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Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) govern fundamental biochemical and cellular biology processes, for example, participate in chromatin remodeling, imprinting, splicing, transcriptional regulation and translation. Dysregulation of lncRNA expression is act as a feature of various diseases and cancers, including hematopoietic malignancies. However, the clinical relevance of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia preceded by MDS (MDS-AML) requires further research. Recently, lncRNAs have been demonstrated, which play an important role in hematopoiesis, thus, to further finding more functional lncRNA seemed particularly important. Methods: Western blotting, real-time PCR, RNA-pulldown, RIP (RNA immunoprecipitation), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), cellular compartments extraction assays, SA-β-gal staining, lentivirus transfection, cell viability assay and cell proliferation assays were used to examine the relationship between lncRNA LINC01255 and its regulation of p53–p21 pathway in human mesenchymal stromal and acute myeloid leukemia cells. Results: LncRNA LINC01255 is highly expressed in bone marrow cells of AML patients, CD34+ cells of MDS-AML patients and AML cell lines and the higher expression of LINC01255 is associated with poor survival rate of AML patients. LINC01255 can interact with BMI1 and repress the transcription of MCP-1 to active p53–p21 pathway, thus inhibiting the senescence of human mesenchymal stromal and proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cell. Conclusions: We discovered a novel functional lncRNA LINC01255, which can regulate the senescence of human mesenchymal stromal and the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cell through inhibiting the transcription of MCP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism that leads to parent-specific gene expression. A number of imprinted genes have been identified in humans and mice but fewer genes have been described as imprinted in pig. In the study, 59 porcine candidate imprinted genes were obtained by bioinformatics analysis. Among them, Grb10, Slc22a3 and Slc22a18 were selected for molecular cloning and expression pattern analysis. And, single-nucleotide polymorphism-based methods were performed to identify their imprinting status. We found that Grb10 and Slc22a18 were imprinted in pig and their differentially methylated regions were further determined by bisulfite sequencing PCR. With this work we advance the field of genomic imprinting by expanding the list of imprinted genes in pig and demonstrate a feasible and effective method to characterize imprinted genes in mammalians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation of coinstantaneous heat and mass transfer phenomena between water and air in a counter flow wet cooling tower filled with a new type packing named "FCP-08" is presented in this paper. The packing consisted of foamed ceramic corrugated board with sine waves and surface retention groove is 1.0 m high and have a cross sectional test area of 0.68×0.68 m2. The present investigation is focused mainly on the effect of the water/air mass flow ratio on the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the cooling tower, for different inlet water temperatures. The results show that the cooling water range R and the cooling tower efficiency e decrease with the increase of water/air mass flow ratio L/G. Meanwhile, the cooling characteristic coefficient KαV/L slightly decreases with the increase of water/air mass flow ratio and the value is obviously higher than that of other packing investigated before. The expression of cooling characteristic coefficient related to water/air mass flow ratio and inlet water temperature is obtained by linear fitting. The comparison between the obtained results and those found in the literature for other types of packing indicates that cooling performance of the tower with foam ceramic packing is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using femtosecond resolution X-ray solution scattering at a free electron laser we were able to directly observe metal–metal bond cleavage upon photolysis at 400 nm of Ru3(CO)12, a prototype for the photochemistry of transition metal carbonyls. This leads to the known single intermediate Ru3(CO)11(μ-CO)*, with a bridging ligand (μCO) and where the asterisk indicates an open Ru3-ring. This loses a CO ligand on a picosecond time scale yielding a newly observed triple bridge intermediate, Ru3(CO)8(μ-CO)3*. This loses another CO ligand to form the previously observed Ru3(CO)10, which returns to Ru3(CO)12via the known single-bridge Ru3(CO)10(μ-CO). These results indicate that contrary to long standing hypotheses, metal–metal bond breakage is the only chemical reaction immediately following the photolysis of Ru3(CO)12 at 400 nm. Combined with previous picosecond resolution X-ray scattering data and time resolved infrared spectroscopy these results yield a new mechanism for the photolysis of Ru3(CO)12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea causes grey mold disease in crops and horticultural plants. It is suspected to kill plant cells via secreted toxins and to derive nutrients from dead or dying cells. However, whether macromolecular phytotoxins (MPs) secreted by B. cinerea induce necrosis or also trigger a programmed cell death (PCD) remains to be determined. We have previously partially characterized MPs secreted by B. cinerea. Here we isolated MPs from B. cinerea culture and applied them to leaf cells, assessing PCD over the following 120 h. Cell death was assessed by propidium iodide (PI) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) activity and the cytochrome c/a ratio were assessed by spectrophotometer. POD isomers were measured using the benzidine acetate