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Exploring hit positions of recorded events can help to understand and suppress backgrounds in rare event searches. We propose a pulse shape analysis method to discriminate single-site events (SSEs) in the inner and outer layer of a small contact P-type germanium detector (HPGe). SSEs in the inner and outer layer have different pulse shape features, of which the rise time of the (T Q) and current pulse (T I) are selected for discrimination. A 500 Bq Thorium-228 (Th-228) source is used to determine the boundaries between the two layers. The double escape peak events from 2614.5 keV γ -ray are selected as typical SSEs, their numbers in the two layers are used to calculate the volumes and shapes of those layers. Considering the statistical and systematic uncertainties, the inner layer volume is evaluated to be 47.2% ± 0.26%(stat.) ± 0.18%(sys.) ± 0.22%(sys.) of the total sensitive volume. Selecting the inner layer as the analysis volume can reduce the external background in the signal region of Ge-76 neutrinoless double beta (0 ν β β) decay. We use the Th-228 data to validate the inner layer model and evaluate the background suppression power in the 0 ν β β signal region (Q β β = 2039 keV). The virtual segmentation further reduces the background from the external Th-228 source by about 10%. The virtual segmentation could be used to efficiently suppress surface background like electrons from Ar-42 decay in 0 ν β β experiments using germanium detectors immersed in liquid argon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a near surface air temperature (NSAT) fused data product over the contiguous United States using Level 2 data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, on the Aqua satellite, and the Cross‐track Infrared Microwave Sounding Suite (CrIMSS), on the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership satellite. We create the fused product using Spatial Statistical Data Fusion, a procedure for fusing multiple data sets by modeling spatial dependence in the data, along with ground station data from NOAA's Integrated Surface Database (ISD) which is used to estimate bias and variance in the input satellite data sets. Our fused NSAT product is produced twice daily and on a 0.25° latitude‐longitude grid. We provide detailed validation using withheld ISD data and comparison with ERA5‐Land reanalysis. The fused gridded product has no missing data; has improved accuracy and precision relative to the input satellite data sets, and comparable accuracy and precision to ERA5‐Land; and includes improved uncertainty estimates. Over the domain of our study, the fused product decreases daytime bias magnitude by 1.7 and 0.5 K, nighttime bias magnitude by 1.5 and 0.2 K, and overall RMSE by 35% and 15% relative to the AIRS and CrIMSS input data sets, respectively. Our method is computationally fast and generalizable, capable of data fusion from multiple data sets estimating the same quantity. Finally, because our product reduces bias, it produces long‐term data sets across multi‐instrument remote sensing records with improved bias stationarity, even as individual missions and their data records begin and end. Plain Language Summary: We have used a data fusion technique called spatial statistical data fusion (SSDF) to create an improved near surface air temperature (NSAT) data set by fusing two separate satellite data sets. NSAT is important for a variety of applications, such as drought, wildfire, and extreme heat research and prediction. The two input NSAT data sets come from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument on the Aqua satellite, and the Cross‐track Infrared Microwave Sounding suite on the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership satellite. Our fused NSAT product is produced twice daily and on a 0.25° latitude‐longitude grid. We also performed a detailed validation using withheld reference data (which was not included in the bias‐correction data) and comparison with ERA5‐Land reanalysis. The new fused product has no missing data; has improved accuracy and precision relative to the input satellite data sets, and comparable accuracy and precision to ERA5‐Land; and includes improved uncertainty estimates. SSDF is computationally fast and generalizable, capable of data fusion from multiple data sets so long as they estimate the same quantity. Finally, because our product reduces bias, it provides a means of creating high‐quality continuous long‐term data sets across the years, as individual satellite missions and their data records begin and end. Key Points: We demonstrate spatial statistical fusion for Level 2 remote sensing data sets which estimate the same observableWe introduce a new daily and nightly fused near‐surface air temperature product from satellite hyperspectral sounders over contiguous United StatesThe fused product decreases bias and RMSE by 1 K and 25% respectively relative to input data sets, averaged over the domain of the study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed the method to generate triple epipolar images in tristereo imaging on the same orbit mode. It generated projection tie points based on double projection surface in object space, and designed conversion model from epipolar images to its corresponding original images on the basis of projection tie points and created the RPC of epipolar images. During stereo matching one stereo image pairs are used as the basic pair and proposed the rapid transformation model between the current matching points and the corresponding point on the third image, which accomplished the combination of epipolar stereo matching and object space geometric constraints. After left/right bidirectional matching and occlusion area checking, a third matching was implemented. The cost of occlusion area will use the smallest one among the three and these areas were revamped. SGM was used as the optimization strategy. Experiments in three typical areas using Pleiades and ZY-3 as data recourses show that the loss of precision is negligible in the proposed epipolar image generation method. The proposed matching method combines the best of both object geometric constraint method and isolate epipolar image pair method, and the computational efficiency significantly better than these two methods. Lastly, the precision of the proposed method is significantly better than these two methods in building area and weak texture area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus persica (peach) is a