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Acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) is a promising alternative to human donor cornea for lamellar keratoplasty (LKP). However, the detergents, enzymes and physical forces used during decellularization unavoidably alter the cornea's extracellular matrix composition and disrupt its ultrastructure, making it less mechanically stable and liable to degradation both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we systematically analyzed the low biomechanics and easy degradability of APCS in terms of structure and protein composition. Then, we introduced natural cross-linkers, namely proanthocyanidin (PA), epigallocatechin-3-gallate and genipin, to stabilize the APCS that exhibited color variations during crosslinking. Then, we developed a protective crosslinking system by combining cross-linkers with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to reduce color change, maintain transparency and improve the mechanical property of APCS. PA/BSA-crosslinked APCS (PA/BSA-APCS) shows favorable corneal transparency and swelling property; the improved overall and surface corneal biomechanics were comparable to those of human cornea, revealing strong resistance to enzymatic degradation and good biocompatibility. Results from LKP in the rabbit model showed complete re-epithelialization without graft melting, the stitches were scarcely loosened after the operation and more host keratocytes had migrated in PA/BSA-APCS at six months post-operation. Therefore, PA/BSA-APCS could be useful as a corneal substitute for tissue regeneration and the protective crosslinking system could be applicable in other bioengineering fields. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The utility of the e-portfolio as a reflection tool has been widely endorsed in theory. • Conflicting results have been yielded when examined from student teachers' perspectives. • Research in this area lacks a systematic theoretical framework. • Cultural-Historical Activity Theory is proposed as a unifying framework. • A sample analysis using CHAT suggests that CHAT is a potentially useful analytical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercultural competence (IC) has been shown to be a necessary asset in the increasingly globalized world, with individuals expected to perform appropriately and effectively during intercultural exchanges. However, many students have insufficient intercultural knowledge, attitudes, or skills. Therefore, it is necessary to identify effective means of helping individuals to improve their IC. A review of relevant intervention studies published between 2000 and 2018 was conducted to examine the effectiveness of current interventions. Based on 31 studies, overseas immersion and pedagogical interventions were identified as the two major types of existing interventions. Four sub-types of pedagogical intervention were found: culture-based teaching materials, classroom activities, teaching strategies and integrated intercultural programs. The findings of meta-analyses suggest that overseas immersion exerts a larger effect on IC improvement than do other types of intervention. Grade level was also found to moderate the relationship between interventions and IC development. The results are discussed in intercultural educational contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, we reported a moderately pathogenic pseudorabies virus (PRV) variant isolated from one Bartha-K61-vaccinated pig farm in Weifang, Shandong Province, China, 2014. The sick piglets in the farm were characterized by anorexia, weight loss and neurologic symptoms but did not die. Sequence alignment of the gE gene indicated that it belonged to a new mutated PRV strain and about 15% amino acid sites had mutations, deficiencies and insertions compared to the other PRV strains. The gD gene had two amino acid insertions and ten amino acid mutations in comparison with the Bartha-K61 vaccine strain. The TK and gM genes were the same as one highly pathogenic PRV TJ strain. Evidence from virus isolation, laboratory challenge, serological detection and histopathologic examination confirmed that the etiological agent of the disease is PRV SD1404, which is a moderately pathogenic strain and causes piglets to be sick but not to die. PRV SD1404 strain is different from other reports and should be paid more attention to avoid economic losses. Highlights • We reported a moderately pathogenic pseudorabies virus (PRV) variant isolated from one Bartha-K61-vaccinated pig farm. • Sequence alignment of the gE gene of PRV SD1404 indicated that it belonged to a new mutated PRV strain. • The gD gene had two amino acid insertions and ten amino acid mutations in comparison with the Bartha-K61 vaccine strain. • PRV SD1404 is a moderately pathogenic strain and causes piglets not to die, which should be paid more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shikonin, the primary active compound found in the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as "ZiCao", exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects. This drug has a wide range of uses, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. It is also effective in promoting wound healing and treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although shikonin has a wide range of applications, its mechanisms are still not fully understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the use of shikonin for the treatment of immune-related diseases. The article also delves into the anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms of shikonin and offers insights into the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of related diseases. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in this field. These findings not only provide significant new information on the effects and mechanisms of shikonin but also establish a foundation for the development of clinical applications in treating autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese pine ( Pinus tabuliformis Carr . ) is one of the most commercially important conifers in northern China because of its important economic and ecological value. However, most Chinese pine plantations have suffered degradation following fertility declines, pests and disease outbreaks. In this study, to evaluate whether gap creation can help achieve canopy recruitment for sustainable management, we analyzed the species diversity patterns of woody plant regeneration, growth status and the spatial distribution of Chinese pine regeneration in three control plots (C, 10 × 10 m) and four classes of gaps seven years after gap creation. The diameters of the gap classes were 1.00 (G-I, 10.0 m), 1.25 (G-II, 12.5 m), 1.50 (G-III, 15.0 m), and 1.75 (G-IV, 17.5 m) times the mean canopy height. There were no differences in diversity patterns between the tested gap sizes, between gaps and under the canopy, this finding may be attributed to trees and shrubs require a relatively long time to become established. Although gap size had no influence on the density of Total (all regeneration), it significantly decreased and increased the density of seedlings (height ≤ 100 cm) and saplings (height > 100 cm), respectively, along the gap size gradient, which likely resulted from the differences between these two categories of regeneration in terms of shade tolerance and resource requirements. Similarly, the height, ground diameter and height growth of Total, seedlings and saplings in the current year showed positive responses to gap size. All gap size classes showed approximately normal height and ground diameter distributions, with a longer tail toward larger individuals with greater gap sizes. These results suggested that Chinese pine can be managed by gap creation in plantations, especially when combined with gradual gap expansion. In addition, Total and seedlings showed mostly random patterns across all scales, with aggregation at smaller scales, and the percentage of random patterns of saplings was greater than that of seedlings for all gap sizes. These differences in spatial patterns may have been associated with the survival strategies of tree species and the density-dependent processes. Further monitoring and gap expansion will likely be required to determine the long-term efficacy of gap creation to ensure successful canopy recruitment and to maintain sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the short-term influences of canopy gap size on the growth and spatial patterns of Chinese pine ( Pinus tabulaeformis ) regeneration established before (REBG) and after (REAG) gap creation. We established four gap sizes based on the mean height (H) of the canopy trees, comprising minor (0.75 H), small (1.00 H), medium (1.25 H), and large (1.50 H) gaps, and three closed canopy reference plots (10 × 10 m) in a plantation in northern China. Seven years after gap creation, each gap was divided into three sections according to the mean crown radius of the border trees, including the gap central area (section B), the sun-exposed gap edge (section C) and the less sun-exposed gap edge (section D). A quantitative analysis revealed no difference in the density of REBG and REAG among the different gap sizes or sections; however, their heights significantly increased with increasing gap size. Significantly taller and shorter regeneration were generally found in section B and under the closed canopy, respectively, whereas those in sections C and D showed no notable differences in height. The spatial patterns of REAG and REBG were mostly random and there were no spatial associations between these two age classes of regeneration within individual gaps. Among gaps of different sizes, the maximum density of REAG occurred most often along the northeastern edges of gaps with a diameter of less than 1.5 H, whereas the highest density of REBG appeared in the center and along the southeastern edges of minor gaps and the northeastern edges of large gaps. The spatial patterns in height of the regeneration were similar to those of abundance. Our exploratory analysis revealed that gap expansion along the northeastern edge will likely be necessary to encourage canopy gap closure and successful recruitment in the study area. Further continued monitoring might be required to determine the long-term efficacy of gap creation and such expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized 56 studies published during year 2000–2021 that measured the use of technology to develop students' intercultural competence (IC). Meta-analysis, a statistical process that combines the quantitative findings of multiple relevant studies, was used to analyze the effectiveness of the interventions to improve IC. The findings suggested that technology-based interventions generally produced a positive and intermediate effect (with an effect size of.35) on the students' overall and subdimensions of IC. Subsequent publication bias analyses and sensitivity analyses revealed that our findings were not affected. Based on the high heterogeneity between the reviewed studies, the types of intervention and IC measurement tools were identified as moderating variables. Among the four intervention types, computer simulation had the largest effect size (0.40) and blended learning environment had the smallest effect size (0.22). The effect sizes of digital materials/tools and computer-mediated communication were 0.38 and 0.35, respectively. Compared to studies using self-developed scales (0.38) and previously validated scales (0.33), studies that employed self-developed tests to assess IC produced a larger effect size (0.66). The