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Evidences showed the link between allergy and depression, while the relationships of depression with allergy-related outcomes is insufficient. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the relationship of depression with allergy-related outcomes assessed using two different outcome indicators, in a population-based study. A cross-sectional study was performed of 1094 participants in the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The self-reported allergic symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) status and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were used to evaluate the allergy-related outcomes. The depression disorder was defined as the ≥ 10 points on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to illustrate the associations of depression and allergy-related outcomes. The prevalence of AR and depression was 34.2% and 6.8%, respectively. The odds of depression were 8.6% higher in participants with AR patients compared those without AR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.739, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.034, 2.933)], while the odds of depression in participants with allergic sensitization and without allergic sensitization were not found significant difference. Allergy is positively associated with depression disorder, and patients with allergy-related outcomes, such as AR, may be at higher risk of depression, while the IgE level was not founded to be related with depression. In the treatment of AR patients with depression symptoms, early detection and management of mental problems are of importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been widely reported that the farmers were at increased risk of neurologic disorders, which probably be related with agricultural risk factors. The intensity of agricultural risk factors was rather high in the solar greenhouse than those in the agricultural farm, while the risk and prevalence of neurologic symptoms among solar greenhouse workers are unclear, which may provide evidence of neurologic dysfunction before clinically measurable signs are evident. This study aimed to evaluate the association among solar greenhouse working, field working, and neurologic symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China, and 986 Chinese Han population consisting 711 solar greenhouse workers (greenhouse worker group) and 275 field farmers (field worker group) were included. Participants provided information on demographic information, number of solar greenhouses owned (only solar greenhouse workers), working lifetime, and neurologic symptoms through an established questionnaire Q16 to assess the impact of occupational exposure to neurotoxicants, and the total scores were calculated. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association among solar greenhouse working, field working, and neurologic symptoms. The total scales of the neurologic symptoms were higher in the solar greenhouse worker group (20.29 ± 4.79) than those in the field worker group (19.44 ± 4.22) (p < 0.05). Multivariate multiple linear regression showed that solar greenhouse working was positively associated with the scales of the neurologic symptoms (β = 0.248, 95% CI: (0.112, 0.383)). And the age, working lifetime, and current smoking were also positively associated with the scores of the neurologic symptoms, β = 0.007, 0.006 and 0.485 respectively (All p < 0.05). Solar greenhouse workers probably be at an increased risk of neurologic symptoms scores, and the age, working lifetime, and current smoking were also risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that organophosphate pesticides (OPs) exposure may disrupt thyroid endocrine functions in animal models, agricultural population, occupational workers, and work-related population. However, the relationships between OPs exposure and thyroid hormone levels in the general population are unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships of OPs exposure with thyroid hormone and antibody levels in the general population. We analyzed a sample of 1089 US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2002. OPs exposure was estimated using measures of six non-specific dialkyl phosphate metabolites (DAPs), e.g., dimethylphosphate (DMP). Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations of OPs exposure with thyroid hormone and antibody levels. The medians of urinary ∑DAPs detected in males and females were 32.98 nmol/g creatinine and 40.77 nmol/g creatinine, with statistical significance (p = 0.001). After controlling for sociodemographic factors, we found that concentrations of urinary OPs metabolites were positively associated with the serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the general US population, particularly in males; OPs metabolites were associated with the serum TgAb, tT3, fT3, and TSH. These findings showed that thyroid hormone and antibody disruption are probably associated with OPs exposure in the general population; more studies are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Scutellarein, a widely studied ingredient of scutellaria herbs, has higher bioavailability and solubility than that of scutellarin. Although the scutellarein had been reported to modulate numerous biological functions, its ability in suppressing cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. Hence, the present study attempted to investigate whether scutellarein played critical roles in preventing phenylephrine (PE)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Methods and results: Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was employed for evaluating the morphology of the treated cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR and western blot were respectively applied to assess the mRNA levels and protein expression of the relevant molecules. Bioinformatics analyses were carried out to investigate the potential mechanisms by which scutellarein modulated the PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The results showed that Scutellarein treatment significantly inhibited PE-induced increase in H9c2 and AC16 cardiomyocyte size. Besides, scutellarein treatment also dramatically suppressed the expression of the cardiac hypertrophic markers: ANP, BNP and β-MHC. Furthermore, the effects of scutellarein on attenuating the cardiac hypertrophy might be mediated by suppressing the activity of TRAF2/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: Collectively, our data indicated that scutellarein could protect against PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy via regulating TRAF2/NF-κB signaling pathway using in vitro experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hemiplegic patients mainly affects hemiplegic limbs, DVT can also occur only in healthy limbs, and some hemiplegic patients have DVT in both limbs. Characteristics and risk factors of DVT in hemiplegic, healthy, and bilateral limbs are unknown. To describe the proportion, risk factors, extent, and timing of DVT in hemiplegic, healthy and bilateral limbs. A 10-year retrospective review of consecutive patients was performed. DVT affected hemiplegic limbs in 34 (62%), healthy limbs in 11 (20%), and was bilateral in 10 (18%). DVT was more likely to develop in healthy limbs of hemiplegic patients without surgery (odds ratio (OR) 0.022; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.001–0.922), and without diabetes (OR 0.023, 95% CI 0.001–0.853). Among the veins at the level of which DVT occurred, intermuscular veins represented 20 (45%) in hemiplegic, 5 (37%) in healthy, and 6 (74%) in bilateral limbs. The median time that DVT occurred after hemiplegia onset was 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 9–79) in hemiplegic, 17 days (IQR 10–56) in healthy, and 21 days (IQR 8–27) in bilateral limbs. Early and effective prevention of DVT after surgery and optimal management of diabetes may reduce the risk of DVT in bilateral limbs. It's important to prevent proximal extension of calf vein DVT. DVT prophylaxis should be started early and continued for at least 3 weeks after hemiplegia onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the moisture contents of unsaturated clay embankments in southern China considering the stress state, 753 moisture data of three existing embankments for about 20 years were measured, and six frequency domain reflectometry sensors were installed in a widened embankment in southern China to monitor the moisture content. The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and stress-dependent soil water characteristic curves (SDSWCCs) were determined in the laboratory using a pressure plate apparatus and a stress-dependent parametric equation was established. The finite element model of a typical unsaturated clay embankment in southern China considering the SWCC and SDSWCCs was created. Then, the variation of the moisture contents of the clay embankment was simulated. The results show that the vertical stress has an obvious effect on the moisture distribution in embankments, especially the positions inside embankments where the vertical stress is large and cannot be neglected. The finite element model considering the SDSWCCs, therefore, should be selected when analyzing the moisture filed of embankments in southern China. For the existing clay embankments in southern China, their moisture contents gradually increase from the optimum moisture content to equilibrium values, which is close to the plastic limit and increases by 99% of the optimum moisture content. In addition, the resilient modulus values at different locations of the embankment and that of the whole embankment are reduced by 55 to 62%. And the safety factor of the slope obviously decreases, and its reduction is greater than 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been declared to be harmful to human kidney. However, whether activation of the autophagic pathway plays key roles in the nephrotoxicity caused by PM2.5 exposure is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of kidney damage after PM2.5 exposure in vivo and in vitro. Results: In the present study, statistically significant alterations in water intake, urine flow rate and mean blood pressure were observed between the concentrated PM2.5 (PM2.5) group and the filtered air (FA) group. Exposed animals showed severe edema of renal tubular epithelial cells, capillary congestion, reduction of the glomerular urinary space and early pro-fibrotic state. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of early kidney damage markers were observed in the exposed rats and these animals exhibited more apoptosis rate in kidney cells. In addition, PM2.5 exposure activated the autophagic pathway, as evidenced by LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, activation of P62 and beclin-1. All of these effects are in concurrence with the presence of more autophagosomes both in vivo and in vitro after PM2.5 exposure. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicated that PM2.5 induced renal function impairment via the activation of the autophagic pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) and digital image fusion. Aiming at the existing problems, this paper proposes a real-time deep learning model with dual-channel PCNN fusion algorithm based on image definition. It will also be helpful to digital image forensics. With the integration of the orthogonal color space that conforms to HVS, this algorithm simplifies the traditional PCNN model to a parallel dual-channel adaptive PCNN structure. Also, it can realize the adaptive processing by defining the image definition to be β, the coupled linking coefficient. As the dynamic threshold can be increased exponentially with this method, it can effectively solve the problems. The experimental result proves that our algorithm outperforms the traditional fusion algorithms according to the subjective visual effect or the objective assessment standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lithium is widely used in the electronic consumer market and electric vehicles and has a great contribution to the world economy, resulting in large quantities of lithium waste in the environment. The Yangtze River Basin is one of the most developed areas in China. However, the environmental influence of lithium in the Yangtze River Basin and its roles in cardiomyocytes have not yet been clarified. Results: Here, we found that the concentration of lithium in the water environment is very high in Shanghai, as well as in tap water, which might be caused by the pollution of lithium batteries. Lithium inhibits cell viability and proliferation of human cardiomyocytes. Moreover, lithium promotes cell apoptosis significantly. And we found that lithium controls cardiomyocytes' functions through regulating glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta signaling. Conclusions: This study reveals that the water environment of Shanghai might be polluted by the lithium batteries; and the enrichment of lithium might cause damage to human cardiomyocytes. It is imperative to detect lithium concentration in the water environments (such as tap water and irrigation water) and effectively recycle lithium batteries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been reported to be harmful to the human kidney. However, whether the activation of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis plays key roles in the nephrotoxicity caused by PM2.5 exposure is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of cytotoxicity after PM2.5 exposure in human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). Results: PM2.5 exposure resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, with an increase in LDH release and the early kidney damage marker kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression in a dose-dependent manner and time-dependent manner. PM2.5 exposure induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and markedly elevated apoptosis in HK-2 cells. In addition, PM2.5 exposure resulted in the activation of antioxidant pathway, as evidenced by the increased expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 and decreased expression of Keap1. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure also induced the activation of apoptotic pathway, as evidenced by the increased expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 and decreased expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that both antioxidant pathway and apoptotic pathway played critical roles in the damage mediated by PM2.5 in HK-2 cells. This study would give us a strategy to prevent the impairment of renal function by PM2.5 induced through repression of oxidative stress and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, Gelatinase B), an extracellular-acting Zn2+-dependent endopeptidase, are involved in brain pathologies including ischemia, glioma, and epilepsy. Recent studies suggested that MMP-9 plays an important role in neuronal plasticity, specifically in learning and memory. To determine whether and how MMP-9 plays role in alcohol-related behaviors, male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure for 4 weeks, following which we collected tissue samples from the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and amygdala at different stages (acute and chronic exposure) during alcohol exposure. Real-time PCR and western blot assays were used to detect changes in the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-9. Our results indicated that both acute and chronic alcohol exposure induced up-regulation of MMP-9 mRNA levels in the hippocampus and mPFC, but not in the amygdala. Furthermore, acute and chronic alcohol exposure up regulated the expression of total MMP-9 and active MMP-9 in these two brain regions. Moreover, the increase of active MMP-9 expression was larger than those in total MMP-9 expression. Immunoprecipitation analyses identified potential MMP-9-interacting proteins, including Itgb1, Src, Eef1a2, tubulin, actin, and histone H2B. These results