resin secreted from the bark of rosaceae peaches or mountain peaches. It is a pink or light yellow to yellowish brown translucent solid. The main components of prunus persica (peach) are polysaccharides and proteins. Prunus persica (peach) polysaccharides are mainly composed of galactose and it is composed of arabinose. And also contains a small amount of mannose, rhamnose and glucose which has the effects of beauty and anti-aging. Subjects of different ages and suitable health were selected for clinical evaluation of the instant wrinkle-removing function of Immedeline PG. It is found that both 5% and 10% Immedeline PG can significantly improve the firmness of finger skin. It was found that 10% Immedeline PG can significantly improve the skin elasticity. The improvement effect is most obvious at 2 hrs and can be maintained for 8 hrs. After 5 minus of applying, the eye corner wrinkles were significantly improved. The effect was most obvious in 2 hrs and maintained after 8 hrs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of ε‐PL on Shewanella putrefaciens. Methods and Results: Proteomics analysis of inhibitory effect of ε‐PL against S. putrefaciens was performed by label‐free quantitative assay based on high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS). Quantification of 2206 proteins was obtained with high confidence, and a total of 36 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), with 10 and 26 proteins showing upregulation and downregulation, respectively, were identified. Upon Go functional enrichment, 11, 5 and 8 specific Go terms in biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components were identified, respectively. Six KEGG pathways, including 'ribosome', were significantly enriched. Among the ribosome pathway, there were seven DEPs and all of them were distributed on large and small subunits of ribosome. Conclusions: The significant downregulation of proteins, large subunits of ribosomal proteins RP‐L18, L30 and L27, small subunits ribosomal proteins S16 and S20, and RNA polymerase β' subunit protein rpoC were the critical action sites of ε‐PL to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth. Significance and Impact of the Study: Shewanella putrefaciens is one of the representative fish‐spoilage bacteria regardless of fish type, and poses significant problems for the fish brewery. A better understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of ε‐PL on S. putrefaciens could make important contributions to development of biological control strategies of these economically important pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With China's first stereo imaging satellite ZY-3's successful launch and two satellites networking operation, space remote sensing becomes an important means of data acquisition for survey and mapping, and geographic information updating in China.The updating period of 4D products in China is shortened by one third, the geographic information updating capability was improved more than 2 times.After more than eight years of stable and continued earth observation, ZY-3 statellites data coverage has gradually achieved more than half of the earth land which enables the overseas service for global geospatial application. Focusing on the Chinese domestic mapping applications and services, the data of ZY-3 and other domestic land observation satellites can be real-time pushed and distributed across China through the satellite cloud service platform, and worldwide for facilitating the "Belt and Road" initiative, which is promoted through the GEOSS as well for global application.This paper presents the overseas geometric accuracy evaluation and validation of ZY-3 satellites images, which was carried out systematically for the first time abroad and complements with China's mapping evaluation practices to provide a comprehensive technical guidelines for global mapping application. The direct location accuracy of ZY-3 satellites sensor corrected image products were further evaluated and verified cooperating with the University of Vienna, Austria. The location deviations in mountain area and in flat area were analyzed and compared to check the deviation pattern and validate their consistency with the results in China.Utilizing China's ZY-3 satellites images ranging from 2012–2018, the DSM was generated automatically based on a semiglobal optimization method (Yue et al. 2016) using self-developed software SDP without ground control points but using SRTM data as elevation reference to improve the geometric accuracy. The result shows the elevation accuracy of DSM is 3.19 m (RMSE), satisfying the local requirement for 10m interval contour mapping.The planar accuracy of DOM generated without ground control points utilizing ZY-3 satellites images within 2012–2015 is 2.46 m (RMSE). With 128 orthorectified aerial photo slots provided by NGD of Laos as reference, the planar accuracy of the DOM generated utilizing ZY-3 satellites images from 2016–2018 is 1.65 m (RMSE), which can satisfy the local 1:25000 planar accuracy requirement and overlay with the local 1:2000 transportation data exactly. The overseas geometric accuracy evaluation and validation of ZY-3 satellites images provides a systematic and practical guidance for future global applications by complementing with china's experience, which would be beneficial to overseas users in acknowledging the usage of ZY-3 satellites data and help to promote it's global applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new approach to solving bipartite matching problems with linguistic scorings. The bipartite matching problem based on strict linguistic scorings is firstly described. Some basic concepts are also introduced, including bipartite matching, stable matching, and satisfaction degree. In the proposed approach, linguistic scoring preferences are changed to satisfaction degree preferences. For maximizing satisfaction degrees of agents, a bipartite matching model under the conditions of matching constraints and stability constraints is developed. Considering the important degrees of agents in each side, the bipartite matching model can be changed to a single target model by using the linear weighting approach twice. The stable bipartite matching result is determined through model solution. A numerical case is used to state the practicability of the presented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureteric stents are clinically deployed to retain ureteral patency in the presence of an obstruction of the ureter lumen. Despite