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This semi-analytical study is presented examining the quasi-steady creeping flow caused by a soft (composite) spherical particle, which is a hard (impermeable) sphere core covered by a porous (permeable) layer, translating in an incompressible Newtonian fluid within a non-concentric spherical cavity along the line joining their centers. To solve the Brinkman and Stokes equations for the flow fields inside and outside the porous layer, respectively, general solutions are constructed in two spherical coordinate systems attached to the particle and cavity individually. The boundary conditions at the cavity wall and particle surface are fulfilled through a collocation method. Numerical results of the normalized drag force exerted by the fluid on the particle are obtained for numerous values of the ratios of core-to-particle radii, particle-to-cavity radii, the distance between the centers to the radius difference of the particle and cavity, and the particle radius to porous layer permeation length. For the translation of a soft sphere within a concentric cavity or near a small-curvature cavity wall, our drag results agree with solutions available in the literature. The cavity effect on the drag force of a translating soft sphere is monotonically increasing functions of the ratios of core-to-particle radii and the particle radius to porous layer permeation length. While the drag force generally rises with an increase in the ratio of particle-to-cavity radii, a weak minimum (surprisingly, smaller than that for an unconfined soft sphere) may occur for the case of low ratios of core-to-particle radii and of the particle radius to permeation length. This drag force generally increases with an increase in the eccentricity of the particle position, but in the case of low ratios of core-to-particle radii and particle radius to permeation length, the drag force may decrease slightly with increasing eccentricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an integrated approach combining surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with a specialized deep learning algorithm, SFNet, to offer a rapid, accurate, and label‐free alternative for COVID‐19 diagnosis and viral load quantification. The SiO2‐coated silver nanorod arrays are employed as the SERS substrates, fabricated using a reliable and effective glancing angle deposition technique. A dataset of 4800 SERS spectra from 120 positive and 120 negative inactivated clinical human nasopharyngeal swabs are collected directly on the SERS substrates without any labels. A SFNet algorithm is tailored to adapt to the unique spectral features inherent to SERS data, achieving a test accuracy of 98.5% and a blind test accuracy of 99.04%. Moreover, an optimized SFNet algorithm unveils the capability of estimating SARS‐CoV‐2 viral loads, accurately predicting the cycle threshold values (Ct values) of the three vital gene fragments with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.627 (1.3 for blind test). The methodology is substantiated using actual clinical specimens and completed in <15 min, thereby strengthening its real‐world point‐of‐care applicability. This rapid and precise yet label‐free modality competes favorably with classical reverse‐transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and marks an advancement in SERS‐based sensor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent work, Duong, Ghoul and Zaag determined the gradient profile for blowup solutions of standard semilinear heat equation with power nonlinearities in the (supposed to be) generic case. Their method refines the constructive techniques introduced by Bricmont and Kupiainen and further developed by Merle and Zaag. In this paper, we extend their refinement to the problem about the reconnection of vortex lines with the boundary in a type-II superconductor under planar approximation, a physical model derived by Chapman, Hunton and Ockendon featuring the finite time quenching for the nonlinear heat equation ∂ h ∂ t = ∂ 2 h ∂ x 2 + e - h - 1 h β , β > 0 subject to initial boundary value conditions h (· , 0) = h 0 > 0 , h (± 1 , t) = 1. We derive the intermediate extinction profile with refined asymptotics, and with extinction time T and extinction point 0, the gradient profile behaves as x → 0 like lim t → T (∇ h) (x , t) ∼ 1 2 β x | x | 1 | log | x | | (β + 1) 2 8 β | x | 2 | log | x | | 1 β + 1 - 1 2 , agreeing with the gradient of the extinction profile previously derived by Merle and Zaag. Our result holds with general boundary conditions and in higher dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a highly complex brain region that is crucial for homeostatic regulation through neuroendocrine signaling, outflow of the autonomic nervous system, and projections to other brain areas. In the past years, single‐cell datasets of the hypothalamus have contributed immensely to the