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Kitaev chain is one of the important physical models for studying topological quantum states and quantum computing. We here propose an approach to simulate the one-dimensional Kitaev chain via a circuit of superconducting qubits. In our approach, all coupling parameters can be controlled independently, and a nontrivial gauge phase is constructed. We also study the environmental effects on the topological states of the Kitaev chain. In addition to the independent environment surrounding each qubit, we consider the common environment shared by neighboring qubits. Such an environment can generate effective non-Hermitian dissipative coupling between qubits. Through analysis and numerical calculation, we demonstrate that the common environment can significantly affect the topological properties of the qubit chain. Moreover, we observe that dissipative couplings at the edges of the Kitaev chain affect the topological states more strongly than those located elsewhere. Our work may provide a new way to explore topological phase transitions and environmental effects on topological physics using superconducting qubit circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Harnessing engineered Mycolicibacteria to convert cheap phytosterols into valuable steroid synthons is a basic way in the industry for the production of steroid hormones. Thus, C-19 and C-22 steroids are the two main types of commercial synthons and the products of C17 side chain degradation of phytosterols. During the conversion process of sterols, C-19 and C-22 steroids are often produced together, although one may be the main product and the other a minor byproduct. This is a major drawback of the engineered Mycolicibacteria for industrial application, which could be attributed to the co-existence of androstene-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and 22-hydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one (HBC) sub-pathways in the degradation of the sterol C17 side chain. Since the key mechanism underlying the HBC sub-pathway has not yet been clarified, the above shortcoming has not been resolved so far. Results: The key gene involved in the putative HBC sub-pathway was excavated from the genome of M. neoaurum by comparative genomic analysis. Interestingly, an aldolase- encoding gene, atf1, was identified to be responsible for the first reaction of the HBC sub-pathway, and it exists as a conserved operon along with a DUF35-type gene chsH4, a reductase gene chsE6, and a transcriptional regulation gene kstR3 in the genome. Subsequently, atf1 and chsH4 were identified as the key genes involved in the HBC sub-pathway. Therefore, an updated strategy was proposed to develop engineered C-19 or C-22 steroid-producing strains by simultaneously modifying the AD and HBC sub-pathways. Taking the development of 4-HBC and 9-OHAD-producing strains as examples, the improved 4-HBC-producing strain achieved a 20.7 g/L production titer with a 92.5% molar yield and a 56.4% reduction in byproducts, and the improved 9-OHAD producing strain achieved a 19.87 g/L production titer with a 94.6% molar yield and a 43.7% reduction in byproduct production. Conclusions: The excellent performances of these strains demonstrated that the primary operon involved in the HBC sub-pathway improves the industrial strains in the conversion of phytosterols to steroid synthons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgen biosynthesis enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (3βHSD1) encoded by HSD3B1 has emerged as a potential driver for therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer. Patients with homozygous HSD3B1(1245C) inheritance are intrinsically more resistant to currently available androgen/androgen receptor--targeting (AR-targeting) drugs. In this issue of the JCI, Li et al. present data on the regulation of 3βHSD1 phosphorylation and activity by tyrosine kinase BMX. Inhibition of BMX activity by genetic or pharmacologic approaches blocked androgen biosynthesis in prostate cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in preclinical xenograft models. The findings provide insights into mechanisms underlying castration resistance in prostate cancer and reveal a potential strategy to circumvent therapeutic resistance in patients with homozygous HSD3B1(1245C) inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 7β-hydroxylated steroids (7β-OHSt) possess significant activities in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection, and some of them have been widely used in clinics. However, the production of 7β-OHSt is still a challenge due to the lack of cheap 7β-hydroxy precursor and the difficulty in regio- and stereo-selectively hydroxylation at the inert C7 site of steroids in industry. The conversion of phytosterols by Mycolicibacterium species to the commercial precursor, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD), is one of the basic ways to produce different steroids. This study presents a way to produce a basic 7β-hydroxy precursor, 7β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (7β-OH-AD) in Mycolicibacterium, for 7β-OHSt synthesis. Results: A mutant of P450-BM3, mP450-BM3, was mutated and engineered into an AD producing strain for the efficient production of 7β-OH-AD. The enzyme activity of mP450-BM3 was then increased by 1.38 times through protein engineering and the yield of 7β-OH-AD was increased from 34.24 mg L− 1 to 66.25 mg L− 1. To further enhance the performance of 7β-OH-AD producing strain, the regeneration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for the activity of mP450-BM3-0 was optimized by introducing an NAD kinase (NADK) and a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). Finally, the engineered strain could produce 164.52 mg L− 1 7β-OH-AD in the cofactor recycling and regeneration system. Conclusions: This was the first report on the one-pot biosynthesis of 7β-OH-AD from the conversion of cheap phytosterols by an engineered microorganism, and the yield was significantly increased through the mutation of mP450-BM3 combined with overexpression of NADK and G6PDH. The present strategy may be developed as a basic industrial pathway for the commercial production of high value products from cheap raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a nasal mucosal inflammatory disease mediated by environmental allergens. At present, the relationship between the IL-33/ST2 axis, ERK1/2 pathway and AR progression needs further exploration. In our study, an AR model was constructed in vitro by treating HNEpC cells with Der p1. qRT-PCR was applied to assess the mRNA levels of IL-33, ST2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Western blotting was used to measure the protein levels of IL-33, ST2, and the downstream proteins p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, p-RSK, and RSK. IL-6, IL-8, IL-33, and TNF-α protein levels in cell supernatants were evaluated by ELISA. Flow cytometry was performed to check cell apoptosis of HNEpC in the presence