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Wolbachia are common heritable endosymbionts that influence many aspects of ecology and evolution in various insects, yet Wolbachia‐mediated intracellular metabolic responses to temperature stress have been largely overlooked. Here, we introduced the Wolbachia strain wLhui from the invasive Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) into a Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line (S2) and investigated the metabolite profile of wLhui‐infected (S2_wLhui) and uninfected cell lines (S2_wu) under short‐term exposure to either high (37°C), moderate (27°C), or low (7 and 17°C) temperatures. We find that Wolbachia infection, temperature stress, and their interactions significantly affect cellular metabolic profiles. Most significantly, when comparing the changes in metabolites between S2_wLhui and S2_wu, glycerophospholipids, amino acids, and fatty acids associated with metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other pathways were significantly accumulated at either low or high temperatures. Our findings suggest Wolbachia‐induced cellular physiological responses to short‐term temperature stress, which may in turn affect the fitness and adaptive ability of its host as an invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pet exposure has always been controversial with childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. We aimed to understand the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pets by meta-analysis. Methods: We searched articles published from Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2022 in the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. We included a cross-sectional study that reported the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pets. Furthermore, we performed subgroup analyses according to pet type and age. Results: In 14 selected studies, the meta-analysis results showed that the pooled prevalence of asthma in children exposed to pets was 19.0% (95% CI 13.3–24.7%), and the pooled prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pets was 25.5% (95% CI 12.4–38.5%). The prevalence of asthma in children exposed to cats and dogs was 16.4% (95% CI 9.9–22.8%) and 12.5% (95% CI 8.7–16.2%), respectively. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 24.9% (95% CI 2.9–47.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI 2.6–45.6%), respectively. The prevalence of asthma in pet-exposed children was 17.1% (95% CI 12.3–22.0%) in the adolescence group (> 10 years) and 26.3% (95% CI 12.2–40.3%) in the childhood group (0–10 years). The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 8.6% (95% CI 7.2–10.0%) in the adolescence group and 46.3% (95% CI 44.0–48.6%) in the childhood age group. Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to pets is different. Exposure to pet cats is more prone to illness, and younger children are more susceptible to disease than older children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) is a critical component of the DNA damage response and a potential target in the treatment of cancers. An ATR inhibitor, BAY 1895344, was evaluated for its use in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) therapy. BAY 1895344 inhibited cell viability in four DTC cell lines (TPC1, K1, FTC-133, and FTC-238) in a dose-dependent manner. BAY 1895344 treatment arrested DTC cells in the G2/M phase, increased caspase-3 activity, and caused apoptosis. BAY 1895344 in combination with either sorafenib or lenvatinib showed mainly synergistic effects in four DTC cell lines. The combination of BAY 1895344 with dabrafenib plus trametinib revealed synergistic effects in K1 cells that harbor BRAFV600E. BAY 1895344 monotherapy retarded the growth of K1 and FTC-133 tumors in xenograft models. The combinations of BAY 1895344 plus lenvatinib and BAY 1895344 with dabrafenib plus trametinib were more effective than any single therapy in a K1 xenograft model. No appreciable toxicity appeared in animals treated with either a single therapy or a combination treatment. Our findings provide the rationale for the development of clinical trials of BAY 1895344 in the treatment of DTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence is inefficient about how meteorological factors influence the trends of influenza transmission in different regions of China. Methods: We estimated the time-varying reproduction number (Rt) of influenza and explored the impact of temperature and relative humidity on Rt using generalized additive quasi-Poisson regression models combined with the distribution lag non-linear model (DLNM). The effect of temperature and humidity interaction on Rt of influenza was explored. The multiple random-meta analysis was used to evaluate region-specific association. The excess risk (ER) index was defined to investigate the correlation between Rt and each meteorological factor with the modification of seasonal and regional characteristics. Results: Low temperature and low relative humidity contributed to influenza epidemics on the national level, while shapes of merged cumulative effect plots were different across regions. Compared to that of median temperature, the merged RR (95%CI) of low temperature in northern and southern regions were 1.40(1.24,1.45) and 1.20 (1.14,1.27), respectively, while those of high temperature were 1.10(1.03,1.17) and 1.00 (0.95,1.04), respectively. There were negative interactions between temperature and relative humidity on national (SI = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.57e0.61), southern (SI = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.17e0.80), and northern regions (SI = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.56,0.62). In general, with the increase of the change of the two meteorological factors, the ER of Rt also gradually increased. Conclusions: Temperature and relative humidity have an effect on the influenza epidemics in China, and there is an interaction between the two meteorological factors, but the effect of each factor is heterogeneous among regions. Meteorological factors may be considered to predict the trend of influenza epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial community in arthropods often modulate host fecundity, yet processes driving their assembly remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated bacterial community assembly and host fecundity in Tetranychus truncatus that were exposed to antibiotics and varying temperatures. Antibiotic exposure dominates over temperature in shaping spider mite bacterial composition and network properties. Specifically, complexity of microbiota networks tend to decrease with antibiotic treatment while increasing along a temperature gradient from 20°C to 35°C. Analysis using neutral and null models revealed that bacterial community assembly in mites was chiefly driven by stochastic processes such as drift, with relative contribution > 85%. Relative contributions of each ecological process was rather weakly correlated with antibiotic and temperature conditions. Finally, fecundity tended to be lower in mites with microbiota variation following antibiotic treatment. This study reveals mechanisms underlying bacterial community assembly in spider mites and establishes microbiota as a potential mediator of host fecundity. Our results provide new insights into immediate adaptive processes between mites and microbiome in the context of environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel patterning technique based on e-beam lithography using vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) emitters with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A 20 μm line width of silicon wafer patterning was successfully demonstrated using octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) as a photoresist. To investigate surface modification by the irradiated electrons from the emitters, both contact angle measurement and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were conducted. The patterning mechanism of the electron beam irradiated on OTS-coated substrate by our cold cathode electron beam (C-beam) was demonstrated by the analyzed results. The effect of current density and exposure time on the OTS patterning was studied and optimized for the Si wafer patterning in terms of the electronic properties of the VACNTs. The authors expect the new technique to contribute to the diverse applications to microelectromechanical (MEMS) technologies owing to the advantages of facile operation and precise dose control capability based on field electron emission current from the VACNT emitter arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of person-centered care has been incorporated through various healthcare interventions to enhance mental health-related outcomes and ensure the quality of care delivered to individuals living with dementia. Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a popular therapeutic intervention for individuals with dementia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate intervention effects of group RT on symptoms of agitation in individuals with dementia. We employed a quasi-experimental repeated measures study design. The participants included 80 older adults with dementia, residing in two long-term care facilities in Taiwan. The participants received a 120-minute group RT session once per week for 10 weeks. Outcomes were measured 1 week pre- and post-intervention. It was observed that participation in group RT significantly improved agitated behavior of individuals with dementia across time periods. The designed RT program showed promising effects regarding improving the agitated behavior of older adults with dementia living in long-term care homes. Incorporating RT activities into clinical social work practice may help long‐term care to evolve in a more diverse and innovative direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a destructive pest that originated in South and North America, spread to China in early 2019. Controlling this invasive pest requires an understanding of its population structure and migration patterns, yet the invasion genetics of Chinese S. frugiperda is not clear. Here, using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, triose phosphate isomerase (Tpi) gene and eight microsatellite loci, we investigated genetic structure and genetic diversity of 16 S. frugiperda populations in China. The Tpi locus identified most S. frugiperda populations as the corn-strains, and a few were heterozygous strains. The microsatellite loci revealed that the genetic diversity of this pest in China was lower than that in South America. Furthermore, we found moderate differentiation among the populations, distinct genetic structures between adjacent populations and abundant genetic resources in the S. frugiperda populations from China sampled across 2 years. The survival rate of S. frugiperda was significantly higher when it was fed on corn leaves than on rice leaves, and the larval stage mortality rate was the highest under both treatments. Our results showed that S. frugiperda probably invaded China via multiple independent introductions and careful pesticide control, continuous monitoring and further studies will be needed to minimize its potential future outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new heterometallic structures of [Zn2Ba(TCA)2(H2O)2]·2n(H2O) (1) and [Cd2Ba(TCA)2(DMA)2(H2O)3]·2n(DMA) (2) were successfully prepared via the solvothermal reactions of 4,4ʹ,4″-ticarboxytriphenylamine (H3TCA) with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O salts and Ba(NO3)2 or Cd(NO3)2·4H2O salts and Ba(NO3)2. The structural characterization results show that complex 1 features a 3D framework structure based on the 1D rod-like heterometal-carboxylate chains while the 3D framework of 2 is constructed from the trinuclear [Cd2Ba(COO)4] cluster. Due to the triphenylamine chromophore of TCA3−, compounds 1–2 show intensive luminescence at room temperature. Their application values on the ICU infection treatment were explored, and we also discussed the corresponding mechanism simultaneously. The utilization of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay detection was done firstly and then content of inflammatory cytokines released into the plasma was determined. Then, the measurement of Toll-like receptor 4 activation was made by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The CCK-8 assay was conducted in this study to evaluate the toxicity of the new compound during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Zuojin Pill (ZJP) has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems in China for hundreds of years. Objective: To discover more potential active ingredients and evaluate the gastroprotective mechanisms of ZJP. Materials and methods: An approach involving UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and serum pharmacochemistry was established to screen the multiple chemical constituents of ZJP. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: normal control, ulcer control, omeprazole (30mg/kg), and three ZJP groups (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg). After oral treatment with ZJP or omeprazole for 7 days, all groups except the normal control group were orally administered 5 mL/kg ethanol to induce gastric ulceration. Histopathological assessment of gastric tissue was performed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Antioxidant parameters and inflammatory mediators were determined using ELISA Kit and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Ninety components were identified in ZJP. Among them, 23 prototypes were found in rat serum after oral administration of ZJP. The ulcer inhibition was over 90.0% for all the ZJP groups. Compared with the ulcer control rats, ZJP (4.0 g/kg) enhanced the antioxidant capacity of gastric tissue: superoxide dismutase (1.33-fold), catalase (2.61-fold), glutathione (2.14-fold), and reduced the malondialdehyde level (0.48-fold). Simultaneously, the ZJP meaningfully lowered the content of tumour necrosis factor-a (0.76-fold), interleukin-6 (0.66-fold), myeloperoxidase (0.21-fold), and nuclear factor kappa B (p65) (0.62-fold). Discussion and conclusions: This study showed ZJP could mitigate ethanol-induced rat gastric ulcers, which might benefit from the synergistic actions of multiple ingredients. The findings could support the quality control and clinical trials of ZJP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the shift towards sustainable energy, DC microgrids have emerged as efficient and reliable alternatives to traditional AC systems, particularly suited for low-voltage applications. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in multi-terminal DC (MTDC) systems introduces challenges in maintaining voltage stability, particularly during master station failures. Our research introduces a decentralized control strategy with multi-mode switching to ensure stability under such conditions. We conduct a comprehensive stability analysis of MTDC systems heavily integrated with EVs, identifying the instability risks and proposing mitigation strategies. The effectiveness of our control approach is validated through simulation studies and a detailed state-space model. Additionally, we explore the integration of renewable energy sources and hydrogen production into MTDC systems for EV charging, which minimizes the need for a new power infrastructure and enhances renewable energy use. This integration optimally reduces renewable energy discard rates, thereby improving energy efficiency without compromising system performance. Our study provides practical insights and theoretical support for renewable energy-driven hydrogen production within DC microgrids. The proposed scheme's performance is validated through simulation studies using a state-space model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pigments are indispensable in various applications due to their vibrant colors and durability, yet their low polarity often hinders their dispersion in an aqueous solution, leading to large aggregation and sedimentation. To address these limitations, dispersants and encapsulation techniques have been explored. In this study, nanoscale encapsulated pigments were synthesized using a novel polymerizable surfactant, sodium 11-methacrylamidoundecanoic acid (NaMAAUA), along with hydrophobic monomer of styrene or butyl methacrylate. NaMAAUA contains a pendant group of amphiphilic fatty acid, and acts as a dispersant and emulsifier, forming a copolymer shell around the pigments. The apolar tail in NaMAAUA provides hydrophobic interaction with pigments, and the polar carboxyl headgroup exposes in the water phase and enables the formation of strong hydrogen bonds with cellulose. Therefore, the resulting encapsulated pigment exhibits excellent dispersion stability, water-repellent property, washing fastness and UV resistance when applied to paper and cotton fabric, expanding the practical utility of organic pigments in an environmentally conscious manner. Characterization via various analytical techniques validates the efficacy of this approach, paving the way for enhanced pigment applications. [Display omitted] • Nanoscale encapsulated pigments were synthesized using a novel polymerizable surfactant NaMAAUA. • NaMAAUA contains amphiphilic fatty acid as a dispersant and emulsifier. • The apolar tail in NaMAAUA provides hydrophobic interaction with pigments, and the polar headgroup exposes in water. • Encapsulated pigment exhibits excellent dispersion stability, water-repellent property and washing fastness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological processes, such as bone defects healing are precisely controlled in both time and space. This spatiotemporal characteristic inspires novel therapeutic strategies. The sustained-release systems including hydrogels are commonly utilized in the treatment of bone defect; however, traditional hydrogels often release drugs at a consistent rate, lacking temporal precision. In this study, a hybrid hydrogel has been developed by using sodium alginate, sucrose acetate isobutyrate, and electrospray microspheres as the base materials, and designed with ultrasound response, and on-demand release properties. Sucrose acetate isobutyrate was added to the hybrid hydrogel to prevent burst release. The network structure of the hybrid hydrogel is formed by the interconnection of Ca2+ with the carboxyl groups of sodium alginate. Notably, when the hybrid hydrogel is exposed to ultrasound, the ionic bond can be broken to promote drug release; when ultrasound is turned off, the release returned to a low-release state. This hybrid hydrogel reveals not only injectability, degradability, and good mechanical properties but also shows multiple responses to ultrasound. And it has good biocompatibility and promotes osteogenesis efficiency in vivo. Thus, this hybrid hydrogel provides a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of bone defects. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A line of evidence has shown that childhood trauma and patterns of H-shaped sulci in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. Studies have also suggested that childhood trauma is associated with OFC volumetrics. This study investigated the interrelationship between childhood trauma, OFC H-shaped sulci volume and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. We hypothesized that OFC H-shaped sulci volume would mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Methods: We recruited patients with firstepisode schizophrenia (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 48), and quantified OFC H-shaped sulci volumes with 3.0 T high-resolution MRI. We assessed cognitive function and childhood trauma experiences using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results: Patients with first-episode schizophrenia had smaller left OFC H-shaped sulci volumes, more severe childhood trauma experiences and worse cognitive function than healthy controls. CTQ total score and emotional and physical neglect subscores were negatively correlated with left OFC H-shaped sulci volume. CTQ total score and emotional neglect and sexual abuse subscores were negatively correlated with cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Interestingly, the CTQ total score and physical neglect subscore were positively correlated with cognitive function in healthy controls. Left OFC H-shaped sulci volume played a mediating role in CTQ emotional neglect subscore, CTQ total score and MCCB composite score. Limitations: The small sample size and retrospective design need to be considered. Conclusion: Childhood trauma might contribute to cognitive deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia by affecting left OFC H-shaped sulci volume. This finding can help in the design of strategies to improve cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with deficits in working memory. Several cognitive subprocesses interact to produce working memory, including attention, encoding, maintenance and manipulation. We sought to clarify the contribution of functional deficits in these subprocesses in MDD by varying cognitive load during a working memory task.Methods: 41 depressed participants and 41 age and gender-matched healthy controls performed the n-back working memory task at three levels of difficulty (0-, 1-, and 2-back) in a pregistered study. We assessed response times, accuracy, and event-related electroencephalography (EEG), including P2 and P3 amplitudes, and frontal theta power (4-8 Hz).Results: MDD participants had prolonged response times and more positive frontal P3 amplitudes (i.e., Fz) relative to controls, mainly in the most difficult 2-back condition. Working memory accuracy, P2 amplitudes and frontal theta event-related synchronisation did not differ between groups at any level of task difficulty.Conclusions: Depression is associated with generalized psychomotor slowing of working memory processes, and may involve compensatory hyperactivity in frontal and parietal regions.Significance: These findings provide insights into MDD working memory deficits, indicating that depressed individuals dedicate greater levels of cortical processing and cognitive resources to achieve comparable working memory performance to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) that uses immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMNPs) to detect mango major allergen (Man i1) in food products. Monoclonal antibodies (2F1 and 21A5) were prepared; mAb-2F1 was modified on the surface of IMNPs and mAb-21A5 was immobilized on the test line of the LFA strips. Following optimization, the limit of detection (LOD) of this developed LFA was 6.2 ng/mL for rMan i1 with a linear range of 5-100 ng/mL. The assay also had high specificity in the analysis of nine vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, 22 food products were analyzed by this assay and mango allergens were detected in 13 food products that contained mango. In conclusion, a rapid LFA that uses IMNPs was developed herein for the detection of the major mango allergen Man i1 in processed foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by antimicrobial-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae types not included in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has increased, including a penicillin- and meropenem-resistant serotype 15A-ST63 clone in Japan. During 2013-2017, we collected 206 invasive pneumococcal isolates in Taiwan for penicillin and meropenem susceptibility testing. We found serotypes 15B/C-ST83 and 15A-ST63 were the most prevalent penicillin- and meropenem-resistant clones. A transformation study confirmed that penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 2b was the primary meropenem resistance determinant, and PBP1a was essential for high-level resistance. The rate of serotype 15B/C-ST83 increased during the study. All 15B/C-ST83 isolates showed an ermB macrolide resistance genotype. Prediction analysis of recombination sites revealed 12 recombination regions in 15B/C-ST83 compared with the S. pneumoniae Spain23F-ST81 genome. Pneumococcal clones rapidly recombine to acquire survival advantages and undergo local expansion under the selective pressure exerted by vaccines and antimicrobial drugs. The spread of 15B/C-ST83 is alarming for countries with high antimicrobial pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Fatigue damages of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates are not obvious. Obtaining the evolution of the internal fatigue damage in CFRP laminates before visible cracks occur is of vital importance for ensuring structural reliability. Micro X‐ray computed tomography (Micro‐CT) can provide micron scale nondestructive imaging of internal structure of materials. In this paper, a preliminary study was conducted on the early fatigue damage evolution of 0° UD laminates. Axial tension‐tension fatigue tests of [0]16 CFRP laminates were carried out, and the evolutionary behavior of damages was confirmed by fatigue dissipated energy. Then, the internal damages of fatigued specimens were observed and reconstructed using Micro‐CT, and statistical parameters such as damage sphericity, length and angle were calculated. The spatial distribution characteristics of cracks were further acquired by surface porosity and frequency distribution of damage positions in ROI. Early damages from tensile‐tensile fatigue in 0° UD laminates extend along the fiber direction with original defects in the interlayer resin enrichment areas as the nucleus, and tend to concentrate near the width edge of the specimens. Finally, a “sandwich” structural model was developed to analyze the internal stresses of laminates under the influence of interlayer resin enrichment. The FEA results revealed that the internal stresses σy and σz concentrate near the width edges of the specimen, resulting in cracks tend to evolve more in the regions close to edges. Imaging matrix cracks of specimens by Micro‐CT at 12.91 μm voxel size. Demonstrating evolution patterns of cracks with its morphology statistics. Revealing crack distributions in ROIs with variations of surface porosity. Analyzing internal stress distribution by “sandwich” model created from reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of post-influenza secondary bacterial infection, which results in excessive morbidity and mortality. Although 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) vaccination programs have decreased the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia, PCV13 failed to prevent serotype 3 pneumococcal disease as effectively as other vaccine serotypes. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the co-pathogenesis of influenza virus and serotype 3 pneumococci. Methods: We carried out a genome-wide screening of a serotype 3 S. pneumoniae transposon insertion mutant library in a mouse model of coinfection with influenza A virus (IAV) to identify the bacterial factors required for this synergism. Results: Direct, high-throughput sequencing of transposon insertion sites identified 24 genes required for both coinfection and bacterial infection alone. Targeted deletion of the putative aminotransferase (PA) gene decreased bacterial growth, which was restored by supplementation with methionine. The bacterial burden in a coinfection with the PA gene deletion mutant and IAV in the lung was lower than that in a coinfection with wild-type pneumococcus and IAV, but was significantly higher than that in an infection with the PA gene deletion mutant alone. These data suggest that IAV infection alters host metabolism to benefit pneumococcal fitness and confer higher susceptibility to pneumococcal infection. We further demonstrated that bacterial growth was increased by supplementation with methionine or IAV-infected mouse lung homogenates. Conclusions: The data indicates that modulation of host metabolism during IAV infection may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention against secondary bacterial infections caused by serotype 3 pneumococci during IAV outbreaks in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Changshun green-shell laying hens are unique to Guizhou Province, China, and have high egg quality. Improving egg production performance has become an important breeding task, and in recent years, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology provides a fast and exact method for genetic selection. Therefore, we aimed to use this technology to analyze the differences between the ovarian mRNA transcriptome of low and high-yield Changshun green-shell layer hens, identify critical pathways and candidate genes involved in controlling the egg production rate, and provide basic data for layer breeding. Results: The egg production rates of the low egg production group (LP) and the high egg production group (HP) were 68.00 ± 5.56 % and 93.67 ± 7.09 %, with significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01). Moreover, the egg weight, shell thickness, strength and layer weight of the LP were significantly greater than those of the HP (p < 0.05). More than 41 million clean reads per sample were obtained, and more than 90 % of the clean reads were mapped to the Gallus gallus genome. Further analysis identified 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and among them, 55 were upregulated and 87 were downregulated in the ovaries. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 9 significantly enriched pathways, with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway being the most enriched. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the GO term transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity, and the DEGs identified in this GO term, including PRLR, NRP1, IL15, BANK1, NTRK1, CCK, and HGF may be associated with crucial roles in the regulation of egg production. Conclusions: The above-mentioned DEGs may be relevant for the molecular breeding of Changshun green-shell laying hens. Moreover, enrichment analysis indicated that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and receptor protein tyrosine kinases may play crucial roles in the regulation of ovarian function and egg production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is associated with cognitive deficits across multiple domains, including working memory. The n-back task, a convenient psychometric tool capable of computerised delivery and concurrent use with neuroimaging, can provide enhanced insight into working memory dysfunction in depression. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the n-back task under varying cognitive load conditions (i.e. different levels of 'n') to clarify the pattern of working memory deficits in depression.Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving unipolar depressed participants and matched controls utilising the n-back task. Meta-analyses were performed for accuracy and response times at four levels of cognitive load (0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-back).Results: 31 studies (total 1,666 participants) met inclusion criteria and were included for quantitative analyses. Depressed individuals had significantly reduced accuracy compared to controls for 1-, 2-, and 3-back tasks, but not the attentional 0-back task. Likewise, response latencies were prolonged for all task levels (0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-back). Additional meta-regression analyses indicated that participant age and clinical status (i.e. inpatient/outpatient) may exacerbate working memory deficits associated with depression.Limitations: Our results indicate high levels of heterogeneity between studies, particularly for response times.Conclusions: Accuracy impairments were worse at higher levels of n, with the largest effect size obtained on the 2-back task, suggesting deficits to higher executive functions. Response times were consistently prolonged at all cognitive loads in agreement with a pattern of generalised psychomotor retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical measurements of temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectral peak, integrated PL intensity and PL decay time, and microstructure analyses with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the strong dependencies of thermal annealing effects on quantum well (QW) width in InGaN/GaN QW structures. With different QW widths, different levels of strain energy were built. Upon thermal annealing, energy relaxation resulted in the reshaping of quantum dots and hence the changes of optical properties. Thermal annealing at 800°C of a narrow QW width (2 nm) structure led to regularly distributed quantum dots (QDs) and improved optical quality. However, thermal annealing at the same temperature of a sample of larger QW width (4 nm) did not show QD formation. In this situation, even higher local strains around QWs were speculated. Also, degraded optical quality was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deficiencies of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters, metal complexes that control redox state and mitochondrial metabolism, have been linked to pulmonary hypertension (PH), a deadly vascular disease with poorly defined molecular origins. BOLA3 (BolA Family Member 3) regulates Fe-S biogenesis, and mutations in BOLA3 result in multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome, a fatal disorder associated with PH. The mechanistic role of BOLA3 in PH remains undefined.Methods: In vitro assessment of BOLA3 regulation and gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells using siRNA and lentiviral vectors expressing the mitochondrial isoform of BOLA3. Polymeric nanoparticle 7C1 was used for lung endothelium-specific delivery of BOLA3 siRNA oligonucleotides in mice. Overexpression of pulmonary vascular BOLA3 was performed by orotracheal transgene delivery of adeno-associated virus in mouse models of PH.Results: In cultured hypoxic pulmonary artery endothelial cells, lung from human patients with Group 1 and 3 PH, and multiple rodent models of PH, endothelial BOLA3 expression was downregulated, which involved hypoxia inducible factor-2α-dependent transcriptional repression via histone deacetylase 1-mediated histone deacetylation. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that BOLA3 regulated Fe-S integrity, thus modulating lipoate-containing 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases with consequent control over glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. In contexts of siRNA knockdown and naturally occurring human genetic mutation, cellular BOLA3 deficiency downregulated the glycine cleavage system protein H, thus bolstering intracellular glycine content. In the setting of these alterations of oxidative metabolism and glycine levels, BOLA3 deficiency increased endothelial proliferation, survival, and vasoconstriction while decreasing angiogenic potential. In vivo, pharmacological knockdown of endothelial BOLA3 and targeted overexpression of BOLA3 in mice demonstrated that BOLA3 deficiency promotes histological and hemodynamic manifestations of PH. Notably, the therapeutic effects of BOLA3 expression were reversed by exogenous glycine supplementation.Conclusions: BOLA3 acts as a crucial lynchpin connecting Fe-S-dependent oxidative respiration and glycine homeostasis with endothelial metabolic reprogramming critical to PH pathogenesis. These results provide a molecular explanation for the clinical associations linking PH with hyperglycinemic syndromes and mitochondrial disorders. These findings also identify novel metabolic targets, including those involved in epigenetics, Fe-S biogenesis, and glycine biology, for diagnostic and therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient C–N and C–O coupling reactions of aryl halides with amines and alcohols have been developed by using the strategy of heterogeneous visible light photoredox and nickel dual catalysis. Obviously, the joint use of inexpensive and bench-stable CdS and nickel salts, together with mild reaction conditions, makes these two transformations attractive for the synthetic community. This heterogeneous dual catalysis system also proved to be successful in the ligand-free catalytic hydroxylation of aryl bromide with water as a nucleophile. The practicality of this protocol is further emphasized by the scaled-up reaction and the reusability of heterogeneous photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Ureas are widely used in drugs, materials and catalysts because of their diamide structure, which can form strong hydrogen bonds. Therefore, it is of great scientific significance to develop efficient and green methods for the synthesis of urea compounds, especially unsymmetrical ureas. Here, we have disclosed novel and highly efficient three‐component coupling reactions of organic halides, sodium cyanate and amines enabled by nickel/photoredox dual catalysis for the preparation of unsymmetrical ureas. The reaction features simple and safe operations, broad substrate scopes, and product diversities. It allows the facile synthesis of N‐aryl/vinyl ureas from readily available, user‐friendly feedstocks under mild conditions (27 examples, 36%—98% yields). In addition, this method is further derived to alcohols as nucleophiles to synthesize a series of carbamates (15 examples, 40%—95% yields). The mechanism experiment shows that the isocyanate produced by the coupling of halide and sodium cyanate may be the key intermediate in this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNAs generated from back-splicing, which have been verified to mediate multiple tumorigenesis. With the development of high-throughput sequencing, massive circRNAs are discovered in tumorous tissue. However, the potential physiological effect of circRNAs in breast cancer is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression profile of circRNA in breast cancer tissue and explore the in-depth regulatory mechanism in breast cancer tumorigenesis. In the present study, we screened the circRNA expression profiles in breast cancer tissue using circRNA microarray analysis. Totally 1705 circRNAs were identified to be significantly aberrant. Among these dysregulated circRNAs, hsa_circ_0001982 was markedly overexpressed in breast cancer tissue and cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR-143 acted as target of hsa_circ_0001982, which was confirmed by Dual-luciferase reporter assay. Loss-of-function and rescue experiments revealed that hsa_circ_0001982 knockdown suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis by targeting miR-143. In summary, our study preliminarily investigates the circRNA expression in breast cancer tissue and explores the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism in the progression, providing a novel insight for breast cancer tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible-light-driven radical-mediated strategy for the in situ generation of aza-ortho-quinone methides from 2-vinyl-substituted anilines and alkyl radical precursors is described. This process enables an efficient multicomponent reaction of 2-vinylanilines, halides, and sulfur ylides, and has a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Treatment of the cycloaddition products with a base leads to densely functionalized indoles in a single-flask operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A visible-light-driven radical-mediated strategy for the in situ generation of aza- ortho-quinone methides from 2-vinyl-substituted anilines and alkyl radical precursors is described. This process enables an efficient multicomponent reaction of 2-vinylanilines, halides, and sulfur ylides, and has a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Treatment of the cycloaddition products with a base leads to densely functionalized indoles in a single-flask operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small agarics are poorly documented in Taiwan, with previously reported species either rudimentarily described or lacking a description or diagnosis in most cases. A survey on small agarics in a lowland forest of Taiwan revealed two species previously unrecorded. Results: One agaric, which is characterized mainly by white hairs overlying the pileus, a conspicuous cup-shaped basal disc surrounding the stipe, and inamyloid basidiospores, fits the genus Mycena and appears undescribed. It readily produced abundant basidiomata in culture in three weeks. The other agaric is Gloiocephala epiphylla, being characterized by its reduced hymenium and conspicuous pileogloeocystidia. ITS sequences from the two agarics further corroborated the identifications. Their macroscopic and microscopic features and culture morphology are described. A dichotomous key is provided to the species of Mycena reported in Taiwan. Conclusion: The Mycena species is newly described as M. albopilosa herein. Gloiocephala epiphylla is new to Taiwan, being the only species of the genus known on the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic changes in Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused by adaptation to environmental or ecologic pressures are poorly understood. We collected M. pneumoniae from children who had confirmed pneumonia in Taiwan during 2017-2020. We used whole-genome sequencing to compare these isolates with a worldwide collection of current and historical clinical strains for characterizing population structures. A phylogenetic tree for 284 strains showed that all sequenced strains consisted of 5 clades: T1-1 (sequence type [ST]1), T1-2 (mainly ST3), T1-3 (ST17), T2-1 (mainly ST2), and T2-2 (mainly ST14). We identified a putative recombination block containing 6 genes (MPN366‒371). Macrolide resistance involving 23S rRNA mutations was detected for each clade. Clonal expansion of macrolide resistance occurred mostly within subtype 1 strains, of which clade T1-2 showed the highest recombination rate and genome diversity. Functional characterization of recombined regions provided clarification of the biologic role of these recombination events in the evolution of M. pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four hydrogel scaffolds were prepared using different calcium sources. • Combining hydrogels with electrospray microspheres formed a sustained release system. • The group of hydroxyapatite hydrogel demonstrated potential in bone tissue engineering relative to the other three groups. This study utilized four calcium sources (calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite, calcium sulfate, and calcium chloride) combined with sodium alginate to form different hydrogel scaffolds and investigated differences in their related properties. In addition, the drug release behavior of the scaffolds was characterized by naringin release in vitro. The calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite groups formed homogeneous hydrogels with better physical and mechanical properties. The hydroxyapatite and calcium sulfate groups had better sustained release ability. These results highlight the importance of proper calcium source selection when preparing sodium alginate hydrogels and demonstrate that hydroxyapatite as a calcium source has potential application in bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examined 14 pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs) criteria used in evaluating the validity of self-constructed and student-generated arguments in the domains of algebra, geometry, and number theory. During the interviews, participants produced and analyzed their own proofs or counterexamples for the three tasks first and analyzed if six student-generated arguments could be counted as proofs next. The two criteria most frequently used by PSMTs in evaluating their own construction and a student-generated argument as a proof or not a proof were verification and clear details. Our finding showed that more PSMTs were inclined to pay attention to clear details presented in students' work than their own productions. Our finding also showed that more PSMTs focused on the verification feature in their self-constructions than in student-generated