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In industrial production, the preparation of cubic boron nitride (cBN) under high temperature and pressure wastes a large amount of unreacted hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). This study aims to use this BN waste (wBN) as a raw material, composite it with g-C3N4 to construct wBN/g-C3N4 composites, and apply the composites in the field of photocatalysis. wBN/g-C3N4 composites were prepared by simple calcination using wBN and ammonium cyanide as raw materials. Results showed that a heterogeneous structure was formed in the composite photocatalyst, with a decrease in its bandgap width and a significant increase in its ability to absorb light. The simulated sunlight photocatalytic activity of composite photocatalysts was significantly better than that of single wBN or g-C3N4. The photocatalytic performance of B2 sample, composed of a 4:3 ratio of wBN and melamine in the raw materials, demonstrated the highest efficiency. Under simulated solar illumination, it was capable of degrading 99.3% of MB within 60 min. The experimental results with additional capture agents indicated that the main reactive species of the composite photocatalyst were superoxide radicals (·O2−) and holes (h+). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacteria adapt to infection stresses by entering a reversible non-replicating persistence (NRP) with slow or no cell growth and broad antimicrobial tolerance. Hypoxia and nutrient deprivation are two well-studied stresses commonly used to model the NRP, yet little is known about the molecular differences in mycobacterial adaptation to these distinct stresses that lead to a comparable NRP phenotype. Here we performed a multisystem interrogation of the Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG) starvation response, which revealed a coordinated metabolic shift away from the glycolysis of nutrient-replete growth to depletion of lipid stores, lipolysis, and fatty acid ß-oxidation in NRP. This contrasts with BCG's NRP hypoxia response involving a shift to cholesterol metabolism and triglyceride storage. Our analysis reveals cryptic metabolic vulnerabilities of the starvation-induced NRP state, such as their newfound hypersensitivity to H2O2. These observations pave the way for developing precision therapeutics against these otherwise drug refractory pathogens. A multi-omics comparison of the mycobacterial response to hypoxia and starvation reveals that distinct differences in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism lead to the same non-replicating, drug-tolerant persistence phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to explore the safety and effectiveness of two new models of KangDuo surgical robots for partial nephrectomy in porcine models, and evaluate the ergonomic characteristics from both subjective and objective perspectives. Twelve porcine models were equally divided for KD-SR-1500 (three-arm) and KD-SR-2000 (four-arm). The perioperative outcomes, and physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with NASA-TLX. All surgeries were performed successfully. There were no differences in perioperative variables (p > 0.05). There were no perioperative complications. The mental workload in both groups was at a low level. KD-SR-2000 showed advantages in physical workload (p < 0.01). KD-SR-1500 and KD-SR-2000 are technically feasible, valid, and safe for RAPN in porcine models. KD-SR-2000 had ergonomic advantages over KD-SR-1500. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In preclinical Alzheimer's disease, neuro-functional changes due to amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition are not synchronized in different brain lobes and subcortical nuclei. This study aimed to explore the correlation between brain Aβ burden, connectivity changes in an ultra-large structural scale, and cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment. Participants with mild cognitive impairment were recruited and underwent florbetapir (F18-AV45) PET, resting-state functional MRI, and multidomain neuropsychological tests. AV-45 standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and functional connectivity of all participants were calculated. Of the total 144 participants, 72 were put in the low Aβ burden group and 72 in the high Aβ burden group. In the low Aβ burden group, all connectivities between lobes and nuclei had no correlation with SUVR. In the high Aβ burden group, SUVR showed negative correlations with the Subcortical-Occipital connectivity (r=-0.36, P = 0.02) and Subcortical-Parietal connectivity (r=-0.26, P = 0.026). Meanwhile, in the high Aβ burden group, SUVR showed positive correlations with the Temporal-Prefrontal connectivity (r = 0.27, P = 0.023), Temporal-Occipital connectivity (r = 0.24, P = 0.038), and Temporal-Parietal connectivity (r = 0.32, P = 0.006). Subcortical to Occipital and Parietal connectivities had positive correlations with general cognition, language, memory, and executive function. Temporal to Prefrontal, Occipital, and Parietal connectivities had negative correlations with memory function, executive function, and visuospatial function, and a positive correlation with language function. In conclusion, Individuals with mild cognitive impairment with high Aβ burden have Aβ-related bidirectional functional connectivity changes between lobes and subcortical nuclei that are associated with cognitive decline in multiple domains. These connectivity changes reflect neurological impairment and failed compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesoscale fiber–matrix interfacial transition zone (FM-ITZ) under induced curing pressure plays a key role in the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement and the engineering application of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs). This critical review establishes the link among induced curing pressure (i.e., external loading condition), multiphysics processes (i.e., internal governing mechanism), and interface behavior (i.e., material behavior) for FRCC materials through analysis of the state-of-the-art research findings on the FM-ITZ of FRCC materials. The following results are obtained. For the mechanical process, the induced curing pressure changes the stress state and enhances multicracking behavior, which can strengthen the FM-ITZ. For the hydraulic process, the strengthened seepage of the FM-ITZ under induced curing pressure weakens the effective stress and exaggerates the deficiency in water retention capacity between the bulk matrix and the FM-ITZ. For the thermal process, the induced curing pressure causes a steep temperature gradient in the FM-ITZ and thus influences the temperature evolution and thermally-induced microcracks in the FM-ITZ. For the chemical process, the induced curing pressure enhances hydration kinetics and results in the formation of additional hydration products in the FM-ITZ. Moreover, recommendations are proposed on the basis of findings from this review to facilitate the implementation of fiber reinforcement in cemented paste backfill technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria possess elaborate systems to manage reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS) arising from exposure to the mammalian immune system and environmental stresses. Here we report the discovery of an ROS-sensing RNA-modifying enzyme that regulates translation of stress-response proteins in the gut commensal and opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. We analyze the tRNA epitranscriptome of E. faecalis in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) or sublethal doses of ROS-inducing antibiotics and identify large decreases in N2-methyladenosine (m2A) in both 23 S ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA. This