Search

To improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy as a medical implant, a Zr-containing micro-arc oxidation-polylactic acid (MAO-PLA) composite coating was successfully prepared. The microstructure, phase composition, and corrosion resistance of the coating were studied by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and electrochemical workstation. The results show that the micropores and cracks on the surface of MAO coating can be sealed by PLA, which makes the corrosion rate of the sealed sample minimum. And, in the process of immersion corrosion of simulated body fluid (SBF), calcium and phosphorus deposits are formed on the surface of the composite coating, and PLA coating plays a major role in protecting the substrate. The composite coating can be applied to degradable magnesium-based orthopedic implants.

The effect of storms driven by solar wind high‐speed streams (HSSs) on the high‐latitude ionosphere is inadequately understood. We study the ionospheric F‐region during a moderate magnetic storm on 14 March 2016 using the EISCAT Tromsø and Svalbard radar latitude scans. AMPERE field‐aligned current (FAC) measurements are also utilized. Long‐duration 5‐day electron density depletions (20%–80%) are the dominant feature outside of precipitation‐dominated midnight and morning sectors. Depletions are found in two major regions. In the afternoon to evening sector (12–21 magnetic local time, MLT) the depleted region is 10°${}^{\circ}$–18°${}^{\circ}$magnetic latitude (MLAT) in width, with the largest latitudinal extent 62°${}^{\circ}$–80°${}^{\circ}$MLAT in the afternoon. The second region is in the morning to pre‐noon sector (04–10 MLT), where the depletion region occurs at 72°${}^{\circ}$–80°${}^{\circ}$MLAT within the auroral oval and extends to the polar cap. Using EISCAT ion temperature and ion velocity data, we show that local ion‐frictional heating is observed roughly in 50% of the depleted regions with ion temperature increase by 200 K or more. For the rest of the depletions, we suggest that the mechanism is composition changes due to ion‐neutral frictional heating transported by neutral winds. Even though depleted F‐regions may occur within any of the large‐scale FAC regions or outside of them, the downward FAC regions (R2 in the afternoon and evening, R0 in the afternoon, and R1 in the morning) are favored, suggesting that downward currents carried by upward moving ionospheric electrons may provide a small additional effect for depletion. We study the effects of a moderate magnetic storm in March 2016 driven by solar wind high‐speed streams in the high latitude ionosphere. The EISCAT incoherent scatter radar latitudinal scans in Tromsø, Northern Norway, and on Svalbard island are utilized together with other ground‐based and satellite measurements. A strong, long‐duration decrease in electron density at 290 km altitude is observed for the first 5 days of the storm in two distinct local time sectors. In the afternoon to evening local time sector, the depletion covers a broad range of latitudes from the polar cap to the subauroral latitudes, while in the morning to prenoon sector, it covers a smaller range of latitudes, mainly within the auroral oval and extends to the polar cap. We show that ion‐neutral frictional heating due to strong plasma flows plays a major role in generating the depletion in the high‐latitude ionosphere. Additionally, depleted regions favor the downward field‐aligned current regions. Strong long‐duration F‐peak electron density decrease is seen by EISCAT radars for 5 days during a high‐speed stream driven magnetic stormDepleted F‐region covers a broad latitude range from polar cap to subauroral latitudes in the afternoon‐evening magnetic local time sectorIon‐neutral frictional heating is shown to play a crucial role in electron density depletion Strong long‐duration F‐peak electron density decrease is seen by EISCAT radars for 5 days during a high‐speed stream driven magnetic storm Depleted F‐region covers a broad latitude range from polar cap to subauroral latitudes in the afternoon‐evening magnetic local time sector Ion‐neutral frictional heating is shown to play a crucial role in electron density depletion

To improve the corrosion resistance of 7075 aluminum alloy microarc oxidation (MAO) coating, graphene of 3 g/L was adsorbed and deposited in the coating. Then, the microarc oxidation–sol–gel (MAO-SG) composite coating was obtained by sealing the micropores of the coating with TiO2sol–gel. Electrochemical tests of 7075 aluminum alloy matrix, undoped sample, doped graphene sample and sealed sample were carried out in 3.5wt.% NaCl solution. The results show that compared with the blank sample, the self-corrosion potential of the sealed sample is increased by 98.1%, and the self-corrosion current density is reduced by 4 orders of magnitude. After immersion corrosion for 720 h, the corrosion rate of MAO-SG composite coating is 3.4 × 10–5mm/a, and its corrosion resistance is still better than that of single MAO coating. This is due to the strong conductivity of graphene and the blocking effect of TiO2sol–gel.

An immiscible glass system consisting of a continuous silica-rich phase and a discontinuous droplet phase enriched in phosphorus form the glassy framework for a novel magnetite glass-ceramic. Upon cooling from the molten state, the material phase separates into the droplet-in-matrix structure and magnetite precipitates spontaneously within the phosphorus-enriched droplet phase. Magnetic hysteresis curves of an exemplary magnetite glass-ceramic show a saturation magnetization of ∼20 emu/g and magnetic remanence of 2.6 emu/g for a maximum externally applied field of 30 kOe. This novel material space provides a simple and economical means to produce magnetite glass-ceramics with potential suitability for a variety of biomedical applications.

