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Osthole (Ost) is a coumarin compound and a potential drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the effectiveness of Ost is limited by solubility, bioavailability, and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we constructed Ost liposomes with modified CXCR4 on the surface (CXCR4-Ost-Lips), and investigated the intracellular distribution of liposomes in APP-SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of CXCR4-Ost-Lips was examined in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CXCR4-Ost-Lips increased intracellular uptake by APP-SH-SY5Y cells and exerted a cytoprotective effect in vitro. The results of Ost brain distribution showed that CXCR4-Ost-Lips prolonged the cycle time of mice and increased the accumulation of Ost in the brain. In addition, CXCR4-Ost-Lips enhanced the effect of Ost in relieving AD-related pathologies. These results indicate that CXCR4-modified liposomes are a potential Ost carrier to treat AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the basis of preventing stent thrombosis and ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but prolonging the duration of DAPT will increase the risk of bleeding. The optimal duration of DAPT after PCI remains controversial at present. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of short-term DAPT in patients undergoing PCI. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of science from inception to September 2019 were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials were included to compare short term (3 months or less) with a standard 12-months DAPT in patients undergoing PCI. Random effect model and fixed effect model wereused to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each endpoint. This meta-analysis included 38479 patients undergoing PCI from 8 randomized clinical trials. No difference was observed in the risk of all-cause death (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80–1.06, P = 0.25), cardiovascular death (RR 0.88, 0.69–1.12, P = 0.29), myocardial infarction (RR 1.05, 0.94–1.19, P = 0.38), definite or probable stent thrombosis (RR 1.05, 0.80–1.36, P = 0.73), and stroke (RR 1.02, 0.80–1.30, P = 0.89) between short term and standard DAPT. The short-term DAPT could reduce the risk of major bleeding (RR 0.67, 0.48–0.94, P = 0.02) and any bleeding (RR 0.63, 0.48-0.82, P = 0.0005) compared with 12 months of DAPT. In conclusion, the short-term DAPT can reduce the risk of bleeding compared with standard DAPT, without increasing the risk of death or ischemia (Registered by PROSPERO, CRD42020153881). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with a single-machine resource allocation scheduling problem with deteriorating jobs. Under a group technology environment, the actual processing times of jobs are a convex resource allocation function of their starting time and the amount of resource allocation. The objective is to minimize the weighted sum of makespan and resource allocation cost. For two special cases, it is proved that the problem can be solved in polynomial time. For the general case of the problem, heuristic and branch-and-bound procedures are developed to solve the problem. Computational experiments are also performed to examine the effectiveness and the efficiency of the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the effects of phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) applications on crop response and soil-P status of two-row malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under high-input conditions are limited in alkaline soils despite widespread fertilizer-P and -S use. A field study was conducted during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons where the barley cultivars (ABI-Voyager and Moravian 69) were grown at five rates of P (0, 37, 73, 110, and 147 kg P ha−1) and three rates of S (0, 112, 224 kg S ha−1). ABI-Voyager had significantly greater biological yield (17,023 kg ha−1) and grain yield (7433 kg ha−1) but a lower (44%) harvest index (HI) than Moravian 69 (15,037 kg ha−1, 7168 kg ha−1 and 49%, respectively). Grain yield increased with rate of P-application until 37 kg P ha−1 where the maximum calculated yield was obtained at 98 kg P ha−1 by a quadratic model. Sulfur application had no significant effect on any of the measured crop or soil parameters. Olsen P increased linearly with greater fertilizer-P applications, indicating grain-P removal was not sufficient to reduce or retain STP concentrations at initial levels when P was applied. Crop-P uptake and soil-P response to fertilizer P applications are important, as remaining soil P is available for subsequent crop usage and may have potential negative environmental impacts. Thus, cultivar selection and appropriate fertilizer-P and S management will ensure optimal agronomic and economic returns while minimizing potentially negative environmental impacts for two-row malt barley produced in the western United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers a single machine group scheduling problem with deteriorating jobs and resource allocation (controllable processing times). The objective is to have the resource availability limited within a given range, and to minimize the maximum completion time (i.e. the makespan). For two special cases, it is proved that the problem can be solved in polynomial time. For the general case, an heuristic algorithm and a branch-and-bound algorithm are proposed. Computational results show that the proposed