current understanding of the diverse hypothalamic cellular composition. While the PVN has been adequately classified functionally, its molecular classification is currently still insufficient. To address this, we created a detailed atlas of PVN transcriptomic cell types by integrating various PVN single‐cell datasets into a recently published hypothalamus single‐cell transcriptome atlas. Furthermore, we functionally profiled transcriptomic cell types, based on relevant literature, existing retrograde tracing data, and existing single‐cell data of a PVN‐projection target region. Finally, we validated our findings with immunofluorescent stainings. In our PVN atlas dataset, we identify the well‐known different neuropeptide types, each composed of multiple novel subtypes. We identify Avp‐Tac1, Avp‐Th, Oxt‐Foxp1, Crh‐Nr3c1, and Trh‐Nfib as the most important neuroendocrine subtypes based on markers described in literature. To characterize the preautonomic functional population, we integrated a single‐cell retrograde tracing study of spinally projecting preautonomic neurons into our PVN atlas. We identify these (presympathetic) neurons to cocluster with the Adarb2+ clusters in our dataset. Further, we identify the expression of receptors for Crh, Oxt, Penk, Sst, and Trh in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, a key region that the pre‐parasympathetic PVN neurons project to. Finally, we identify Trh‐Ucn3 and Brs3‐Adarb2 as some centrally projecting populations. In conclusion, our study presents a detailed overview of the transcriptomic cell types of the murine PVN and provides a first attempt to resolve functionality for the identified populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometrically frustrated kagome lattices are raising as novel platforms to engineer correlated topological electron flat bands that are prominent to electronic instabilities. Here, we demonstrate a phonon softening at the kz = π plane in ScV6Sn6. The low energy longitudinal phonon collapses at ~98 K and q = 1 3 1 3 1 2 due to the electron-phonon interaction, without the emergence of long-range charge order which sets in at a different propagation vector qCDW = 1 3 1 3 1 3 . Theoretical calculations corroborate the experimental finding to indicate that the leading instability is located at 1 3 1 3 1 2 of a rather flat mode. We relate the phonon renormalization to the orbital-resolved susceptibility of the trigonal Sn atoms and explain the approximately flat phonon dispersion. Our data report the first example of the collapse of a kagome bosonic mode and promote the 166 compounds of kagomes as primary candidates to explore correlated flat phonon-topological flat electron physics. The recently discovered charge density wave in ScV6Sn6 kagome metal is under intense debate. By using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques, the authors point to the role of flat phonon mode softening and momentum-dependent electron-phonon coupling in the formation of the charge density wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1) plays a crucial role in hepatic metabolism by mediating the uptake of a range of metabolites and drugs. Genetic variations can alter the efficacy and safety of compounds transported by OCT1, such as those used for cardiovascular, oncological, and psychological indications. Despite its importance in drug pharmacokinetics, the substrate selectivity and underlying structural mechanisms of OCT1 remain poorly understood. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of full-length human OCT1 in the inward-open conformation, both ligand-free and drug-bound, indicating the basis for its broad substrate recognition. Comparison of our structures with those of outward-open OCTs provides molecular insight into the alternating access mechanism of OCTs. We observe that hydrophobic gates stabilize the inward-facing conformation, whereas charge neutralization in the binding pocket facilitates the release of cationic substrates. These findings provide a framework for understanding the structural basis of the promiscuity of drug binding and substrate translocation in OCT1. OCT1 plays an important role in the uptake of drugs and metabolites in the liver. Here, authors present the structure of OCT1 to understand how it recognizes and transports a wide range of drugs and substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pantograph-catenary (P-C) systems operating under cracks would induce potential risks to railways. Previous relevant research efforts lack consideration of the dynamic characteristics of P-C systems under crack damages. A rigid-flexible P-C coupling model with pantograph cracks for a metro line is developed in this study. The evolution law of P-C contact forces under the condition of cracked propagation is described, and the influence of speed, uplift force, span length, and pullout value arrangement on P-C contact force and the sensitivity