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Abstract Biomarkers are urgently required for predicting rejection so that anti-rejection treatment can be taken early to protect the allograft from irreversible damage. We hypothesized that the combination of circulating fractalkine, IFN-γ and IP-10 might serve as effective biomarkers for predicting early acute renal allograft rejection. We conducted a retrospective study of 87 subjects, who were classified into acute rejection group (ARG; n = 38) and non-rejection group (NRG; n = 49). Serum fractalkine, IFN-γ and IP-10 levels were measured by Luminex. The levels of fractalkine on day 0 and 7th day, IP-10 on 4th and 7th day, and IFN-γ on 7th day in ARG was significantly higher than that in NRG. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis highlighted the higher-levels groups of fractalkine on day 0, 4th and 7th day, IFN-γ on day 0, 1st, 4th, and 7th day and IP-10 on the 4th and 7th day in rejection-free survival probability were significantly lower than low-levels groups. ROC analyses highlight the superiority of fractalkine on day 0, IP-10 on day 0, 4th and 7th day, and IFN-γ on day 0, 1st and 7th day in prediction of acute rejection. We found the combination of fractalkine on day 0, IP-10 on 7th day and IFN-γ on 7th day had the highest AUC (0.866) for predicting rejection with a sensitivity of 86.8% and a specificity of 89.8%. Our findings demonstrated a more powerful prediction of early acute renal allograft rejection during the first month after transplantation by combination of multiple-biomarkers of fractalkine, IFN-γ and IP-10, and the results might help stratify the immunologic risk of acute allograft rejection in recipients. Highlights • Biomarkers are urgently required for predicting rejection. • We examined the ability of fractalkine, IFN-γ and IP-10 to predict acute rejection. • ARG showed higher levels of fractalkine, IP-10, and IFN-γ than NRG. • Combination of fractalkine, IP-10 and IFN-γ had the highest AUC to predict rejection. • Three markers provide a more powerful prediction of rejection than single-marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding depression is the reduction in fitness observed in inbred populations. In plants, it leads to disease, weaker resistance to adverse environmental conditions, inhibition of growth, and decrease of yield. To elucidate molecular mechanisms behind inbreeding depression, we compared global DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles of a normal and a highly inbred heading degenerated variety of the Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa L. ssp . pekinensis ). DNA methylation was reduced in inbred plants, suggesting a change in the epigenetic landscape. Transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq revealed that genes in auxin-response and synthesis pathways were differentially expressed in the inbreeding depression lines. Interestingly, methylation levels of some of those genes were also changed. Furthermore, endogenous IAA content was decreased in inbred plants, in agreement with expression and methylation data. Chemical inhibition of auxin also replicated the degenerated phenotype in normal plants, while exogenous IAA application had no effect in inbred depression plants, suggesting a more complex mechanism. These data indicate DNA methylation-regulated auxin pathways play a role in establishing inbred depression phenotypes in plants. Our findings reveal new insights into inbreeding depression and leafy head development in Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In March 2012, an H7N7 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) named A/wild goose/Dongting/PC0360/2012 (H7N7) (DT/PC0360) was recovered from a wild goose in East Dongting Lake. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the isolate, and analyzed the phylogenetic and molecular characterization. Methods RNA was extracted from environment samples (including fecal samples from wild bird or domestic ducks, and water samples) for detecting the presence of Influenza A Virus targeting Matrix gene, using realtime RT-PCR assay. The positive samples were performed virus isolation with embryonated eggs. The subtype of the isolates were identified by RT-PCR assay with the H1-H16 and N1-N9 primer set. The whole-genome sequencing of isolates were performed. Phylogenetic and molecular characterizations of the eight genes of the isolates were analyzed. Results Our results suggested that all the eight gene segments of DT/PC0360 belonged to the Eurasian gene pool, and the HA gene were belonged to distinct sublineage with H7N9 AIV which caused outbreaks in Mainland China in 2013. The hemagglutinin cleavage site of HA of DT/PC0360 showed characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza virus. Conclusion Strengthening the surveillance of AIVs of wild waterfowl and poultry in this region is vital for our knowledge of the ecology and mechanism of transmission to prevent an influenza pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-reinforcement is a preferred strategy to achieve high tensile strength polymer materials. Sparse work has been reported in this aspect on thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). Three commercial TPUs, two polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG)-based TPUs (coded as MDIPTMG and TDIPTMG) and one polycaprolactone (PCL)-based TPU (MDIPCL) were chosen to study the dependences of mechanical tensile properties on the microstructures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the chemical compositions, thermal stabilities and microphase morphologies. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the three TPUs were greatly improved through step-cycle tensile deformation, especially for MDIPTMG and MDIPCL. The true stress-true strain curves indicated that point A (the end of the Hooke range) and point B (the yield point) located at about same strains, whilst point C (the formation of oriented microdomains) for MDIPTMG and MDIPCL located at a much lower strain than that for TDIPTMG. In-situ small-angle X-ray scattering further revealed that the hard microdomains of MDIPTMG and MDIPCL could transform to oriented microstructures at the strains above 200%, consistent with the critical strains at point C. The oriented microstructures could be preserved, which played a significant role to achieve high strength TPUs, with a potential to widen their practical applications. [Display omitted] • Superior TPUs with super high tensile strength were produced. • The oriented microdomains played a crucial role for TPUs. • Simple tensile deformation processing is applicable to TPUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To conduct a full genome sequence analysis for genetic characterization of an H3N8 influenza virus isolated from drinking water of a domestic duck farm in Poyang Lake area in 2011. Methods: The virus was cultivated by specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryo eggs and was subtyped into hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) by real-time PCR method. Eight gene segments were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Results: The NA gene of this virus belongs to North American lineage; other seven genes belong to Eurasian lineage. Compared with the viruses containing NA gene, the PB2 and PB1 gene came from different clades. And this indicates that the virus was a novel reassortant genotype. The HA receptor binding preference was avian-like and the cleavage site sequence showed a low pathogenic feature. There was no drug resistance mutation of M2 protein. The mutations of Asn30Asp, and Thr215Ala of the M1 protein implied the potential of pathogenicity increase in mice. Conclusion: The finding of novel genotype of H3N8 virus in drinking water in this duck farm near Poyang Lake highlighted the importance of strengthening the surveillance of avian influenza in this region, which could contribute to pinpointing the influenza ecological relations among avian, swine, and human. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We calculate stress in YBa2Cu3O7−x /MgO (YBCO/MgO) and YBa2Cu3O7−x /LaAlO3 (YBCO/LAO) by XRD of the sample, σ 1 =−1.2GPa and σ 2 =−1.4GPa, respectively, which shows that the stress in YBCO/LAO is stronger than that in YBCO/MgO. In addition, microwave response of the two pieces of thin films is also investigated by microstrip resonator technique. Surface resistance and penetration depth of the films are obtained by analyzing S 21 resonant curves of the microstrip resonator, the penetration depth λ 0 =280nm for YBCO/MgO and λ 0 =265nm for YBCO/LAO, and surface resistance R s =0.376mΩ for YBCO/MgO and R s =2.660mΩ for YBCO/LAO at 78K, 10GHz. The results show stronger stress in YBCO/LAO which lead to a larger microwave surface resistance than YBCO/MgO''s. Some rational explanations are also analyzed and discussed in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to N-diphenylphosphinoylimines afforded N-diphenylphosphinoylamides with enantioselectivity of up to 90% ee in the presence of a catalytic amount of chiral ligand (S)-N-ferrocenoyl-2-[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]-pyrrolidine 13 (7mol%) and Cu(OTf)2 (15mol%). The remarkable improvement of enantioselectivities, as compared with the same type of chiral ligand 6, could be explained by the unique structure of ferrocenyl amidophosphine ligand combining with the reactive intermediate of this addition reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: (S)-N-Ferrocenoyl-2-[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]-pyrrolidine 3 was conveniently prepared from commercially available l-proline and ferrocenecarboxylic acid. In the presence of a catalytic amount of chiral ligand 3 (4mol%) and Cu(OTf)2 (3mol%), the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to N-sulfonylimines was achieved in 57–99% yield with up to 88% ee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute renal rejection usually fails to be diagnosed before the increase in the serum creatinine levels, and the resultant damage to the renal tissues occur in varying degrees. We hypothesized that the combined detection of human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) 14-bp insertion/deletion genotypes and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and osteopontin (OPN) levels in serum might facilitate the prediction of acute renal allograft rejections in kidney transplant recipients. HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion genotypes and the serum KIM-1 and OPN levels of 77 kidney transplant recipients were determined and compared before operation and on days 1, 4, and 7 after the operation (32 in acute rejection [AR] group and 45 in stable allograft function [STA] group). These 3 indicators were combined to establish a model for the early prediction of AR. The KIM-1 levels in the serum of patients were significantly higher in the AR group than in the STA group. The area under the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) of KIM-1 for the prediction of rejection was maximized on the1st day after operation, with a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 86.7%. The OPN levels in the serum of patients were significantly higher