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Background: Previous studies have established that the regulation of prolonged, distal neuronal inhibition by the GABAB heteroreceptor (GABABR) is determined by its stability, and hence residence time, on the plasma membrane. Aims: Here, we show that GABABR in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats affects the development of cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization by mediating its perinucleus internalization and membrane expression. Materials & Methods: By immunofluorescent labeling, flow cytometry analysis, Co‐immunoprecipitation and open field test, we measured the role of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to the control of GABABR membrane anchoring and cocaine induced‐behavioral sensitization. Results: Repeated cocaine treatment in rats (15 mg/kg) significantly decreases membrane levels of GABAB1R and GABAB2R in the NAc after day 3, 5 and 7. The membrane fluorescence and protein levels of GABABR was also decreased in NAc GAD67+ neurons post cocaine (1 μM) treatment after 5 min. Moreover, the majority of internalized GABAB1Rs exhibited perinuclear localization, a decrease in GABAB1R‐pHluroin signals was observed in cocaine‐treated NAc neurons. By contrast, membrane expression of phosphorylated CaMKII (pCaMKII) post cocaine treatment was significantly increased after day 1, 3, 5 and 7. Baclofen blocked the cocaine induced behavioral sensitization via inhibition of cocaine enhanced‐pCaMKII‐GABAB1R interaction. Conclusion: These findings reveal a new mechanism by which pCaMKII‐GABABR signaling can promote psychostimulant‐induced behavioral sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A base‐mediated strategy was adopted to synthesize 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyrimidines from amidine hydrochlorides, aldehydes and acetylacetone. The starting materials were widely available and could tolerate various functional groups, and the produced 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyrimidines had moderate to good yields. The construction of C−C and C−N bonds was achieved under transition metal‐free conditions. Unlike previous approaches, the present approach utilizes a multicomponent reaction and is a new protocol for the construction of 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyrimidines from raw materials that do not require further preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a highly efficient one-pot synthesis of 2,3,6- trisubstituted pyridines has been achieved through coppercatalyzed saturated ketones and alkynones/1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. This method provided the convenient routes to the synthesis of 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridines with good functional group tolerance. Compared with previous works, this method does not require the synthesis of enamine in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanning technology provides an important technical measurement for the surfaces of objects; however, how to quickly and accurately extract the characteristic lines of entities from the mass point cloud is still an urgent problem to solve. Aiming at the problems of previous algorithms, such as redundancy calculation, large limitation, and rough characteristic-line extraction, this paper proposes a fast characteristic-line extraction algorithm of point cloud slicing data based on linear geometry primitives. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can generate the characteristic lines rapidly while simultaneously ensuring its accuracy and smoothness, and it has been well applied in the two-dimensional contour line extraction of rural buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: Serum levels of phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (PLA2R; SAb) and glomerular deposits of PLA2R antigen (GAg) have been detected in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). However, the correlation between these immunologic factors and their associations with the status and prognosis of IMN remain uncertain. Methods: Fifty-one patients with biopsy-proven IMN diagnosed between March of 2015 and December of 2016 were enrolled in this study. All the patients were followed until March of 2017. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence to measure the SAb and GAg, respectively. Results: The positive rate of GAg was significantly higher than SAb in patients with IMN (88.24 vs 66.77%, P = 0.017). Compared with SAb- patients, SAb+ patients had a higher baseline proteinuria (6.21 vs 3.40 g/24 h), lower serum albumin (22.49 ± 6.59 vs 29.09 ± 7.40 g/L) and poorer renal function (88.96 ± 21.17 vs 107.25 ± 20.04 mL/min per 1.73 m2), as well as a higher renal IgG4 level (P < 0.05). A comparison of SAb+/GAg+ and SAb-/GAg+ tissues yielded similar results (P < 0.01). Regarding prognosis, SAb- patients had a higher rate of complete remission after immunosuppressive treatment than SAb+ patients (P = 0.042). Conclusion: The disease status and prognosis correlated more closely with the SAb than with the GAg in our cohort of patients with IMN. Furthermore, SAb+ patients had more severe clinical symptoms and a worse prognosis, which was probably associated with increased IgG4 deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the extensive improvement in antibiotic treatment and medical care, severe adult community- acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains as the significant cause of death worldwide. Earlier prognosis assessment and timely treatment in adult CAP patients are useful for prognosis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in blood routine has a broad application possibility in assessing inflammatory reaction and prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between NLR and inflammatory reaction and to unravel the usefulness of NLR in the assessment of clinical outcomes in adult CAP patients. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted based on adult patients with a primary diagnosis of CAP. All patients included received a routine blood test and calculated NLR. All of the measurement data were analyzed with paired t-test and the enumeration data were analyzed with χ2 test. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the association between predictors (age, male, CURB-65 scores, comorbidity, NLR, and other inflammatory cells in blood routine) and unfavorable outcomes of CAP (ICU admission and 30-day mortality). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of NLR in predicting unfavorable outcomes of CAP. Results: One hundred fifty patients were included. Compared with favorable outcomes group, age, CURB-65 scores, WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and NLR were elevated in unfavorable outcomes group (p < 0.05), gender and coexisting illness did not differ obviously. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed CURB-65 scores and NLR were independent predictors correlated with unfavorable outcomes (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of NLR was 0.81 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.89), the sensitivity was 81.00% and specificity was 72.8%. NLR is superior to CURB-65 in predicting unfavorable outcomes. NLR combined CURB- 65 has better sensitivity and specificity (89.40% versus 91.30%). Conclusions: NLR is a simple, cheap, and rapidly available measurement in blood routine and is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in adult CAP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia combined with increased serum sedimentation (ESR) can be secondary to many diseases and may be ignored when the patient had few clinical symptoms. We report a case of persistent anemia combined with ESR for more than 2 years firstly misdiagnosed as lymphoma. When she received a chest CT scan multiple enlarged lymph nodes were found. Methods: The chest contrast-enhanced CT scan and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the right hilum enlarged lymph nodes were performed for diagnosis. Results: The chest CT scan and EBUS showed multiple enlarged right hilum and mediastinum lymph nodes without calcification. Pathology of EBUS-TBNA showed multiple granulomas; Zeihl-Neelsen acid-fast stain was positive. Conclusions: Systemic lymph node tuberculosis is rarely seen in adult patients. In a young patient who has anemia combined with increased ESR should be excluded if those changes are secondary to tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scoring systems including CURB-65 and Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and novel or traditional biomarkers including procalcitonin (PCT) and c-reactive protein (CRP) are very significant for understanding the severity and prognosis in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, while prognostic items are useful for CAP prognostication and point-of-care decisions. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of peripheral blood routine items in predicting ICU admission and 30-day mortality in CAP patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. All adult patients with a primary diagnosis of CAP were included and peripheral blood routine tests were evaluated. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore association of risk factors with 30-day mortality among CAP patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of peripheral blood routine items and compared with CURB-65 scores in predicting ICU admission and/or 30-day mortality. Results: One hundred fifty patients were included and compared with non-ICU admission patients. There was a statistically significant difference in age, co-existing illness, RDW, WBC, and CURB-65 scores ranking in ICU admission patients (p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found RDW, WBC, and CURB-65 = 3 scores increased the risk of 30-day mortality by 4.01, 1.65, and 3.43 times, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves of RDW combined with WBC and CURB-65 was 0.786 (95% CI 0.701 to 0.876) and 0.836 (95% CI 0.764 to 0.908), respectively and the sensitivity was 84.0% and 60.0%, respectively, and the specificity 66.7% and 93.7%, respectively. Conclusions: Elevated RDW and WBC increased mortality in adult CAP patients, RDW combined with WBC had a better sensitivity than CURB-65 scores in predicting ICU admission and/or mortality in CAP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease. Inflammatory reaction and prognosis assessment in adult CAP patients are useful for CAP site of care decisions. Most CAP patients were diagnosed in an out-patient or emergency department, so a simple, cheap and rapidly available measurement to assess inflammatory reaction and prognosis has the prospect of broad application. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of plasma D-Dimer in assessment of inflammatory reaction and prognosis in adult CAP patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. All adult patients with a primary diagnosis of CAP were included and were evaluated by peripheral plasma D-Dimer test. All of the measurement data were analyzed with paired t-test and the enumeration data were analyzed with χ2 test. Correlative factor analysis was performed between D-Dimer levels and serum inflammatory markers (WBC, hs-CRP, PCT) and prognostic indexes (ICU admission and 30-day mortality). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of D-Dimer in predicting ICU admission and/or 30-day mortality. Results: One hundred fifty patients were included. Compared with non-D-Dimer elevated group, serum inflammatory markers (WBC, hs-CRP, PCT) and prognostic indexes (ICU admission and 30-day mortality) were elevated in the D-Dimer elevated group (p < 0.05). D-Dimer had positive correlation with serum inflammatory markers (WBC, hs-CRP, PCT), the rates of ICU admission and 30-day mortality, and scores of CURB-65. The AUC of ROC curve of D-Dimer was 0.880 (95% CI 0.823 to 0.936), the sensitivity was 80.4% and specificity was 79.8%, D-Dimer levels are superior to hs-CRP and PCT in predicting 30-day mortality and/or ICU admission according to AUCs of the ROC curves. Conclusions: Elevated plasma D-Dimer in adult CAP patients is associated with an increased inflammatory reaction and ICU admission and 30-day mortality. It can be a simple, cheap, and rapidly available measurement to assess inflammatory reaction and prognosis in adult CAP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apela identified from zebrafish Danio rerio for the first time in 2013 is a novel endogenous peptide ligand for the apelin receptor. To study the role of apela in regulating fish feeding, the complementary (c) DNA sequence of apela of Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii was cloned for the first time. The apela cDNA fragment of 836 bp was obtained by cloning. The open reading frame (ORF) of apela was 165 bp encoding a 54 amino acid, including 22 amino acids signal peptide and two proteolytic sites. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that A. baeriiapela was clustered with mammalian and amphibian sequences. A. baeriiapela messeger (m)RNA was widely distributed in 11 tissues related to feeding, with high expressions in brain, oesophagus and stomach, especially in the brain. The level of apela mRNA in brain increased significantly after feeding. On the first day of fasting, apela expression in brain was significantly lower than that of the fed group, but after fasting for 3–15 days, the expression of apela in A. baerii brain was significantly higher than that in the fed group. After refeeding apela mRNA expression was obviously reduced. These results suggest that apela plays a bidirectional role in feeding regulation of A. baerii, which may serve as a short‐term satiation factor and a long‐term hunger factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The expression of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is multidimensional. Disease heterogeneity in patients with CRS remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify endotypes of CRS using cluster analysis by integrating multidimensional characteristics and to explore their association with treatment outcomes. Methods: A total of 28 clinical variables and 39 mucosal cellular and molecular variables were analyzed using principal component analysis. Cluster analysis was performed on 246 prospectively recruited Chinese CRS patients with at least 1‐year postoperative follow‐up. Difficult‐to‐treat CRS was characterized in each generated cluster. Results: Seven subject clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (13.01%) was comparable to the classic well‐defined eosinophilic CRS with polyps, having severe disease and the highest proportion of difficult‐to‐treat CRS. Patients in cluster 2 (16.26%) and cluster 4 (13.82%) had relatively lower proportions of presence of polyps and presented mild inflammation with moderate proportions of difficult‐to‐treat cases. Subjects in cluster 2 were highly atopic. Cluster 3 (7.31%) and cluster 6 (21.14%) were characterized by severe or moderate neutrophilic inflammation, respectively, and with elevated levels of IL‐8 and high proportions of difficult‐to‐treat CRS. Cluster 5 (4.07%) was a unique group characterized by the highest levels of IL‐10 and lacked difficult‐to‐treat cases. Cluster 7 (24.39%) demonstrated the lowest symptom severity, a low proportion of difficult‐to‐treat CRS, and low inflammation load. Finally, we found that difficult‐to‐treat CRS was associated with distinct clinical features and biomarkers in the different clusters. Conclusions: Distinct clinicopathobiologic clusters of CRS display differences in clinical response to treatments and characteristics of difficult‐to‐treat CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod is an important factor influencing many biological processes including population dynamics of many insect species in temperate zones. To determine the population response of Chrysoperla nipponensis under altered conditions (high temperature and short photoperiod) and to test whether the short photoperiod was suitable for artificial storage, the life table data of C. nipponensis were collected at 25 °C under a long photoperiod, 15:9h (L:D), and a short photoperiod, 9:15h (L:D) and analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table approach. We found that C. nipponensis developed faster under the long photoperiod than under the short photoperiod. The shorter developmental time, higher fecundity, and higher proportion of females found during the long photoperiod resulted in higher intrinsic and net reproductive rates, but a shorter mean generation time and life expectancy compared to those reared during the short photoperiod. Individuals reared under the short photoperiod also had a high reproductive value. Population projection demonstrated that C. nipponensis reared at the long photoperiod would complete four generations in 150 d, while reared under the short photoperiod would just be entering the second generation. Our results demonstrated that the different fitness values obtained for C. nipponensis individuals by varying photoperiod lengths, were readily distinguishable when using the age-stage, twosex life table. High winter temperatures would be detrimental to a diapausing population, and diapause induced by the short photoperiod would be beneficial to the storage of natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod is an important factor influencing many biological processes including population dynamics of many insect species in temperate zones. To determine the population response of Chrysoperla nipponensis under altered conditions (high temperature and short photoperiod) and to test whether the short photoperiod was suitable for artificial storage, the life table data of C. nipponensis were collected at 25 ×C under a long photoperiod, 15:9h (L:D), and a short photoperiod, 9:15h (L:D) and analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table approach. We found that C. nipponensis developed faster under the long photoperiod than under the short photoperiod. The shorter developmental time, higher fecundity, and higher proportion of females found during the long photoperiod resulted in higher intrinsic and net reproductive rates, but a shorter mean generation time and life expectancy compared to those reared during the short photoperiod. Individuals reared under the short photoperiod also had a high reproductive value. Population projection demonstrated that C. nipponensis reared at the long photoperiod would complete four generations in 150 d, while reared under the short photoperiod would just be entering the second generation. Our results demonstrated that the different fitness values obtained