or absence of Der p1. Our results indicate that the relative levels of IL-33, ST2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were increased significantly in the AR model group. The above effects were notably reversed after transfection with shIL-33 or shST2. IL-33 stimulation further resulted in the increase in both ST2 and inflammation-associated cytokines, and these effects were restored after shST2 treatment. Also, the levels of inflammatory factors induced by IL-33 stimulation or ST2 overexpression were reversed after applying an ERK1/2 pathway blocker. In conclusion, IL-33/ST2 mediated inflammation of nasal mucosal epithelial cells by inducing the ERK1/2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning has been widely used in many visual recognition tasks owing to its powerful representation ability. However, online learning is a bottleneck to obstruct the application of deep learning in visual tracking. Although many algorithms have discarded the process of online learning during tracking, they demonstrate poor robustness to the online adaptation to appearance changes of the target. In this study, the authors design a tree structure specifically for online learning, which enables the appearance model to be updated smoothly. Once the target appearance has changed severely, a new branch is generated to avoid the fuzzy boundary of classification. In addition, active learning technique and artificial data are employed in the update to make the best of the limited knowledge about the interesting object during the tracking process. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on OTB2013 and VOT2017 benchmark and outperforms many state‐of‐the‐art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of salinity stratification on the upper-ocean response to a category 5 tropical cyclone, Phailin, that crossed the northern Bay of Bengal (BOB) from 8 to 13 October 2013. A drastic increase of up to 5.0 psu in sea surface salinity (SSS) was observed after Phailin's passage, whereas a weak drop of below 0.5°C was observed in sea surface temperature (SST). Rightward biases were apparent in surface current and SSS but not evident in SST. Phailin-induced SST variations can be divided into the warming and cooling stages, corresponding to the existence of the thick barrier layer (BL) and temperature inversion before and erosion after Phailin's passage, respectively. During the warming stage, SST increased due to strong entrainment of warmer water from the BL, which overcame the cooling induced by surface heat fluxes and horizontal advection. During the cooling stage, the entrainment and upwelling dominated the SST decrease. The preexistence of the BL, which reduced entrainment cooling by ~1.09°Cday-1, significantly weakened the overall Phailin-induced SST cooling. The Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) experiments confirm the crucial roles of entrainment and upwelling in the Phailin-induced dramatic SSS increase and weak SST decrease. Analyses of upper-ocean stratification associated with 16 super TCs that occurred in the BOB during 1980-2015 show that intensifications of 13 TCs were associated with a thick isothermal layer, and 5 out of the 13 were associated with a thick BL. The calculation of TC intensity with and without considering subsurface temperature demonstrates the importance of large upper-ocean heat storage in TC growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nickel-containing wastewater is a serious hazard to water environment, so that it is a burning issue to find an efficient and environment-friendly adsorbent. The conventional biochar could not effectively adsorb nickel (Ni(II)), so our study focuses on exploring the adsorption of chemically modified biochar to Ni(II). In this study, the biochar derived from waste peanut shell was modified by KMnO 4 and KOH (MBC). And a series of experiment were carried out to evaluate the sorption ability and explore adsorption mechanism of modified biochar to Ni(II). The results showed the adsorption ability of MBC to Ni(II) reached 87.15 mg g−1. And the reaction process was spontaneous and endothermic chemisorption. Meanwhile, the analysis of FTIR and XPS visually revealed that the amine groups in the modified biochar could form NH 2 Ni with Ni(II) by complexation, while the hydroxyl could form nickel hydroxide and complexed nickel oxide by co-precipitation and complexation. This research showed this novel MBC is a promising adsorbent and has a fantastic prospect in the application of nickel-containing wastewater. Highlights • Strong adsorption of KMnO 4 and KOH-modified biochar to Ni(II). • The pore structure of modified biochar offered more adsorption sites of Ni(II). • Amine groups and removed Ni(II) by the formation of NH 2 Ni. • Hydroxyl removed Ni(II) by the formation of Ni(OH) 2 and nickel complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hybrid ablation, an emerging therapy that combines surgical intervention and catheter ablation, has become a viable option for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation. In this analysis, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hybrid ablation, as well as compare the outcomes of one-step and staged approaches. Methods: We conducted a search in major online databases and selected the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was defined as no episode of atrial fibrillation or atrial tachycardia lasting longer than 30 seconds without administration of antiarrhythmic drugs. Results: Sixteen studies including 785 patients (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, n = 83; persistent atrial fibrillation, n = 214; long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation, n = 488) were selected. Average history of atrial fibrillation was (5.0±1.6) years. The pooled proportion of patients who were arrhythmia-free at the primary endpoint was 73% (95% CI, 64%–81%, Cochran’s Q, P<0.001; I2 = 81%). The pooled rate of severe short-term complications was 4% (95% CI, 2%–7%, Cochran’s Q, P = 0.01; I2 = 51%). The success rate after one-step procedures (69%) was lower than that after staged procedures (78%). The staged approach could ultimately prove to be safer, although complication rates were relatively low for both approaches (2% and 5%, respectively). Conclusions: Hybrid ablation is an effective and generally safe procedure. The current data suggest that staged hybrid ablation could be the optimal approach, as it is associated with a higher success rate and a seemingly lower complication rate. Additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is particularly important to study the development of the modern apprenticeship in the environment of strengthening cultural construction and inheriting the spirit of the industry in the whole society. Under the multi-position in one concept, the model construction and operation mechanism of modern apprenticeship need to be relocated. By studying the generation, characteristics and problems existing in development of modern apprenticeship, the