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Purpose To describe treatment planning techniques and early clinical outcomes in patients treated with spot scanning proton therapy for chordoma or chondrosarcoma of the skull base. Methods and Materials From June 2010 through August 2011, 15 patients were treated with spot scanning proton therapy for chordoma (n=10) or chondrosarcoma (n=5) at a single institution. Toxicity was prospectively evaluated and scored weekly and at all follow-up visits according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. Treatment planning techniques and dosimetric data were recorded and compared with those of passive scattering plans created with clinically applicable dose constraints. Results Ten patients were treated with single-field-optimized scanning beam plans and 5 with multifield-optimized intensity modulated proton therapy. All but 2 patients received a simultaneous integrated boost as well. The mean prescribed radiation doses were 69.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]; range, 68-70 Gy [RBE]) for chordoma and 68.4 Gy (RBE) (range, 66-70) for chondrosarcoma. In comparison with passive scattering plans, spot scanning plans demonstrated improved high-dose conformality and sparing of temporal lobes and brainstem. Clinically, the most common acute toxicities included fatigue (grade 2 for 2 patients, grade 1 for 8 patients) and nausea (grade 2 for 2 patients, grade 1 for 6 patients). No toxicities of grades 3 to 5 were recorded. At a median follow-up time of 27 months (range, 13-42 months), 1 patient had experienced local recurrence and a second developed distant metastatic disease. Two patients had magnetic resonance imaging-documented temporal lobe changes, and a third patient developed facial numbness. No other subacute or late effects were recorded. Conclusions In comparison to passive scattering, treatment plans for spot scanning proton therapy displayed improved high-dose conformality. Clinically, the treatment was well tolerated, and with short-term follow-up, disease control rates and toxicity profiles were favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymers of N-alkylacrylamidesand methacrylatebearing cholic acid pendant groups were synthesized via radical polymerization.The cholic acid pendant groups of such copolymers can form complexeswith β-cyclodextrin, and the effect of complexation on theirthermoresponsive properties was studied. The phase transition temperatures(transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic state) of the copolymersgradually increase with the addition of β-cyclodextrin, dueto the complexation of the cholic acid guest with the β-cyclodextrinhost. The increase of the phase transition temperature may be reversedby the addition of a competing guest molecule, potassium 1-adamantylcarboxylate.The host–guest complexation provides a straightforward wayto vary the thermoresponsive properties of such copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 75-day experiment was conducted with juvenile gibel carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio) (4.80 ± 0.01 g) to evaluate effects of dietary chitosan on fish growth performance, haematology, intestine morphology and immune response. Six isonitrogenous (crude protein: 383 g kg−1), isolipid (97.5 g kg−1) and isocaloric (gross energy: 16.7 kJ g−1) diets were formulated to contain 0, 1800, 4000, 7500, 10 000, 20 000 mg kg−1 chitosan, respectively. The results showed that the growth was depressed when the fish fed with 10 000 mg kg−1 chitosan. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein decreased in 10 000 and 20 000 mg kg−1 chitosan. On day 75, blood leucocyte phagocytic activity respiratory burst and alternative pathway of complement haemolytic activity were enhanced in 4000 mg kg−1 chitosan. The number of goblet cell, intraepithelial lymphocyte of mid-intestine and microvilli height of distal intestine increased at 4000 mg kg−1 dietary chitosan. Dietary chitosan modulated intestine microbiota, depressed pathogen bacteria Aeromonas veronii-like and improved Cellulomonas hominis-like, Bacillus oceanisediminis-like and two uncultured bacterium-like species on day 75. Dietary 7500 and 10 000 mg kg−1 chitosan enhanced the protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. In conclusion, oral administration of dietary 7500 mg kg−1 chitosan for 75 days is recommended for the survival of gibel carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a diverse class of naturally occurring or synthetic antimicrobial molecules that have potential for use in the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Several undesirable properties of AMPs, however, may ultimately hinder their development as antimicrobial agents. Thus, new synthetic strategies, including primarily the de novo design of AMPs, urgently need to be developed. In this study, a series of peptides, H-(RWL) ( n = 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), were designed. H represents GLRPKYS from the C-terminal sequence of AvBD-4. Our results showed that these RWL-tagged peptides can kill not only bacteria but also human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. However, the peptide tagged with two repeats of RWL (GW13) showed less affinity to human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells or human red blood cells (hRBCs) than HepG2 cells. These results demonstrated that GW13, with high amphiphilicity, exerted great selectivity toward bacteria and cancer cells, sparing host mammalian cells. The mechanism of action against bacteria was elucidated through combined studies of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence assays, showing that the peptide possessed membrane-lytic activities against microbial cells. The fluorescence assays illustrated that GW13 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The cell morphology of HepG2 cells, observed by SEM, further illustrated that GW13 causes cell death by damaging the cell membrane. Our results indicate that GW13 has considerable potential for future development as an antimicrobial and antitumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is extremely challenging to measure first-order rate coefficients for soil nitrate transformation processes directly, either in the laboratory or in the field. In this study, an improved inverse method was proposed to optimize the first-order rate coefficients by considering the intermediate changing processes of the integrated functions. A numerical experiment was designed to test the accuracy of the method in optimizing the coefficients. Comparisons between the optimized and theoretical results indicated that all the relative errors were within 10%. Data collected from a field experiment were used to validate the optimization procedure and to demonstrate its applications in practice. Using the established model and the estimated values by the inverse method, the simulated sourcesink term (SST) distributions of September 2-12, 2007, were