demonstrate that both acute and CIE exposure induced increases in MMP-9 expression in the mPFC and hippocampus, suggesting that MMP-9 plays a key role in chronic alcohol exposure and dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgrade soils are often unsaturated and the resilient modulus (MR) of subgrade soils is usually subjected to the climate environment and traffic loading in the field. Therefore, the Matric Suction (MS) and traffic loading are considered to be two important parameters associated to the MR prediction model. To verify the MR prediction model, the MS of the typical subgrade soil were determined through the pressure plate test. In this study, the soil-water characteristic curves were also described using the Fredlund & Xing’s model. Then, the dynamic MR of the typical subgrade soil under various stresses and water contents was measured. After that, a new prediction model was proposed with the model variables including the minimum bulk stress, octahedral sheer stress and matric suction, and the validity of the new model was verified by previous research results. Finally, the correlations between the physical properties of subgrade soils including the percentage passing through the No. 200 sieve (0.075 mm), plasticity index, liquid limit, dry density and the regression coefficients of the new model were established. The results show that the new model can be used to predict the MR well, and it effectively solves the problem that the bulk stress is equal with a different combinations of the confining pressure and deviator stress. At the same time, the MR can be predicted much more easily with physical parameters of subgrade soils rather than conducting triaxial tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of enough information to solve the equation of image degradation model, existing defogging methods generally introduce some parameters and set these values fixed. Inappropriate parameter setting leads to difficulty in obtaining the best defogging results for different input foggy images. Therefore, a single image defogging algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed in this letter to adaptively and automatically select optimal parameter values for image defogging algorithms. The proposed method is applied to two representative defogging algorithms by selecting the two main parameters and optimizing them using the PSO algorithm. Comparative study and qualitative evaluation demonstrate that the better quality results are obtained by using the proposed parameter selection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For improvement of finishing effect to the laser hardening mold's free-form surface with high hardness, double-layer elastic mechanics theory of pneumatic wheel based with softness consolidation abrasives (SCA) is analyzed. Under the annular stress around, ratio coefficient m of modulus of elasticity of abrasive layer to modulus of rubber layer and ratio coefficient n of thickness of abrasive layer to radius of stress have been bought in for establishing machining force model and deformation formula of double-layer elastic wheel. After that, a double-layer elastic model of the wheel has been established by ANSYS and the machining process has been simulated. Stress distribution and deformation rule are given by simulation. In the experiments, we use fiber to reinforce inner rubber layer and take binder to hold on abrasive particles. Microscopic analysis demonstrates that pneumatic wheel accords with the situation of double-layer elastic mechanic theory. Moreover, machining platform is established and empirical results show that pneumatic wheel can finish laser hardening mold's free-form surface efficiently. And conclusion shows pneumatic wheel with lower factor n can help to decrease R when it faces with concave surface and pneumatic wheel with higher factor n can improve machining efficiency to convex surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to demonstrate the possibilities of application of MESSAGE tool for the modelling of a Nuclear Energy System at the national level, one of the possible open nuclear fuel cycle options based on thermal reactors has been modelled using MESSAGE. The steps of the front-end and back-end of nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear reactor operation are described. The optimal structure for Nuclear Power Development and optimal schedule for introducing various reactor technologies and fuel cycle options; infrastructure facilities, nuclear material flows and waste, investments and other costs are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to do source apportionment of PM2.5 and source trajectories, particle induced X-ray emission and energy disperse-X ray fluorescence were used to analyze chemical composition of samples. Five major sources have been identified by using positive matrix factorization. Source trajectories have been determined by conditional probability function and the potential source contribution function. Extreme events, such as sandstorms, have been identified and traced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special applications, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), often require hermetic sealing in order to achieve a desired operation. Solid-liquid interdiffusion (SLID) bonding is an attractive method for encapsulating MEMS devices