paper explores the operation of modern apprenticeship under the multiposition in one concept from four aspects: government, enterprises, schools and individuals. We should strengthen the combination of practice inside and outside school, strengthen communication between individuals and enterprises, and strengthen management between government and enterprises, schools, etc., and then use various methods to establish modern apprenticeship under the multi-position in one concept. We should integrate a variety of resources, cultivate modern craftsman talents, and provide human security for the realization of our country's manufacturing power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the wave energy conversion efficiency of backward bent duct buoy (BBDB), a pentagonal BBDB model was designed and fabricated for experiments in a wave flume (2D) as well as in a wave basin (3D). Incident wave height, wave period, water elevation in the air chamber and pressure difference between indoor and outdoor of the air chamber were measured. The test results show that the maximum value of capture width ratio (CWR) of the model in the wave flume is about 119.1%, which is much better than the highest value 79.1% obtained under the same experimental conditions in historical documents. Under regular wave, the maximum value of CWR tested in the wave basin is about 146.8%, which is equivalent to the highest value in historical documents and has relatively wide bandwidth. Under irregular waves, the maximum average value of CWR tested in the wave basin is about 87.2%, which is superior to the highest value 52% in historical documents. The combination of experimental results of the model and the latest research achievements of air turbine can help to break the thoughts that wave energy utilization technology can't balance low cost and high efficient conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic administration of dexmedetomidine provides cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the direct effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiomyocytes have not been clarified. The present study investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes under hypoxic/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions. In order to simulate in vivo I/R injury, primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured under hypoxic conditions for 1 h and subsequently reoxygenated for 24 h. The effects of preconditioning with dexmedetomidine 2 h before hypoxia and postconditioning during reoxygenation were also examined. Cellular viability and activity were analyzed by monitoring the dynamic response profile of living cells using a real-time cell analyzer system. A special scaled index, defined as the normalized cell index (NCI), was used to minimize the influence of inter-experimental variations. The dose-effect curve was generated from the area under the time-course curve values of NCI. H/R exposure markedly decreased cell viability and activity. Furthermore, no cytotoxicity was associated with a clinically relevant concentration of dexmedetomidine. Preconditioning with dexmedetomidine concentration-dependently ameliorated the reductions in NCI in cardiomyocytes following H/R injury. Additionally, postconditioning with dexmedetomidine improved the reductions in NCI at concentrations between 3 and 200 nM. Finally, the effect of 3-40 nM dexmedetomidine postconditioning was greater than preconditioning. These results indicated that preconditioning and postconditioning with dexmedetomidine attenuated H/R injury in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes at the cellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Stem cell therapy (SCT) for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) is still in its infancy, and whether SCT is associated with improved outcomes is unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of patients receiving SCT. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies that reported the use of stem cells for the treatment of patients with CD. Raw data from included studies were pooled for effect estimates. Subgroup analyses were performed for exploration of heterogeneity regarding all outcomes. Results: We analyzed 21 studies comprising 514 patients with active CD. A random-effects meta-analysis of studies of SCT as systemic infusion showed 56% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33-76, n = 150) of patients achieved clinical response. Similarly, random-effects pooled rates of clinical or endoscopic remission were 46% (95% CI 25-69, n = 116) and 15% (95% CI 0-50, n = 48), respectively. A random-effects meta-analysis of all perianal CD studies showed that 57% (95% CI 44-69%, n = 251) of patients had healed fistula with SCT, with an odds ratio of 3.83 (95% CI 1.06-13.86, n = 121, P = 0.04) versus control. The pooled rate of clinical recurrence was high at 16% (95% CI 4-34, n = 101) with follow-up >12 months. The pooled rates of severe adverse events (SAEs) and SAEs related to SCT were 12% (95% CI 6-23, n = 378) and 8% (95% CI 3-18, n = 378), respectively. The Egger test suggests no publication bias existed for fistula healing (P = 0.36), but did for clinical response (P = 0.003). Conclusions: SCT seems potentially effective and may serve as an alternative treatment for refractory active CD. Toxicity will remain the most significant barrier to systemic SCT in patients with CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many applications lead to separable parameterized equations of the form F(y, μ, z) ≡ A(y,μ)z + b(y, μ) = 0, where y ∊ Rn, z ∊ RN, A(y, μ) ∊ R(N+n)×N, b(y, μ) ∊ RN+n and μ ∊ R is a parameter. Typically N >> n. Suppose bifurcation occurs at a solution point (y*, μ*, z*) of this equation. If A(y*, μ*) is rank deficient, then the linear component z bifurcates into an affine subspace at this point. We show how to compute such a point (y, μ, z) by reducing the original system to a smaller separable system, while preserving the bifurcation, the rank deficiencies and a non-degeneracy condition. A numerical algorithm for solving the reduced system and examples illustrating the method are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall anomalies over southern China are found to be asymmetricly influenced by the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), with a far stronger influence from positive IOD (pIOD) events.Agreater convection anomaly and an equivalent-barotropic Rossby wave train response occurs during pIOD events than during negative IOD (nIOD) events. Over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and South China Sea (SCS), an associated low-level anomalous anticyclone strengthens the southwesterlies during boreal fall (September, October and November, SON), when a pIOD matures. The increased moisture flux gives rise to the anomalously high rainfall over southern China. During its developing phase (boreal summer, June, July, and August, JJA), the influence of a pIOD event on the contemporaneous rainfall over southern China is weak, but a JJA pIOD