in good agreement, with the root mean squared error (RMSE) between them being as low as 0.00021 mg cm-3 d-1. Based on the established nitrate transformation model, the distributions of soil water content and nitrate concentration during September 2-12, 2007, were simulated, and compared well with the measured profiles, with the RMSE of 0.023 cm³ cm-3 and 0.017 mg cm-3, respectively. The improved inverse method should be useful for optimizing the firstorder rate coefficients for nitrate transformation, establishing the nitrate transformation model, and simulating the nitrate transport in the soil-plant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electro-migration behavior of a Sn-Ag solder thin film stripe that is deposited on a glass substrate has been investigated under a high current density in the absence ofthermo-migration. The distribution of voids and hillocks at current densities of 4.4-6.0 x 104 A/cm² has been analyzed optically and using electron microscopy. The voids mainly formed at the cathode side of the stripe where maximum current density was predicted but voids also formed along a line that crosses the stripe. This was explained in terms of the initial voids forming at locations of maximum current density concentration, altering these locations, and then expanding into them. The movement of the maximum current density location is caused by redistribution of current as the voids form. An atomic migration model has been developed and used in this work. It was found that if thermal gradients were completely neglected, the model was unable to account for the divergence of atomic flux density which is necessary for void nucleation. However, the temperature dependence of the diffusivity of atoms is sufficient to account for void nucleation within the timescale of the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel localization scheme called laser beam scan localization (LBSL) by combining grid and light (laser) with mobile localization policy for wireless sensor networks (WSN) is designed. The scheme utilizes a moving location assistant (LA) with a laser beam, through which the deployed area is scanned. The LA sends identification to unknown nodes to obtain the locations of sensor nodes. High localization accuracy can be achieved without the aid of expensive hardware on the sensor nodes, as required by other localization systems. The scheme yields significant benefits compared with other localization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant transformation of normal hematopoietic transplants induced by residual leukemia cells is considered as a pivotal mechanism of donor cell leukemia (DCL). The effects of leukemia cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) in this transformation were examined. We found that MVs derived from K562 leukemia cells contained the breakpoint cluster region-Abelson leukemia gene human homolog 1 (BCR-ABL1) mRNA. Following incubation with BCR-ABL1-positive MVs, mononuclear cells derived from normal transplants exhibited a leukemia-like malignant phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. Horizontal transfer of BCR-ABL1 mRNA from MVs into the recipient cells was critical to the transformation. Relative genomic instability was observed and considered the main mechanism in the recipient cells. MVs contributed to genomic instability by two distinct pathways: via consequent overexpression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and reactive oxygen species, which mediated DNA breakage and recombination; and via upregulation of methyltransferases and global DNA hypermethylation. We demonstrated that BCR-ABL1-positive MVs could initiate malignant transformation of normal hematopoietic transplants through genomic instability, which might serve as a convenient and operable model for investigating leukemogenesis, especially for DCL. Furthermore, MVs themselves could act as an early warning indicator and a novel tool to detect and prevent the occurrence of DCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant transformation of normal hematopoietic transplants induced by residual leukemia cells is considered as a pivotal mechanism of donor cell leukemia (DCL). The effects of leukemia cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) in this transformation were examined. We found that MVs derived from K562 leukemia cells contained the breakpoint cluster region-Abelson leukemia gene human homolog 1 (BCR-ABL1) mRNA. Following incubation with BCR-ABL1-positive MVs, mononuclear cells derived from normal transplants exhibited a leukemia-like malignant phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. Horizontal transfer of BCR-ABL1 mRNA from MVs into the recipient cells was critical to the transformation. Relative genomic instability was observed and considered the main mechanism in the recipient cells. MVs contributed to genomic instability by two distinct pathways: via consequent overexpression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and reactive oxygen species, which mediated DNA breakage and recombination; and via upregulation of methyltransferases and global DNA hypermethylation. We demonstrated that BCR-ABL1-positive MVs could initiate malignant transformation of normal hematopoietic transplants through genomic instability, which might serve as a convenient and operable model for investigating leukemogenesis, especially for DCL. Furthermore, MVs themselves could act as an early warning indicator and a novel tool to detect and prevent the occurrence of DCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The J/Ψ pT spectrum and nuclear modification factor (RAA) are reported for pT < 5 GeV/c and |y| < 1 from 0% to 60% central Au + Au and Cu + Cu collisions at √SNN = 200 GeV at STAR. A significant suppression of pr-integrated J/Ψ production is observed in central Au + Au events. The Cu + Cu data are consistent with no suppression, although the precision is limited by the available statistics. RAA in Au + Au collisions exhibits a strong suppression at low transverse momentum and gradually increases with pT. The data are compared to high-pT STAR results and previously published BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider results. Comparing with model calculations, it is found that the invariant yields at low pT are significantly above hydrodynamic flow predictions but are consistent with models that include color screening and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared a group of GexAs10Se90-x glass(x=5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 at. %) and investigated their structure and physical properties. It was found that, the minimum refractive index and maximum optical bandgap occur in Ge25As10Se65 glass that is chemically stoichiometric. Analysis of Raman spectra of the glasses indicated that the number of the Ge-Ge, As-As, and Se-Se homopolar bonds is closely related to the bandgap, because the band-tails formed by homopolar bonds could reduce the optical bandgap. The transition