arguments. These results suggest that the criteria–verification and clear details–do not have the same weight for PSMTs when evaluating the validity of their own work and student-generated products. This study also has implications for proof-intensive courses, as PSMTs' conceptions of proofs are more likely affected by their instructors in those proof-intensive classes. • Determining if student-generated arguments qualify as proofs is a critical skill and challenge practice for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers to provide constructive feedback for students. • What criteria were used by pre-service secondary mathematics teachers when determining if their own arguments and students' productions of the same mathematical statements can be counted as proofs or non-proofs from a learner perspective and a teacher perspective beyond high school geometry. • The two criteria most frequently used by pre-service secondary mathematics teachers in evaluating their own argument as a proof or not a proof from a learner perspective were verification and clear details. • The two most important features used by pre-service secondary mathematics teachers regarding if students' arguments qualified as proofs or non-proofs from a teacher perspective were verification and clear details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. has many bioactivities, but few papers report on the structural and rheological characteristics of the alkaline extract. The alkaline extracted polysaccharide was prepared from seeds of P. asiatica L. and named herein as alkaline extracted polysaccharide from seeds of P. asiatica L. (PLAP). Its structural and rheological properties were characterized by monosaccharide composition, methylation, GC-MS and rheometry. PLAP, as an acidic arabinoxylan, was mainly composed of 1,2,4-linked Xylp and 1,3,4-linked Xylp residues. PLAP solution showed pseudoplastic behavior, and weak gelling properties at high concentration. Sodium and especially calcium ions played a significant role in increasing the apparent viscosity and gel strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses three component instructional sequence, which supports students in becoming self-regulated proof learners by developing class-based criteria for proof. Topics discussed include instructional sequence containing three main components: a before-class activity, a during class activity, and after class activity, connections between proof and the classroom community in which it is constructed and used, and importance of instructional sequence for the educational standards.

Taiwan's accelerated rate of aging is more than twice that of European countries and United States. Although demographic aging was not a major concern in Taiwan until 1993, when it became an aging society, aging issues now have become an imperative topic both in policy and in practice in the country. As this article demonstrates, in response to the challenge of the rapidly growing older population and the inspiration of cultural values of filial obligation and respect to elders, the concepts of active aging and aging in place are leading the policies and practices of gerontology to meet the diverse needs of the aging population in Taiwan. However, challenges remain, including the question of how to promote systematic endeavors, both in policies or research on aging, and how to encourage greater involvement of nongovernment organizations in the aging issue. In addition, some emerging issues about aging are addressed in this article including inadequate resources for older rural adults, building an age-friendly environment, and the increasing number of people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, an integrating UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS chemical profiling and UPLC–TQ–MS/MS quantification strategy was developed for the holistic quality evaluation of Hibisci Mutabilis Folium (HMF), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Using UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS, a total of 58 components were characterized in HMF sample, of which 36 flavonoids, 3 coumarins, 7 organic acids and 4 triterpene acids were unambiguously identified by comparing the chromatographic behavior and mass spectrum with that of reference compounds, or tentatively assigned by comparing the fragmentation pathways and characteristic fragment ions with that of reference substances and/or published literatures together with mass defect filtering (MDF) screening. Meanwhile, 29 representative major components, including 16 flavonoids, 3 coumarins, 7 organic acids and 3 triterpene acids, were quantified by a newly established UPLC–TQ–MS/MS method that was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability, accuracy and stability. The integrated strategy was applied to simultaneously qualifying and quantifying HMF commercial samples and self-prepared samples harvested in difference periods and dried with different methods. It was found that the contents of 29 major components were obviously different in commercial samples or self-prepared samples, suggesting that the holistic quality of HMF commercial samples was inconsistent, and harvesting period and drying method might be the main factors that affect the holistic quality consistency of commercial HMF samples. Standardized harvesting period and drying method should be established for ensuring the holistic quality consistency of HMF. • Integrating UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS and UPLC–TQ–MS/MS approaches for holistic quality evaluation of HMF. • The holistic quality of commercial and self-harvested/dried HMF samples was inconsistent. • Harvesting / drying methods might be the main factors affecting the quality consistency of HMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report our experiences of a tape-releasing suture with "long-loop" in women with iatrogenic urethral obstruction following the mid-urethral sling procedure. Methods: A total of 149 women underwent a tape-releasing suture with "Long Loop" during the operation. Post-void residual volume was evaluated after Foley removal. Lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic studies were assessed before and six months postoperatively. Results: Nine women out of 149 who underwent mid-urethral sling surgery were found to have iatrogenic urethral obstruction post-operatively based on their urinary symptoms and ultrasound findings. There was no apparent difference between tested groups in mid-urethral sling products and concomitant procedures. 77.8% had successful releases after the first Long-loop manipulation procedure, and 22.2% required two or more releases. However, the SUI cure rate is similar in groups receiving the Long-loop manipulation or not (88.9% and 87.1%, respectively). Conclusions: We are convinced of the practicability and efficacy of the tape-releasing suture "Long-loop." We adopted subjective and objective means to evaluate both groups before and after a six-month follow-up. The Long-loop manipulation procedure can successfully resolve the iatrogenic urethral obstruction without compromising the effectiveness of mid-urethral sling for the treatment of SUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether the combination scheme of deep learning score (DL-score) and radiomics can improve preoperative diagnosis in the presence of micropapillary/solid (MPP/SOL) patterns in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). A retrospective cohort of 514 confirmed pathologically lung ADC in 512 patients after surgery was enrolled. The clinicoradiographic model (model 1) and radiomics model (model 2) were developed with logistic regression. The deep learning model (model 3) was constructed based on the deep learning score (DL-score). The combine model (model 4) was based on DL-score and R-score and clinicoradiographic variables. The performance of these models was evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared using DeLong's test internally and externally. The prediction nomogram was plotted, and clinical utility depicted with decision curve. The performance of model 1, model 2, model 3 and model 4 was supported by AUCs of 0.848, 0.896, 0.906, 0.921 in the Internal validation set, that of 0.700, 0.801, 0.730, 0.827 in external validation set, respectively. These models existed statistical significance in internal validation (model 4 vs model 3, P = 0.016; model 4 vs model 1, P = 0.009, respectively) and external validation (model 4 vs model 2, P = 0.036; model 4 vs model 3, P = 0.047; model 4 vs model 1, P = 0.016, respectively). The decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that model 4 predicting the lung ADC with MPP/SOL structure would be more beneficial than the model 1and model 3 but comparable with the model 2. The combined model can