index is highly correlated with fall rainfall. Therefore, this index can serve as a potential predictor for variations of boreal fall rainfall over southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separable nonlinear equations have the form F(y, z) ≡ A(y)z + b(y) = 0, where the matrix A(y) ∈ RmxN and the vector b(y) ∈ Rm are continuously differentiable functions of y ∈ Rn and ∈ RN.We assume that m ≥ N + n, and F'(y, z) has full rank. We present a numerical method to compute the solution (y*, z*) for fully determined systems (m = N + n) and compatible overdetermined systems (m > N + n). Our method reduces the original system to a smaller system f(y) = 0 of m - N ≥ n equations in alone. The iterative process to solve the smaller system only requires the LU factorization of one matrix per step, and the convergence is quadratic. Once y* has been obtained, z* is computed by direct solution of a linear system. Details of the numerical implementation are provided and several examples are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mating strategies of male and female Ectropis oblique Prout were investigated with the aid of male antennae as an electroantennogram (EAG) detector and capillary-GC analysis. Each male was capable of mating with several females, but females that had received a spermatophore mated only once. Antennae dissected from males 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 d post-mating and antennae from virgin males of corresponding ages displayed similar EAG responses to sex pheromone extracts from sexually active females. Pheromone extracts of mated females elicited significantly weaker male EAG responses than the pheromone extracts of virgin females. EAG responses of males to sex pheromone extracts taken from mated females at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 d post-mating were consistently weak. Pheromone production in the pheromone glands of mated females was strongly suppressed and declined during each of 4 successive nights after they had mated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and effective ‘ultrasonic dispersion method’ was used to fabricate vector/DNA complexes encapsulated microspheres. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer/DNA complexes protected by a water-soluble polymer, poly- α, β-[ N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-aspartamide] (PHEA), were encapsulated in a polymer film mainly composed of cholic acid functionalized star poly(DL-lactide), which degraded through surface erosion mechanism with a fast degradation rate. The PAMAM/DNA complexes encapsulated polymer film was then immersed in ethanol and ultrasonicated to afford the microspheres. The in vitro gene transfections showed PAMAM/DNA complexes protected by PHEA exhibited a much higher transfection activity compared with PAMAM/DNA complexes without the protection by PHEA. The expressions of pGL3-Luc in HEK293 cells could be effectively mediated by the polymer film and microspheres with the presence of PHEA. The ultrasonic dispersion method, which did not involve toxic organic solvents, could keep the bioactivity of DNA and offer good control over the size of microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To compare the feasibility of real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in rats with infusion and bolus administration of a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent BR1. B-mode real-time MCE was performed in 12 Sprague Dawley rats following the BR1 infusion or bolus injection. The myocardium signal intensity (SI) was plotted against time and was fitted to exponential functions. The plateau SI (A) and rate of SI increase (β) for the infusion study and peak signal intensity (PSI) for the bolus study were obtained. 99mTc-Sestamibi and Evans blue were used to assess myocardial blood perfusion and to calculate the myocardium perfusion defect area ex vivo. High-quality real-time MCE images were successfully obtained using each method. At baseline, all LV segments showed even contrast distribution. Following left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation, significant perfusion defect was observed in LAD beds with a significantly decreased A* β and PSI values compared with LCx beds (Infusion: A*β LAD: 5.42 ± 1.57dB, A*β LCx: 46.52 ± 5.32dB, p < 0.05; Bolus: PSI LAD: 2.11 ± 0.67dB, PSI LCx: 20.68 ± 0.72 dB, p < 0.05), which was consistent with 99mTc-Sestamibi distribution findings. Myocardial perfusion defect areas, assessed by both methods, showed no differences and showed good correlation with Evans blue staining. ED frames were more favorable for imaging analysis. Both infusion and bolus administration of the contrast agent combined with real-time MCE technique can provide a reliable and noninvasive approach for myocardial perfusion assessment in rats and the infusion method was more suitable for quantitative analysis of myocardial blood flow. (E-mail: suhaili@fmmu.edu.cn) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and fungal blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea result in heavy production losses in rice, a main staple food for approximately 50% of the world's population. Application of host resistance to these pathogens is the most economical and environment-friendly approach to solve this problem. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling quantitative resistance are valuable sources for broad-spectrum and durable disease resistance. Although large numbers of QTLs for bacterial blight and blast resistance have been identified, these sources have not been used effectively in rice improvement because of the complex genetic control of quantitative resistance and because the genes underlying resistance QTLs are unknown. To isolate disease resistance QTLs, we established a candidate gene strategy that integrates linkage map, expression profile, and functional complementation analyses. This strategy has proven to be applicable for identifying the genes underlying minor resistance QTLs in rice–Xoo and rice–M. grisea systems and it may also help to shed light on disease resistance QTLs of other cereals. Our results also suggest that a single minor QTL can be used in rice improvement by modulating the expression of the gene underlying the QTL. Pyramiding two or three minor QTL genes, whose expression can be managed and that function in different defense signal transduction pathways, may allow the breeding of rice cultivars that are highly resistant to bacterial blight and blast. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Separable nonlinear equations have the form where the matrix and the vector are continuously differentiable functions of . Such equations can be reduced to solving a smaller system of nonlinear equations in y alone. We develop a bordering and reduction technique that extends previous work in this area to the case where is (potentially highly) rank deficient at the solution . Newton''s method applied to solve the resulting system for y is quadratically convergent and requires only one LU factorization per iteration. Implementation details and numerical examples are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes the methodology and findings of a project entitled "Picture Power," in which imagery and language were examined in kindergartners from China and the United States. The benefits of combining drawing and talking for literacy are examined. The project featured a variety of children's picture books about housing.

