Search

A transition metal-free, visible light-induced intramolecular oxidative cylclization–detosylation–aromatization was discovered. This photocatalytic strategy generated potentially bioactive indolo[2,3-b]-quinoline derivatives in up to 97% yield. With a simple setup, this protocol works efficiently under mild conditions. The final products were obtained both in the presence and in the absence of Eosin Y sodium salt, but the reaction efficiency was largely improved with the use of a photosensitizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between the large and small scales of turbulence in compressible turbulent mixing layers are investigated by means of direct numerical simulation of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Two typical cases with the convective Mach numbers Mc = 0.3 and 1.6 are considered to reveal the influence of compressibility on the scale interactions. The velocity signals are decomposed into large-scale and small-scale ones based on the Taylor length scale for the analysis of scale interactions and split into solenoidal and compressive parts for the investigation of compressibility effect. It is found that the small scales are modulated by the large-scale velocity fluctuations with different properties on both sides of the mixing layer, and the large-scale modulation on the small scales is reduced with increase in the convective Mach number. The interaction between the large-scale compressive velocity fluctuations and the small scales is mainly associated with absolute values of the large-scale compressive velocity fluctuations and is independent of transverse position of the mixing layer. The large-scale compressive velocity fluctuations increase with the solenoidal counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-performance ultraelastic metals with superb strength, a large elastic strain limit and temperature-insensitive elastic modulus (Elinvar effect) are important for various industrial applications, from actuators and medical devices to high-precision instruments1,2. The elastic strain limit of bulk crystalline metals is usually less than 1 per cent, owing to dislocation easy gliding. Shape memory alloys3—including gum metals4,5 and strain glass alloys6,7—may attain an elastic strain limit up to several per cent, although this is the result of pseudo-elasticity and is accompanied by large energy dissipation3. Recently, chemically complex alloys, such as ‘high-entropy’ alloys8, have attracted tremendous research interest owing to their promising properties9–15. In this work we report on a chemically complex alloy with a large atomic size misfit usually unaffordable in conventional alloys. The alloy exhibits a high elastic strain limit (approximately 2 per cent) and a very low internal friction (less than 2 × 10−4) at room temperature. More interestingly, this alloy exhibits an extraordinary Elinvar effect, maintaining near-constant elastic modulus between room temperature and 627 degrees Celsius (900 kelvin), which is, to our knowledge, unmatched by the existing alloys hitherto reported.A chemically complex alloy that exhibits a high elastic strain limit and low internal friction is described; it also has an Elinvar effect (invariant elastic modulus) over a large temperature range, up to 627 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an advanced differential quadrature (DQ) approach is proposed for the high-dimensional multi-term time-space-fractional partial differential equations (TSFPDEs) on convex domains. Firstly, a family of high-order difference schemes is introduced to discretize the time-fractional derivative, and a semi-discrete scheme for the considered problems is presented. We strictly prove its unconditional stability and error estimate. Further, we derive a class of DQ formulas to evaluate the fractional derivatives, which employs radial basis functions (RBFs) as test functions. Using these DQ formulas in spatial discretization, a fully discrete DQ scheme is then proposed. Our approach provides a flexible and high accurate alternative to solve the high-dimensional multi-term TSFPDEs on convex domains, and its actual performance is illustrated by contrast to the other methods available in the open literature. The numerical results confirm the theoretical analysis and the capability of our proposed method finally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dimensional space-fractional PDEs are topics of special focus in applied disciplines, but solving them on irregular domains is challenging and deserves particular attention in scientific computing. In response to this issue, we establish a family of differential quadrature (DQ) methods for the space-fractional diffusion equations on 3D irregular domains. The fractional derivatives in space are represented by weighted linear combinations based on the functional values at scattered nodes with their weights determined by using radial basis functions (RBFs) as trial functions. The resulting system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are discretized by the weighted average scheme. The presented DQ methods have the virtues which are shared by the classical DQ methods. Several benchmark problems on typical irregular domains are solved to illustrate their advantages in flexibility and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study gas transport properties of fractured shale gas reservoirs for the accurate estimation of shale gas production, a new multiscale