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Due to the complex structure of most frame structure, a large amount of sensor data needs to be processed for damage diagnosis, which increases the computational cost of diagnosis models and poses a serious challenge to their fast, accurate, and efficient damage diagnosis. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes a novel lightweight damage diagnosis method of frame structure for mobile devices based on convolutional neural networks. This method first uses mean filtering to process the vibration data collected by sensors, and then innovatively combines two convolutional neural network models, ShuffleNet and GhostNet, to form a new lightweight convolutional neural network model called SGNet, thereby reducing the computational cost of the model while ensuring diagnosis accuracy. In order to test the performance of the method proposed in this article, experimental research on damage degree diagnosis and damage type diagnosis is conducted by taking the frame structure provided by Columbia University as the research object, and comparative experiments of performance are conducted with MobileNet, GhostNet, and ShuffleNet. The experimental results show that the lightweight damage diagnosis method for frame structure proposed in this article not only has high damage diagnosis accuracy, but also has fewer computational parameters, when the highest accuracy is 99.8%, the computational parameters are only 1 million. At the same time, it is superior to MobileNet, GhostNet, ShuffleNet in terms of diagnosis accuracy and computational cost, so it is an effective high-precision lightweight damage diagnosis method for frame structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Cd/Co complexes, namely, {[Cd(Bcp)(2,2'-Bpy)(H2O)]·H2O}n (I) and {[Co(Bce)(2,2'-Bpy)]}n (II) (H2Bcp = 1,2-bis(4-carboxy-phenoxy)ethane, H2Bce = 1,3-bis(4-carboxy-phenoxy)propane, 2,2'-Bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), have been synthesized and structurally elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both complexes feature 1D zig-zag chains decorated with 2,2'-Bpy, and the whole supramolecular architectures are stabilized by extensive π···π, C–H···π and H-bonding weak interactions. Complex I shows dual fluorescence sensing towards Fe3+ and . The fluorescence quenching mechanism was further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a coupling model for evaluating the occurrence of piping erosion under free flow and seepage flow. The model employs the Navier–Stokes equation to describe free water flow in a pore channel and the Brinkman-extended Darcy equation to describe seepage flow in soft soils. The expression of the critical hydraulic gradient of piping erosion was derived based on the force limit equilibrium of a single soil particle within the pore channel. The results of the theoretical calculation of the proposed model are in good agreement with the results obtained by two classical piping tests. However, compared with existing formulas, the proposed formula has better generalization and accuracy. Moreover, the critical hydraulic gradient varies linearly with the soft soil porosity (negative correlation), the soil particle diameter (positive correlation) inside the pore channel, and the stress jump coefficient (positive correlation) at the interface between the pore channel and the soft soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of metal surfaces is of importance in different practical applications. In the present work, we investigated the role of alumina coatings in the variation of the surface wettability of aluminum alloys by nanosecond laser ablation. The superhydrophilic surface (water contact angle close to 0°) was successfully prepared, and the superhydrophilic surface was transformed into the superhydrophobic surface (water contact angle of about 151.4°) after non-fluorinated N-octyltriethoxysilane (OcTES) treatment. XPS results showed that the Al–OH (–OH) hydrophilic groups generated by coating decomposition occupied the main regions on the surface after laser ablation. After OcTES treatment, the OcTES molecules formed Si–O–Al bonds with the rough surface, which significantly increased the C–C(H) hydrophobic groups of the surface. The superhydrophobic surface showed good self-cleaning, anti-icing and anti-corrosion properties. The fabrication method is fast, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, which makes it potentially useful for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the structural characteristics of bird-wing bifurcation, the blade tip groove structure of a linear compressor cascade for controlling separation of suction corner was studied with the use of numerical calculation. The obtained results indicated that the effects of the tip groove on the aerodynamic performance and the flow field structure could be improved. The tip groove design caused high-pressure fluid to be injected into the corner position of separation, causing the initial corner position of separation to move backward, so the pitchwise and spanwise corner separation to be controlled. Under the conditions of positive angle of incidence, the blade tip groove had a good loss reduction effect. When the angle of incidence was less than the angle of incidence with the minimum loss, the flow loss in the cascade increased by the adoption of the tip groove. The tip groove needed to be installed near the initial position of the corner separation. As in the groove height increases, the suppression effect of the tip groove on the corner separation initially increases and then decreases. When the groove height is equal to 4% of the blade height (H), the flow loss in the cascade reduces by 14.42%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface runoff is an important factor inducing soil erosion of shallow slope. Due to the complexity of material composition, grain arrangement and porosity structure, however, it is difficult to directly give the critical shear velocity of incipient motion under surface runoff if all matters of cohesive sediment are taken into account. Considering the bonding effect of cohesive sediment, a closed-form solution for critical shear velocity is presented in this work. Three primary assumptions, i.e., slope angle less than 30 deg, laminar for surface runoff and uniform film water around soil particles, are made in deriving the solution. The bonding force of cohesive sediment stemming from film water contact can be embedded in the force analysis of single particle. Laboratory scouring test results validate the present solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new cobalt(II) coordination complexes [Co(Phtpy)(HBTC)0.5]n·nH2O (I) and [Co(Meophtpy)(HBTC)0.5]n·nH2O (II) (Phtpy = 4'-(4-phenyl)-3,2':6',3''-terpyridine, Meophtpy = 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,2':6',3''-terpyridine,H3BTC = trimesic acid) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The structures of complexes I, II have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TG analysis, PXRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques (CCDC nos. 2123289 (I) and 2123290 (II)). For complex I, a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure is formed parallel to the bc plane and the adjacent layers are connected by Phtpy ligand along a direction to form a three-dimensional (3D) structure. It is represented as 