the fact that multiple stent designs have been researched in recent years, encrustation and biofilm-associated infections remain significant complications of ureteral stenting, potentially leading to the functional failure of the stent. It has been suggested that "inactive" side-holes of stents may act as anchoring sites for encrusting crystals, as they are associated with low wall shear stress (WSS) levels. Obstruction of side-holes due to encrustation is particularly detrimental to the function of the stent, since holes provide a path for urine to by-pass the occlusion. Therefore, there is an unmet need to develop novel stents to reduce deposition of encrusting particles at side-holes. In this study, we employed a stent-on-chip microfluidic model of the stented and occluded ureter to investigate the effect of stent architecture on WSS distribution and encrustation over its surface. Variations in the stent geometry encompassed (i) the wall thickness and (ii) the shape of side-holes. Stent thickness was varied in the range 0.3-0.7 mm, while streamlined side-holes of triangular shape were evaluated (with a vertex angle in the range 45°-120°). Reducing the thickness of the stent increased WSS and thus reduced the encrustation rate at side-holes. A further improvement in performance was achieved by using side-holes with a triangular shape; notably, a 45° vertex angle showed superior performance compared to other angles investigated, resulting in a significant increase in WSS within "inactive" side-holes. In conclusion, combining the optimal stent thickness (0.3 mm) and hole vertex angle (45°) resulted in a ∼90% reduction in encrustation rate within side-holes, compared to a standard design. If translated to a full-scale ureteric stent, this optimised architecture has the potential for significantly increasing the stent lifetime while reducing clinical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is described to characterize the scale dependence of cloud chord length using cloud-type classification reported with the 94-GHz CloudSat radar. The cloud length along the CloudSat track is quantified using horizontal and vertical structures of cloud classification separately for each cloud type and for all clouds independent of cloud type. While the individual cloud types do not follow a clear power-law behavior as a function of horizontal or vertical scale, a robust power-law scaling of cloud chord length is observed when cloud type is not considered. The exponent of horizontal length is approximated by β ≈ 1.66 ± 0.00 across two orders of magnitude (~10-1000 km). The exponent of vertical thickness is approximated by β ≈ 2.23 ± 0.03 in excess of one order of magnitude (~1-14 km). These exponents are in agreement with previous studies using numerical models, satellites, dropsondes, and in situ aircraft observations. These differences in horizontal and vertical cloud scaling are consistent with scaling of temperature and horizontal wind in the horizontal dimension and with scaling of buoyancy flux in the vertical dimension. The observed scale dependence should serve as a guide to test and evaluate scale-cognizant climate and weather numerical prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model is developed to investigate the electromagnetic induction heating in a continuous casting tundish with the double-loop inductor. Maxwell's equations are solved using finite element method to obtain the magnetic flux density, electromagnetic force, and Joule heating. Results show that the induced current through the two channels generates a current loop. The electromagnetic force points to the center of the channel, thus generating a pinch effect on the molten steel. With the skin effect and proximity effect, Joule heating rate reaches its maximum and minimum values at the corners and the center of the crosssection area respectively. Power ampere-turn has a significant influence on the electromagnetic force and Joule heating density. As ampere-turns vary from 3.6×104 to 2.16×105, Joule heating rate increases from 2.4 MW m-3 to 85 MW m-3. Electromagnetic force also increases from 8×104 N m-3 to 3×106 N m-3 in the center axis line of the channel. The present work reveals the relationship between magnetic flux density and electromagnetic force. The results will be helpful in adjusting the electromagnetic field in channel-induction furnaces and modifying the design of channel parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A new, recently issued national law and regulation in China conferred the responsibility of healthcare professionals in child maltreatment intervention. However, few studies have reported on the recognition and reporting of child maltreatment by healthcare professionals in China. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived behaviour in terms of identifying, assessing, and reporting child maltreatment cases in China. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 877 healthcare professionals from four provinces was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Results The respondents demonstrated insufficient knowledge on identifying potential child maltreatment cases. Over 30% of them were less than confident in the medical examination, evaluation, and treatment of child maltreatment cases, especially with regard to cases involving sexual abuse. Only 3.19% of respondents had ever received training on child maltreatment intervention, and as a result, lack of knowledge with regard to dealing with child maltreatment cases, referral procedures, and regulations was indicated to be the main cause of underreporting. Conclusions Healthcare professionals in China have insufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence when it comes to dealing with all aspects of child maltreatment. Although participants reported a positive attitude towards their role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment cases, there are obstacles that hinder them from doing so. Appropriate training courses should be developed to empower professionals with knowledge and skills, as well as increase their confidence in dealing with suspected child maltreatment cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ryanodine receptor (RyR), the largest calcium channel protein, has been studied because of its key roles in calcium signaling in cells. Insect RyRs are molecular targets for novel diamide insecticides. The target has been focused widely because of the diamides with high activity against lepidopterous pests and safety for