improve preoperative diagnosis in the presence of MPP/SOL pattern in lung ADC in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to establish the sequential static and static–dynamic supercritical carbon dioxide (SDCO 2 ) fractionation conditions to obtain a higher yield and desired chitosan with lower polydispersity index (PDI) and higher degree of deacetylation (DD). The yield increased with increasing DD of used chitosan and amount of cosolvent. The yield of acetic acid cosolvent was higher than those of malic and citric acid cosolvents. SDCO 2 , compared to static supercritical carbon dioxide, has higher yield. The yield of extracted chitosan was 5.82–14.70% by SDCO 2 /acetic acid, which increases with increasing pressure. The DD of fractionated chitosan increased from 66.1% to 70.81–85.33%, while the PDI decreased from 3.97 to 1.69–3.16. The molecular weight changed from 622 kDa to 412–649 kDa, which increased as density of supercritical carbon dioxide increases. Hence, higher DD and lower PDI extracted chitosan can be obtained through controlling the temperature and pressure of SDCO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin and robust nanocompositemembranes were fabricated byincorporating graphene oxide (GO) sheets into a silk fibroin (SF)matrix by a dynamic spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly (dSA-LbL).We observed that in contrast to traditional SA-LbL reported earlierfast solution removal during dropping of solution on constantly spinningsubstrates resulted in largely unfolded biomacromolecules with enhancedsurface interactions and suppressed nanofibril formation. The resultinglaminated nanocomposites possess outstanding mechanical properties,significantly exceeding those previously reported for conventionalLbL films with similar composition. The tensile modulus reached extremelyhigh values of 170 GPa, which have never been reported for grapheneoxide-based nanocomposites, the ultimate strength was close to 300MPa, and the toughness was above 3.4 MJ m–3. Thefailure modes observed for these membranes suggested the self-reinforcingmechanism of adjacent graphene oxide sheets with strong 2 nm thicksilk interphase composed mostly from individual backbones. This interphasereinforcement leads to the effective load transfer between the grapheneoxide components in reinforced laminated nanocomposite materials withexcellent mechanical strength that surpasses those known today forconventional flexible laminated carbon nanocomposites from grapheneoxide and biopolymer components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disclosure of mental distress to physicians is important for mental illness identification, early referrals and proper treatment to prevent suicide. Little is known about what affects mental health communication in the clinical settings in the Chinese societies. Aims: The study aimed to identify the demographic, psychosocial and medical factors related to people with non-disclosure of their mental distress. Methods: We interviewed a series of consecutive inpatients from two medical wards of a general hospital in northern Taiwan. We collected depressive symptoms (the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), living arrangement, threatening life events, suicide risks (i.e. past self-harm history, lifetime suicide ideas and hopelessness) and recent experience of mental distress disclosure. Furthermore, we explored the reasons of non-disclosure. Results: A total of 230 medical inpatients agreed to participate (53.5% males). The results indicated that only 5.7% actually communicated their mental health concerns, and that 12.3% were willing to talk about their mental health problems. Among the 69 (30%) depressed participants (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 points), the disclosure rate was low (8.7%) and the wish to talk about mental distress was also low (10.3%). After adjustment, living alone (OR = 7.58, 95% CI = 1.56–36.91) and having stressful life events (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.09–12.46) remained significant in predicting disclosure of mental distress. The 109 participants attributed their refusal of communicating mental distress as medical-related attributes, subjective perceptions or sociocultural factors. Conclusion: Communication of mental distress in medical settings was uncommon due to medical or psychosocial barriers in Taiwan. Skill training to facilitate disclosure in medical education and public campaigns to improve knowledge of depression and enhance help-seeking deserve more attention, particularly under the influence of stigma in the Chinese societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes the asymmetric multiscale cross-sample entropy (AMCSE) method and applies it to analyze the financial time series of US, Chinese, and European stock markets. The asynchronies of these time series in USA, China, and Europe all decrease (the correlations increase) with the increase in scale which declares that taking into account bigger time scale to study these financial time series is capable of revealing the intrinsic relations between these stock markets. Meanwhile, we find that there is a crossover between the upwards and the downwards in these AMCSE results, which indicates that when the scale reach a certain value, the asynchronies of the upwards and the downwards for these stock markets are equal and symmetric. But for the other scales, the asynchronies of the upwards and the downwards are different from each other indicating the necessity and importance of multiscale analysis for revealing the most comprehensive information of stock markets. The series with a positive trend have a higher decreasing pace on asynchrony than those with a negative trend, while the asynchrony between the series with a positive or negative trend is lower than that between the original series. Moreover, it is noticeable that there are some small abnormal rises at some abnormal scales. We find that the asynchronies are the highest at scales smaller than 2 when investigating the time series of stock markets with a negative trend. The existences of asymmetries declare the inaccuracy and weakness of multiscale cross-sample entropy, while by comparing the asymmetries of US, Chinese, and European markets, similar conclusions can be drawn and we acquire that the asymmetries of Chinese markets are the smallest and the asymmetries of European markets are the biggest. Thus, it is of great value and benefit to investigate the series with different trends using AMCSE method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NADPH regeneration capacity is attracting growing research attention due to its important role in resisting oxidative stress. Besides, NADPH availability has been regarded as a limiting factor in production of industrially valuable compounds. The central carbon metabolism carries the carbon skeleton flux supporting the operation of NADPH-regenerating enzyme and offers flexibility in coping with NADPH demand for varied intracellular environment. To acquire an insightful understanding of its NADPH regeneration capacity, the elementary mode method was employed to compute all elementary flux modes (EFMs) of a network representative of central carbon metabolism. Based on the metabolic flux distributions of these modes, a cluster analysis of EFMs with high NADPH regeneration rate was conducted using the self-organizing map clustering algorithm. The clustering results were used to study the relationship between the flux of total NADPH regeneration and the flux in each NADPH producing enzyme. The results identified several reaction combinations supporting high NADPH regeneration, which are proven to be feasible in cells via thermodynamic analysis and coincident with a great deal of previous experimental report. Meanwhile, the reaction combinations showed some common characteristics: there were one or two decarboxylation oxidation reactions in the combinations that produced NADPH and the combination constitution included certain gluconeogenesis pathways. These findings suggested cyclization pathways as a powerful way for NADPH regeneration capacity of bacterial central carbon metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the different types of breast surgery for repair of breast defect after breast cancer conservative surgery, and their characteristics. Methods We collected the data of breast surgeries of our department from October 2011 to March 2014, in which the three different kinds of methods were applied to the breast conservative surgery for breast cancer, namely, the double loop method + repair keratoplasty glands, conserving surgery of breast with pedicted latissimus dorsi muscle flap and local defect repair by adjacent flap prothesis. After the surgery, patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years. During the