2-nodal (3, 5)-connected {4.6.8}{4.66.83} by Schläfli symbol. For complex II, one-dimensional (1D) ladder chains along two almost perpendicular directions are formed and these chains are connected by Meophtpy ligands to form a 3D structure. It is represented as 2-nodal (3, 5)-connected {42.65.83}{42.6} by Schläfli symbol. In both complexes, dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between Co(II) ions were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical placement of the lateral portion of a wellbore in shale formations is crucial for the optimization of hydraulic fracture geometry and the resultant well production. It is common to design the trajectory of a well specifically to target a certain zone in the formation. However, the variations of the vertical positions of individual stages relative to the pay zone thickness along the horizontal section are generally overlooked. Such variations are a combined effect of the 3D trajectory of the well and the dips in the reservoir layers. Using field data from the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 1 (HFTS 1) experiment, we reveal that along a single horizontal well, a relatively minor variation of vertical locations among the stimulation stages can induce quite significant differences in the resultant fracture geometries. We also conduct field-scale numerical simulations to further study this phenomenon. Specifically, we incorporate the reservoir's layering information in the geomechanical model by considering the relative distance between the landing point of each stage and the surface of the 3D geological layers. Through high-fidelity simulations, our study shows that the variations of stages' relative vertical positions, even within a small range, can lead to distinct fracture geometries within the same well. Results from this study can inform practical methods to design well trajectories more precisely and optimize hydraulic fractures stagewise. Highlights: Combined field tests, core sample observations, log data, microseismic mapping, and high-fidelity simulations. Accounted for hydraulic fracture swarming effects in field-scale simulations through upscaling modeling approach. Revealed small variations of stages' relative vertical positions can lead to distinct fracture geometries. Provided motivation and workflow for precise well placement and stagewise optimization based on relative vertical depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life lead (Pb) exposure is detrimental to neurobehavioral development. The quality of the environment can modify negative influences from Pb exposure, impacting the developmental trajectory following Pb exposure. Little is known about the molecular underpinnings in the brain of the interaction between Pb and the quality of the environment. We examined relationships between early life Pb exposure and living in an enriched versus a non-enriched postnatal environment on genome-wide transcription profiles in hippocampus CA1. RNA-seq identified differences in the transcriptome of enriched vs. non-enriched Pb-exposed animals. Most of the gene expression changes associated with Pb exposure were reversed by enrichment. This was also true for changes in upstream regulators, splicing events and long noncoding RNAs. Non-enriched rats also had memory impairments; enriched rats had no deficits. The results demonstrate that an enriched environment has a profound impact on behavior and the Pb-modified CA1 transcriptome. These findings show the potential for interactions between Pb exposure and the environment to result in significant transcriptional changes in the brain and, to the extent that this may occur in Pb-exposed children, could influence neuropsychological/educational outcomes, underscoring the importance for early intervention and environmental enrichment for Pb-exposed children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surrogate model is an engineering method to predict the outcome of some process rather than model the real process itself. Here, we use surrogate models based on the machine learning that have been trained using a synthetic data set generated by a numerical model. The concept of a surrogate model is a powerful link between the traditional paradigm of numerical modeling and the new paradigm of machine learning. Surrogate models can provide results in seconds and predict a set of outputs of a complex process for a range of input parameters with an accuracy greater than 99%. This has an advantage over numerical models, that may need hours to attain the same accuracy. Surrogate models can be used for probabilistic analysis, numerical pre-conditioning, training and education, and for application by field practitioners. Machine learning has seen rapid growth in the last 10 years with the advent of large data sets and powerful new techniques. There is currently a unique opportunity to apply data science and machine learning methodologies as a complement to advanced numerical modeling of the subsurface. This paper describes a practical methodology for training surrogate models and gives three examples. The examples include predicting the crushed zone size in rock blasting, the effective properties of a discrete fracture network (DFN), and the bearing capacity of a layered soil. We show that surrogate models perform well when feature engineering (the application of domain knowledge to machine learning) is applied and when the number of input parameters is limited. Highlights: A methodology for creating rock and soil mechanics surrogate models is presented along with practical examples. Synthetic data sets describing the rock blasting crushed zone, the bearing capacity of layered soils, and the effective properties of discrete fracture networks are generated using numerical models. Artificial neural networks are able to rapidly and accurately predict some aspects of the numerical model results. The number of synthetic data points needed is problem dependent and a methodology to ensure accurate results over the entire target range is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes formulated as Zn(DMS)(bix)0.5 (1) and Cu(DMS)(bix)0.5 (2) (DMS = 2,2-dimethylsuccinate; bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene) are successfully prepared under hydrothermal conditions. The single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that both complexes are isostructural, have the P2/c space group and a 2D layer architecture with the DMS bisbridged ribbon. The title complexes are characterized by single crystal XRD, IR spectroscopy, TG and elemental analyses, and photoluminescence sensing in the solid state. In addition, the sensing efficiency of nitrobenzene for 1 is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the effects of the intervening measure targeting myeloid differentiation 2 (MD2) on breast cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The expression of MD2 in normal breast cells (Hs 578Bst) and three kinds of breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 s and 4T1) were detected by western blot. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of 4T1 cells treated by L6H21, cell migration and invasion was measured by wound healing assay and trans-well matrigel invasion assay, respectively. In addition, to further study the role of MD2 in tumor progression, we assessed the effects of inhibition of MD2 on the progression of xenograft tumors in vivo. Results: The expression of MD2 is much higher in MDA-MB-231 s and 4T1cells than that in normal breast cells (Hs 578Bst) or MCF-7 cells (p < 0.05). In vitro, suppression of MD2 by L6H21 has a significant inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion in 4T1 cells in dose-dependent manner. In vivo, L6H21 pretreatment significantly improved survival of 4T1-bearing mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, we also observed that none of the mice died from the toxic effect of 10 mg kg−1 L6H21 in 60 days. Conclusion: Overall, this work indicates that suppression of MD2 shows progression inhibition in vitro and significantly prolong survival in vivo. These findings provide the potential experimental evidence for using MD2 as a therapeutic target of breast carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel compounds [Zn(bitmb)(L)]·2H2O and [Co(bitmb)(L)]·2H2O are prepared under hydrothermal conditions (bitmb = 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene; H2L = 1,3-bis-(4-carboxy-phenoxy)propane) and characterized by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Both complexes are isostructural and contain 3-fold right-handed helical 1D chains. IR and PXRD spectra, TG curves, and photoluminescent properties are also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of shallow soil slope was analyzed considering the wetting front within the slope during rainfall. The slope failure model (composed of an upper arc, a straight part in the middle, and a lower arc) was determined according to the unsaturated soil mechanics and Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The drag force due to slope runoff was embedded in the calculation of safety factor. The failure mode in this paper can be degraded to the classical circular failure mode and infinitely long slope failure mode. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical values. The investigations show that the safety factor of slope decreases with increase in soil saturation and runoff depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A precise tangential contact damping model is proposed, which includes the lateral contact of the upper-lower asperities and the interaction of adjacent asperities. The effects of the normal static preload, frequency, and amplitude of tangential displacement on the tangential contact damping were analyzed by simulation, respectively. Furthermore, the results of simulation are verified by experiment. The tangential contact damping of considering the interaction and lateral contact of asperity is very close to the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Co(II) complexes [Co(meophtpy)2](ClO4)2·2CH3CN (1), [Co(nh2phtpy)2](ClO4)2·2CH3CN (2), [Co(ftpy)2](ClO4)2·2CH3CN (3) and three Mn(II) complexes [Mn(nme2phtpy)2]·(ClO4)2·2CH3CN (4), [Mn(ftpy)2](ClO4)2·CH3CN (5), [Mn(meophtpy)(H2O)(NO3)2]·CH3CN (6) (meophtpy, 4′-(4- methoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; nh2phtpy, 4′-(4-aminophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; ftpy, 4′-(furan- 2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; nme2phtpy, 4′-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) are synthesized and their structures are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for 1 are: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 14.4781(5) Å, b = 16.2221(7) Å, c = 21.3617(9) Å, and Z = 4. For 2: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 14.554(6) Å, b = 15.239(6) Å, c = 21.754(9) Å, and Z = 4. For 3: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 14.5285(16) Å, b = 15.3234(16) Å, c = 21.154(2) Å, and Z = 4. For 4: triclinic, space group P-1, a = 12.132(5) Å, b = 12.536(5) Å, c =17.840(10) Å, and Z = 2. For 5: triclinic, space group P-1, a = 9.993(10) Å, b = 13.950(13) Å, c = 15.511(15) Å, and Z = 2. For 6: monoclinic, space group Pc, a = 12.402(7) Å, b = 12.919(8) Å, c = 7.893(5) Å, and Z = 2. In complexes 1-5, Co(II) or Mn(II) ions are coordinated by six N atoms from two terpyridine moieties. In complex 6 the Mn(II) atom coordinates only one terpyridine ligand. All these complexes are linked by hydrogen bonds and face-to-face π-π interactions into three-dimensional networks. In complexes 4-6 the available solvent areas imply their potential applications in gas adsorption or catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The video shows how en bloc resection was achieved, the ureter and nerve plane were protected as an intact layer of ureterohypogastric nerve fascia (Fig. The reason for the lack of attention to nerve-sparing during bTME surgery might be the difficulty of the procedure and the uncertainty of nerve infiltration intraoperatively. The nerve fascia is highlighted with yellow; the seminal vesicle is highlighted with green; the ureter and the Denonvilliers' fascia are highlighted with white Funding Tianjin Health Science and Technology Project (ZC20081). [Extracted from the article]

Multivisceral resection (MVR) with partial bladder resection is accepted as a reasonable choice for advanced sigmoid colon cancer with bladder involvement [[1]]. We adopt a fascial space priority approach for laparoscopic en bloc MVR with bladder sparing in selected patients of locally advanced sigmoid cancer with bladder involvement and attained promising outcome. [Extracted from the article]

A new approach to quick preparation of a nitrided case for low-carbon low-alloy steels was proposed. It is based on cold hardening and pressurized gas nitriding. The microstructure, surface hardness, thickness, and corrosion resistance of the nitrided layer on low-carbon low-alloy steel (20CrMnTi) were investigated after the nitriding at 510°C for 5 h under different cold rolling reduction (0-60% CR) and nitriding pressure (1-5 atm). The results show that this technique can significantly improve the nitriding steel efficiency with the nitrided layer mainly composed of Fe2-3N and Fe4N nitrides. At constant nitriding pressure, the nitrided layer hardness first increases and then decreases with the amount of cold hardening. At the constant hardening, the nitrided layer hardness and corrosion resistance increase with the nitriding pressure. For the sample nitrided at 510°C for 5 h under 30% CR and a pressure of 5 atm, the nitrided layer exhibits optimal properties: hardness of 825 HV and thickness of 310 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mononuclear and dinuclear cyclopalladated 2-(4-ethylphenyl)pyrazine (epp) complexes 2 and 3 are prepared in the bridge-splitting reactions of palladacyclic dimer 1 with PPh3 (2) and 1,4- bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) (3). Their crystal and molecular structures are determined by the single crystal X-ray analysis. C-H⋯N(Cl) hydrogen bonds and π⋯π interactions are found in the the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wetting behavior of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu (wt pct) with the addition of Ti on alumina was studied at 1273 K (1000 °C) using the sessile drop method. The wettability of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu is significantly enhanced with the addition of Ti. Ti accumulates on the interface and reacts with O, producing TiO and yields good wetting. However, wetting is inhibited in high Ti containing droplets as intense Ti-Sn reactions take place. As a result of these competing reactions, the wettability of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-2Ti is the best, with the lowest equilibrium contact angle 24.6 deg. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that the value of the final contact angle cos θ varies linearly with Ti fraction in the Ti-Sn reaction-free case. The influence of the Ti-Sn reaction on wetting is quantitatively characterized by the deviation from the theoretical data. The adverse impact of Ti-Sn reaction on wetting increases in intensity with the droplets containing more Ti as the reaction between Ti and Sn becomes more intense and rapid. Alumina/alumina is brazed using different Ti containing Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-Ti brazing metals at 1273 K (1000 °C) for 25 minutes. Pores are observed in joints prepared with Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-0.7, 3, and 4Ti because of poor wettability. The highest joints shear strength of 28.6 MPa is obtained with Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu-2Ti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three coordination complexes [Co(Imphtpy)]Cl · CHCl · 3HO (I), [Ni(Imphtpy)]Cl · CHCl · CHOH ( II) and [Zn(Imphtpy)]Cl ( III) (Imphtpy = 4'-(4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)2,2':6',2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction (СIF files CCDC nos. 1012055 ( I), 1011708 ( II), 1011709 (III)). Complexes I and II are isomorphism except for some solvent molecules. In the crystal, both face-to-face interactions between pyridyl ring, imidazole rings and phenyl rings and hydrogen bonds facilitate the construction of 3D networks. There are no hydrogen bonds in III and the packing of discrete neutral molecules were ascribed to face-to-face interactions and van der Waals forces. The luminescence properties of three complexes have been investigated in the solid state at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four homoleptic copper(II) complexes, [Cu(Meophtpy)](ClO) (Meophtpy = 4′-(4-methoxylphenyl)- 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ( I), [Cu(Meophtpy)](ClO) · 2HO ( II), [Cu( m-Clphtpy)](ClO) ( m-ClPhtpy = 4′-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ( III), and [Cu( m-ClPhtpy)](ClO) ( IV) have been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 963375 ( I), 885457 ( II), 963377 ( III), and 963376 ( IV)). Complex II is a polymorph of I and complex IV is a polymorph of III. All these complexes are obtained with 95% ethanol solution or 50% ethanol solution and the solvent control on the crystallization are obviously found. In all complexes, the face-to-face interactions between pyridyl rings or phenyl rings facilitate the construction of 3D network in the crystal in addition to hydrogen bonds. The fluorescence properties of these complexes have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We sought to characterize the phenotypes and identify the SEC24D gene mutations associated with Chinese families of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Using whole-exome sequencing, we discovered two novel compound SEC24D mutations of OI patients. Our study extended both the phenotypic and the genotype of the OI patients with SEC24D mutations. Introduction: To date, only three compound heterozygous mutations in the SEC24D gene have been found to cause recessively inherited forms of OI. We sought to characterize the phenotypes and to identify the SEC24D gene mutations associated with Chinese families with OI. Methods: Using whole-exome sequencing in two probands, we identified two novel compound heterozygous mutations in SEC24D. In family 1, the proband was a 23-year-old male; he had recurrent fractures and dentinogenesis imperfecta. His anterior fontanel was not closed, and he showed facial dysmorphism. A computed tomography three-dimensional imaging of the cranium showed skull deformities associated with a broad ossification defect in the frontoapical area, a widened sagittal suture, and Wormian bones. In family 2, the proband was a 7-year-old boy, who also had recurrent fractures and dentinogenesis imperfecta. His anterior fontanel was not closed, and he did not have obvious facial dysmorphism. Results: We identified one novel compound heterozygous missense substitution in the proband in family 1, including c.2723G>A (p. Cys908Tyr) and c.2842T>C (p. Ser948Pro). In the proband in family 2, we identified another novel compound heterozygous missense substitution, including c.938G>A (p. Arg313His) and c.875C>T (p. Pro292Leu). Conclusions: We discovered two novel compound SEC24D mutations of autosomal recessive OI patients. Our study extended both the phenotypic and the genotypic spectrum of the autosomal recessive OI patients with SEC24D mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study evaluated the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and investigated relationships between them and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women in China suburban district. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 25.03 % at lumbar spine and 6.23 % at femoral neck, and BTMs were negatively correlated with BMDs. Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate the levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs), including serum N-terminal procollagen of type I collagen (P1NP), beta C-terminal cross-linked of type I collagen (β-CTX), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and to investigate relationships between these markers and bone mineral density (BMD) as well the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women of suburban district. Methods: A population of 4822 postmenopausal women aged 55-69 years old (62.22 ± 6.75) from the suburban district was recruited voluntarily. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; 2251 women in this group had the serum BTMs 25(OH)D and PTH tested. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 25.03 % at lumbar spine and 6.23 % at femoral neck. The median (interquartile range) values of serum P1NP, β-CTX, 25(OH)D, and PTH were 59.3 ng/mL (44.7-75.52), 0.370 ng/mL (0.280-0.490), 23.0 ng/mL (17.1-30.5), and 31.4 pg/mL (24.9-39.7), respectively. Serum P1NP and β-CTX levels presented significantly negative correlations with BMDs at the all the sites (Beta = −0.098 to −0.208, respectively, P < 0.001), whereas PTH levels were negatively correlated with BMDs of the femoral neck and total hip (Beta = −0.062 and −0.054, P < 0.01, respectively). Serum 25(OH)D had positive associations with BMDs at total hip (Beta = 0.051, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The BMD of postmenopausal women in China suburban area is higher than that in downtown area, and over 60 % of the participants had their serum 25(OH)D level over 20 ng/mL. BTMs were negatively correlated with BMDs, suggesting that BTMs are reliable factors for early declines in BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D microarchitecture SrVO:xSm phosphors have been fabricated via hydrothermal method, and their crystalline phase, morphology, and luminescent properties were investigated. The SEM results indicate that the broom- and flower-like micorarchitecture is self-assembled by numerous nanorods. The luminescent properties of SrVO: xSm samples suggest that the most intense emission is located around 648 nm due to G → H transition of Sm. The emission intensity is enhanced with Sm doping and the related mechanism is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of