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Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and graphite-based Li-ion batteries have been widely applied for consumer electronics because of the long cycle life and easy preparation. However, the limited capacity for traditional materials hampers the practical application for high energy-density battery. Conventional electrolyte system could not satisfy the need for high-capacity materials. Here, methylene methanedisulfonate (MMDS) was chosen as electrolyte additive for enhancing the available capacity for LiCoO2 and graphite-based battery. The effect of MMDS on the LiCoO2 cathode and graphite anode was investigated via multi electrochemical methods. It was found that the capacity for cells with MMDS electrolyte additive increases (from 142.6 mAh g−1 for pristine to 193.4 mAh g−1 on LiCoO2/Li battery, from 275.5 mAh g−1 for pristine to 407.0 mAh g−1 on graphite/Li battery). The experimental results indicate that improved capacity by MMDS electrolyte additive can be attributable to the stabilized interface on both cathode and anode sides, leading to superior interfacial Li+ kinetics and mitigated bulk structural degradation, which was further confirmed by the ex-situ electrochemical and structural characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the transnational literacies that contribute to creating online social connections among migrant youth that may support their development and navigation of life across countries. We examine how social connectedness is semiotically constructed through time–space framing among two youth of Chinese descent who were participants of a larger study of the digital media practices of young people in an urban high school. We build on the concept of chronotope (Bakhtin, 1981) and scholarship of transnational literacies to understand the space–time dimensions of digital literacy practices, specifically how youth create the spatiotemporal context or frame of reference for their actions and positionings with others across geographical distances. Using a case study approach with data from interviews and observations, we analyzed how the youth depicted their transnational social relations within particular time–space frames. Qualitative and discourse analyses of the youths' narrative accounts show that they positioned themselves in proximity with their transnational peers within particular time–space contexts that supported their actions and emotions, and how they made sense of events, issues, practices, and their own identities as transnational individuals. The youths' ideas of schooling and education, and attunement to nationalistic ideologies, were developed through multiple chronotopes in their social connections across countries. This study offers implications for how an attention to the transnational spatiotemporal frame of youths' discourse and narrative may give us a more nuanced understanding of the subjectivity, knowledge, and perspective they derive from their experiences of movement and connection across borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-rich LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 cathode materials have been studied to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries due to their high capacity and low cost. However, the complex side reaction in the electrode/electrolyte interphase and cracks inside the secondary particles would decrease the stability of crystalline structure and interface, which further affects the cycling life. Here, a thermodynamically stabilized interface was constructed on the surface of single crystalline nickel-rich cathode material via an acid solution treatment. Structural characterization results confirm the enhanced structural reversibility during electrochemical cycling. Electrochemical data suggests accelerated kinetics for lithium ion diffusion process after treatment. Consequently, modified nickel-rich material delivers significantly enhanced capacity from 131.0 mAh/g for pristine material to 266.2 mAh/g at 0.1 C rate and improved cycling stability. These results suggest it is a moderate method for optimizing the available capacity of high-Ni cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gender imbalance in computer science (CS) is one of the most challenging issues in American education. CS is the only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field in which women's representation has steadily declined in recent decades. In this study, we explored one potential approach that could be effective in increasing college women's participation in CS: participation in Women‐in‐Computing (WiC) groups. Through participant observation and individual interviews in a WiC group at a major research university, we investigated how students engage in WiC, the impacts of the WiC on identity and belonging, and the challenge of sustainability. The results were coded using a hybrid of grounded and deductive coding and indicate that WiC groups offer various programs and events that enable women in CS to fully participate, learn, and grow. WiC represents an identity, a community, a safe space, and a journey. The results also suggest that the WiC has had positive impacts on students' identity and belonging, as evidenced by increased self‐efficacy, reduced imposter syndrome, and enhanced sense of belonging and community. Furthermore, we outline three strategies employed by the WiC to ensure the group's sustainability. Our study sheds light on how WiC can encourage women to enter and persist in CS, and on some of the characteristics of a successful WiC. We demonstrate that WiC may be potentially effective in diversifying CS through identity‐based participation. Moreover, student leaders design both the structure of the group and the leadership continuity process to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of high-energy density lithium-ion battery, Li-rich Mn-based oxide cathode has gained great attention with unexpectedly high capacity, low cost and excellent thermal stability. However, the cause for the sluggish kinetics remains a mystery, hindering the application of Li-rich cathode material. Here, we reveal the interfacial instability is the driving force for the sluggish kinetics, which severely blocks the interfacial Li-ion transport and triggers fast battery failure. Through rice-husk carbon (RHC) and spinel phase modification on Li-rich Mn-based oxide Li1.2Ni0.16Mn0.56Co0.08O2 (LNMC), the poor lithium ion diffusion and interfacial degradation can be effectively prevented, delivering a high specific capacity of around 300 mAh/g and excellent rate performance. These findings provide a universal method to prepare high electrochemical performance Li-rich oxide materials. Through synergetic modification, the Li-rich Mn-based cathode delivers a high available capacity of 300 mAh/g via accelerated Li+ intercalation kinetics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a disease caused by genetic and environmental factors, and the main clinical manifestation is hyperglycemia. Currently, insulin injections are still the first-line treatment for diabetes. However, repeated injections may cause insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, and other serious side effects. Thus, it is imperative to develop new diabetes treatments. Protein-based diabetes drugs, such as fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), have a longer-lasting glycemic modulating effect with high biosafety. However, the instability of these protein drugs limits their applications. In this study, we extract protein hypoglycemic drugs with oral and injectable functions. The FGF-21 analog (NA-FGF) was loaded into the chitosan derivative-based nanomaterials, N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan/carboxymethyl chitosan (N-2-HACC/CMCS), to prepare NA-FGF-loaded N-2-HACC/CMCS microspheres (NA-FGF-N-2-HACC/CMCS MPs). It was well demonstrated that NA-FGF-N-2-HACC/CMCS MPs have great biocompatibility, biostability, and durable drug-release ability. In addition to injectable drug delivery, our prepared microspheres were highly advantageous for oral administration. The in vitro and in vivo experimental results suggested that NA-FGF-N-2-HACC/CMCS MPs could be used as a promising candidate and universal nano-delivery system for both oral and injectable hypoglycemic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen is correlated to the lower mortality and disease severity of female than that of male, which indicates the potential therapeutic role of estrogen supplement therapy in sepsis. The structure of Daidzein is similar to that of 17β estradiol (E 2), an estrogen in human body, causing the exogenous Daidzein can interact with estrogen receptor as well as E 2 in the body. We aim to explore the therapeutic role of estrogen in sepsis-induced vascular dysfunction. Also, we wonder if estrogen regulates blood pressure via glucocorticoid-mediated vascular reactivity. Female SD rats received ovariectomy (OVX) to induce estrogen deficiency. After 12 weeks of administration, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to establish the in vivo model of sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to construct the in vitro model of