This study focuses on the poorly known effect of polar cap patches (PCPs) on the ion‐neutral coupling in the F‐region. The PCPs were identified by total electron content measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and the ionospheric parameters from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft. The EISCAT incoherent scatter radars on Svalbard and at Tromsø, Norway observed that PCPs entered the nightside auroral oval from the polar cap and became plasma blobs. The ionospheric convection further transported the plasma blobs to the duskside. Simultaneously, long‐lasting strong upper thermospheric winds were detected in the duskside auroral oval by a Fabry‐Perot Interferometer (FPI) at Tromsø and in the polar cap by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite. Using EISCAT ion velocities and plasma parameters as well as FPI winds, the ion drag acting on neutrals and the time constant for the ion drag could be estimated. Due to the arrival of PCPs/blobs and the accompanied increase in the F‐region electron densities, the ion drag is enhanced between about 220 and 500 km altitudes. At the F peak altitudes near 300 km, the median ion drag acceleration affecting neutrals more than doubled and the associated median e‐folding time decreased from 4.4 to 2 hr. The strong neutral wind was found to be driven primarily by the ion drag force due to large‐scale ionospheric convection. Our results provide a new insight into ionosphere‐thermosphere coupling in the presence of PCPs/blobs. This study investigates how the evolution of the polar cap patches (PCPs) affects the upper layer of the Earth's atmosphere, termed the thermosphere. PCPs are dense patches of charged particles that move from the dayside to the nightside of the high‐latitude ionosphere through the polar cap region. Using the measurements by multiple ground‐based instruments and satellites, this study found that PCPs can enhance the formation of strong upper thermospheric winds. The winds are primarily driven by the ion drag force due to the interactions between charged particles and neutral gases. The results show that because of the arrival of PCPs, which increase the F‐region electron densities in the auroral oval, the ion drag acceleration acting on the neutrals can more than double and the related time constant of the ion drag can be halved. Transportation of polar cap patches (PCPs) and their development in the nightside auroral oval was observed by multiple instrumentsVery strong, long‐lasting westward upper thermospheric wind in the duskside oval was associated with large‐scale ionospheric convectionHigh electron density produced by PCPs increases the ion drag force that drives the upper thermospheric wind Transportation of polar cap patches (PCPs) and their development in the nightside auroral oval was observed by multiple instruments Very strong, long‐lasting westward upper thermospheric wind in the duskside oval was associated with large‐scale ionospheric convection High electron density produced by PCPs increases the ion drag force that drives the upper thermospheric wind

This study examined the perceptions of parental bonding, depressive experiences of self‐criticism and dependency, and the current level of depressive symptomology among 212 college students from Sabah, Malaysia. The participants completed the brief version of the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Reconstructed Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire. The results showed significant direct effects of maternal care, maternal overprotection, paternal care, self‐criticism, and dependency on depressive symptomology. In contrast, the indirect effects of self‐criticism and dependency on the relationship between parental bonding and depressive symptomology were not significant. These findings were in line with previous studies that have highlighted the significance of parent–child bonding, self‐criticism, and dependency in the development of depressive symptomology. However, they contradicted previous results on the significant indirect effects of self‐criticism and dependency. This study highlights the importance of parental care and overprotection, as they can predict the manifestation of depressive symptomology at a later stage in life.

Species of Didymellaceaehave a cosmopolitan distribution and are geographically widespread, occurring in diverse ecosystems. The family includes several important plant pathogenic fungi associated with fruit, leaf, stem and root diseases on a wide variety of hosts, as well as endophytic, saprobic and clinically relevant species. The Didymellaceaewas recently revised based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of ex-type strains subjected to DNA sequencing of partial gene data of the LSU, ITS, rpb2and tub2loci. Several poly- and paraphyletic genera, including Ascochyta, Didymellaand Phomawere redefined, along with the introduction of new genera. In the present study, a global collection of 1 124 Didymellaceaestrains from 92 countries, 121 plant families and 55 other substrates, including air, coral, human tissues, house dust, fungi, insects, soil, and water were examined via multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and detailed morphological comparisons, representing the broadest sampling of Didymellaceaeto date. Among these, 97 isolates representing seven new genera, 40 new species and 21 new combinations were newly introduced in Didymellaceae. In addition, six epitypes and six neotypes were designated to stabilise the taxonomy and use of older names. A robust, multi-locus reference phylogenetic tree of Didymellaceaewas generated. In addition, rpb2was revealed as the most effective locus for the identification of Didymellaceaeat species level, and is proposed as a secondary DNA marker for the family.

This paper represents the third contribution in the Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) series. The series provides morphological descriptions, information about the pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms for the treated genera, as well as primary and secondary DNA barcodes for the currently accepted species included in these. This third paper in the GOPHY series treats 21 genera of phytopathogenic fungi and their relatives including: Allophoma, Alternaria, Brunneosphaerella, Elsinoe, Exserohilum, Neosetophoma, Neostagonospora, Nothophoma, Parastagonospora, Phaeosphaeriopsis, Pleiocarpon, Pyrenophora, Ramichloridium, Seifertia, Seiridium, Septoriella, Setophoma, Stagonosporopsis, Stemphylium, Tubakiaand Zasmidium. This study includes three new genera, 42 new species, 23 new combinations, four new names, and three typifications of older names.

The high‐latitude ionosphere‐thermosphere system is strongly affected by the magnetospheric energy input during magnetospheric substorms. In this study, we investigate the response of the upper thermospheric winds to four substorm events by using the Fabry‐Perot interferometer at Tromsø, Norway, the International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects magnetometers, the EISCAT radar, and an all‐sky camera. The upper thermospheric winds had distinct responses to substorm phases. During the growth phase, westward acceleration of the wind was observed in the premidnight sector within the eastward electrojet region. We suggest that the westward acceleration of the neutral wind is caused by the ion drag force associated with the large‐scale westward plasma convection within the eastward electrojet. During the expansion phase, the zonal wind had a prompt response to the intensification of the westward electrojet (WEJ) overhead Tromsø. The zonal wind was accelerated eastward, which is likely to be associated with the eastward plasma convection within the substorm current wedge. During the expansion and recovery phases, the meridional wind was frequently accelerated to the southward direction, when the majority of the substorm WEJ current was located on the poleward side of Tromsø. We suggest that this meridional wind acceleration is related to a pressure gradient produced by Joule heating within the substorm WEJ region. In addition, strong atmospheric gravity waves during the expansion and the recovery phases were observed. Ion drag plays an important role in acceleration of the zonal wind during substormsEastward acceleration of the zonal wind is associated with intensification of westward electrojet during the expansion and recovery phasesObserved meridional wind acceleration may be produced by pressure gradient caused by the Joule heating