of crack influence are explored. Results show that the dispersion of contact force values decreases continuously upon the existence and expansion of cracks on the pantograph. Proper selection of operating conditions is advised because of the sensitivity differences of the five influencing factors indicates. Metro trains should not be operated at 100 km/h for the rail section with an 8 m-span catenary, and further inspections on the pantograph should be scheduled for trains operating over 100 km/h. The uplift force should be adjusted to the 90-100 N range. The 8 m span length is suggested in a metro catenary, and the splayed arrangement of pullout value is recommended as a priority when the situation allows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the optical properties of air is essential for the validation and characterization of plasmas and hypersonic flows. Beyond 6000 K, the dissociation of nitrogen and oxygen molecules, along with other reactions, alters the equilibrium composition of air, causing a temperature and pressure dependence in the Gladstone–Dale coefficient. Due to measurement complexities, there is currently very little experimental data to validate model predictions under these conditions. In this work, a unique quadrature fringe imaging interferometer technique is applied to high temperature and pressure measurements of air in the Sandia free-piston high enthalpy shock tube. The diagnostic method combines a narrowband and broadband source to capture large, nearly-discrete changes in the index of refraction by calibrating to interference pattern changes. For the experiments, the reflected shock front is used to generate temperatures between 6000 and 7800 K at pressures up to 300 psi (20 bars). Results behind the shock front exhibit complex flow bifurcation and tail shock feature before equilibrium conditions are reached. Measurements in these flows show close agreement with theoretical predictions of the nonconstant Gladstone–Dale coefficient at high temperatures and high pressures, providing new validation data for chemical equilibrium gas models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of strain rate on spall damage and deformation mechanisms of a textured Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy is investigated under Taylor-wave loading via gas gun plate impact or laser ablation within a wide strain rate range (approximately 10 4 - 10 7 s - 1 ). The relation between spall strength and tensile strain rates can be described with a power law over this wide strain rate range. At similar peak free surface velocities, more { 10 1 ¯ 2 } extension twins are activated during unloading/tension for the laser-driven samples because of the higher resolved shear stress and strain rate induced by laser ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a reverse bilinear estimate for the one-dimensional Klein-Gordon equation that complements a result of Ozawa and Rogers. The proof relies on the cosine formula for frequency vectors adapted to the Klein-Gordon equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiated by COOMET TC 1.2 "Acoustics, Ultrasound, Vibration," bilateral pilot comparisons of amplitude– phase calibrations of hydrophones in the frequency range 10–500 kHz COOMET 786/RU-a/19 between the Hangzhou Research Institute of Applied Acoustics (HAARI) and the Russian Metrological Institute of Technical Physics and Radio Engineering (pilot laboratory) are described. Characteristics of reference hydrophones, data on standard facilities and calibration methods, results of calibrations, and assessments of reference levels of comparisons are provided. The results of comparisons are discussed. The problems that influenced the results of comparisons are mentioned. The correctness of the measurement methods used by the participants of the comparisons, including the method of calculating the frequency dependence of the argument of hydrophone complex sensitivity on the experimental frequency dependence of the modulus of its sensitivity, has been confirmed. The results of the pilot comparisons were found to be satisfactory. When discussing the results of comparisons at the COOMET TC 1.2 meeting, it was proposed to conduct additional comparisons of the results of amplitude–phase calibrations in an expanded composition of participants. The results obtained allow verifying the correctness of the adopted new technical solutions, working out methods for performing measurements and post-processing of the data obtained, identifying and numerically assessing sources of uncertainty, and also establishing previously unaccounted sources of uncertainty when improving primary standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films have potential applications in many aspects due to unique electrically switching properties, and thus the films with excellent comprehensive properties are highly demanded at present. In this study, aromatic polyurethane acrylate (PUA) was used as polymer-matrix, and effect of diluents [lauryl methacrylate (LMA) and isobornyl acrylate (IBOA)] content on the electrical-optical properties of PDLC films was investigated. The results indicate that increase of PUA/LMA or decrease of LMA/IBOA weight ratio increases threshold and saturation voltages (Vth and Vsat), decreases on- and off-state transmittances (Ton and Toff) and increases contrast ratio. Under optimised PUA/LMA weight ratio of 31/19 or PUA/LMA/IBOA weight ratio of 31/15/4, the Vth and Vsat of the films first increase and then decrease with increasing Ag nanowires (NWs) content, and better overall properties are achieved at 0.05 or 0.075 wt.