we determine to be due to ROS-mediated inactivation of the Fe-S cluster-containing methyltransferase, RlmN. Genetic knockout of RlmN gives rise to a proteome that mimics the oxidative stress response, with an increase in levels of superoxide dismutase and decrease in virulence proteins. While tRNA modifications were established to be dynamic for fine-tuning translation, here we report the discovery of a dynamically regulated, environmentally responsive rRNA modification. These studies lead to a model in which RlmN serves as a redox-sensitive molecular switch, directly relaying oxidative stress to modulating translation through the rRNA and the tRNA epitranscriptome, adding a different paradigm in which RNA modifications can directly regulate the proteome. Here the authors found an RNA modifying enzyme that serves as a molecular switch, directly relaying the sensing of reactive oxygen species to chemical modifications in rRNA and tRNA for increasing stress response proteins in the proteome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After placement into underground mined-out voids (called stopes), a passive interface loading develops between cemented paste backfill (CPB, an artificially cemented soil) and surrounding rock mass, which results in the spatiotemporal changes in the geomechanical behavior and properties of CPB, and thus affects its field stability. In this study, meter-scale curing columns with rough inner surfaces were developed to investigate the effect of passive interface loading on the geomechanical behavior and properties of CPB, and field-scale stability of CPB mass was conducted through a series of 3D numerical analyses. The obtained results discovered that the passive interface loading not only weakens the compressive and shear behaviors of CPB, but also leads to highly spatiotemporal changes in elastic modulus, unconfined compressive strength, cohesion, and angle of internal friction. Meanwhile, through the integration of the measured degradation in mechanical properties, the field-scale analysis reveals that consideration of stress arching and homogenous mechanical properties substantially overestimate the stability of CPB mass, especially in the narrow stopes with a relatively small height. The simultaneous consideration of stress arching and associated heterogeneous mechanical properties are required for the reliable and accurate assessment of the field stability of CPB mass and its safe engineering design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardant polyurethane was synthesized via introducing thermally reversible covalent Diels–Alder (DA) adducts into the polyurethane main chain. Firstly, furan-terminated polyurethane prepolymer(PU-Furan) was synthesized from the reaction between isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with or without DOPO-based polyester polyols and furfuryl amine. Secondly, polyurethane with DA adducts (PU-DA) was obtained via Diels–Alder reaction between PU-Furan and commercial 1,1′-(methylenedi-1,4-phenylene) bismaleimide. PU-Furan and PU-DA were characterized by DSC, TGA and 1H NMR, confirming the introduction of the DA adducts into the polyurethane chain. The results of the limiting oxygen index test, Underwriter Laboratory 94 vertical burning (UL-94) test and cone calorimeter test demonstrated that the introduction of the DA adducts improved the flame retardancy of the polyurethane significantly, especially when the polyurethane with flame-retardant element P, due to the synergism flame-resistant effect between flame-retardant element P and thermally reversible DA adducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curing temperature-dependent cement hydration causes the nonlinear evolution of fracture behavior and properties of fiber-reinforced cemented paste backfill (CPB) and thus influences the stability of mine backfill materials in deep mines. Therefore, the coupled effect of curing temperature (20, 35, and 45 °C) and cement hydration at different curing times (3, 7, and 28 d) on the mode-I and mode-II fracture behavior and properties of fiber-reinforced CPB is investigated. A comprehensive experimental testing program consisting of semicircular bend tests, direct shear tests, measurement of volumetric water content and matric suction, TG/DTG tests, and SEM observation is carried out. The results show that the coupled thermochemical effect results in strongly nonlinear development of pre- and post-peak behavior of fiber-reinforced CPB. Moreover, the results discover a positive linear correlation between fracture toughness and shear strength parameters and also reveal the vital role played by matric suction in the formation of fracture toughness. Furthermore, predictive functions are developed to estimate the coupled thermochemical effect on the development of KIc and KIIc. Therefore, the findings and the developed mathematical tools have the potential to promote the successful application of fiber-reinforced CPB technology in deep underground mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) that contains alkali-activated slag (AAS) produces more desirable properties and performance (enhanced fluidity, higher strength, lower cost, and limited carbon emission) as compared with CPB made with cement. Significant efforts have been devoted to the study of the effect of the individual factor on the rheology of AAS-CPB. However, the synergistic effect of curing temperature, time, and activator nature is still unclear. Therefore, the current research aims to investigate the time-dependent rheology of AAS-CPB under the combined influence of curing temperature, silica modulus (Ms), and activator concentration (AC). The findings revealed that a higher curing temperature results in a reduction in fluidity and an increase in the thixotropy of CPB. The evolution of rheological parameters of AAS-CPB is more insensitive to the curing temperature as compared to that of OPC-CPB. During the initial 2 h, higher AC can weaken the rheological parameter. However, a more rapid growth rate of rheological properties was observed after 2 h. The rheological parameters of AAS-CPB with higher Ms are always lower than those of AAS-CPB with lower Ms at all temperatures studied. In addition, the discrepancy in the linear correlation between thixotropy and plastic viscosity for OPC-CPBs and AAS-CPBs indicates the different hydration rates of slag and Portland cement. These findings are beneficial in guiding the mix proportion design of AAS-CPB in mines with various underground temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop a simulation model to explore the interplay between mechanical stretch and diffusion of large molecules into the skin under locally applied hypobaric pressure, a novel penetration enhancement method. Methods: Finite element method was used to model the skin mechanical deformation and molecular diffusion processes, with validation against in-vitro transdermal permeation experiments. Simulations and experimental data were used together to investigate the transdermal permeation of large molecules under local hypobaric pressure. Results: Mechanical simulations resulted in skin stretching and thinning (20%–26% hair follicle diameter increase, and 21%–27% skin thickness reduction). Concentration of dextrans in the stratum corneum was below detection limit with and without hypobaric pressure. Concentrations in viable epidermis and dermis were not affected by hypobaric pressure (approximately 2 μg ∙ cm−2). Permeation into the receptor fluid was substantially enhanced from below the detection limit at atmospheric pressure to up to 6 μg ∙ cm−2 under hypobaric pressure. The in-silico simulations compared satisfactorily with the experimental results at atmospheric conditions. Under hypobaric pressure, satisfactory comparison was attained when the diffusion coefficients of dextrans in the skin layers were increased from ∼ 10 μm2 ∙ s−1 to between 200–500 μm2 ∙ s−1. Conclusions: Application of hypobaric pressure induces skin mechanical stretching and enlarges the hair follicle. This enlargement alone cannot satisfactorily explain the increased transdermal permeation into the receptor fluid under hypobaric pressure. The results from the in-silico simulations suggest that the application of hypobaric pressure increases diffusion in the skin, which leads to improved overall transdermal permeation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchial washing fluid (BWF) is a less-invasive specimen. Due to the limited sensitivity of BWF cellular component diagnosis, the aim of this study was to explore the potential role of BWF supernatant as a source of liquid biopsy of lung cancer. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 76 suspected and 5 progressed lung cancer patients. Transbronchial biopsy tissues, BWF supernatant (BWF_Sup) and BWF precipitant (BWF_Pre) were tested by a targeted panel of 1021 genes. Results: BWF_Sup cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was superior to tissue biopsy and BWF_Pre in determining mutational allele frequency, tumour mutational burden, and chromosomal instability. Moreover, BWF_Sup and BWF_Pre achieved comparable efficacy to tissue samples in differentiating malignant and benign patients, but only BWF_Sup persisted differentiated performance after excluding 55 malignancies pathologically diagnosed by bronchoscopic biopsy. Among 67 malignant patients, 82.1% and 71.6% of tumour-derived mutations (TDMs) were detected in BWF_Sup and BWF_Pre, respectively, and the detectability of TDMs in BWF_Sup was independent of the cytological examination of BWF. BWF_Sup outperformed BWF_Pre in providing more subclonal information and thus might yield advantage in tracking drug-resistant markers. Conclusions: BWF_Sup cfDNA is a reliable medium for lung cancer diagnosis and genomic profiles and may provide important information for subsequent therapeutic regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual selection echoed by the sex ratio is a critical issue in evolution and reproductive biology studies, and the second sex ratio (sex ratio at birth, SRB) is an important evaluation indicator for sex regulation. However, broad debates on sex ratio at birth exist due to the lack of a clear spatiotemporal genealogical database. This study explicitly tests the Trivers and Willard's hypothesis stating that parents with good social conditions tend to show a male-biased SRB. Using a database of Chinese imperial families from 211BC to 1912 (2142 years) which avoids the spatiotemporal confusion of data thanks to its clear boundaries and long timespan, we found that a proportion of males at birth was 0.54. In particular, the results indicate that the empresses generated a significantly higher male-biased SRB than the concubines within the imperial harems (0.61 vs 0.53), while the SRB of concubines was not higher than ordinary people (0.53 vs 0.52). A significant difference of SRB before and after empress coronation (0.48 vs 0.65) was detected, indicating that the change to a higher social status is the leading cause of a biased SRB. These findings suggest that mothers with privileged instant social conditions tend to generate more boys than girls. In other words, a higher maternal social rank during the conception period, instead of rich resources, forms the primary mechanism regulating the SRB. Significance statement: Adaptive sex ratio has been a debatable topic difficult to clearly verify since the publication of Trivers and Willard Hypothesis in 1973, which proposes that parents who have good conditions should produce more male offspring. The one reason is that the validity and sample size of the databases used contained unavoidable confounding noise, both genealogically and genetically. To overcome these issues, we specifically compiled a historical database of Chinese imperial families, which are characterized by a confined mating harem and unique eunuch system, guaranteeing biological and genetic purity with precise genealogical relationships and genetic linkages between the parents and the offspring. Thus, this is an extraordinary effort to clarify the hypotheses proposed by TWH and other hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates are ubiquitously used as plasticizers in various consumer care products. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of the main phthalates, elicits developmental and reproductive toxicities but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Chemogenomic profiling of DEP in S. cerevisiae revealed that two transcription factors Stp1 and Dal81 involved in the Ssy1-Ptr5-Ssy5 (SPS) amino acid-sensing pathway provide resistance to DEP. Growth inhibition of yeast cells by DEP was stronger in poor nitrogen medium in comparison to nitrogen-rich medium. Addition of amino acids to nitrogen-poor medium suppressed DEP toxicity. Catabolism of amino acids via the Ehrlich pathway is required for suppressing DEP toxicity. Targeted metabolite analyses showed that DEP treatment alters the amino acid profile of yeast cells. We propose that DEP inhibits the growth of yeast cells by affecting nitrogen metabolism and discuss the implications of our findings on DEP-mediated toxic effects in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals are widely concerning because of their toxicity, persistence, non-degradation and bioaccumulation ability. Human health ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) are specific levels of chemicals that can occur in water without harming human health. At present, most countries do not consider the effects of aquatic vegetables in deriving human health AWQC. Therefore, the intake of aquatic vegetables (Brasenia schreberi) was added to the derivation of human health AWQC and a health risk assessment for 13 heavy metals in Taihu Lake. The human health AWQC (consumption of water, fish and aquatic vegetables) values of 13 heavy metals ranged from 0.04 (Cd) to 710.87 µg/L (Sn), and the intake of B. schreberi had a very significant effect on the human health AWQC for Cu, with a more than 62-fold difference. The hazard quotients of As (2.8), Cd (1.6), Cr (1.4) and Cu (4.86) were higher than the safe level (HQ = 1), indicating that As, Cd, Cr and Cu in Taihu Lake posed a significant health risk. Sensitivity analysis showed that the contribution rate of B. schreberi intake to the human health risk from Cu was 91.6%, and all results indicated that the risk of Cu in B. schreberi to human health should be of particular concern. This study adds the consideration of aquatic vegetable consumption to the traditional method of human health AWQC derivation and risk assessments for the first time, and this approach can promote the development of risk assessments and water quality criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and manufacture of advanced anode materials with superior quality are significant for assembling high-performance microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The present study aims to investigate the synergistic effect of MoS2/CNTs nanocomposite as a novel anode-modifying material of MFCs. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and electrochemical analyses were performed to confirm the nanocomposite, to understand the morphology and to study the electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes. The performance of the MoS2/CNTs/carbon paper (CP)-MFCs was investigated and compared with that of MoS2/CP-MFCs, CNTs/CP-MFCs and CP-MFCs. The densest biofilm was formed on MoS2/CNTs-modified anode compared to MoS2/CP, CNTs/CP and CP anode, and MFCs with MoS2/CNTs-modified anodes achieved the maximum power density of 645 ± 32 mW m−2, which is three times greater than MFCs with bare carbon paper anodes (213 ± 10 mW m−2). These results demonstrate that the synthesized MoS2/CNTs nanocomposite could be exploited as an efficient anode catalyst for improving the performance of MFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize/soybean relay intercropping system is a popular cultivation system to obtain high yields of both crops with reduced inputs. However, shading by maize decreases the photosynthetically active radiation, reaching the soybean canopy in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, which reduces soybean radiation use efficiency and competitiveness. Here, we reveal that compact maize in maize/soybean relay intercropping system enhances the photosynthetically active radiation transmittance, leaf area index, dry matter production, radiation use efficiency, and competitiveness of soybean and compensates the slight maize yield loss by substantially increasing soybean yield. In this experiment, soybean was relay intercropped with different maize types (SI, spreading maize; SII, semi-compact maize; and SIII, compact maize) in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, and all the relay intercropping treatments were compared with sole cropping systems of soybean and maize. Results revealed that SIII significantly enhanced the soybean radiation use efficiency (by 77%, from 0.35 g MJ−1 in SI to 0.61 g MJ−1 in SIII) and total radiation use efficiency (soybean radiation use efficiency + maize radiation use efficiency) of maize/soybean relay intercropping system (by 5%, from 3.53 g MJ−1 in SI to 3.73 g MJ−1 in SIII). Similarly, SIII improved the competitiveness (by 62%, from 0.58% in SI to 0.94% in SIII) of soybean but reduced the competitiveness (by 38%, from 1.73% in SI to 1.07% in SIII) of maize, which, in turn, considerably increased soybean yield by maintaining maize yield. On average, over the 2 years, in SIII, relay-intercropped soybean produced 89% of the sole soybean yield, and relay-intercropped maize produced 95% of the sole maize yield. Besides, treatment SIII achieved the mean highest land equivalent ratio value of 1.84 in both years. Thus, enhanced radiation use efficiency of soybean, especially during the co-growth period, was the primary factor responsible for the high productivity of the maize/soybean relay intercropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of compressive and tensile behaviors of polypropylene fiber-reinforced cemented paste backfill (FR-CPB) play crucial roles in the successful implementation of reinforcement technique in underground mine backfilling operations. However, very limited studies have been performed to gain insight into the evolution of compressive and tensile behaviors and associated mechanical properties of FR-CPB under various curing temperatures from early to advanced ages. Thus, this study aims to investigate the time (7, 28, and 90 d)- and temperature (20°C, 35°C, and 45°C)-dependence of constitutive behavior and mechanical properties of FR-CPB. The obtained results show that pre- and post-failure behaviors of FR-CPB demonstrate strongly curing temperature-dependence from early to advanced ages. Moreover, the pseudo-hardening behavior is sensitive to curing temperature, especially at early ages. Furthermore, the mechanical properties including elastic modulus, material stiffness, strengths, brittleness, cohesion, and internal friction angle of FR-CPB show increasing trends with curing temperature as curing time elapses. Additionally, a predictive model is developed to capture the strong correlation between compressive and tensile strength of FR-CPB. The findings of this study will contribute to the successful implementation of FR-CPB technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in viral proteins can lead to the cold adaption of influenza A virus and the cold-adapted virus is an important vaccination instrument. Here, we identify a novel strain of influenza A virus with cold sensitivity conferred by a mutation at a phosphorylation site within the nucleoprotein (NP). The highly conserved tyrosine 385 residue (Y385) of NP was identified as a phosphorylation site by mass spectrometry. The constructive NP phosphorylation mimicked by Y385E mutation was fatal for virus replication, while the continuous Y385 dephosphorylation mimicked by Y385F mutation had little impact on virus replication in vitro. Notably, the Y385F virus showed much lower replicative capacity in turbinates of mice compared with the wild type virus. Moreover, the replication of Y385F virus was significantly reduced in both A549 and MDCK cells grown at 33°C, when compared to that at 37°C. These results indicated that the Y385F mutation led to cold sensitivity of virus. We further found that the cold sensitivity of Y385F virus could be attributed to diminished NP oligomerization rather than any changes in intracellular localization. Taken together, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation of NP may be a critical factor that regulates the temperature sensitivity of influenza A virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To validate the application of three-dimensional (3D) discrete element method (DEM) on modeling the excavation process, a discrete analogue of lunar regolith simulant is excavated under terrestrial conditions using DEM and the results were compared with the previous experimental data using TJ-1 lunar soil simulant. The soil failure mechanism is first described at different scales, with detailed DEM studies of excavation force, earth pressure, soil heap, void ratio changes, APR (average micro-pure rotation rate) field, particle displacements and velocities. Following these, the effects of cutting depth, cutting angle, blade width on the excavation force and size of the affected zone are analyzed and compared with the experimental data. The results illustrate that a “real-time” affected zone can be identified from the APR field and particle velocities which fluctuate significantly in a similar tendency to the excavation force at the post-peak stage. In contract, a “cumulative” affected zone can be identified from the void ratio and particle displacements, which remain increasing gradually at the post-peak stage and invariable when the excavation displacement is large enough to allow a stable soil heap to form. In addition, the simulation results can capture the effects of cutting depth, cutting angle and blade width, which reveals the validity of the numerical modeling approach and thus further studies on the effects of lunar environments on soil excavation can be carried out using DEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize/soybean relay intercropping system (MSR) is a popular cultivation method to obtain high yields of both crops with reduced inputs. However, in MSR, the effects of different strip widths on competitive strengths and grain yields of intercrop species are still unclear. Therefore, in a two-year field experiment, soybean was relay-intercropped with maize in three different strip-width arrangements (narrow-strips, 180 cm; medium-strips, 200 cm; and wide-strips, 220 cm), and all intercropping results were compared with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS). Results showed that the optimum strip-width for obtaining high grain yields of maize and soybean was 200 cm (medium-strips), which improved the competitive-ability of soybean by maintaining the competitive-ability of maize in MSR. On average, maize and soybean produced 98% and 77% of SM and SS yield, respectively, in medium-strips. The improved grain yields of intercrop species in medium-strips increased the total grain yield of MSR by 15% and land equivalent ratio by 22%, which enhanced the