behavior of the structural units and physical properties of the glasses occurs at the glass with the chemically stoichiometric composition, and thus the chemical composition dominates physical properties of GexAs10Se90-x chalcogenide glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lavender flower essential oil had been used for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Previous studies mainly focused on essential oil composition and extraction methods, ignoring the factors that affected the production of essential oils, such as the floret number. This study aims to get a deep insight into the mechanism of floret number differences. Hormone analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between abscisic acid (ABA) content and the number of florets, while indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was negatively correlated with floret numbers. RNA-Seq results showed that 1 035 differentially expressed genes (DEG) can be identified, of which 19 genes were significantly enriched in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Common network analysis showed that the expression of the key genes of ABA pathway metabolism was negatively related to the DEG of IAA, especial IAA18. Exogenous IAA significantly inhibited the number of lavender florets and affected the expression of ABA metabolism genes. The results might be useful for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of floret number differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland rodent infestations are important factors that limit the healthy development of grassland ecosystems. Understanding the spatial distributions of rodent populations in relation to vegetation and soil is a prerequisite for implementing ecological prevention and control measures to alleviate rodent infestations. A low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle hyperspectral image data acquisition system has been developed for monitoring grassland rodent infestations. The three-dimensional dense convolutional network (3D-DenseNet) model is improved by using a residual structure and asymmetric convolution, and a 3D deep dense residual network (3D-DDRNet) model is proposed and used to classify the features of grassland rodent monitoring information. The results show that the overall classification accuracy of the 3D-DDRNet model is 96.68%, and the model size is 6.12 MB. The overall accuracy is improved by 1.46%, and the model size is reduced by 15.5% compared with that achieved before the improvement. This study can be used as a benchmark for the extraction and inversion of rodent information acquired from grassland remote sensing images, and it provides a theoretical basis for grassland rodent pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevating cytosolic Ca2+ stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, but how Ca2+ affects intracellular traffic of GLUT4 is unknown. In tissue, changes in Ca2+ leading to contraction preclude analysis of the impact of individual, Ca2+-derived signals. In L6 muscle cells stably expressing GLUT4myc, the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin raised cytosolic Ca2+ and caused a gain in cell surface GLUT4myc. Extraand intracellular Ca2+ chelators (EGTA, BAPTA-AM) reversed this response. Ionomycin activated calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), AMPK, and PKCs, but not Akt. Silencing CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reduced the ionomycin-induced gain in surface GLUT4myc, as did peptidic or small molecule inhibitors of CaMKII (CN21) and AMPK (Compound C). Compared with the conventional isoenzyme PKC inhibitor Gö6976, the conventional plus novel PKC inhibitor Gö6983 lowered the ionomycin-induced gain in cell surface GLUT4myc. Ionomycin stimulated GLUT4myc exocytosis and inhibited its endocytosis in live cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of CaMKIIδ or AMPKα1/α2 partly reversed ionomycin-induced GLUT4myc exocytosis but did not prevent its reduced endocytosis. Compared with Gö6976, Gö6983 markedly reversed the slowing of GLUT4myc endocytosis triggered by ionomycin. In summary, rapid Ca2+ influx into muscle cells accelerates GLUT4myc exocytosis while slowing GLUT4myc endocytosis. CaMKIIδ and AMPK stimulate GLUT4myc exocytosis, whereas novel PKCs reduce endocytosis. These results identify how Ca2+-activated signals selectively regulate GLUT4 exocytosis and endocytosis in muscle cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo report the clinical findings of three cases with ultra-late postoperative capsular block syndrome (CBS) by Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.MethodsCase series.ResultsThree cases of ultra-late postoperative CBS are presented.DiscussionThis report highlights the importance of conducting Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging in late CBS. Each case either enhanced our understanding or improved our differential diagnosis of late CBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A good understanding of diurnal warming in the upper ocean is important for the validation of satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) against in-situ buoy data and for merging satellite SSTs taken at different times of the same day. For shallow coastal regions, better understanding of diurnal heating could also help improve monitoring and prediction of ecosystem health, such as coral reef bleaching. Compared to its open ocean counterpart which has been studied extensively and modeled with good success, coastal diurnal warming has complicating localized characteristics, including coastline geometry, bathymetry, water types, tidal and wave mixing. Our goal is to characterize coastal diurnal warming using two extensive in-situ temperature and weather datasets from the Caribbean and Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. Results showed clear daily warming patterns in most stations from both datasets. For the three Caribbean stations where solar radiation is the main cause of daily warming, the mean diurnal warming amplitudes were about 0.4K at depths of 4–7m and 0.6–0.7K at shallower depths of 1–2m; the largest warming value was 2.1K. For coral top temperatures of the GBR, 20% of days had warming amplitudes >1K, with the largest >4K. The bottom warming at shallower sites has higher daily maximum temperatures and lower daily minimum temperatures than deeper sites nearby. The averaged daily warming amplitudes were shown to be closely related to daily average wind speed and maximum insolation, as found in the open ocean. Diurnal heating also depends on local features including water depth, location on different sections of the reef (reef flat vs. reef slope), the relative distance from the barrier reef chain (coast vs. lagoon stations vs. inner barrier reef sites vs. outer rim sites); and the proximity to the tidal inlets. In addition, the influence of tides on daily temperature changes and its relative importance compared to solar radiation was quantified