nontarget organisms. To study our understanding of effects of diamides on RyR, we cloned the RyR gene from the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, which is the most serious pest of stone and pome tree fruits throughout the world, to investigate the modulation of diamide insecticides on RyR mRNA expression in G. molesta (GmRyR). The full-length cDNAs of GmRyR contain a unique 3'-UTR with 625 bp and an open reading frame of 15,402 bp with a predicted protein consisting of 5,133 amino acids. GmRyR possessed a high level of overall amino acid homology with insect and vertebrate isoforms, with 77-92% and 45-47% identity, respectively. Furthermore, five alternative splice sites were identified in GmRyR. Diagnostic PCR showed that the inclusion frequency of one optional exon (f) differed between developmental stages, a finding only found in GmRyR. The lowest expression level of GmRyR mRNA was in larvae, the highest was in male pupae, and the relative expression level in male pupae was 25.67 times higher than that of in larvae. The expression level of GmRyR in the male pupae was 8.70 times higher than in female pupae, and that in male adults was 5.70 times higher than female adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of the oncogenic effects of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), we examined mutations in and the expression of p53 in the myelocytomas distributed in the liver, spleen, trachea, and bone marrow, as well as in fibrosarcomas in the abdominal cavity and hemangiomas in skin from chickens that were naturally or experimentally infected with ALV-J. Two types of mutations in the p53 gene were detected in myelocytomas of both the experimentally infected and the naturally infected chickens and included point mutations and deletions. Two of the point mutations have not been reported previously. Partial complementary DNA clones with a 122-bp deletion in the p53 gene ORF and a 15-bp deletion in the C-terminus were identified in the myelocytomas. In addition, moderate expression of the mutant p53 protein was detected in the myelocytomas that were distributed in the liver, trachea, spleen, and bone marrow. Mutant p53 protein was not detected in the subcutaneous hemangiomas or in the abdominal fibrosarcomas associated with natural and experimental ALV-J infection, respectively. These results identify mutations associated with abnormal expression of p53 in ALV-J–associated myelocytomas, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The China Dark Matter Experiment (CDEX) aims at the direct searches of light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) deploying point-contact germanium detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL), which has about 2400 m of rock overburdened. Results on light WIMPs from the prototype CDEX-0 with a few gram mass and CDEX-1 with a 994 g mass are reported. The CDEX-10 experiment employed a germanium detector arrays and liquid argon anti-Compton is being constructed and tested. The multi-purpose experiment CDEX-1T and the expansion project of CJPL-II will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grancrete PCW, a new inorganic composite material, has favourable properties compared with Portland cement because of rapid setting, excellent fire and heat resistance, etc. In order to strengthen shield tunnel rapidly, a rapid setting binder, namely Grancrete concrete (GC) binder, based on Grancrete PCW for textile-reinforced concrete, was developed. The uniaxial test of GC binder and the experiment of shield tunnel strengthened by textile-reinforced concrete were conducted. The results show that compared with fine-grained concrete commonly used as the binder for textile-reinforced concrete, the GC binder has an excellent penetration property; the textile-reinforced concrete with the GC binder can play the role in 2 hours. Finally, the action mechanism of the GC binder and the fine-grained concrete was discussed by conducting SEM experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective The concomitant administration of atorvastatin and cyclosporine has been shown to increase the serum concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A, which may be associated with the elevation of creatine kinase and an increased risk of myopathy. Our objective is to report on a case of statin-induced myopathy associated with concomitant use of cyclosporine and other contributing factors. Case summary An 88-year-old Chinese male patient with comorbidities received polypharmacy treatment, including atorvastatin and cyclosporine. After the dosage of cyclosporine was increased to 300 mg every day for 8 months, the patient developed body pain and leg weakness, with a serum creatine kinase increase and evidence on magnetic resonance imaging of muscle oedema. What is new and conclusion Cyclosporine is a moderate inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 isoenzyme, which is known to increase the serum level of atorvastatin. We hypothesized that the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of atorvastatin-induced myopathy are the result of its interaction with high dosage of cyclosporine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angioedema is a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. To study the genetic etiology of this rare adverse event, international consortia and multicenter recruitment of patients are needed. To reduce patient heterogeneity, we have standardized the phenotype. In brief, it comprises swelling in the head and neck region that first occurs during treatment. It should not coincide with urticaria or have another likely cause such as hereditary angioedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statins are widely used lipid-lowering drugs that are effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Although they are generally well tolerated, they can cause muscle toxicity, which can lead to severe rhabdomyolysis. Research in this area has been hampered to some extent by the lack of standardized nomenclature and phenotypic definitions. We have used numerical and descriptive classifications and developed an algorithm to define statin-related myotoxicity phenotypes, including myalgia, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The version 6 cloud products of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) instrument suite are described. The cloud top temperature, pressure, and height and effective cloud fraction are now reported at the AIRS field-of-view (FOV) resolution. Significant