net-income of medium-strips (by 99%, from 620 US $ ha−1 in wide-strips to 1233 US $ ha−1 in medium-strips). Overall, these findings imply that following the optimum strip-width in MSR, i. e., strip-width of 200 cm, grain yields, and competitive interactions of intercrop species can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground mined-out voids need to be backfilled for the stability of the surrounding rock and also to increase ore extraction from adjacent pillars. One of the relatively newer means is cemented paste backfilling, which has been extensively adopted in underground mining operations around the world. During and after the placement of cemented paste backfill (CPB) into stopes, complex multiphysics (thermal, hydraulic, mechanical and chemical) processes take place in the large mass of CPB and could affect its consolidation behavior. An analysis of the consolidation process in CPB mass is essential for the assessment of CPB behavior and cost-effective designs in practice. In this paper, multiphysics simulation of the consolidation behavior of CPB mass is performed under different conditions, including the mixture recipe, and backfilling, drainage, surrounding rock and curing conditions. It is found that the in situ consolidation behavior of CPB structures is a function of the multiphysics processes that occur in the cementing backfill mass. Moreover, the rock mass conditions, including the geometry and rock wall roughness, influence the consolidation process of CPB structures. Cement content, curing time and backfilling rate play a crucial role in the consolidation process of CPB. The obtained results can facilitate a better understanding of the consolidation behaviour of CPB for backfill designers and engineers, and thus contribute to enhance the engineering of CPB structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibbons represent a highly successful radiation of four genera and 20 species of Asian apes that, in response to recent habitat fragmentation and deforestation, are threatened with extinction. China has six species of gibbons, each of which is critically endangered. We present new biogeographical information on the distribution of the black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor). Four subspecies of N. concolor have been described: three of them are present east of the Mekong River (Nomascus concolor jingdongensis, N. c. concolor and N. c. lu); and another is found west of the Mekong River (N. c. furvogaster). In addition, there has been speculation that gibbons exist in the Biluo Snow Mountains, between the Mekong and Salween basins. To clarify the biogeography of this species, from April 2011 to January 2012 and from January 2016 to September 2018, we conducted interviews with local villagers, completed line transect surveys, monitored gibbon calls, and placed 30 camera traps in the forest canopy. On October 30, 2016, we recorded gibbon's calls. On July 5, 2016, our camera traps obtained one image of a male gibbon, and on February 1 and 8, 2017, we captured two independent images of an adult female gibbon on Zhiben Mountains. Based on the black crest on the head, clearly visible in the photographs, the gibbons are N. c. furvogaster. Evidence from interviews and survey records indicate that N. c. furvogaster once was present in the Zhiben Mountains, at an altitude of between 2000 and 2700 m. Between 1990 and 2000, some 6–7 groups still existed in Caojian, Laowo and adjacent areas. Unfortunately, in the absence of an effective conservation strategy, the population was extirpated by hunters. The remaining forest in the Zhiben Mountains is highly fragmented, and most of the suitable habitat for gibbons has been lost. Therefore, we expect that this newly found gibbon population is under extreme anthropogenic pressure. It is imperative that further investigations of this gibbon population be conducted immediately, and that the local and national governments implement effective conservation plans, including educating the local communities to protect this critically endangered primate population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a discrete element modelling of the installation responses of rigid open-ended piles with different diameters. A two-dimensional model of granular soil is generated using the particle flow code. The model is generated under 100 g gravity to simulate deep foundations. The simulation results show good agreement with the published experimental measurements. Particle-scale information is retrieved to reveal the micro-mechanics underlying these dynamic behaviours. It is found that relative particle displacement field provides clear micro-scale evidence to the development of shear zones. The instantly fully plugged mode and the partially plugged mode continuously exchange during pile installation, which is more apparent in slimmer pile. Pile base resistance (plug resistance plus annulus resistance) contributes to the majority of pile resistance. The plug resistance is only concentrated within the zone 2–3 times of pile diameter above the pile base. The unit lateral resistance at a specific depth decreases in pile installation. Pile installation causes increases in the average stresses surrounding the pile, with the major influence zone concentrated within six times of pile diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of fosfomycin tromethamine with other standard-of-care antibiotics in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy.Methods: This study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Eligible patients scheduled for ureteroscopic lithotripsy were randomly assigned to receive either fosfomycin (fosfomycin group, N = 101 patients) or standard-of-care antibiotic therapy as prophylaxis (control group, N = 115 patients). The incidence of infectious complications and adverse events was analyzed between the two groups, as well as the cost-benefit analysis.Results: The incidence of infections following lithotripsy was 3.0% in the fosfomycin group and 6.1% in the control group (p > 0.05). Only asymptomatic bacteriuria was reported in fosfomycin group. In the control group was reported asymptomatic bacteriuria (3.5%), fever (0.9%), bacteremia (0.9%), and genitourinary infection (0.9%). The rate of adverse events was very low, with no adverse event reported in the fosfomycin group and only one in the control group (forearm phlebitis). The average cost per patient of antibiotic therapy with fosfomycin was 151.45 ± 8.62 yuan (22.7 ± 1.3 USD), significantly lower compared to the average cost per patient of antibiotics used in the control group 305.10 ± 245.95 yuan (45.7 ± 36.9 USD; p < 0.001).Conclusions: Two oral doses of 3 g fosfomycin tromethamine showed good efficacy and safety and low cost in perioperative prophylaxis of infections following ureteroscopic stone removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel hierarchical coral-like Ni-Mo sulfides on Ti mesh (denoted as HC-NiMoS/Ti) were synthesized through facile hydrothermal and subsequent sulfuration processes without any template. These non-precious HC-NiMoS/Ti hybrids were explored as bifunctional catalysts for urea-based overall water splitting, including the anodic urea oxygen evolution reaction (UOR) and cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Due to the highly exposed active sites, excellent charge transfer ability, and good synergistic effects from multi-component reactions, the HC-NiMoS/Ti hybrid exhibited superior activity and high stability, and only a cell voltage of 1.59 V was required to deliver 10 mA·cm current density in an electrolyte of 1.0 M KOH with 0.5 M urea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has attracted much attention and triggered extensive anti-corrosion applications due to its excellent electrochemical