by calculating the ratio of power spectrum densities at the principal lunar semidiurnal M2 tide versus 24-hour cycle frequency representing mainly solar radiation forcing, i.e., (PSDM2/PSD24). Despite the fact that GBR stations are generally located at regions with large tidal changes, the tidal effects were modest: 80% of stations showed value of (PSDM2/PSD24) of less than 10%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 75 days experiment was conducted in a flow-through system on juvenile gibel carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio) (3.43 ± 0.01 g) to evaluate the effects of dietary lysozyme on growth performance, intestine morphology, microbiota and immune response. Four isonitrogenous (crude protein: 367 g kg−1) isolipid (62 g kg−1) and isocaloric (gross energy: 17.92 kJ g−1) diets were formulated to contain 0, 100, 500 and 1000 mg kg−1 lysozyme, respectively. The results showed that specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency (FE) increased at 1000 mg kg−1 lysozyme. Blood leucocyte phagocytic activity (PA) and serum lysozyme (LZM) decreased with dietary lysozyme on day 25, 50 and 75. There were no significant differences in alternative complement pathway (ACP), respiratory burst (ROS), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) or malonaldehyde (MDA). After Aeromonas hydrophilia challenge, higher survival was obtained at 500 mg kg−1 group. PA, ROS, SOD, LZM and ACP increased with increasing dietary lysozyme, while MDA reversed. Goblet cells in mid-intestine and microvilli height in distal intestine increased with dietary lysozyme on day 75. Dietary lysozyme reduced the diversity of intestine microbiota. In conclusion, oral administration of 500 mg kg−1 dietary lysozyme for 75 days is recommended for the survival of gibel carp and 1000 mg kg−1 dietary lysozyme for fast growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High data rate implantable wireless systems come with many challenges, chief among them being low power operation and high linearity. A low noise amplifier (LNA) designed for this application must include high gain, low noise figure (NF) and better linearity at low power consumption within the required frequency band. The down converter also requires a passive mixer to achieve low power and better linearity. In this paper, design is based on an Impulse Response (IR) Ultra-wideband (UWB) receiver operating at (3.1–5)GHz implemented in 0.25μm CMOS Silicon on Sapphire (SOS). This paper reports the design and measurement of a UWB receiver with a designed and measured linearity of 17dBm, a gain of 30.5dB and a minimum NF of 4.5dB, which make it suitable for implantable radio applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbioses with many plants. Black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is an important energy tree species that can associate with AMF. We investigated the effects of AMF ( Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus versiforme) on the growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, carbon content, and calorific value of black locust seedlings in the greenhouse. The total biomass of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) seedlings was 4 times greater than that of the nonmycorrhizal (NM) seedlings. AMF greatly promoted the photosynthesis of black locust seedlings. AM seedlings had a significantly greater leaf area, higher carboxylation efficiency, Chl content, and net photosynthetic rate ( P) than NM seedlings. AMF also significantly increased the effective photochemical efficiency of PSII and significantly enhanced the carbon content and calorific value of black locust seedlings. Seedlings inoculated with G. versiforme had the largest leaf area and highest biomass, Chl content, P, and calorific value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the cause of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which is the most common AIDS-associated malignancy. KS is characterized by neovascularization and spindle cell proliferation. The interaction between HIV-1 and KSHV has a central role in promoting the aggressive manifestations of KS in AIDS patients; however, the pathogenesis underlying AIDS-related KS (AIDS-KS) remains unknown. Herein, we examined the potential of HIV-1 negative factor (Nef) to impact KSHV viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6)-induced angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. In vitro experiments showed that exogenous Nef penetrated vIL-6-expressing endothelial cells. Both internalized and ectopic expression of Nef in endothelial cells and fibroblasts synergized with vIL-6 to promote vascular tube formation and cell proliferation. Using a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, we demonstrated that Nef synergistically promotes vIL-6-induced angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Animal experiments further showed that Nef facilitates vIL-6-induced angiogenesis and tumor formation in athymic nu/nu mice. Mechanistic studies indicated that Nef synergizes with vIL-6 to enhance angiogenesis and tumorigenesis by activating the AKT pathway in the CAM model, as well as nude mice. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), significantly impaired the ability of Nef to promote vIL-6-induced tumorigenesis in an allograft model of nude mice. Our data provide first-line evidence that Nef may contribute to the pathogenesis underlying AIDS-KS in synergy with vIL-6. These novel findings also suggest that targeting the PI3K/AKT signal may be a potentially effective therapeutic approach in AIDS-KS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the space of just a few years, nanotechnology has become a topical subject not only in academia, but also in the daily lives of people. In order to investigate the properties of natural nanoparticles ( NNPs) and to obtain a better understanding of their environmental behaviour and impacts from a new perspective, transmission electron microscope ( TEM), zeta potential analysis and time-resolved dynamic light scattering ( DLS) analysis were used to examine the main properties and aggregation kinetics of NNPs extracted from Chinese soils added to various concentrations of the electrolytes NaCl, CaCl2 and LaCl3. The NNPs that were less than 100 nm remained stable for 100 days. The classic Derjaguin- Landau- Verwey- Overbeek ( DLVO) model partially revealed the aggregation behaviour of NNPs, in which ionic strength, composition and size may play important roles. The influence of hematite and natural organic matter ( NOM) was demonstrated by aggregation kinetics and critical coagulation concentrations ( CCC). The size of NNPs could also change the maximum total potential energy of interactions in the systems ( VT(h)). These factors make the aggregation of NNPs in electrolytes different from that of soil colloids and influence the environmental behaviour of NNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds shift over 40dB from 3 to 48kHz in old mice