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Cataclysmic variables (CVs) represent a key evolutionary phase of many low-mass stellar binaries and appear to collectively dominate the galactic X-ray background above ∼1 keV. Statistical properties of CVs, however, remain poorly understood, even in the solar neighbourhood. We aim to obtain an X-ray luminosity-complete sample of local CVs whose distances put them within three volumes. Here we present a pilot investigation on the X-ray and optical properties of local CVs or their candidates, mainly by cross-correlating the 3XMM DR8 and Gaia DR2 source catalogues. We first examine a nearly complete sample of CVs within 150 pc by characterizing their X-ray luminosity, X-ray to Gaia G -band flux ratio, and X-ray hardness ratio distributions, as well as their locations in the Gaia colour–magnitude diagram. We show that these distributions of this very local sample are consistent with those of a CV sample obtained at distances between 150 and 300 pc. We also present a catalogue of 15 new CV candidates within 500 pc based primarily on their X-ray to Gaia G-band flux ratios. The X-ray luminosities of these candidates are between 1029 to several 1031 erg s−1, and their stacked X-ray spectrum can be well described by a multitemperature optically thin thermal plasma model with a maximum temperature |$T_{\rm max}=7.5^{+6.3}_{-2.4}$| keV. These properties are consistent with those of the very local CVs. In particular, one of the CV candidates is within 150 pc, indicating that a considerable number of local CVs are yet detected. These results provide a base for a more complete statistical understanding of CVs and their quantitative contribution to the galactic X-ray background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A non-aphid-transmissible attenuated PVY triple-mutant PVY-HC ELR was developed. • PVY-HC ELR mutant was stable in tobacco plants. • PVY-HC ELR mutant protected tobacco plants from the severe PVY infection. • Provided the material basis for the management of PVY through cross-protection. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is one of the major cash crops in China. Potato virus Y (PVY), a representative member of the genus Potyvirus , greatly reduces the quality and yield of tobacco leaves by inducing veinal necrosis. Mild strain-mediated cross-protection is an attractive method of controlling diseases caused by PVY. Currently, there is a lack of effective and stable attenuated PVY mutants. Potyviral helper component-protease (HC-Pro) is a likely target for the development of mild strains. Our previous studies showed that the residues lysine at positions 124 and 182 (K124 and K182) in HC-Pro were involved in PVY virulence, and the conserved KITC motif in HC-Pro was involved in aphid transmission. In this study, to improve the stability of PVY mild strains, K at position 50 (K50) in KITC motif, K124, and K182 were separately substituted with glutamic acid (E), leucine (L), and arginine (R), resulting in a triple-mutant PVY-HC ELR. The mutant PVY-HC ELR had attenuated virulence and did not induce leaf veinal necrosis symptoms in tobacco plants and could not be transmitted by Myzus persicae. Furthermore, PVY-HC ELR mutant was genetically stable after six serial passages, and only caused mild mosaic symptoms in tobacco plants even at 90 days post inoculation. The tobacco plants cross-protected by PVY-HC ELR mutant showed high resistance to the wild-type PVY. This study showed that PVY-HC ELR mutant was a promising mild mutant for cross-protection to control PVY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The intrinsic rate constant of CH 4 hydrate dissociation was determined to be 18905.35 mol/(m2‧s) • The activation energy of CH 4 hydrate dissociation was determined to be 22.149 kJ/mol. • A more universal kinetics model of hydrate dissociation was established. This work developed a new method that can efficiently separate gas-liquid-hydrate mixture and obtain solid gas hydrate, making it possible to measure the intrinsic dissociation rate of gas hydrate directly. The results demonstrate that the classical Kim's model can reflect the relationship between driving force and hydrate dissociation rate when at same temperature, but can't accurately reveal the effect of temperature on hydrate decomposition rate when under the same driving force. In Kim's model, the driving force of hydrate dissociation was expressed as the difference between equilibrium fugacity (f eq) and the fugacity of guest molecules in gas phase (f g). A new hydrate dissociation model was established in this work, and the driving force of hydrate dissociation was modified into (f eq - f g)/ f eq , which has a higher universality than f eq - f g. The intrinsic rate constant and activation energy of methane hydrate decomposition were determined to be 18905.35 mol/(m2‧s) and 22.149 kJ/mol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron star–white dwarf (NSWD) binaries are one of the most abundant sources of gravitational waves (GWs) in the Milky Way. These GW sources are the evolutionary products of primordial binaries that experienced many processes of binary interaction. We employ a binary population synthesis method to investigate the properties of Galactic NSWD binaries detectable by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). In this paper, only the NSWD systems with a COWD or ONeWD component are included. We consider various models related to mass-transfer efficiencies during primordial binary evolution, supernova explosion mechanisms at NS formation, common envelope ejection efficiencies, and critical WD masses that determine the stability of mass transfer between WDs and NSs. Based on our calculations, we estimate that tens to hundreds of LISA NSWD binaries exist in the Milky Way. We find that the detection of LISA NSWD binaries is able to provide profound insights into mass-transfer efficiencies during the evolution of primordial binaries and critical WD masses during mass transfer from a WD to an NS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of hereditary disorders characterized by low bone mass and recurrent fractures. OI patients of autosomal recessive inheritance are extremely rare, of which OI type XIII is attributable to mutation in BMP1 gene. Case report Here, we detect the pathogenic mutations and analyze their relation to the phenotypes in a Chinese family with OI using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing. We also evaluate the efficacy of alendronate treatment in the patient with OI type XIII. The clinical phenotypes of the patient included recurrent fractures, muscle weakness, bone deformity, macrocephaly and elbow contractures, but no blue sclera or dentinogenesis imperfecta. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography revealed high bone mineral density and bone volume, but reduced trabecular numbers, increased porosity and comprised strength in this patient. Novel heterozygous mutations of c.1324G > T (p.Asp442Tyr) and c.148 + 1G > A in BMP1 gene were found in the proband, which would affect the CUB2 domain and the prodomain of mutant proteins. The parents were heterozygous carriers for the two mutations respectively, but with normal phenotype. Conclusions We report for the first time that the novel pathogenic mutations in BMP1 can lead to the extremely rare OI type XIII, which exhibit unique characters of high bone mass, but with impaired bone microstructure and comprised bone strength. Alendronate is beneficial in increasing bone mineral density and decreasing bone resorption biomarkers, but concerns still remain whether it can reduce fracture incidence in this rare type of OI. Highlights • We identify two novel heterozygous variants in BMP1 in a Chinese family with autosomal-recessive OI. • HR-pQCT revealed high bone mass, but impaired microstructure and comprised strength in patient with BMP1 mutations. • The anti-fracture efficancy of bisphosphonates is unclear in this rare type of OI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive autonomic and sensory neuropathy. CIPA is associated with various mutations in NTRK1 . Cases Two unrelated Chinese patients presented separately with symptoms of insensitivity to pain, inability to sweat, repeated painless fractures, and Charcot arthropathy were recruited. Both of them were clinically diagnosed with CIPA. Increased serum bone resorption marker (β-CTX) levels and decreased BMD were observed in both patients. X-ray films revealed enlarged bony calli in the fracture sites, Charcot arthropathy, and bilateral lower limb osteomyelitis. Sanger sequencing demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations in NTRK1 for proband 1 (IVS7-33T > A in intron 7 and c. 2281C > T in exon 17) and for proband 2 (IVS7-33T > A in intron 7 and c.1652delA in exon 14), of which the variation in exon 14 in NTRK1 was a novel mutation. Conclusions We report the detailed phenotypes, as well as both recurrent and novel mutations in NTRK1 in 2 Chinese patients with CIPA. The genetic findings of our study expand the gene mutation spectrum of CIPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The decomposed water achieved same the initial gas concentration when studying hydrate reformation. • The increase of hold pressure could significantly shorten induction time of hydrate reformation. • Establish an equivalent driving force model which is more universal and accurate than that using subcooling. • Confirm the origin of memory effect caused by the residual water structures in the solution. Since the occurrence of gas hydrate mainly takes place at water–gas interface where having higher gas concentration, the gas concentration in the aqueous solution plays an important role in affecting the hydrate nucleation. Meanwhile, the aqueous solutions with dissolved gas are commonly found in oil / natural gas reservoirs, production wells and multiphase transportation pipelines, since these systems are always pressurized. This work investigated the reformation characteristics of gas hydrate in the aqueous solution with residual guest concentration, which was achieved by setting the dissociation (hold) pressure above the atmospheric pressure. The experimental results demonstrate that the induction time of hydrate reformation would significantly decrease with the increase of hold pressure, while barely change with duration time and reformation time. As the hold pressure can accelerate hydrate nucleation, an equivalent driving force model was established. This model exhibits more accurate and universal to represent the actual driving force of hydrate formation compared with using the subcooling. Based on the relationship between the induction time and the equivalent driving force, another model was established to predict the induction time of hydrate formation. When the difference of gas concentration in aqueous solution was eliminated by keeping the same hold pressure, the induction times of fresh water are higher than those of the decomposed water under all the higher driving forces. In addition, even though the hold pressures were always kept the same, a heat treatment in the hold pressure stage would cause the increase of the induction time of the subsequent hydrate reformation. All these findings prove the existence of some residual water structures in the solution after hydrate decomposition, resulting in the memory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of hereditary disorders characterized by low bone mass and recurrent fractures. Most OI cases follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and are attributed to mutations in genes encoding type I collagen ( COL1A1 / COL1A2 ). Genomic structural variations involving type I collagen genes are extremely rare in OI. Case report In this study, we characterized a de novo balanced translocation of t(5;7)(q32;q21.3) that caused an extremely rare type of OI in a patient from a non-consanguineous family. The clinical phenotypes of this OI included recurrent fractures, low bone mass, macrocephaly, blue sclera and failure to thrive. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify the translocation, and Sanger sequencing was used to validate and map the breakpoints. The breakpoint on chromosome 7 disrupted the COL1A2 gene in the 17th exon, presumed to affect type I collagen production and give rise to OI. The breakpoint on chromosome 5 disrupted the protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B, beta gene ( PPP2R2B ) within the first intron. Conclusions This is the first report of a copy-neutral structural variant involving COL1A2 that leads to a rare type of OI. This study expands the genotypic spectrum of OI and demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted sequencing for breakpoint mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Familial hypomagnesaemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disease characterized by excessive wasting of renal tubular magnesium and calcium. FHHNC is associated with various mutations in CLDN16 and CLDN19 . Cases Two children from a consanguineous family of Chinese Han origin demonstrated manifestations of rickets, polyuria, polydipsia, hematuria and failure to thrive. Hypomagnesaemia (0.49–0.50 mmol/L), hypercalciuria or a trend to hypercalciuria (24 hour urine calcium: 3.8–5.1 mg/kg/day), and secondary hyperparathyroidism (serum PTH level: 94.7–200 pg/mL) were revealed upon laboratory examination. Using targeted next-generation sequencing and subsequent confirmation by Sanger sequencing, a novel homozygous mutation was identified in the CLDN16 gene of both FHHNC patients. This specific mutation, a 16 bp deletion followed by a 23 bp insertion in exon 3, led to the generation of a premature termination codon. The parents and an unaffected sister were all heterozygous carriers of this mutation. Conclusions We detected a novel mutation in CLDN16 for the first time. The clinical and genetic findings from this study will help to expand the understanding of this rare disease, FHHNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the single-degenerate scenario for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), a white dwarf rapidly accretes hydrogen- or helium-rich material from its companion star and appears as a supersoft X-ray source. This picture has been challenged by the properties of the supersoft X-ray sources with very low mass companions and the observations of several nearby SNe Ia. It has been pointed out that the X-ray radiation or the wind from the accreting white dwarf can excite winds or strip mass from the companion star, thus significantly influencing the mass transfer processes. In this paper, we perform detailed calculations of the wind-driven evolution of white dwarf binaries. We present the parameter space for the possible SN Ia progenitors and for the surviving companions after the SNe. The results show that the ex-companion stars of SNe Ia have characteristics more compatible with the observations, compared with those in the traditional single-degenerate scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IC 10 X-1 is one of the close X-ray binaries containing a Wolf–Rayet donor, which can provide an evolutionary link between high-mass X-ray binaries and gravitational wave sources. It is still unclear about the precise nature of the accreting compact object in IC 10 X-1, although it looks more like a black hole (BH) than a neutron star. In this work, we use a binary population synthesis method to simulate the formation of IC 10 X-1–like binaries by assuming different common-envelope ejection efficiencies. This work represents a big step forward over previous studies since we adopt new criteria for mass-transfer stability. These criteria allow the formation of IC 10 X-1–like systems without experiencing common envelope evolution. Based on our calculations, we propose that the compact object in IC 10 X-1 is a BH with a mass of ∼10–30 M ⊙ and the progenitor evolution of this binary probably just experienced stable mass transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Taxoid and flavonoid yields in T. cuspidata plantlets were induced by UV-B radiation. • Transcriptomes of T. cuspidata plantlets exposed to UV-B radiation were sequenced. • Potential key genes related to flavonoid and taxoid biosynthesis were identified. • UV-B caused oxidative stress thus promoting flavonoid accumulation in T. cuspidata. • UV-B initiated jasmonate signaling for enhancing taxoid biosynthesis in T. cuspidata. UV-B radiation is a typical environmental stressor that can promote phytochemical accumulation in plants. Taxus species are highly appreciated due to the existence of bioactive taxoids (especially paclitaxel) and flavonoids. However, the effect of UV-B radiation on taxoid and flavonoid biosynthesis in Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc. is largely unknown. In the present work, the accumulation of taxoids and flavonoids in T. cuspidata plantlets was significantly induced by 12 and 24 h of UV-B radiation (3 W/m2), and a large number of significantly differentially expressed genes were obtained via transcriptomic analysis. The significant up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme- and flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase 1 , chalcone synthase 2 , flavonol synthase 1 , and flavonoid 3′, 5′-hydroxylase 2), suggested that UV-B might cause the oxidative stress thus promoting flavonoid accumulation in T. cuspidata. Moreover, the expression of some genes related to jasmonate metabolism and taxoid biosynthesis (taxadiene synthase , baccatin III-3-amino 3-phenylpropanoyltransferase 1 , taxadiene-5α-hydroxylase , and ethylene response factors 15) was significantly activated, which indicated that UV-B might initiate