fractal transport model with an effective porosity model was proposed based on the fractal theory and the multilayer fractal Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) adsorption. In shale matrix, both fractal microstructures of pores (such as pore size distribution, flow path tortuosity, and pore surface roughness) and multiscale flow mechanisms (including slip flow and Knudsen diffusion) were coupled. In fracture network, fractal fracture length distribution, stress compaction, and gas pressure were introduced to formulate a new fracture permeability model. These permeability and effective porosity models were then incorporated into the governing equations of gas flow and the deformation equation of reservoirs to form a numerical model. This numerical model was solved within COMSOL Multiphysics for shale gas recovery. Both transport models in shale matrix and fracture network were validated by experimental data or compared with other models. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify key parameters to gas recovery enhancement. It was found that the multilayer gas adsorption and fractal microstructures have great impacts on gas production in shale reservoirs. The cumulative gas production can be increased by 26% after 8000 days when the multilayer adsorbed gas is considered. Larger surface fractal dimension and larger tortuosity fractal dimension represent more roughness pore surface, higher flow resistance, and lower cumulative gas production. Bigger pore diameter fractal dimension means more pores, higher permeability, and higher cumulative gas production. Our model with fractal FHH adsorption was in better agreements with field data from Marcellus and Barnett shale reservoirs than other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic compression tests of Huashan granite were conducted using an improved split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of the treatment temperature and strain rate on the mechanical behaviors (for example, the stress-strain curve, dynamic strength, elastic modulus, energy absorption, and failure mode) of the granite samples were explored. In addition, a statistical damage constitutive model for the rock was developed based on a Weibull distribution, and the influencing factors of the model parameters were analyzed. The results show that the enhancement effect of the strain rate on dynamic compressive strength under high temperatures still exists. However, the strain rate has no significant effect on the elastic modulus. The influences of the treatment temperature on the dynamic strength and elastic modulus are complex. There is a positive linear correlation between the energy absorbed by the sample and the incident energy. As the strain rate or incident energy increases, the failure modes of heat-treated samples change from axial splitting to pulverization. Under the same dynamic loading, an increase in the temperature can exacerbate the fragmentation degree of the sample. The proposed statistical damage constitutive model can accurately describe the effects of the treatment temperature and strain rate on the stress-strain responses of rock, and its parameters have definite physical meanings. Thus, the model is a very good tool for the analysis of thermo-mechanical coupling problems involved in deep rock mass engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical solution is developed for the shale gas productivity of a multiple-fractured horizontal well based on a diffusion model and a trilinear flow pattern. The shale gas reservoir is divided into three flow regions: hydraulic-fracture region, micro-fracture network or dual-porosity region, and pure-matrix region. For the pure-matrix region, a transient diffusion equation is solved based on our previous diffusivity model developed for the shale matrix. For the micro-fracture network region, a modified dual-porosity model is proposed wherein both the free and adsorbed gases in the shale matrix flow into the micro-fracture network through a pseudo-steady diffusion process. These gases then form conflux at the hydraulic fractures and continue to the wellbore. A dimensionless solution is obtained for the bottom-hole pressure in the Laplace domain considering the skin effect. An analytical solution is obtained for the gas production rate in a real-time domain through a partial Taylor series simplification and Laplace inverse transform. This analytical solution is compared with the field data of the shale gas produced from a fractured horizontal well located in southwestern China, and a good agreement is observed. Finally, a parametric study is conducted to quantify the effects of key parameters on the gas production rate. The parameters include the bottom-hole pressure, half-length of the hydraulic fracture, permeability of the hydraulic fracture, block size of the shale matrix, and pore size within the shale matrix. These results show that the analytical solution can be used to estimate the enhancement of the shale gas recovery through hydraulic fracturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are the primary pigments of red rice and are also important functional nutrients for human health. To identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (ANC and PAC) in rice, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) derived from a cross of red rice ‘Hong Xiang 1’ (‘HX1’) and white rice ‘Song 98-131’ (‘S98-131’) was cultivated in six environments. A genetic map containing 