in the AR group than in the STA group only before operation and on the 7th day after operation. The AUC of OPN for the prediction of rejection was maximized on 7th day after operation, with a sensitivity of 68.8% and a specificity of 88.9%. The HLA-G + 14-bp allele frequency was also significantly higher in the AR group than in the STA group. The results of these three indicators were converted into a qualitative method. If any two of the three indicators show as positive, it was diagnosed as acute rejection, and it has the highest ability to predict acute rejection with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.38% and 91.11%, respectively. The HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion genotype and KIM-1 and OPN levels in the patients' serum were significantly different between the AR and STA groups. The power of predicting acute renal allograft rejection could be improved by combined these three biomarkers. • We examined the HLA-G genotype, KIM-1 and OPN to predict acute rejection. • HLA-G genotype, KIM-1 and OPN levels were different between AR and STA. • Combining HLA-G genotypes, KIM-1 and OPN can predict rejection. • Three markers provide a more powerful prediction of rejection than single-marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower has a damaging effect on aquatic biodiversity globally. Extensive research has demonstrated the significance of plant diversity in sustaining wetland services and functions. However, wetland plant diversity conservation has rarely been considered in hydropower operation optimization, and the relationship between hydropower generation and plant diversity indicators has rarely been quantified. In this study, a new optimization approach is proposed for reservoir operation to balance hydropower generation and plant diversity conservation in downstream wetlands. We identify key hydrological indicators affecting wetland plant diversity, accounting for the richness and abundance of plants as well as the evenness of multiple plant species. An artificial neural network (ANN) is subsequently adopted to quantify the complex relationship between hydrological and plant diversity indicators. Using the ANN model for plant diversity prediction, we develop a multi-objective optimization model for reservoir operation to maximize hydropower generation and wetland plant diversity indicators. This approach is applied to a large plant-dominated wetland (Baiyangdian) in China as a case study. Using a genetic algorithm to solve the optimization model, we suggest a reservoir operation scheme which can increase multi-year averaged plant diversity indicator in this wetland by 20% while decreasing reservoir hydropower generation by 10%. We also generate a set of Pareto-optimal solutions from the optimization model, which quantifies the tradeoff relationship between hydropower generation and plant diversity conservation. This relationship provides a reference for managers in determining reservoir operation rules depending on the demands on these two conflicting objectives. • An optimization model is developed to balance hydropower and biodiversity targets. • An artificial neural network is constructed for predicting wetland plant diversity. • The relationship between hydropower and plant diversity indicators is quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High mechanical strength and toughness polyurethane-based thermally conductive composite was prepared. • Mechanical and thermal property are notably affected by the isocyanate index. • Composite with an isocyanate index of 1 exhibited the exceptional comprehensive property performance. • Mixed failure mode obtained the highest tensile lap-shear strength. New requirements for thermal interface materials to combine both mechanical properties and heat dissipation have been proposed by long cruising range and lightweight cell-to-pack (CTP) battery system. Here we report an environment-friendly thermally conductive composite based on polyurethane (PU) as the matrix and alumina (Al 2 O 3) as the thermally conductive filler, which presented all of the thermally conductive, notable mechanical strength and toughness, and electrical insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.84 W/(m·K), a tensile strength of 8.09 MPa, an elongation at break of 117.51 %, and a volume resistivity of 4.3 × 1014 Ω·cm. Aluminum alloy 5052 adherends were used to manufacture the single-lap joints (SLJs) of composites with different isocyanate indices, and the single-lap shear test was used to investigate the tensile lap-shear strengths and failure modes of the joints. A critical discussion was conducted regarding the relationship between the isocyanate index (R index) and the bonding mechanism. It was found that changing the isocyanate index under the premise of fixed hard segment content enhanced the lap-shear strength of joints from 4.49 MPa to 8.24 MPa. Meanwhile, the failure mode transitioned from the adhesive failure mode to the adhesive/cohesive mixed failure mode, and then to the cohesive failure mode. Hence, the present study sheds light on the rational design of thermally conductive composites to promote the multi-functionality of thermal management applications in the new energy vehicle battery domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbance are common in patients with cancer and usually co-occur as a symptom cluster. However, the mechanism underlying this symptom cluster is unclear.Objectives: This study aimed to identify subgroups of cluster symptoms, compare demographic and clinical characteristics between subgroups, and examine the associations between inflammatory