stability and robust barrier for molecules and ions. In this paper, a novel polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (PPy/rGO) nanocomposite was successfully prepared on carbon steel as an efficient protective coating for improving the anti-corrosion property. Graphene oxide (GO) was deposited onto carbon steel via potentiostatic technique, and PPy was obtained simultaneously by oxidation polymerization. Scanning cyclic voltammetry method was adopted to reduce GO into rGO to form PPy/rGO nanocomposite coating. Due to the synergistic effect of PPy and rGO, excellent anti-corrosion performance for carbon steel in simulated seawater was obtained. Impressively, the PPy/rGO-coated carbon steel showed 7.05 times higher corrosion resistance than that of bare carbon steel and revealed the excellent protection efficiency above 95.9%. The anti-corrosion mechanism of the PPy/rGO coating was also proposed. Our results suggested that the PPy/rGO composite coatings could serve as effectively protectors for anti-corrosion of seawater, therefore, they could envision potential applications in naval architecture and ocean engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is the most common type of dementia. Although MCI is a common clinical manifestation in the elderly, the pathology and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Oxylipins are a major class of lipid-derived signaling mediators, which have been implicated in the pathology of MCI and AD. In this study, we investigated the changes of oxylipin profiles in plasma of MCI patients. Methods: We performed a targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to quantify 49 oxylipins and 4 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma samples of 60 clinically diagnosed MCI patients and 56 age- and gender-matched cognitively normal individuals. Results: We found that the levels of linoleic acid (LA) and 7 oxylipins were significantly altered in MCI patients when compared to the controls. Notably, oxylipins synthesized through 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathways of arachidonic acid (AA) or LA were elevated in MCI patients, which is in accordance with previously reports that oxylipins from the same pathways were increased in the brain tissues of AD and MCI patients, suggesting the potential correlations of oxylipin changes in 5-LOX and CYP450 pathways between the peripheral blood and the brain tissues in MCI and AD patients. Conclusion: This study is the first report on plasma oxylipin profiles in MCI patients, and disease-relevant changes of oxylipins and oxylipin pathways were identified. The results represent potentially an efficient method to monitor certain oxylipin changes in the brain tissues of MCI or AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid global deforestation has forced many of the world's primates to live in fragmented habitats, making the understanding of their behavioral responses to degraded and fragmented habitats a key challenge for their future protection and management. The black-and-white snub-nosed monkey ( Rhinopithecus bieti) is an endangered species endemic to southwest China. The forest habitat ranges from near-continuous to fragmented. In this study, we investigated the activity budget and diet of a R. bieti population that live in an isolated and degraded habitat patch at Mt. Lasha in Yunnan Province, near the current southern limit of the species. We used our data along with data from six other sites in more-continuous habitats across its range to model factors that predict stress, including feeding effort and time feeding on lichens against potential predictive parameters. Models showed feeding effort across all sites increased with increasing altitude and latitude, and with decreasing food species diversity. There was also a strong positive relationship between feeding effort and time feeding lichens. The Mt. Lasha R. bieti population exploited a total of 36 food species, spending 80.2% of feeding time feeding on lichens, Bryoria spp. and Usnea longissima. These figures are more comparable to those living in the north than those living in the mid- and southern part of the species' range. Given the models for feeding effort and time feeding on lichens, the unexpectedly high time spend feeding on lichens and feeding effort relative to latitude and elevation are suggestive of a stressed population at Mt. Lasha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high power laser energy interrupter is investigated and developed. The micromachined laser interrupter is a critical component of the MEMS based safety and arming (S&A) system, which acts as a switch to selectively couple optical power between input and output fibers using direct coupling technique. The switching of high power laser energy is demonstrated by taking advantage of direct thermal actuation of cantilevered large-core multimode fibers. Models describing the combined electrothermal and thermomechanical characteristics of the thermal actuators are developed with temperature-dependent parameters. The temperature distribution of the actuator is investigated, and the influence of the actuator's geometrical parameters on its force and displacement is analyzed. Actuator displacement versus drive current is found to be in good agreement with model predictions. Switching time is 19 ms from the safety to the arming state with a maximum operational frequency of 34 Hz. Optical efficiency is predicted and a series of tests are conducted to measure transmission efficiency of the laser interrupter. The optical efficiency is found to be about 92.7% with a maximum power transfer of 2780 mW from a 3000 mW input, and the channel isolation is 57 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrothermal microactuators possess a number of desirable attributes including ease of fabrication and large force and displacement capabilities relative to other types of microactuators, but these performances come at the expense of large input energy and relatively low frequencies because of the time necessary to reach thermal equilibrium. These characteristics provide motivation for improving thermal actuator designs that are more energy efficient and better suited for high-frequency applications. To this end, models describing the combined electrothermal and thermomechanical behavior of thermal actuators are developed in this thesis. The temperature distribution of the actuator is analyzed and the influence of the actuator's geometrical parameters on its force and displacement is studied. Steady-state and transient thermal responses of the actuator operating in air and a vacuum are investigated by creating finite-difference model with temperature-dependent parameters, this model allows temperatures throughout the actuator to be simulated as a function of time. Results demonstrate that the efficiency of the actuator can be improved significantly by operating in a vacuum environment and providing short-duration, high-current pulse inputs. A set of parametric studies and design changes are evaluated through thermomechanical models, strategies gained from modeling analysis result in significant improvements in operational efficiency of the thermal actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issues of hydrogen generation and storage have hindered the widespread use and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It is thus highly attractive, but the design and development of highly active non-noble-metal catalysts for on-demand hydrogen release from alkaline NaBH solution under mild conditions remains a key challenge. Herein, we describe the use of CoP nanowire array integrated on a Ti mesh (CoP NA/Ti) as a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic catalyst for efficient hydrolytic dehydrogenation of