Species of Sporocadaceaeare endophytic, plant pathogenic or saprobic, and associated with a wide range of host plants. Recent molecular studies that have attempted to address familial and generic boundaries of fungi belonging to Sporocadaceaewere based on a limited number of samples and DNA loci. The taxonomy of this group of fungi is therefore still not fully resolved. The aim of the present study is to provide a natural classification for the Sporocadaceaebased on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, using LSU, ITS, tef-1α, tub2and rpb2loci, in combination with morphological data. A total of 30 well-supported monophyletic clades in Sporocadaceaeare recognised, representing 23 known and seven new genera. Typifications are proposed for the type species of five genera (Diploceras, Discosia, Monochaetia, Sporocadusand Truncatella) to stabilise the application of these names. Furthermore, Neotruncatellaand Dyrithiopsisare synonymised under Hymenopleella, and the generic circumscriptions of Diploceras, Disaeta, Hymenopleella, Monochaetia, Morinia, Pseudopestalotiopsis, Sarcostroma, Seimatosporium, Synnemapestaloidesand Truncatellaare emended. A total of 51 new species, one nomina novaand 15 combinations are introduced.

AimsAdductor canal block (ACB) has emerged as an alternative to femoral nerve block (FNB) for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The optimal duration of maintenance of the ACB is still questionable. The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic benefits and physiotherapy (PT) outcomes of single-shot ACB to two different regimens of infusion of the continuous ACB, 24-hour and 48-hour infusion.Patients and MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized, unblinded study. A total of 159 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III patients scheduled for primary TKA were randomized to one of three study groups. Three patients did not complete the study, leaving 156 patients for final analysis. Group A (n = 53) was the single-shot group (16 female patients and 37 male patients with a mean age of 63.9 years (sd9.6)), group B (n = 51) was the 24-hour infusion group (22 female patients and 29 male patients with a mean age of 66.5 years (sd8.5)), and group C (n = 52) was the 48-hour infusion group (18 female patients and 34 male patients with a mean age of 62.2 years (sd8.7)). Pain scores, opioid requirements, PT test results, and patient-reported outcome instruments were compared between the three groups.ResultsThe proportion of patients reporting severe pain, defined as a pain score of between 7 and 10, on postoperative day number 2 (POD 2) were 21% for the single-shot group, 14% for the 24-hour block group, and 12% for the 48-hour block group (p = 0.05). Cumulative opioid requirements after 48 hours were similar between the groups. Functional outcomes were similar in all three groups in POD 1 and POD 2.ConclusionThere was no clear benefit of the 24-hour or 48-hour infusions over the single-shot ACB for the primary endpoint of the study. Otherwise, there were marginal benefits for keeping the indwelling catheter for 48 hours in terms of reducing the number of patients with moderate pain and improving the quality of pain management. However, all three groups had similar opioid usage, length of hospital stay, and functional outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2019;101-B:340–347.

A thermospheric wind data set from a Fabry‐Perot interferometer (630 nm) and the ion velocity from a Dynasonde in Tromsø, Norway, was analyzed for nine winter seasons to study the dynamics of the thermosphere and F‐region ionosphere at an auroral latitude. This study focused on bifurcation in the zonal component of the neutral wind and ion velocity at midnight and its dependence on the Y component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Ionospheric plasma convection patterns are evidently imprinted on the thermospheric wind variations as aspects of the westward and eastward accelerations at dusk and late morning, respectively. The zonal wind bifurcates immediately before midnight for IMF By< 0, but for By> 0, it inverts gradually into the postmidnight sector. Neutral wind streams, originating from higher latitudes, may result in the dependence because of anti‐sunward plasma flow distorted in the polar cap. The ionosphere is partially ionized plasma, but the particle minority of ions plays an important role in controlling dynamics of the thermosphere. Particle collision is the fundamental process for momentum transfer from ionospheric ions to thermospheric neutral particles. The ionospheric plasma flow pattern at high latitudes depends on the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and the pattern may be projected on the thermospheric wind. However, the dependence is not yet well understood. This study derived statistical experimental features regarding the dependence of the thermospheric wind, analyzing data from an optical interferometer (Fabry‐Perot interferometer) and a radio wave technique (Dynasonde) in Tromsø, Norway. The wind pattern around midnight is different from the ionospheric plasma convection, in accordance with the IMF direction. The zonal wind bifurcates immediately before midnight for IMF By< 0, but for By> 0, it inverts gradually into the postmidnight sector. Neutral wind streams, originating from higher latitudes, may cause the dependence because of anti‐sunward plasma flow distortion in the polar cap. In summary, this study concludes that the zonal wind bifurcation at auroral latitudes is caused by the ion velocity bifurcation, and that advection from the polar cap region affects the wind response time to the ion velocity bifurcation. The thermospheric wind from a Fabry‐Perot interferometer (630 nm) and the ionospheric plasma velocity from a Dynasonde were comparedThe zonal wind bifurcates immediately before midnight for interplanetary magnetic field By< 0, but for By> 0, it inverts gradually into the postmidnight sectorThe wind bifurcation signature is different from the ion velocity bifurcation, probably due to advection from the polar cap region The thermospheric wind from a Fabry‐Perot interferometer (630 nm) and the ionospheric plasma velocity from a Dynasonde were compared The zonal wind bifurcates immediately before midnight for interplanetary magnetic field By< 0, but for By> 0, it inverts gradually into the postmidnight sector The wind bifurcation signature is different from the ion velocity bifurcation, probably due to advection from the polar cap region