cytokines and cluster symptoms.Methods: Participants were 170 Chinese inpatients with cancer from two tertiary hospitals. Inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured. Intergroup differences and associations of inflammatory cytokines with the cluster symptoms were examined with one-way analyses of variance and logistic regression.Results: Based on cluster analysis, participants were categorized into Subgroup 1 (all low symptoms), Subgroup 2 (low pain and moderate fatigue), or Subgroup 3 (moderate-to-high on all symptoms). The three subgroups differed significantly in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, sex, residence, current treatment, education, economic status, and inflammatory cytokines levels (all P < 0.05). Compared with Subgroup 1, Subgroup 3 had a significantly poorer ECOG physical performance status and higher IL-6 levels, were more often treated with combined chemoradiotherapy, and were more likely to be rural residents. IL-6 and ECOG physical performance status were significantly associated with 1.246-fold (95% CI 1.114-1.396) and 31.831-fold (95% CI 6.017-168.385) increased risk of Subgroup 3.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IL-6 levels are associated with cluster symptoms in cancer patients. Clinicians should identify patients at risk for more severe symptoms and formulate novel target interventions to improve symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the maximum photonic band gap (PBG) of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PC) with elliptical air holes was studied by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method based on changing the ratio (semi-major axis length of elliptical hole to the filling ratio) and azimuth angle of elliptical holes, respectively. It is shown that the PBG exhibits a peak value when the ratio of semi-major axis length to the filling ratio is equal to 0.86 approximately by increasing the filling ratio, and central frequency and the low boundary frequency of PBG decrease linearly with the increasing of semi-major axis length. In the aspect of the influence of azimuth angle from 0 to 90°, the PBG presents a minimum value, and central frequency and the low boundary frequency of PBG become high non-linearly by the increasing of azimuth angle to any filling ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two interesting neutral tetrasupporting heteropolyoxometalates: [MoVI7MoVVIV8O40(PO4)][M(phen)2(OH)]2[M(phen)2(OEt)]2·xH2O (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, EtOH=ethanol, M=Co, x=7, 1; M=Ni, x=6, 2) were hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized. The mixed molybdenum–vanadium polyoxoanion [MoVI7MoVVIV8O40(PO4)]4- exist in both two complexes, which acts as a bridge to covalently link two pairs of transition metal complex fragments, generating neutral windmill-like trimetallic nanocluster polyoxometalates. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of complexes 1 and 2 reveal that antiferromagnetic exchange interaction exists in this type of trimetallic tetrasupporting heteropolyoxometalates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we propose the transmission properties of three two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) obtained by shifting the shape of air holes localized at each side of the waveguide using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. One modifies the radius of air holes and the permittivity of dielectric rods which replace air holes. The other substitute air rings for air holes. The last one is combination of air rings and air holes or dielectric rods. We show that we can achieve unusual “Г-type” or “n-type” transmission spectrum depending on the different parameters such as thickness of air holes, inner radius of air rings and permittivity of square dielectric rod. The notable difference is presented to different structures. Furthermore, we show the slow light phenomena using a unique geometrical parameter. This work will be of significance in fabricating PC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important inter-unit of lignin, guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl (GG) ether has been synthesized, and characterized using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the frequency range of 5–85 cm −1 . Seven absorption peaks have been observed. Among these peaks, the 49.8 cm −1 and 57.6 cm −1 vibrations are propose to be characteristic absorption peaks of GG ether. Raman spectra were also measured in the range of 50–3500 cm −1 . The vibrations of the two lowest energy forms, i.e., erythro 1r4s and threo 1s4s, were calculated using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311G ∗∗ level and assigned according to potential energy distribution. In addition, the contents of erythro and threo forms in GG sample could be estimated by comparing the waveform similarities between theoretical and observed curves in the 33.0–80.0 cm −1 range. Results showed that the observed curve of GG sample is a combination of erythro 1s4r and threo 1s4s. The four absorption vibrations below 33.0 cm −1 could be assigned to phonon, inter-molecular modes and/or hydrogen bond vibrations. Terahertz spectra and Raman spectra, together with theoretical calculations, could be powerful methods for predicting contents of different isomers in sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of direct drive valve based on giant magnetostrictive material is designed. Comparing to traditional servo valves, the frequency response is improved with a considerable flow rate. A hydraulic amplifier with flexible pistons is applied on the designed valve; its structure is optimized through elasticity mechanic theory, finite element method and CFD method. The valve is modeled in AMESim and a prototype is produced. Through simulation and experiments, the bandwidth of the designed valve is above 100 Hz while its flow reaches 30 L/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the neural activations associated with reward processing in adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD). Research focused on the interaction between cognitive and emotional processes in BD patients with limited episodes of mania, as well as the influence of affective priming tasks. Other topics covered include the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging, neurological reaction times, and self-awareness.