improvements in cloud height assignment over version 5 are shown with FOV-scale comparisons to cloud vertical structure observed by the CloudSat 94 GHz radar and the Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). Cloud thermodynamic phase (ice, liquid, and unknown phase), ice cloud effective diameter (De), and ice cloud optical thickness (τ ) are derived using an optimal estimation methodology for AIRS FOVs, and global distributions for 2007 are presented. The largest values of τ are found in the storm tracks and near convection in the tropics, while De is largest on the equatorial side of the midlatitude storm tracks in both hemispheres, and lowest in tropical thin cirrus and the winter polar atmosphere. Over the Maritime Continent the diurnal variability of τ is significantly larger than for the total cloud fraction, ice cloud frequency, and De, and is anchored to the island archipelago morphology. Important differences are described between northern and southern hemispheric midlatitude cyclones using storm center composites. The infrared-based cloud retrievals of AIRS provide unique, decadal-scale and global observations of clouds over portions of the diurnal and annual cycles, and capture variability within the mesoscale and synoptic scales at all latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distributions of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in surface soils of Guangdong Province, China, were investigated to evaluate the environmental quality of these potentially toxic elements using 261 samples. The following average concentrations were obtained: Cu, 17.4 mg/kg; Ni, 17.7 mg/kg; Cr, 56.7 mg/kg; Co, 6.8 mg/kg; Mn, 223.2 mg/kg; Pb, 36.6 mg/kg; Hg, 0.10 mg/kg; Cd, 0.09 mg/kg; Zn, 49.8 mg/kg. Correlation analysis was applied to the data matrix to evaluate the results and identify the possible sources of metals. Distribution maps of the elements were created using the inverse distance weighted interpolation method. The nine metals exhibited generally distinct geographical patterns. Results showed that 5,173 km of the study area presented higher pollution indices and was slightly polluted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleavage of plant cell wall arabinoxylans occurs by the action of ferulic acid esterase (FAE) and acetyl esterase (AE), which cleave feruloyl groups substituted at the 5′-OH group of arabinosyl residues and acetyl groups substituted at O-2/O-3 of the xylan backbone, respectively. In this study, we examined the enzyme profiles of the anaerobic rumen fungus Neocallimastix sp. YQ1 for FAE, AE and polysaccharide hydrolases when grown on corn stover, a lignin-rich waste biomaterial. A 2 × 4 factorial experiment in 10-days pure cultures was used to test glucose addition (G+: glucose at 1.0 g/l, G−: no glucose) and four N sources (N1: 1.0 g/l yeast extract, 1.0 g/l tryptone and 0.5 g/l (NH4)2SO4; N2: 2.8 g/l yeast extract and 0.5 g/l (NH4)2SO4; N3: 1.6 g/l tryptone and 0.5 g/l (NH4)2SO4; N4: 1.4 g/l tryptone and 1.7 g/l yeast extract) in defined media. The optimal combinations of glucose and N sources to promote FAE and AE activity were G+ N2 and G+ N4, respectively. The peak activities of FAE and AE occurred on days 9 and 10, respectively. Addition of glucose and an increase in yeast extract and/or tryptone to a Hungate's medium favoured fungal production of volatile fatty acids, which could be just a consequence of more organic matter available to digest. This suggests that enzymatic release of ferulic acid by a synergistic action of lignin hydrolytic esterase and polysaccharide hydrolases may be essential for plant cell wall biodegradation in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noscapine and glucosamine reportedly interact with warfarin. We investigated the effects of these drugs on various cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity markers. Twelve healthy subjects were phenotyped at baseline and during separate treatments with noscapine and glucosamine. Whereas glucosamine had no significant effect on CYP activity, noscapine caused marked inhibition of CYP2C9 (4.9-fold increase in urinary losartan/E3174 ratio) and CYP2C19 (3.6-fold increase in the plasma omeprazole/5-hydroxyomeprazole ratio). Noscapine-dependent inhibition of CYP2C9 may explain the interaction with warfarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent reports indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in malignancies. However, the role that miRNAs play in pancreatic cancer remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate aberrantly expressed miRNAs in pancreatic cancer tissues and demonstrate their roles in disease progression. Results: We detected the expression patterns of miRNAs in 10 pancreatic cancer tissues and their adjacent benign tissues by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and found that miR-15a and miR-214 were dysregulated in the tumor samples. This is the first time that miR-214 has been identified as aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer. In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of miR-15a inhibited the viability of pancreatic cancer cells, whereas overexpression of miR-214 decreased the sensitivity of the cells to gemcitabine (GEM). Furthermore, we identified WNT3A and FGF7 as potential targets of miR-15a and ING4 as a target of miR-214. Conclusions: Aberrant expression of miRNAs such as miR-15a and miR-214 results in different cellular effects in pancreatic cancer. Downregulation of miR-15a might contribute to proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, whereas upregulation of miR-214 in pancreatic cancer specimens might be related to the poor response of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. MiR-15a directly targets multiple genes relevant in pancreatic cancer, suggesting that it may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to clarify some ambiguities in the interpretation of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of meningiomas. The cases of 31 meningioma patients (27 benign and 4 nonbenign meningiomas) that underwent single-voxel 1H-MRS (PRESS sequence, TR/TE = 2,000 ms/68, 136, 272 ms) were retrospectively analyzed. To verify the findings of in-vivo study, phantoms were measured, and pathological sections of 11 patients were reviewed. All meningiomas demonstrated increased choline and decreased creatine, except for a lipomatous meningioma that only displayed a prominent lipid (Lip) peak. Alanine (Ala) and lactate (Lac) coexisted in eight cases, indicating an alternative pathway of energy metabolism in meningiomas. They partially overlapped with each other and demonstrated a triplet-like spectral pattern, which was consistent with phantom study. Glutamine/glutamate (Glx) was helpful for the recognition of meningioma when Ala was absent. N-acetyl compounds(NACs) were observed in nine cases whose voxels were completely limited within the tumors, indicating that meningiomas might have endogenous NACs. Lac was indicative of an aggressive meningioma, although not always a nonbenign one. Lip not only represented micronecrosis in nonbenign meningiomas, but also reflected microcystic changes or fatty degeneration in benign meningiomas. 