at the wafer-level, providing, e.g., high re-melt temperatures and tolerance for topographical variations. Several different SLID bond solutions have been investigated; however, there are only a limited number of published reliability studies available. In this paper, wafer-level Au-Sn and Cu-Sn SLID seal rings were mechanically characterized with shear and tensile tests. The evolution of bond microstructures and consequent effects on mechanical reliability were evaluated with a mixed flow gas test, a high temperature storage test and a thermal shock (TS) test. Virgin samples showed high mechanical strength. The Au-Sn system, with a thin Ni layer between the TiW adhesion layer and the bond, demonstrated a shear strength of 170 MPa. Cu-Sn, with a Cu-CuSn-Cu structure, exhibited a shear strength of 275 MPa. Statistically significant decreases in strength were identified after reliability tests. The shear strength of the Au-Sn bond with an (AuSn + AuSn) structure decreased 40% in a corrosive environment. After 3000 TS cycles, the tensile strength of the Cu-Sn bond reduced by 45%. Fracture surface analysis revealed through-bond failures that were not observed previously. In cross-sectional analysis, vertical cracks were observed, which may contribute to the decrease in tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

π- π Interaction is a direct attractive non-covalent interaction between aromatic moieties, playing an important role in DNA stabilization, drug intercalation, etc. Aromatic rings interact through several different conformations including face-to-face, T-shaped, and offset stacked conformation. Previous quantum calculations indicated that T-shaped and offset stacked conformations are preferred for their smaller electron repulsions. However, substitution group on aromatic ring could have a great impact on π- π interaction by changing electron repulsion force between two rings. To investigate π- π interaction between ligand and aromatic side chain of protein, Brookhaven Protein Data Bank was analyzed. We extracted isolated dimer pairs with the aim of excluding multiple π- π stacking effects and found that T-shaped conformation is prevalent among aromatic interaction between phenyl ring of ligand and protein, which corresponds with the phenomenon of Phe-Phe interactions in small peptide. Specifically, for the non-substitution model, both Phe-Phe and Phenyl-Phe exhibit a favored T-shaped conformation whose dihedral angle is around 50°-70° and centroid distance is between 5.0 and 5.6 Å. However, it could be changed by substituent effect. The hydroxyl group could contact in the case of Tyr-Tyr pairs, while they point away from phenyl plane in Phe-Tyr pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial hypertrophy that often leads to eventual heart failure is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. While both apoptosis and cell proliferation have been reported to play an important part in heart failure, its exact triggering mechanism is still unclear. Reports have shown that low concentrations of HO (10-30 µM) can induce myocardial hypertrophy without affecting survival. The ubiquitin ligase Ube3a has been reported to have a close affiliation with Angelman syndrome; but many ubiquitin ligases have been reported in a variety of cardiovascular conditions including myocardial hypertrophy. However, the relationship between Ube3a and myocardial hypertrophy has never been reported in literature. The rat cardiac myoblast cell line H9c2 and primary neonatal cardiomyocytes showed similar hypertrophic responses in vitro. In this report, we utilized HO treatment on H9c2 cells to induce myocardial hypertrophy and determined the relationship between Ube3a and myocardial hypertrophy. Our results showed that 10-20 μM HO can induce myocardial hypertrophy without affecting cell viability and inducing cell apoptosis, while the corresponding transcription and translation levels of Ube3a are significantly increased during the process. Therefore, these findings underline that Ube3a may play an important role in myocardial hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve material removal rate of laser hardening workpiece and also make machining tool suitable for free-form surface, a new method based on the softness consolidation abrasives (SCA) is put forward, which means the abrasives are consolidated on the outer layer of pneumatic wheel to achieve the softness-machining. Binder selecting test shows that acidic silicone is proved to suit for consolidating particles in cutting process. Combined with robot, the machining system has been established. The machining effects of SCA are investigated when it faces with workpiece of different hardness. According to the Preston predicted model, the simulation results of stress and velocity are proven by analysis of average roughness in the contact region. The contrastive machining experimental results show that SCA can supply high cutting stress for material removal and fit for freeform surface's machining by self-adjustment of flexible body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylotrechus rusticus (Linnaeus) is one of the most destructive woodborers in northeast China; it damages poplar and is listed as a domestic forestry quarantine pest. Overwintering larvae were collected during October 2012 and March 2013 in Harbin, China, to quantify