impact of the technology-based interventions at different levels of moderating variables was discussed. Implications of the findings were provided. • Meta-analysis of studies used technologies to develop intercultural competence (IC). • 56 empirical studies involving 4049 students. • A general positive and intermediate effect (r = 0.35) of interventions on IC. • Interventions used computer simulation had larger effect size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined a model of second language learning in which performance depends not only on students' motivation and emotion, but also on classroom learning orientation. A questionnaire was completed by 303 fifth-grade students in China on social anxiety, autonomy, collaborative learning orientation and self-reported English scores in their last exam. A structural equation modeling analysis of the proposed model showed that students who experienced social anxiety in language learning (in particular, a fear of public speaking) felt less autonomous, held weaker orientations of collaborative learning, and were less successful in their English learning. The results also showed that students’ autonomy had both a direct and an indirect effect (via collaborative learning orientation) on language learning. Despite gender differences in self-determined motivation and collaborative learning orientation, the conceptual model did not appear to be different across genders. Implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the process of globalization, individuals are becoming increasingly interculturally sensitive and competent through exposure to cultural differences. To meet the growing empirical interest in intercultural communication competence and sensitivity, this study examined a short intercultural sensitivity measurement scale for use in contexts with limited time constraints. We abbreviated the 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale to create a 15-item version (ISS-15). To permit its use in a non-English speaking culture, the ISS-15 was translated into Chinese and administered to university students in mainland China. Overall, the results indicated that the ISS-15 retained significant levels of reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the short form fit the data better than the original form. The five subscales of the ISS-15 also showed acceptable internal consistency. Hence, the Chinese version of the ISS-15 was found to be valid and reliable for use in cross-cultural research settings with limited time constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to explore how African American female students perceived their experience of online collaborative learning. A qualitative study was conducted in a university in Southeastern United States. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine African American female students in an online multimedia instructional design course. Data triangulation was achieved by including the analysis of the students’ emails, their posts on online chat room and bulletin boards. Results revealed that the perspectives of African American women towards online collaborative learning could be categorized into three themes: (a) peer support perceived as a give-and-take process with a sense of fairness, (b) group member role as a formation of identity, and c) “frustration” as a common response to differing levels of peer participation and interaction. These emerging factors reflected African American women’s perceptions towards online collaborative learning and provided profound implications for future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the start of a teaching revolution, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) represent the latest stage in distance education, and offer open educational resources to students around the globe. With their growing popularity, this study examines the factors that influence students' decisions to use MOOCs. To integrate the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the self-determination theory (SDT) as a research framework, 475 university students in China participated in a survey on the five constructs hypothesized to explain their intention to use MOOCs for learning. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that attitude toward MOOCs and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant determinants of intention to use them. Autonomous motivation was an antecedent for all three core constructs of the TPB, while controlled motivation acted as an antecedent only for subjective norms. Implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Students were in favor of Zoom implementation in dance class. • Significant increase was observed in collaboration, creativity, and course satisfaction. • Non-significant changes were found in critical thinking and communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the education community has actively sought strategies to allow it to maintain operations; one such strategy is to switch from face-to-face to online teaching. Compared with other art disciplines, the use of technology in dance education has been seriously understudied. This study collected multiple forms of data, tapping into students' and instructors' viewpoints, to examine the use of Zoom to develop students' 4C skills (i.e., creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking) and self-efficacy in dance education. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Teacher observations and student surveys were conducted in a public university in Macau. The results showed significant increases in collaboration and creativity in the activities and assignments on Zoom. Critical thinking and communication skills did not change significantly in the Zoom-based dance class. Students were generally satisfied with the use of Zoom in dance class, but their self-reported self-efficacy significantly decreased after Zoom was introduced. The findings are discussed from both the students' and the instructor's perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that both personality and motivation are important factors in student academic performance. This study examined how the interactions between the Big Five personality traits and self-determination motivation orientations affect students' academic performance. The hypotheses were empirically tested using cross-sectional data collected from 249 primary school students in China. The correlation analysis found that self-determined motivation and four of the five personality traits (not emotional instability) were significantly positively related to academic performance in English. The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for gender, openness to new experience and conscientiousness both positively predicted English performance. Significant interaction effects were found between agreeableness and self-determined motivation, and between conscientiousness and self-determined motivation. However, conscientiousness and agreeableness only positively predicted academic performance when the student's self-determined motivation was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dopamine, crucial for the regulation of motor function and reward, acts through receptors mainly expressed in striatum as well as cortex. Dysregulation of dopaminergic signaling is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Consequently, dopamine-regulating drugs are effectively used in treating these disorders, such as L-DOPA for Parkinson’s disease, methylphenidate for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or antipsychotics for schizophrenia. As a result, there has been much interest in dissecting signaling networks in the two morphologically indistinguishable D1- and D2-receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons. Our previous results highlighted a role for casein kinase 2 (CK2) in the modulation of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) signaling in cells. Methods: To study the importance of CK2 in vivo, we have selectively knocked out CK2, in either D1- or D2-medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and characterized the mice behaviorally and biochemically (n = 4–18). Results: The D1-MSN knockout mice exhibited distinct behavioral phenotypes including novelty-induced hyperlocomotion and exploratory behavior, defective motor control, and motor learning. All of these behavioral traits are indicative of dysregulated dopamine signaling and the underlying mechanism appears to be an alteration of D1R signaling. In support of this hypothesis, D1R levels were upregulated in the knockout mice, as well as phosphorylation of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP]-regulated phospho-protein of 32 kDa), most of the behavioral phenotypes were abolished by the D1R antagonist, SCH23390, and the D2-MSN knockout mice displayed no obvious behavioral phenotype. Conclusions: A single kinase, CK2, in D1-MSNs significantly alters dopamine signaling, a finding that could have therapeutic implications for disorders characterized by dopamine imbalance such as Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examined achievement goals measured by self-reports and by traces (behavioral indicators) gathered as undergraduates used software tools to study a multimedia-formatted article. Traces were operationalized by tags participants applied to selections of text and hyperlinks they clicked in the article. Tags and hyperlinks were titled to represent achievement goal orientations. Self-reported goal orientations did not correlate with goals traced as actions. In separate regression models, traces of goal orientations were stronger predictors of achievement than self reports. We suggest future research include traces in studies of achievement goals because traces reflect proximal events that comprise learning activities that can supplement static orientations that are operationally defined to be indifferent to the dynamics of learning activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two studies applied self-determination theory (SDT) to investigate the motivation for learning of rural Chinese children. The aim was to test whether findings from studies in western individualist cultures would hold up within a very different, eastern collectivist setting. In the first study, when students'' autonomous and controlled motivation for a course were entered simultaneously in a regression analysis, autonomous motivation uniquely positively predicted students'' perceptions of interest, competence, and choice in the course, whereas controlled motivation uniquely negatively predicted perceptions of interest and choice. In the second study students'' perceptions of instructors'' autonomy support during the course predicted changes in autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and perceived competence. These results were discussed in terms of SDT and culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundAs a key regulator of serotonergic activity and target of many antidepressant treatments, the serotonin transporter (SERT) represents a potential mediator of anxiety- and depression-related behaviors. Using mice lacking the SERT (SERT KO), we examined the role of SERT function in anxiety- and depression-related behaviors and serotonergic neuron function.: MethodsSerotonin transporter knockout mice were evaluated in paradigms designed to assess anxiety-, depression-, and stress-related behaviors. Dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) function was assessed by quantitative serotonergic cell counting and extracellular electrical recording of neuronal firing properties.: ResultsSerotonin transporter knockout mice showed an increase in latency to feed in a novel situation, more immobility in a forced swim, increased escape latency in a shock escape paradigm, and decreased immobility in tail suspension. No differences in anxiety-related behaviors were seen in the open field and the elevated plus maze. Serotonin transporter knockout mice exhibit a 50% reduction in serotonergic cell number and a fourfold decrease in firing rate in the DRN.: ConclusionsDevelopmental loss of SERT produces altered behaviors in models of depression that are generally opposite to those produced by antidepressant treatment. The reduced serotonergic cell number and firing rate in the DRN of adult SERT KO mice suggest a mechanism for these altered behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] Increasing evidence suggests that microglia experience two distinct phenotypes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS): a deleterious M1 phenotype and a neuroprotective M2 phenotype. Promoting the phenotype shift of M1 microglia to M2 microglia is thought to improve functional recovery after AIS. Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can improve functional recovery after cerebral ischemia in pre-clinical and clinical research. However, the role and mechanisms of minocycline in microglia polarization is unclear. Using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion - reperfusion (MCAO/R) model, we treated mice with saline or different minocycline concentration (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 2 wk) at 24 h after reperfusion. Neurobehavioral evaluation, rotarod test, and corner turning test were carried out on day 14 after reperfusion. Then, neuronal injury, reactive gliosis, and microglia polarization were performed on day 7 following MCAO/R. Finally, we treated primary microglial cultures with LPS (Lipopolysaccharide; 100 ng/mL) plus IFN-γ (20 ng/mL) 24 h to induce M1 phenotype and observed the effects of minocycline on the M1/M2-related mRNAs and the STAT1/STAT6 pathway. We found that a 14-day treatment with minocycline increased the survival rate and promoted functional outcomes evaluated with neurobehavioral evaluation, rotarod test, and corner turning test. Meanwhile, minocycline reduced the brain infarct volume, alleviated neuronal injury, and suppressed reactive gliosis on day 7 following MCAO/R. Moreover, we observed an additive effect of minocycline on microglia polarization to the M1 and M2 phenotypes in vivo and in vitro. In the primary microglia, we further found that minocycline prevented neurons from OGD/R-induced cell death in neuron-microglia co-cultures via regulating M1/M2 microglia polarization through the STAT1/STAT6 pathway. Minocycline promoted microglial M2 polarization and inhibited M1 polarization, leading to neuronal survival and neurological functional recovery. The findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying minocycline-mediated neuroprotection in AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C. paliurus populations showed a significant variation in leaf triterpenoid content. • Hederagenin exhibited the best anticancer activity with IC 50 of 17.42 μg/mL. • This is first report to show anticancer activity of cyclocaric acid B from C. paliurus. • Pentacyclic triterpenoids may induce HeLa cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway. This research investigated the variations of triterpenoid contents in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves and their underlying anticancer activity and mechanism. Leaf samples were collected from twelve geographical locations in China for the experiments. Significant variation in the triterpenoid content and growth inhibition on HeLa cells were observed among the C. paliurus populations. Antiproliferation effects of the leaf samples were significantly affected by the pentacyclic triterpenoids contents except for oleanolic acid. Among the pentacyclic triterpenoids, hederagenin exhibited the best anticancer activity with IC 50 of 17.42 μg/mL. Based on the results, pentacyclic triterpenoids may induce HeLa cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway. RNA sequencing indicated that the ACTB , ATF4 , TUBA1B and TUBA1C genes might be the key ones involved in the apoptosis induction by cyclocaric acid B and hederagenin. These results provided useful information for application of C. paliurus in functional beverage and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have consistently lent support for the significant association between growth mindset and perseverance of effort; however, only a handful of studies focused on examining the potential mediators in this association. The current study examined the mediating role of life satisfaction and perceived distress in the relationship between growth mindset and perseverance of effort. A total of 377 undergraduate students responded to an online survey package. Structural equation modeling results showed that growth mindset, life satisfaction, perceived distress were significantly associated with perseverance of effort. Moreover, a serial mediation was found among the variables: students with a growth mindset tended to report higher general life satisfaction, which further decreased perceived distress level, and subsequently weakened perseverance of effort. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed. • Growth mindset was positively associated with perseverance of effort. • Growth mindset was related to life satisfaction, but not perceived distress. • Life satisfaction and perceived distress affected perseverance of effort. • A serial mediation model was found among these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal in this exploratory study is to test the theoretical relationships between social networking tools (i.e., Wechat), envy, fatigue and emerging adults' well-being. We conducted a survey of 503 Chinese university students who are regular Wechat users. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the extensive use of Wechat had both direct and indirect effects on their well-being and that the association between Wechat use and subjective well-being was mediated by envy. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms through which the use of online social networking tools is related to subjective well-being and suggest the need to attend to the psychological consequences of the extensive use of social networking tools. • This study investigated the effects of social networking tools on well-being. • Extensive use of Wechat had both direct and indirect effects on their well-being. • The association between Wechat use and subjective well-being was mediated by envy, but not fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A gradient transition multilayer hydroxyapatite/titanium nitride (HA/TiN) coating was prepared on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy by magnetron sputtering. The composition, surface topography, microstructure, adhesion strength and electrochemical properties of the as-deposited coatings were characterized by SEM/EDS, AFM, XRD, FT-IR and electrochemical workstation. The experimental results showed that the single TiN coating deposited at a partial pressure of nitrogen (N 2) of 0.08 Pa had the best internal stress and tribological performance, and its volume loss was only 0.89% of that of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The introduction of the TiN transition layer greatly improved the wear resistance of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and the adhesion strength of the HA layer to the substrate increased from 6.50 ± 0.5 N to 11.70 ± 1.2 N, an increase of 56%. The HA/TiN coating surface consisted of uniform hemispherical particles with dense structure and invisible defects (micro-cracks and pores). For the HA surface layer, the crystal structure and active hydroxyl (-OH) group was restored after heat treatment. Potentiodynamic polarization experiments indicated that the HA/TiN coating achieved the lowest corrosion current density and the most positive corrosion potential compared to the single TiN layer and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In summary, it can be conclude that the gradient transition layer can well improve the mechanical properties and electrochemical behavior of the titanium alloy, and largely ensuring the stability of the surface bioactive coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclocarya paliurus is a multiple function woody plant. To reveal the geographic variation pattern of water-soluble polysaccharide content in the leaves and its antioxidant activities, the leaf samples were collected and analyzed from 29 geographic locations of natural C. paliurus populations throughout the distribution areas. Significant differences in the water-soluble polysaccharide content and antioxidant activities were detected among the C. paliurus populations. The water-soluble polysaccharide content in the leaves of different populations ranged from 18.72 to 53.59 mg g −1 , and the 29 populations could be classified into four distinct groups. There was a significant correlation between the water-soluble polysaccharide content and scavenging activities for the leaves of C. paliurus (p < 0.01). Multivariable nonlinear regression analysis showed that no clear geographic variation pattern in water-soluble polysaccharide content was detected for the leaves sampled. However, Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the average annual precipitation was significantly correlated to the leaf polysaccharide content (r = 0.428, p < 0.05), and its scavenging activities on DPPH radical (r = 0.386, p < 0.05) and superoxide radical (r = 0.446, p < 0.05). Based on the water-soluble polysaccharide contents of all populations studied, leaves from the Wufeng, Muchuan and Liping were recommended for food and medical use in the future. Results from this study not only demonstrated that the polysaccharide content in C. paliurus leaves could be used either as nutriments, food additives, or antioxidant supplements, but also provided a basis for optimizing cultivation strategies of C. paliurus plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three dimensional-quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study was performed on a series of 4-hydroxyamino α-pyranone carboxamide analogues using comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (COMSIA). The purpose of the present study was to develop a satisfactory model providing a reliable prediction based on 4-hydroxyamino α-pyranone carboxamide analogues as anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus) inhibitors. The statistical results and the results of validation of this optimum COMSIA model were satisfactory. Furthermore, analysis of the contour maps helped to provide guidelines for finding structural requirement. Therefore, the satisfactory results from this study may provide useful guidelines for drug development of anti-HCV inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivational interference is a prevalent phenomenon among students at different levels. In this study, we examined university students' motivational interference after making a decision in school-digital leisure conflict and its relationships with two antecedents, i.e., digital nativity and value orientation. Participants were Taiwanese university students ( N = 1201) who responded to a questionnaire. The data showed support for a positive path between digital nativity and motivational interference after a school decision, but not for the path between digital nativity and motivational