sepsis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). E 2 and Daidzein were used for estrogen supplement therapy. E 2 and Daidzein significantly inhibited inflammation infiltration and histopathological injury in thoracic aorta in the rat model with CLP. E 2 and Daidzein improved carotid pressure and vascular hyporeactivity in sepsis rats with OVX. Importantly, E 2 and Daidzein promoted glucocorticoid permissive action and increased glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) expression in thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells. E 2 and Daidzein upregulated GRα, and inhibits cytokine production, proliferative phenotype and cell migration in LPS-induced VSMCs. Estrogen improved vascular hyporeactivity in thoracic aorta induced by sepsis via permissive effect of GRα expression. • Estrogen upregulated GRα expression in VSMCs during sepsis. • Estrogen promoted glucocorticoids permissive effect in the vessels. • Estrogen reversed the vascular hyporeactivity due to sepsis. • Estrogen improved vascular injury via modulating GRα expression during sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RuSb2, as a sister material of thermoelectric material FeSb2, has been extensively studied focusing on the comparisons with FeSb2, however, the properties of RuSb2 under pressure have not been surveyed thoroughly yet. In this work, we studied the properties of RuSb2 under pressure and explored the similarities and differences of crystal and electronic structures between the Ru-pnictides partners RuP2 and RuAs2. Using the crystal structures search method together with first-principles calculations, we found that this family undergoes a serial of structural phase transitions: (I) For RuSb2: Pnnm → I4/mcm → I4/mmm; (II) for RuP2: Pnnm → I41/amd → Cmcm; (III) for RuAs2: Pnnm → P-62m. The newly found five phases are all energetically and dynamically stable at high-pressure and exhibit metallic properties. The four high pressure phases of RuSb2 and RuP2 can be quenched to zero pressure. The superconducting transition temperatures of I4/mcm and I4/mmm phases of RuSb2 and I41/amd and Cmcm phase of RuP2 are predicted to be approximately 7.3 K, 10.9 K, 13.0 K, and 10.1 K at 0 GPa, respectively. In addition, the I4/mcm and I4/mmm phases of RuSb2 and the I41/amd phase of RuP2 exhibit non-trivial topological properties. Our studies illustrate that pressure is an effective way to tune the structural, electronic, and superconducting behavior of the Ru-pnictides compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fetal origins of adult disease (FOAD) hypothesis holds that events during early development have a profound impact on one's risk for the development of future adult disease. Studies from humans and animals have demonstrated that many diseases can begin in childhood and are caused by a variety of early life traumas, including maternal malnutrition, maternal disease conditions, lifestyle changes, exposure to toxins/chemicals, improper medication during pregnancy, and so on. Recently, the roles of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in FOAD have been increasingly appreciated due to their wide variety of biological actions. PPARs are members of the nuclear hormone receptor subfamily, consisting of three distinct subtypes: PPARα, β/δ, and γ, highly expressed in the reproductive tissues. By controlling the maturation of the oocyte, ovulation, implantation of the embryo, development of the placenta, and male fertility, the PPARs play a crucial role in the transition from embryo to fetus in developing mammals. Exposure to adverse events in early life exerts a profound influence on the methylation pattern of PPARs in offspring organs, which can affect development and health throughout the life course, and even across generations. In this review, we summarize the latest research on PPARs in the area of FOAD, highlight the important role of PPARs in FOAD, and provide a potential strategy for early prevention of FOAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a cathode with earth-abundant element, Mn-rich oxide has been explored to enable the scaling of the Li-ion battery. However, the irreversible transition metals migration and phase transformations in Mn-rich materials have been proven to be detrimental, which trigger capacity degradation, voltage decay, and poor kinetics. In this work, using Li 2 MnO 3 as model, spinel-layered biphase was constructed via Ti doping and de-lithiation modification, which exhibits higher available capacity of 236.9 mAh/g (55.6 mAh/g for pristine material) and improved rate performance. Compared with pristine Mn-based cathodes, the new phase delivers neglectable voltage degradation during electrochemical cycling. Based on systematic characterization, the new phase exhibits higher oxygen redox reversibility and accelerated kinetics of lithium ions transformation. This work provides a new strategy for designing high-energy density Mn-rich cathodes. [Display omitted] • Mn-based cathode with spinel-layered biphase was constructed via Ti doping and de-lithiation modification. • The designed Mn-based material enables a heightened available capacity, from 55.6 mAh/g to 236.9 mAh/g. • The designed phase exhibits higher oxygen redox reversibility and accelerated kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study investigated the effects of different stages of nap on memory of faces in habitual nappers. • The sleep group exhibited significantly longer reaction times (RT) after nap. • The normalized RT difference was positively related with the duration of N3 sleep. • The sleep group was more conservative in the judgment of faces after nap. • A nap immediately after face learning renders the memories not readily accessible. This study investigated the effects of diurnal nap in the recognition memory for faces in habitual nappers. Thirty volunteers with habitual midday napping (assigned as the sleep group) and 28 non-nappers (assigned as the wake group) participated in this study. Participants were instructed to memorize faces, and subsequently to perform two recognition tasks before and after nap/wakefulness, i.e., an immediate recognition and a delayed recognition. There were three experimental conditions: same faces with the same view angle (S-S condition); same faces with a different view angle (22.5°) (S-D condition); and novel faces (NF condition). A mixed repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the sleep group exhibited significantly longer reaction times (RT) following their nap compared to those of the wake group; no significant between-group differences were observed in accuracy or sensitivity (d'). Furthermore, both groups were more conservative in the delayed recognition task compared to the immediate recognition task, but the sleep group was more conservative after their nap (vs pre-nap), reflected by the criterion (β, O hit /O false alarm). Further stepwise regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between duration of stage N3 sleep and normalized RT difference before/after nap on the S-S condition. These findings suggest that an immediate nap following face learning is associated with memory reorganization during N3 sleep in habitual nappers, rendering the memories not readily accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involving students in the co-design of educational curricula and practices can benefit both students and teachers. Students who participate in co-design may show better learning or increased agency or engagement. In the present study, we investigated what kind of science knowledge or practices can be learned by student co-designers while engaging in co-design practices and how that learning happens with six high school students. We created a model to guide the analysis of students' learning with technology in co-designing processes. The results revealed that students learned engineering design process even if no explicit instruction on engineering learning was given. Also, our analysis suggested that co-designing with technology enabled learning of the engineering design process and potentially furthered learning of science because it promoted knowledge integration. The results have implications for understanding and enhancing engineering design and science learning through co-designing with technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the interpretability or perception of information in images for human viewers is the main goal of image enhancement. Aiming at the problem that image edges are difficult to determine due to artefacts, plaques, and vascular branches in cardiovascular ultrasound, an edge ultrasound imaging detection algorithm based on spatial-frequency-domain image enhancement is proposed to improve the clarity of ultrasound images. Firstly, this paper uses the space-frequency-domain enhancement algorithm to enhance the image. This algorithm overcomes the problem of low contrast of conventional algorithms. The enhanced data matrix is used as the cost matrix, and then, the heuristic image search method is used to search the image of the cost matrix. The results show that the use of spatial-frequency-domain image ultrasound imaging algorithm can improve the contrast and sharpness of ultrasound images of cardiovascular