method. In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. exposed to B. cinerea MPs, we observed chromatin condensation and marginalization, nuclear substance leakage and accumulation of autofluorescent materials in the cell wall. Furthermore, B. cinerea MPs induced release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol. Moreover, CAT and POD activity was upregulated and the POD isoenzyme pattern was altered. In conclusion, A. thaliana exposed to B. cinerea MPs exhibits multiple hallmarks of PCD, suggesting that B. cinerea induces PCD in host cells through secreted macromolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability and porosity of a porous sandstone under cyclic loading-unloading conditions are measured using an integrated permeability and porosity measurement system. Mineral content analysis of the rock is performed. The rock contains open microcracks and pores, which can be closed after cyclic loading-unloading; as a result, the permeability and porosity decrease. Based on the test results, the empirical relations of confining stress-dependent sandstone permeability and porosity are derived. A power law is suggested to describe the relationship between the stress-dependent porosity and permeability of the sandstone under both loading and unloading conditions within the stress range used in the experiment. The permeability of the sandstone is more sensitive to stress than to porosity. It is inferred from the test results that the evolution of sandstone porosity and permeability is related to the relative movement of particles and the closure of microcracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of discharge current shape on surface roughness and processing speed in wire EDM process, a pulse power generator of adjustable current shape was developed. Based on half-bridge topology of pulse power generator, the various current shapes were generated by the control method of single-arm intermittent turn-on power tubes, regulating the gap discharge current raising time and falling time. The comparison experiment between rectangular waveform and triangular waveform indicated that the processing speed of rectangular waveform was high and the surface roughness of triangular waveform was good. To avoid the contradiction between the processing speed and surface roughness, the narrow triangular pulse combination waveform was investigated. According to the rectangular waveform and triangular waveform machining features, a multiple cutting strategy was discussed that rectangular waveform was used to rough cutting and the triangular waveform was used to trim cutting. The experiment shows that the cutting strategy can obtain a good processing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the processing speed and to reduce the recast layer thickness of electrical discharge machining (EDM) for drilling film cooling holes of turbine blades, a high-frequency pulse power generator of EDM is developed. The process parameters of the pulse power generator can be in-line regulated based on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA). According to the open voltage with a very large range of 60 to 200 V during the process, a novel status acquisition method of gap discharge status is studied. The equivalent circuit of discharge status is analyzed with the Kirchhoff laws KVL, to explore the factors affecting current peak and the current rising slope. Five factors and four levels of orthogonal experiments on discharge cable type, open circuit voltage, current-limiting resistor, pulse width, and pulse interval are investigated, to find the influence of processing speed and the recast layer thickness. The experiments show that the processing time is 14 s and recast layer thickness is less than 11 μm for nickel-based heat-resistant alloy Inconel 718 with 6 mm thickness, and the pulse power generator meets the needs of drilling film cooling holes. The coaxial silver-plated cable decreases the processing time and recast layer thickness, and processing time is reduced with the increase of a single pulse discharge energy. It is also evident that the single pulse discharge energy affects the recast layer thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majocchi's granuloma (MG) is a rare deep skin dermatophyte infection that can occur either in immunocompetent or in immunocompromised individuals. Oral itraconazole or terbinafine is considered to be the first choice of treatment. We report an immunocompetent man with deep nodular form of MG, the form which is generally found in immunosuppressed individuals. Previous treatment with either oral itraconazole or terbinafine yielded no apparent improvement. After a series of examination, the man was diagnosed as having Trichophyton rubrum-induced MG mixed with bacterial infection as evidenced by growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae in tissue bacterial culture. The patient was treated with a combination of cefoselis and levofloxacin for bacterial clearance followed by voriconazole treatment. After approximately 4 months of voriconazole treatment, the lesions completely resolved. Alternative medicine (voriconazole) can be considered in case of refractory infections during MG treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of the surface quality in the application to the square section die-less spinning, the effects of several key parameters which include roller path, half-cone angle, and roller nose radius on the surface quality are investigated. Through the geometric model of residual height, the effect law of the roller path is obtained: the surface quality increases with the decrease of the axial distance of two adjacent slices. Then the finite element model of the square section die-less spinning is established, and the normal force and axial strain states in the deforming process are adopted to predict the relationship between the surface quality