compared to young adults. [•] DPOAE thresholds shifted over 40dB in old mice, and their amplitudes were decreased or absent in the same frequency range. [•] Spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) density decreased with age in the whole cochlea with the largest decline in the basal turn. [•] A positive correlation between SGN density and ABR wave I amplitude was discovered. [•] mRNA and protein expression of GABAAR α1 and nAChR β2 decreased while NMDAR NR1 increased with age in SGNs of the old mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We tested the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on peripheral taste responses. [•] Ingested LPS selectively and transiently inhibited neural responses to sucrose. [•] Neural effects were TLR4-dependent and accompanied by reduced T1R2+3 expression. [•] Limited exposure to a bacterial component alters taste input to the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop advanced drying methods using microwave or radio frequency energy, the dielectric constant (ε') and loss factor (ε") of ground hazelnuts at moisture contents between 4.6% and 20.3% wet basis (w.b.) were determined from 10 to 4500 MHz at 20°C to 60°C using an open-ended coaxial probe and a network analyzer. The results showed that both ε' and ε" decreased with increasing frequency but increased with increasing moisture content and temperature. Both ε' and ε" decreased more at the low frequency end of the range than at the high frequency end, especially for high moisture levels. They increased almost linearly with increasing temperature. Third-order polynomial models could be used to describe ε' and ε" as functions of moisture content and temperature at selected frequencies. Each model provided a good fit to the experimental data at a significance level of 0.0001 and with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.990. The power penetration depth decreased with increasing frequency, moisture content, and temperature. Large penetration depths at frequencies below 100 MHz may provide large-scale drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on demonstrating a simple and safe cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model without blood priming in rats. It presents the conditions that should be contained in the model which include precise control of temperature and depth of anesthesia, good stability and repeatability, and similarity to clinical cardiac surgery. Other requirements include long-term survival and preparation for the further research into deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA).

The critical characteristics of corrosion product film (CPF) were investigated, and the mechanism of flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) was discussed by improving the multiple reference frame method (MRF) using the space temporary coordinate system. The improved MRF was used to accomplish fluid structure interaction (FSI) numerical simulation for FAC testing machine with a pre-filming specimen. The new numerical method for the simulation of the critical characteristics of the CPF was proposed by coupling FSI and contact analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics software based on Hertz theory, which was used to calculate the critical characteristics of the specimen. The results reveal that the deformation and stress of the CPF increased with increasing temperature and flow velocity. The critical flow velocity was higher than the pre-filming flow velocity and increased with increasing temperature. The calculation results are consistent with those of the linear polarization experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of E-4-ferrocenylpent-3-en-2-one with S-methyldithiocarbazate or S-benzyldithiocarbazate result in the formation of methyl 5-ferrocenyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyrazoline-1-dithiocarboxylate ( 1) or benzyl 5-ferrocenyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyrazoline-1-dithiocarboxylate ( 2). The single crystals of both products are obtained and their structures are identified by X-ray diffraction method with triclinic P-1 space groups. The cell parameters for compound 1 are as follows: a = 7.7029(8) Å, b = 10.1631(11) Å, c = 10.7305(12) Å, α = 101.3270(10)°, β = 90.6740(10)°, γ = 94.8390(10)°, and V = 820.40(15) Å. For compound 2, the crystallographic data are: a = 7.953(3) Å, b = 10.970(5) Å, c = 12.534(3) Å, α = 84.718(5)°, β = 81.651(3)°, γ = 76.274(4)Å, and V = 1049.1(7) Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum elaeagnifolium is a weed of national significance in Australia. However, the genetic diversity of S. elaeagnifolium is poorly understood. Four amplified fragment length polymorphism primer combinations were utilised to investigate the genetic variation and structure of 187 S. elaeagnifolium individuals collected from 94 locations in Australia. High genetic diversity was found, with an average Jaccard's genetic similarity at 0.26. Individuals were assigned to two genetic clusters or considered as admixed according to their membership coefficient value ( q) calculated by Bayesian model-based genetic structure analysis. This suggested that Australian S. elaeagnifolium may have originated from two distinct gene pools. These results were further supported by principal co-ordinates analysis. Large spatial groups of individuals assigning to these two gene pools were found in western Victoria and south-western New South Wales ( NSW) and northern NSW, which correlated well with the early records of S. elaeagnifolium in both regions. The high genetic diversity found here could add difficulties to effective control of S. elaeagnifolium across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is an invasive perennial weed in Australia, with aerial growth commencing in spring from either the perennial root system or the soil seedbank, with senescence occurring in autumn. A total of 642 S. elaeagnifolium individuals were collected at flowering from 92 locations in south-eastern Australia to study morphological variation and its implications for management. Large morphological variation was found between individuals from different locations. Leaf length, width and area ranged from 1.44 to 10.6 cm, 0.39 to 4.09 cm and 0.41 to 25.8 cm2 respectively. Plants from higher rainfall regions were significantly taller and had larger leaves, suggesting a possible correlation between rainfall and morphology. Scanning electron microscopy comparison of leaf surfaces showed lower trichome and stomatal densities on the adaxial surface (67.0 ± 3.3 trichomes mm−2 and 603.4 ± 29.2 stomata mm−2 respectively) than on the abaxial surface (131.9 ± 7.2 trichomes mm−2 and 813.7 ± 30.5 stomata mm−2 respectively). The morphological plasticity of S. elaeagnifolium highlighted in this study could probably contribute to its adaptability and partly explain its establishment and continuing expansion in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a group theoretic definition of “local models” as sought after in the theory of Shimura varieties. These are projective schemes over the integers of a p-adic local field that are expected to model the singularities of integral models of Shimura varieties with parahoric level structure. Our local models are certain mixed characteristic degenerations of Grassmannian varieties; they are obtained by extending constructions of Beilinson, Drinfeld, Gaitsgory and the second-named author to mixed characteristics and to the case of general (tamely ramified) reductive groups. We study the singularities of local models and hence also of the corresponding integral models of Shimura varieties. In particular, we study the monodromy (inertia) action and show a commutativity property for the sheaves of nearby cycles. As a result, we prove a conjecture of Kottwitz which asserts that the semi-simple trace of Frobenius on the nearby cycles gives a function which is central in the parahoric Hecke algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scratch test is used to measure the adhesion between corrosion product film (CPF) and carbon steel in deionized water under different pH and temperatures. The fuzzy feature model is modified to minimize errors between calculation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. Findings illustrate that the maximum error decreases to 11%. The adhesion between CPF and substrate increases with rising temperature and pH of deionized water. The Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of CPF are in the ranges [0.34 and 0.45] and [0.08 and 0.11 GPa], respectively, as temperature and pH change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the new tissues growing into the pulp space of immature dog teeth that were infected, disinfected and filled with blood clot ( BC), dental pulp cells ( DPCs), platelet-rich plasma ( PRP) or a combination of DPCs and PRP in immature dog teeth with apical periodontitis. Methodology Fifty-six immature roots from mandibular premolars of four beagles were divided into four experimental groups ( n = 40) and two control groups. After the induction of apical periodontitis, the root canals of experimental groups were disinfected with Na OCl irrigation and a tri-antibiotic paste medication. The canals were then filled with different materials according to the experimental group: BC group, DPCs group, PRP group or DPCs + PRP group. Access cavities were sealed with MTA and composite. Radiographs were taken after 90 days, and the jaws including the teeth were processed for histologic analysis. The data were statistically analysed using chi-square evaluation and Student's t-test. Results Radiographic analyses demonstrated no significant difference between experimental groups in periradicular bone healing ( P > 0.05), whilst those groups that used DPCs produced a significantly greater root thickening ( P < 0.01). The histologic evaluation showed that the groups with PRP formed more tissues in the canals ( P = 0.01). The groups with DPCs had substantially more mineralized tissue formation in the canal than those without DPCs, especially in the apical third. In DPCs + PRP group, bone-like tissue grew into the canal space from the periapical tissue. Conclusions A combination of DPCs + PRP increased vital tissue regeneration within the root canals of immature teeth associated with apical periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of superconductivity at 2.3 K in Zr5Sb3, the first superconducting member in the large compound family of the Mn5Si3-type structure. Transport, magnetic, and calorimetric measurements clearly demonstrate bulk superconductivity for Zr5Sb3 and suggest it to be a possible phonon-mediated BCS superconductor with a relatively large density of states at the Fermi level associated with the d electrons of Zr and substantially larger electron-phonon coupling compared to the Sn counterpart compound Zr5Sn3 from band structure calculations. More superconductors with even higher transition temperatures are expected to be found in this family of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinosteroids (BRs), an important class of plant steroidal hormones, play a significant role in the amelioration of various biotic and abiotic stresses. 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), an active brassinosteroid, was applied exogenously in different concentrations to characterize a role of BRs in tolerance of melon ( Cucumis melo L.) to high temperature (HT) stress and to investigate photosynthetic performance of HT-stressed, Honglvzaocui (HT-tolerant) and Baiyuxiang (HTsensitive), melon variety. Under HT, Honglvzaocui showed higher biomass accumulation and a lower index of heat injury compared with the Baiyuxiang. The exogenous application of 1.0 mg L EBR, the most effective concentration, alleviated dramatically the growth suppression caused by HT in both ecotypes. Similarly, EBR pretreatment of HTstressed plants attenuated the decrease in relative chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, stomatal limitation, and water-use efficiency (WUE), as well as the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F/F), the efficiency of excitation capture of open PSII center, the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Φ), photochemical quenching coefficient, and the photon activity distribution coefficients of PSI (α). EBR pretreatment further inhibited the increase in intracellular CO concentration, leaf transpiration rate, minimal fluorescence of dark-adapted state, nonphotochemical quenching, thermal dissipation, and photon activity distribution coefficients of PSII. Results obtained here demonstrated that EBR could alleviate the detrimental effects of HT on the plant growth by improving photosynthesis in leaves, mainly reflected as up-regulation of photosynthetic pigment contents and photochemical activity associated with PSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracture spacing as a widespread phenomenon in nature shows similar patterns on various geometric surfaces. To explore the similarities and differences between various geometric surfaces in the process of fracture spacing formation, numerical simulations are conducted on bi-layered three-dimensional models of three various geometric surfaces, including slab surface, cylindrical surface, and spherical surface by the finite element method (FEM). The fractures develop under a quasi-static loading condition with constant displacement increments. The progressive failure process from fracture initiation to saturation is researched, and the material heterogeneity is introduced by using a probability distribution, which acts as the main reason for failures generating randomly inception. An intuitive explanation is also provided for the phenomenon of fracture saturation. Then, as the loading condition varies, fracture patterns in both slab surface models and cylindrical surface models show a transition from parallel fractures, step-like fractures to regular polygonal fractures. However, in