available precise implementations made for the Hoek-Brown (HB) elastic-plastic analysis, most geotechnical engineers and technicians usually apply linear Mohr-Coulomb (MC) criterion for designs of engineering projects. However, no particular linear equation can match the curvature variation of a non-linear HB envelop. This study employs multi-segment linear equations to approximate the HB envelope. The present method can reduce the approximation error when subdividing each material of the analytical mode into several zones appropriate to the actual stress gradient variation of that material. The error estimate and stability analysis for a slope example have validated the present method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SrMoO and SrMoO: xEu( yDy) phosphors were synthesized via co-precipitation method. Two influence factors on the luminescent and morphology properties of the phosphors have been discussed in detail. One is pH value of the precursor solution, and the other is the Eu(Dy) doping content. In addition to the spindle-like microstructure, cylindrical shape, and the flower-like structure are obtained by varying the pH values or Eu(Dy)-doping in SrMoO. The possible formation mechanism is also put forward on the basis of experimental results. The most intense emission is located around 616 and 577 nm due to D → F and F → H transition of Eu and Dy, respectively. The emission intensity is enhanced with Eu(Dy) doping and the related mechanism is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Our objective was to investigate the associations between polymorphisms in Wnt pathway genes and peak bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in young Chinese men. Our study identified that WNT5B and CTNNBL1 for both BMD and body composition, and WNT4 and CTNNB1 gene polymorphisms contribute to the variation in BMD and body composition in young Chinese men, respectively. Introduction: Our objective was to investigate the associations between polymorphisms in WNT4, WNT5B, WNT10B, WNT16, CTNNB1, and CTNNBL1 genes and peak bone mineral density (BMD), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM) in young Chinese men. Methods: Using SNPscan kits, 51 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the 6 genes were genotyped in a total of 1214 subjects from 399 Chinese nuclear families. BMD, total lean mass (TLM), and total fat mass (TFM) were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The associations between the 51 SNPs and peak BMD and body composition [including the TLM, percentage lean mass (PLM), TFM, percentage fat mass (PFM), and the body mass index (BMI)] were analyzed through quantitative transmission disequilibrium tests (QTDTs). Results: For peak BMD, we found significant within-family associations of rs2240506, rs7308793, and rs4765830 in the WNT5B gene and rs10917157 in the WNT4 gene with the lumbar spine BMD (all P < 0.05). We detected an association of rs11830202, rs3809269, rs1029628, and rs6489301 in the WNT5B gene and rs2293303 in the CTNNB1 gene with body composition (all P < 0.05). For the CTNNBL1 gene, six SNPs (rs6126098, rs6091103, rs238303, rs6067647, rs8126174, and rs4811144) were associated with peak BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total hip (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, two of the six SNPs (rs8126174 and rs4811144) were associated with body composition. Conclusions: This study identified WNT5B and CTNNBL1 for peak BMD and body composition in males from the Han Chinese ethnic group, and the results suggest a site-specific gene regulation. The WNT4 and CTNNB1 gene polymorphisms contribute to the variation in peak BMD and body composition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the effect of serum uric acid on bone-related outcomes using a weighted urate transporter genetic risk score as the instrumental variable. The results showed no significance. Our study identified no evidence of a causal role between uric acid and bone-related outcomes. Introduction: Observational studies have associated elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA) with increasing bone mineral density (BMD) and a lowered prevalence of osteoporotic fractures (OFs) in postmenopausal women and elderly men. However, due to unmeasured confounding variables, these observational studies have not provided insight into the causal relationship between SUA and bone-related outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of SUA on bone-related outcomes using Mendelian randomization. Methods: We recruited 1322 Chinese Han individuals (214 elderly men and 1108 postmenopausal women) from the Shanghai area in China. Mendelian randomization using a two-stage least-squares regression method was conducted with SUA as the exposure variable, a weighted urate transporter genetic risk score as the instrumental variable, and all-site BMD, bone turnover markers, and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D], serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as outcome variables. Results: Strong associations between SUA and bone-related outcomes were observed in an ordinary observational analysis (lumbar spine: beta = 0.122, p < 0.0001; hip: beta = 0.104, p < 0.0001; femoral neck: beta = 0.108, p < 0.0001). However, the Mendelian randomization analysis showed no evidence for a causal association of SUA with BMD (lumbar spine: beta = 0.385, p = 0.257; hip: beta = 0.191, p = 0.499; femoral neck: beta = 0.194, p = 0.533). Similar results were found between SUA and other bone-related phenotypes. Conclusions: Our study identified no evidence of a causal role between SUA and bone-related outcomes, although strong associations in an observational analysis were observed in a population of postmenopausal women and elderly men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonthermal plasma-catalysis hybrid technology (NTP-C) operated at ambient temperature and pressure offers an innovative and effective approach to solving the problem of dilute volatile organic compounds pollution. Herein, the destruction of benzene (50-450 ppm) over an in-plasma NTP-C composite system was investigated. The AO/active carbon (AO/AC), AO/3A molecular sieve (AO/MS), and AO/γ-AlO (A = Fe, Ag, Zn, Mn, and Cu) catalysts were prepared by the incipient-wetness impregnation method. The destruction performances of NTP alone and NTP-C are compared under different reaction conditions, such as inlet reactant concentration, catalyst type, and energy density. AC exhibits the best benzene removal efficiency among three catalyst supports, and the performances of AO/AC under different conditions follow the trend of CuO/AC > MnO/AC > MnO/AC > FeO/AC > AC > ZnO/AC > AgO/AC. The NTP with CuO/AC system exhibits the highest benzene elimination capability with almost 90.6 % inlet benzene removed at energy density of 70 and 270 J L. The strong adsorption ability of AC and the optimal catalytic ability of crystalline structure of CuO on the AC support may be contributed to the excellent performance of CuO/AC. It is found that the NO by-product also can be well controlled over NTP-CuO/AC system. Additionally, the surface of CuO/AC is more slipperier and homogeneous with the reaction proceeding, indicating higher stability of CuO/AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures of two N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-palladacycles