and the half-cone angle. Combined with the residual height model and finite element analysis, the roller nose radius' effect on the surface quality is also obtained. Enlargement of the two parameters can improve the surface quality. All the analysis results are verified by the surface waviness test of the specimens from the workpiece after spinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find an efficient transfection method for metastatic cancer cells, we established a three-dimensional (3D) growth model for solid tumor cells to mimic the metastatic cancer cells in the vascular system and compared the efficiency of several transfection methods in vitro. We found that it was optimal to transfect two-dimensional cells in vitro and detach them for 3D growth 6 h later. The transfection efficiency of this method was high, and the results were reliable. This method can be used to deliver several types of small molecules into the 3D metastatic cell model. Using this method, we increased our understanding of why drugs that are effective in vitro cannot treat the disease in vivo. If this phenomenon occurs due to the resistance of the cells to the drug, other treatment agents for the disease must be identified. However, if this occurs because the agent cannot reach the cells inside the 3D aggregate, we can improve the delivery efficiency by using methods that target the agent to all cells. Briefly, the method introduced in this study will contribute to future research focusing on the 3D metastatic cell model as well as on drug development for various solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 31-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with a 4-year history of extensive erythematous and scaly plaques involving the abdomen, gluteal and inguen regions with concomitant tinea pedis and onychomycosis is described. Diagnosis was based on positive mycological examination and positive histopathologic examination. Species identification was performed by growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar and by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the rDNA region. The pathogen identified was Trichophyton rubrum. The same fungal species was cultured from his abdominal, gluteal, foot and toenail. A combination therapy with systemic terbinafine and topically applied terbinafine cream was successful. A 1-year follow-up did not show any recurrence of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) fulfill various roles ranging from food and entertainment to religion and ornamentation. To survey its genetic diversity and trace the history of domestication, we investigated a total of 4938 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments including 2843 previously published and 2095 de novo units from 2044 domestic chickens and 51 red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). To obtain the highest possible level of molecular resolution, 50 representative samples were further selected for total mtDNA genome sequencing. A fine-gained mtDNA phylogeny was investigated by defining haplogroups A-I and W-Z. Common haplogroups A-G were shared by domestic chickens and red junglefowl. Rare haplogroups H-I and W-Z were specific to domestic chickens and red junglefowl, respectively. We re-evaluated the global mtDNA profiles of chickens. The geographic distribution for each of major haplogroups was examined. Our results revealed new complexities of history in chicken domestication because in the phylogeny lineages from the red junglefowl were mingled with those of the domestic chickens. Several local domestication events in South Asia, Southwest China and Southeast Asia were identified. The assessment of chicken mtDNA data also facilitated our understanding about the Austronesian settlement in the Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 62-year-old immunocompetent rural woman who represents an isolated cryptococcal skull infection without systematic involvement is described. Diagnosis was based on positive India ink staining, positive histopathologic examination, and positive culture. Species identification was performed by growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar medium and by sequencing of the intergenic and internal transcribed spacer regions of the rRNA genes. This case describes a rare presentation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient. The lesions were significantly improved with treatment of daily oral itraconazole 400 mg. A maintenance therapy with a low-dose itraconazole was prescribed to warrant a clinical and mycological eradication. A two-year follow-up did not show any recurrence of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds based on polyoxotungstate [Co(PCA)(HO)][SiWO]·8HO ( 1), [Cd(PCA)(HO)][SiWO]·8HO ( 2) (PCA = pyridine-4-carboxylic acid) are prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The results of the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveal that 1 and 2 are isomorphic and two water molecules in the compounds act as the bridging groups of two cobalt or cadmium atoms, forming dinuclear coordination cations. The ligand PCA adopts a monodentate coordination mode and its uncoordinated carboxyl oxygen atom and the protonized nitrogen atom form hydrogen bonds with other ligands, by which the cations are linked into a supramolecular 2D network with hexagonal grids. The polyoxotungstate anions are arranged above and below the cationic grids. A strong emission peak at 420 nm of 2 is attributed to a ligand-metal transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early clinical outcome of reconstruction with modular hemipelvic prostheses after pelvic sarcoma resection.