spherical surface models, only uniform polygonal fractures emerge under the condition of radial expansion. Furthermore, through quantitative analysis by statistical means, we find that, except for the fractured layer thickness, curvature also has a significant impact on the crack density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/objective(s): Intracranial metastasis failed to standard systematic treatment is common in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Post Hoc analysis of a phase III randomized control trial (ALTER0303) has demonstrated that anlotinib can benefit patients with advanced NSCLC with brain metastases (BM) and is highly potent in the management of intracranial lesions. Here we report results of a comparative analysis of survival in patients with NSCLC with BM receiving whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with and without anlotinib, for whom intracranial disease had progressed or developed after at least one lines of prior systematic therapy.Materials/methods: From 2019 to 2020, a total of 96 patients of NSCLC in our institution with BM failed to at least one lines of systematic treatment met inclusion criteria for the study. Patients were treated with concurrent anlotinib and WBRT followed by anlotinib consolidation (an-WBRT group) or WBRT with other regimens at the discretion of the treating physician (WBRT group) at intracranial progression. Overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) were measured from the date of brain progression.Results: The median lines of prior therapy are both 2 for an-WBRT and WBRT groups. The median OS for the an-WBRT (n = 26) and WBRT (n = 70) cohorts was 12.8 and 14.3 months, respectively (P = 0.82). The an-WBRT group has a longer iPFS than WBRT group (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21-0.65), with median iPFS of 8.1 months and 4.0 months respectively.Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrated that the combination of anlotinib and WBRT is associated with better iPFS than WBRT in NSCLC patients with intracranial metastasis failed to standard systematic treatment. Randomized, prospective studies are needed to further validate these findings.Author Disclosure: C. Kong: None. X. Zhu: None. M. Jiang: None. X. Song: None. P. Qian: None. J. Zhu: None. J. Xu: None. X. He: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression occurs in over 30% of esophageal carcinomas. Combination therapies of EGFR- and HER2-targeting agents with cytotoxic agents are considered a potential therapeutic strategy for esophageal cancer. The antitumor effects of lapatinib, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR and HER2, cisplatin alone, and the combination of the two drugs on esophageal cancer cells were evaluated. The growth inhibition activity of lapatinib, cisplatin, and lapatinib plus cisplatin was measured by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assays, and the combination index values were calculated. Additionally, cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis treated with lapatinib or cisplatin alone and the combination of the two drugs were detected by flow cytometry analysis. The activation of EGFR and HER2 signaling pathways was monitored by Western blot analysis. These experimental data showed that the combination of lapatinib and cisplatin synergistically inhibited cell proliferation and exhibited an enhanced pro-apoptotic effect on esophageal cancer cells. The underlying mechanisms of potentiated effects of combined treatment were associated with reduced phosphorylation of EGFR and HER2, and the downstream signaling molecules AKT and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK). Our findings indicated that the combination of lapatinib and cisplatin is one of the promising treatment strategies for esophageal carcinomas with EGFR and HER2 overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) is the most common failure in nuclear power plants. The FAC rate conforms to the experimental results in lab, which are calculated by some other FAC rate prediction models. However, when these models are employed to calculate the FAC rate of the elbow, the result is opposite to actual situation of failure of the elbow. In this paper, a new prediction model is proposed to calculate the flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) rate in the elbow, which combine the steady-state mass transfer model of electrochemical theory and one-dimensional galvanic corrosion model. Firstly, the distribution of velocity in the elbow is counted by FLUENT. Secondly, the free corrosion potential and the free corrosion current density are calculated by steady-state mass transfer model. At last, the novel model is used to obtain the FAC rate of the elbow. The result will show that the FAC rate of the outward bend of the elbow is two-orders than the inward bend of the elbow. The outward bend of elbow is the defective position, which accords with the statistical result of Kuen Ting et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertake an attempt to reconstruct the Sun's non-force-free magnetic field. The solar corona is often considered to be magnetohydrostatic. We solve the full MHD equations with a semi-realistic atmosphere model to attain this stationary state. Our method is tested with a Sun-like model which simulates the emergence of a magnetic flux rope passing from below the photosphere into the corona. Detailed diagnostics shows that our method can model the forced field more successfully than the optimization and potential method, but it still needs to be applied to real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish a realistic fibrous media structure, internal microscopic cross-sectional images were taken by scanning electron microscopy and then processed by Matlab. Finally, the 3D models of the fibrous media were reconstructed using Gambit software. The influences of structural parameters of the fibrous media on solid volume fraction and pressure drop were analyzed by response surface methodology, and the internal gas flow fields of the fibrous media were simulated using Ansys Fluent. The simulation results of the pressure drop are in good agreement with the Davies experimental correlation data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severely localized deformation within shear bands can occur much more easily in a metal with nanoscale microstructures, such as nanograined and nanolayered materials. Based on atomic-scale observations, here we show that such locally large deformation (the continuous thinning of the layers) within the indentation-induced shear bands of the Cu/Au nanolayers is essentially attributed to the large shear stress component along the interface, which can refresh the capability of the interface to absorb incoming dislocations through unlocking the product of the dislocation-interface reaction. The results have implications for understanding the interface-mediated mechanisms of plastic deformation and for the