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Vehicle lane‐changing behaviour is often regarded as transient traffic behaviour while ignoring behavioural characteristics of the lane‐changing process. A combined prediction model based on wavelet transform (WT) and dual‐channel neural network (DCNN) is proposed to explore the selection behaviour of lane‐changing distance by taking lane‐changing behaviour in an urban inter‐tunnel weaving section. Firstly, the extracted lane‐changing data are analysed for correlation and noise reduction, and the main factors affecting lane‐changing distance are taken as input variables of the model. The trajectory data of the inter‐tunnel weaving section of the "Jiuhuashan‐Xi'anmen" tunnel in Nanjing, China, are used to improve the prediction of vehicle lane‐changing distance by training the model. The results show that the proposed WT‐DCNN model has high prediction performance when compared with existing artificial neural network (ANN), DCNN and wavelet neural network (WNN) models. The characterization and study of the typical lane‐changing behaviour in the weaving section can lay the theoretical foundation for the development of an urban inter‐tunnel weaving section management scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) play a vital role in improving efficacy, reducing mortality and prolonging patients' lives. Given the importance of early detection of gastric cancer, an electrochemical biosensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of miR-19b-3p by integrating MoS2-based nanozymes, hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with enzyme catalyzed reaction. The as-prepared MoS2-based nanocomposites were used as substrate materials to construct nanoprobes, which can simultaneously load probe DNA and HCR initiator for signal amplification. Moreover, the MoS2-based nanocomposites are also employed as nanozymes to amplify electrochemical response. The presence of miR-19b-3p induced the assembly of MoS2-based nanoprobes on the electrode surface, which can activate in-situ HCR reaction to load a large number of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for signal amplification. Coupling with the co-catalytic ability of HRP and MoS2-based nanozymes, the designed electrochemical biosensor can detect as low as 0.7 aM miR-19b-3p. More importantly, this biosensor can efficiently analyze miR-19b-3p in clinical samples from healthy people and gastric cancer patients due to its excellent sensitivity and selectivity, suggesting that this biosensor has a potential application in early diagnosis of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable and efficient operation of rail transit networks (RTNs) is critical for the integrated development of metropolitan areas. However, numerous studies have indicated that RTNs are prone to large‐scale cascading failures when subjected to disturbances. To address the limitations of traditional cascading failure models, this paper proposes an innovative cascading failure model for metropolitan areas RTNs, which incorporates nonlinear load fluctuations and the bounded rationality of passengers. This model aims to capture the cascading failure characteristics of RTNs with chaotic properties under 12 combination strategies. A single‐ and dual‐parameter coupling analysis of chaotic evolution parameters and prospect theory parameters are conducted. Taking the RTN in the Chengdu metropolitan area as an example, both the static characteristics and cascading failure features of the network are analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (i) the RTN is a assortativity network and lacks small‐world and scale‐free properties. (ii) During network disturbances, a higher level of passenger familiarity with the network increases the likelihood of large‐scale cascading failures. (iii) When passengers tend to avoid risks, stations with higher carrying capacity are more prone to failures. This study holds significant implications for ensuring the stable and reliable operation of rail transit systems within metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marshalling scheme is the foundation to match the operation mode and passenger flow characteristics of metro in different periods, and it is also the key problem that directly affects the cost of metro planning and construction and low-carbon operation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the key factors affecting the metro marshalling scheme, a comprehensive evaluation index system and a two-step screening method are established. Based on the analysis of the difference of the impact of each index on the metro marshalling plan, a new evaluation model of the metro marshalling plan in the early and near future based on super-efficiency DEA is proposed. Finally, the feasibility and rationality of the evaluation and comparison model of the early, near and long-term subway marshalling scheme are verified and analyzed by examples. The results show that: (1) The fixed marshalling plan is a cost-energized plan, which requires higher equipment cost and operation input, while the modified marshalling plan is a technology-energized plan; by improving the management and technical level, the effective output of capacity matching and passenger time satisfaction can be achieved. (2) The advantages and disadvantages of modified marshalling scheme and fixed marshalling scheme are dynamic to a certain extent, comprehensive judgment should be made according to the specific conditions of the line, the financial situation of the city or enterprise, the operation management and the technical level. The theoretical method of comparison and selection of early, near and long-term metro marshalling schemes