for C. nipponensis individuals by varying photoperiod lengths, were readily distinguishable when using the age-stage, twosex life table. High winter temperatures would be detrimental to a diapausing population, and diapause induced by the short photoperiod would be beneficial to the storage of natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report an atypical case misdiagnosed as lung abscess over the past 2 months, but persistent anemia combined with significantly increased hs-CRP and lung lesions indicated systemic lesion, which led to the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis proven by lung biopsy and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (ANCA). Methods: The complete blood count, hs-CRP, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test were performed. The pathology consultation for the lung biopsy was arranged. Results: Hemoglobin was 8.5 g/L, hs-CRP was > 200 mg/L, c-ANCA directed against anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) was positive, pathology consultation reported granulomatous inflammation. Conclusions: When patients have multiple organ dysfunction combined with anemia and significantly increased hs-CRP, physicians should pay attention to systemic vasculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report a case of broncholithiasis with recurrent hemoptysis and fever initially misdiagnosed as active tuberculosis. Methods: The chest contrast-enhanced CT scan, electronic bronchoscope, and ultrathin bronchoscope were performed leading to the diagnosis of broncholithiasis, open lung lobectomy was done after thoracic surgery consultation. Results: The chest contrast-enhanced CT scan showed a high-density intratracheal shadow and calcified lymph nodes. Ultrathin bronchoscopy manifested calcified lesions located at the distal portion of the right lower lobe bronchus. Histopathology of lobectomy showed lithiasis in the right lower lobe tracheobronchial tree. Conclusions: We should pay attention to calcified intratracheal lesions and make differential diagnosis with tuberculosis, especially when accompanied with calcified lymph nodes and fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level has been in use as a tumor marker; however, some physicians may ignore NSE levels in serum, especially when the patients are asymptomatic. Here we report a case that a 51 year old female patient with no respiratory symptoms who had a NSE level which increased extremely over three months and was eventually diagnosed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in right pulmonary hilar enlarged lymph node was performed for diagnosis. Results: EBUS showed right pulmonary hilar lymph node enlargement. A TBNA biopsy histopathology diagnosed SCLC. Conclusions: We should pay attention to high serum NSE levels, especially when the index increased extremely over a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the prognostic factors for visual outcome in traumatic cataract patients. Methods. The demographic features of traumatic cataract patients in Central China were studied. The factors that might influence the visual outcome were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of OTS (ocular trauma score) in predicting VA were calculated. Results. The study enrolled 480 cases. 65.5% of patients achieved VA at >20/60. The factors associated with the final VA were initial VA, injury type, wound location, the way of cataract removal, and IOL implantation. The sensitivities of OTS in predicting the VA at NLP (nonlight perception), LP/HM (light perception/hand motion), and ≥20/40 were 100%. The specificity of OTS to predict the final VA at 1/200-19/200 and 20/200-20/50 was 100%. Conclusion. The prognostic factors were initial VA, injury type, wound location, cataract removal procedure, and the way of IOL implantation. The OTS has good sensitivity and specificity in predicting visual outcome in traumatic cataract patients in long follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five polymers dispersed liquid crystalline (LC) films were fabricated using photo-polymerizable monomers with different lengths of carbon chains. These LC films have shown different electro-optical (EO) properties. Through their SEM pictures, the relationship between the linear electro-optical effect and the mesh size of the polymer network was explored. With the increase of number of photo-polymerizable monomers, the mesh size of the polymer network would become larger. So the liquid crystal molecules would be easily oriented in the electric field and therefore, the threshold voltage and saturation voltage would decrease. The open state response times were also reduced and the off state response times would be extended. The DFT simulations have shown principal role of the ground state dipole moments in the observed electro-optical efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign disease. We report a case of TO. Methods: Chest CT scan and bronchoscope with biopsy was performed for diagnosis and blood tests explored for the latent etiology. Results: Chest CT scan and bronchoscopic images showed multiple nodular protrusions in the trachea and main bronchi. Histopathology demonstrated sub-mucosal ossification and inflammatory cell infiltration. Laboratory inspection showed adenovirus and coxsackie B virus IgM antibodies were positive. Conclusions: The patient recently had a virus infection and inflammation was observed in histopathology, which indicated adenovirus and coxsackie B virus may play a role in the occurrence or exacerbation of TO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptococcal pneumonia is an uncommon lesion in immune-competent adults. Histological evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans is a gold criterion for diagnosis. Here we report a case firstly misdiagnosed as tuberculosis from a lung biopsy. Methods: Chest computed tomography (CT) scan and CT-guided puncture were performed for diagnosis and blood tests explored for the latent etiology. Results: Chest CT scan images showed multiple nodules in the left peripheral lower lobe. Histopathology demonstrated multiple granulomatous inflammatory response lacking evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans, acid-fast staining