time, the evaluation of the breast cosmetic effect was made by medical measurement and satisfaction survey. Results Altogether, there were 124 cases of breast conservative surgeries for breast cancer. Among which, there were 50 cases that applied the double loop method + repair keratoplasty glands, 48 cases applied the conserving surgery of breast with pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and the other 26 cases applied the local defect repair by adjacent flap prothesis. All the surgery succeeded. As for the evaluation of the three kinds of surgery, the grade which the surgeries got was 21 and above were 36 (72.0%), 26 (54.2%) and 18 (69.2%) respectively. It was apparent that the double loop method + repair keratoplasty glands was better than the other two methods by Chi-squared test P < 0.05. And according to the patients' satisfaction research, the satisfaction of the three methods were 94.0%, 87.5% and 92.3%. Which also indicated that the patients were much more satisfied with the double loop method + repair keratoplasty glands. Meanwhile, all the differences were statistically significant P < 0.05. Conclusion For the earlier patients who suffered breast cancer, the double loop method + repair keratoplasty glands often get better breast cosmetic effect, and patients are much satisfied of the surgery, so the method is worthy applying in the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the relation between CCDC8 gene and molecular subtype of breast cancer. Methods One hundred breast cancer tissue samples were collected in this study, and HIC was performed to investigate the expression of CCDC8 in breast tissue. Tumor characteristics (estrogen and progesterone receptor, Her-2, Ki67) were recorded. Results The positive expression of CCDC8 in breast cancer was 38%. The positive expression of CCDC8 in ER, PR positive group was higher than negative group, in Ki67 negative group was higher than positive group. But no correlation was found between CCDC8 and estrogen and progesterone receptor, Her-2, Ki67 and molecular subtype. Conclusion The positive expression of CCDC8 in ER, PR positive group and Ki67 negative group is higher, but there is no correlation between CCDC8 and molecular subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sampling intervals for 3D surface measurement were optimized for the surfaces with different surface height ranges based on PSD analysis. • PSD was more sensitive to sampling interval than 3D roughness parameters. • The optimized sampling intervals were verified by experimentally machined engineering surfaces. • The optimized sampling intervals provide guidance of standardizing sampling parameter selection in 3D surface measurement for comparability. Sampling interval is a key sampling parameter in 3D surface measurement, which affects uncertainty and time of measurement. This study aimed to optimize the sampling interval of 3D isotropic and anisotropic surfaces based on cumulative power spectral density (PSD) analysis for the comparability of 3D surface measurement meanwhile ensuring the measurement efficiency. Twenty-four surfaces with expected height distribution and spatial distribution were generated based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and autocorrelation length function. The effects of sampling interval on surface texture parameters and cumulative PSD of isotropic and anisotropic surfaces were investigated under the conditions of redundant, appropriate and distorted sampling intervals, respectively. The results show 3D texture parameters were insensitive to sampling interval, but cumulative PSD significantly depends on sampling interval. Therefore, based on the cumulative PSD analysis, the optimal sampling intervals for isotropic and anisotropic surfaces with different mean surface height ranges were given. It also indicates that the optimal sampling intervals parallel to the texture direction were higher 10–20 times than that perpendicular to texture direction for anisotropic surfaces. In addition, to verify the validity of the recommended sampling intervals, three actual surfaces were machined using different abrasive grit burs and were measured using a non-contact confocal profiler with the optimal sampling intervals recommended. They demonstrate that the recommended optimal sampling intervals could be used as the sampling parameter selection guidance for 3D surface measurement and characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I extract the electrical conductivity s0 of the quark gluon plasma (QGP) and study the effects of magnetic field and chiral anomaly on soft photon azimuthal anisotropy, v2, based on the thermal photon spectrum at 0.4GeV < p⊥ < 0.6GeV at the Brookhaven Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider energy. As a basis for my analysis, I derive the behavior of retarded photon self-energy of a strongly interacting neutral plasma in hydrodynamic regime in the presence of magnetic field and chiral anomaly. By evolving the resulting soft thermal photon production rate over the realistic hydrodynamic background and comparing the results with the data from the PHENIX Collaboration, I found that the electrical conductivity at QGP temperature is in the range: 0.4 < 0/(e²T) < 1.1, which is comparable with recent studies on lattice. I also compare the contribution from the magnetic field and chiral anomaly to soft thermal photon v2 with the data. I argue that at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, the chiral magnetic wave would give negative contribution to photon v2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To summarize the clinical experience and postoperative cosmetic effect of the round block technique and glands repair plasty in repairing breast defect of breast conserving surgery for the early stage patients. Methods From October 2011 to March 2014, our department has received 50 patents who suffered from breast cancer. We applied the round block technique and glands repair plasty in breast conserving surgery, analyzed their clinical data, and evaluated the degree of satisfaction of the breast cosmetic effect by medical measurement and questionnaire. Results The patients were followed up for 3 to 29 months, with the average of 16 months. No local and regional lymph node tumor recurrence, wound, skin necrosis and infection were found. For the degree of patient satisfaction about the surgery, the good rate was 84% (42/50), with score over 21 points of 42 cases. For the cosmetic effect, 37 patients (74%) were completely satisfied with the surgery, 13 (26%) patients were satisfied, 2 (0.4%) were only modest satisfied, 1 (0.2%) was frankly unpleasant, but no one was very dissatisfied. Conclusion Choosing the patient at the early stage, removing more tissue in order to get a better effect, applying the round block technique and glands repair plasty in breast cancer confirmed breast defect in breast augmentation, can get a better cosmetic results. The patients speak highly of the surgery, and the method is worth applying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the asymmetric multiscale detrended cross-correlation analysis (MS-ADCCA) method and apply MS-ADCCA method to explore the existence of asymmetric cross-correlation for daily price returns in US and Chinese stock markets and to assess the properties of these asym-metric cross-correlations. The results all show the existences of asymmetric cross-correlations, while small asymmetries at small scales and larger asymmetries at larger scales are also displayed. There is a strong similarity between S&P500 and DJI, and we reveal that the asymmetries depend more on the cross-correlations of S&P500 vs. DJI, S&P500 vs. NQCI, DJI vs. NQCI, and ShangZheng vs. ShenCheng when the market is falling than rising, respectively. By comparing the spectra of S&P500 vs. NQCI and DJI vs. NQCI with uptrends and downtrends, we detect some new characteristics which lead to some new conclusions. Likewise, some new conclusions also can be drawn by the new characteristics displayed through the comparison between the spec-tra of ShangZheng vs. HSI and ShenCheng vs. HSI. Obviously, we conclude that although the overall spectra are similar and one market has the same effect when it is rising and falling in the study of asymmetric cross-correlations between it and different markets, the cross-correlations and asymmetries on the trends of the different markets are all different. MS-ADCCA method can detect the differences on the asymmetric cross-correlations by different trends of markets. Moreover, the uniqueness of cross-correlation between NQCI and HSI can be detected in the study of the asymmetric cross-correlations, which confirms that HSI is unique in the Chinese stock mar-kets and NQCI is unique in the US stock markets further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]