interference after a leisure decision. In addition, achievement value orientation showed a negative effect on motivational interference after a school decision and a positive effect on motivational interference after a leisure decision. In contrast, well-being value orientation had a positive effect on motivational interference after a school decision but no significant effect on motivational interference after a leisure decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the predictors that influence Mathematics pre-services teachers' attitudes toward computers use. Five variables (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, facilitating conditions, and technological complexity) were hypothesized to have direct and positive influences on attitudes towards computer use. This study also investigated whether socio-demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, and course of study) had any effect on the attitudes. Data were collected from 419 pre-service teachers through a self-report questionnaire and analysed using the structural equation modelling approach. Results showed that 64% of the variance in attitudes towards computer use was explained by the above five variables. However, only perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and technological complexity were found to be significant predictors on attitudes toward computer use while subjective norm and facilitating conditions were not. Using MIMIC modelling, the results showed that gender, age, and course of study had no significant influences on pre-services teachers' attitudes toward computers use. Implications for Mathematics teaching were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired glucose uptake is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and glucose transporter 3 (Glut3) is the major neuronal glucose transporter. Estrogens contribute its theorized protective role against AD. The present studies aimed to examine the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2, the natural estrogen) on Glut3 expression and the underlying mechanisms by using human SH-SY5Y cell line. The results demonstrated that E2 increased Glut3 expression. E2 could stimulate the activation of Akt signaling pathway and the subsequent phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Akt/CREB pathway mediated E2-induced increase in Glut3 expression. These results suggested the mechanisms underlying E2-induced increase in Glut3 expression in human SH-SY5Y cell line and might provide the new data for elucidating the neuroprotective role of E2 against AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical treatment is an environmentally friendly method of removing pollutants from industrial wastewater. The tubular electrochemical reactor is one kind of electrochemical reactor. The current density distribution on the electrode surface in a traditional concentric tubular reactor is not homogeneous and the working area of the anodes and cathodes is unequal. Therefore, a novel tubular electrochemical reactor based on plug flow fluid orthogonal with mesh plate electrodes is presented. In this work, fluid flow and hydrodynamics of the vertical-flow tubular electrochemical reactor, such as velocity distribution and turbulent intensity distribution using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, are studied by comparing them to the traditional one. The electro-oxidation of phenol simulation wastewater treatment was developed to analyze the mass transfer performance of the two types of electrochemical reactors. In the novel tubular electrochemical reactor, due to the presence of mesh electrodes, the velocity distribution tended to be more homogeneous. In fact, the turbulent intensity clearly increased by 200% around the electrode surface. The kinetics of organic compounds removal in the novel tubular electrochemical reactor was also improved. Under the same flow rate, the improvement of the mass transfer coefficient for the novel tubular electrochemical reactor was more than twice that of the traditional tubular electrochemical reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a key step in the hepatic fibrogenic process. Increasing evidence demonstrates the pro-fibrogenic action of leptin in rodent liver. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a potential molecular target for inhibition of HSC activation. Our previous study suggested that leptin markedly down-regulated PPARγ gene expression in HSCs. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of leptin on PPARγ expression in rat HSCs in vitro. Main methods: The effects of leptin on the expression and trans-activation activity of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) are examined by using real-time PCR, Western blotting analysis, transient transfection, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The role of Egr-1 in PPARγ gene expression is demonstrated by co-transfection approach, Western blotting analysis and real-time PCR. Key findings: We document that leptin increases Egr-1 expression at protein and mRNA levels, and significantly stimulates Egr-1 trans-activation activity. Moreover, leptin induces the expression and activity of Egr-1 through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling (PI-3K/AKT) pathway. Further investigation reveals that Egr-1 exerts a clear inhibitory effect on the promoter activity and expression of PPARγ gene and demonstrates that Egr-1 increases the expression of HSC activation markers and promotes HSC growth. Taken together, these findings suggest that Egr-1 is involved in the inhibitory effect of leptin on PPARγ expression in rat HSCs in vitro. Significance: Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of leptin-induced inhibition of PPARγ expression in HSCs in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]