126 markers covering 1833.4 cM with an average of 14.55 cM between markers was constructed. A total of 21 additive QTLs (A-QTLs) for ANC and PAC were identified from six environments using the IciMapping v3.3 software. Two new QTLs, qANC3 and qPAC12-4, were detected in several environments, and explained significant phenotypic variance. Nine QTLs of ANC and PAC were detected with additive × environmental interaction effects (AE effects) by QTLNetwork 2.1 software, but no epistatic and epistatic × environmental interaction effects (AA and AAE effects) were detected. The information obtained in this study could be useful for fine mapping and molecular marker-assisted selection of ANC and PAC in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of patient tumors suggests that multiple MAP3 kinases (MAP3Ks) are critical for growth and metastasis of cancer cells. MAP3Ks selectively control the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5 in response to receptor tyrosine kinases and GTPases. We used MDA-MB-231 cells because of their ability to metastasize from the breast fat pad to distant lymph nodes for an orthotopic xenograft model to screen the function of seven MAP3Ks in controlling tumor growth and metastasis. Stable short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown was used to inhibit the expression of each of the seven MAP3Ks, which were selected for their differential regulation of the MAPK network. The screen identified two MAP3Ks, MEKK2 and MLK3, whose shRNA knockdown caused significant inhibition of both tumor growth and metastasis. Neither MEKK2 nor MLK3 have been previously shown to regulate tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. These results demonstrated that MAP3Ks, which differentially activate JNK, p38 and ERK5, are necessary for xenograft tumor growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 tumors. The requirement for MAP3Ks signaling through multiple MAPK pathways explains why several members of the MAPK network are activated in cancer. MEKK2 was required for epidermal growth factor receptor and Her2/Neu activation of ERK5, with ERK5 being required for metastasis. Loss of MLK3 expression increased mitotic infidelity and apoptosis in vitro. Knockdown of MEKK2 and MLK3 resulted in increased apoptosis in orthotopic xenografts relative to control tumors in mice, inhibiting both tumor growth and metastasis; MEKK2 and MLK3 represent untargeted kinases in tumor biology for potential therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma screening effect on electron-impact excitation is studied by using the relativistic distorted-wave description and exemplified by the excitation of Ti21+ ion. The total and differential cross sections for the 1 s–2 s and 1 s–2 p excitations are calculated in the energy range from threshold to 5 times threshold energy, and the magnetic sublevel cross sections are also given. Comparison of present calculations with other results, when available, is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-spin states of In have been investigated with in-beam $ \gamma$ -ray spectroscopic methods using the Pd (Li, 5n)In reaction at a beam energy of 50MeV. A level scheme with 3 band structures has been established. The backbending associated with the alignment of a pair of g/ d neutrons has been found in the negative-parity yrast band. The configuration for the positive-parity yrare band has been assigned to $ \pi$ g ⊗ $ \nu$ g for the lower-spin states, and $ \pi$ g ⊗ $ \nu$ h( g) for the higher-spin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic stiffness and proteinuria are cardiovascular risk factors that are generally associated with each other. We analysed whether this is true for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that in CKD patients of young age and predominant sole renal disease, aortic stiffness has no predictive value for proteinuria. In a cross-sectional setting, 144 patients with severe-to-mild CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 0 to <90 ml min–1 1.73 m–2) were analysed for stiffness, as measured using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (C-F PWV), and proteinuria, as determined using protein–creatinine ratio from morning spot urine. In stepwise linear regression analysis, C-F PWV predicted protein–creatinine ratio and vice versa. Younger patients (<50 years) with proteinuria had predominant glomerulonephritis. These were characterized by lower C-F PWV despite similar renal function when compared with younger patients without glomerulonephritis. We conclude that in CKD patients a general relationship exists between aortic stiffness and proteinuria. It is noted that this relation is lost in young CKD patients with predominant sole renal disease. In this study, C-F PWV is not predictive for proteinuria as renal disease is the leading cause of proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin states of the neutron-rich 152Nd nucleus have been reinvestigated by measuring the prompt $ \gamma$ -rays in the spontaneous fission of 252Cf . The ground-state band and a side negative-parity band have been updated. A new band based on the 2243.7keV isomeric state has been identified. The half-life for the isomeric state has been measured to be 63(7)ns. The projected shell model is employed to study the band structure of this nucleus. The results show that the calculated levels of the bands are in good agreement with the experimental ones, and the isomeric state