% Ag NWs, respectively. In order to explore essential reasons for the influence of diluents and Ag NWs on the properties of PDLC films, the relationships between film properties (Vth or Vsat, Ton, Toff, and response time) and liquid crystal (LC) droplets size were analysed emphatically, and the changes of system viscosity and anchoring force between polymer-matrix and LC droplets were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

F1Fo ATP synthase functions as a biological generator and makes a major contribution to cellular energy production. Proton flow generates rotation in the Fo motor that is transferred to the F1 motor to catalyze ATP production, with flexible F1/Fo coupling required for efficient catalysis. F1Fo ATP synthase can also operate in reverse, hydrolyzing ATP and pumping protons, and in bacteria this function can be regulated by an inhibitory ε subunit. Here we present cryo-EM data showing E. coli F1Fo ATP synthase in different rotational and inhibited sub-states, observed following incubation with 10 mM MgATP. Our structures demonstrate how structural transitions within the inhibitory ε subunit induce torsional movement in the central stalk, thereby enabling its rotation within the Fο motor. This highlights the importance of the central rotor for flexible coupling of the F1 and Fo motors and provides further insight into the regulatory mechanism mediated by subunit ε. Cryo-EM structures of E. coli F1Fo ATP synthase highlight the role of the inhibitory ε subunit in regulating the torsional movement of the central stalk within the Fo motor and central stalk flexibility in coupling the F1 and Fo motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The use of nanoparticles as radiosensitizers and drug delivery vehicles could open the door to solving many of the obstacles in current cancer treatments. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and docetaxel (DTX) have shown very promising synergetic radiosensitization effects, despite DTX toxicity to normal tissues. In this paper, we explored the effect of a DTX prodrug encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPDTX-P) on GNP uptake in pancreatic cancer models in vitro and in vivo. The results show that LNPDTX-P-treated tumour samples have twice the amount of GNP uptake in both in vitro and in vivo models. These very promising results establish that LNPDTX-P have very similar outcomes to free DTX on tumour tissues. These results demonstrate the potential of incorporating GNPs and LNPDTX-P as radiosensitization tools to current radiotherapy protocols for improved tumour targeting. Current chemoradiation therapy suffers from normal tissue toxicity. Thus, we are proposing incorporating gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and docetaxel (DTX), as they have shown very promising synergetic radiosensitization effects. Here, we explored the effect of a DTX prodrug encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPDTX-P) on GNP uptake in pancreatic cancer models in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro experiment, a pancreatic cancer cell line, MIA PaCa-2, was cultured and dosed with 1 nM GNPs and 45 nM free DTX or an equivalent dose of LNPDTX-P. For the in vivo experiment, MIA PaCa-2 cells were implanted subcutaneously in NRG mice, and the mice were dosed with 2 mg/kg of GNPs and 6 mg/kg of DTX or an equivalent dose of LNPDTX-P. The results show that LNPDTX-P-treated tumour samples had double the amount GNPs compared to control samples, both in vitro and in vivo. The results are very promising, as LNPDTX-P have superior targeting of tumour tissues compared to free DTX due to their nanosize and their ability to be functionalized. Because of their minimal toxicity to normal tissues, both GNPs and LNPDTX-P could be ideal radiosensitization candidates in radiotherapy and would produce very promising synergistic therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter we present a dual weight version of a localized Parseval identity found by Coifman and Steinerberger for the finite Hilbert transform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid based nanocarriers are one of the most effective drug delivery systems that is evident from the