Abstract: Porous TiO2 thin film of photocatalyst was synthesized by charged microemulsion templating. In the process, cationic polystytrene microemulsion (PSTM) was successfully added into the precursor solution of TiO2 (Ti-sol). The factors, such as the charged surfactant species, the amount of PSTM and pH of the solution mixture strongly affect the stability of the solution mixture. TiO2 film containing larger pores in diameter of 20–100nm was obtained after heat treatment and analyzed by BET and BJH. The addition of PSTM effectively influences crystal structure, specific surface area and morphology of thin films. The crystal particle growth of anatase phase is restrained by PSTM addition, and the addition of PSTM promotes the crystal phase transformation from anatase to rutile phase, as was testified by XRD, AFM and FT-IR. The photocatalytic degradation suggests that the optimal addition of PSTM (the volume ratio of PSTM and Ti-sol being 0.3) can reach a remarkable enhancement of photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films, shown by an increase of almost 66% of the apparent rate constant of degradation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A significant problem with UV disinfection of wastewater is the accumulation of fouling materials at sleeve-water interfaces. It has been shown that automated chemical and/or mechanical cleaning can remove most fouling materials satisfactorily. However, permanent foulants, which cannot be removed completely by typical cleaning operations, always remain on the quartz sleeves. These permanent foulants reduce UV transmittance, in turn reducing disinfecting effectiveness. This research investigated the origins, formation, and composition of permanent fouling. Four instrumental analyses were used: atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX), and sleeve UV transmittance (SUVT). It appeared that permanent foulants were trapped initially by microscale holes and peaks on fresh sleeve surfaces. Based on the topography and roughness measurements from the AFM, after long-term regular chemical and mechanical cleaning, the wipers of cleaning systems damage sleeve surfaces, creating scratches or holes with larger surface areas. Foulants are trapped more easily, and are attached tightly to the surfaces of these scratches or to each other. The results from XRF and SEM/EDX showed that the main fouling components were aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These could not be related to wastewater quality. For the specific cases studied, chemical plus mechanical cleaning is more effective in removing foulants and avoiding the accumulation of permanent foulants than mechanical cleaning alone; in most cases, SUVT was higher than 90% after chemical plus mechanical cleaning, whereas mechanical cleaning alone achieved only approximately 30% SUVT after long-term usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The convergence of Newton''s method to a solution of may be unsatisfactory if the Jacobian matrix is singular. When the rank deficiency is one, and a simple regularity condition is satisfied at , it is possible to define a bordered system for which Newton''s method converges quadratically [Griewank, SIAM Rev. 27 (1985) 537]. In this paper we extend this technique to the case of higher rank deficiencies. We show that if a generalized regular singularity condition is satisfied then one singular value decomposition of for some point near can be used to form a bordered system for which Newton''s method converges quadratically. The theory and method are illustrated by several examples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Assume that f : X × Y ? Z is a map from the product of two affine varieties into another affine variety such that f is a regular map when one variable is fixed. We show that f is a regular map if the underlying field is not countably infinite. The condition is indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shows that a conserved SH3-domain binding motif (PXXP), located in the C-terminal regulatory region of Akt, is involved in the interaction between Akt and its upstream tyrosine kinase Src and is essential for ACt activation in response to growth factors. Impact of the mutation in Akt on its interaction with Src; Importance of the C-terminal regulatory domain.

A transparent nano-composite TiO2–PI was prepared by properly controlling the sol–gel reaction, imidization and polymerization process. The paper summarized the factors that may influence the TiO2–PI nano-composite morphology. The microstructure of the nano-composite depends strongly on the composition and synthesizing route, FT-IR, DSC, XRD and UV–Vis analysis were carried out to observe the specific thermal, optical properties and the microstructure. The relationship between them was also suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to characterize hydrolyzable tannins in Polygonaceous plants, as only a few plants have previously been reported to contain ellagitannins. From Persicaria chinensis, a new hydrolyzable tannin called persicarianin was isolated and characterized to be 3-O-galloyl-4,6-(S)-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl-d-glucose. Interestingly, acid hydrolysis of this compound afforded ellagic acid, despite the absence of a hexahydroxydiphenoyl group. From the rhizome of Polygonum runcinatum var. sinense, a large amount of granatin A, along with minor ellagitannins, helioscpoinin A, davicratinic acids B and C, and a new ellagitannin called polygonanin A, were isolated. Based on 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic examination, the structure of polygonanin A was determined to be 1,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-2,4-hydroxychebuloyl-β-d-glucopyranose. These are the second and third hydrolyzable tannins isolated from Polygonaceous plants. In addition, oligomeric proanthocyanidins of Persicaria capitatum and P. chinensis were characterized by thiol degradation. These results suggested that some Polygonaceous plants are the source of hydrolyzable tannins not only proanthocyanidins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large and powerful radio frequency (RF) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source with a Faraday shield (FS) has been investigated by a 3D fluid model, consisting of a plasma module and an electromagnetic field module. Effects of the structure of the FS, the RF current, and the gas pressure on the spatial distributions of plasma parameters including the electron density, electron temperature, and electron potential barrier are investigated