1H-MRS reflects some distinctive biochemical and pathological changes of meningiomas that might be misinterpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global observations of cloud and humidity distributions in the upper troposphere within all geophysical conditions are critically important in order to monitor the present climate and to provide necessary data for validation of climate models to project future climate change. Towards this end, tropical oceanic distributions of thin cirrus optical depth (τ), effective diameter (De), and relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) within cirrus (RHic) are simultaneously derived from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Corresponding increases in De and cloud temperature are shown for cirrus with τ>0.25 that demonstrate quantitative consistency to other surface-based, in situ and satellite retrievals. However, inferred cirrus properties are shown to be less certain for increasingly tenuous cirrus. In-cloud supersaturation is observed for 8-12% of thin cirrus and is several factors higher than all-sky conditions; even higher frequencies are shown for the coldest and thinnest cirrus. Spatial and temporal variations in RHic correspond to cloud frequency while regional variability in RHic is observed to be most prominent over the N. Indian Ocean basin. The largest cloud/clear sky RHi anomalies tend to occur in dry regions associated with vertical descent in the sub-tropics, while the smallest occur in moist ascending regions in the tropics. The characteristics of RHic frequency distributions depend on τ and a peak frequency is located between 60-80% that illustrates RHic is on average biased dry. The geometrical thickness of cirrus is typically less than the vertical resolution of AIRS temperature and specific humidity profiles and thus leads to the observed dry bias, shown with coincident cloud vertical structure obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO). The joint distributions of thin cirrus microphysics and humidity derived from AIRS provide unique and important regional and global-scale insights on upper tropospheric processes not available from surface, in situ, and other contemporary satellite observing platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global observations of cloud and humidity distributions in the upper troposphere within all geophysical conditions are critically important in order to monitor the present climate and to provide necessary data for validation of climate models to project future climate change. Towards this end, tropical oceanic distributions of thin cirrus optical depth (Τ), effective diameter (De), and relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi) within cirrus (RHic) are simultaneously derived from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Corresponding increases in De and cloud temperature are shown for cirrus with Τ>0.25 that demonstrate quantitative consistency to other surface-based, in situ and satellite retrievals of cirrus. However, inferred cirrus properties are shown to be less certain for increasingly tenuous cirrus. In-cloud supersaturation is observed for 8-12% of thin cirrus and is several factors higher than all-sky conditions; even higher frequencies are shown for the coldest and thinnest cirrus. Spatial and temporal variations in RHic correspond to cloud frequency while regional variability in RHic is observed to be most prominent over the N. Indian Ocean basin. The largest cloud/clear sky RHi anomalies tend to occur in dry regions associated with vertical descent in the sub-tropics, while the smallest occur in moist ascending regions in the tropics. The characteristics of RHic frequency distributions depend on Τ and a peak frequency is located between 60-80% that illustrates RHic is on average biased dry. The geometrical thickness of cirrus is typically less than the vertical resolution of AIRS temperature and specific humidity profiles and thus leads to the observed dry bias, shown with coincident cloud vertical structure obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO). The joint distributions of thin cirrus microphysics and humidity derived from AIRS provide unique and important regional and global-scale insights on upper tropospheric processes not available from surface, in situ, and other contemporary satellite observing platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) play a crucial role in Na+ transport and fluid reabsorption in the kidney, lung, and colon. The magnitude of ENaC-mediated Na+ transport in epithelial cells depends on the average open probability of the channels and the number of channels on the apical surface of epithelial cells. The number of channels in the apical membrane, in turn, depends on a balance between the rate of ENaC insertion and the rate of removal from the apical membrane. ENaC is made up of three homologous subunits: á, β, and γ. The COOH-terminal domain of all three subunits is intracellular and contains a proline-rich motif (PPxY). Mutations or deletion of this PPxY motif in the β- and γ-subunits prevent the binding of one isoform of a specific ubiquitin ligase, neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally downregulated protein (Nedd4-2), to the channel in vitro and in transfected cell systems, thereby impeding ubiquitin conjugation of the channel subunits. Ubiquitin conjugation would seem to imply that ENaC turnover is determined by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, but when Madin-Darby canine kidney cells are transfected with ENaC, ubiquitin conjugation apparently leads to lysosomal degradation. However, in untransfected renal cells (A6) expressing endogenous ENaC, ENaC is indeed degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Nonetheless, in both transfected and untransfected cells, the rate