presented in this paper is applicable to many practical scenarios and has certain practicability, which can provide certain theoretical reference for the standardization of comparison and selection of early, near and long-term metro marshalling schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer, predominantly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remains a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis. By targeting the underlying molecular abnormalities responsible for PDAC development and progression, gene therapy offers a promising strategy to overcome the challenges posed by conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This study sought to explore the therapeutic potential of small activating RNAs (saRNAs) specifically targeting the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) gene in PDAC. To overcome the challenges associated with saRNA delivery, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) were rationally engineered as nanocarriers. These tFNAs were further functionalized with a truncated transferrin receptor aptamer (tTR14) to enhance targeting specificity for PDAC cells. The constructed tFNA-based saRNA formulation demonstrated exceptional stability, efficient saRNA release ability, substantial cellular uptake, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity. In vitro experiments revealed successful intracellular delivery of CEBPA-saRNA utilizing tTR14-decorated tFNA nanocarriers, resulting in significant activation of tumor suppressor genes, namely, CEBPA and its downstream effector P21, leading to notable inhibition of PDAC cell proliferation. Moreover, in a mouse model of PDAC, the tTR14-decorated tFNA-mediated delivery of CEBPA-saRNA effectively upregulated the expression of the CEBPA and P21 genes, consequently suppressing tumor growth. These compelling findings highlight the potential utility of saRNA delivered via a designed tFNA nanocarrier to induce the activation of tumor suppressor genes as an innovative therapeutic approach for PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wounds impose significant burdens on patients' quality of life and healthcare resources due to impaired healing potential. Factors like hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis and excessive inflammation contribute to the delayed healing trajectory. Mounting evidence indicates a close association between impaired mitochondrial function and diabetic complications, including chronic wounds. Mitochondria are critical for providing energy essential to wound healing processes. However, mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbates other pathological factors, creating detrimental cycles that hinder healing. This study conducted correlation analysis using clinical specimens, revealing a positive correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, inflammatory response and impaired angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Restoring mitochondrial function becomes imperative for developing targeted therapies. Herein, we synthesized a biodegradable poly (glycerol sebacate)‐based multiblock hydrogel, named poly (glycerol sebacate)‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol)‐co‐poly (propylene glycol) (PEPGS), which can be degraded in vivo to release glycerol, a crucial component in cellular metabolism, including mitochondrial respiration. We demonstrate the potential of PEPGS‐based hydrogels to improve outcomes in diabetic wound healing by revitalizing mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, we investigate the underlying mechanism through proteomics analysis, unravelling the regulation of ATP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolic processes, biosynthetic process and generation during mitochondrial metabolism. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of PEPGS‐based hydrogels as advanced wound dressings for diabetic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to provide adequate iodine nutrition to infants and toddlers for proper thyroid function and subsequent brain development. Infants are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency during the transition from a milk-based diet (breast milk and/or infant formula) to solid food. This study examines the current iodine levels of children during their first two years of life and investigates the association between these levels and feeding behaviors and the iodine status of their mothers in Shanghai, a city located in eastern China. A hospital-based cohort study was conducted to enroll mother–child pairs, where the child is aged 6–23 months, who visited community health service centers in the 16 districts of Shanghai, China. Data on socio-demographic factors and feeding behavior data were collected from the participants. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in both the young children and their mothers were analyzed. A total of 2282 mother–child pairs were included in this analysis. The median (p25–p75) UIC for lactating women, weaning women, and children were 121.3 μg/L (68.1–206.4 μg/L), 123.4 μg/L (58.4–227.2 μg/L), and 152.1 μg/L (75.8–268.3 μg/L), respectively. The UIC in children was found to be higher than that in their mothers (p < 0.001). Children who consumed less than 500 mL per day of formula milk in the last week had lower UICs compared with those who consumed 500 mL per day or more (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the children's UIC was positively correlated with the maternal UIC (rs = 0.285, p < 0.001). Multiple quantile regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between maternal UIC and children's UIC between the 0.1 and 0.9 quantiles (all p < 0.001). We found that the iodine status of infants and toddlers, as well as of mothers, was sufficient. However, a large minority of children and mothers may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Furthermore, no associations between children's UIC and feeding behaviors were observed. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the UIC of young children and their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse skin reactions caused by ionizing radiation are collectively called radiation dermatitis (RD), and the use of nanomedicine is an attractive approach to this condition. Therefore, we designed and large-scale synthesized fullerenols that showed free radical scavenging ability in vitro. Next, we pretreated X-ray-exposed cells with fullerenols. The results showed that pretreatment with fullerenols significantly scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced and enhanced the antioxidant capacity, protecting skin cells from X-ray-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Moreover, we induced RD in mice by applying 30 Gy of X-ray irradiation, followed by treatment with fullerenols. We found that after treatment, the RD scores dropped, and the histological results systematically demonstrated that topically applied fullerenols could reduce radiation-induced skin epidermal thickening, collagen deposition and skin appendage damage and promote hair regeneration after 35 days. Compared with Trolamine cream, a typical RD drug, fullerenols showed superior radiation protection. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo experiments proved that fullerenols agents against RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polynucleotide kinase (PNK) is a key enzyme that is necessary for ligation-based DNA repair. The activity assay and inhibitor screening for PNK may contribute to the prediction and improvement of tumor treatment sensitivity, respectively. Herein, we developed a simple, low-background, and label-free method for both T4 PNK activity detection and inhibitor screening by combining a designed ligation-triggered T7 transcriptional amplification system and a crafty light-up malachite green aptamer. Moreover, this method successfully detected PNK activity in the complex biological matrix with satisfactory outcomes, indicating its great potential in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate short‐term forecast of metro outbound passenger flow is of great significance for real‐time traffic control and guidance. A good forecast method should have high accuracy, timeliness and practicality. Based on deep learning and ensemble learning technology, this study proposes an end‐to‐end forecast hybrid architecture for metro outbound passenger flow that integrates multiple passenger flow features. The architecture innovatively integrates bagging ensemble learning strategy and transfer learning with deep learning, and includes multiple extensible passenger flow feature processing components. In addition, this study presents a new coding method to incorporate the operating characteristics of the metro into the forecasting architecture. Use the automatic fare collection (AFC) data of Chengdu Metro Tianfu Square Station for training and verify the forecast architecture on workdays, weekends and holidays. The results reveal that compared with other widely used passenger flow forecast models, the architecture proposed in this study has achieved the highest forecast accuracy in the above‐mentioned different time types. Furthermore, the fusion of transfer learning improves the accuracy of forecast model while significantly speeding up the convergence of training, increasing its timeliness and practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calprotectin (CP) is an established biomarker that allows the noninvasive evaluation of inflammation levels in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is helpful for the diagnosis and management of the disease. Herein, we demonstrate that CP can effectively suppress the activity of 17E DNAzyme (17E) by chelating Zn(Ⅱ), which is the cofactor of 17E. As the inhibition efficiency of CP on the DNAzyme is proportional to the concentration of CP, the detection of CP can be readily achieved by assessing the activity of 17E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C70 is the second most abundant fullerene next to C60. In this work, the exploration of C70 based electrides is proposed by theoretical encapsulation of group I/II trimetallic clusters into the C70 cage. Herein, we provide computational evidence that endohedral metallofullerenes M3@C70 (M = Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) can exist stably by calculating encapsulation energies and analyzing atom centered density matrix propagation molecular dynamics simulations. According to the results of the atoms in molecules analysis, electron localization functions and nonlinear optical properties, M3@C70 (M = Li, Be, Mg, Ca) fullerenes are identified as electrides. Interestingly, Li3@C70 and Be3@C70 are the systems with better electride performances among alkali metal and alkaline earth metal systems, respectively. It is worth noting that C70 can improve the polarizability and first hyperpolarizability of electrides compared with C60. Our work unearths the potential of M3@C70 electride systems and paves the way for the research of C70-based electrides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving charge transfer efficiency via vibronic coupling is vital to the performance of semiconducting surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Previous attempts have focused on defects‐based metastable‐state assisted band structure matching strategy to enhance vibronic