recent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The main objective of this study was to evaluate toxicity of six lipid based formulations with three surface charges—anionic, neutral or cationic, to establish certified reference materials (CRMs) for liposomes and siRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNP-siRNA). Cytotoxicity was assessed by a proliferation assay in adherent and non-adherent cell lines. High concentration of three LNP-siRNAs did not affect viability of suspension cells and LNP-siRNAs were non-toxic to adherent cells at conventionally used concentration. Systematic evaluation using multiple vials and repeated test runs of three liposomes and three LNP-siRNA formulations showed no toxicity in HL60 and A549 cells up to 128 and 16 µg/mL, respectively. Extended treatment and low concentration of LNPs did not affect the viability of suspension cells and adherent cells at 96 h. Interestingly, 80% of A549 and HL60 cells in 3D conditions were viable when treated with cationic LNP-siRNA for 48 h. Taken together, anionic, cationic and neutral lipid formulations were non-toxic to cells and may be explored further in order to develop them as drug carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note we consider a variant of a question of Mueller and Weissler raised in 1982, thereby complementing a classical result of Beckner on Stein's conjecture and a recent result of Frank and Ivanisvili. More precisely, we show that, for and , the Poisson semigroup on the -sphere is hypercontractive from to if and only if ; here is the Laplace–Beltrami operator on the -sphere and is the projection operator onto spherical harmonics of degree . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In proving his theorem on global maximizers for the sphere adjoint Fourier restriction inequality, D. Foschi studied some quadratic functional and determined its optimal bound. In this note we extend to higher-dimensional spheres his results on this quadratic functional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband terahertz amplifier waveguide module is presented. The IC chip with a width of 390 $\mu \text{m}$ fits in the $E$ -plane of a standard WR-3.4 waveguide with 20 $\mu \text{m}$ air-gaps on either side. The input and output waveguide transitions integrated on the chip possess various design factors that include locations of the dipoles, back-short pedestal, and substrate vias carefully selected for near full-band characteristics. The measurements on a module containing a passive thru-line IC chip show only 2.7 dB of average loss across 220–300 GHz range. With an amplifier IC chip mounted inside, the module shows a peak gain of 17 dB at 288 GHz with a 3 dB bandwidth from 259 to 294 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an alternative first order proof of the improved discrete Hardy inequality recently found by Keller, Pinchover, and Pogorzelski. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 is a serious health threat causing worldwide morbidity and mortality. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is currently the standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Although various nucleic acid-based assays have been developed to aid the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 patient samples, the objective of this study was to develop a diagnostic test that can be completed in 30 minutes without having to isolate RNA from the samples. Here, we present an RNA amplification detection method performed using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) reactions to achieve specific, rapid (30 min), and sensitive (<100 copies) fluorescent detection in real-time of SARS-CoV-2 directly from patient nasopharyngeal swab (NP) samples. When compared to RT-qPCR, positive NP swab samples assayed by fluorescent RT-LAMP had 98% (n = 41/42) concordance and negative NP swab samples assayed by fluorescent RT-LAMP had 87% (n = 59/68) concordance for the same samples. Importantly, the fluorescent RT-LAMP results were obtained without purification of RNA from the NP swab samples in contrast to RT-qPCR. We also show that the fluorescent RT-LAMP assay can specifically detect live virus directly from cultures of both SARS-CoV-2 wild type (WA1/2020), and a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (alpha) variant strain with equal sensitivity to RT-qPCR. RT-LAMP has several advantages over RT-qPCR including isothermal amplification, speed (<30 min), reduced costs, and similar sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and physical properties of the single crystals of TaC, which are proposed to hold topological band structure as a topological superconductor (TSC) candidate. Magnetization, resistivity and specific heat measurements are performed and indicate that TaC is bulk superconductor with critical temperature of 10.3 K. TaC is a strongly coupled type-II superconductor and the