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed eight patients between 2004 and 2007 who had periacetabular resections and reconstruction with a modular hemipelvic prosthetic system for pelvic sarcoma with a mean follow-up of 27 (range,10~54) months. Oncology outcome was assessed with survival rate, local recurrence rate, International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) score and complications. Two patients had types I and II (periacetabular and ilium) pelvic resections, three had types II and III (periacetabular and pubis) pelvic resections and three had type I , II and III (ilium, periacetabular and pubis) pelvic resections. Nobody received chemotherapy or radiotherapy.Results: Five patients were free of disease; three patients died of disease. The overall survival rate was 62.5%. None had local recurrence, and 37.5% had metastasis. The mean ISOLS score was 19.5. No one had deep infection or dislocation.Conclusions: Reconstruction with a modular hemipelvic prosthetic system after periacetabular resection is a promising method because of the acceptable complication rate and satisfactory functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the transfer matrix method, we investigate the transmission property of a one-dimensional photonic crystal doped with a linear subwavelength layer and a Kerr-type nonlinear layer. We find that a thin film of subwavelength layer can significantly modify the characteristic of optical bistability. We also find that the sequence of the thin film and the nonlinear layer has a major impact on the hysteretic behavior. With the investigations to the linear defect mode and the electric field distribution in the nonlinear material, we explain these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the scaling laws for slow-electron acceleration driven by an intense laser pulse in a vacuum, the ponderomotive acceleration scenario (PAS) scheme. With 3D test particle simulation by numerically solving the relativistic Lorentz–Newton equation of motion, the maximum electron energy gain was found to be proportional to the laser intensity (a0), the laser beam width (w0), and inversely proportional to the laser pulse duration (τ). Theoretical analyses and a physical explanation based on the ponderomotive potential model (PPM) are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using three-dimensional test particle simulations, we investigated electrons accelerated by a focused flat-top laser beam at different intensities and flatness levels of the beam profile before focusing in vacuum. The results show that the presence of sidelobes around the main focal spot of the focused flat-top laser beam influences the optimum (as far as electron acceleration is concerned) initial momentum (and incident angle) of electrons for acceleration. The difference of initial conditions between laser beams with and without sidelobes becomes evident when the laser field is strong enough (a0>10, corresponding to intensities I>1×1020 W/cm2 for the laser wavelength λ=1 μm, where a0 is a dimensionless parameter measuring laser intensity). The difference becomes more pronounced at increasing a0. Because of the presence of sidelobes, there exist three typical CAS (capture and acceleration scenario) channels when a0≥30 (corresponding to I>1×1021 W/cm2 for λ=1 μm). The energy spread of the outgoing electrons is also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mammalian nervous system, P2 nucleotide receptors mediate neurotransmission, release of proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive astrogliosis. Extracellular nucleotides activate multiple P2 receptors in neurons and glial cells, including G protein-coupled P2Y receptors and P2X receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels. In glial cells, the P2Y2 receptor subtype, distinguished by its ability to be equipotently activated by ATP and UTP, is coupled to pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. In situ hybridization studies with rodent brain slices indicate that P2Y2 receptors are expressed primarily in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Astrocytes express several P2 receptor subtypes, including P2Y2 receptors whose activation stimulates cell proliferation and migration. P2Y2 receptors, via an RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif in their first extracellular loop, bind to αvβ3/β5 integrins, whereupon P2Y2 receptor activation stimulates integrin signaling pathways that regulate cytoskeletal reorganization and cell motility. The C-terminus of the P2Y2 receptor contains two Src-homology-3 (SH3)-binding domains that upon receptor activation, promote association with Src and transactivation of growth factor receptors. Together, our results indicate that P2Y2 receptors complex with both integrins and growth factor receptors to activate multiple signaling pathways. Thus, P2Y2 receptors present novel targets to control reactive astrogliosis in neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output properties of electrons accelerated by the vacuum laser acceleration scheme CAS (capture and acceleration scenario) are addressed. The transport process of the electron bunch, the fraction of the CAS electrons of the incident electrons, the correlation of electron energy with position and scattering angle, the energy spectrum and angular distributions as well as the emittance of the outgoing electrons are studied at a laser intensity of a0 = 10. In addition, the effects of the laser intensity, beam width, and pulse duration on the properties of the output electrons are also examined. Physical explanations of those output characteristics are presented based on the mechanism behind the CAS scheme. The feasibility of CAS to become a realistic laser accelerator scheme is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have indicated that 8p22-p12 is likely to harbor schizophrenia susceptibility loci. In this region, the candidate gene of interest, neuregulin 1 (NRG1), may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Then in the present study, we performed