jasmonate signaling pathway that contributed to taxoid enhancement in T. cuspidata. Additionally, the identification of some up-regulated genes involved in lignin biosynthesis pathway indicated that the lignification process in T. cuspidata might be stimulated for defense against UV-B radiation. Overall, our findings provided a better understanding of some potential key genes associated with flavonoid and taxoid biosynthesis in T. cuspidata exposed to UV-B radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The feasibility of using raw diatomite for advanced treatment of slightly polluted algae-containing surface water was investigated in this study. Results demonstrated that the addition of diatomite is advantageous due to reduction of the polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dose required for satisfactory treatment of algae and improvement of the removal efficiency of natural organic material and heavy metals in surface water. The use of diatomite as a coagulant aid improves interparticle bridging thus incorporating the cells into flocs more efficiently, producing settleable flocs of greater density, size and strength. The enhanced coagulation has a wide working pH range and is less sensitive to environmental temperature. It has also been found that adding diatomite at the same time or before PAC enhances algae removal. The removal efficiency for UV254 was improved by 8.3–24.4% by combining PAC and diatomite. At the diatomite dosing rate of 1500mg/L, the removal efficiency of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ reached 57.5%, 83.7% and 22.2% respectively. It is concluded that the enhanced coagulation through the combination of PAC and diatomite, as coagulant aid and adsorbent, is more effective and efficient than traditional coagulation for economic treatment of slightly polluted algae-containing surface water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Triclopyr ethyl ester (1) has been co-synthesized through one-pot solvothermal reaction and the crystal structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray structure analysis. The compound C18H16Cl6N2O6 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, P21/c space group with unit-cell parameters: a = 4.9615(2) Å, b = 30.9297(14) Å, c = 15.9155(10) Å, β = 91.466(4)° and Z = 4. Each unit cell is composed of two discrete, similar but reversely arranged triclopyr ethyl ester organic molecules. In the 3D packing plot, 1 is further assembled into a network structure via rich Cl⋯Cl halogen bond interactions. In addition, the crystal structure, the flexible conformation of phenoxy methylene group of 1 has been carefully compared and discussed with those of triclopyr acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, organic supramolecular linkers involving cucubit[6]urils CB[6] and N,N′-hexamethylene-bis(pyrazinyl hexafluorophosphate) (BPHF@CB[6]) were utilized to assemble dodenuclear silver chalcogenolate clusters into three one-dimensional (1D) materials under different synthesis conditions. These three crystal structures of CB[6]-based sliver cluster-organic rotaxane frameworks were well resolved, and their emission properties were investigated systematically. This construction strategy involving organic supramolecular linkers gives a new methodology for cluster-assembled materials with intriguing structural and functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cobalt(II) compound with the formula [Co(5-Br-pyc)(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)(Cl)]·2H2O (1·H2O) (5-Br-Hpyc = 5-bromo-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) has been hydrothermally synthesized and well characterized. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis showed that 1⋅2H2O has crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c (no. 14). The Co(II) center was octahedrally bonded by one bidentate chelate 5-Br-pyc anion and one 2,2′-bipy, one water molecule as well as one chloride anion to form the mononuclear structure of 1⋅2H2O. Complex 1⋅2H2O forms a 3D network through abundant O–H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds and π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions. Notably, the 5-Br-Hpyc ligand was in situ generated by decarboxylation of the 3-bromo-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (3-Br-H2pydc) precursor selectively on 2-position under hydrothermal conditions. The magnetic properties, the Hirshfeld surface structure and the synthetic process for 1⋅2H2O have been carefully described and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an analytical method in conjunction with existing experimental temperature to estimate the unknown relaxation time and thermal diffusivity of processed meat based on the hyperbolic heat conduction model. This analytical method is a combination of the Laplace transform and least squares methods. The thermal contact resistance at the interface between adjacent samples at different temperatures is assumed to be negligible. The relaxation time is estimated from the temperature jump at a specific measurement location. The thermal diffusivity is determined from the definition of the dimensionless spatial coordinate and the resulting relaxation time. The results show that the relaxation time and thermal diffusivity obtained are in good agreement with the existing results. The obtained dimensionless temperature history at a specific measurement location is close to the experimental temperature data. This means that the Cattaneo–Vernottee (CV) model can be suitable for this study. The proposed analytical inverse method can be applied to determine a more accurate estimate of such problems. A comparison of the estimate obtained from CV and dual phase lag models is made. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study applies the Laplace transform method in conjunction with the sequential-in-time concept and experimental temperature data to determine the unknown surface temperature and surface heat flux on a hot surface of the test material. The advantage of the present inverse scheme is that the unknown surface temperature and surface heat flux on a hot surface are determined without any iterative process and the initial guess. More importantly, their functional forms do not need to be assumed in advance. However, the whole time domain may be divided into several sub-time intervals. Later, the appropriate polynomial function in each sub-time interval is selected to fit the experimental temperature data at each measurement location. The results show that the present results are not very sensitive to the measurement location. In order to validate the accuracy of the present method, two experimental examples and an analytical example are illustrated. The comparison between the present results, exact results and other existing estimated results is made. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective To investigate the relationship between geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase ( GGPPS ) gene polymorphisms and bone response to alendronate in Chinese osteoporotic women. Methods A total of 639 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were included and randomly received treatment of low dose (70 mg per two weeks) or standard dose (70 mg weekly) of alendronate for one year. The six tag single nucleotide polymorphisms of GGPPS gene were identified. Bone mineral density (BMD), serum cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured before and after treatment. GGPPS gene polymorphisms and the changes of BMD and bone turnover markers after treatment were analyzed. Results rs10925503 polymorphism of GGPPS gene was correlated to serum β-CTX levels at baseline, and patients with TT genotype had significantly higher serum β-CTX level than those with TC or CC genotype (all P<0.05). No correlation was found between polymorphisms of GGPPS gene and serum total ALP levels, as well as BMD at baseline. After 12 months of treatment, lumbar spine and hip BMD increased and serum bone turnover markers decreased significantly (P<0.01), and without obvious differences between the low dose and standard dose groups (all P >0.05). However, GGPPS gene polymorphisms were uncorrelated to percentage changes of BMD, serum total ALP, and β-CTX levels (all P>0.05). Conclusion GGPPS gene polymorphisms are correlated to osteoclasts activity, but all tag single nucleotide polymorphisms of GGPPS gene have no influence on the skeletal response to alendronate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study applies an analytical method in conjunction with the Laplace transform, experimental temperature data and sequential-in-time concept to obtain the unknown surface temperature, surface heat flux and surface absorptivity in the laser surface heating process for various surface treatments. The analytical form of the unknown surface temperature and heat flux can be obtained. The advantage of the present inverse method is that the estimates are obtained without any iterative process and an initial guess and may not be very sensitive to measurement error and measurement location. In order to validate the accuracy of the present method, an analytical example will be introduced. A comparison between the present results, the exact results and other estimated results is made. The effect of the degree of the approximate polynomial function on the present estimates is also investigated for various surface treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To detect whether early growth response 1 (EGR1) in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) indicates temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) lesions. Materials and Methods: Egr1 mRNA expression levels in PBLs were detected in eight malocclusion patients without temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs and 16 malocclusion patients with clinical TMD signs with (eight) or without (eight) imaging signs of TMJ OA. Twelve 6‐week‐old rats were randomized to a control group and a unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) group and were sampled at 4 weeks. The Egr1 mRNA expression levels in PBLs and protein expression levels in different orofacial tissues were measured. Results: Patients with TMD signs with/without TMJ OA diagnosis showed lower Egr1 mRNA expression levels in PBLs than patients without TMD signs. The lower Egr1 mRNA expression was also found in the PBLs of UAC rats, which were induced to exhibit early histo‐morphological signs of TMJ OA lesions. In subchondral bone of UAC rats, EGR1 protein expression was decreased, co‐localization of EGR1 with osterix or dentin matrix protein‐1 was identified, and the number of EGR1 and osterix double‐positive cells was reduced (all p < .05). Conclusion: Egr1 reduction in PBLs potentially indicates subchondral bone OA lesions at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) remain unknown. The objective was to detect whether molecular biomarkers from peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) engage in TMJ OA lesions. Thirty‐four six‐week‐old Sprague Dawley rats were used. The top upregulated gene ontology categories and gene‐fold changes in PBLs were detected by a microarray analysis comparing rats that received 20‐week unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) treatment with age‐matched controls (n = 4). Twenty weeks of UAC treatment had been reported to induce TMJ OA‐like lesions. The other twenty‐four rats were randomly placed in the UAC and control groups at 12‐ and 20‐week time points (n = 6). The mRNA expression levels of the selected biomarkers derived from the microarray analysis and their protein expression in the alveolar bone and TMJ were detected. The microarray analysis indicated that the three most highly involved genes in PBLs were Egr1, Ephx1 and Il10, which were confirmed