Abstract: A new BEDT-TTF-based radical salt, β-(BEDT-TTF)(HSO4) [BEDT-TTF=bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene], has been synthesized by oxidative electrocrystallization. The crystal structure was determined by four-circle X-ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to monoclinic system, C2/c space group with the unit cell parameters of: a =1.5996(2)nm, b =1.06173(10)nm, c =1.15083(11)nm, β =120.534(8)°, V =1.6834(3)nm3, and R =0.0611. In the title crystal, the BEDT-TTF radicals are stacked to form columns along the [101] axis and the molecular planes of BEDT-TTFs in adjacent columns are parallel to each other. The inter-stack side-by-side S…S short contacts along the b-axis help to form a kind of cationic conducting sheet parallel to (101) plane. The room temperature conductivity at certain direction on (101) plane of β-(BEDT-TTF)(HSO4) single crystal was measured to be 11.7Scm−1. From 100K to 290K, the resistivity–temperature curve demonstrates its typical semiconductivity with an excitation energy of 0.26eV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Luanhe River Source Area belongs to typical semi-arid, agro-pastoral ecotone of North China. It is very important for the prevention and treatment of soil erosion in North China to analyze and evaluate quantitatively the recent 30-year changes in the process of soil wind erosion in this area. Based on long field observations, soil samples from different depths in a representative wind-deposited soil profile in the Luanhe River Source Area were collected. Then the 137Cs activity of soil samples from different depths in the soil profile was determined using a GEM series HPGe (high-purity germanium) coaxial detector system (ADCAM-100), and their soil properties, such as the soil particle fraction and so on, were analyzed. According to the detected 137Cs activity of different depths, a continuous time sequence of the wind-deposited soil profile in the study area was established. Furthermore, through assumption on a soil relative wind erosion intensity index (SWEI), recent 30-year changes in the process of soil wind erosion in the Luanhe River Source Area were retrospected . The analysis results revealed that weaker soil wind erosion occurred in the study area from the 1970s to the early 1980s and from the late 1980s to the mid to late 1990s. Conversely, intense periods of soil wind erosion occurred in the mid-1980s and from the late 1990s to 2002. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The diagenetic interplays of organic carbon (OC), sulfur (S), and iron (Fe) in marine sediments and their responses to changes in depositional and climatic conditions are poorly characterized. In this study, chemical speciation and isotopes were combined to characterize diagenesis of OC, S and Fe in sediments of the middle Okinawa Trough (OT), a back-arc deep basin along the edge of the East China Sea outer shelf, since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Two key geochemical proxies, i.e., OC/pyrite-S ratios and the degrees of pyritization, indicate anoxic bottom-water conditions during the last Glacial/Deglacial, which promoted burial of OC and pyrite. However, a shift to oxic conditions during the Deglacial-Holocene transition facilitated aerobic respiration, resulting in lower burial of OC and pyrite. In contrast to previous studies, the environmental changes induced by large sea-level rises since the LGM have not triggered significant variations in pyrite-S isotopic compositions, probably due to persistently low sedimentation rates. Variable extents of Fe enrichment are identified in the sediments since the LGM, with lower enrichment during the Holocene probably due to increased distance of Fe shuttling and concomitant Fe ageing. Anoxic bottom water during the Glacial/Deglacial did not induce an expected intensification of OC sulfurization, probably because sedimentary Fe enrichment favored pyrite formation but competitively dampened OC sulfurization. Lines of geochemical evidence hint at a discontinuous deposition at ~200 cm depth probably caused by mass wasting. • Bottom water redox regimes exert major controls on diagenesis in the Okinawa Trough. • Anoxic bottom water is critical for high burial of organics during the last Glacier. • Iron shuttled from the East China Sea shelf is enriched in the Okinawa Trough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new molecular conductor (PyMe)[Ni(dmit)2]2 (PyMe = N-methylpyridinium, dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato) has been synthesized and its structure been determined. The temperature-dependent conductivities in the range of 290–20 K reveal a semi-conducting behavior of the crystal with a small activation energy of 0.067 eV and a quite high room temperature conductivity of 2 S cm−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]