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In this paper, we demonstrate a method of measuring the flexural elastic modulus of ceramics at an intermediate (~millimeter) scale at high temperatures. We used a picosecond laser to precisely cut microbeams from the location of interest in a bulk ceramic. They had a cross-section of approximately 100 μm × 300 μm and a length of ~1 cm. They were then tested in a thermal mechanical analyzer at room temperature, 500 °C, 800 °C, and 1100 °C using the four-point flexural testing method. We compared the elastic moduli of high-purity Al2O3 and AlN measured by our method with the reported values in the literature and found that the difference was less than 5% for both materials. This paper provides a new and accurate method of characterizing the high-temperature elastic modulus of miniature samples extracted from representative/selected areas of bulk materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the integration of satellite-based LiDAR (ICESat-2) and continuous remote sensing imagery has been extensively applied to mapping forest canopy height over large areas. A considerable fraction of low-quality photons exists in ICESAT-2/ATL08 products, which restricts the performance of regional canopy height estimation. To solve these problems, a Local Noise Removal-Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LNR-LGB) method was proposed in this study, which efficiently filtered the unreliable canopy photons in ATL08, constructed an extrapolation model by combining multiple remote sensing data, and finally mapped the 30 m forest canopy height of Hunan Province in 2020. To verify the feasibility of this method, the canopy parameters were also filtered based on ATL08 product attributes (traditional method), and the accuracy of the two models was compared using the 10-fold cross-validation. The conclusions were as follows: (1) compared with the traditional model, the overall accuracy of the LNR-LGB model was approximately doubled, in which R2 increased from 0.46 to 0.65 and RMSE decreased from 6.11 m to 3.48 m; (2) the forest height in Hunan Province ranged from 2.53 to 50.79 m with an average value of 18.34 m. The LNR-LGB method will provide a new concept for achieving high-accuracy mapping of regional forest height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first principle calculation is performed on Ce3Al by means of density functional theory combined with dynamical mean‐field theory. We find that j = 5/2, j = 7/2 components are in the metallic and insulating regimes, respectively. Itinerant 4f electrons result in the so‐called virtual charge fluctuations in the context of Kondo model with an average occupancy number of 4f electrons about 1.0. Finally, the so‐called quasiparticle band structure is also discussed for comparison with experimental angle‐resolved photoemission spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the process B → D ¯ D s π via several rescattering processes. It is shown that the triangle singularity (TS) peak around the D ∗ K ∗ threshold generated from the χ c 1 K ∗ D ∗ loop is relatively narrow, which may simulate the resonance-like structure T c s ¯ (2900) recently observed by LHCb in the D s π spectrum. However, the TS peak around the D s ∗ ρ threshold generated from the D ∗ ∗ D s ∗ ρ loop is smoothed by the broad width of ρ , which itself can hardly describe the T c s ¯ (2900) structure. A non-resonance TS signal around the DK threshold generated from the χ c 0 K D loop is also predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caterpillars of the Lepidoptera are important herbivores as most of them belong to serious agricultural and forestry pests. To adapt to their habitats and feeding host plants, the larvae utilize uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) to metabolize plant defensive compounds and insecticides. However, information on the UGT gene family in Achelura yunnanensis remains scarce. Here, we characterized the UGT genes through gene identification, phylogenic analyses, and comprehensive expression profiles regarding sexes, tissues, and stages. Transcriptome analyses led to the yields of 50 transcripts encoding UGTs in A. yunnanensis, representing a comparable gene number compared to those in other lepidopteran species. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed a low amino acid identity of 28.23% among 31 full-length AyunUGTs, but some members shared relatively high conservation (>50% identities) with a phylogenetically clustered distribution. In addition, the majority of AyunUGTs possessed conserved residues involved in the catalysis and sugar-donor binding. Combining RNA sequencing and PCR approaches, a number of AyunUGTs were found to have the expression in chemosensory or detoxification tissues, possibly associated with the sensing of odorant molecules and the metabolism of toxic chemicals. More importantly, at least 27 AyunUGTs displayed detectable expression in reproductive tissues of both sexes. This study identifies candidate A. yunnanensis UGTs responsible for detoxification, olfaction, and reproduction, allowing us to address putative roles of UGTs in the adaptation of larvae to the habitats and feeding hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave erosion is the main erosion type in the water-level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA). Despite vegetation can effectively mitigate wave erosion in the WLFZ, its influence on the wave force and wave erosion remains unclear. Therefore, the wave experiments were conducted under 3 Cynodon dactylon coverage rates (0, 30% and 60%) and 9 wave conditions (3 wave heights of 4, 6 and 8 cm combined with 3 wave periods of 1, 2 and 3 s) to analyse the wave force (expressed as the wave pressure on the slope surface and the pore water pressure in the slope) and wave erosion rate, and the factors influencing wave erosion were identified. The results indicated that the wave pressure, pore water pressure and wave erosion rate increased by 19.14%–104.75%, 16.84%–65.04% and 23.33%–91.64%, respectively, as wave height increases. The wave pressure decreased by 1.50%–31.23% followed by an increase by 22.05% to 87.10% with the increase of wave period, whereas the pore water pressure and wave erosion rate decreased by 28.33%–53.59% and 20.46%–63.59%, respectively. However, these quantities decreased by 2.10%–50.84%, 17.06%–40.23% and 17.28%–82.18%, respectively, with the increase of Cynodon dactylon coverage rate. It was also discovered that the pore water pressure and Cynodon dactylon coverage rate attained the highest positive and negative correlation coefficients with the wave erosion rate, respectively. In addition, pore water pressure accumulation is the most critical influence factor on wave erosion, and Cynodon dactylon could effectively reduce the pore water pressure via its roots, thus improving the slope wave erosion resistance. This study could be useful to understand the mechanism of plants on controlling wave erosion and could provide a scientific reference for wave erosion control and the ecological construction in the WLFZ. • Cynodon dactylon can effectively reduce the wave pressure and pore water pressure. • 17.28%–82.18% of wave erosion was reduced due to the cover of Cynodon dactylon. • The critical effect of plant on wave erosion is to regulate the pore water pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic polysaccharides have shown excellent ability of nucleic acids delivery. However, cationic curdlan derivatives with high degree of amination cause damage to the cell membrane and induce considerable cytotoxicity, limiting their in vivo application. Herein, we synthesized PEGylated 6-amino-6-deoxy-curdlan derivatives containing cleavable disulfide bonds. The resulting polymers (denote 6AC-2S PEGx) not only showed high affinity to siRNA but also exhibited significantly decreased cytotoxicity and hemolysis effect, while showing remarkable in vitro transfection efficiency. In vivo study demonstrated that 6AC-2S PEG40, which had a lower LD50 value than that of 6AC-100, did not cause liver damage, as the i.v. injection of 6AC-2S PEG40 to mouse did not increase serum level of ALT/AST. Furthermore, tissue distribution results showed that 6AC-2S PEG40 successfully delivered siRNA to liver, lung and spleen. Collectively, our data confirmed that PEGylation can increase the biocompatibility of cationic curdlan derivatives, which is a promising carrier for nucleic acid therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the LHCb collaboration reported a new exotic state T cc + which possesses c c u ¯ d ¯ flavor structure. Since its mass is very close to the threshold of D 0 D ∗ + (or D ∗ 0 D + ) and its width is