by real‐time PCR detection. The increased protein expression levels of the three detected molecules were demonstrated in cartilage and subchondral bone (P < 0.05), and increased levels of EPHX1 were reported in discs (P < 0.05); however, increased levels were not present in the alveolar bone. Immunohistochemistry revealed the increased distribution of EGR1‐positive, EXPH1‐positive and IL10‐positive cells predominantly in the osteochondral interface, with EXPH1 also present in TMJ discs. In conclusion, the increased mRNA expression of Egr1, Ephx1 and Il10 in PBLs may serve as potential biomarkers for developed osteoarthritic lesions relating to osteochondral interface hardness changes induced by dental biomechanical stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sunitinib/sorafenib (SU/SO), dendritic cells (DCs), or DC-cytokine-induced killer (CIK) could significantly prolong progression-free survival (PFS), 3-year overall survival (OS), or 5-year OS for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy between SU/SO combined with DC-CIK and SU/SO monotherapy in treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with metastasis after radical nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: All patients (n = 34) with postoperative mRCC in our hospital from January 2009 to January 2014 were received either SU/SO monotherapy (Group 1, n = 15) or in combination with DC-CIK (Group 2, n = 19). A retrospective study was based on the primary endpoint (PFS) and secondary endpoint (OS).Results: At a median follow-up of 19.5 months, in Group 2, as compared with in Group 1, the median PFS was significantly longer (28.0 vs. 11.0 months, P = 0.03). Moreover, the 3-year OS was higher (57.1% vs. 28.6%). The cases of progressive diseases (PDs) and deaths were less in Group 2 than that in Group 1 (PD: 8 vs. 9, deaths: 3 vs. 5); however, the cases of stable diseases were more (11 vs. 6). In addition, the 3-year OS was higher in SU + DC-CIK group than that in SO + DC-CIK group (63.36% vs. 50%). There was no significant difference for PFS between SO + DC-CIK group and SU single agent group.Conclusions: SU/SO with DC-CIK could significantly prolong the median PFS, improve the 3-year OS rate, prolong the 3-year OS. It is likely to be a new approach for mRCC after radical nephrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds SERPINF1 mutations caused deficiency of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and would lead to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type VI. However, serum PEDF levels were unclear in Chinese OI patients who had clear molecular diagnosis. Objective To assess PEDF levels in different genotypes of OI, to evaluate the influencing factors of PEDF in Chinese OI patients with clear molecular diagnosis. Methods Known candidate genes of OI were examined by a targeted next generation sequence. Serum PEDF levels were measured by ELISA in 6 OI patients with SERPINF1 mutations, 6 carriers of one copy of the SERPINF1 mutation, 88 OI patients with COL1A1 , CLO1A2 , IFITM5 and other pathogenic mutations of OI and 24 healthy controls. We compared the differences in serum PEDF levels among different OI patients and normal controls. Results Serum PEDF levels were extremely low in OI patients with SERPINF1 mutations (0.66 ± 1.60 μg/ml) than in OI patients with other pathogenic mutations (4.88 ± 1.43–7.07 ± 2.43 μg/ml), carriers of one copy of SERPINF1 mutation (4.94 ± 2.35 μg/ml), and normal controls (7.29 ± 2.31 μg/m) ( P < 0.001). No significant differences in serum PEDF concentrations were found among patients with OI type I, III or IV, and between patients with or without bisphosphonate treatment. Serum PEDF level was positively correlated with Z-score of weight (r = 0.310, P = 0.004), BMI (r = 0.253, P = 0.020) and alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.291, P = 0.007). Conclusions Extremely low level of PEDF was demonstrated as a specific, convenient, and inexpensive diagnostic biomarker for OI patients with SERPINF1 mutations, but it could not provide information regarding the clinical severity of OI and the efficacy of bisphosphonates treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by recurrent fragile fractures. Serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade F, member 1 (SERPINF1) is known to cause a distinct, extremely rare autosomal recessive form of type VI OI. Here we report, for the first time, the detection of SERPINF1 mutations in Chinese OI patients. We designed a novel targeted next-generation sequencing panel of OI-related genes to identify pathogenic mutations, which were confirmed with Sanger sequencing and by co-segregation analysis. We also investigated the phenotypes of OI patients by evaluating bone mineral density, radiological fractures, serum bone turnover markers, and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) concentration. Six patients with moderate-to-severe bone fragility, significantly low bone mineral density, and severe deformities of the extremities were recruited from five unrelated families for this study. Six pathogenic mutations in SERPINF1 gene were identified, five of which were novel: (1) a homozygous in-frame insertion in exon 3 (c.271_279dup, p.Ala91_Ser93dup); (2) compound heterozygous mutations in intron 3 (c.283 + 1G > T, splicing site) and exon 5 (c.498_499delCA, p.Arg167SerfsX35, frameshift); (3) a homozygous frameshift mutation in exon 8 (c.1202_1203delCA, p.Thr401ArgfsX); (4) compound heterozygous missense mutation (c.184G > A, p.Gly62Ser) and in-frame insertion (c.271_279dup, p.Ala91_Ser93dup) in exon 3; and (5) a heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 4 (c.397C>T + ?, p.Gln133X + ?). Serum PEDF levels were barely detectable in almost all subjects. We identified five novel mutations in SERPINF1 and confirmed the diagnostic value of serum PEDF level for the first time in Chinese patients with the extremely