was negative, serum cryptococcal antigen was positive. Conclusions: Serum cryptococcal antigen has high specificity in cryptococcal pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thymic stromal lymphopoietin ( TSLP), IL-25, and IL-33 system contribute to the initiation and development of Th2 responses. This study aimed to explore the involvement of TSLP, IL-25, IL-33, and their receptors in type 2 T-helper (Th) responses in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps ( CRSw NPs) and their cross-regulation in human nasal epithelial cells ( HNECs). Methods Immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT- PCR, ELISA, Bio-Plex assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of TSLP/common γ-like TSLP receptor ( TSLPR)/ IL-7 receptor α ( IL-7Rα), IL-25/ IL-17B receptor ( IL-17 RB), and IL-33/membrane-bound ST2 ( ST2L)/soluble ST2 ( sST2) in sinonasal mucosa and HNECs. HNECs cultured at an air-liquid interface were used to explore the expression in regulation of these cytokine systems. Results Compared with controls and noneosinophilic CRSw NP, the expression of TSLP/ TSLPR/ IL-7Rα and ST2L/ sST2 was significantly increased in eosinophilic CRSw NP, predominantly in epithelial cells. In contrast, the expression of IL-33 and IL-25/ IL-17 RB was enhanced in epithelial cells in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSw NP compared to controls. The expression of TSLP, TSLPR, and ST2L was positively correlated with symptom and computer tomography scan scores in eosinophilic CRSw NP and with Th2 cytokine expression in sinonasal mucosa. The expression of ST2L was correlated with TSLP and its receptor expression. TSLP could induce ST2L expression that promoted IL-33-induced TSLP expression in HNECs. In addition, TSLP/ TSLPR/ IL-7Rα and ST2L could be induced by Th2 cytokines, while IL-25/ IL-17 RB and IL-33 could be upregulated by Th1/Th17 cytokines, in HNECs. Conclusions The positive feedback loop between TSLP, IL-33 and their receptors, and Th2 cytokines may facilitate Th2-skewed inflammation in eosinophilic CRSw NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thick dark source rocks were developed in the Qingshankou Formation (Late Cretaceous, Songliao Basin). According to sedimentary characteristics and systematical geochemical tests, the geological conditions of shale oil and gas accumulation are studied. The thick dark mudstone succession (TOC > 2%) is represented by deep lake environment and their thickness could reach 91 m in the center depression, Songliao Basin. Organic matter is mainly composed by type I and II1kerogen. Vitrinite reflectance (0.5–0.7% Ro) and RockEval parameterTmax(425–445°C) indicate that the source rock is marginal mature to mature. Abundant brittle minerals (average 51.1%) and the 4.1–14.0% porosity are developed in the mudstone. Based on the SEM and microscope observation, the micron level to nanometer level pores are the main reservoir for shale gas and oil. Through comprehensive analysis of these geological conditions, it is concluded that the lower part in the Qingshankou Formation has the potential to form shale oil and gas reservoirs, and the deep region of the Southeast Uplift near the basin center side is the best favorable zone of shale oil and gas accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although universally recognized as an important consideration in building product development ( PD) competency, the effect of a firm's ability to vary its PD practices to develop winning products has been given scant attention in large-scale, multiorganizational, quantitative studies. This research explores differences in formal new PD practices among three project types-incremental, more innovative, and radical. Using a sample of 380 business units, this research investigates how development practices differ across these three classes of innovation with respect to the formal PD process, project organization, PD strategy, organizational culture, and senior management commitment. Our results diverge from several commonly held beliefs about formal PD processes and the management of radical versus incremental innovations. Our results indicate that radical projects are managed less flexibly than incremental projects. Instead of being an offshoot of less strategic planning, radical projects are just as strategically aligned as incremental projects. Instead of being informally introduced entrepreneurial adventures, radical projects are often the result of more formal ideation methods. While these results may be counterintuitive to suppositional models of how to radical innovation happens, it is the central theme of this research to show how radical innovation actually happens. Our findings also provide a foundation for reexamining the role of control in the management of innovation. As the level of innovativeness increased, so too did the amount of controls imposed-e.g., less flexibility in the development process, more professional, full-time project leadership, centralized executive oversight for new products, and formal financial assessments of expected NP performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim TM81 (or Tang-Min-Ling-Wan) is a Chinese medicine. Previous studies suggested that this medicine is effective for treating type 2 diabetes. This controlled trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TM81 in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients. Methods This study was a large-scale controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TM81 on type 2 diabetes. After a 2-week run-in period, 480 overweight type 2 early-stage diabetic patients [35-65 years old, HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, fasting plasma glucose ( FPG) 7.0-13.9 mM or 2 h plasma glucose ( PG) > 11.1 mM, body mass index ( BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2] were enrolled. These patients were divided into a TM81 group and placebo group in a 3 : 1 ratio. The subjects received 6 g TM81 or placebo, three times daily for 12 weeks. Results After treatment, the HbA1c decrease was 1.02% in the TM81 group versus 0.47% in the placebo group. The FPG decreased 0.8 ± 0.1 mM in the TM81 group versus an increase of 0.2 ± 0.2 mM in the placebo group. The PG decreased 2.7 ± 