disease, which can make the middle edge of the image clearer, the detection accuracy rate is increased to 92.76%, and the ultrasound of cardiovascular disease is improved. The edge of the image gets accuracy. The paper confirms that the ultrasound imaging algorithm based on spatial-frequency-domain image enhancement is worthy of application in clinical ultrasound image processing. The performance of the proposed technique is 32.54%, 75.30%, 21.19%, 21.26%, and 11.10% better than the existing technique in terms of edge energy, detail energy, sharpness, contrast, and information entropy, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing coenzyme F430, an Ni(I) F430-like cofactor derived from vitamin B12 (F430-B12) is revealed by DFT calculations to be able to catalyze methane formation in methyl-coenzyme M reductase with a barrier of 13.3 kcal mol−1, demonstrating the correctness of the route starting from vitamin B12. The structure–activity relationships of F430 and F430-B12 (especially the roles of the F ring) are discovered and several sources of inspiration promoting the application of F430-B12 are also obtained, coming closer to using F430 chemistry in man-made catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox (reduction and oxidation) chemistry provides the fundamental basis for numerous energy-related electrochemical devices. Detecting the electrochemical redox chemistry is pivotal but challenging because it requires independent probes of the cationic and anionic redox states at different electrochemical states. The synchrotron-based soft X-ray mapping of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (mRIXS) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for exploring such states in electrochemical devices, especially batteries. High-efficiency mRIXS covers the energy range of the absorption edge with the extra dimension of information on the emitted photon energies. In this frontier article, we review recent representative demonstrations of utilizing soft X-ray mRIXS for detecting the novel chemical state during electrochemical operation and for quantifying the cationic redox reactions through inverse partial fluorescence yield analysis (mRIXS-iPFY). More importantly, the non-divalent states of oxygen in electrodes involving oxygen redox reactions could be reliably captured by mRIXS, with its reversibility quantified by the intensity variation of the characteristic mRIXS feature through a super-partial fluorescence yield analysis (mRIXS-sPFY). These recent demonstrations inspire future perspectives on using mRIXS for studying the complex phenomena in energy materials, with both technical and scientific challenges in RIXS theory, in situ/operando experiments, and spatially resolved RIXS imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicates that kaempferol (Kae) promotes osteogenesis, but its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. The present study hypothesized that the osteogenic effects of Kae were mediated through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). To validate this hypothesis, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from ovariectomized (OVX) rats were differentiated into osteoblasts. The bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture of the OVX rats was measured in vivo, while osteogenesis was evaluated in vitro via Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase activity measurements in cultured BMSCs. The levels of phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (p-4E/BP1) and phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (p-S6K), and the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and Osterix, were concurrently quantified by western blot analysis. The data suggested that Kae prevented OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats by promoting osteoblastogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with Kae in rat BMSCs enhanced mineralization, elevated ALP activity, increased the expression levels of Runx-2 and Osterix and increased the levels of p-S6K and decreased the levels of p-4E/BP1 and, consistent with its ability to promote osteoblast differentiation. In contrast, treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, produced the opposite phenotype. Taken together, these data suggested that the protective effects of Kae in BMSCs and in the OVX rat model resulted from the induction of osteogenesis via mTOR signaling, or at least partially via the regulation of downstream effectors of the mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Insoluble dietary fiber from rice bran (RBIDF) was treated with dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization (DHPM). The influence of pressure on the adsorption of Pb(II) capacity of RBIDF was explored in a simulation of the gastrointestinal environment. RBIDF (pH 7.0) displayed the maximal binding capacity (420.74 ± 13.12 μmol/g), at the level of 150 MPa, which was as 1.36 times as the untreated sample. DHPM‐treated RBIDF demonstrated a higher ability to adsorb cholesterol and sodium cholate. Meanwhile, the treatment changed the morphology but did not alter the primary structure. The adsorption capacity is linear to the physicochemical properties of the total negative charges. The adsorption kinetics fit the pseudo‐second‐order model, Pb(II) adsorption mainly occur on the surface of the fiber particulate, this process includes natural physical adsorption and chemical reaction. This study provides a feasible approach for improving the adsorption capacity of RBIDF, especially the adsorption of Pb(II). Practical Application: Dynamic high‐pressure microfluidization can modify biomass adsorption materials effectively as a physically modification. The pretreatment dietary fiber can be used as a low‐cost absorbing heavy metal biosorbent, and can be develop the functional food ingredients in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Volatile compounds of flesh and peel tissues of citrus fruit were detected. • PCA and PLS-DA were applied to classify the volatile compounds. • Eight volatile compounds as biomarkers were identified in stem-end rot fruit. • The alpha-guajene as biomarker was screened in green mold rot fruit. Citrus fruit produced some characteristic volatile compounds when infected by fungi compared with the healthy fruit. In the present study, volatile metabolites of postharvest citrus fruit with three different diseases including stem-end rot, blue mold and green mold were detected. Multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were employed to classify the volatile compounds between the infected and non-infected citrus fruit. The results indicated that volatile compounds of unrotten, unrotten-rotten junction, and rotten tissues were successfully classified. Importantly, eight volatile compounds as biomarkers for stem-end rot and one biomarker for green mold of citrus were screened to discriminate the infected citrus fruit. This study offers the application potential of odor profiling of volatile compounds for detecting the fungi infection in postharvest citrus fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-acid battery has been widely used in stationary energy storages, such as photovoltaic application, grid service and uninterrupted power system due to the advantages of high safety, recyclability, and low cost. However, the low cyclic performance limits its further applications in emerging functions. One of the main failure modes is caused by the high polarization on the PbO 2 positive plate. Herein, the rice husk silica with hierarchical porous structure was used as the positive additive for preventing from the high polarization of the PbO 2 positive plate. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isothermal and X-ray diffraction confirmed that the hierarchical porous rice husk silica enlarged the electrochemical surface area of the PbO 2 positive plate, endowing a high rate of active material utilization and low polarization during the charging process. Compared with the blank plate, the PbO 2 plate with rice husk silica showed improved Coulombic efficiency and a prolonged cycle life. These notable features verify that the porous rice husk silica is a cost-effective positive additive for sustained lead-acid batteries. • Solution-thermal method prepared rice husk silica has hierarchical porous structure and hydroxyl functional groups. • The specific surface area of lead-acid battery positive electrode can be increased by adding rice husk silica. • During the formation process, rice husk silica plays a catalytic role in the conversion to α-PbO2 and β-PbO2. • Compared with other silica, rice husk silica enlarged the electrochemical performance and cycle life of the cells. • At low discharge rates, rice husk silica cell performs better, due to its ion channels and reaction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Visualizing implanted subdural electrodes in three-dimensional (3D) space can greatly aid in planning, executing, and validating resection in epilepsy surgery. Coregistration software is available, but cost, complexity, insufficient accuracy, or validation limit adoption. We present a fully automated open-source application, based on a novel method using postimplant