rare OI type VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Provide a new perspective for three-way decision-making model. • Construct a new condition probability for the three-way decision. • Conduct a new way to measure action utility function and risk based on S-shaped utility. • Develop a Pythagorean fuzzy-three-way decision model based on utility function. Three-way decision, as opposed to conventional two-way decision-making, can more effectively reduce decision-making risks by adding a postponed decision-making. With respect to the three-way decision problem consisting of Pythagorean fuzzy information, considering the risk attitudes of decision makers(DMs), we exploit Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFNs), S-shaped utility and three-way decision to establish a new Pythagorean three-way decision model. The model realizes the effective integration of Pythagorean fuzzy theory and three-way decision, and enriches three-way decision based on risk preference. Firstly, we define a new PFN score function and construct a new condition probability by using Pythagorean fuzzy similarity, which not only reflects the difference in distance but conforms to human cognitive habits. Subsequently, considering the impact of the changes in risk preferences on the measurement of decision risks, we define an action utility function and construct the risk measurement matrix function based on S-shaped utility function, calculate the thresholds by employing optimization formulation. According to key steps and algorithms, the Pythagorean fuzzy-three-way decision rules based on S-shaped utility function can be obtained. Finally, we utilize an example of selecting film projects to validate the interpretability and applicability of our proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a general analytical approach to accurately predict the nonlinear distortion of varactor-tuned bandpass filters (BPFs) with arbitrary topology. The linearized circuit and its admittance matrix are derived to study the nonlinear behavior by means of the Volterra-series representation. The effects on third-order intermodulation distortion are characterized for the principal filter parameters such as tunable resonator configuration, susceptance slope, fractional bandwidth, unloaded quality factor, and filter topology. The theoretical analysis indicates that \lambda/2-type varactor-tuned BPFs possess a better linearity property due to its large susceptance slope and the fractional bandwidth also plays a dominant role in the generation of nonlinearities. This analysis also reveals that the nonlinear distortion can be further reduced by source–load coupling for the first time. The analytical results are fully coincident with the harmonic-balance simulations using computer-aided design varactor model. A two-pole 1.0–1.3-GHz tunable BPF with a constant bandwidth of 105 MHz is fabricated and measured to validate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rhizome of Smilax glabra has been used for a long time as both food and folk medicine in many countries. The present study focused on the active constituents from the rhizome of S. glabra, which possess potential anti-inflammatory activities. As a result, nine known compounds were isolated from the rhizome of S. glabra with the bioassay-guiding, and were identified as syringaresinol (1), lasiodiplodin (2), de-O-methyllasiodiplodin (3), syringic acid (4), 1,4-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-butanediol (5), lyoniresinol (6), trans-resveratrol (7), trans-caffeic acid methyl ester (8), and dihydrokaempferol (9). Among these compounds, 2 and 3 were isolated for the first time from S. glabra. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 cells. Results indicated that 4 and 7 showed significant inhibitory effects on NO production of RAW264.7 cells, and 1, 2, 3, and 5 showed moderate suppression effects on induced NO production. 1, 7, and 5 exhibited high inhibitory effects on TNF-α production, with the IC50 values less than 2.3, 4.4, and 16.6 μM, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 were the potential anti-inflammatory active compositions of S. glabra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV-B radiation is an ideal elicitation strategy for promoting phytochemical accumulation in plant in vitro cultures, associated with various advantages of easy manipulation, cost-effectiveness, no residue, and instantaneous termination. For the first time, UV-B radiation was used to enhance the production of bioactive phenolic compounds (flavonoids and stilbenes) in pigeon pea hairy root cultures (PPHRCs). The total yield of eight flavonoids (414.95 ± 50.68 μg/g DW) in 42-day-old PPHRCs exposed to 4 h of UV-B radiation increased by 1.49-fold as against control, whereas the yield of cajaninstilbene acid (6566.01 ± 702.14 μg/g DW) in PPHRCs undergoing 10 h of UV-B radiation significantly increased by 2.31-fold over control. UV-B radiation was found to induce the oxidative stress in PPHRCs and cause the tissue damage to hairy roots, which improved the levels of endogenous salicylic acid thus triggering the expression of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. And, a regulation competition in metabolic flow dominated by CHS and STS was responsible for the difference in accumulation trends of flavonoids and cajaninstilbene acid. Results of this study not only provide a feasible and simple UV-B supplementation strategy for the enhanced production of bioactive phenolic compounds (especially the high-value cajaninstilbene acid) in PPHRCs, but also contributed to the understanding of photobiological responses related to secondary metabolism. [Display omitted] • UV-B radiation was used for phenolic enhancement in pigeon pea hairy root cultures. • UV-B radiation could increase cajaninstilbene acid yield by 2.31-fold over control. • Accumulation of flavonoids and cajaninstilbene acid showed