility limit. The formation of Cu 5 Zn 8 was prevented, and the IMC layers of the copper–solder surface changed from Cu 5 Zn 8 to the Al 4.2 Cu 3.2 Zn 0.7 ( T ′), because of the additional aluminum present in the solder. The Al–Cu–Zn ternary IMCs exhibited a slower growth rate and considerably thinner thickness than the Cu–Zn IMCs. The effect of the ultrasonic action on the thickness of the IMC layers and tensile strength of the joints was investigated. As duration of ultrasonic action increased from 2 s to 60 s, the thickness of the IMC layer increased from 1 μm to 20 μm, and the tensile strength of the joints decreased from 77 MPa to 39 MPa. The critical thickness of T ′ was approximately 5 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational allocation of the urban construction land is an important task of urbanization in China. This paper, based on Malmquist index model, studies the allocation scheme of construction land of China during urbanization with the carbon emissions caused by the urban land use change as constraints. The major finding of this study is that the ecological efficiency of urban construction land in eastern China is the highest, followed by the middle region, and the efficiency in western China is the lowest. Therefore, the eastern region of China should be allocated with more construction land and the weatern region should be allocated with more agricultural land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Under inflammatory conditions or during tumor progression macrophages acquire distinct phenotypes, with factors of the microenvironment such as hypoxia and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) shaping their functional plasticity. TGFβ is among the factors causing alternative macrophage activation, which contributes to tissue regeneration and thus, resolution of inflammation but may also provoke tumor progression. However, the signal crosstalk between TGFβ and hypoxia is ill defined. Results: Exposing human primary macrophages to TGFβ elicited a rapid SMAD2/SMAD3 phosphorylation. This early TGFβ-signaling remained unaffected by hypoxia. However, with prolonged exposure periods to TGFβ/hypoxia the expression of SMAD2 declined because of decreased protein stability. In parallel, hypoxia increased mRNA and protein amount of the calpain regulatory subunit, with the further notion that TGFβ/hypoxia elicited calpain activation. The dual specific proteasome/calpain inhibitor MG132 and the specific calpain inhibitor 1 rescued SMAD2 degradation, substantiating the ability of calpain to degrade SMAD2. Decreased SMAD2 expression reduced TGFβ transcriptional activity of its target genes thrombospondin 1, dystonin, and matrix metalloproteinase 2. Conclusions: Hypoxia interferes with TGFβ signaling in macrophages by calpain-mediated proteolysis of the central signaling component SMAD2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triaxial shape-constrained Skyrme-Hartree-Fock mean-field model, employing a density-dependent pairing interaction and the NSC89 N Λ interaction, is used to investigate the potential energy surfaces of the Λ hypernuclei 13ΛC, 21ΛNe, 25,27ΛMg, and 27,29ΛSi. Angular momentum projection and particle number projection techniques are applied to the axially deformed mean-field states to restore the symmetries lost in the mean-field calculation, and the energy spectra and E2 transition probabilities of several (hyper)nuclei are studied, demonstrating the shrinkage effect of the Λ, which is analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel time-resolved luminescence biosensor assay for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was developed. We used a straightforward strategy to modify a known ALK substrate into a peptide biosensor that can accommodate terbium luminescence sensitization upon its phosphorylation by ALK. Since this strategy is generalizable, this high-throughput screening compatible assay serves as an example for development of other kinase assays that employ terbium luminescence as a read-out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]