computerized tomography ( CT) and postimplant magnetic resonance ( MR) images, for accurately visualizing intracranial electrodes in 3D space. Methods CT- MR rigid brain coregistration, MR nonrigid registration, and prior-based segmentation were carried out on seven patients. Postimplant CT, postimplant MR, and an external labeled atlas were then aligned in the same space. The coregistration algorithm was validated by manually marking identical anatomic landmarks on the postimplant CT and postimplant MR images. Following coregistration, distances between the center of the landmark masks on the postimplant MR and the coregistered CT images were calculated for all subjects. Algorithms were implemented in open-source software and translated into a 'drag and drop' desktop application for Apple Mac OS X. Results Despite postoperative brain deformation, the method was able to automatically align intrasubject multimodal images and segment cortical subregions, so that all electrodes could be visualized on the parcellated brain. Manual marking of anatomic landmarks validated the coregistration algorithm with a mean misalignment distance of 2.87 mm (standard deviation 0.58 mm)between the landmarks. Software was easily used by operators without prior image processing experience. Significance We demonstrate an easy to use, novel platform for accurately visualizing subdural electrodes in 3D space on a parcellated brain. We rigorously validated this method using quantitative measures. The method is unique because it involves no preprocessing, is fully automated, and freely available worldwide. A desktop application, as well as the source code, are both available for download on the International Epilepsy Electrophysiology Portal () for use and interactive refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Object segmentation is a well-known difficult problem in pattern recognition. Until now, most of the existing object segmentation methods need to go through a time-consuming training phase prior to segmentation. Both robustness and efficiency of the existing methods have room for improvement. In this work, we propose a new methodology, called POSIT, for object segmentation without intensive training process. We construct a part-based shape model to substitute the training process. In the part-based framework, we sequentially register object parts in the prior model to an image so that the searching space is largely reduced. Another advantage of the sequential matching is that, instead of predefining the weighting parameters for the terms in the matching evaluation function, we can estimate the parameters in our model on the fly. Finally, we fine-tune the previous coarse segmentation by localized graph cuts. In the experiments, POSIT has been tested on numerous natural horse and cow images and the obtained results show the accuracy, robustness and efficiency of the proposed object segmentation method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this work is to develop a new framework for multi-object segmentation of deep brain structures (caudate nucleus, putamen and thalamus) in medical brain images. Deep brain segmentation is difficult and challenging because the structures of interest are of relatively small size and have significant shape variations. The structure boundaries may be blurry or even missing, and the surrounding background is full of irrelevant edges. To tackle these problems, we propose a template-based framework to fuse the information of edge features, region statistics and inter-structure constraints for detecting and locating all target brain structures such that initialization by hand is unnecessary. The multi-object template is organized in the form of a hierarchical Markov dependence tree (MDT), and multiple objects are efficiently matched to a target image by a top-to-down optimization strategy. The final segmentation is obtained through refinement by a B-spline based non-rigid registration between the exemplar image and the target image. Our approach needs only one example as training data. We have validated the proposed method on a publicly available T1-weighted magnetic resonance image database with expert-segmented brain structures. In the experiments, the proposed approach has obtained encouraging results with 0.80 Dice score for the caudate nuclei, 0.81 Dice score for the putamina and 0.84 Dice score for the thalami on average. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which described a diagnostic fault simulator that diagnoses both feedback and nonfeedback bridge faults in combinatorial circuits while using information from fault simulation of single stuck-at-faults. Importance of the failure analysis of defective integrated circuit chips; Overview of the diagnostic approach; Byzantine generals problem; Results.

The aim of the study is to improve the physicochemical and Cd(II) adsorption properties of rice bran insoluble dietary fiber (RBIDF). Dynamic high pressure microfluidization (DHPM) (0–150 MPa for 2 times) was investigated as a modification process for RBIDF, determining its effects on physicochemical, structural and Cd(II) adsorption properties. After a 30 MPa treatment, the flake-like surface of RBIDF changed into a fluffy and slightly expanded morphology. However, DHPM-treated RBIDFs at 60, 90 MPa were fragmented and separated into smaller chips. DHPM increased the RBIDF specific surface area and total negative charge. Among all samples, DHPM-treated RBIDF at 150 MPa exhibited the highest Cd(II) adsorption capacity (60.5 μmol/g at pH 2.0), which was 1.46 times that of the untreated sample. Cd(II) adsorption was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms models, and Cd(II) removal rate was as high as 56.9% in the simulated small intestine. In conclusion, DHPM shows great potential for enhancing the Cd(II) adsorption capacity by RBIDF. This research deals with the modification of RBIDF by DHPM treatments. The treatments at 120 or 150 MPa obviously increased Cd(II) adsorption capacity by unfolding the stiff structure to expose more oxygen-containing functional groups. DHPM is thus a safe and eco-friendly method to improve the physicochemical and adsorbent properties of RBIDF, which is a promising ingredient for use in food applications. • Dynamic high pressure microfluidization modified insoluble dietary fiber. • Modification increased the specific surface area and total negative charge. • Cd(II) adsorption capacity increased by 46% (pH 2) at 150 MPa. • Adsorption was well fitted by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. • Cd(II) removal rate was 56.9% in a simulated intestinal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare mendelian skeletal dysplasia with autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance pattern, and almost the most common primary osteoporosis in prenatal settings. The diversity of clinical presentation and genetic etiology in prenatal OI cases presents a challenge to counseling yet has seldom been discussed in previous studies. Methods: Ten cases with suspected fetal OI were enrolled and submitted to a genetic detection using conventional karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Sanger sequencing was used as the validation method for potential diagnostic variants. In silico analysis of specific missense variants was also performed. Results: The karyotyping and CMA results of these cases were normal, while WES identified OI-associated variants in the COL1A1/2 genes in all ten cases. Six of these variants were novel. Additionally, four cases here exhibited distinctive clinical and/or genetic characteristics, including the situations of intrafamilial phenotypic variability, parental mosaicism, and "dual nosogenesis" (mutations in collagen I and another gene). Conclusion: Our study not only expands the spectrum of COL1A1/2-related OI, but also highlights the complexity that occurs in prenatal OI and the importance of clarifying its pathogenic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The basic structural characteristics of chloroplast genomes of Gnaphalieae were analyzed and compared. • The chloroplast genome size is much reduced for the FLAG clade, but relatively expanded for the others. • Insertion-deletion in intergenic regions are attributed to be the main factor to genome size variances in Gnaphalieae. Chloroplast genomes, as an essential source of phylogenetic information, are increasingly utilized in the evolutionary study of angiosperms. Gnaphalieae is a medium-sized tribe of the sunflower family of Asteraceae, with about 2,100 species in 178 genera distributed in temperate habitats worldwide. There has been considerable progress in our understanding of their phylogenetic evolution using both nuclear and chloroplast sequences, but no focus on chloroplast genomic data. In this study, we performed sequencing, assembly, and annotation of 16 representative chloroplast genomes from all the major lineages of Gnaphalieae. Our results showed that the plastomes exhibited a typical circular tetrad structure with similar genomic structure gene content. But there were differences in genome size, SSRs, and codon usage within the tribe. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Relhania clade is the earliest diverged lineages with the Lasiopogon clade and the Gnaphalium s.s. clade diverged subsequently. The core group includes FLAG clade sister to the HAP and Australasian group. Compared with the outgroup species, chloroplast genome size of the FLAG clade is much reduced whereas those of Australasian, HAP, Gnaphalium s.s., Lasiopogon and Relhania clades are relatively expanded. Insertions and deletions in the intergenic regions associated with repetitive sequence variations are supposed to be the main factor leading to length variations in the chloroplast genomes of Gnaphalieae. The comparative analyses of chloroplast genomes would provide useful implications into understanding the taxonomic and evolutionary history of Gnaphalieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation The rapid development of high-throughput biomedical technologies can provide researchers with detailed multi-omics data. The multi-omics integrated analysis approach based on machine learning contributes a more comprehensive perspective to human disease research. However, there are still significant challenges in representing single-omics data and integrating multi-omics information. Results This article presents HyperTMO, a Trusted Multi-Omics integration framework based on Hypergraph convolutional network for patient classification. HyperTMO constructs hypergraph structures to represent the association between samples in single-omics data, then evidence extraction is performed by hypergraph convolutional network, and multi-omics information is integrated at an evidence level. Last, we experimentally demonstrate that HyperTMO outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in breast cancer subtype classification and Alzheimer's disease classification tasks using multi-omics data from TCGA (BRCA) and ROSMAP datasets. Importantly, HyperTMO is the first attempt to integrate hypergraph structure, evidence theory, and multi-omics integration for patient classification. Its accurate and robust properties bring great potential for applications in clinical diagnosis. Availability and implementation HyperTMO and datasets are publicly available at https://github.com/ippousyuga/HyperTMO [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We aimed to investigate nursing students' spiritual care competence, perceived professional benefit, and retention intention and to analyze the relationship among these variables. Background. Nurse shortages are a global issue, and intern nursing students' willingness to remain in the nursing profession is important. Spiritual care can reduce patients' depression and improve their quality of life. Implementing spiritual care can help individuals have satisfying experiences. Perceived professional benefit is a positive emotional experience that is important in retention intention. However, the relationship among spiritual care competence, perceived professional benefit, and retention intention remains unclear. Methods. In this cross-sectional and correlational study, convenience sampling was used to recruit 266 intern nursing students in 10 hospitals throughout China. An online questionnaire was used to assess their sociodemographic characteristics, spiritual care competence, perceived professional benefit, and retention intention. Statistical analyses included the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and bootstrap analysis. Results. Intern nursing students' mean scores were 103.35 ± 19.00 for spiritual care competence, 72.88 ± 10.40 for perceived professional benefit, and 19.58 ± 3.37 for retention intention. Spiritual care competence was positively correlated with perceived professional benefit (r = 0.545; p < 0.01) and retention intention (r = 0.149; p < 0.05). Perceived professional benefit was also positively correlated with retention intention (r = 0.320; p < 0.01). Bootstrap analysis showed that perceived professional benefit completely mediates the relationship between spiritual care competence and retention intention. Conclusions. We found that nursing interns had a moderate level of retention intention, and perceived professional benefit was the mediating variable between spiritual care competence and retention intention. Implications. Our study results suggest that nursing administrators and educators should improve nursing interns' spiritual care competence and perceived professional benefit to enhance their willingness to remain in the nursing profession and alleviate nurse shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew (PM) is the main disease that afflicts bottle gourd. Previous studies on PM mainly focused on its effects on pumpkin, melon, and other crops; however, the exact molecular mechanism of bottle gourd resistance to PM remains unclear. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used to investigate the dynamic changes in leaf transcriptome profiles between resistant and susceptible gourd at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-inoculation with powdery mildew. Compared with a susceptible variety (G3), the expression levels of the differentially expressed genes of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch, and sucrose metabolism, and plant–pathogen interaction pathways in disease-resistant plants were upregulated. We propose that disease resistance and tolerance in bottle gourd are enhanced via several pathways, including the antioxidant system, phenylalanine biosynthesis, and cell wall cellulose synthesis. Our research will provide an important basis for further screening and breeding PM resistance in bottle gourd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care and perceived professional benefits in China and reveal the relationship between them. Design and Methods. In this study, 372 nurses (response rate: 93.47%) from a number of hospitals across China were surveyed using convenience sampling. The data were collected through online questionnaires, including a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Chinese version of the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale (C-SCGS), and the Nurses' Perceived Professional Benefits Questionnaire (NPPBQ). Findings. The total score of the NPPBQ was 136.88 ± 20.13. A statistically significant relationship was found between the total score and subscale score of the C-SCGS and the total score and subscale score of the NPPBQ (R = 0.217–0.475, P < 0.01). Practice Implications. Nursing managers and educators should pay attention to improving nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in order to help nurses gain more perceived professional benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important principle in rational manufacturing design is matching the properties of composites to their intended uses. Herein, six laminated composites (LCs) were manufactured using fibrous moso bamboo and poplar veneer units, and their pore structure, water resistance, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The LC density (640–1290 kg/m3) increased significantly with increasing bamboo veneer unit content. The LC surface texture and roughness depended on the density and type of surface layer. With increasing LC density, the water absorption rate (WAR), width swelling rate (WSR), and thickness swelling rate (TSR) decreased exponentially and the mechanical properties increased linearly. This behavior was closely related to the changes in pore structure caused by density. Notably, the water resistance and mechanical properties of the LCs with densities higher than 910 kg/m3 were superior to the highest levels specified in GB/T 20241–2006 for "laminated veneer lumber" and GB/T 30364–2013 for "bamboo scrimber flooring". Thus, these engineered materials are promising for outdoor structures and flooring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the status quo of nurses' spiritual care competency and their relationship with perceived professional benefit. Background: Spiritual care has always been considered a vitally important part of holistic nursing. Understanding the spiritual care competency of nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic can help nursing managers understand the weak links in spiritual care practice and improve the quality of nursing service. As a positive emotional experience and cognitive evaluation of the profession, perceived professional benefit can serve to adjust work pressure, relieve job burnout and promote an individual's overall growth. However, the relationship between perceived professional benefit among nurses and spiritual care competency remains unclear. Methods: A total of 372 nurses were recruited from 15 separate Chinese hospitals. An online questionnaire was used to assess nurses' sociodemographic, spiritual care competency and perceived professional benefit. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation analysis, t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. Results: The total mean score of spiritual care competency (99.43 ± 21.10) among nurses was found to be moderate. Nurses' spiritual care competency was positively correlated with perceived professional benefit (P <.01). The multiple stepwise linear regression model (n = 372) had an explained variance (R2 = 0.218) and showed that perceived professional benefit and the manner of receiving spiritual training were the main influencing factors of nurses' spiritual care competency (P <.