are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The intermolecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and π⋯π interactions are found in the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three manganese coordination compounds, [Mn(Meophtpy)] · 2ClO (Meophtpy = 4′-(4-methoxylphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ( I), [Mn(Ftpy)](ClO) (Ftpy = 4′-(2-furyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ( II) and [Mn( m-ClPhtpy)] · 2ClO ( m-ClPhtpy = 4′-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ( III), have been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses (CIF files CCDC nos. 945032 ( I), 945033 ( II), 945034 ( III)). In most cases, the face-to-face interactions between pyridyl rings or phenyl rings facilitate the construction of 3D network in the crystal for all three complexes. The magnetic properties of three complexes have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alendronate is an antiosteoporotic drug that targets the mevalonate pathway. To investigate whether the genetic variations in this pathway affect the clinical efficacy of alendronate in postmenopausal Chinese women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 7 genes were genotyped in 500 patients treated with alendronate for 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at baseline and after 12 months. The rs10161126 SNP in the 3′ flanking region of MVK and the GTCCA haplotype in FDFT1 were significantly associated with therapeutic response. A 6.6% increase in BMD in the lumbar spine was observed in the GG homozygotes of rs10161126; AG heterozygotes and AA homozygotes experienced a 4.4 and 4.5% increase, respectively. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of G allele carriers to be responders in lumbar spine BMD was 2.06 (1.08-6.41). GTCCA haplotype in FDFT1 was more frequently detected in the group of responders than in the group of non-responders at the total hip (2.6 vs 0.5%, P=0.009). Therefore, MVK and FDFT1 polymorphisms are genetic determinants for BMD response to alendronate therapy in postmenopausal Chinese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the differentiation of cells, however, little is known about its relationship to bone metabolism. We have previously demonstrated that staurosporine concentration dependently transformed the cultured rat osteoblasts into stellate cells. In this study, we further investigated the possible mechanisms and significance of the morphological changes of osteoblasts induced by staurosporine. The morphological changes induced by staurosporine were inhibited by microtubule depolymerizers or elevated intracellular calcium, however, actin depolymerizers enhanced the effects of staurosporine. Fluorescence labeling showed that staurosporine caused the dissolution of the actin microfilaments, but left the microtubules and vimentin filaments intact. PKC activators partially antagonized the morphological changes induced by staurosporine. Inhibition of protein kinase A or calmodulin-dependent kinase is less effective in the induction of stellate cell formation. These results suggest that the morphological changes of osteoblasts induced by staurosporine may be partly due to PKC inhibition, but other mechanisms may also be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triaxial testing for irregular or unfilled rock joints was conducted on the rock mechanics test system (MTS). A series of axial failure stresses under different confining pressures applied to the same specimen was continuously acquired on MTS. The corresponding normal and shear stresses acting on the rock joint plane were calculated in terms of LEFM. The Mohr-Coulomb (MC) shear strength parameters of each specimen could be determined by linear regression analysis. Thirteen specimens were taken from the dam site drill rock cores of a hydropower station. The scatter of points plotted for all test results in the normal and shear stress space exhibits obvious nonlinearity. Test results show that it would be more convenient to describe the shear strength of rock joints in the nonlinear form. The comparison and discussion of three function fittings proved that the well-known Barton criterion was more appropriate for describing the shear strength of rock joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear-grade 316LN stainless steel was subjected to single and double compressions at 1173-1473 K and strain rates of 0.01-10 s. The dynamic and postdeformation recrystallization was investigated through analysis of the stress-strain curves and microstructure evolution. The thermal deformation equation and the quantitative relationships between the critical stress for the initiation of dynamic recrystallization and the Zener-Hollomon parameter, Z, and between the dynamic recrystallization grain size D and Z were derived. Dynamic recrystallization developed through an ordinary mechanism at low Z values and through a necklace mechanism at high Z values, with a critical Z value of about 3.6·10. At 1273-1473 K, softening of 316LN stainless steel after deformation was characterized by an Avrami-type equation, where the Avrami parameter, n, has no appreciable temperature dependence, and an average value of n and the activation energy, Q, were 0.68 and 129 kJ/mol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validation studies are prerequisites for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to be accepted as part of clinical decision-making. This paper reports on the 2011 edition of the Virtual Intracranial Stenting Challenge. The challenge aimed to assess the reproducibility with which research groups can simulate the velocity field in an intracranial aneurysm, both untreated and treated with five different configurations of high-porosity stents. Particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements were obtained to validate the untreated velocity field. Six participants, totaling three CFD solvers, were provided with surface meshes of the vascular geometry and the deployed stent geometries, and flow rate boundary conditions for all inlets and outlets. As output, they were invited to submit an abstract to the 8th International Interdisciplinary Cerebrovascular Symposium 2011 (ICS'11), outlining their methods and giving their interpretation of the performance of each stent configuration. After the challenge, all CFD solutions were collected and analyzed. To quantitatively analyze the data, we calculated the root-mean-square error (RMSE) over uniformly distributed nodes on a plane slicing the main flow jet along its axis and normalized it with the maximum velocity on the slice of the untreated case (NRMSE). Good agreement was found between CFD and PIV with a NRMSE of 7.28%. Excellent agreement was found between CFD solutions, both untreated and treated. The maximum difference between any two groups (along a line perpendicular to the main flow jet) was 4.0 mm/s, i.e. 4.1% of the maximum velocity of the untreated case, and the average NRMSE was 0.47% (range 0.28-1.03%). In conclusion, given geometry and flow rates, research groups can accurately simulate the velocity field inside an intracranial aneurysm-as assessed by comparison with in vitro measurements-and find excellent agreement on the hemodynamic effect of different stent configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The bone mineral density (BMD) of a total of 1,379 healthy postmenopausal Chinese