superconducting state can be well described by s-wave Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory with a single gap. The upper critical field (Hc2) of TaC shows linear temperature dependence, which is quite different from most conventional superconductors and isostructural NbC, which is proposed to manifest topological nodal-loops or type-II Dirac points as well as superconductivity. Our results suggest that TaC would be a new candidate for further research of TSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the use of nanomaterials for the improved performance of time-of-flight particle detectors based on secondary electron emission (SEE). The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to find a nanomaterial that has a higher SEE than gold. In this article, we present a measurement of the SEE properties from 1D (one-dimensional) nanostructures of ZnO and ZnO/GaN (ZnO with GaN coating) composed of a mostly regular pattern of nanotubes grown on a thin Si3N4 substrate. The study was performed with 4.77 meV/u Au beam. We observed an average increase of 2.5 in the SEE properties from the 1D ZnO nanotubes compared to gold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent progress in perfect absorbers of electromagnetic waves that utilize metamaterials (MMs). Various numerical techniques that are inevitable for the research on MMs, along with their pros and cons, are commented on and discussed. Abandoning the conventional periodic-boundary conditions is crucial for understanding the discrepancy between simulation and experiments for certain MMs. Broadband perfect absorption can be realized by using multiple resonances and/or multiple units with different sizes in a unit cell, or by utilizing bad Q-factors by incorporating the electrically resistive components, in addition to the ordinary metallic elements. The classical analogue of electromagnetically-induced transparency can be utilized to realize perfect absorption, by employing either structural asymmetry, or near-field interactions. Perspectives and suggestions for further study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

F1Fo ATP synthase functions as a biological rotary generator that makes a major contribution to cellular energy production. It comprises two molecular motors coupled together by a central and a peripheral stalk. Proton flow through the Fo motor generates rotation of the central stalk, inducing conformational changes in the F1 motor that catalyzes ATP production. Here we present nine cryo-EM structures of E. coli ATP synthase to 3.1–3.4 Å resolution, in four discrete rotational sub-states, which provide a comprehensive structural model for this widely studied bacterial molecular machine. We observe torsional flexing of the entire complex and a rotational sub-step of Fo associated with long-range conformational changes that indicates how this flexibility accommodates the mismatch between the 3- and 10-fold symmetries of the F1 and Fo motors. We also identify density likely corresponding to lipid molecules that may contribute to the rotor/stator interaction within the Fo motor. F1Fo ATP synthase consists of two coupled rotary molecular motors: the soluble ATPase F1 and the transmembrane Fo. Here, the authors present cryo-EM structures of E. coli ATP synthase in four discrete rotational sub-states at 3.1-3.4 Å resolution and observe a rotary sub-step of the Fo motor cring that reveals the mechanism of elastic coupling between the two rotary motors, which is essential for effective ATP synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodiophora brassicae is a biotrophic pathogen and causes clubroot of cruciferous crops. Our study was conducted to find genetic markers for differentiating the pathotype 7. Three molecular markers were obtained, PBRA_000303 presented exclusively in pathotype 7 among the tested pathotypes (P2, P4, P5, P7, P9, P10, P11), PBRA_006533 and PBRA_009559 presented in pathotype 7 and a genotype of pathotype 4 (P4*). The similar results were obtained by clustering analysis based on SRAP and the small subunit (SSU) of P. brassicae rDNA sequence: P7 and P4* were clustered a clade, most of P4 was clustered into another clade. A 380 bp fragment in SSU was existent in P7 and P4* but scarce in most P4. Virulence analysis discovered that pathotype 7 had similar pathogenicity to P4* but lower pathogenicity than most pathotype 4. Although the genetic information had similarity among different pathotype, it is noteworthy that this study is the first to establish a specific molecular identification system for pathotype 7 by PCR analysis, and provides a promising tool to conveniently monitor the distribution of P7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric emissions of volatile organic compounds possess a major threat to the environment, and controlling them is a key task for air pollution prevention and control. This paper presents a comprehensive