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicated that nurses need to improve their spiritual care competency by improving their perceived professional benefit. Implication for nursing managers: Our study evaluated the spiritual care competency of nurses and explored the correlation between perceived professional benefit and spiritual care competency among nurses. The results of this study can help nursing managers to carry out relevant interventions, thus improving nurses' spiritual care competency and optimizing the quality of nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropogenic release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere leads to an increase in the CO2partial pressure in the ocean, which may reach 950 μatm by the end of the 21st century. An experiment was performed to test the effects of increased sea water concentrations of CO2combined with heavy metals on mortality rates, metallothionein, immune funtion, and uptake kinetics of the bivalveMytilus edulisL. As a result, the mortality rates ofMytilus edulisL fluctuated with pH variety in all heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu) test seawater treatments compared to control group. It was demonstrated thatin vivoCd-, Pb-, or Cu pretreatment under acidifications can alleviate metallothionein byin vitroCd, Pb, and Cu in soft tissues and suggested that acidification can aggravate heavy metals pollution and toxicity for marine organisms. Moreover, the fraction of eosinophilic cells increased over the 21 days period for Cd exposure, then decreased with 28 and 35 days incubation, the fraction of eosinophilic cells increased similar with Cd exposure and pH 8.2. The fraction of eosinophilic cells significantly increased from 32% to 53% of the hemocyte population over the 35-day period for Pb exposure and pH8.2, the fraction of eosinophilic cells increased from 35% to 58% of the hemocyte population over the 35-day period for Pb exposure and pH 6.2. Phagocytosis levels declined with increasing exposure time for Cd alone and phagocytosis levels declined with decreasing pH (from 8.2 to 6.2) with Cd exposure on 35 days.Mytilus edulisL in Pb with reduced pH (6.2) treatments also decreased their phagocytosis levels on 35 days. Further, phagocytosis decreased bigger than that of Pb with pH 8.2. At steady state equilibrium, CF of109Cd was significantly higher at pH 6.2 and pH 7.7 than at pH 8.2, the accumulation of203Pb was significantly higher at the lowest pH 6.2 level than at the two exposure levels (pH 7.7 and pH 8.2). Similarly, the lower the seawater pH 6.2, the more63Cu was accumulated in the hemolymph ofMytilus edulisL. The results indicate that future reductions in pH caused by increased CO2concentrations in the sea may have an impact onMytilus edulisL combined with heavy metals pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding, small RNAs that regulate gene expression and function, but little is known about regulation of miRNAs in the kidneys under normal or pathologic conditions. Here, we sought to investigate the potential involvement of miRNAs in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and angiogenesis and to define some of the miRNAs possibly associated with renal angiogenesis. Methods and Results: Male Balb/c mice were subjected to a standard renal I/R. CD31 immunostaining indicated a significant increase of microvessels in the ischemic region. VEGF and VEGFR2 expression were increased in renal I/R at both the mRNA and protein levels which were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. More importantly, 76 microRNAs exhibited more than 2-fold changes using Agilent microRNA microarray, which contains downregulation of 40 miRNAs and upregulation of 36 miRNAs. Upregulation of miR-210 was confirmed by qRT-PCR with prominent changes at 4 and 24 h after reperfusion. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-210 in HUVEC-12 cells enhances VEGF and VEGFR2 expression and promotes angiogenesis on Matrigel in vitro. Conclusion: These findings suggest miR-210 may be involved in targeting the VEGF signaling pathway to regulate angiogenesis after renal I/R injury, which provides novel insights into the angiogenesis mechanism of renal I/R injury. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnicity is an important variable influencing drug response. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) plays an important role in the metabolism of thiopurine drugs. Previous population studies have identified ethnic variations in both phenotype and genotype of TPMT, but limited information is available within Chinese population that comprises at least 56 ethnic groups. The current study was conducted to compare both phenotype and genotype of TPMT in healthy Han and Yao Chinese children. TPMT activity was measured in healthy Chinese children by a HPLC assay ( n = 213, 87 Han Chinese and 126 Yao Chinese). Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to determine the frequency of TPMT mutant alleles ( TPMT* 2, TPMT* 3 A, TPMT* 3B and TPMT* 3C) in these children. There was no significant difference in the mean TPMT activity between Han and Yao Chinese children. A unimodal distribution of TPMT activity in Chinese children was found and the mean TPMT activity was 13.32 ± 3.49 U ml−1 RBC. TPMT activity was not found to differ with gender, but tended to increase with age in Yao Chinese children. TPMT* 2, TPMT* 3B and TPMT* 3A were not detected, and only one TPMT* 3C heterozygote (Han child) was identified in 213 Chinese children. Erythrocyte TPMT activity of this TPMT* 3C heterozygote was 12.36 U ml−1 RBC. The frequency of the known mutant TPMT alleles was 0.2%[1/426] in Chinese children. The frequency distribution of RBC TPMT activity was unimodal. The frequency of the known mutant TPMT alleles in Chinese Children is low and TPMT* 3C appears to be the most prevalent among the tested mutant TPMT alleles in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) play a vital role in tooth restoration, regeneration, and homeostasis. The link between DPSC senescence and tooth aging has been well‐recognized. ROR2 plays an important role in aging‐related gene expression. However, the expression and function of ROR2 in DPSC aging remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that ROR2 expression was significantly decreased in aged pulp tissues and DPSCs. The depletion of ROR2 in young DPSCs inhibits their self‐renewal capacity, while its overexpression in aged DPSCs restores their self‐renewal capacity. Interestingly, we found that sphingomyelin (SM) is involved in the senescence of DPSCs regulated by ROR2. Mechanistically, we confirmed that ROR2 inhibited the phosphorylation of STK4, which promoted the translocation of Forkhead Box O1 (FOXO1) to the nucleus. STK4 inhibition or knockdown of FOXO1 markedly increased the proliferation of DPSCs and upregulated the expression of SMS1, which catalyzed SM biogenesis. Moreover, FOXO1 directly bound to the SMS1 promoter, repressing its transcription. Our findings demonstrated the critical role of the ROR2/STK4‐FOXO1/SMS1 axis in the regulation of SM biogenesis and DPSC senescence, providing a novel target for antagonizing tooth aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter species, we determined the MICs of 6 antibiotics by E-test for 93 human clinical strains and 35 chicken strains. The 6 antimicrobial agents tested were gentamicin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid. Isolates from humans were significantly more susceptible than chicken strains to erythromycin, clindamycin and ciprofloxacin. Nearly all of the human and chicken strains were susceptible to gentamicin. Among human isolates of C. jejuni, cross-resistance between nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin was found in 66% of the strains, but none of the nalidixic acid-susceptible strains was resistant to ciprofloxacin. The higher prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance in this area may be attributable to the large amount use of quinolones in poultry. Because of the high resistance rates of chicken isolates to the commonly used antimicrobial agents, it is necessary to create innovative methods to limit the inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry in order to prevent the spread of the drug-resistant strains to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural and interfacial instability of the LiCoO2 cathode under a voltage exceeding 4.5 V (vs Li/Li+) severely hinders its practical applications for high‐energy‐density lithium batteries. Herein, a modified electrolyte with nitriles (suberonitrile or 1,3,6‐hexanetricarbonitrile) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) coadditives is demonstrated to form an ultrathin and uniform interface layer on LiCoO2 cathode under a synergetic effect. As such, LiCoO2/Li cells display excellent cyclability at a cutoff voltage of 4.6 V with a capacity retention over 72% after 300 cycles and 60% after 200 cycles at 30 and 55 °C, respectively, even achieving operation at a high current rate (10 C) upon 500 cycles as compared to the controls with fast‐falling capacity