Many schizophrenia susceptibility loci have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European populations. However, until recently, schizophrenia GWASs in non-European populations were limited to small sample sizes and have yielded few loci associated with schizophrenia. To identify genetic risk variations for schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population, we performed a two-stage GWAS of schizophrenia comprising 4384 cases and 5770 controls, followed by independent replications of 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in an additional 4339 schizophrenia cases and 7043 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Furthermore, we conducted additional analyses based on the results in the discovery stage. The combined analysis confirmed evidence of genome-wide significant associations in the Han Chinese population for three loci, at 2p16.1 (rs1051061, in an exon of VRK2, P=1.14 × 10−12, odds ratio (OR)=1.17), 6p22.1 (rs115070292 in an intron of GABBR1, P=4.96 × 10−10, OR=0.77) and 10q24.32 (rs10883795 in an intron of AS3MT, P=7.94 × 10−10, OR=0.87; rs10883765 at an intron of ARL3, P=3.06 × 10−9, OR=0.87). The polygenic risk score based on Psychiatric Genomics Consortium schizophrenia GWAS data modestly predicted case–control status in the Chinese population (Nagelkerke R2: 1.7% ~5.7%). Our pathway analysis suggested that neurological biological pathways such as GABAergic signaling, dopaminergic signaling, cell adhesion molecules and myelination pathways are involved in schizophrenia. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population. Further studies are needed to establish the biological context and potential clinical utility of these findings.

The Didymellaceaeis one of the most species-rich families in the fungal kingdom, and includes species that inhabit a wide range of ecosystems. The taxonomy of Didymellaceaehas recently been revised on the basis of multi-locus DNA sequence data. In the present study, we investigated 108 Didymellaceaeisolates newly obtained from 40 host plant species in 27 plant families, and various substrates from caves, including air, water and carbonatite, originating from Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Africa, the Netherlands, the USA and former Yugoslavia. Among these, 68 isolates representing 32 new taxa are recognised based on the multi-locus phylogeny using sequences of LSU, ITS, rpb2and tub2, and morphological differences. Within the Didymellaceae, five genera appeared to be limited to specific host families, with other genera having broader host ranges. In total 19 genera are recognised in the family, with Heracleicolabeing reduced to synonymy under Ascochyta. This study has significantly improved our understanding on the distribution and biodiversity of Didymellaceae, although the placement of several genera still need to be clarified.

This study investigates socioeconomic differences in prevalence, awareness, control and self-management of hypertension in rural China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province: Na Xi, Li Shu, Dai and Jing Po. Approximately 5532 consenting individuals aged ⩾35 years (48.4% of whom were male) were selected to participate in the study using a stratified, multistage sampling technique. Information about participants’ demographic characteristics and hypertension awareness, treatment, control and self-management practices was obtained using a standard questionnaire. The age-standardised prevalence of hypertension in the study population was 33.6%. In hypertensive subjects, the overall levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 42.1%, 28.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Approximately 58.7% of hypertensive patients regularly self-monitored blood pressure (BP), 64.7% adhered to their physician-prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs, and 88.0% took at least one measure to control BP. Hypertensive patients of Jing Po ethnicity had the lowest rates of awareness, treatment, control and self-management of hypertension among the four ethnic minority groups studied. Individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to be hypertensive. Further, individuals with lower levels of education had a lower probability of awareness of their hypertensive status and of treatment with antihypertensive medication. Access to medical services was positively associated with awareness of suffering from hypertension, being treated with antihypertensive medication, and compliance with antihypertensive drug treatment. This study suggests that effective strategies to enhance awareness, treatment and management of hypertension should focus on individuals with low levels of education and poor access to medical services.

Understanding photochemical processes on nanomaterials is key to developing effective photocatalysts. Herein, methanol oxidation and reduction is used to probe the thermal and photochemical properties of rutile titania nanowires grown using a hydrothermal method. The presence of oxygen vacancy defects leads to methoxy formation and subsequent disproportionation to formaldehyde and methanol at 700 K. Methane and dimethyl ether are also produced in minor quantities. Oxygen adatoms enhance the formation of methoxy, which led to an increase in the disproportionation products and dimethyl ether at high temperature and a decreased amount of methane. The thermal reactivity of the nanowires parallels that of rutile TiO2(110) single crystals. Photo-oxidation of methoxy using UV light produced formaldehyde and methyl formate. These product yields were enhanced on nanowires with oxygen adatoms, but a majority of methoxy (∼70%) is notphotoactive. In contrast, all methoxy is photo-oxidized on rutile TiO2(110) when O-adatoms are present. This difference indicates that holes created in the nanowires during UV excitation do not migrate to most of the methoxya required step for methoxy photo-oxidation. This lack of activity could be due to either trapping of holes in the material or different binding of the inactive methoxy. These studies demonstrate that while charge carriers can be efficiently created in nanowires differences in chemical properties can suppress photo-oxidation.