very narrow, it is inclined to conjecture that T cc + is a molecular state of D 0 D ∗ + (or D ∗ 0 D + ). In this paper we study the possible molecular structures of D (∗) D (∗) and B (∗) B (∗) within the Bethe–Salpeter (B–S) framework. We employ one boson exchange model to stand the interaction kernels in the B–S equations. With reasonable input parameters we find the isospin eigenstate 1 2 (D 0 D ∗ + - D ∗ 0 D +) ( J P = 1 + ) constitutes a solution, which supports the ansatz of T cc + being a molecular state of D 0 D ∗ + (or D ∗ 0 D + ). With the same parameters we also find that the isospin-1 state 1 2 (D ∗ 0 D ∗ + + D ∗ 0 D ∗ +) ( J P = 0 + ) can exist. Moreover, we also study the systems of B (∗) B (∗) and their counterparts exist as possible molecular states. Consistency of theoretical computations based on such states with the data of the future experiments may consolidate the molecular structure of the exotic state T cc + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura , is a polyandrous moth with high reproductive ability. Sexual reproduction is a unique strategy for survival and reproduction of population in this species. However, to date available information about its reproductive genes is rare. Here, we combined transcriptomics, genomics and proteomics approaches to characterize reproductive-related proteins in S. litura. Illumina sequencing in parallel with the reference genome led to the yields of 12,161 reproductive genes, representing 47.83% of genes annotated in the genome. Further, 524 genes of 19 specific gene families annotated in the genome were detected in reproductive tissues of both sexes, some of which exhibited sex-biased and/or tissue-enriched expression. Of these, manual efforts together with the transcriptome analyses re-annotated 54 odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and 23 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) with an increase of 18 OBPs and one CSP compared to those previously annotated in the genome. Interestingly, at least 35 OBPs and 22 CSPs were transcribed in at least one reproductive tissue, suggestive of their involvement in reproduction. Further proteomic analysis revealed 2381 common proteins between virgin and mated female reproductive systems, 79 of which were differentially expressed. More importantly, 74 proteins exclusive to mated females were identified as transferred relatives, coupled with their specific or high expression in male reproductive systems. Of the transferred proteins, several conserved protein classes across insects were observed including OBPs, serpins, trypsins and juvenile hormone-binding proteins. Our current study has extensively surveyed reproductive genes in S. litura with an emphasis on the roles of OBPs and CSPs in reproduction, and identifies potentially transferred proteins serving as modulators of female post-mating behaviors. [Display omitted] • Transcriptome of eight reproductive tissues of both sexes in Spodoptera litura are sequenced and characterized. • Integrated analysis leads to the yields of 54 OBPs and 23 CSPs with 19 novel candidates. • 35 OBPs and 22 CSPs are associated with reproduction. • LC-MS/MS analysis identifies 79 differentially expressed proteins between virgin and mating female reproductive systems. • Proteomic analysis identifies 74 proteins transferred from males to females during mating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LHCb collaboration recently reported the observation of a narrow peak in the D - K + invariant mass distributions from the B + → D + D - K + decay. The peak is parameterized in terms of two resonances X 0 (2900) and X 1 (2900) with the quark contents c ¯ s ¯ u d , and their spin-parity quantum numbers are 0 + and 1 - , respectively. We investigate the rescattering processes which may contribute to the B + → D + D - K + decays. It is shown that the D ∗ - K ∗ + rescattering via the χ c 1 K ∗ + D ∗ - loop and the D ¯ 1 0 K 0 rescattering via the D sJ + D ¯ 1 0 K 0 loop can simulate the X 0 (2900) and X 1 (2900) with consistent quantum numbers. Such phenomena are due to the analytical property of the scattering amplitudes with the triangle singularities located to the vicinity of the physical boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper gastrointestinal precancerous lesions (UGPL) is the major preventable disease in non‐high‐incidence area. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict and identity susceptible population of UGPL before endoscope screening. Methods: We recruited 300 ,016 eligible participants for upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGC) screening aged 40‐74 years from two cities in Hunan province from 2012 to 2019. Individuals at high risk of UGC on basis of questionnaire estimation underwent endoscopic screening. Participants in two cities accepting endoscopy were used as training and external validation cohorts, respectively. A nomogram was developed based on independent prognostic factors of UGPL determined in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 35, 621 with high risk for UGC, 10, 364 subjects undertook endoscopy (participation rate of 29.1%). The detection rate for UGPL was 4.55%. The nomogram showed that age, gender, mental trama, picked food, and atrophic gastritis history in a descending order were significant contributors to UGPL risk. The C‐index value of internal and external validation of the model is 0.612 and 0.670, respectively. The calibration data for UGPL showed optimal agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation. Furthermore, high‐risk and low‐risk group divided based on score from the nomogram predicted a significantly distinct detection rate. Conclusion: The nomogram provides screening workers a simple and accurate tool for identifying individuals at a higher risk of UGPL as primary screening before endoscopy among Chinese population in non‐high‐risk areas, thus reducing the incidence of UGC by improving the UGPL detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the weak decays of the triply heavy baryon Ω QQQ in the light-front quark model. Since Ω QQQ consists of three indistinguishable identical heavy quarks, the commonly adopted quark–diquark picture does not seem to be valid anymore. Instead, we employ the three-quark picture for baryons where the three quarks are regarded as individual quarks. We calculate the hadronic form factors for the transitions and give predictions for the decay widths of the semi-leptonic decay modes Ω ccc → Ξ cc / Ω cc + l + ν l , Ω bbb → Ξ bb + l - ν ¯ l and the non-leptonic decay modes Ω ccc → Ξ cc / Ω cc + M , Ω bbb → Ξ bb + M . Our study can be a guide for future experiments to discover the triply heavy baryons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the controversy over the prognostic significance of Borrmann type in patients with gastric cancer (GC), the present study was to investigate the clinical value of Borrmann type in advanced GC. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 2092 patients with advanced GC and subsequently examined the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients stratified by Borrmann type. Results: Patients were divided into three groups according to Borrmann type (Borrmann types I+II, III, and IV). Patients with Borrmann types III and IV had larger size, more poorly differentiated tumor type, more advanced tumor stage, and higher chance of involving the entire stomach. The overall survival (OS) rates were significantly different among the three groups (p < 0.001). Stratification analysis revealed significant OS rates among the three groups in tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage III (p < 0.001) and TNM stage IV (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that Borrmann types, adjuvant chemotherapy, curative resection, and TNM stage were all independent predictors of OS among GC patients. The subgroup analysis indicated that Borrmann type was an independent predictor of OS among GC patients who undergone curative resection and with TNM stage III cancer. However, curative resection and postoperative chemotherapy failed to prolong the survival of patients with Borrmann type IV. Conclusions: The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with three Borrmann types of GC were different. Borrmann type can be simply used as a valuable factor to predict survival in advanced GC patients, especially in those TNM stage III undergoing curative resection. Additionally, more attention should be paid to the treatment for Borrmann type IV GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This preliminary study is aimed at enriching and isolating peritoneal metastatic cancer stem cells (pMCSCs) of gastric cancer and assessing their epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and invasiveness. Methods. Cancer stem cells of human gastric cancer (CSC-hGC) were previously isolated and transfected with green fluorescent protein and luciferase genes to validate the mouse model of peritoneal metastasis established via transplantation. The first and second generations ([G1] and [G2], respectively) of pMCSCs were isolated from intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC (pMCSC-tGC) by spherical culture. CSC and EMT-related markers and regulators in the two generations of intraperitoneally transplanted tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative PCR. Cell mobility was examined by a transwell assay. Results. The nude mouse model of intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC was successful in establishing sequential formation of peritoneal tumors and enrichment of pMCSCs. CD44 and CD54 were consistently expressed in the two generations of transplanted tumors. In vitro cell (migration) assays and immunocytofluorescence assays showed that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad, Survivin, and Vimentin expression was stable; α-SMA expression was decreased; and OVOL2, GRHL2, and ZEB1 expression was increased. PCR analysis indicated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], the mRNA expression of E-cad, α-SMA, MMP9, MMP2, and Vimentin was downregulated, while that of ZEB1, OVOL2, and GRHL2 was upregulated. In vivo tumor (homing) assays and immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad and Snail were upregulated, while α-SMA was downregulated. The numbers of migrated and invaded pMCSC-tGC[G1] and pMCSC-tGC[G2] were significantly higher than those of CSC-hGC in migration and invasion assays. Conclusions. pMCSCs might be a specific subpopulation that can be sequentially enriched by intraperitoneal transplantation. pMCSCs exhibited a tendency towards partial mesenchymal-epithelial transition, enhancing their invasiveness during homing and the formation of peritoneal tumors. However, these preliminary findings require validation in further experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells have been receiving considerable attention in recent years, owing to their low cost and toxicity as well as a high abundance of their constituent elements. Solution-based (mainly precursor solution) methods have been widely used in the fabrication of CZTSSe-based thin film solar cells. Though most record solar cells since 2009 have been achieved using solution-based methods, carbonaceous residues are always formed during post deposition treatment (PDT). These carbonaceous residues are detrimental to grain growth of CZTSSe to form large grains. The presence of unwanted small grain layers will increase the series resistance and reduce the fill factor of the solar cell, thus consequently decreasing the efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells. Herein, we propose "green" supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) treatment to overcome the challenge of carbonaceous residues. FT-IR, SEM, XRD and Raman characterization studies were used to confirm the reduction of carbonaceous residues in CZTSSe films. The solar cell fabricated from a selenized CZTSSe precursor film with SCCO2 treatment under optimal conditions showed the best conversion efficiency of 11.23% (VOC = 0.456 V, JSC = 36.6 mA cm−2, FF = 67.1%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on boosting the efficiency of solution-based CZTSSe solar cells by using SCCO2 treatment. In addition, this unique SCCO2 treatment may also bring forth new ideas for other solution-based optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effect of the above- and below-ground parts of hedgerow on erosion process and nitrogen loss were evaluated. • Contributions of above- and below-ground parts to slope erosion and nitrogen loss reduction were identified. • Nutrient concentration decreased in runoff while increased in sediment due to the hedgerows. • Aboveground part of hedgerow had a greater impact for soil erosion and nitrogen loss. Hedgerow is a vital soil and water conservation technology for sloping farmland that can significantly reduce erosion and nutrient loss via their above- and below-ground parts. The effect of hedgerow on erosion and nutrient loss has been widely investigated, while the respective effects of their above- and below-ground parts are still unclear. Therefore, the purple soil from the Three Gorges Reservoir Area was used, and 3 slope conditions of control check, whole hedgerow and hedgerow roots only combined with 2 slope gradients (15° and 25°) were constructed and the simulated rainfall tests were researched at 3 rainfall intensities (60, 90 and 120 mm h−1). The runoff initiation time, runoff and erosion rates, and loss of nitrogen via runoff and sediment were analysed. In comparison to the control check slope condition, it was indicated that hedgerow increased the runoff initiation time by 43.38 %, decreased runoff and erosion by 15.59 % and 78.37 %, and decreased nitrogen loss via runoff by approximately 40 % and via sediment by approximately 70 % on average, respectively. The average contribution rates of the below-ground part of the hedgerow was 49.89 % for the increase in runoff initiation time, 33.99 % for runoff reduction, and 39.91 % for erosion reduction. In addition, more than 2/3 and 58.49 % of nitrogen loss reduction via runoff and sediment, respectively, was contributed by the above-ground part of the hedgerow. These results are beneficial for comprehending the control mechanism of hedgerow on soil erosion and nitrogen loss, thereby provide a scientific foundation for the sustainable and efficient utilization of soil and water resources on sloping farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped aqueous alkyd resin carbons are prepared by polymerization methods with biorenewable, biodegradable, and cheap raw materials (soybean oil) as precursor, and NH 3 ·H 2 O as nitrogen source, and ZnCl 2 as template pore-forming agent, followed by carbonization process. The effect of carbonization temperature on the pore structures and electrochemical properties of nitrogen-doped aqueous alkyd resin carbons is studied. Carbon materials prepared at higher carbonization temperature (PC-800) exhibits the higher graphitization and better porosity. The PC-800 maintains a high discharge specific capacity after 300 charge and discharge at a low current density. In addition, it shows good cycling stability, high rate capability and excellent reversible capacity, due to the good pore structure and N doping. Nitrogen-doped aqueous alkyd resin carbons with superior electrochemical performances as anode active material of lithium ion battery provide a new strategy to solve energy shortages. Image 1 • A N-doped porous carbon was prepared by polymerization methods with soybean oil as precursor. • The effect of carbonization temperature on the electrochemical properties of N-doped porous carbon was studied. • Carbon materials prepared at higher carbonization temperature showed good cycling stability and high capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal features are widely used in micro-expression (ME) recognition to represent facial appearance and action. The features extracted from different face regions are usually given different weights according to the motion intensities in the corresponding regions. The weighted features are reported to be more discriminative than the unweighted ones for ME recognition. However, MEs are so subtle that their motion intensities are usually as low as noises, therefore small image noises can cause similar weights with MEs and degenerate the effectiveness of these weights. To address this issue, a novel weighted feature extraction method is proposed in this paper, whereby the neighboring optical flows in a time interval are accumulated to compute motion intensities. In this manner, the displacements caused by image noises in optical flow are decreased because these displacements are random and direction-inconsistent. Meanwhile, the displacements caused by facial expressions are enhanced because the displacements caused by facial expressions are usually direction-consistent among neighboring frames. The weights computed from the accumulated optical flows are multiplied with the spatiotemporal features, then the weighted features are fed to SVM to classify MEs. The experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves comparable recognition performances with the state-of-the-art methods on SMIC-HS and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on CASME II. • We proposed a feature extraction method based on temporal accumulated optical