to zero. Furthermore, an adsorption‐coordination mechanism between nitriles and cobalt and synergetic effect of coadditives are explored by the alliance of spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations. The contributed lone‐pairs on the N 2p orbital of nitriles in coordination lowers the real oxidation state of Co3+/4+ so that it decreases its catalysis on electrolytes, and the synergy from nitrile‐derived species regulates FEC to form an LiF‐containing electron‐insulated interface layer. This work shares a new insight to nitriles with the synergy of coadditives and paves a way to refine (ultra)high‐voltage LiCoO2 cathode for high‐energy‐density energy storages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid dye treatment of bamboo is difficult due to the lack of transverse conductive tissue; thus, to achieve deep color permeation, high temperatures and pressures are often used. In this study, a novel bamboo dyeing method was designed using the strong transpiration of newly harvested Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) leaves as a water transportation mechanism to replace the bamboo water–mineral solution with dye solution from the bottom to the top throughout the conducting tissue. The effects of dye concentration, pH, light type, and temperature on bamboo dyeing were analyzed. The dyeing method was suitable for most bamboo dye solutions and showed desirable decorative effects in three sections and an adequate multicolor dyeing effect. Light and temperature were the primary factors that influenced the dyeing outcome. A concentration of 1% (wt) of dye between 500 and 1000 mL was shown to be sufficient for treating one stalk. The dyeing method evaluated in this study is environmentally friendly, with no energy consumption, and involves one-direction transportation without dye solution contamination or wastewater discharge. [Display omitted] • Novel bamboo dyeing method with no energy consumption or wastewater discharge. • Strong leaf transpiration used as a transport power in newly harvested bamboo. • 1% (wt) and 500–1000 mL of plant dyes was sufficient to treat one bamboo plant. • Vascular bundles were sufficiently dyed, highlighting the natural bamboo texture. • Three-section models for dye solution transporting were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal dysplasias (SDs) comprise a series of severe congenital disorders that have strong clinical heterogeneity and usually attribute to diverse genetic variations. The pathogenesis of more than half of SDs remains unclear. Additionally, the clinical manifestations of fetal SDs are ambiguous, which poses a big challenge for accurate diagnosis. In this study, eight unrelated families with fetal SD were recruited and subjected to sequential tests including chromosomal karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and trio whole-exome sequencing (WES). Sanger sequencing and quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) were performed as affirmative experiments. In six families, a total of six pathogenic/likely pathogenic variations were identified in four genes including SLC26A2, FGFR3, FLNB, and TMEM38B. These variations caused disorders following autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance patterns, respectively. The results provided reliable evidence for the subsequent genetic counseling and reproductive options to these families. With its advantage in variation calling and interpreting, trio WES is a promising strategy for the investigation of fetal SDs in cases with normal karyotyping and CMA results. It has considerable prospects to be utilized in prenatal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of milk solution or milk proteins (casein and whey protein) on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of oat phenolics during in vitro gastric and pancreatic digestion. During digestion, most of oat phenolics were partially degraded by alkaline pH of pancreatic fluid (pH 7.5). For phenolic acids, both milk solution and milk protein only had a slight influence on their bioaccessibility, while exhibited a significant effect on antioxidant activity of oat phenolic extracts and bioaccessibility of avenanthramides (AVs), a kind of bioactive phenols exclusively found in oats. The antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of AVs were decreased by adding milk and casein, while significantly improved when mixed with milk whey protein. Remarkably, the bioaccessibility of AV 2c, which had the highest antioxidant activity among all phenolic compounds detected in oats, increased above 360% after intestinal digestion by mixing with whey protein. This result suggested the possibility of protecting AVs against digestive alteration and oxidation by milk whey protein. Practical Application: In recent years, oats are often consumed with milk under different conditions of preparation, and there have been many oat milk products manufactured by food companies all over the world. The results of this paper showed that the adding of milk may reduce the absorption and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from oat. However, the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of oat phenolics were significantly increased when mixed with milk whey protein, suggesting that oats could be consumed with milk whey protein to improve their functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with a poor prognosis and limited effective treatment. The rise in immunotherapeutic strategies prompted the establishment of a genetic vaccine against TNBC in vitro using a possible biological marker of TNBC. In the present study, different detection methods were used to evaluate the distribution and expression of runt‑associated transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in various breast cancer cell lines. Following the development of the Runx2‑dendritic cell (DC) vaccine using a lentivirus, the transfection efficacy was recorded. The T lymphocytes co‑cultured with the vaccine were collected to assess the antitumor potency. Increased levels of Runx2 were expressed in breast cancer cells; however, different breast cancer cell lines expressed various levels of Runx2. Runx2 demonstrated particularly high expression in TNBC cells, compared with non‑TNBC cells. A Runx2 lentivirus transfection system was successfully engineered, and Runx2 was transduced into dendritic cells whilst maintaining stable expression. The sustained and stable cytotoxic T cells induced in the transfected group had higher and more specific antitumor efficacy against TNBC, compared with the other cell lines. Runx2 may be a novel target for TNBC treatment. The Runx2‑DC vaccine may induce specific and efficient antitumor effects in TNBC in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the dissolution and the intestinal absorption of tacrolimus in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) and solid dispersion (SD). Poloxamer 188 SD was prepared by the combination of the solvent evaporation method and the freeze drying method. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) SD was prepared by the solvent evaporation method combined with the vacuum drying method. The formation of SD was confirmed by SEM images which showed new solid phases. The SMEDDS was composed of oil (Labrafil M1944 CS 28%), surfactant (Cremophor EL 48%) and co-surfactant (Transcutol P 24%). The self microemulsion formed by the SMEDDS upon aqueous media had spherical droplets with a hydrodynamic size of 46.0 ± 3.2 nm. The dissolution of tacrolimus from SD and SMEDDS was performed in sink and non-sink conditions with various pH. As revealed by the DSC and FT-IR, the tacrolimus was molecularly or amorphously dispersed in the SMEDDS and SD. The in vivo intestinal absorption study in rats showed that both SMEDDS and SD improved the absorption of tacrolimus over the raw tacrolimus while the SMEDDS exhibited lower absorption rate constant ( K a ) and apparent permeability coefficients ( P app ) than the SD. The self-prepared SD with poloxamer 188 or HPMC had comparable intestinal absorption as compared with Prograf®. The tacrolimus-loaded SMEDDS and SD would be further compared by in vivo pharmacokinetic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an essential role in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), which is an important step in tumor metastasis; however, little is known about the global change of lncRNA transcriptome during EMT. To investigate how lncRNA transcriptome alterations contribute to EMT progression regulation, we deep-sequenced the whole-transcriptome of MCF10A as the cells underwent TGF-β-induced EMT. Results Deep-sequencing results showed that the long RNA transcriptome of MCF10A had undergone global changes as early as 8 h after treatment with TGF-β. The expression of 3403 known and novel lncRNAs, and 570 known and novel circRNAs were altered during EMT. To identify the key lncRNA-regulator, we constructed the co-expression network and found all junction nodes in the network are lncRNAs. One junction node, RP6-65G23.5, was further verified as a key regulator of EMT. Intriguingly, we identified 216 clusters containing lncRNAs which were located in “gene desert” regions. The expressions of all