women was measured. Ten tagging SNPs of the sclerostin ( SOST) gene were genotyped. Our results suggest that the polymorphisms of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 in the SOST gene were associated with BMD of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal Chinese women. Introduction: The purpose of the study was to determine the associations between polymorphisms of SOST gene and BMD in postmenopausal Chinese women. Methods: A total of 1,379 independent healthy postmenopausal Chinese women including 703 in our previous study were recruited. The BMD of the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4) and left proximal femur including total hip and femoral neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Ten tagging SNPs (rs1234612, rs1513670, rs1634330, rs1708635, rs2023794, rs7220711, rs74252774, rs851057, rs851058, and rs865429) of the SOST gene were genotyped. Results: The rs2023794 and rs74252774 and the haplotype ACCATTCT of SOST gene were associated with age and body mass index (BMI) adjusted L1-4 BMD ( P values were 0.010, 0.007, and 0.007, respectively) even after performing the Bonferroni multiple-significance-test correction. There was a clear trend in these regions that the CC genotype of the rs2023794 and the TT genotype of the rs74252774 have higher BMD values than other genotypes. The contributions of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 to the phenotypic variation of L1-4 BMD were 0.6 and 0.7 %, respectively. We failed to find any association between the 10 SNPs and 6 haplotypes of the SOST gene and BMD at the hip site in this study. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the polymorphisms of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 in the SOST gene were associated with BMD of the lumbar spine in a large sample of postmenopausal Chinese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two iron compounds [Fe( m-NOphtpy)](ClO) 1 and [Fe( m-Clphtpy)](ClO) 2 are synthesized and their structures are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for 1 are: orthorhombic, space group Pcca, a = 25.471(4) Å, b = 10.8182(18) Å, c = 14.682(2) Å, Z = 4. Crystal data for 2 are: orthorhombic, space group Pnna, a = 14.521(2) Å, b = 23.980(4) Å, c = 23.142(4) Å, and Z = 8. The iron atoms are coordinated by six N atoms from two terpyridines in both compounds. These two compounds are all linked by hydrogen bonds with C as donor and O as acceptor into a 3D network for 1 and a 2D network for 2. If viewed along the c direction in 1 and the a direction in 2, both compounds show the ordered figure with terpyridine overlapped as a square and the phenyl rings overlapped as a rectangle or a square. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), which was discovered during studies on DNA damage study and in inflammation research, is an attractive target protein in current cancer research. The enzymatic hydrolysis of poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) has not been clarified in the regulation of cancer. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between PARG and the adhesion of colorectal carcinoma CT26 cells to platelets. PARG was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transfection in CT26 cells. A fluorescence method was used to identify adhesion of CT26 cells to platelets and the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, p-Akt, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was analyzed by western blot in various treated groups and control groups. The results were as follows: (a) PARG silencing led to inhibition of adhesion of CT26 cells to platelets, whereas an inhibitor of p-Akt boosted adhesion of PARG-short hairpin RNA interference (shRNAi) CT26 cells to platelets; (b) a PARP-1 inhibitor depressed the expression of P-selectin and ICAM-1 in CT26 cells; (c) PARG silencing increased phosphorylation of Akt and decreased expression of PARP-1, NF-κB, ICAM-1 and P-selectin in CT26 cells; and (d) a p-Akt inhibitor intensified expression of NF-κB, ICAM-1 and P-selectin in PARG-shRNAi CT26 cells accordingly. These results showed the effectiveness of knockout of PARG in inhibiting adhesion of CT26 cells to platelets and its connection with the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of genomic breeding values is the key step in genomic selection (GS). Many methods have been proposed for continuous traits, but methods for threshold traits are still scarce. Here we introduced threshold model to the framework of GS, and specifically, we extended the three Bayesian methods BayesA, BayesB and BayesCπ on the basis of threshold model for estimating genomic breeding values of threshold traits, and the extended methods are correspondingly termed BayesTA, BayesTB and BayesTCπ. Computing procedures of the three BayesT methods using Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm were derived. A simulation study was performed to investigate the benefit of the presented methods in accuracy with the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for threshold traits. Factors affecting the performance of the three BayesT methods were addressed. As expected, the three BayesT methods generally performed better than the corresponding normal Bayesian methods, in particular when the number of phenotypic categories was small. In the standard scenario (number of categories=2, incidence=30%, number of quantitative trait loci=50, h2=0.3), the accuracies were improved by 30.4%, 2.4%, and 5.7% points, respectively. In most scenarios, BayesTB and BayesTCπ generated similar accuracies and both performed better than BayesTA. In conclusion, our work proved that threshold model fits well for predicting GEBVs of threshold traits, and BayesTCπ is supposed to be the method of choice for GS of threshold traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the microbiological characterization of pathogenic bacteria isolated from trauma patients after Wenchuan earthquake in 2008. Most infections were identified in the patients over 60 years of age, with an incidence rate of 78.5%, and more infections in wound (43.3%) and respiratory tract (37.1%) sites were identified. A total of 97 non-duplicated clinical pathogens were isolated from 91 trauma patients. Of those pathogens, 62 (63.9%) were Gram-negative bacilli, 23 (23.7%) were Gram-positive cocci, 9 (9.3%) were fungi, and 3 (3.1%) were anaerobes, such as Clostridium perfringens. The distribution spectrum of pathogens isolated from trauma patients after earthquake was different to that from non-earthquake trauma patients in our hospital at the same time. The most prevalent pathogenic isolates were Escherichia coli (15.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (14.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.3%), Burkholderia cepacia (11.3%), and Enterococcus spp. (9.3%). The drug susceptibility results showed that most of the Gram-negative bacilli, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia, were susceptible to imipenem, but resistant to the first- and the second-generation cephalosporins. Most of the Gram-positive cocci were susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and Synercid/dalfopristin. Characteristics of pathogenic bacterium isolated from trauma patients after earthquake have been demonstrated which play an important role in the appropriate treatment of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Association between ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes and variations in peak bone mineral density (BMD) in a large sample of Chinese nuclear families with female offspring using the quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT). Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and ALOX15 may contribute to variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women. Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes are associated with variations in peak BMD in Chinese nuclear families with female offspring. Methods: Each five SNPs in the ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes were genotyped in a total of 1,260 individuals from 401 Chinese nuclear families. The BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We tested whether a single SNP or a haplotype was associated with peak BMD variations using the QTDT. Results: Using QTDT to measure within-family associations in ALOX15, we observed a significant association between rs916055 and BMD in the lumbar spine ( p = 0.027 in the permutation 1,000 test). However, in ALOX12, rs312470 was significantly associated with BMD in the femoral neck ( p = 0.029 and p = 0.036 in the permutation 1,000 test). The results of a haplotype analysis supported the findings of the single locus test for ALOX15. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and ALOX15 may contribute to variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are often responsible for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) that is a major problem in the oil and gas industry as well as water utilities and other industries. This work was inspired by recent reports that some d-amino acids may be useful in the control of microbial biofilms. A d-amino acid mixture with equimolar d-tyrosine, d-methionine, d-tryptophan and d-leucine was tested in this work for their enhancement of a biocide cocktail containing tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and ethylenediamine- N, N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS). Desulfovibrio vulgaris (ATCC 7757) was cultured in ATCC 1249 medium. Its biofilm was grown on C1018 carbon steel coupons. Experimental results indicated that the triple biocide cocktail consisting of 30 ppm THPS, 500 ppm EDDS and 6.6 ppm d-amino acid mixture (with equimolar d-tyrosine, d-methionine, d-tryptophan and d-leucine) was far more effective than THPS and EDDS alone and their binary combination. The triple biocide cocktail effectively prevented SRB biofilm establishment and removed the established SRB biofilm. The d-amino acid mixture alone did not show significant effects in the two tasks even at 660 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study analyzed the surgical treatment effects of necrotizing fasciitis secondary to perianal abscess at different treatment times to determine a better treatment approach. METHODS: Sixty-four patients of necrotizing fasciitis secondary to perianal abscess who were hospitalized and received surgical treatment in the past 5 years were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical comparisons of postoperative condition were performed in patients who were divided into two groups based on infection etiology with regard to different treatment times, hospitalization duration, wound healing time, average number of operations, septic shock, and mortality, which were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance or the χ test. RESULTS: Significant differences ( P < 0.05) were found for hospitalization duration, wound healing time, average number of operations, septic shock, and mortality between type I and type II patients at different treatment times. CONCLUSIONS: Radical surgical treatment of type I and type II patients with necrotizing fasciitis who underwent surgery at an early disease stage had a better outcome than patients who underwent surgery at a later stage, and type II patients required earlier surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The well-known excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) assessment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), is not consistently qualified for patients with diverse living habits. This study is aimed to build a modified ESS (mESS) and then to verify its feasibility in the assessment of EDS for patients with suspected sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in central China.Methods: A Ten-item Sleepiness Questionnaire (10-ISQ) was built by adding two backup items to the original ESS. Then the 10-ISQ was administered to 122 patients in central China with suspected SDB [among them, 119 cases met the minimal diagnostic criteria for obstructive sleep apnea by sleep study, e.g., apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 h(-1)] and 117 healthy central Chinese volunteers without SDB. Multivariate exploratory techniques were used for item validation. The unreliable item in the original ESS was replaced by the eligible backup item, thus a modified ESS (mESS) was built, and then verified.Results: Item 8 proved to be the only unreliable item in central Chinese patients, with the least factor loading on the main factor and the lowest item-total correlation both in the 10-ISQ and in the original ESS, deletion of it would increase the Cronbach's alpha (from 0.86 to 0.87 in the 10-ISQ; from 0.83 to 0.85 in the original ESS). The mESS was subsequently built by replacing item 8 in the original ESS with item 10 in the 10-ISQ. Verification with patients' responses revealed that the mESS was a single-factor questionnaire with good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). The sum score of the mESS not only correlated with AHI (P < 0.01) but was also able to discriminate the severity of obstructive apnea (P < 0.01). Nasal CPAP treatment for severe OSA reduced the score significantly (P < 0.001). The performance of the mESS was poor in evaluating normal subjects.Conclusion: The mESS improves the validity of ESS for our patients. Therefore, it is justified to use it instead of the original one in assessment of EDS for patients with SDB in central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to identify kit-positive interstitial cells (ICs) in guinea pig corpus cavernosum and examine their relationships with adjacent smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and intramural nerves. In addition, we investigated the possible involvement of ICs in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM). ICs were identified by their immunoreactivity to the kit receptor, a cell surface marker encoded by c-kit proto-oncogene and specific for interstitial cells of Cajal. ICs were abundantly distributed in guinea pig corporal tissues. Ultrastructural investigation by conventional transmission electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructural features of ICs and gap junctions located between ICs and adjacent SMCs, furthermore, a close contact between ICs and intramural nerves for the first time. Western blot analysis of purified ICs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting revealed coexpression of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)α1, sGCβ1 and kit receptor tyrosine kinase protein in them. These observations imply that ICs express the NO-sensitive sGC molecule and may be involved in the NO-mediated relaxation of CCSM in the guinea pig corpus cavernosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]