the linkage disequilibrium to determine the association between three genetic variants (SNPs: rs3924999, rs2954041, SNP8NRG221533) on NRG1 gene and schizophrenia in 246 Chinese Han schizophrenic family trios using PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism method and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. The transmission disequilibrium test analysis for each variant showed a significant difference between two transmitted alleles even after Bonferroni correction (rs3924999, P = 0.007752; rs2954041, P = 0.0009309; SNP8NRG221533, P= 0.012606). The global χ² test for haplotype transmission also revealed a strong association (χ² = 46.068, df = 7, P < 0.000001). Our results suggest that the NRG1 gene may play a role in conferring susceptibility to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grain boundary internal friction of pure Al and the same Al doped with different amounts of Ga (10, 50 and 410 ppm) was measured before and after high temperature deformation at two different modes (static tensile creep and cyclic reverse torsion). It was found that without deformation, the smaller amount of Ga (10 and 50 ppm) slightly increases, but the larger amount of Ga (410 ppm) obviously increases the activation energy. After tensile creep, the peak height for Al-10 ppm Ga and Al-50 ppm Ga decreases to a lower level, but keeps at a higher level after cyclic torsion, than that for pure Al and Al-410 ppm Ga. The results are interpreted in terms of perturbations in the grain boundaries due to slip and grain boundary roughening for stationary boundaries and an enhanced sliding by grain boundary migration. Migration and roughening are promoted by Ga contents up to 50 ppm while the effects are diminished by higher amounts of Ga. This is consistent with previous observations that smaller amounts of Ga increase the grain boundary mobility in pure Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photofragmentation of metal fullerides C[sub 60] M[sub x] (M=Sm, Pt and Ni) has been studied by excimer laser ablation–TOF mass spectrometry. Metallofullerenes of the type C[sub n] M (n<60) have been observed in both the positive and negative ionic modes, with C[sub 59] M being the most prominent species. It is supposed that the metal atom is incorporated into the network of the fullerene cage to replace one carbon atom of the cage, forming substitutional metallofullerene. The occurrence of the C[sub 59] M, C[sub 58] M, C[sub 57] M clusters in the mass spectra is confirmed by the coincidence of the intensity distribution of the mass peaks with the isotopic abundance pattern calculated from the natural abundance of isotopes of C and M. Odd-numbered high-carbon clusters are observed in our laser ablation study of all the metal fullerides in the negative ion channel. The evolution of the mass spectra of these samples with laser irradiation shots indicates that the transformation process from an externally doped fullerene to the substitutionally doped fullerene involves the loss of metal carbide, MC. The structures of metallofullerenes C[sub 2n+1] M and C[sub 2n] M with even and odd total numbers of atoms respectively are discussed. Formation mechanisms with the participation of odd-numbered all-carbon fullerene clusters as intermediates are supposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the conditions under which the vacuum laser acceleration scheme CAS (capture and acceleration scenario), newly proposed by the authors (see, e.g., P.X. Wang et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 2253 (2001)), can be observed. Specifically, the laser intensity threshold (a[sub 0] )[sub th] and the range of the electron incident momentum for the CAS scheme to emerge are examined. We found that (a[sub 0] )[sub th] is critically dependent on the laser beam width w[sub 0] . At kw[sub 0] =60, (a[sub 0] )[sub th] =8, which is an intensity obtainable using present laser systems. The required energy of the incident electron is in the range 5–15 MeV. This study is of significance in designing an experimental setup to test CAS and helpful in understanding the basic physics of CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change of grain boundary internal friction peak during high temperature deformation at different modes (i.e., static tensile creep, cyclic tensile creep, and cyclic reverse torsion) in high purity aluminum was studied in conjunction with microstructure examinations. It was observed that the internal friction peak decreased with increasing plastic strain for all the modes, indicating that grain boundary sliding was degraded by the deformation. Nevertheless, at the same strain the decrement of internal friction was different for different modes, in particular smallest for reverse torsion. The origin of the decrease of internal friction and the difference among different modes is interpreted in the light of microstructure observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of nanosecond time-resolved photothermal displacement spectroscopy in combination with time-resolved light reflectivity measurements has been used to study aluminum and stainless steel substrates with sputter deposited Au and Sn films. The results show, that this method can be used as a non-contacting surface thermometer. In addition, a strong correlation between signal decay and film thickness could be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the influences of conjugacy class sizes on the structure of finite groups. A strong relationship between the structure of a group and conjugacy class sizes is known in which several results exist in studying the group structure of conjugacy class sizes under the arithmetical conditions. Preliminary results are provided and state some lemmas useful to the main results that show equivalent relation containing the element in distinct (nonequivalent) conjugacy class G.