an inverse relationship. • UV-B radiation triggered some signaling cascades in pigeon pea hairy root cultures. • A regulation competition was found between chalcone synthase and stilbene synthase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method was first set up to quantify phenolics in pigeon pea. • The distribution of eleven phenolics in different organs of pigeon pea was clarified. • Phenolic profiles in pigeon pea in vitro cultures were clearly figured out. • Higher/comparable yield of cajaninstilbene acid was found in in vitro cultures. • Analysis method was available for pigeon pea natural resources and in vitro cultures. Bioactive phenolics primarily contribute to versatile health benefits of pigeon pea. For the first time, an UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative analysis of eleven bioactive phenolic compounds in pigeon pea natural resources (seeds, leaves, and roots) and in vitro cultures (calli and hairy roots). The proposed method could be achieved within 6 min of running time, and displayed the satisfactory linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and stability. According to analytical results, the distribution of eleven target compounds in different organs of pigeon pea was clarified. Also, it was surprisingly found that pigeon pea in vitro cultures exhibited superiority in contents of genistin and cajaninstilbene acid as compared with natural resources. Overall, the present work provided a rapid and sensitive analysis approach, which could be useful not only for quality control of pigeon pea natural resources, but also for applicability and safety evaluation of pigeon pea in vitro cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cajanus cajan cell suspension cultures were established to produce active phenolics. • Culture conditions of a high-productive callus line were systematically optimized. • Production profile of phenolics in C. cajan cell suspension cultures was clarified. • Higher yield of cajaninstilbene acid was found in C. cajan cell suspension cultures. • C. cajan cell suspension cultures were attractive alternative sources of phenolics. Phenolic compounds are validated to be the pharmacologically active phytochemicals in Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp. leaves (CCLs) and the medicinal product (Tongluo Shenggu capsules, TSCs) thereof. For the first time, C. cajan cell suspension cultures (CCSCs) were established as an effective in vitro platform for the production of phenolic compounds. Callus was induced from C. cajan leaves by 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D, 5.0 mg/L α-NAA, and 0.1 mg/L Kn, and then subcultured on MS solid medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L 2,4-D, 3.0 mg/L α-NAA, and 0.25 mg/L Kn. Culture conditions of a selected high-productive callus line (CCCL VII) were systematically optimized in terms of biomass productivity and phenolic yield, and eleven target compounds were identified and quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Under the optimal culture conditions (MS liquid medium, sucrose concentration 3.5 %, temperature 26 °C, inoculum size 3.0 %, and time 49 day), CCSCs produced the highest level of total phenolics (3462.99 μg/g DW) along with the maximum biomass productivity (10.03 g/L), which was higher than the phenolic yield in field-grown CCLs (3288.81 μg/g DW). Notably, CCSCs exhibited superiority in the content of the most valuable compound cajaninstilbene acid (2858.76 μg/g DW) as compared with CCLs (2114.60 μg/g DW). Also, CCSCs were discovered to be more abundant in genistin and genistein as against both CCLs and TSCs. This work concluded that CCSCs might be attractive alternative sources for the production of phenolic compounds with potential uses in pharmaceutical/nutraceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• UHPLC-MS/MS method was available for taxoid and flavonoid analysis in Taxus species. • Profiling of 14 compounds in twigs and leaves of three Taxus species was clarified. • Paclitaxel was the most abundant taxoid found in Taxus media leaves. • Leaves of three Taxus species exhibited the superiority in flavonoid yields. • Twigs and leaves of Taxus species had promising industrial application prospects. Taxus species are highly concerned due to the presence of anticancer taxoids (especially paclitaxel) and health beneficial flavonoids. For the first time, an UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of seven taxoids and seven flavonoids in twigs and leaves of three Taxus species. The satisfactory separation of fourteen target compounds was achieved within 5 min of running time on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm I.D., 1.8 μm) using an acetonitrile-water gradient elution program. Mass transitions of all analytes in selected reaction monitoring acquisition mode were systematically optimized for obtaining the highest signal intensities. Regression equations of all analytes exhibited excellent linearities with coefficients higher than 0.9990, and the lowest limits of quantification of all analytes ranged from 0.01 to 1.66 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviations) of all analytes were less than 4.17% for retention time and less than 7.42% for peak area, and the spiking standard recoveries of all analytes ranged from 96.85%–104.77%. By the aid of the proposed method, the distribution of fourteen target compounds in twigs and leaves of Taxus chinensis , Taxus cuspidata , and Taxus media was clearly figured out. Overall, the present work provided a rapid and valid UHPLC-MS/MS approach, which could not only be useful for quality control and applicability assessment of twigs and leaves of the three Taxus species in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, but also offer a good reference for the systematic analysis of taxoids and flavonoids in other Taxus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]