Background/Objectives:: Epidemiological results on the association between tea consumption and oral cancer remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the exact relationship between tea consumption and oral cancer in Chinese population. Subjects/Methods:: A large-scale case–control study was conducted on 586 oral cancer patients and 1024 controls frequency-matched by age and gender. Epidemiological data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a structure questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of tea consumption on oral cancer stratified by smoking, alcohol drinking and demographics. Quantity of tea consumed (ml/day) was categorized into five subgroups based on quartiles and then its interactions was evaluated with tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking at each subgroup. Results:: Tea consumption showed an inverse association with oral cancer for non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers (the odds ratios (ORs) were 0.610 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.425–0.876) and 0.686 (95% CI: 0.503–0.934), respectively). For smokers or alcohol drinkers, decreased risk was only observed in those who consumed >800 ml/day. Furthermore, oolong tea consumption was associated with decreased risk of oral cancer in smokers or alcohol drinkers but not in non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers. Tea consumption combined with smoking or/and alcohol drinking had a greater risk than tea consumption alone, but the risk was roughly reduced from zero to Q4 (>800 ml/day). Additionally, when stratified by demographics, the protective effect of tea was especially evident in females, urban residents, normal body mass index population (18.5–23.9), farmers, office workers and those aged &lt;60 years. Conclusions:: Tea consumption protects against oral cancer in non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers, but this effect may be obscured in smokers or alcohol drinkers. Additionally, demographics may modify the association between tea consumption and oral cancer.

Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) is introduced as a new series of publications in order to provide a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi. This first paper focuses on 21 genera of phytopathogenic fungi: Bipolaris, Boeremia, Calonectria, Ceratocystis, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Coniella, Curvularia, Monilinia, Neofabraea, Neofusicoccum, Pilidium, Pleiochaeta, Plenodomus, Protostegia, Pseudopyricularia, Puccinia, Saccharata, Thyrostroma, Venturiaand Wilsonomyces. For each genus, a morphological description and information about its pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms are provided. In addition, this information is linked to primary and secondary DNA barcodes of the presently accepted species, and relevant literature. Moreover, several novelties are introduced, i.e. new genera, species and combinations, and neo-, lecto- and epitypes designated to provide a stable taxonomy. This first paper includes one new genus, 26 new species, ten new combinations, and four typifications of older names.

This paper presents the design and preliminary evaluation of small-pixel CdTe gamma ray detectors equipped with a hybrid pixel-waveform (HPWF) readout system for gamma ray imaging applications with additional discussion on CZT due to its similarity. The HPWF readout system utilizes a pixelated anode readout circuitry which is designed to only provide the pixel address. This readout circuitry works in coincidence with a high-speed digitizer to sample the cathode waveform which provides the energy, timing, and depth-of-interaction (DOI) information. This work focuses on the developed and experimentally evaluated prototype HPWF-CdTe detectors with a custom CMOS pixel-ASIC to readout small anode pixels of $350~\mu \text {m}$ in size, and a discrete waveform sampling circuitry to digitize the signal waveform induced on the large cathode. The intrinsic timing, energy, and spatial resolution were experimentally evaluated in this paper in conjunction with methods for depth of interaction (DOI) partitioning of the CdTe crystal. While the experimental studies discussed in this paper are primarily for evaluating HPWF detectors for small animal PET imaging, these detectors could find their applications for ultrahigh-resolution SPECT and other imaging modalities.

Multiple transpolar arcs appearing simultaneously in the polar cap have gained much interest in recent years. By analyzing Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imagers data, we report for the first time, that less than half of the multiple arc events occur simultaneously in both hemispheres. In 60% of the cases, multiple arcs appear in only one hemisphere. There is a clear difference in interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions for those two groups. Conjugate multiple arcs appear on average during stronger northward IMF and smaller IMF clock angles than non‐conjugate multiple arcs. Only non‐conjugate multiple arcs show a dependence on IMF BX. They form in the northern (southern) hemisphere during negative (positive) BX. An IMF BXinduced interhemispheric asymmetry in the magnetospheric field line topology might explain why multiple arcs appear sometimes in only one hemisphere. Occasionally, multiple auroral arcs form far poleward of the main auroral oval. These multiple transpolar arcs were so far believed to almost always be conjugate (appearing in both hemispheres simultaneously). We show for the first time that more than half of them appear in only one hemisphere. Conjugate multiple arcs appear when the magnetic field in the solar wind (IMF) is strongly northward. Non‐conjugate multiple arcs show a less strong dependency on northward IMF. Interestingly, we found a clear correlation between non‐conjugate multiple arc events and IMF BX. This is unexpected, as in general, polar auroral arcs do not show any clear dependence on BX. Non‐conjugate multiple arcs appear mainly in the southern hemisphere when the IMF points sunward, and in the northern hemisphere when it points tailward. As IMF BXis known to introduce an interhemispheric asymmetry in the field‐line topology close to the reconnection sites, this may affect the formation of multiple arcs differently in the two hemispheres, and thus might explain the non‐conjugacy of those events. Multiple transpolar arcs (TPAs) appear during stronger northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) than isolated TPAsHemisphere‐conjugate multiple TPAs appear for smaller IMF clock angles than non‐conjugate multiple arcsNon‐conjugate multiple arcs show an IMF BXdependence with northern (southern) hemisphere arcs appearing for negative (positive) BX Multiple transpolar arcs (TPAs) appear during stronger northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) than isolated TPAs Hemisphere‐conjugate multiple TPAs appear for smaller IMF clock angles than non‐conjugate multiple arcs Non‐conjugate multiple arcs show an IMF BXdependence with northern (southern) hemisphere arcs appearing for negative (positive) BX