To reduce system complexity and bridge the interface between electronic and photonic circuits, there is a high demand for a non-volatile memory that can be accessed both electrically and optically. However, practical solutions are still lacking when considering the potential for large-scale complementary metal-oxide semiconductor compatible integration. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of a non-volatile photonic-electronic memory based on a 3-dimensional monolithic integrated ferroelectric-silicon ring resonator. We successfully demonstrate programming and erasing the memory using both electrical and optical methods, assisted by optical-to-electrical-to-optical conversion. The memory cell exhibits a high optical extinction ratio of 6.6 dB at a low working voltage of 5 V and an endurance of 4 × 10 4 cycles. Furthermore, the multi-level storage capability is analyzed in detail, revealing stable performance with a raw bit-error-rate smaller than 5.9 × 10 -2 . This ground-breaking work could be a key technology enabler for future hybrid electronic-photonic systems, targeting a wide range of applications such as photonic interconnect, high-speed data communication, and neuromorphic computing., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Cocaine addiction is associated with compulsive drug-seeking, and exposure to the drug or to drug-associated cues leads to relapse, even after long periods of abstention. A variety of pharmacological targets and behavioral interventions have been explored to counteract cocaine addiction, but to date no market-approved medications for treating cocaine addiction or relapse exist, and effective interventions for acute emergencies resulting from cocaine overdose are lacking. We recently demonstrated that skin epidermal stem cells can be readily edited by using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and then transplanted back into the donor mice. Here, we show that the transplantation, into mice, of skin cells modified to express an enhanced form of butyrylcholinesterase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes cocaine, enables the long-term release of the enzyme and efficiently protects the mice from cocaine-seeking behavior and cocaine overdose. Cutaneous gene therapy through skin transplants that elicit drug elimination may offer a therapeutic option to address drug abuse., Competing Interests: COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing interests.

Background: Cages have been widely used for the anterior reconstruction and fusion of cervical spine. Nonmetal cages have become popular due to prominent stress shielding and high rate of subsidence of metallic cages. This study aims to assess fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage following one level anterior cervical discectomy., Materials and Methods: Forty seven consecutive patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy underwent single level ACDF using n-HA/PA66 cage. We measured the segmental lordosis and intervertebral disc height on preoperative radiographs and then calculated the loss of segmental lordosis correction and cage subsidence over followup. Fusion status was evaluated on CT scans. Odom criteria, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Visual Analog Pain Scales (VAS) scores were used to assess the clinical results. Statistically quantitative data were analyzed while Categorical data by χ(2) test., Results: Mean correction of segmental lordosis from surgery was 6.9 ± 3.0° with a mean loss of correction of 1.7 ± 1.9°. Mean cage subsidence was 1.2 ± 0.6 mm and the rate of cage subsidence (>2 mm) was 2%. The rate of fusion success was 100%. No significant difference was found on clinical or radiographic outcomes between the patients (n=27) who were fused by n-HA/PA66 cage with pure local bone and the ones (n=20) with hybrid bone (local bone associating with bone from iliac crest)., Conclusions: The n-HA/PA66 cage is a satisfactory reconstructing implant after anterior cervical discectomy, which can effectively promote bone graft fusion and prevent cage subsidence.

Background: The surgical technique of hemivertebrae excision varies from anteroposterior procedures to posterior-alone resections according to the experience and preference of surgeons. Both the approaches are reliable and give relatively good results. This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological results of these two approaches for hemivertebrae resection., Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were retrospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2009. The subjects included 32 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 12.9 years (range: 5-24 years). Thirty patients who underwent one-stage anteroposterior hemivertebrae resection (the AP group) were followed for 38.5 months, and the other 30 patients who underwent posterior resection (the P group) were followed for 20.6 months. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. The operation time, blood loss, degree of correction of the main curve/segmental curve/kyphosis, the average hospital stay, and complications were reviewed and compared between the two groups., Results: The mean operation time, blood loss, and hospital stay of the AP group and the P group were 451 min vs 248.5 min, 1290 ml vs 910 ml, and 21.93 days vs 18.97 days, respectively (P<.05). The average correction rate of the main curve/segmental curve/kyphosis of the AP group and the P group was 68.5% vs 66.2%, 71.5% vs 69.6%, and 57.4% vs 56.1%, respectively (P>.05). Overall complication rate was 6.7% in the AP group vs 10% in the P group (P>.05)., Conclusion: Posterior hemivertebrael resection is a promising approach for congenital scoliosis in terms of relative safety, degree of correction achieved, reduced operative time and blood loss.