and the negative-parity band are based on the proton $ \pi$5/2-[532] ⊗ $ \pi$9/2+[404] and neutron $ \nu$3/2-[521] ⊗ $ \nu$5/2+[642] two-quasiparticles configurations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectronic recombination (DR) of neonlike gold ions is investigated employing the flexible atomic code based on the relativistic configuration interaction method, and its influence on the ionization balance and radiation energy in high-temperature plasma is also studied. The total resonance strength for LMM configuration complex is in a good agreement with the experimental measurement and other theoretical works. The DR rate coefficients are calculated and compared with the three-body recombination and radiative recombination rate coefficients. The DR process is the dominant recombination mechanism of Ne-like gold ions for plasma with temperature Te≥6.5 keV and density ne≤2×1022 cm-3, which is close to the condition of X-ray conversion region in the inertial confinement fusion. Moreover, the DR satellite spectra of LMM, LMN and LMO resonances are simulated, and compared with the intensities of the corresponding resonance lines induced by the electron impact excitation. The intensity ratio of the satellite line 3D’ $[(2p^{5}_{3/2}3d_{3/2}3d_{5/2})_{J=5/2}$– $(2p^{6}3d_{3/2})_{ J=3/2}]$ and the resonance line 3D $[(2p^{5}_{3/2}3d_{5/2})_{J=1}$– $(2p^{6})_{J=0}]$ is given, which can be applied for diagnostics of plasma temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent disease outbreaks caused by avian influenza virus (AIV) not only affect the poultry industry but also pose a threat to human safety. To address the problem, RNA interference (RNAi) has recently been widely used as a potential antiviral approach. Transgenesis, in combination with RNAi to specifically inhibit AIV gene expression, has been proposed to make chickens resistant to avian influenza. For the transgenic breeding, screening the efficient siRNAs in vitro as the candidate genes is one of the most important tasks. Here, we combined an online search tool and a series of bioinformatics programs with a set of rules for designing the siRNAs targeting different mRNA regions of AIV H5N1 subtype. By this method we chose five rational siRNAs, constructed five U6 promoter-driven shRNA expression plasmids contained the siRNA genes, and used these to produce stably transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Data from virus titration, IFA, PUI-stained flow cytometry, real-time quantitative RT-PCR and DAS-ELISA analyses showed that all five stably transfected cell lines were effectively resistant to viral replication when exposed to 100 CCID50 of AIV, and we finally chose the most effective plasmids (pSi-604i and pSi-1597i) as the candidates for making the transgenic chickens. These findings provide baseline information for breeding transgenic chickens resistant to AIV in combination with RNAi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a high-efficiency Nd: LiYF4 (Nd:YLF) laser operating at 1321 nm pumped directly into the emitting level, 4F3/2. The linear polarization of the pump diode laser was maintained by a short fiber. At the absorbed pump power of 7.3 W, as high as 3.6 W of continuous-wave output power at 1321 nm is achieved. The slope efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power was 0.52. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of such a laser system. Comparative results obtained for the pump with a diode laser at 806 nm, into the highly absorbing 4F5/2 level, are given in order to prove the advantages of 880 nm wavelength pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address the structure gap between surface science and catalysis studies of the activity of oxide supported Au clusters. Reviewing the recent literature we find that surface science investigations often deal with highly reduced systems that have anionic Au clusters and oxygen vacancies in the support. The catalysis studies on the other hand consistently report on oxidized samples with traces of cationic Au. Performing density functional theory calculations we show that the effect of oxidation of oxide supported Au clusters, Au8/MgO, Au7/TiO2 and Au10/TiO2, is a strong increase in the Au/support adhesion energy and a great structural transformation of the clusters. Some of the Au atoms become positively charged (cationic) in the oxidation process as evidenced indirectly by calculated vibrational stretch frequency shifts of adsorbed CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AZ91 metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with 5, 10 and 15 wt.% TiC particulates are fabricated by TiCp–Al master alloy process combined with mechanical stirring. The effects of TiC particulate content, applied load and wearing time on the sliding wear behaviors of the composites were investigated using MM-200 wear testing apparatus. The results show that the wear resistance and friction coefficient of the composites increased and decreased with increase of the TiC particulate content, respectively. The wear volume loss and friction coefficient of the reinforced composites as well as the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy increased with increase of applied load or wearing time, but the increase rates of the reinforced composites in two performance is lower than those of the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy. Furthermore, the sliding wear behavior of the composites and