engineering application of severe plastic deformation processing of metals at nanoscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of early post-mortem temperature on development of a turkey muscle''s pale, soft and exudative (PSE) characteristics. Muscles obtained at 20min post-mortem were incubated at 0, 20 and 40°C until 4h post-mortem and then stored at 4°C. During incubation, the 40°C group had greater rate of pH decline, lactate accumulation and R-values increase than other groups. Moreover, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation at 1h post-mortem was higher in the 40°C group than the other groups. At 24h post-mortem, the 40°C group had higher L* values and drip loss; SDS-PAGE and western blotting indicated that lower protein solubility (sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar) in the 40°C group resulted from phosphorylase denaturation and further adhere to myofibrillar fraction. These results suggest that high temperature early post-mortem could induce AMPK activation, which results in rapid glycolysis, thus affecting protein solubility and generating PSE characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have previously reported that members of the NR4A family of orphan nuclear receptors can augment insulin's ability to stimulate glucose transport in adipocytes. In the current study, we endeavored to test for an insulin-sensitizing effect in muscle cells and to identify a potential transactivator. Lentiviral constructs were used to engineer both hyperexpression and shRNA silencing of NR4A3 in C2C12 myocytes. The NR4A3 hyper-expression construct led to a significant increase in glucose transport rates in the presence of maximal insulin while the NR4A3 knock-down exhibited a significant reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose transport rates. Consistently, insulin-mediated AKT phosphorylation was increased by NR4A3 hyperexpression and decreased following shRNA NR4A3 suppression. Then, we examined effects of prostaglandin A 2 (PGA 2 ) on insulin action and NR4A3 transactivation. PGA 2 augmented insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myocytes and AKT phosphorylation after 12-h treatment, without significant effects on basal transport or basal AKT phosphorylation. More importantly, we demonstrated that PGA 2 led to a greater improvement in insulin- stimulated glucose rates in NR4A3 overexpressing C2C12 myocytes, when compared with Lac-Z controls stimulated with insulin and PGA 2 . Moreover, the sensitizing effect of PGA 2 was significantly diminished in NR4A3 knockdown myocytes compared to scramble controls. These results show for the first time that: (i) PGA 2 augments insulin action in myocytes as manifested by enhanced stimulation of glucose transport and AKT phosphorylation; and (ii) the insulin sensitizing effect is dependent upon the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis var. natto N21 (BAC) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 (SAC) fermented liquid feed (FLF) during different incubation times on the growth performance, relative organ weight, intestinal microflora, and organ antioxidative status in Landes geese. Two hundred forty male Landes geese (10 wk old) with the BW of 4.163 ± 0.108 kg were selected for a 3-wk trial and randomly allotted to 3 treatments according to their BW (10 replicates/treatment and 8 geese/replicate). The treatments included 1) CON, dry basal feed (corn-soybean basal diet mixed with water) before feeding (2:1 wt/wt), 2) FLF24, 24 h FLF, and 3) FLF48, 48 h FLF. The FLF diet was prepared by storing basal diet with 109 cfu/g feed of each BAC and SAC and water (2:1 wt/wt) in a closed tank at 20°C fermented for 24 or 48 h. The BW gain and feed intake of geese fed FLF24 and FLF48 was greater (P < 0.05) than CON treatment. Feeding geese with FLF24 and FLF48 feeds increased (P < 0.05) the relative weight of leg muscle whereas the liver was heavier (P < 0.05) in FLF48 treatment than CON and FLF24 treatments. The FLF24 and FLF48 increased (P < 0.05) the Lactobacillus population and depressed (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli population in small and large intestine. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was greatest (P < 0.05) in FLF48 whereas the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was less (P < 0.05) in FLF24 and FLF48 treatments than CON. Geese fed FLF48 diet had greater glutathione peroxidase activity and less malondialdehyde content in heart and liver than those fed CON diet. In breast muscle, the superoxide dismutase activity were increased (P < 0.05) by FLF24 and FLF48 treatments than CON diet. In conclusion, the results indicated that feeding geese with BAC and SAC mix FLF can improve growth and feed intake, modulate the intestine ecology, and decrease the blood cholesterol concentrations; it also can improve the antioxidative status of organs and breast muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores an electrochemical surface modification process to improve the corrosion resistance of Fe-24Mn-4Al-5Cr alloy. The effects of transpassive aging potential and time on the corrosion resistance, composition and stability of the passive film formed on an Fe-24Mn-4Al-5Cr alloy in 1M Na2SO4 solution were studied using combined electrochemical measurements, Auger electron spectroscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The passivation of Fe-24Mn-4Al-5Cr alloy in 1M Na2SO4 solution was performed under the optimal parameters of critical potential of 1100 mV and for a passivation time of 30 min. The corrosion resistance in 1M Na2SO4 solution of Fe-24Mn-4Al-5Cr alloy modified by this treatment is superior to that of Fe-13Cr-0·1C stainless steel. Auger electron spectroscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic depth profiles of the passive film formed on the alloy using this treatment show Al2O3 and Cr2O3 enrichment together with Fe and Mn depletion in the passive film. This compositional change provides the increase in stability and in corrosion resistance of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new analytical method to predict nondestructively the elastic critical pressure of a submerged cylindrical shell which is subjected to external hydrostatic pressure is presented in this paper. The structural-fluid coupling dispersion equation of the system is established considering axial and lateral hydrostatic pressure based on the wave propagation approach. The data of the natural frequencies of the system under different hydrostatic pressures is obtained by solving the coupled dispersion equation. The curve of the fundamental natural frequency squared versus hydrostatic pressure is then drawn with the data, which is straight approximately. The elastic critical hydrostatic pressure is obtained when the corresponding fundamental natural frequency decreases to zero. The results obtained from the present approach show good agreement with published results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]