indicators related to the insect's overwintering strategy and the major cryoprotectants. The supercooling points (SCPs), which ranged from −14.7°C to −2.9°C, were higher than the lethal temperatures of LT (−33.64°C) and LT (−40.17°C) after 24 h exposure., also the minimum mean daily temperature (−24.5°C) and mean monthly temperature (−18.0°C) at the sampling site in January during 2008-2012. Thus, X. rusticus is a typical freezing-tolerant insect. Glycerol serves as a major cryoprotectant for overwintering larvae, because it was the only polyol accumulated during the winter and it also had a significant negative correlation with the SCP ( p= 0.033, R =0.907). The glycogen and lipid are major sources of energy and their levels decreased substantially in the middle of overwintering, when glycogen had a significant correlation with the SCP ( p= 0.006, R =0.971) whereas the lipid contents did not. Moreover, inter-conversions between glycerol and glycogen, as well as mannose and glycogen, were suggested by their negative correlations. The water content did not change obviously during the winter and was not correlated with the SCP. The free amino acids in the hemolymph and the total protein contents of the bodies of larvae changed significantly during winter, although both had no correlations with the SCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-target tracking (MTT) is a research hotspot of wireless sensor networks at present. A self-organized dynamic cluster task allocation scheme is used to implement collaborative task allocation for MTT in WSN and a special cluster member (CM) node selection method is put forward in the scheme. An energy efficiency model was proposed under consideration of both energy consumption and remaining energy balance in the network. A tracking accuracy model based on area-sum principle was also presented through analyzing the localization accuracy of triangulation. Then, the two models mentioned above were combined to establish dynamic cluster member selection model for MTT where a comprehensive performance index function was designed to guide the CM node selection. This selection was fulfilled using genetic algorithm. Simulation results show that this method keeps both energy efficiency and tracking quality in optimal state, and also indicate the validity of genetic algorithm in implementing CM node selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quantitative associations between prehypertension or its separate blood pressure (BP) ranges and the risk of main cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have not been reliably documented. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed (1966 to June 2012) and the Cochrane Library (1988 to June 2012) without language restrictions. Prospective studies were included if they reported multivariate-adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of desirable outcomes, including fatal or non-fatal incident stroke, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction (MI) or total CVD events, with respect to prehypertension or its separate BP ranges (low range: 120–129/80–84 mmHg; high range: 130–139/85–89 mmHg) at baseline with normal BP (<120/80 mmHg) as reference. Pooled RRs were estimated using a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model. Results: Twenty-nine articles met our inclusion criteria, with 1,010,858 participants. Both low-range and high-range prehypertension were associated with a greater risk of developing or dying of total CVD (low-range: RR: 1.24; 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.39; high range: RR: 1.56; 95 % CI: 1.36 to 1.78), stroke (low-range: RR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.66; high-range: RR: 1.95; 95 % CI: 1.69 to 2.24) and myocardial infarction (MI) (low range: RR: 1.43; 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.86; high range: RR: 1.99; 95 % CI: 1.59 to 2.50). The whole range prehypertension had a 1.44-fold (95 % CI: 1.35 to 1.53), 1.73-fold (95 % CI: 1.61 to 1.85), and 1.79-fold (95 % CI: 1.45 to 2.22) risk of total CVD, stroke, and MI, respectively. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Prehypertensive patients have a greater risk of incident stroke, MI and total CVD events. The impact was markedly different between the low and high prehypertension ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the commonly used linear elastic properties of silicone adhesives cannot precisely represent their material behavior, knowledge of which is crucial to the reliability study of electronic devices. For this reason, in this paper a widely used silicone adhesive, namely Loctite 5404, is chosen for measuring hyperelastic properties via cyclic uniaxial tensile tests. A special sample preparation procedure is developed to avoid the formation of detrimental air bubbles in the samples. Two maximum strain levels, 20% and 40%, are used in the tests. Each test includes five cyclic loadings to produce a stable stress-strain loop. Three orders of magnitude of strain rate changes are studied, and the stress-strain response of the material is found to be strain rate dependent. The measured stress-strain data are imported into Abaqus finite-element software to calibrate the material coefficients of hyperelastic material models (Mooney-Rivlin, Yeoh, Ogden, and van der Waals models). This is the first time that the