the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy is characterized by ploughing, adhesion and oxidation abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of La2O3 addition on the microstructure of partially remelted Mg-9Al-1Zn (AZ91D) alloy was studied. The results indicate that small amounts of La2O3 additions to AZ91D alloy refined the partially remelted microstructure and caused the formation of new phase- LaAl4 in the microstructure. Moreover, the grain size of the partially remelted alloys is decreased with the increasing of La2O3 addition. In as-cast microstructure the LaAl4 phases have two morphologies: needle-like and particle-shape. The presence of more LaAl4 phases, especially, the particle-shape LaAl4 which dispersedly distributed within the grains can induce more dislocations, which can result in the occurring of a large amount of recrystallizations. Moreover, these LaAl4 phases can also restrain the growth and combination of the recrystallizations and partially remelted initial grains during the subsequent heat-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that low-grade chronic inflammation, as reflected by the raised serum concentration of C-reactive protein, might be a risk factor for hypertension, in particular in women. We therefore investigated gender-specific associations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure with serum C-reactive protein concentration in a Chinese population sample. In 463 participants, we measured serum C-reactive protein concentration using a high-sensitivity immunonephelometric latex-enhanced assay. We performed single and multiple linear regression analyses. The 224 male and 239 female subjects were of similar age (51.0 years) and had similar levels of systolic blood pressure (124.7?mmHg) and pulse pressure (47.1?mmHg), but men, compared with women, had higher diastolic blood pressure (79.6 vs 75.8?mmHg; P<0.0001) and body mass index (24.3 vs 23.4?kg/m2; P=0.003). Both before and after adjustment for age, age2, body mass index, current smoking, alcohol intake, and use of antihypertensive drugs, pulse pressure was significantly associated with serum C-reactive protein concentration in women (P?0.002) but not in men (P>0.10; P=0.02 for interaction between gender and serum C-reactive protein). In women, with one-fold increase in serum C-reactive protein concentration, pulse pressure was 1.94?mmHg higher. The categorical analyses confirmed our findings. With similar adjustments applied, women in the fourth quartile, compared with those in the lowest quartile, had a 7.6?mmHg higher pulse pressure (95%confidence interval 3.5-11.7?mmHg; P=0.0003). Furthermore, when women were analysed according to menopausal status, the association between pulse pressure and C-reactive protein was only significant in postmenopausal (P?0.04), but not in premenopausal, subjects (P?0.21). In conclusion, taken together with the previous gender-specific observations on carotid lesions and hypertension, our finding suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation might play a role in the widening of pulse pressure in Chinese women. This cross-sectional observation warrants further investigation in prospective studies.Journal of Human Hypertension (2005) 19, 293-299. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001818 Published online 27 January 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increased pulse pressure suggests aortic stiffening. New evidence also suggests that pulse pressure is a more sensitive measure of risk than other indexes of blood pressure in middle-aged and older persons. The objective of the study was to relate pulse pressure to the risk of cardiovascular events in the general population, and to assess whether pulse pressure could improve the Framingham risk prediction. A total of 378 men and 391 women over the age of 50 years (mean 62.7 years) were followed. Sex-specific Framingham cardiovascular risk scores were derived from age, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, total and HDL cholesterol, smoking status and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. The cutoff points used to develop a pulse pressure score were calculated by determining the percentile points corresponding to the blood pressure categories in the Framingham risk score. We calculated relative hazard rates by multiple Cox regression. After a median follow-up of 7.2 years (range: 11 months-15 years), a total of 148 cardiovascular events occurred. In Cox regression analysis, a 10?mmHg higher pulse pressure was associated with 31% (P<0.0001) increase in the risk for cardiovascular events (fatal and nonfatal) after adjustment for sex, age, total and HDL cholesterol, smoking and the presence of diabetes mellitus. After adjustment for the aforementioned risk factors, a one-point increment in the blood pressure and pulse pressure scores was associated with a 40 and 48% (both P<0.0001) increase in the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, respectively. When both the blood pressure and pulse pressure scores were forced into a Cox model, only the pulse pressure score remained statistically significant (P<0.0001) with a relative hazard rate of 1.37 (CI: 1.16-1.69). These prospective data suggest that pulse pressure may improve the Framingham risk prediction among middle-aged and older individuals. Further studies, especially in the Framingham cohort, are warranted.Journal of Human Hypertension (2004) 18, 279-286. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001669 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Heparin, a highly sulfated proteoglycan, is known to have strong anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here we sought to generate a heparin derivative, which had a significantly lower anticoagulant activity while retaining its strong anti-inflammatory activity.¶ Materials and methods: Heparin was chemically modified and this discrete set of the heparin derivatives was tested for their anticoagulant activities, such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and anti-inflammatory activities, such as leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in vitro and acute peritonitis and ischemia and reperfusion injury in vivo.¶ Results: We found that an N-desulfated heparin had 188-fold (compared to heparin) and 32-fold (compared to low molecular weight heparin; LMWH) reductions of APTT. The N-desulfated heparin inhibited adhesion of human promyeloid HL-60 cells to the stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under a physiological shear stress. It also prevented the transmigration of human neutrophils through the monolayers of the stimulated HUVECs. Further, intravenous administration of this compound attenuated the peritoneal infiltration of neutrophils in a mouse model of acute peritonitis, and reduced tissue edema and leukocyte deposition in a rabbit ear model of ischemia and reperfusion injury.¶ Conclusion: It is to our best knowledge that the N-desulfated heparin has the lowest anticoagulant activity among LMWH and chemically modified heparin derivatives, while preserving a potent anti-inflammatory activity. These combined properties appear to suggest it as a safer medicine for treatment of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous cross-sectional and longitudinal population studies, we found that the slope of systolic pressure on age was steeper in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. We hypothesised that this observation could be due to a specific effect of menopause on the elasticity of the large arteries. We investigated 315 randomly selected women, aged 30 to 70 years. Based on 5.2 years of follow-up, 166 women were premenopausal and 149 menopausal (44 reaching menopause and 105 postmenopausal). These women were matched on age and body mass index with 315 men. We used a wall-tracking ultrasound system to measure the diameter, compliance and distensibility of the brachial and the common carotid and femoral arteries as well as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Pulse pressure was determined from 24-h blood pressure recordings. Both in menopausal women (r = 0.37; P < 0.001) and in matching male controls (r = 0.16; P = 0.04), pulse pressure widened with increasing age. The slope of the 24-h pulse pressure on age was steeper in menopausal women than in their premenopausal counterparts (0.428 vs -0.066 mm Hg per year; P = 0.003) and than in the male controls (0.428 vs 0.188 mm Hg per year; P = 0.06). After adjustment for age, 24-h mean pressure, body mass index, antihypertensive drug treatment, smoking and the use of oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy, postmenopausal women showed a higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (7.77 vs 6.71 m/s; P = 0.02) and had a slightly greater diameter of the common carotid artery (7.09 vs 6.79 mm; P = 0.07) than their premenopausal counterparts. After similar adjustments, menopausal class was not significantly associated with other vascular measurements in women or with any vascular measurement in control men. In conclusion, menopause per se may increase aortic stiffness. We hypothesise that this phenomenon may contribute to the rise in systolic pressure and pulse pressure in women beyond age 50 and, in turn, may... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated systolic hypertension affects over 15% of all individuals aged >60 years. In the elderly, systolic hypertension is a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with higher risk of an adverse outcome, whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is inversely correlated with total mortality, independent of SBP, highlighting the role of pulse pressure as a risk factor. Three placebo-controlled outcome trials on antihypertensive drug treatment in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension have been published: the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP), the Systolic Hypertension in Europe (Syst-Eur) Trial and the Systolic Hypertension in China (Syst-China) Trial. These 3 trials demonstrated the benefit of antihypertensive drug treatment. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the patients from these 3 trials with a subset of patients with isolated systolic hypertension from 5 other trials in the elderly. The pooled results of 15 693 older patients with isolated systolic hypertension prove that antihypertensive drug treatment is justified if on repeated clinic measurements SBP is 160mm Hg or higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis attempted to derive pooled estimates for the putative association between echocardiographic or electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy and the deletion/insertion (D/I) polymorphism of the angiotensin-I converting enzyme. Case-control studies were combined, using the Mantel and Haenszel approach. Joint P-values for continuous variables were calculated by Stouffer's method. Continuous