heuristic algorithm is generally effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effect of the coupling region on train aerodynamic performance, and how the coupling region affects aerodynamic performance of the couple multiple units trains when they both run and pass each other in open air, the entrance of two such trains into a tunnel and their passing each other in the tunnel was simulated in Fluent 14.0. The numerical algorithm employed in this study was verified by the data of scaled and full-scale train tests, and the difference lies within an acceptable range. The results demonstrate that the distribution of aerodynamic forces on the train cars is altered by the coupling region; however, the coupling region has marginal effect on the drag and lateral force on the whole train under crosswind, and the lateral force on the train cars is more sensitive to couple multiple units compared to the other two force coefficients. It is also determined that the component of the coupling region increases the fluctuation of aerodynamic coefficients for each train car under crosswind. Affected by the coupling region, a positive pressure pulse was introduced in the alternating pressure produced by trains passing by each other in the open air, and the amplitude of the alternating pressure was decreased by the coupling region. The amplitude of the alternating pressure on the train or on the tunnel was significantly decreased by the coupling region of the train. This phenomenon did not alter the distribution law of pressure on the train and tunnel; moreover, the effect of the coupling region on trains passing by each other in the tunnel is stronger than that on a single train passing through the tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

By employing 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (p-MOPhH3IDC) to react with Cd(II), Zn(II) and Sr(II) ions, four polymers, [Cd(p-MOPhHIDC)(2,2′-bipy)]n(2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) (1), [Zn0.5(p-MOPhH2IDC)·H2O]n(2), {[Cd4(p-MOPhHIDC)4(C2H5OH)2(H2O)2]·4C2H5OH·2H2O}n(3) and {[Sr2(H2MOPhIDC)2(C8H4O4)(H2O)6]·6H2O}n(4) have been solvothermally synthesised and structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Polymer1is a chain with 2,2′-bipy appending in the same side. Polymer2is a 2D rhombus grid structure. The π⋯π interactions between the aromatic groups supply the additional stabilisation for the solid-state structures of1and2. Polymer3shows a 3D framework bearing 1D open channels. Polymer4exhibits a 2D latticed plane. The thermal and photoluminescence properties of1–4have been investigated as well. Four polymers constructed by substituted imidazole dicarboxylates have been afforded and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their thermal properties have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant root architecture offers the potential for increasing soil water accessibility, particularly under water-limited conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the root architecture in two genotypes of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) differing in root angles and to assess the influence of different deficit irrigation regimes on root architecture. The response of two sorghum genotypes, ‘Early Hegari-Sart’ (EH; steep root angle) and ‘Bk7’ (shallow root angle) to four irrigation treatments was investigated in two replicated outdoor studies using large pots. The results indicated that EH possessed steeper brace and crown root angles, fewer brace roots, greater root biomass, and root length density than Bk7 at deeper soil depths (i.e., 15–30 and 30–45 cm) compared with a shallower depth (i.e., 0–15 cm). Across the soil profile, EH had greater root length density and length of roots of small diameter (<1 mm) than Bk7. Accordingly, EH showed more rapid soil-water capture than Bk7. Different levels of irrigation input greatly affected root architecture. Severe deficit irrigation (25% of full crop transpiration throughout the season) increased the angle and number of crown roots, root biomass, and root length density compared with 75 and 100% of full crop transpiration treatments. Consequently, root system architecture can be effectively manipulated through both genotypic selection and irrigation management to ensure optimal performance under different levels of soil available water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new helvolic acid derivative named helvolic acid methyl ester (1), together with two known helvolic acid compounds, helvolic acid (2) and hydrohelvolic acid (3), were isolated from the fermentation of endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. in Ficus carica leaves. Their structures were elucidated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1–3 showed potent antifungal and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are increasing rapidly in Guangdong, an economically developed Chinese province. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an important approach to lower carbon concentration in this area. This study provides guidance and recommendations for CCS development and demonstration by analysing the necessity of CCS in Guangdong. Furthermore, this study identifies the major opportunities and technical demands related to CCS development in this province based on a sectoral analysis of emission inventory and the forecasting and identification of the potential CO2storage capacity. A CCS development roadmap is then developed for Guangdong based on the analysis results, and the milestone goals of this roadmap from the present until 2030 are presented in accordance with the development of technology in and the current status of Guangdong. In addition, the roadmap suggests CCS support policies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Laurus azorica is an endemic tree species from Azores archipelago. In this study, we generated the plastome sequence as a first step in a global assessment of island endemic Lauraceae. The total chloroplast genome was 153,061 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC) region of 87,226 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,033 bp, separated by two inverted repeats (IRs) regions of 23,901 bp. The overall GC content was 37.3%, and 43.1%, 35.4%, and 31.1% in the IRs, LSC, and SSC regions, respectively. It contained 106 genes, including 79 coding genes, 24 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed that L. azorica was clustered with L. nobilis within the family Lauraceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, eigenvalue optimization has gained remarkable attention in various engineering applications. One of the main difficulties with numerical analysis of such problems is that the eigenvalues, considered as functions of a symmetric matrix, are not smooth at those points where they are multiple. We propose a new explicit nonsmooth second-order bundle algorithm based on the idea of the proximal bundle method on minimizing the arbitrary eigenvalue over an affine family of symmetric matrices, which is a special class of eigenvalue function–D.C. function. To the best of our knowledge, few methods currently exist for minimizing arbitrary eigenvalue function. In this work, we apply the-Lagrangian theory to this class of D.C. functions: the arbitrary eigenvalue function λiwith affine matrix-valued mappings, where λiis usually not convex. We prove the global convergence of our method in the sense that every accumulation point of the sequence of iterates is stationary. Moreover, under mild conditions we show that, if started close enough to the minimizerx*, the proposed algorithm converges tox* quadratically. The method is tested on some constrained optimization problems, and some encouraging preliminary numerical results show the efficiency of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusions: CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are valuable tools in imaging work-ups for the diagnosis of sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD) and sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD). The development of pulsatile tinnitus (PT) resulting from SSD and SSWD may be associated with the dominance of venous systems. Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of PT caused by SSD and SSWD. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review undertaken in a tertiary academic referral center. Fifty-four patients with PT due to SSD and SSWD were recruited. Hospital files of these patients were assessed. Data included medical history, physical examinations, auxiliary examinations, and radiographic findings of CTA and DSA. Results: The study population comprised 51 females and 3 males. Most patients with PT caused by SSD and SSWD were middle-aged women. All had normal otoscopy results. Anomalies occurred in or adjacent to the region of the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction in 52 patients. Half of the patients (27/54) presented abnormal results of examination of blood lipids. There were 57.41% (31/54) cases with ipsilateral dominance of the venous system, 9.26% (5/54) cases with contralateral dominance, and 33.33% (18/54) cases with co-dominance of the venous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on surveys of important innovations in the Chinese automobile industry, we divide the evolution of the automobile industry into three stages. We construct a conceptual model for the sectoral innovation system and utilize this model to analyse the main mechanisms of interaction in the context of autonomous innovations in the Chinese automobile industry. We attempt to interpret these autonomous innovations in the Chinese automobile industry from the perspective of an interactive system; the conclusions are suggestive and must be tested in further empirical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitogenome of Leishan moustache toad,Vibrissaphora leishanensis,is determined. The mitogenome size is 17,485 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 23 tRNA genes and a control region (D-loop). The base composition of the whole genome is 28.1% A, 32.6% T, 24.4% C and 14.8% G. As observed in this genus before, this mitogenome also appears a tandem duplication oftRNAMetgene. This study will provide fundamental data for further research to resolve population genetics of this species and systematic problems of the genusVibrissaphora. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The complete mitochondrial genome of a frog speciesOreolalax majoris determined. This mitogenome length is 17 431 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 23 tRNA genes and a control region (D-loop). Compared with most other vertebrates, this mitogenome appears a tandem duplication oftRNAMetgene. ThetRNATrpgene ofOreolalax majortranslocates from the “WANCY”tRNAcluster to upstream of D-loop. As the first report of the mitogenome sequence from the genusOreolalax, it will provide fundamental data for further research of phylogeny and biogeography with this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]