coupling. However, defect‐related charge transfer transitions can be easily deteriorated due to enhanced phonon‐assisted relaxation upon continuous laser irradiation. Herein, perovskite‐based steady‐state assisted band structure matching strategy is proposed to enhance vibronic coupling within perovskite‐molecule charge transfer complex, leading to remarkable Raman enhancement up to 5.9 × 106. Particularly, vibronic coupling can be modulated by tuning valence band position and introducing ultrathin Au coating, which allows selective enhancement of molecules with different band structures, including narrow‐bandgap molecules and wide‐bandgap molecules. Importantly, based on intrinsically stable conduction band and valence band states, this system achieves ultrahigh photostability, preserving 91.3% of the original intensity after 50 000 s of irradiation. This system also provides an outstanding tool for trace molecular detection, allowing sensitive and selective identification of 9 types of gastric cancer related aldehydes, which enables distinguishing the breath of gastric cancer patients from healthy controls with a discriminatory accuracy of 81.09%. This study is anticipated to shed new light into the future strategy design of efficient and stable semiconducting SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasonably optimizing the urban rail transit stop plan from the perspective of bounded rational cognition of passengers regarding their travel choices is an important way to improve riding environment, transportation capacity, and service quality. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of passengers' bounded rational choice behaviour, starting from two aspects of travel time and congestion, the prospect theory is applied to describe optimization goals: maximum travel time savings and maximum congestion costs savings. Subsequently, an urban rail transit stop plan optimization model is constructed, and a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm with the elite strategy is designed to solve the model, and stop plans based on the calculated Pareto solution set are selected. A case study of an urban rail transit with 13 station nodes verifies the research conclusion as follows: compared with the traditional station stopping plan, the skip‐stop plan has better passenger flow adaptability, in which the average travel time of passengers is shortened by 22.57 min at most, and the congestion degree is reduced by 10.93% at most. Based on this, the impact of different factors on the stop plan, such as the target weight, passenger flow, and behavioural parameters, is further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pattern recognition, also called "array sensing," is a recognition strategy with a wide and expandable analysis range, based on high-throughput analysis data. In this work, we constructed a sensor array for the identification of targets including bacterial pathogens and proteins by using FAM-labeled DNA probes and 2D nanosheet materials. We designed an ordered and extendible DNA library for the collection of recognition probes. Unlike traditional DNA probes with random and massive sequences, our DNA library was constructed following a 5-digit binary number (00000–11111, 0 = CCC, and 1 = TTT), and especially, 8 special symmetry sequences were chosen from the library. Two different nanosheet materials were used as the quencher. When targets were added, the interaction between DNA and the nanosheets was competitively affected, and as a result, the fluorescence signal changed accordingly. Finally, by using our fluorescent sensor array, 17 bacteria and 8 proteins were precisely recognized. We believe that our work has provided a simple and valuable strategy for the improvement of the recognition range and discrimination precision for the development of pattern recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Driven by the era of big data and the development of artificial intelligence, potential traffic patterns can be obtained by analysing the numerous data. Metro has become an essential transport infrastructure and the passenger volume provides the basic support for the optimisation of the metro system. Thus, accurate forecasting of the volume is extremely required. In this study, a model for improving the accuracy and stability of metro passenger volume prediction named VMD‐TPE‐LightGBM (light gradient boosting machine) is proposed. The original dataset is firstly regrouped both in the station and chronological order while the time interval is reset as 10‐minute. Time features for extracting the hidden patterns are extracted by analysing the variation tendency of the passenger volume. For enhancing the precision, the variational mode decomposition algorithm is applied to decompose the original data series. Then each of the modes is regarded as the input of the LightGBM model, which are optimised by a tuning method named the tree of Parzen estimators and K‐fold cross‐validation. According to this process, the final forecasting results are acquired by reconstructing the predicted modes. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model performs superior to all the comparisons and has an impressive effect on short‐term metro passenger volume forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on discrete dynamic optimization on train rescheduling on single-track railway with the consideration of train punctuality and station satisfaction degree. A discrete dynamic system is firstly described to mimic train rescheduling, and a state transition function is specially designed according to the train departure event. The purpose of this function is to improve simulation efficiency by directly confirming the next discrete time. After the construction and analysis of optimization models to discrete dynamic system, a two-stage heuristic search strategy is developed, by using clustering hierarchy theory and stochastic search strategy, to obtain train departure time and arrival time before each state transition of the system. Finally, a numerical experiment is conducted to verify the proposed system, models, and the heuristic search strategy. The result shows that the discrete dynamic system, together with the state transition function and heuristic search strategy, shows better performance in simulation efficiency and solution quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular material under high-velocity impact exhibits a typical feature of layerwise collapse. A cell-based finite element model is employed herein to simulate the direct impact of a closed-cell foam, and one-dimensional velocity field distributions are obtained to characterize the crushing band propagating through a cellular material. An explicit expression for the continuous velocity distribution is derived based on the features of the velocity gradient distribution. The velocity distribution function is adopted to determine the dynamic stress–strain states of cellular materials under dynamic loading. The local stress–strain history distribution reveals that sectional cells experience a process from the precursor elastic behavior to the shock stress state, passing through the dynamic initial crushing state. A power-law relation between the dynamic initial crushing stress and the strain rate is established, which confirms the strain rate effect of cellular materials. By extracting the critical points immediately before the unloading stage in the local dynamic stress–strain history curves, the dynamic stress–strain states of cellular materials are determined. They exhibit loading rate dependence but are independent of the initial impact velocity. Furthermore, with increase of the relative density, the dynamic hardening behavior of the cellular specimen is enhanced and the crushing process event is advanced. The particle velocity-based analytical method is applied to analyze the dynamic responses of cellular materials. This method is better than continuum-based shock models, since it does not require a preassumed constitutive relation. Therefore, the particle velocity-based analytical method proposed herein may provide new ideas to carry out dynamic experimental measurements, which is especially applicable to inhomogeneous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a nonenzymatic electrochemical biosensor for glucose detection was developed based on an Au@Pt core–shell nanoparticle-decorated MoS2 (MoS2–Au@Pt) nanohybrid. Such designed MoS2-based nanohybrid possessed the advantages of MoS2 nanosheets with a large surface area and noble bimetallic nanoparticles with high catalytic ability, making the MoS2–Au@Pt nanocomposite modified electrode exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of glucose due to their synergistic effect. As expected, the MoS2-based electrochemical biosensor showed a wide linear response over glucose concentration ranging from 10 μM to 3 mM with a low detection limit of 1.08 μM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the as-prepared electrochemical biosensor also showed excellent selectivity and stability, which could be employed to determine glucose in real samples with acceptable results. The MoS2-Au@Pt nanohybrid could be a promising candidate material for the construction of a high performance sensing platform for chemical/biological molecule detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiproxy approach including bulk organic carbon, δC, lignin phenols, and lipid biomarker analyses were applied to characterize the source and composition of sedimentary organic matter in the head part of Three Gorges Reservoir. OM consisted of both natural (autochthonous and allochthonous) and anthropogenic inputs. The natural OM included input from vascular plants, especially non-woody angiosperms. The allochthonous input included plankton and microbial production, likely due to localized eutrophication. Anthropogenic inputs likely derived from petroleum input and/or urban activities. Other anthropogenic inputs were untreated sewage waste. These influences were concluded to be regionally specific point sources of pollution based on relative distributions and on the fact that molecular characteristics of sedimentary OM were not distributed smoothly along a gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to coordinate the complex relationship between supplies distribution and path selection, some influential factors must be taken into account such as the insufficient remaining capacity of the road and uncertainty of travel time during supplies distribution and transportation. After the structure of emergency logistics network is analyzed, the travel time Bayes risk function of path and the total loss Bayes risk function of the disaster area are proposed. With the emergency supplies total transportation unit loss as the goal, an emergency logistics network optimization model under crowded conditions is established by the Bayes decision theory and solved by the improved ant colony algorithm. Then, a case of the model is validated to prove that the emergency logistics network optimization model is effective in congested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting quantity trait locus (QTLs) and elite alleles that are associated with grain-filling rate (GFR) in rice is essential for promoting the utilization of hybrid japonica rice and improving rice yield. Ninety-five varieties including 58 landraces and 37 elite varieties from the core