flow. • The temporal accumulated optical flows reduce the displacements of image noises. • The proposed method improves the performance of micro-expression recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant and aggressive bone tumor. Its occurrence and development involve many factors and multiple signaling pathways. Some studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the development of various tumors. This research showed that circ_ORC2 was generally up-regulated in various osteosarcoma cell lines, and mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Circ_ORC2 had the binding site of miR-19a, and its expression was positively correlated with miR-19a expression. RIP experiments showed that circ_ORC2 could bind to Ago2 protein. RNA pull-down using biotinylated circ_ORC2 or miR-19a showed that circ_ORC2 could directly interact with miR-19a, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay also confirmed that miR-19a could bind to circ_ORC2. After circ_ORC2 knockdown, miR-19a expression was down-regulated, but the downstream target gene PTEN expression was up-regulated, and the phosphorylation level of Akt was reduced, which indicated that circ_ORC2 enhanced the inhibition of miR-19a on PTEN expression by combining miR-19a. Further functional experiments showed that after circ_ORC2 knockdown, cell proliferation and invasion decreased, while the apoptosis level increased. When co-transfected with circ_ORC2 siRNA and miR-19a mimics or PTEN siRNA, the above cell biological behaviors did not change significantly. Therefore, circ_ORC2 binds with miR-19a and enhances its expression, thereby inhibiting downstream PTEN expression and activating Akt pathway to promote osteosarcoma cell growth and invasion. These findings enrich the circRNA molecular regulation mechanism, and provide more reference ideas for the research and application of circRNAs in tumors and other diseases. • Circ_ORC2 serves as a sponge for miR-19a and their expression is positively correlated in osteosarcoma cells. • Circ_ORC2 enhances the regulation of miR-19a on target gene PTEN and downstream Akt pathway. • Circ_ORC2 regulates osteosarcoma cell proliferation and apoptosis by down-regulating PTEN expression through miR-19a. • Circ_ORC2 regulates miR-19a and PTEN expression to promote osteosarcoma cell invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of the twentieth century, the global mean surface temperature (GMST) exhibited a shift from a rapid warming to an unexpected deceleration. An anomalous heat was transported from the Pacific Ocean into the Indian Ocean through a strengthened Indonesian Throughflow during the same period. Within this background, it is essential to continue tracking the fate of the anomalous heat arriving in the Indian Ocean to form a comprehensive picture of the global ocean energy redistribution. The anomalous heat may continue flowing westward into the Atlantic Ocean along the main pathway of the regional ocean currents via the South Equatorial Current (SEC) and Agulhas Current. However, here we examine an alternate pathway: a southward heat transport in conjunction with a weakened SEC, diverting the canonical westward transport. This additional transport pathway causes an increase in heat content in the South Indian Ocean mid-latitudes (15–30°S, 95–110°E), may contribute to the Southern Ocean warming, and intensifies hemispheric asymmetry of oceanic heat content. The heat increase has important climate impacts such as changes to rainfall and increased coral bleaching over the western coast of Australia. The new path discovered here may be an essential route of heat transport linking the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean in 2003–2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the first histone acetyltransferase to be cloned and identified in yeast, general control non-depressible 5 (GCN5) plays a crucial role in epigenetic and chromatin modifications. It has been extensively studied for its essential role in regulating and causing various diseases. There is mounting evidence to suggest that GCN5 plays an emerging role in human diseases and its therapeutic potential is promising. In this paper, we begin by providing an introduction GCN5 including its structure, catalytic mechanism, and regulation, followed by a review of the current research progress on the role of GCN5 in regulating various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis. Thus, we delve into the various aspects of GCN5 inhibitors, including their types, characteristics, means of discovery, activities, and limitations from a medicinal chemistry perspective. Our analysis highlights the importance of identifying and creating inhibitors that are both highly selective and effective inhibitors, for the future development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at treating GCN5-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Introduce structure, catalytic mechanism, and regulation of GCN5. • GCN5 modulating the acetylation levels of histones, non-histones and numerous transcription factors. • Systematic reviewing GCN5 inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective. • The current challenges and future perspectives of GCN5 inhibitors. • Regulating GCN5 actions can be a promising treatments on some human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most gastric cancers arise in the setting of chronic inflammation which alters gland organization, such that acid-pumping parietal cells are lost, and remaining cells undergo metaplastic change in differentiation patterns. From a basic science perspective, recent progress has been made in understanding how atrophy and initial pyloric metaplasia occur. However, pathologists and cancer biologists have long been focused on the development of intestinal metaplasia patterns in this setting. Arguably, much less progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that lead to the intestinalization seen in chronic atrophic gastritis and pyloric metaplasia. One plausible explanation for this disparity lies in the notable absence of reliable and reproducible small animal models within the field, which would facilitate the investigation of the mechanisms underlying the development of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). This review offers an in-depth exploration of the current state of research in GIM, shedding light on its pivotal role in tumorigenesis. We delve into the histological subtypes of GIM and explore their respective associations with tumor formation. We present the current repertoire of biomarkers utilized to delineate the origins and progression of GIM and provide a comprehensive survey of the available, albeit limited, mouse lines employed for modeling GIM and engage in a discussion regarding potential cell lineages that serve as the origins of GIM. Finally, we expound upon the myriad signaling pathways recognized for their activity in GIM and posit on their potential overlap and interactions that contribute to the ultimate manifestation of the disease phenotype. Through our exhaustive review of the progression from gastric disease to GIM, we aim to establish the groundwork for future research endeavors dedicated to elucidating the etiology of GIM and developing strategies for its prevention and treatment, considering its potential precancerous nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the changes and regulatory mechanism of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+CD25high forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in childhood B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL). A total of 18 children with B-ALL and 15 age-matched healthy children were included. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA levels of Foxp3, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (R)β/γ, IL-6Rα/β, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3/4 and runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)1/3 in CD4-positive cells. The concentration of cytokines in plasma were measured using a cytometric bead array. Additionally, the proportion of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs and levels of associated proteins was analyzed using flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ and expression of Foxp3 in children with B-ALL was significantly higher compared with healthy controls (P<0.05) and that transcription levels of CTLA4, GITR and LAG3 were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with healthy controls, the expression of IL-2Rα/β and its downstream molecule phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5) in CD4-positive cells significantly increased (P<0.05); however, no significant difference of IL-2Rγ levels was identified between the two groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the expression of phosphorylated (p) signal transducer and activator of transcription factor (STAT)5 and CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs in children with B-ALL (r=0.17; P<0.05). The plasma concentration of TGF-β, the expression of its receptor TGF-βRI/II and downstream molecules Smad3/4 were significantly upregulated in children with B-ALL (P<0.05), whereas the expression of RUNX1/3 was lower compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of Smad3 and RUNX1 was positively correlated with CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs in children with B-ALL (r=0.87 and 0.60, respectively; P<0.05). Additionally, the expression of pSTAT3 in CD4-positive cells decreased significantly in pediatric patients with B-ALL when compared with healthy controls; however, plasma concentrations of IL-6 was significantly higher (P<0.05). Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified between pSTAT3 and CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs in pediatric patients with B-ALL (r=-0.39; P<0.05). However, no significant differences in IL-6Rα/β expression were identified between the two groups. The results demonstrated that the excessive activation of IL-2/pSTAT5 and TGF-β/Smad signaling, and insufficiency of pSTAT3 may be correlated with increased CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs in pediatric B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil production task allocation (OPTA) is affected by various factors, and each one has a different impact on oil production. Therefore, the fair distribution of production task to each production branch is really a hard work for an oil company, so a fair allocation based on contribution rate (ABCR) has been proposed to solve this problem in this paper. The algorithm of ABCR, unlike other existing algorithms, takes into account the differences of members’ contribution (DMC), which can be expressed by member contribution rate (MCR) based on the certainty and uncertainty factors. Two steps are implemented to gain the differences of members’ contribution. First, we use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce factors for certain factor and construct a new factor with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for uncertain factor. Then, the MCR is evaluated by AHP. Based on member contribution rate, member goal, and alliance target, a fair allocation can be obtained by ABCR. Finally, we propose an evaluation criterion for allocation. Case study shows that the resource allocation results of ABCR not only are more reasonable than those of the other methods but also can prevent unfair allocation and enhance the production environment, thereby improving the enthusiasm for production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information of aggregate disintegration mechanisms during splash erosion is scant. This study was conducted to quantify contributions of the mechanisms of aggregate disintegration to splash erosion. Six soils with five soil textures were used. Soil aggregate stability was determined by the Le Bissonnais (LB) method. Deionized water was used to simulate the combined effect of slaking and mechanical disaggregation, while ethanol was used to estimate the sole contribution of the mechanical breakdown. Simulated rainfall with intensity of 60 mm h −1 was applied at five fall heights (0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m and 2.5 m) to achieve different levels of rainfall kinetic energy. The results indicated that slaking caused the most severe aggregate breakdown, and followed by mechanical breakdown, while chemical dispersion in slow wetting with deionized water was the weakest breakdown mechanism. The splash erosion rates due to the effects of slaking and mechanical breakdown increased with an increase in rainfall kinetic energy. The contributions of the slaking (mechanical breakdown) to splash erosion decreased (increased) as rainfall kinetic energy increased. The contribution of mechanical breakdown had a power function relation with rainfall kinetic energy, and had the most significant correlation with RSI (relative slaking index)/ RMI (relative mechanical breakdown index). A power and a linear function could be used to describe the relationships between the contributions of mechanical breakdown with rainfall kinetic energy and RSI / RMI , respectively, which could be used to estimate the contribution of mechanical breakdown. The results of this research would be helpful to improving the soil erosion prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a simple and feasible electrochemical sensor based on Au nanoparticle-functionalized graphene for the determination of sulfanilamide. Au nanoparticles were deposited on graphene, which acted as a platform to prepare excellent nanocomposites. Attributed to the graphene's large surface area and the Au nanoparticles' strong conductivity, many sulfanilamide molecules were enriched on the sensor surface and the signal response became more sensitive. Under the optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensors could be used for the efficient detection of sulfanilamide. Good linearity was observed in the range of 0.1-1000 μmol·L-1 and the detection limit was 0.011 μmol·L-1. Most importantly, the Au nanoparticle-functionalized graphene-modified electrode could be successfully applied for the detection of sulfanilamide in animal meat, and exhibited good stability, acceptable recovery, and offered a promising platform for point-of-care detecting in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding changes in Holocene erosion is essential for predicting soil erosion in the future. However, the quantitative response of natural erosion to Holocene climate change is limited for the Loess Plateau of China. In this study, two soil profiles were investigated on the Luochuan and Yanchang sites in the central Loess Plateau of China; and four climate indicators, i.e. magnetic susceptibility, calcium carbonate content, total organic carbon content, and clay content (< 0.005 mm), were analyzed to describe climate change. The equations fitted using modern pedogenic susceptibility, precipitation, and temperature were used to quantitatively reconstruct paleoprecipitation and paleotemperature in the Holocene. The current relationship between soil erosion intensity and precipitation was determined and used to estimate historical erosion. Results indicated that climate was coldest and driest between 12,000 and 8500 cal. yr BP, and became warmer and wetter during 8500 to 5500 cal. yr BP. The warmest and wettest climate was from 5500 to 3000 cal. yr BP and was getting colder and dryer over the last 3000 years. Holocene erosion intensity changed with fluctuation of mean annual precipitation, and these changes were different on both sites. The peak erosion values were 20,966 t·km − 2 ·yr − 1 in 7500 cal. yr BP and 21,148 t·km − 2 ·yr − 1 in 3300 cal. yr BP on the Luochuan and Yanchang sites, respectively. Furthermore, more severe soil erosion with a faster increase was estimated on the Yanchang site than Luochuan site with a range between 6547 and 11,177 t·km − 2 ·yr − 1 during the last 1800 years. This study proposed a new method to quantify historical soil erosion triggered by climate change, which not only can derive detailed soil erosion intensity change with variation of climate, but also provide a way to compare soil losses between different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the process $$B_c^+\rightarrow B_s^0\pi ^+\pi ^0$$ via $$B\bar{K}^*$$ rescattering. The kinematic conditions for triangle singularities are perfectly satisfied in the rescattering diagrams. A resonance-like structure around the $$B\bar{K}$$ threshold, which we denote X(5777), is predicted to be present in the invariant mass distribution of $$B_s^0 \pi ^+$$ . Because the relative weak $$B\bar{K}$$ $$(I=1)$$ interaction does not support the existence of a dynamically generated hadronic molecule, X(5777) can be identified as a pure kinematical effect due to the triangle singularity. Its observation may help to establish a non-resonance interpretation for some XYZ particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the experimental observation that there is a coexisting region between the antiferromagnetic (AF) and d-wave superconducting ( dSC) phases, the influences of gauge boson mass m on chiral symmetry restoration and deconfinement phase transitions in QED are investigated simultaneously within a unified framework, i.e., Dyson-Schwinger equations. The results show that the chiral symmetry restoration phase transition in the presence of the gauge