0.3 mM in the TM81 group versus a decrease of 0.9 ± 0.4 mM in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). The TM81 was more effective for patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels. The TM81 group also showed improved β-cell function and increased homeostatic model assessment ( HOMA)-β. In addition, body weight, BMI and waist circumference of subjects in the TM81 group were reduced, and the symptoms related to diabetes were improved. There were no significant differences in the types and frequency of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusions The data showed that TM81 is effective in controlling blood glucose level and is safe to use in patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of fabricating colloidal crystal microstructured fiber is presented. The proposed structure relies on partial etching of the cladding layer of a single-mode fiber and growth of colloidal photonic crystals inside eroded area. The photonic crystal cylindrical annulus embedded in fiber is characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The optical characterization was analyzed by optical transmission spectroscopy. The measurement results show a about 1550-nm band gap. The results also reveal the possibility of cladding cylindrical fibers with three-dimensional photonic crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An evolving hypothesis postulates that melanomas may arise through 'nevus-associated' and 'chronic sun exposure' pathways. We explored this hypothesis by examining associations between nevus-associated loci and melanoma risk across strata of body site and histological subtype. We genotyped 1028 invasive case patients and 1469 controls for variants in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), phospholipase A2, group VI (PLA2G6), and Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), and compared allelic frequencies globally and by anatomical site and histological subtype of melanoma. Odds-ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using classical and multinomial logistic regression models. Among controls, MTAP rs10757257, PLA2G6 rs132985 and IRF4 rs12203592 were the variants most significantly associated with number of nevi. In adjusted models, a significant association was found between MTAP rs10757257 and overall melanoma risk (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.14-1.53), with no evidence of heterogeneity across sites (Phomogeneity =.52). In contrast, MTAP rs10757257 was associated with superficial spreading/nodular melanoma (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15- 1.57), but not with lentigo maligna melanoma (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.46-1.35) (Phomogeneity =.06), the subtype associated with chronic sun exposure. Melanoma was significantly inversely associated with rs12203592 in children (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.16-0.77) and adolescents (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42-0.91), but not in adults (Phomogeneity =.0008). Our results suggest that the relationship between MTAP and melanoma is subtype-specific, and that the association between IRF4 and melanoma is more evident for cases with a younger age at onset. These findings lend some support to the 'divergent pathways' hypothesis and may provide at least one candidate gene underlying this model. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and improve our understanding of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although medication reconciliation (MR) can reduce medication discrepancies, it is challenging to operationalise. Consequently, we developed a health information technology (HIT) to collect a patient medication history and make it available to the primary care (PC) provider. We deployed a self-service kiosk in a PC clinic that permits patients to indicate a medication adherence history. Patient responses are immediately viewable in the legacy electronic health record. This paper describes a survey developed to assess PC provider perceptions of our HIT and HIT implementation effectiveness. Methods We developed and administered a survey to all PC providers to assess technology implementation effectiveness. The survey included scales measuring (1) user attitudes towards MR, (2) perceptions of our HIT and (3) the local organisational climate for implementation. We also assessed the consistency and quality of tool use. Results Nearly 90% of PC providers responded to the survey and 58% indicated that they were familiar with the technology and had seen the tool output. Most providers believed that MR represented an important safety intervention, although 43% did not believe that they had the necessary resources to manage discrepancies. Composite scale scores for the 58% of respondents familiar with the HIT indicate that the majority favoured our tool over usual care. However, composite scale scores suggest that the climate for implementation at our facility was suboptimal. Overall, the quality and consistency of tool use among providers was very heterogeneous. Conclusions A patient self-service kiosk offers an efficient mechanism to collect a medication adherence history; provider survey responses indicate that they appreciated and used the MR kiosk output. Nonetheless, opportunities exist to improve data displays and embed decision support to facilitate discrepancy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese formula Tang-Min-Ling (TML), an improved product of the decoction of Dachaihu which has a history of more than 2000 years, has main constituents of Coptis chinensis Franch, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Rheum officinale Baill and Bupleurum chinense DC. A multi-central randomized controlled investigation performed previously by us has showed that TML has positive effects on regulating glycometabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Using Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats as an animal model with rosiglitazone as a positive control, we were able to detect TML's effect on the serum glucose, serum lipid, serum leptin and adiponcetin after oral administration for 12 weeks. We were also able to detect the insulin resistance level by a glucose clamp test and