hyperelastic properties of the studied silicone adhesive are presented. The determined material coefficients can be used directly in finite-element analyses and thus in reliability studies of electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The facility for delayed neutron counting was built at the China Institute of Atomic Energy in the 1980s. A method of normalized decaying curve of delayed neutron is proposed in this work. Preliminary experiments show that this method is suitable for the determinations of uranium in samples with a wide range of uranium concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (SCr) and to estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in China. This was a cross-sectional study using data from China Heart Survey (CHS). Glomercular filtration rate was estimated with the Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The prevalence of CKD among the 3 513 CHS participants with coronary heart disease was 24.8% ( n = 871). Compared with study participants without CKD, study participants with CKD were more likely to have hypertension (49.5% vs 42.8%; P = 0.001), diabetes (43.1% vs 29.5; P < 0.001) and elevated systolic blood pressure. The mean (SD) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of the participants with CKD was lower than those without CKD ( P = 0.003). Prevalence of CKD among the participants of CHS between different admissions of CHD showed a significant difference (χ2 = 32.012, P < 0.001). On average, participants with a lower estimated GFR were older, less likely to be current smokers, and more likely to have hypertension and low HDL-C. The results of our study suggested a high prevalence of CKD (24.8%) in Chinese adults with coronary heart disease. Our study provided further evidence that patients with CKD should be considered at high risk for CHD outcomes and identifies patients with CKD as potential candidates for aggressive risk factor reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining the clonal selection mechanism of the immune system with the evolution equations of particle swarm optimization, an advanced algorithm was introduced for functions optimization. The advantages of this algorithm lies in two aspects. Via immunity operation, the diversity of the antibodies was maintained, and the speed of convergent was improved by using particle swarm evolution equations. Simulation programme and three functions were used to check the effect of the algorithm. The advanced algorithm were compared with clonal selection algorithm and particle swarm algorithm. The results show that this advanced algorithm can converge to the global optimum at a great rate in a given range, the performance of optimization is improved effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a class of essentially normal operators, we characterize their norm closures of % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaiikamrr1n % gBPrwtHrhAXaqeguuDJXwAKbstHrhAG8KBLbacfaGae8hfXxLaey4k % aSIae8NcXVKaaiykaaaa!455D! $$(\mathcal{U} + \mathcal{K})$$ –orbits. Moreover, we introduce a notion of the quasiapproximate % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaiikamrr1n % gBPrwtHrhAXaqeguuDJXwAKbstHrhAG8KBLbacfaGae8hfXxLaey4k % aSIae8NcXVKaaiykaaaa!455D! $$(\mathcal{U} + \mathcal{K})$$ – equivalence of essentially normal operators and determine completely the quasiapproximate % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaiikamrr1n % gBPrwtHrhAXaqeguuDJXwAKbstHrhAG8KBLbacfaGae8hfXxLaey4k % aSIae8NcXVKaaiykaaaa!455D! $$(\mathcal{U} + \mathcal{K})$$ –invariants. Finally, we give the canonical forms of essentially normal operators under this quasiapproximate % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaiikamrr1n % gBPrwtHrhAXaqeguuDJXwAKbstHrhAG8KBLbacfaGae8hfXxLaey4k % aSIae8NcXVKaaiykaaaa!455D! $$(\mathcal{U} + \mathcal{K})$$ –equivalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the time course of effects of a high-fat/low-carbohydrate (HF/LC) diet on the impairment of glucose tolerance in rats, clarified whether insulin secretion and sensitivity were impaired by the HF/LC diet, and investigated the relationship between the increased nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) after HF/LC diet feeding and insulin secretion and sensitivity. We found that glucose tolerance and the postglucose-loading insulin secretion were impaired after 3 and 7 d on the HF/LC diet. The glucose intolerance was accompanied by a rise in the fasting plasma NEFA level. When stimulated with 15 mmol/L of glucose, the insulin secretion was impaired in pancreatic islets from rats fed the HF/LC diet. Rats fed the HF/LC diet showed insulin resistance in vivo. The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was inhibited in the islets following 24-h culture with palmitic acid. The 24-h infusion of palmitic acid decreased whole-body insulin sensitivity. In summary, at least 3 d on a HF/LC diet is needed to induce glucose intolerance in rats, and the impairment may be induced by decreased insulin secretion and sensitivity, which is related to the increase in the plasma NEFA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For an operator weighted shift S, the essential spectrum σ[sub e] (S) are described. Moreover, Banach reducibility of S is investigated and a condition for S* to be a Cowen-Douglas operator is characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit antibodies against pigeon liver malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.40) were prepared. The antiserum gave single precipitation line with crude pigeon liver extract. Cross reaction was observed with partially purified malic enzyme or crude extract from chicken liver. Positive cross reaction was also observed with the concentrated cytosolic fraction of two human carcinoma cell lines which were demonstrated to contain high malic enzyme activity. All other proteins examined did not react with the antibodies. When purified pigeon liver malic enzyme was mixed with the antiserum in vitro, a time-dependent inactivation of the enzyme activity was observed. Protection of the enzyme activity against antiserum inactivation was afforded by NADP or L-malate. Metal Mn gave little protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is overlooked due to atypical symptoms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a screening tool for ketosis in T2DM patients. This retrospective study consisted of 253 T2DM patients with ketosis at Shanghai 10th People's Hospital during a period from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015. A control group consisted of 221 T2DM patients without ketosis randomly selected from inpatients during the same period. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c as an indicator for ketosis. Higher HbA1c levels were correlated with ketosis. In patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.832, with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.754-0.911. The optimal threshold was 10.1% (87 mmol/mol). In patients with previously diagnosed T2DM, the AUC was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.767-0.856), with an optimal threshold of 8.6% (70 mmol/mol). HbA1c is a potential screening tool for ketosis in patients with T2DM. Ketosis is much more likely with HbA1c values at ≥10.1% in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and HbA1c values at ≥8.6% in patients with previously diagnosed T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the viability of using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a primary tool to screen metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to explore the risk factors of MetS in community populations. A total of 1914 subjects completed medical examination in Shanghai. BaPWV was significantly associated with the components of MetS. The area under curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) in total group were 62.50% and 60.00%-65.30% with the appropriate cut-off point being 1435 cm/sec. The AUC (95%CI) of three subgroups (40-50 yrs, 50-60 yrs and over 60 yrs group) were 75.30% (67.48%-83.35%), 63.35% (58.96%-67.60%), 55.37% (51.19%-60.01%), respectively. A clear pattern surfaced in the process of investigation: the younger were the subjects group, the better receiver operating characteristic (ROC) efficacy would emerge; and the higher sensitivity was, the better negative predictive value (NPV) would be. Male gender, high baPWV values, elevated uric acid (UA) and excess hypersensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP) levels were stayed in the two regression models as the independent risk factors for MetS. We conclude that baPWV may serve as a potential screening tool for MetS at the cut-off point of 1435 cm/sec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Localized Recrystallization and Cracking of Lead-Free Solder Interconnections Under Thermal Cycling," that was published in the August 16, 2011 issue is presented.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the main conditional pathogen of acute respiratory infection in infants, children, and older adults worldwide. It was great significant to identify the epidemic characteristics of serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility for the prevention and treatment of S. pneumoniae diseases. This research assessed the serotype distribution and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of S. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric patients to provide information on the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae in Kunming, China. A total of 140 S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from pediatric patients at Kunming Children’s Hospital from January 2016 to October 2017. Serotype identification was done by Quellung reaction and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MICs were determined by E-test. 140 isolates distributed in 13 types of serotypes. The top-three prevalent serotypes were 19F, 19A, and 6B. The immunization coverage rate of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was relatively higher and should be introduced into the vaccination program in the region. MIC50 of penicillin, ceftriaxone, and levofloxacin was 1 μg/mL. MIC50 for meropenem and vancomycin was 0.38 μg/mL. MIC90 of penicillin, ceftriaxone, and levofloxacin was 1.5 μg/mL and that of meropenem and vancomycin was 0.5 μg/mL. The MIC90 of erythromycin was > 256 μg/mL. In summary, S. pneumoniae had low resistance rates to penicillin, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, vancomycin, and meropenem, and these antibiotics could be the first-line agents for children with pneumococcal infections in Kunming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]