In this work, we investigate the interhemispheric transpolar arc (TPA) conjugacy using four previously published datasets based on Polar UV images, DMSP particle data, and IMAGE images, and a new TPA list based on DMSP SSUSI images during 1 Sep to 15 Oct 2015. IMF Bx${B}_{\mathrm{x}}$and the Earth's dipole tilt have often been suggested to influence the TPA conjugacy, as both induce a north‐south asymmetry on the magnetosphere. However, by comparing these parameters at TPA formation with the background distribution for each dataset, we find that neither the dipole tilt nor Bx${B}_{\mathrm{x}}$plays a major role for the TPA conjugacy in four of the five datasets. The well‐known correlation between initial TPA location and IMF By${B}_{\mathrm{y}}$appears in all datasets with information about the TPA formation. In addition, we find that a minority of dawnside TPAs form during the “wrong” By${B}_{\mathrm{y}}$sign. In the northern (southern) hemisphere, dawn TPAs appear also during weakly duskward (dawnward) IMF. Due to the polar orbit of DMSP satellites, TPA conjugacy and location can be examined on a case‐by‐case basis with the new dataset. The results show that at least 73% of TPAs appear in both hemispheres simultaneously. IMF Bx${B}_{\mathrm{x}}$and dipole tilt values for conjugate TPAs do not differ from those for non‐conjugate TPAs. Most conjugate (isolated) TPAs appear on opposite oval sides in each hemisphere (57%). Interestingly, in case northern and southern hemisphere TPAs form on the same oval side, they appear typically at dawn during weak IMF By${B}_{\mathrm{y}}$. Most transpolar arcs appear simultaneously in both hemispheres on opposite oval sides, however in some cases they both form at dawnStatistically, neither IMF Bx${B}_{\mathrm{x}}$nor the Earth's dipole tilt influence the interhemispheric conjugacy of transpolar arcsOur data analysis strongly suggests that the solar wind energy flux influences the transpolar arc luminosity but not the occurrence rate Most transpolar arcs appear simultaneously in both hemispheres on opposite oval sides, however in some cases they both form at dawn Statistically, neither IMF Bx${B}_{\mathrm{x}}$nor the Earth's dipole tilt influence the interhemispheric conjugacy of transpolar arcs Our data analysis strongly suggests that the solar wind energy flux influences the transpolar arc luminosity but not the occurrence rate

Bone marrow-derived cells have important roles in cancer development and progression. Our previous studies demonstrated that murine bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts (BMFs) enhanced tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of BMF actions. We found that co-injection of BMFs with gastric cancer cells markedly promoted tumorigenesis. Co-cultured BMFs or BMF-conditioned medium (BMF-CM) induced the formation of spheres, which expressed stem cell signatures and exhibited features of self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and tumor initiation. Furthermore, CD44+fractions in spheres were able to initiate tumorigenesis and re-establish tumors in serially passaged xenografts. In co-culture systems, BMFs secreted high levels of murine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), whereas cancer cells produced high level of transformation growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). BMF-CM and IL-6 activated BMFs to produce mHGF, which activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and upregulated TGF-β1 in human cancer cells. In return, cancer cell-CM stimulated BMFs to produce IL-6, which was inhibited by anti-TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. Blockade of HGF/Met, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 and TGF-β1 signaling by specific inhibitors inhibited BMF-induced sphere formation. STAT3 knockdown in cancer cells also inhibited BMF-induced sphere formation and tumorigenesis. Moreover, TGF-β1 overexpression in cancer cells was co-related with IL-6 and HGF overexpression in stromal cells in human gastric cancer tissues. Our results show that BMF-derived IL-6/HGF and cancer cell-derived TGF-β1 mediate the interactions between BMFs and gastric cancer cells, which regulate cancer stemness and promote tumorigenesis. Targeting inhibition of the interactions between BMFs and cancer cells may be a new strategy for cancer therapy.

The afternoon Joule heating hot spot has been studied statistically by using the EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) measurements at 75.4° Corrected Geomagnetic latitude (CGMLAT) and the OMNI solar wind data base. For a small subset of events, the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) field-aligned current distributions have been available. The main results are as follows. Afternoon Joule heating hot spots are associated with high values of ionospheric electric fields and slightly enhanced Pedersen conductances. The Joule heating hot spot values are larger in summer than in winter, which can be explained by the higher Pedersen conductances during summer than winter. The afternoon Joule heating hot spots are located close to the reversals of the large-scale field-aligned current systems. The most common location is close to the Region 1/Region 2 boundary and those events are associated with sunward convecting Fregion plasma. In a few cases, the hot spots take place close to the Region 1/Region 0 boundary and then the ionospheric plasma is convecting antisunward. The hot spots may occur both during slow (<450 km/s) and high (>450 km/s) speed solar wind conditions. During slow-speed solar wind events, the dominant interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) direction is southward, which is the general requirement for the low-latitude magnetic merging at the dayside magnetopause. During high-speed solar wind, also northward IMF conditions appear, but those are associated with large values of the IMF |By| component, making again the dayside magnetopause merging possible. Finally, the measured afternoon hot spot Joule heating rates are not a linear function of the solar wind energy coupling function. The values of afternoon Joule heating hot spot at 75 MLAT are larger in summer than in winter due to higher Pedersen conductances in summerThe location is close to the large-scale R2/R1 FAC reversal or in some cases close to the R1/R0 reversalThe hot spots may occur both during slow and high speed solar wind conditions and the events favor certain IMF orientations

Mismatch of partners in premature ejaculation (PE) regarding intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) is usually neglected. Here we proposed the concept and evaluated the use of index of IELT (IIELT) as an objective diagnostic tool for PE. Data from 103 self-reporting PE patients and 59 normal controls were collected. The expected IELTs of both the male and female partners were provided by each participating couple in two questionnaires. IIELT=stopwatch IELT/(1/2 the male’s expected IELT+1/2 the female’s expected IELT). The stopwatch IELTs were 1.74±1.4?min (PE group) and 14.45±11.0?min (control group), P<0.05. The expected IELTs were 15.65±8.7?min (men) and 14.16±6.9?min (women) in the PE group, and 21.3±16.1?min (men) and 20.04±13.47?min (women) in the control group, P<0.05. The calculated IIELTs were 0.14±0.12 (PE group) and 0.83±0.60 (control group), P<0.05. The best cut-off point was 0.658, the Youden index was 0.652, sensitivity was 0.991, specificity was 0.661, positive predictive probability was 83.46% and negative predictive probability was 97.6%. We concluded that IIELT was an integrated measurement of the couples’ sexual equilibrium and demonstrated that it provided a simple and objective screening indicator for diagnosing self-reported PE.