of ENaC degradation is apparently controlled by Nedd4-2 activity. In this review, we discuss the role of the ubiquitin conjugation and the aitemative degradative pathways (lysosomal or proteasomal) in regulating the rate of ENaC turnover in untransfected renal cells and compare this regulation to that of transfected cell systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive flow-injection (FI) chemiluminescence (CL) for the determination of urapidil is described in this paper. It is based on the enhancement effect of urapidil on the CL reaction between luminol and hydrogen peroxide. The increment of CL intensity is proportional to the concentration of urapidil in the range 0.1−10 ng/mL ( R 2=0.9986), with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.03 ng/mL. The whole process, at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min, including sampling and washing, could be completed in 0.5 min, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) at the concentration of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 ng/mL was less than 3.0% ( n = 5). The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of urapidil in pharmaceutical preparation, human urine, and serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) are responsible for transepithelial Na+ transport in the kidney, lung, and colon. The channel consists of three subunits (α, β, and γ). In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and Xenopus laevis oocytes transfected with all three ENaC subunits, neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein (Nedd4-2) promotes ubiquitin conjugation of ENaC. For native proteins in some cells, ubiquitin conjugation is a signal for their degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, whereas in other cell types ubiquitin conjugation is a signal for endocytosis and lysosomal protein degradation. When ENaC are transfected into MDCK cells, ubiquitin conjugation leads to lysosomal degradation. In this paper, we characterize the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway in the regulation of functional ENaC in untransfected renal A6 cells expressing native ENaC subunits. In contrast to transfected cells, we show that total cellular α-, β-, and γ-ENaC subunits are polyubiquitinated and that ubiquitin conjugation of subunits increases when the cells are treated with a proteasome inhibitor. We show that Nedd4-2 is associated with α- and β-subunits and is associated with the apical membrane. We also show the Nedd4-2 can regulate the number of functional ENaC subunits in the apical membrane. The results reported here suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway is an important determinant of ENaC function in untransfected renal cells expressing endogenous ENaC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth hormone (GH) axis is sensitive to alteration in body weight and there is evidence that central noradrenergic systems regulate neurones that produce growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF). This study reports semiquantitative estimates of the noradrenergic input to neuroendocrine GHRH and SRIF neurones in the sheep of different body weights. We also studied the effects of altered body weight on expression of dopamineβ-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme that produces noradrenalin from dopamine. Ovariectomised ewes were made Lean (39.6 ± 2.6 kg; Mean ± SEM) by dietary restriction, whereas Normally Fed animals (61.2 ± 0.8 kg) were maintained on a regular diet. Brains were perfused for immunohistochemistry andin situhybridisation. The Mean ± SEM number of GHRH-immunoreactive (-IR) cells was lower in Normally Fed (65 ± 7) than in Lean (115 ± 14) animals, whereas the number of SRIF-IR cells was similar in the two groups (Normally Fed, 196 ± 17; Lean 230 ± 21). Confocal microscopic analysis revealed that the percentage of GHRH-IR cells (Normally Fed 36 ± 1.5% versus Lean 32 ± 4.6%) and percentage of SRIF-IR cells (Normally Fed 30 ± 40.4% versus Lean 32 ± 2.3%) contacted by noradrenergic fibres did not change with body weight. FluoroGold retrograde tracer injections confirmed that noradrenergic projections to the arcuate nucleus are from ventrolateral medulla and noradrenergic projections to periventricular nucleus arise from the ventrolateral medulla, nucleus of solitary tract, locus coeruleus (LC) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). DBH expressing cells were identified using immunohistochemistry andin situhybridisation and the level of expression (silver grains/cell) quantified by image analysis. The number of DBH cells was similar in Normally Fed and Lean animals, but the level of expression/cell was lower (P < 0.02) in the PBN and LC of Lean animals. These results provide an anatomical basis for the noradrenergic regulation of GHRH and SRIF cells and GH secretion. Altered activity or noradrenergic neurones in the PBN and LC that occur with reduced body weight may be relevant to the control of GH axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The required dose of the oral anticoagulant warfarin varies greatly, and overdosing often leads to bleeding. Warfarin is metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C9, CYP1A2 and CYP3A. The target cell level of warfarin may be dependent on the efflux pump P-glycoprotein, encoded by the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette gene ABCB1 (multidrug resistance gene 1). Genetic variability in CYP2C9, CYP3A5 and ABCB1 was analysed in 201 stable warfarin-treated patients using solid-phase minisequencing, pyrosequencing and SNaPshot. CYP2C9 variants, age, weight, concurrent drug treatment and indication for treatment significantly influenced warfarin dosing in these patients, explaining 29% of the variation in dose. CYP3A5 did not affect warfarin dosing. An ABCB1 haplotype containing the exon 26 3435T variant was over-represented among low-dose patients. Thirty-six patients with serious bleeding complications had higher prothrombin time international normalised ratios than 189 warfarin-treated patients without serious bleeding, but there were no significant differences in CYP2C9, CYP3A5 or ABCB1 genotypes and allelic variants.The Pharmacogenomics Journal (2004) 4, 40-48. doi:10.1038/sj.tpj.6500220 Published online 16 December 2003 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the relationship between the stability of ferric ion and the ionic strength of Polyaluminium ferric chloride (PAFC). Discussion of the zeta potential of PAFC hydrolysis products of PAFC and the coagulation performances under different pH value; Experimental results suggesting that PAFC took a maximum value of zeta potential; View that PAFC gives better turbidity removal performance and gives good color removal performance on suspension dyes; Results indicating PAFC is a high-effect and stable water treatment agent.