germplasm collection were genotyped with 263 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The GFR of the 95 varieties was evaluated at five stages, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after flowering (DAF) both in 2011 and 2012. We found abundant phenotypic and genetic diversity in the studied population. A population structure analysis identified seven subpopulations. A linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis indicated that the levels of LD ranged from 60.3 cM to 84.8 cM and artificial selection had enhanced the LD. A time-course association analysis detected 31 marker-GFR associations involving 24 SSR markers located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 of rice at five stages. The elite alleles for high GFR at each stage were detected. Fifteen excellent parental combinations were predicted, and the best parental combination ‘Nannongjing62401×Laolaihong’ could theoretically increase 4.086 mg grain-1 d-1 at the five stages. Our results demonstrate that the time-course association mapping for GFR in rice could detect elite alleles at different filling stages and that these elite alleles could be used to improve the GFR via pyramiding breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To find the longitudinal genetic effects on mandibular position in mixed dentition. Methods The sample used in this study consisted of lateral cephalograms of eighty-nine pairs of female twins in Beijing. With a mixed longitudinal method, the effective twins were 183 pairs (monozygous 110 pairs and dizygous 73 ones). The genetic and environmental effects on mandibular position were analyzed by statistical methods in female twins from six to twelve years old. Results Statistical comparisons revealed significant (P<0.05) environmental effects on the angles (ArGo' Me, SArGo', SN-MP, FH-MP, PP-MP), the depths (L1, L2, L3), and the heights (Hi, H3) of mandibular; whilst genetic effects on the angle (NSAr) and the heights (H1, H2, H3, H4) (P<0.05); and family inheritance effects can be founded in the angles (ArGo' Me, SN-MP, NSGn, SGn-FH) (P<0.05). Conclusion The effect of inheritance on mandibular position is strong, while environmental impact is relatively weak. Stronger genetic influence on heights is shown than that on depths. The environmental influence on depths and heights is different. Using Ba as a reference, the depth of the chin is the most subjective to environment change, then the mandibular angle, and the condyle is the least. Using N and S as references, the environmental influence on heights showed different order from the most to least changeable: The mandibular angle, the condyle and the chin. In later stage of our observation, the mandibular morphology and growth type might be family inherited. For environmental influences plays important roles on mandibular position, these findings can be used in orthodontic treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is involved in a wide variety of pathologies, and fullerene has been shown to have an antioxidant ability. Mycotoxins exert toxic effects through induction of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we evaluated water-soluble fullerene C60 for its anti-mycotoxin and antioxidant effects in vitro and in vivo. Intestinal epithelial cells were cultured with fullerene during deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure. The results revealed that fullerene C60 significantly promoted cell viability, decreased apoptosis and necrotic cell number, and significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels during DON exposure (p < 0.05). To investigate the role of fullerene in antioxidant capacity in vivo further, 40 three-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups. There were no significant differences between the control and fullerene groups (p > 0.05). In mice exposed to DON, supplementation with fullerene C60 significantly improved growth performance, and enhanced the total antioxidant status and the activities of SOD and GPX in the intestine and liver (p < 0.05). In addition, fullerene C60 supplementation improved intestinal morphology, as indicated by a higher villus height and tight junction protein expression (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fullerene supplementation decreased serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a penetrability marker) compared to the DON-challenged group (p < 0.05). The current study suggests that fullerene C60 improves intestinal antioxidant status against DON-induced oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and ultrasensitive fluorometric method is described for the determination of HIV DNA. It exploits the strong difference in the affinities of MoS2 nanosheets for long ssDNA versus short oligonucleotide fragments. In addition, efficient signal amplification is accomplished by exonuclease III-assisted target recycling. When absorbed on the MoS2 nanosheets, the fluorescence of the FAM-labeled ssDNA probe (FP) is quenched. However, in the presence of HIV DNA, the FP hybridizes with target to form a duplex. As a result, the FP in the duplex will be stepwise hydrolyzed into short fragments by Exo III, and the fluorescence signal thus is retained because short fragments have low affinity for the MoS2 nanosheets. By using the Exo III-assisted target recycling amplification, the detection sensitivity is strongly improved. The sensor can detect DNA in a concentration as low as 5.3 pM (at an S/N ratio of 3), and the analytical range extends from 0.01 nM to 10 nM. The assay is simple, sensitive and specific, and conceivably represents a valuable tool in clinical studies related to the HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]