study the mechanisms of TML in improving insulin resistance by detecting skeletal muscle AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Results showed that TML significantly reduced the glucose area under a curve of the oral glucose tolerance test, and had a positive effect in regulating serum lipid metabolism. TML treatment also significantly reduced the serum leptin level, but it had no effect on the serum adiponectin level. The AMPK enzymatic activity and GLUT4 expression in Skeletal Muscle were also upregulated in the TML group. The results suggest that the Chinese medicine TML, which contains Coptis chinensis Franch as one of its components, improves glycometabolism and its possible mechanisms may involve in improvement of insulin resistance of OLETF rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sensitive and simple method for simultaneous analysis of acetochlor and propisochlor in corn and soil has been developed. Two herbicides were extracted from soil and corn matrices with methanol/water and acetone, respectively, followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) to remove co extractives, prior to analysis by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). Primary secondary amine (PSA) SPE cartridges (500 mg, 3 mL) were used for sample preparation. The analytes from corn and soil matrices were eluted with 5 mL petroleum ether-acetic ether (95/5, v/v) and 3 mL petroleum ether-acetic ether (95/5, v/v), respectively. The recoveries of two pesticides ranged from 73.8% to 115.5% with relative standard deviations (RSD) less than 11.1% and sensitivity of 0.01 mg/kg, in agreement with directives for method validation in residue analysis. The method was successfully applied to determine the fate of acetochlor and propisochlor in real corn and soil samples. For acetochlor and propisochlor, the half-life times (t1/2) in soil was 5.541 and 6.074 days, respectively. No acetochlor and propisochlor residues (<0.01 mg/kg) were detected in corn at harvest time withholding period of 2.5 months after treatments of the pesticides. Direct confirmation of the analytes in samples was achieved by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease associated with pelvic pain and subfertility. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 3,194 individuals with surgically confirmed endometriosis (cases) and 7,060 controls from Australia and the UK. Polygenic predictive modeling showed significantly increased genetic loading among 1,364 cases with moderate to severe endometriosis. The strongest association signal was on 7p15.2 (rs12700667) for 'all' endometriosis (P = 2.6 × 10−7, odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% CI 1.13-1.32) and for moderate to severe disease (P = 1.5 × 10−9, OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53). We replicated rs12700667 in an independent cohort from the United States of 2,392 self-reported, surgically confirmed endometriosis cases and 2,271 controls (P = 1.2 × 10−3, OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.28), resulting in a genome-wide significant P value of 1.4 × 10−9 (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13-1.27) for 'all' endometriosis in our combined datasets of 5,586 cases and 9,331 controls. rs12700667 is located in an intergenic region upstream of the plausible candidate genes NFE2L3 and HOXA10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

viscoplastic stress model is used to predict contraction forces measured during casting of two binary Mg-Al alloys. Force measurements from castings that did not hot tear, together with estimates from data found in the literature, are used to obtain the high-temperature mechanical properties needed in the stress model. In the absence of hot tearing, the simulation results show reasonably good agreement with the measurements. It is found that coherency of the semisolid mush starts at a solid fraction of about 0.5 and that the maximum tensile strength for the Mg-1 and 9 wt pct Al alloys at their final solidification temperatures is 1.5 and 4 MPa, respectively. In the presence of hot tearing, the measured stresses are generally overpredicted, which is attributed to the lack of a fracture model for the mush. Based on the comparison of measured and predicted stresses, it is also shown that coupling of the stress model to feeding flow and macrosegregation calculations is needed in order to accurately predict stresses in the presence of hot tearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe malaria (SM) syndromes caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection result in major morbidity and mortality each year. However, only a fraction of P. falciparum infections develop into SM, implicating host genetic factors as important determinants of disease outcome. Previous studies indicate that tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin alpha (LTα) may be important for the development of cerebral malaria (CM) and other SM syndromes. Methods: An extensive analysis was conducted of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF, LTA and LTB genes in highland Papuan children and adults, a population historically unexposed to malaria that has migrated to a malaria endemic region. Generated P-values for SNPs spanning the LTA/TNF/LTB locus were corrected for multiple testing of all the SNPs and haplotype blocks within the region tested through 10,000 permutations. A global Pvalue of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No associations between SNPs in the TNF/LTA/LTB locus and susceptibility to SM in highland Papuan children and adults were found. Conclusions: These results support the notion that unique selective pressure on the TNF/LTA/LTB locus in different populations has influenced the contribution of the gene products from this region to SM susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot tearing (or hot cracking) is recognised in the foundry industry as a serious defect. Although it has been investigated for decades, understanding still stands at a qualitative level. In this work, investigations on hot tearing in the binary Mg–1Al (wt-%) alloy have been conducted, using a contraction stress measuring method which shows evidence of good repeatability. The results show