Aims The aim of this work is to identify the medicines which interact with the herbal remedy St John's wort (SJW), and the mechanisms responsible. Methods A systematic review of all the available evidence, including worldwide published literature and spontaneous case reports provided by healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities within Europe has been undertaken. Results A number of clinically significant interactions have been identified with prescribed medicines including warfarin, phenprocoumon, cyclosporin, HIV protease inhibitors, theophylline, digoxin and oral contraceptives resulting in a decrease in concentration or effect of the medicines. These interactions are probably due to the induction of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2 and the transport protein P-glycoprotein by constituent(s) in SJW. The degree of induction is unpredictable due to factors such as the variable quality and quantity of constituent(s) in SJW preparations. In addition, possible pharmacodynamic interactions with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and serotonin (5-HT1d ) receptor-agonists such as triptans used to treat migraine were identified. These interactions are associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions. Conclusions In Sweden and the UK the potential risks to patients were judged to be significant and therefore information about the interactions was provided to health care professionals and patients. The product information of the licensed medicines involved has been amended to reflect these newly identified interactions and SJW preparations have been voluntarily labelled with appropriate warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Chewings fescue and two strong creeping red fescue selections that had been artificially inoculated and stably maintained with four different endophytes were evaluated in feeding trials with chinch bugs ( Blissus leucopterus hirtus). Significant differences in survival were found between the endophyte-inoculated plants and their endophyte-free counterparts. After seven days, 54.2% of chinch bugs were alive on endophyte-free tillers versus only 7.4% of chinch bugs fed tillers from endophyte-inoculated plants. Some differences were also found among the various plant–endophyte combinations. In Petri dish preference trials, chinch bugs showed a preference for the CA endophyte (obtained from a Chewings fescue) over the RC endophyte (obtained from a strong creeping red fescue) in Chewings fescue selection C1117. Only the inoculated plants produced erogvaline, peramine, and lolitrem B; moreover, significant differences were found among the plant–endophyte combinations in the levels of these alkaloids. The Chewings selections C1117 and C1090 produced more ergovaline, and C1090 more lolitrem B, than other plants, regardless of endophyte source. In the presence of the RC endophyte, more ergovaline and lolitrem B was produced than in the presence of the CA endophyte regardless of plant genotype. Both host plant and endophyte, therefore, contributed factors that determined alkaloid production. No significant correlations between chinch bug survival and alkaloid levels were found, however, and overall, no one plant genotype or endophyte source proved to be significantly more toxic than another to chinch bugs. Nevertheless, the results clearly demonstrated that artificial inoculations of endophyte-free fescue genotypes can produce plants with increased toxicity to chinch bugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of codeine on oro-cecal transit time (OCTT) in Chinese subjects. Methods: OCTT was measured with the hydrogen breath test in 12 Chinese healthy volunteers on two occasions: after placebo and after a single oral dose of codeine 50 mg. Codeine and its metabolites in urine were measured by HPLC. The Results of this study were compared with those previously obtained from Caucasian subjects. Results and conclusion: The mean OCTT increased significantly after a single oral dose of codeine 50 mg [2.6 (1.2) h] compared with placebo [1.9 (0.6) h] in the Chinese subjects ( P = 0.05). The increase in OCTT after codeine was similar in the Caucasian [0.9 (0.8) h] and in the Chinese subjects [0.7 (0.9) h]. However, the Chinese subjects had a significantly longer OCTT after placebo [1.9 (0.6) h] compared with the Caucasian subjects [1.3 (0.6) h, P < 0.05], possibly due to different environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine, morphine-6-glucuronide and normorphine were administered to male Sprague-Dawley-rats. Analgesic effect was estimated with the hot plate and spinal nociceptive reflex depression. After intraperitoneal administration the molar potency ratio of morphine-6-glucuronide/morphine was 1.7 estimated by the paw lick latency on the hot plate utilizing a linked pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model. The potency ratio of morphine-6-glucuronide/morphine utilizing the spinal nociceptive reflex depression after intravenous administration was estimated to be within the earlier reported range of 1-4 after systemic administration of the drugs. In contrast to what is seen in man virtually no morphine-6-glucuronide was formed in Sprague-Dawley rats after administration of morphine, much lower levels of morphine-3-glucuronide were also seen. The molar AUC ratio of morphine-3-glucuronide/morphine was 1.8±0.5 and the corresponding ratio for normorphine/morphine was 0.2±0.06. After intraperitoneal administration of morphine, morphine-6-glucuronide and normorphine mean systemic clearance values of 413±95, 50±11 and 187±54 ml·±min·kg-1 respectively were observed. Varea was 9.0±2.1, 0.8±0.2 and 4.9±1.4 L±kg-1 respectively. The slow absorption of morphine-6-glucuronide was illustrated by the mean Tmax-value of 16 min. as compared with 9 min. for morphine and 10 min. for normorphine. It was possible to fit pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of behavioural analgesic effect of both morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide to a parametric model linking the sigmoid Emax model to standard pharmacokinetic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]