systematically. The results show that the FS has a great influence on the spatial distribution and transport mechanism of electrons. The electron density has a maximum value at the center of the ICP source and declines sharply near the FS. Furthermore, it decreases obviously with the decreasing slit width, due to the electron transport mechanism, which is directly related to the electron potential barrier and electron temperature. In addition, the electron density increases with the RF current and gas pressure; it is noteworthy that the stronger induced electric field heating exists at the slit gap under high RF current that makes the electron temperature increase. The data obtained in this paper could lead to a deeper insight into the characteristics of ICP sources, which is extremely essential for optimizing the FS structure and designing large and powerful radio frequency ICPs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Linear transmission rate and Kerr nonlinear coefficient can be enhanced greatly in such a PT-like-symmetric system. • System cannot have a pure real eigenvalue spectrum even in the unbroken PT-like-symmetric phase. • Output characteristics of the system are useful for dispersion compensation. • Near the phase transition point, the nonlinear response of the system can be enhanced more sharply than the linear one. We propose a non-Hermitian optical model to explore the linear and nonlinear output characteristics involving the parity-time (PT)-like symmetry. It is found that the tunable linear transmission rate and Kerr nonlinear coefficient can be enhanced greatly in such a PT -like-symmetric system, especially at the phase transition (exceptional) point. Based on that, by the proper choice of system parameters, the output spectrum can realize, simultaneously, the high linear transmission rate and the giant Kerr nonlinear coefficient with diminutive nonlinear absorption, and such an output characteristic is useful for dispersion compensation in the optical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the complex function method and the conformal mapping technique, the scattering of SH waves caused by a semi-cylindrical canyon in a radially inhomogeneous density half-space is studied analytically. During the solution, model of a semi-cylindrical canyon is established in a semi-infinite inhomogeneous media. And the Helmholtz equation with a variable coefficient is transformed into a standard Helmholtz equation by conformal mapping technique. Then the infinite algebraic equations are constructed to satisfy the stress boundary conditions on the surface of semi-cylindrical canyon. Finally, the incident waves, reflected waves and scattering waves induced by canyon topography in half space are solved. According to the numerical results, influences of the concave topography and the inhomogeneous medium on ground motion are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Non-primary radiation doses to normal tissues from proton therapy may be associated with an increased risk of secondary malignancies, particularly in long-term survivors. Thus, a systematic method to evaluate if the dose level of non-primary radiation meets the IEC standard requirements is needed. Approach. Different from the traditional photon radiation therapy system, proton therapy systems are composed of several subsystems in a thick bunker. These subsystems are all possible sources of non-primary radiation threatening the patient. As a case study, 7 sources in the P-Cure synchrotron-based proton therapy system are modeled in Monte Carlo (MC) code: tandem injector, injection, synchrotron ring, extraction, beam transport line, scanning nozzle and concrete reflection/scattering. To accurately evaluate the synchrotron beam loss and non-primary dose, a new model called the torus source model is developed. Its parametric equations define the position and direction of the off-orbit particle bombardment on the torus pipe shell in the Cartesian coordinate system. Non-primary doses are finally calculated by several FLUKA simulations. Main results. The ratios of summarized non-primary doses from different sources to the planned dose of 2 Gy are all much smaller than the IEC requirements in both the 15–50 cm and 50–200 cm regions. Thus, the P-Cure synchrotron-based proton therapy system is clean and patient-friendly, and there is no need an inner shielding concrete between the accelerator and patient. Significance. Non-primary radiation dose level is a very important indicator to evaluate the quality of a PT system. This manuscript provides a feasible MC procedure for synchrotron-based proton therapy with new beam loss model. Which could help people figure out precisely whether this level complies with the IEC standard before the system put into clinical treatment. What' more, the torus source model could be widely used for bending magnets in gantries and synchrotrons to evaluate non-primary doses or other radiation doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological runoff prediction is vital for water resource management. The non-linear and non-stationary runoff series and the complex hydrological features for large-scale basins make it difficult to predict. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is effective for runoff prediction but unstable for large-scale basins. This study develops three hybrid models combined with two-stage decomposition and LSTM, including wavelet transformation (WT) combined with complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), variational mode decomposition (VMD), and local mean decomposition (LMD), to predict the daily runoff of the Pearl River in China. The results indicate CEEMDAN’s broader signal decomposition applicability for runoff series preprocessing, while VMD is simpler to extract high-runoff characteristics. VMD–WT–LSTM is appropriate for predicting high and median runoff, whereas CEEMDAN–WT–LSTM is better for low-runoff and high and median runoffs with low-violent fluctuations. These hybrid models provide satisfactory predictions for NSE and R² indicators, and 97.2% of indicators fall within the acceptable range for high-runoff predictions. The hybrid models outperform traditional and standalone models in high-runoff but none of the decomposition methods in this research can identify low-runoff sub-sequence. This study provided runoff prediction methods requiring fewer data and processing time, and these methods are promising alternatives for daily runoff prediction in large-scale basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the associations between hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) and infant neurodevelopment. Leveraging data from the Jiangsu Birth Cohort, in the present study, we re-visited such associations in one-year-old infants from 2 576 singleton pregnancies and 261 twin pregnancies. We first assessed infant neurodevelopment by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test (the Third Edition), and then estimated its association with maternal HDP using general