NaBH in basic solutions. The CoP NA/Ti works as an on/off switch for on-demand hydrogen generation at a rate of 6,500 mL/(min·g) and a low activation energy of 41 kJ/mol. It is highly robust for repeated usage after recycling, without sacrificing catalytic performance. Remarkably, this catalyst also performs efficiently for the hydrolysis of NHBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the method of lateroconal fascia suspension for the management of peritoneal tear and curtain effect during retroperitoneal laparoscopic operations. Materials and methods: Between May 2013 and October 2014, we performed lateroconal fascia suspension in 30 cases of retroperitoneal laparoscopic operations. Peritoneal tear occurred and retroperitoneal space collapsed in 18 cases of them during the operation, and free edge of the lateroconal fascia caused curtain effect and sheltered the field of view in another 12 cases after the lateroconal fascia was incised longitudinally. Results: The curtain effect of lateroconal fascia was eliminated successfully, and the sheltered field of view got normal in all the 12 cases. The collapsed retroperitoneal space due to peritoneal tear got enlarged effectively and was sufficient for the following operations in 15 patients of the overall 18 cases, while the collapsed retroperitoneal space did not get enlarged significantly in the other three cases. After the insertion of an extra 5-mm trocar into peritoneal space, the collapsed retroperitoneal space got enlarged eventually. Finally, retroperitoneal laparoscopic operations were continued and completed successfully in all these 30 patients. It took 4 min to complete the suspension procedure, and no related complications occurred during the whole suspension process. Conclusion: Lateroconal fascia suspension method could manage most peritoneal tears and curtain effect effectively during retroperitoneal laparoscopic operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dwarfism is a challenge in arthroplasty. The anatomical features provide a lot of pitfalls. The aim of this study was to follow-up growth-restricted patients after endoprosthetic treatment. Materials and methods: 138 knee arthroplasties in patients with a height ≤150 cm between January 1, 2000 and May 5, 2013 at our institution were enrolled in this study. 124 cases were available for 1-year follow-up. Out of these, 43 cases were available for 5-year follow-up so far. 14 patients were lost to follow-up. Results: IKS score increased from 35 ± 16 on admission to 67 ± 22 ( p < 0.001) at 1-year follow-up and 65 ± 23 ( p < 0.001) at 5-year follow-up. Function Score increased from 40 ± 29 on admission to 64 ± 21 ( p < 0.001) at 1-year follow-up and 63 ± 23 ( p < 0.001) at 5-year follow-up. Revision surgery was required in one case (0.8 %) after 1-year follow-up, and in an additional three cases (7 %) after 5-year follow-up. Conclusions: Knee arthroplasty can be performed in patients suffering from dwarfism with good clinical benefits. However, survival rates are worse compared to the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland fire disaster is one of the most destructive grassland disasters, which is sudden, destructive, and hard to handle. It caused a great threat to the humanity and property in pastoral. In this study, a dynamic risk assessment model was built based on the data of prairie fire statistics and related meteorological data from 1994 to 2005 in the six livestock counties of Hulunbuir grassland. Logistic regression model was used in the identification of the key factors influence grassland fire disaster risk. In the calculation of the weight of individual indicators, analytic hierarchy through scoring by experts was used. Grid GIS technology combined with regression analysis was used in the spatial distribution of indicators which has higher resolution than counties. Assessment factors of endogenous and exogenous sources of warning signs of grassland fires were analyzed through weighted comprehensive analysis. Fire disasters from 1994 to 2004 were taken as the sample cases to determine the threshold of risk level by using optimal partition method. Taking the grassland fires in 2005 as examples to validate the dynamic risk assessment model, results shown high risk areas coincide well with the distribution of fire points, this proved the accuracy of the model. The dynamic risk assessment results could be used to guide and manage the mitigation of grassland fire disaster and rescue goods distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation on mechanism of the inclined cone penetration test using the numerical discrete element method (DEM). A series of penetration tests with the penetrometer inclined at different angles (i.e., $$0^{\circ },\,15^{\circ },\,30^{\circ },\,45^{\circ }$$ and $$60^{\circ }$$ ) were numerically performed under $$\mu =0.0$$ and $$\mu =0.5$$ , where $$\mu $$ is the frictional coefficient between the penetrometer and the soil. The deformation patterns, displacements of soil particles adjacent to the cone tip, velocity fields, rotations of the principal stresses and the averaged pure rotation rate were analyzed. Special focus was placed on the effect of friction. The DEM results showed that soils around the cone tip experienced complex displacement paths at different positions as the inclined penetration proceeded, and the friction only had significant effects on the soils adjacent to the penetrometer side and tip. Soils exhibited characteristic velocity fields corresponding to three different failure mechanisms and the right side was easier to be disturbed by friction. Friction started to play its role when the tip approached the observation points, while it had little influence on rotation rate. The normalized tip resistance $$(q_{c}=f/\sigma _{v0})$$ increased with friction as well as inclination angle. The relationship between $$q_{c}$$ and relative depth $$(y/R)$$ can be described as $$q_{c}=a\times (y/R)^{-b}$$ , with parameters $$a$$ and $$b$$ dependent on penetration direction. The normalized resistance perpendicular to the penetrometer axis $$q_{p}$$ increases with the inclination angle, thus the inclination angle should be carefully selected to ensure the penetrometer not to deviate from its original direction or even be broken in real tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a methodology of risk early warning of maize drought disaster in Northwestern Liaoning Province from the viewpoints of climatology, geography, disaster science, environmental science, and so on. The study area was disaggregated into small grid cells, which has higher resolution than counties. Based on the daily meteorological data and maize yield data from 1997 to 2005, the risk early warning model was built up for drought disaster. The early warning crisis signs were considered from exogenous warning signs and endogenous warning signs. The probability of drought was taken as endogenous warnings sign, which was calculated by logistic regression model. Beside precipitation, wind speed and temperature were taken into consideration when assessing the drought. The optimal partition method was used to define the threshold of each warning grade. Take the year of 2009 as an example, this risk early warning model performed well in warning drought disasters of each maize-growing stage. Results obtained from the early warning model can guide the government to take emergency action to reduce the losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, food abundance and distribution exert important influence on primate ranging behavior. Hoolock gibbons (genus Hoolock) live in lowland and montane forests in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China. All information about hoolock gibbons comes from studies on western hoolock gibbons ( Hoolock