The Didymellaceaewas established in 2009 to accommodate Ascochyta, Didymellaand Phoma, as well as several related phoma-like genera. The family contains numerous plant pathogenic, saprobic and endophytic species associated with a wide range of hosts. Ascochytaand Phomaare morphologically difficult to distinguish, and species from both genera have in the past been linked to Didymellasexual morphs. The aim of the present study was to clarify the generic delimitation in Didymellaceaeby combing multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, rpb2and tub2, and morphological observations. The resulting phylogenetic tree revealed 17 well-supported monophyletic clades in Didymellaceae, leading to the introduction of nine genera, three species, two nomina novaand 84 combinations. Furthermore, 11 epitypes and seven neotypes were designated to help stabilise the taxonomy and use of names. As a result of these data, Ascochyta, Didymellaand Phomawere delineated as three distinct genera, and the generic circumscriptions of Ascochyta, Didymella, Epicoccumand Phomaemended. Furthermore, the genus Microsphaeropsis, which is morphologically distinct from the members of Didymellaceae, grouped basal to the Didymellaceae, for which a new family Microsphaeropsidaceaewas introduced.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of a Bacillusspp.–based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood profile, intestinal histomorphology, and fecal gas emission in piglets fed corn and soybean meal–based diets. The DFM product was based on 1 strain of Bacillus subtilisand 2 strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciensand formulated to supply 1.5 × 105cfu/g of feed. A total of 128 piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc; 6.8 ± 0.6 kg BW; weaning age: 24 d) were housed in groups (4 pigs/pen, 2 barrows and 2 gilts) and fed diets (n= 16) without or with DFM in a 2-phase feeding program: d 0 to 14 (phase I) and 15 to 42 (phase II). Feed intake and BW were measured weekly. At the end of each phase, samples for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine, ATTD, and fecal noxious gas emission were taken. At termination, 12 piglets per treatment were killed to access intestinal tissues for histomorphology. Overall, pigs fed DFM had a greater (P< 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the control diet. In phase I, pigs fed DFM showed a greater (P< 0.05) ADG and lower (P< 0.05) concentration of BUN and fecal ammonia emission than the control group. In phase II, a greater (P< 0.05) ATTD of nitrogen and longer (P< 0.05) duodenum and jejunum villi were observed in pigs fed the DFM diet compared with the control group. In conclusion, inclusion of DFM improved growth performance and villi length of the duodenum and jejunum in nursery pigs. Furthermore, DFM enhanced protein utilization as demonstrated by increased nitrogen digestibility, lower BUN, and lower fecal ammonia release.

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of exhaustive exercise on the swimming performance of Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baeriand on the time required for recovery. Critical swimming speed (Ucrit), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), speed coefficient (c), and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were measured on three groups of juvenile sturgeon by stepped velocity tests at 20°C in a fish respirometer. After a recovery period of 1 h (group 1), 1 d (group 2), or 1 week (group 3), the four parameters were determined a second time and the results compared. The Ucritof the sturgeon was 3.26 ± 0.11 body lengths per second (mean ± SE). After a 1 h recovery period, Ucritwas 78% of its initial value and complete recovery required slightly more than 1 d. Recovery of MMR followed the same pattern. The speed exponent (c) was approximately 1.0, indicating that the Siberian Sturgeon is an efficient swimmer; swimming efficiency decreased after exhaustive exercise and the effect appeared to last for at least 1 week. Exhaustive exercise strongly hindered anaerobic swimming in Siberian Sturgeon for more than an hour.Received April 23, 2014; accepted January 6, 2015

Exosomes possess endogenous attributes and distinct biological functions, and thereby, their uses as drug nanocarriers have attracted increasing attention for biomedical practices. However, to achieve targeted therapeutic purposes, complicated extractions, as well as modifications of exosomes, are involved. Here, based on the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated exosome (Ex-SPIONs), a facile exosome extraction through magnetism was established. The produced Ex-SPIONs exhibited a uniform size distribution and desirable biocompatibility. Moreover, taking advantage of the magnetic properties of SPIONs, the targeted delivery of Ex-SPIONs was demonstrated in the rat brain. Therefore, the constructed SPIONs functionalized exosome shows promising therapeutic potentials, including the treatment of brain diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the efficiency of fasting capillary blood glucose (FCG) measurement as compared with fasting venous plasma glucose (FPG) measurement in screening diabetes and pre-diabetes in low-resource rural settings. Subjects and methods:In 2010, 993 participants were randomly selected from 9 villages in Yunnan province using cluster sampling method. Samples for FCG and FPG test were obtained after demographics and physical examination. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed in parallel as gold standard for diagnosis. Diagnostic capacities of the FCG measurement in predicting undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes were assessed. The performance of FCG and FPG tests was compared. Results:Fifty-seven individuals with undiagnosed diabetes and 145 subjects with pre-diabetes were detected. The concordance between FCG and FPG levels was high (r=0.75, p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for FCG test in predicting diabetes was 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–0.93] with the optimal cutoff value of 5.65 mmol/l, sensitivity of 84.2%, and specificity of 79.3%. The corresponding values in FPG tests were 0.92 (95% CI 0.88–0.97) (AUC), 6.51 mmol/l (optimal cutoff point), 82.5% (sensitivity) and 98.3% (specificity), respectively. No significant difference was found in the AUC for the two screening strategies. Conclusion:FCG measurement is considered to be a convenient, practicable screening method in low-resource rural communities with acceptable test properties