that increasing mould temperature decreases hot tearing susceptibility for Mg–1Al due to a decreased cooling rate. The recorded contraction force curves also show that hot cracks initiate under all investigated mould temperatures; however, the crack propagation behaves differently. At lower mould temperatures, the crack propagates very fast, while at higher mould temperatures it propagates slowly. This indicates that a lower cooling rate allows a better chance for the retained liquid to refill the crack. Consequently this leads to partial or complete interruption of crack propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high melanocytic nevi count is the strongest known risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. We conducted a genome-wide association study for nevus count using 297,108 SNPs in 1,524 twins, with validation in an independent cohort of 4,107 individuals. We identified strongly associated variants in MTAP, a gene adjacent to the familial melanoma susceptibility locus CDKN2A on 9p21 (rs4636294, combined P = 3.4 × 10−15), as well as in PLA2G6 on 22q13.1 (rs2284063, combined P = 3.4 × 10−8). In addition, variants in these two loci showed association with melanoma risk in 3,131 melanoma cases from two independent studies, including rs10757257 at 9p21, combined P = 3.4 × 10−8, OR = 1.23 (95% CI = 1.15–1.30) and rs132985 at 22q13.1, combined P = 2.6 × 10−7, OR = 1.23 (95% CI = 1.15–1.30). This provides the first report of common variants associated to nevus number and demonstrates association of these variants with melanoma susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a feature extraction method for classifying galvanized steel sheet powdering rates. By combining machine vision with statistics, and using the standard deviation's difference between powdered and normal regions, the range of powdered areas is recognized. The method exhibits a number of interesting features: it uses mathematical statistics for image feature analysis, and develops an effective method for analyzing particle size which cannot be measured by manual detection. The experiment result shows that the correction rate of this method to acquire galvanized steel sheet powdered regions is up to 99%, which satisfies the requirements of the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper dealt with the characteristics of Cu(II) adsorption on Chinese Quaternary loess. The Cu(II) adsorption isotherm and kinetics fit the Langmuir model and pseudo-second order kinetics well, respectively, with a predicted adsorption capacity of 109 mg g-1. The adsorption is ion exchange adsorption due to D-R model. Factors that are positively correlated with the adsorption capacity of loess include equilibrating time, pH, temperature, and solid-solution ratio. The adsorption of Cu(II) on loess involves 2-3 sequential diffusing steps into the micropores, and an endothermic and spontaneous process with predicted enthalpy, entropy, and Gibb's free energy changes of 7.64 kJ mol-1, 81.21 J mol-1K-1 and -14.94-17.37 kJ mol-1, respectively. Moreover, the applicability of loess on industrial wastewater treatment was investigated and satisfactorily proved. Finally, FT-IR spectra shows the precipitation of copper carbonate and the complexation of Cu(II) with clay minerals at pH > 5.0 and pH > 2.67, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleic acid modified LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystals have been synthesized with a molar ratio of La:Yb:Er=75:20:5 and dispersed in toluene with 40 wt. % sol–gel derived organic–inorganic hybrid materials for films. The nanocomposite films showed strong 1540-nm luminescence intensity under the excitation of 980 nm after heat treatment below 150 °C. The full width at half maximum bandwidth was 51-nm wide around 1540 nm. We also fabricated reverse-mesa ridge waveguides using LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystals containing sol–gel materials. With an input pump of 150 mW, a signal enhancement of 2.3 dB at the wavelength of 1550 nm was measured in a 1.3-cm-long waveguide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new processing technology, direct chill rheocasting (DCRC), has recently been developed by BCAST at Brunel University, for production of high quality Mg alloy billets and slabs. In the present paper the authors present the DCRC process and experimental results on microstructure and mechanical properties of DCRC billets. Basically, the DCRC process consists of a high quality semisolid slurry supply system, continuously feeding a conventional direct chill caster, to produce billets or slabs. Experimental results show that the DCRC billets have a fine and uniform microstructure throughout the cross section, the average grain size being ∼50 μm. Direct extrusion of the DCRC billets was conducted to assess the deformability and mechanical properties after extrusion. The average grain size is <3 μm in the as extruded state. The increased deformability of the DCRC billets has been attributed to the fine and uniform microstructure, while the improved mechanical properties of the extruded product is attributed to the fine grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AM50 Mg alloy is usually processed by high-pressure die casting (HPDC) for applications demanding high ductility. However, this alloy has a high tendency of hot tearing, and is difficult to cast because of its large freezing range and low final solidification temperature. In this investigation, the rheo-die casting (RDC) process, a new semi-solid processing technology developed by BCAST at Brunel University, was used to overcome such casting difficulties and to improve mechanical properties. It was found that the RDC AM50 alloy exhibited much improved mechanical properties, especially for the elongation, over those of the same alloy produced by HPDC and other semi-solid processing technologies. The improved mechanical properties can be attributed to the elimination of large gas pores as a result of gas entrapment, substantial reduction of hot tearing, and fine, uniform microstructure, as a consequence of solidification under high shear rate and high intensity of turbulence in the RDC process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]