hoolock) living in lowland forest. Between August 2010 and September 2011, we studied the ranging behavior of one habituated group of eastern hoolock gibbon ( H. leuconedys) living in a seasonal montane forest in Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China. Results show that the study group did not increase foraging effort, calculated in this study as the daily path length, when fruit was less available. Instead, the gibbons fed more on leaves and decreased traveling to conserve energy. They relied heavily on a single food species in most study months which was patchily distributed within their total (14-month) home range, and during most months they used only a small portion of their total home range. In order to find enough food, the group shifted its monthly home range according to the seasonal availability of food species. To satisfy their annual food requirements, they occupied a total home range of 93 ha. The absence of neighboring groups of gibbons and the presence of tsaoko cardamom ( Amomum tsaoko) plantations may also have influenced the ranging behavior of the group. Further long-term studies of neighboring groups living in intact forests are required to assess these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ACTH independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is a rare disorder characterized by bilateral macronodular hyperplasia of the adrenal glands and increased cortisol production with subclinical or overt Cushing’s syndrome. Although the family clustering of AIMAH is infrequent, we have tried our best to find such a familial affected pedigree with complete clinical information and successfully collect adrenalectomy tissue samples from two members of this family. Using whole exome sequencing and several variant prioritization strategies based on disease network analysis, we identified Endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) Ser420Thr mutation as a causative mutation of AIMAH. EDNRA is a member of G protein coupled receptor family and is involved in cardiovascular or polycystic kidney disease. Our findings indicate that the mutation of EDNRA at S420T site should be regard as a potential AIMAH causative variation in familial and sporadic affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus bieti) inhabit one of the harshest habitats by any nonhuman primate. Reliable predictive cues to initiate reproduction may be particularly critical for R. bieti because they inhabit such seasonally energetically challenging environments. To better understand the seasonal distribution of and predictive cues to reproduction, we collected breeding and birth data in a population of R. bieti at Mt. Lasha in Yunling Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China, from January 2008 to May 2010, using a combination of 10-min instantaneous scans and ad libitum observations. We examined variations in temperature, rainfall, and food availability, as well as photoperiod differences between Mt. Lasha and the more northerly Xiaochangdu to identify environmental influences on the timing of reproductive events. Our data show the area exhibited distinct seasonal fluctuations in rainfall, temperature, and food availability. Mating occurred year-round, but peaked in August, coinciding with the end of the period of highest temperatures and food availability, and during the peak rainfall. Copulation frequency peaked 1 month after corresponding peaks in staple foods, rainfall, and minimum temperatures, and 3-4 months after peaks in high-quality foods. Births were significantly seasonal, with a birth peak from mid-February to early April, and a mean birth date of 14 March. Eleven births occurred in 41 days in 2009, and 16 births occurred in 52 days in 2010. Births occurred during periods of increasing temperatures and food availability. Our findings are suggestive of at least one environmental control of conception timing, and support the notion that food availability during key reproductive stages is an ultimate factor for birth seasonality, but provide no supporting evidence for photoperiod during the conception season as a proximate cue to reproduction in R. bieti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different postconditioning (Postcon) methods have been demonstrated to protect heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury. The relationship between Postcon by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and apoptosis is not clear. Our objective was to test whether Postcon by PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) reduces myocardial apoptosis. Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups before stenting. The Routine group ( n = 26) received no Postcon intervention prior to the onset of reperfusion; Postcon-30s ( n = 25) and Postcon-60s groups ( n = 24) underwent three cycles of 30- or 60-s balloon deflation and 30- or 60-s inflation. Additionally, 34 normal controls (NC) were enrolled in the study. Plasma concentrations of soluble Fas/APO-1 ([sFas]) and Fas ligand ([sFasL]) were determined at baseline and 7 days after PCI via ELISA. The [sFas] and [sFasL] in AMI patients were significantly elevated at baseline as compared with NC ( P < 0.01), and showed an upward trend in the Routine group, a slightly upward trend in Postcon-30s, and a downward trend in Postcon-60s at 7 days. Comparison among the three groups showed significant differences ( P < 0.05, 3.8 vs. 4.6 vs. 5.1 ng ml−1). The [sFasL] in Postcon-60s was significantly decreased at 7 days ( P < 0.05, 3.9 vs. 3.1 ng ml−1) compared with baseline, but not Postcon-30s and Routine. More importantly, Postcon-60s group had the lowest [sFasL], followed by Postcon-30s, which had a lower value than Routine at 7 days ( P < 0.05, 3.1 vs.3.7 vs. 4.2 ng ml−1). Our results suggest that Postcon-60s was visibly better than Postcon-30s, which in turn was better than Routine for inhibition of the effects of myocardial apoptosis and reduction of reperfusion injury in patients with acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete element methods are emerging as useful numerical analysis tools for engineers concerned with granular materials such as soil, food grains, or pharmaceutical powders. Obviously, the first step in a discrete element simulation is the generation of the geometry of the system of interest. The system geometry is defined by the boundary conditions as well as the shape characteristics (including size) and initial coordinates of the particles in the system. While a variety of specimen generation methods for particulate materials have been developed, there is no uniform agreement on the optimum specimen generation approach. This paper proposes a new triangulation based approach that can easily be implemented in two or three dimensions. The concept of this approach (in two dimensions) is to triangulate a system of points within the domain of interest, creating a mesh of triangles. Then the particles are inserted as the incircles of these triangles. Extension to three dimensions using a mesh of tetrahedra and inserting the inspheres is relatively trivial. The major advantages of this approach include the relative simplicity of the algorithm and the small computational cost associated with the preparation of an initial particle assembly. The sensitivity of the characteristics of the particulate material that is generated to the topology of the triangular mesh used is explored. The approach is compared with other currently used methods in both two and three dimensions. These comparisons indicate that while this approach can successfully generate relatively dense two-dimensional particle assemblies, the three- dimensional implementation is less effective at generating dense systems than other available approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]