Smartphone fever along with roaring mobile traffic pose great challenges for cellular networks to provide seamless wireless access to end users. Operators and vendors realize that new techniques are required to improve spectrum efficiency to meet the ever increasing user demand. In this article, we exploit the great opportunities provided by cognitive radio technology in conventional cellular networks. Specifically, we first present challenging issues including interference management, network coordination, and interworking between access networks in a tiered cognitive cellular network with both macrocells and small cells. Taking into consideration the different network characteristics of macrocells and small cells, we then propose an adaptive resource management framework to improve spectrum utilization efficiency and mitigate the co-channel interference between macrocell and small cell users. A game-theory-based approach to efficient power control has also been provided.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, nonessential transition metal and contributes a health risk to humans, including various cancers and cardiovascular diseases; however, underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Cells transmit information to the next generation via two distinct ways: genetic and epigenetic. Chemical modifications to DNA or histone that alters the structure of chromatin without change of DNA nucleotide sequence are known as epigenetics. These heritable epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, post-translational modifications of histone tails (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc), and higher order packaging of DNA around nucleosomes. Apart from DNA methyltransferases, histone modification enzymes such as histone acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase, and microRNAs (miRNAs) all involve in these epigenetic changes. Recent studies indicate that Cd is able to induce various epigenetic changes in plant and mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Since aberrant epigenetics plays a critical role in the development of various cancers and chronic diseases, Cd may cause the above-mentioned pathogenic risks via epigenetic mechanisms. Here we review the in vitro and in vivo evidence of epigenetic effects of Cd. The available findings indicate that epigenetics occurred in association with Cd induction of malignant transformation of cells and pathological proliferation of tissues, suggesting that epigenetic effects may play a role in Cd toxic, particularly carcinogenic effects. The future of environmental epigenomic research on Cd should include the role of epigenetics in determining long-term and late-onset health effects following Cd exposure.

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of computational fluid dynamics in predicting the performance and optimal design of the geometry of a steam ejector used in a steam turbine. In the current part, the real gas model was considered using IAPWS IF97 model, and the influences of working fluid pressure and backpressure were investigated. The results illustrate that working critical pressure and backflow critical pressure exist in the flow. Moreover, the entrainment ratio reaches its peak at the working critical pressure. The performance of the ejector was nearly the same when the outlet pressure was lower than the critical backpressure. Effects of ejector geometries were also investigated. The distance between the primary nozzle and the mixing chamber was at optimum, the length of the mixing chamber and the diameter of the throat had an optimal value according to the entrainment ratio. When the length of the diffuser or throat was decreased within a range, the entrainment ratio did not change significantly.

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of computational fluid dynamics in predicting the performance and geometry of the optimal design of a steam ejector used in a steam turbine. Many scholars have analysed the steam ejector using the ideal gas model, which lacks accuracy in terms of calculating the flow field of the ejector. This study is reported in a series of two papers. The first part covers the validation of CFX 11.0 results using different equations of state (EOS) on the converging–diverging nozzle flow field carried out with the experimental value. The IAPWS IF97 real gas model works well with the experimental value. The flow field of the ejector was analysed using different EOS after grid-dependent learning. The results show that the performance of the ejector was underestimated under the ideal gas model; the entrainment ratio was 20–40 per cent lower than when using the real gas model. The effect of the optimal geometrical design and operating conditions will be discussed in Part 2.

The in situsynthesised TiB2/Fe composite coatings were deposited by plasma transferred arc powder surfacing process. The distribution of TiB2in the TiB2/Fe composite coatings was investigated in this paper. It is found that there is more TiB2distributed on the top than at the bottom of the coatings in general. In addition, it is also found that heat input plays an important role in the distribution of TiB2in the coatings. A small quantity of TiB2whiskers are obtained in the coating with high energy density. While sufficient TiB2is produced with appropriate energy density, TiB2lumps will be obtained with small total energy input, and the concentration gradient of TiB2will appear with a large total energy input. Finally, the metallurgical model of in situsynthesised TiB2/Fe composite coatings by plasma transferred arc process is extracted.

Type I collagen is the most abundant protein in human body. Fibrosis is characterized by excessive synthesis of type I collagen in parenchymal organs. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, about 45 of all natural deaths are attributable to some fibroproliferative disease. There is no cure for fibrosis. To find specific antifibrotic therapy targeting type I collagen, critical molecular interactions regulating its synthesis must be elucidated. Type I and type III collagen mRNAs have a unique sequence element at the 5 end, the 5 stem-loop. This stem-loop is not found in any other mRNA. We cloned LARP6 as the protein which binds collagen 5 stem-loop with high affinity and specificity. Mutation of the 5 stem-loop or knock down of LARP6 greatly diminishes collagen expression. Mice with mutation of the 5 stem-loop are resistant to development of liver fibrosis. LARP6 associates collagen mRNAs with filaments composed of nonmuscle myosin; disruption of these filaments abolishes synthesis of type I collagen. Thus, LARP6 dependent collagen synthesis is the specific mechanism of high collagen expression seen in fibrosis. We developed fluorescence polarization (FP) method to screen for drugs that can inhibit binding of LARP6 to 5 stem-loop RNA. FP is high when LARP6 is bound, but decreases to low levels when the binding is competed out. Thus, by measuring decrease in FP it is possible to identify chemical compounds that can dissociate LARP6 from the 5 stem-loop. The method is simple, fast and suitable for high throughput screening.