boson mass m is a typical second-order phase transition; the chiral symmetry restoration and deconfinement phase transitions are coincident; the critical number of fermion flavors N decreases as the gauge boson mass m increases, which implies that there exists a boundary that separates the N - m plane into chiral symmetry breaking/confinement region for ( N , m ) below the boundary and chiral symmetry restoration/deconfinement region for ( N , m ) above it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the dual-band perfect absorption and their hybridization on multilayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) gratings with metallic substrates by the finite-difference time-domain method and the coupled-mode theory. Numerical results suggest that, under the illumination of the transverse magnetic polarized plane wave, the special multilayer WS2 grating with high refractive index not only allows the circulating-current-drove magnetic resonance but also provides additional wavevectors to excite the plasmonic resonance on the substrate surface simultaneously. Consequently, the dual-band perfect absorption is obtained in the single-port system by two independent critical coupling. The effect of small changes in the grating period, width, and height on spectral positions of absorption peaks is presented. The inherent multiple dielectric resonances on the WS2 grating under the illumination of the transverse electric polarized plane wave are also demonstrated. Intriguingly, the simultaneous existence of angle-independent magnetic resonances and angle-dependent plasmonic resonances gives rise to the obvious hybridization between the two types of resonances under the oblique incidence. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with theoretical calculations. The structure under study undoubtedly opens perspectives for enhancing light–matter interactions in two-dimensional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soil aggregate represents a key soil structural unit that influences several physical soil properties such as water infiltration, runoff and erosion. The relationships between soil aggregate stability and interrill and rill erodibility are critical to process-based erosion prediction models yet remain unclear, likely due to the difficulty of distinguishing between interrill and rill-eroded sediment during the erosion process. This study was designed to partition interrill and rill erosion rates and relate them to the aggregate stability of Ultisols in subtropical China. Six kinds of rare earth elements (REEs) were applied as tracers mixed with two cultivated soils developed over Quaternary red clay or shale at six slope positions. Soil aggregate stability was determined by the Le Bissonnais (LB)-method. Simulated rainfall of three intensities (60, 90 and 120 mm h − 1 ) was applied to a soil plot (2.25 m long, 0.5 m wide, 0.2 m deep) at three slope gradients (10°, 20° and 30°) for a duration of 30 min after runoff initiation. The results indicated that rill and interrill erosion rates in the soil developed over shale were considerably greater than those in the soil developed over Quaternary red clay. Equations using an aggregate stability index A s to replace the erodibility factor of interrill and rill erosion in the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model were constructed after analysing the relationships between estimated and measured rill and interrill erosion data. The results show that these equations based on A s have the potential to improve methods for assessing interrill and rill erosion erodibility synchronously for subtropical Ultisols by using an REE tracing method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus are a sweet tea traditionally used to treat obesity and diabetes in China. However, its protective mechanisms against hyperglycemia remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the extract of C. paliurus leaves significantly decreased body loss, food intake and blood glucose level, and increased blood insulin level, β-cell number and insulin-producing β cells in high-fat diet-low dose STZ-induced diabetic mice. In vivo and in vitro studies also showed the extract of C. paliurus leaves significantly inhibited pancreatic β cell apoptosis by suppressing the expression of caspase 8, caspase 9 and cleaved caspase-3, as well as Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, down-regulating p38, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, and up-regulating Akt phosphorylation. These effects were significantly enhanced by inhibitor p-38 or ERK or JNK, and counteracted by inhibitor of PI3K. In addition, the extract of C. paliurus leaves also significantly improved hepatic steatosis, nephropathy and cardiac hypertrophy of diabetic mice. Taken together, these results provide the insight into the effects of C. paliurus leaves on pancreatic β cell preservation in standing glucolipotoxicity. Therefore, C. paliurus tea leaves may be used as a new remedy for diabetes through enhancing pancreatic β cell preservation by inhibiting β cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early 2008, cold water in the Taiwan Strait (TWS) was moved sequentially by a cross-strait flow and a southward flow to the Penghu Island, causing a cold-related fish kill disaster. Except for the local wind forcing, the coastal-trapped waves (CTWs), intermittently propagating toward the TWS from north in winter, are an additional factor that could impact the flow patterns by changing cross-strait sea-level gradient during the disaster. In the first stage (January 28-February 7), the reach of a large CTW trough induced an additional northward flow, which formed a cyclone after turning around the Zhangyun Ridge. Then, the cyclone led to an additional cross flow, which enhanced an eastward (offshore) movement of cold water. In the second stage (February 7-14), the arrival of a large CTW crest triggered an additional southward flow, which intensified a southward movement of the cold water. Due to the additional eastward and southward movements caused by the CTWs, the cold water could reach Penghu Island inducing a cold disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the possible rescattering effects which may contribute to the process B + → J / ψ ϕ K + . It is shown that the ψ ′ ϕ rescattering via the ψ ′ K 1 loop can simulate the structure of X ( 4700 ) . The cusp effect due to the D s ⁎ + D s − rescattering may possibly simulate the X ( 4140 ) structure, but it depends on the cusp model parameters. If the quantum numbers of X ( 4274 ) ( X ( 4500 ) ) are 1 + + ( 0 + + ), it is hard to ascribe the observation of X ( 4274 ) and X ( 4500 ) to the P -wave threshold rescattering effects, which implies that X ( 4274 ) and X ( 4500 ) could be genuine resonances. We also suggest that X ( 4274 ) may be the conventional orbitally excited state χ c 1 ( 3 P ) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, three vertical velocities were included in a one-dimensional (1D) ocean model for a case study of the SouthEast Asian Time-Series Study station in the South China Sea. The vertical velocities consisted three processes, i.e., Ekman pumping (WEK), Eddy pumping (WEP), and the background upwelling (WBK). The quantification of WEK followed the classical Ekman pumping theory. The WEP, whose underlying mechanism was consistent with the baroclinic modes (dominated by the first mode), was quantified by Argo observation and altimetry data. The WBK, related with the background circulation, was estimated from the long-term heat budget balance. The skill assessment indicated that the case with all three processes performed best. The study confirmed the capability of the 1D model with three types of vertical velocities, which can reproduce the general structure and variation of temperature in vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and application of traditional drugs represented by small molecule chemical drugs and biological agents, especially inhibitors, have become the mainstream drug development. In recent years, targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology has become one of the most promising methods to remove specific disease-related proteins using cell self-destruction mechanisms. Many different TPD strategies are emerging based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), including but not limited to proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC), molecular glues (MG), lysosome targeting chimeras (LYTAC), chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA)-targeting chimeras, autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC), autophagosome-tethering compound (ATTEC), and autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTOTAC). The advent of targeted degradation technology can change most protein targets in human cells from undruggable to druggable, greatly expanding the therapeutic prospect of refractory diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Here, we summarize the latest progress of major TPD technologies, especially in metabolic syndrome and look forward to providing new insights for drug discovery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of Dyson-Schwinger equations, we employ two kinds of criteria (one kind is the chiral condensate, the other kind is thermodynamic quantities, such as the pressure, the entropy, and the specific heat) to investigate the nature of chiral phase transitions in QED3 for different fermion flavors. It is found that the chiral phase transitions in QED3 for different fermion flavors are all typical second-order phase transitions; the critical temperature and order of the chiral phase transition obtained from the chiral condensate and susceptibility are the same with that obtained by the thermodynamic quantities, which means that they are equivalent in describing the chiral phase transition; the critical temperature decreases as the number of fermion flavors increases and there is a boundary that separates the plane into chiral symmetry breaking and restoration regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) metal carbides and nitrides, called MXenes, have attracted great interest for applications such as energy storage. We demonstrate their potential as Schottky-barrier-free metal contacts to 2D semiconductors, providing a solution to the contact-resistance problem in 2D electronics. On the basis of first-principles calculations, we find that the surface chemistry strongly affects Fermi level of MXenes: O termination always increases the work function with respect to that of bare surface, OH always decreases it, whereas F exhibits either trend depending on the specific material. This phenomenon originates from the effect of surface dipoles, which together with the weak Fermi level pinning, enable Schottky-barrier-free hole (or electron) injection into 2D semiconductors through van der Waals junctions with some of the O-terminated (or all the OH-terminated) MXenes. Furthermore, we suggest synthetic routes to control surface terminations based on calculated formation energies. This study enhances understanding of the correlation between surface chemistry and electronic/transport properties of 2D materials, and also gives predictions for improving 2D electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the reaction π − p → π − J / ψ p via the open-charm hadron rescattering diagrams. Due to the presence of the triangle singularity (TS) in the rescattering amplitudes, the TS peaks can simulate the pentaquark-like resonances arising in the J / ψ p invariant mass distributions, which may bring ambiguities on our understanding of the nature of the exotic states. Searching for the heavy pentaquark in different processes may help us to clarify the ambiguities, because of the highly process-dependent characteristic of the TS mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limit analysis is a practical and meaningful method to predict the stability of geomechanical properties. This work investigates the pore water effect on new collapse mechanisms and possible collapsing block shapes of shallow tunnels with considering the effects of surface settlement. The analysis is performed within the framework of upper bound theorem. Furthermore, the NL nonlinear failure criterion is used to examine the influence of different factors on the collapsing shape and the minimum supporting pressure in shallow tunnels. Analytical solutions derived by functional catastrophe theory for the two different shape curves which describe the distinct characteristics of falling blocks up and down the water level are obtained by virtual work equations under the variational principle. By considering that the mechanical properties of soil are not affected by the presence of underground water, the strength parameters in NL failure criterion can be taken to be the same under and above the water table. According to the numerical results in this work, the influences on the size of collapsing block different parameters have are presented in the tables and the upper bounds on the loads required to resist collapse are derived and illustrated in the form of supporting forces graphs that account for the variation of the embedded depth and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an increasingly common condition particularly in developed countries. The lack of satisfactory treatment has fueled the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. In recent studies, berberine, a plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in Chinese medicine, has shown beneficial effects against animal models of acute UC. However, UC usually presents as a chronic condition with frequent relapse in patients. How berberine will act on chronic UC remains unclear. In the present study, we adopted dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic relapsing colitis model to assess the ameliorating activity of berberine. Colitis was induced by two cycles of 2.0% DSS for five days followed by 14 days of drinking water plus a third cycle consisting of DSS only for five days. The colitis mice were orally administered 20 mg/kg berberine from day 13 onward for 30 days and monitored daily. The body weight, stool consistency, and stool bleeding were recorded for determination of the disease activity index (DAI). At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and samples were collected and subjected to histological, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and LC–MS analyses. Lymphocytes were isolated from spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and cultured for flow cytometry analysis of IL-17 secretion from CD 4 + cells and the Th17 cell differentiation. Results showed that berberine significantly ameliorated the DAI, colon shortening, colon tissue injury, and reduction of colonic expression of tight junction (TJ) protein ZO-1 and occludin of colitis mice. Notably, berberine treatment pronouncedly reduced DSS-upregulated Th17-related cytokine (IL-17 and ROR-γt) mRNAs in the colon. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-23, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 in colon tissues from DSS-treated mice were pronouncedly inhibited by berberine. Moreover, the up-regulation of IL-17 secretion from CD 4 + cells of spleens and MLNs caused by DSS were significantly reversed by berberine treatment. Furthermore, Th17 cell differentiation from naive CD 4 + cells isolated from above DSS colitis mice were suppressed by berberine in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that berberine reduced the severity of chronic relapsing DSS-induced colitis by suppressing Th17 responses. The demonstration of activity in this mouse model supports the possibility of clinical efficacy of berberine in treating chronic UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding soil erosion processes at different landscape positions is important in order to predict and control watershed soil losses. Rare earth elements (REEs) can be used to trace eroded soil sources but their efficacy may be soil dependent. We constructed a miniature watershed model of a small watershed located in the Three Gorges Area of China, and used oxides of eight REEs to trace the erosion of a purple soil. The miniature watershed was divided into eight regions containing a different landform type as a potential sediment source. A different REE was applied in each region. Redistributions of the REEs under three successive simulated rainfall events with intensities of 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mm min − 1 were examined. The percentage contribution from each region to the total soil loss from the watershed fluctuated relative to landform type during the three rainstorms. Contributions from the lower main gully decreased before stabilizing, while those from the upper main gully increased before decreasing, and those from other sources all increased before stabilizing. Overall, the contribution of the gully system, comprising main and branch gullies, was greater than that of the slopes. Contributions from the gully system tended to decrease with increases in rainfall intensity and rainstorm duration while those from the slopes increased. A comparison of the calculated and actual soil loss masses indicated that the accuracy of the REE tracing method was less for the coarse textured purple soil than those previously found for fine textured soils. The increased errors, likely