lncRNAs in these clusters changed concurrently during EMT, strongly suggesting that these clusters might play important roles in EMT. Our study reveals a global reprogramming of lncRNAs transcriptome during EMT and provides clues for the future study of the molecular mechanism of EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the relationship between childhood socioeconomic status (SES), childhood maltreatment, and the volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala between the ages of 25 and 36 years. Previous work has linked both low SES and maltreatment with reduced hippocampal volume in childhood, an effect attributed to childhood stress. In 46 adult subjects, only childhood maltreatment, and not childhood SES, predicted hippocampal volume in regression analyses, with greater maltreatment associated with lower volume. Neither factor was related to amygdala volume. When current SES and recent interpersonal stressful events were also considered, recent interpersonal stressful events predicted smaller hippocampal volumes over and above childhood maltreatment. Finally, exploratory analyses revealed a significant sex by childhood SES interaction, with women’s childhood SES showing a significantly more positive relation (less negative) with hippocampus volume than men’s. The overall effect of childhood maltreatment but not SES, and the sex-specific effect of childhood SES, indicate that different forms of stressful childhood adversity affect brain development differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing interest in both the cumulative and long-term impact of early life adversity on brain structure and function, especially as the brain is both highly vulnerable and highly adaptive during childhood. Relationships between SES and neural development have been shown in children older than age 2 years. Less is known regarding the impact of SES on neural development in children before age 2. This paper examines the effect of SES, indexed by income-to-needs ( ITN) and maternal education, on cortical gray, deep gray, and white matter volumes in term, healthy, appropriate for gestational age, African-American, female infants. At 5 weeks postnatal age, unsedated infants underwent MRI (3.0T Siemens Verio scanner, 32-channel head coil). Images were segmented based on a locally constructed template. Utilizing hierarchical linear regression, SES effects on MRI volumes were examined. In this cohort of healthy African-American female infants of varying SES, lower SES was associated with smaller cortical gray and deep gray matter volumes. These SES effects on neural outcome at such a young age build on similar studies of older children, suggesting that the biological embedding of adversity may occur very early in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hierarchical nanostructure Co 9 S 8 @CoWO 4 /nitrogen-doped carbon was obtained based on Ostwald ripening mechanism. • Ingenious yolk-shell configuration boosts Li-ion transport and buffers volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation. • Co 9 S 8 @CoWO 4 /nitrogen-doped carbon anode delivers an ultrahigh specific capacity (1053 mAh·g−1 at 500 mA·g−1). • In-situ EIS and Ex-situ SEM were conducted to confirm the successful incubating of stable interfaces. Hierarchical nanostructures that comprise multiple tiers of structural subunits and diverse chemical components can provide more active storage sites and relieve the micro-strain due to volumetric change than solid structures in LIBs. In this work, we designed the facile preparation of a yolk-shell structure based on Ostwald ripening for steady lithium-ion storage with Co 9 S 8 @CoWO 4 /nitrogen-doped carbon nanohybrids (YS-Co 9 S 8 @CoWO 4 -NC) as anodes. This yolk-shell configuration design not only accelerated the diffusion of lithium-ion during the lithiation process but also constructed stable interfaces for achieving more steady cycling. It consequently delivered long cycle stability (780 mAh·g−1 after 250 cycles at 1000 mA·g−1) and excellent rate capacities (1023, 767 mAh·g−1 at 100, 2000 mA·g−1, respectively). Furthermore, in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was successfully implemented to monitor interface properties by simultaneously recording the impedance during discharging and charging processes. The incubating of stable interfacial layers was further confirmed by ex-situ SEM. These results fully affirmed the contribution of hierarchical nanostructures to the construction of stable interfaces, achieving long cycle Li-ion storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse prenatal factors such as overtake of salt or fat food are potential risks for cardiovascular diseases in offspring. This study tested the hypothesis that prenatal high-salt (HS) diets may influence renal vascular tone and attenuates signaling pathways related to soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) or/and large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BKCa) channels in the offspring. Pregnant rats were fed either normal salt (NS) (1% NaCl) or HS (8% NaCl) diet for the whole gestation. Offspring were maintained on NS diets. Renal interlobar arteries in offspring were tested for vascular responses to phenylephrine (Phe), K(+) channels and signal pathways related to sGC. Phe induced higher vessel tension in interlobar arteries of the HS offspring. Following pretreatment with BKCa channel inhibitor iberiotoxin, Phe-mediated vasoconstrictions were decreased in HS offspring compared to NS. Phe-mediated constrictions following pretreatment with NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or sGC inhibitor 1H-1,2,4-oxadiazolo-4,3-quinoxalin-1-one in the HS offspring were less sensitive than NS. The whole-cell K(+) currents and the component of BKCa channels were not changed in smooth muscle cells from interlobar arteries, whereas the K(+) currents stimulated by sGC activator BAY41-2272 were reduced in the HS offspring. The protein expressions of sGC β1 and β2 in the interlobar arteries of HS offspring were reduced. The results showed that chronic overintake of salt during pregnancy could increase renal vascular tone in the offspring. The affected signal pathways included down-regulation of sGC function and expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical ventilation worsens acute respiratory distress syndrome, but this secondary "ventilator-associated" injury is variable and difficult to predict. The authors aimed to visualize the propagation of such ventilator-induced injury, in the presence (and absence) of a primary underlying lung injury, and to determine the predictors of propagation.Methods: Anesthetized rats (n = 20) received acid aspiration (hydrochloric acid) followed by ventilation with moderate tidal volume (V(T)). In animals surviving ventilation for at least 2 h, propagation of injury was quantified by using serial computed tomography. Baseline lung status was assessed by oxygenation, lung weight, and lung strain (V(T)/expiratory lung volume). Separate groups of rats without hydrochloric acid aspiration were ventilated with large (n = 10) or moderate (n = 6) V(T).Results: In 15 rats surviving longer than 2 h, computed tomography opacities spread outward from the initial site of injury. Propagation was associated with higher baseline strain (propagation vs. no propagation [mean ± SD]: 1.52 ± 0.13 vs. 1.16 ± 0.20, P < 0.01) but similar oxygenation and lung weight. Propagation did not occur where baseline strain was less than 1.29. In healthy animals, large V(T) caused injury that was propagated inward from the lung periphery; in the absence of preexisting injury, propagation did not occur where strain was less than 2.0.Conclusions: Compared with healthy lungs, underlying injury causes propagation to occur at a lower strain threshold and it originates at the site of injury; this suggests that tissue around the primary lesion is more sensitive. Understanding how injury is propagated may ultimately facilitate a more individualized monitoring or management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of algorithms for brain segmentation in preterm born infants have been published, but a reliable comparison of their performance is lacking. The NeoBrainS12 study ( http://neobrains12.isi.uu.nl ), providing three different image sets of preterm born infants, was set up to provide such a comparison. These sets are (i) axial scans acquired at 40 weeks corrected age, (ii) coronal scans acquired at 30 weeks corrected age and (iii) coronal scans acquired at 40 weeks corrected age. Each of these three sets consists of three T1- and T2-weighted MR images of the brain acquired with a 3T MRI scanner. The task was to segment cortical grey matter, non-myelinated and myelinated white matter, brainstem, basal ganglia and thalami, cerebellum, and cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles and in the extracerebral space separately. Any team could upload the results and all segmentations were evaluated in the same way. This paper presents the results of eight participating teams. The results demonstrate that the participating methods were able to segment all tissue classes well, except myelinated white matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]