discussion on the degradation mechanism and pathways for the efficient removal of formaldehyde (HCHO) in a synthetic polluted air stream by strong ionization dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at atmospheric pressure. The effect of specific input energy, oxygen concentration, relative humidity (RH), gas residence time, and initial HCHO concentration was studied. Findings reveal that higher voltage caused an increase in discharge power, while the current density dropped from 180.53 to 55.10 mA and 71.06 to 51.99 mA when oxygen concentration and RH increased from 2.4 to 20.6% and 18.9 to 84.1%, respectively. The key degradation active species were ·O and ·OH generated from the electrical breakdown of oxygen molecules and water vapour. Also, the removal efficiency reached 95.12% for the lowest initial concentration of 100 ppm at ambient temperature. Destruction of HCHO molecules can be achieved via direct electron attack or indirect gas-phase radical reaction. The strong ionization DBD is a promising technology to remove low concentration formaldehyde from polluted air streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the skin is rare, and no management guideline currently exists. Although LMS is historically classified as either dermal (cutaneous) or subcutaneous, definition for its classfication is inconsistent in the literature. Studies on the managenent of LMS are scarce, and there is no consensus on the appropriate surgical margin for the treatment of LMS. While a 1 cm margin may be sufficient in cutaneous LMS, wider margins may be required for subcutaneous tumors. Mohs micrographic surgery is a promising surgical modality for the treatment of cutaneous LMS. In this review, current knowledge on LMS is summarized and a practical approach to the management of this rare neoplasm is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodiophora brassicae is a biotrophic pathogen causing clubroots of cruciferous crops. The Brassica rapa accession T1-145 has an ability to produce small spheroid galls (SSGs), which represent neither a fully compatible interaction nor a complete resistance. To explore the defense response in SSGs induced by P. brassicae infection, global transcriptome profiling SSGs was performed at different time points. By comparing gene expression patterns, we identified many defense related genes. The first group included genes encoding receptor-like protein/kinases, such as cysteine-rich receptor-like protein kinases, receptor-like proteins, phloem intercalated with xylem/tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor receptor (PXY/TDR), PXY-correlated 1, wall-associated kinases, nuclear shuttle protein-interacting kinase, lectin receptorlike kinases, and flagelin-sensitive 2, which might activate a basal defense. The second group involved robust effectortriggered immunity response genes such as resistance to leptosphaeria maculans 1B, constitutive shade-avoidance 1, target of avirulence B operation 1, ribosomal protein of the small subunit 6, resistance to Pseudomonas maculicola 1-interacting protein 4, enhanced disease resistance 2L, and recognition of Peronospora parasitica 13-like protein 4. The third group included genes encoding secondary cell wall formation related protein/s, a nodulin-like protein, a germin-like protein, a jacalin-related lectin, a defensin-like protein, tumor inhibitors, and sugars will eventually be exported transporter, which might contribute to quantitative resistance against P. brassicae. The gene expressions were the highest at the late stage of infection. To our knowledge, it is the first report on exploring defense response genes during SSG occurrence by a transcriptome analysis. Our data would provide useful information to further explore molecular mechanisms of the incomplete resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrobenzene is a toxic chemical that is mainly used in industries to produce aniline and many other products, and eventually it is excessively present in industrial wastewaters. In this study, NB removal efficiency data were obtained by experimental scale vertical flow constructed wetlands. Four columns with same size and diameter named as A, B, C and D were used for the experiment and filled with the substrate in three layers having different soil compositions. Synthetic wastewater was prepared in the laboratory and fed to all the wetland columns. The Hydrus-1D model was used to mimic the removal and transport of nitrobenzene by these data with the same boundary conditions. The values of NB removal and the influence of water content and hydraulic conductivity were compared with all the columns, and best composition of substrate was selected on the basis of maximum removal of nitrobenzene. 76.2% was the maximum removal efficiency of NB exhibited by column D, while column A, B and C were having 50.2%, 55.8% and 65.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]