due to the assumption used in the calculation that there is no particle size selectivity during erosion, needs to be addressed. This pilot study provided a technical reference for the use of REEs in monitoring sediment sources from a natural watershed, and a theoretical basis for soil conservation in the Three Gorges Area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find that several thresholds can contribute to the enhancements of the newly observed heavy pentaquark candidates P c + ( 4380 ) and P c + ( 4450 ) via the anomalous triangle singularity (ATS) transitions in the specific kinematics of Λ b → J / ψ K − p . Apart from the observed two peaks we find that another peaks around 4.5 GeV can also be produced by the ATS. We also show that the Σ c ( ⁎ ) can be produced at leading order in Λ b decay. This process is different from the triangle diagram and its threshold enhancement only appears as CUSP effects if there is no pole structure or the ATS involved. The threshold interaction associated with the presence of the ATS turns out to be a general phenomenon and plays a crucial role in the understanding of candidates for exotic states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taiwan Strait Nowcast/Forecast System (TFOR), which is based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System, may be the first operational ocean model to include both tide and circulation processes in the Taiwan Strait. In this study, we assessed the performance of TFOR by investigating the differences between observational data and the results obtained by TFOR, thereby illustrating the ability of TFOR to reproduce significant physical processes. We also evaluated the utility and reliability of TFOR products for successful applications in maritime search and rescue. The mean bias, root mean-squared difference, correlation coefficient (CC), and Willmott skill for the differences in temperature between the cruise observations and the TFOR results were –0.01°C, 1.2°C, 0.87, and 0.92, respectively, and those for the corresponding salinity results were 0.06 PSU, 0.4 PSU, 0.74, and 0.83, respectively. The distributions of the TFOR M 2 harmonic constants indicated that TFOR simulates the tidal characteristics well in the Taiwan Strait. The CC between the Taiwan Strait volume transport based on the TFOR results and the along-strait wind stress was 0.77, thereby indicating that monsoon winds exert an important influence on the variability in volume transport through the Taiwan Strait. Statistical analyses of the TFOR results showed that the annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter mean transport volumes were 1.16, 1.28, 2.52, 0.80, and 0.04 Sv, respectively. In conclusion, the TFOR is robust and it can simulate the temperature, salinity, and velocity in a reasonable and stable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of three-dimensional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with selective segmental artery clamping (3D-LPNSSAC) comparing with the conventional two-dimensional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (2D-LPN). Methods: Between November 2012 and March 2014, 90 patients with cT1 renal tumor at Shanghai General Hospital were enrolled in our study, which were randomly divided into two groups: the 3D-LPNSSAC group ( n = 45) and 2D-LPN group ( n = 45). The perioperative variables, including operative time, dissecting time, suturing time, blood loss, warm ischemia time (WIT), preoperative and postoperative renal functions, were recorded and analyzed. In addition, the oncological outcomes and complications were also evaluated. Results: All the LPNs were performed successfully without conversion to radical nephrectomy or open surgery, only three cases were converted to total renal artery clamping during 3D-LPNSSAC. There were no significant differences in operative time and dissecting time between the groups, while the suturing time was shorter during 3D-LPNSSAC ( P < 0.01). The technique was associated with higher blood loss ( P < 0.01). The technique of 3D-LPNSSAC significantly reduced WIT ( P = 0.04), and better postoperative ipsilateral renal function could be obtained during 3D-LPNSSAC ( P < 0.01). During a mean follow-up time of 16.8 months (range 5.5-22.5 months), the complication rate was 8.8 % (8/90) and no tumor reoccurrence was detected. Conclusions: 3D-LPNSSAC is a feasible and safe technique for treating selective renal tumors, presenting with the beneficial clinical outcomes of reduced suturing time, shorter WIT and better postoperative ipsilateral renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Polysaccharides of Radix Astragali ( Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge.; Huangqi) are able to induce cytokine production of macrophages and are considered the main active ingredient for the immune-enhancing effect of this commonly used medicinal herb. Aim of study To investigate the molecular mechanism of immunomodulating activities of a reported Astragalus polysaccharide, RAP, which is a hyperbranched heteroglycan with average molecular weight of 1334 kDa. Materials and methods The cytokine production of RAW264.7 cells were analyzed by using ELISA assays while cell viability was assessed by MTT method. Western blot analysis was used for determining protein contents of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In addition, the level of IL-6, iNOS, and TNF-α mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Results It has been found that RAP itself did not have any cytotoxic effect on mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cells, but it significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of the supernatant of RAW264.7cells on 4T1 cells. Furthermore, RAP enhanced the production of NO and cytokines in RAW264.7 cells, and significantly up-regulated gene expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS. All these bioactivities were blocked by the inhibitor of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), suggesting that TLR4 is a receptor of RAP and mediates its immunomodulating activity. Further analyses demonstrated that RAP rapidly activated TLR4-related MAPKs, including phosphorylated ERK, phosphorylated JNK, and phosphorylated p38, and induced translocation of NF-κB as well as degradation of IκB-α. These results are helpful to better understand the immunomodulating effects of Radix Astragali. Conclusions RAP may induce cytokine production of RAW264.7 cells through TLR4-mediated activation of MAPKs and NF-κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the anomalous triangle singularity (ATS) and its possible manifestations in various processes. We show that the ATS should have important impact on our understanding of the nature of some newly observed threshold states. Discussions on how to distinguish the ATS phenomena from genuine dynamic pole structures are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depression (MD) results from a complex synergy between genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the interaction of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2) variation and negative life events in the pathogenesis of MD. Three TPH2 polymorphisms, -703G/T (rs4570625), -473T/A (rs11178997), and 1463G/A (rs120074175), were selected based on previous findings of associations with MD.Methods: In this study, 289 patients with MD and 289 age- and sex-matched control subjects were genotyped. The frequency and severity of negative life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES). Gene-environment interactions (G×E) were assessed using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method.Results: Differences in rs11178997 and rs120074175 allele frequencies and genotype distributions were observed between MD patients and controls. Significant G×E interactions between negative life events and allelic variation of rs4570625, rs11178997, and rs120074175 were also observed. Individuals carrying the T(-) genotype of rs4570625 (GG), T(-) genotype of rs11178997 (AA), or A(-) genotype of rs120074175 (GG) were susceptible to MD only when exposed to high-negative life events. However, individuals with the T(+) genotypes of rs11178997 (TA, TT) and A(+) genotypes of rs120074175 (AG, AA) were susceptible to MD when exposed to low-negative life events.Limitation: Assessment of negative life events was influenced by subjective interpretation.Conclusions: Interactions between multiple TPH2 gene alleles and negative life events were revealed by GMDR analysis. Chinese Han individuals with at least one rs11178997 T allele or rs120074175 A allele are susceptible to MD even in the relative absence of high-negative life events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]