linear regression models and Poisson regression models. In singleton pregnancies, compared with mothers unexposed to HDP, infants born to mothers with chronic hypertension exhibited a lower score (β, -0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.19--0.15) and a higher risk of "non-optimal" gross motor development (risk ratio [RR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.02--4.79); in twin pregnancies, infants born to mothers with HDP exhibited lower scores in cognition (β, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.96--0.01), receptive communication (β, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.03--0.06), and gross motor (β, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.86--0.03), and at a higher risk of "non-optimal" gross motor development (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.16-3.88). These findings indicate that infants born to mothers with HDP may have inferior neurodevelopment outcomes at the age of one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the two-dimensional quantum walk with point, line, and circle disorders in phase are reported. Localization is observed in the two-dimensional quantum walk with certain phase disorder and specific initial coin states. We give an explanation of the localization behavior via the localized stationary states of the unitary operator of the walker + coin system and the overlap between the initial state of the whole system and the localized stationary states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths from malignant neoplasms worldwide, and a satisfactory biopsy that allows for histological and other analyses is critical for its diagnosis. Guidelines have recommended endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as the reference standard for the staging of lung cancer. However, the relatively limited sample volume retrieved by needle aspiration might restrict the diagnostic capacity of EBUS-TBNA in other uncommon thoracic tumors. Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy is a recently developed sampling strategy for mediastinal lesions, which demonstrates added diagnostic value to conventional needle aspiration. Here, we present a case of thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor successfully diagnosed by mediastinal cryobiopsy additional to EBUS-TBNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycyclic triterpenoids (PTs) are common in plants, and have attracted considerable interest due to their remarkable biological activities. Currently, engineering the ergosterol synthesis pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a safe and cost-competitive way to produce triterpenoids. However, the strict regulation of ERG1 involved in the epoxidation of squalene limits the triterpenoid production. Results: In this study, we found that the decrease in ERG7 protein level could dramatically boost the epoxidation of squalene by improving the protein stability of ERG1. We next explored the potential factors that affected the degradation process of ERG1 and confirmed that ERG7 was involved in the degradation process of ERG1. Subsequently, expression of four different triterpene cyclases utilizing either 2,3-oxidosqualene or 2,3:22,23-dioxidosqualene as the substrate in ERG7-degraded strains showed that the degradation of ERG7 to prompt the epoxidation of squalene could significantly increase triterpenoid production. To better display the potential of the strategy, we increased the supply of 2,3-oxidosqualene, optimized flux distribution between ergosterol synthesis pathway and β-amyrin synthesis pathway, and modified the GAL-regulation system to separate the growth stage from the production stage. The best-performing strain ultimately produced 4216.6 ± 68.4 mg/L of β-amyrin in a two-stage fed-fermentation (a 47-fold improvement over the initial strain). Conclusions: This study showed that deregulation of the native restriction in ergosterol pathway was an effective strategy to increase triterpenoid production in yeast, which provided a new insight into triterpenoids biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the stability of Turing-type patterns in one spatial dimension in a system of reaction-diffusion equations with a term depending linearly on the spatial position. The system is a generic model of two interacting chemical species where production rates are dependent on a linear external gradient. This is motivated by mathematical models in developmental biology. In a previous paper, we found analytic approximations of Turing-like steady state patterns. In the present article, we derive conditions for the stability of these patterns and show bifurcation diagrams in two small parameters related to the slope of the external gradient and the ratio of the diffusion coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the sesquiterpenoids in Curcuma longa L. and their activity related to anti-atherosclerosis. The chemical compounds of the rhizomes of C. longa were separated and purified by multiple chromatography techniques. Their structures were established by a variety of spectroscopic experiments. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental and calculated NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Their anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation were evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-injured RAW264.7 macrophages, respectively. This study resulted in the isolation of 10 bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1–10) from C. longa, including two pairs of new epimers (curbisabolanones A–D, 1–4). Compound 4 significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, compound 4 showed inhibitory activity against macrophage-derived foam cell formation, which was represented by markedly reducing ox-LDL-induced intracellular lipid accumulation as well as total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), and cholesterol ester (CE) contents in RAW264.7 cells. These findings suggest that bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids, one of the main types of components in C. longa, have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerosis process by preventing inflammation and inhibiting macrophage foaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transmural healing (TH) is a potential therapeutic goal of Crohn’s disease (CD) and is associated with better clinical outcomes. However, few studies have described early TH and its predictors. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate early TH and its predictors using magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in patients with CD receiving ustekinumab (UST). Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Methods: Patients with active CD treated with UST and their intestinal segments with bowel wall thickness (BWT) ⩽ 3 mm at baseline were included. Clinical characteristics, laboratory indicators, endoscopic manifestations, and MRE indices were evaluated at baseline and week 26 (W26) of the therapy. The following MRE parameters were assessed: BWT, edema, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), Clermont score, Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity score, fat stranding, comb sign, and stricture. TH was defined as BWT ⩽ 3 mm without any signs of inflammation (i.e., ulceration, edema, diffusion-weighted hyperintensity, and increased contrast enhancement) at W26. Results: The study included 37 patients with 106 intestinal segments (including 15 proximal small intestines, 33 terminal ilea, and 58 colons). Clinical features, laboratory indicators, endoscopic results, and MRE parameters at W26 were significantly improved after UST treatment in both patient-based and intestinal segment-based analysis. Seven (18.9%) patients and 26 (24.5%) intestinal segments achieved TH at W26. Baseline BWT [odds ratio (OR) = 0.287, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.090-0.918, 푝 = 0.035] and ADC (OR = 2.997, 95% CI, 1.009-8.908, 푝 = 0.048) predict TH of patients at W26. Baseline ADC (OR = 2.857, 95% CI, 1.285- 6.349, 푝 = 0.010) and presence of stenosis (OR = 0.196, 95% CI, 0.052-0.735, 푝 = 0.016) were associated with TH of segments at W26. Conclusion: Early TH assessed by MRE was observed in nearly one-fifth of patients with CD and intestinal segments after UST treatment for 26 weeks. Baseline MRE indices such as BWT and presence of stenosis might negatively predict TH, while ADC might positively predict early TH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of immunomodulators, either anti-inflammatory or immunity-enhancing, have brought about a revolutionary effect in the management of a variety of autoimmune disorders and malignancies. However, their ability to cause gastrointestinal (GI) injury and induce GI symptoms has been increasingly and unexpectedly recognized. GI injury associated with immunomodulators may demonstrate various histologic and endoscopic patterns. Optimal diagnosis and treatment require a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature on its pathogenesis, the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features, and suggested approaches to manage these newly recognized immunomodulator-induced GI adverse effects (AEs). We also reviewed current biomarkers predictive of GI toxicity and potential risk factors to identify susceptible patients. In addition, these immune-mediated AEs were compared with inflammatory bowel disease, a well-documented form of inflammation-driven GI injury. We hope this review will raise awareness and vigilance among clinicians of these entities to increase early diagnosis and rapid referral to specialist care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Rutgeerts score (RS) is widely used to predict postoperative recurrence after ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease (CD) based on the severity of lesions at the neoterminal ileum and anastomosis (RS i0–i4). However, the value of anastomotic ulcers remains controversial. Objectives: Our aim was to establish a nomogram model incorporating ileal and anastomotic lesions separately to predict the long-term outcomes of CD after ileal or ileocolonic resection. Design: A total of 136 patients with CD were included in this retrospective cohort study. Methods: Consecutive CD patients who underwent ileal or ileocolonic resections with postoperative ileocolonoscopy evaluation within 1 year after the surgery were included. The primary endpoint was postoperative clinical relapse (CR). An endoscopic classification separating ileal and anastomotic lesions was applied (Ix for neoterminal ileum lesions; Ax for anastomotic lesions). A nomogram was constructed to predict CR. The performance of the model was evaluated by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: CR was observed in 47.1% (푛 = 64) of patients within a median follow-up of 26.9 (interquartile range, 11.4-55.2) months. The risk of CR was significantly higher in patients with an RS ⩾ i2 assessed by the first postoperative endoscopy compared with patients with an RS ⩽ i1 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the cumulative rate of CR was significantly higher in patients with ileal lesions (I1-4) compared with patients without (I0) (푝 < 0.001). Besides, patients with anastomotic lesions (A1-3) had significantly higher rates of CR than patients without (A0) (푝 = 0.002). A nomogram, incorporating scores of postoperative ileal or anastomotic lesions, sex, L2-subtype and perianal disease, was established. The DCA analysis indicated that the nomogram had a higher benefit for CR, especially at the timeframe of 24-60 months after index endoscopy, compared to the traditional RS score. Conclusion: A nomogram incorporating postoperative ileal and anastomotic lesions separately was developed to predict CR in CD patients, which may serve as a practical tool to identify high-risk patients who need timely postoperative intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To clarify the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSCs) treatment on colitis and to explore the role of CD5+ B cells in MSC therapy. Methods: The trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mouse model was used. HUC-MSCs were transferred peritoneally. Survival rates, colitis symptoms, and macroscopic and histologic scores were evaluated. CD4+ T helper (Th) cell subgroups and CD5+ regulatory B cell (Bregs) in lymphocytes were quantitated by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were detected by ELISA and Bio-plex. CD5+ B cells were isolated for in vitro co-culture and adaptive transfer. Results: HUC-MSC treatment alleviated TNBS-induced colitis by increasing survival rates, relieving symptoms, and improving macroscopic and histologic scores. Labeled hUC-MSCs were located in the inflamed areas of colitis mice. Increases in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD5+ B cells and decreases in Th1 cells, Th17 cells, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed with hUC-MSC treatment. After adaptive transfer, CD5+ B cells, which were located mainly in the peritoneal lavage fluid, improved TNBS-induced colitis by correcting Treg/Th1/Th17 imbalances. CD5+ B cells also inhibited T-cell proliferation and produced interleukin (IL)-10. Conclusions: HUC-MSCs protected against experimental colitis by boosting the numbers of CD5+ B cells and IL-10-producing CD5+ Bregs, and correcting Treg/Th17/Th1 imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid aging in the global population, delay of aging has become a hot research topic. Lipid rafts (LRs) are microdomains in the plasma membrane that contain sphingolipids and cholesterol. Emerging evidence indicates an interesting interplay between LRs and aging. LRs and their components are altered with aging. Further, the aging process is strongly influenced by LRs. In recent years, LRs and their component signaling molecules have been recognized to affect aging by interfering with its hallmarks. Therefore, targeting LRs is a promising strategy to delay aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]