measurements of left ventricular mass, which were reported in different units, were expressed on a percentage scale using the within-study mean of the II genotype as the denominator. The computerised database used for this analysis, included 28 reports with an overall sample size of 6638 subjects. The prevalence of the D allele was significantly lower in Japanese (37.2%) than in Caucasians (56.2%). A funnel plot including 12 case-control studies (4094 subjects) suggested that no publication bias was present. Overall, left ventricular hypertrophy was not associated with the D allele. Compared with the II genotype, the excess risks of left ventricular hypertrophy associated with DD and DI genotypes were only 14% (95% CI: 0.92-1.42; P = 0.23) and 5% (95% CI: 0.87-1.28; P = 0.61), respectively. However, the sensitivity analysis showed that in untreated hypertensive patients the DD genotype, compared with II homozygozity, was associated with a 192% (P = 0.002) higher risk of left ventricular hypertrophy. If left ventricular mass was analysed as a continuous trait across 23 studies (5438 subjects), overall no association with the D/I polymorphism was present. However, if untreated hypertensive patients were analysed separately, echocardiographic left ventricular mass was on average 10.1% (95% CI: 4.8-15.5%; P = 0.001) higher in DD homozygotes than in the II reference group. Thus, in untreated hypertensive patients, in case-control studies as well as association studies, the D allele behaved as a marker for left ventricular hypertrophy. These findings support... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Isolated systolic hypertension affects over 8 to 15% of all subjects older than 60 years. In the elderly, systolic hypertension is the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Three placebo-controlled outcome trials on antihypertensive drug treatment of this disorder have been published. The aim of this article was to shortly review each of these three trials and to present the pooled estimates of benefit of antihypertensive drug treatment in isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly. Methods and results: The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) in the United States, the Systolic Hypertension in Europe (Syst-Eur) trial and the Systolic Hypertension in China (Syst-China) trial published their main findings in 1991, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The outcome results of these trials were pooled by calculating the common odds ratio for active versus placebo treatment for five major end-points. Zelen's exact test for homogeneity did not reach statistical significance for any of the end-points considered. Thus, the hypothesis of a common underlying treatment effect across the three trials was not rejected. Overall, active treatment compared with placebo, reduced all-cause mortality by 17%, cardiovascular mortality by 25%, all cardiovascular end-points by 32%, total stroke by 37% and myocardial infarction including sudden death by 25%. Conclusions: The pooled results of the outcome trials in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension prove that antihypertensive drug treatment must be prescribed, if on repeated measurement systolic blood pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified relativistic configuration interaction method is used to study the dielectronic satellite transition processes. In this method, the infinite resonant doubly excited states can be calculated, and furthermore, the whole high- n dielectronic satellite transition processes can be treated conveniently by interpolation (rather than extrapolation) in the frame of Quantum Defect Theory. As an example, we calculate the contributions from high- n dielectronic satellites to the resonance line in helium-like iron, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified relativistic configuration interaction method is used to calculate the dielectronic recombination cross sections and rate coefficients for heliumlike carbon. In this method, the infinite resonant doubly excited states can be treated conveniently in the frame of Quantum Defect Theory. Our calculated cross sections are in agreements with the experimental measurements except for the 1 s2 lnl'( n=6,7) resonances. The total energy-integrated cross sections and rate coefficients over all dielectronic resonances are in agreements with the experimental measurements within percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the contributions of aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) and the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) to risk stratification. Results reveal that AASI was a better predictor of stroke than aPWV, while the latter index performed better in the prediction of a composite cardiovascular endpoint. Findings indicate that both indexes of arterial stiffness independently contribute to the stratification of cardiovascular risk.

Low temperature at the booting stage is a major abiotic stress-limiting rice production. In this study, Cold stress tolerance index of panicle traits of a recombinant inbred line was used to identify cold tolerance at booting stage for three consecutive years. The purpose was to locate the stable QTL linked to cold tolerance at booting stage. Combined with meta-analysis model, candidate genes for cold tolerance were mined. The results showed that a total of 17 cold resistant QTLs were detected, of which 5 were pleiotropic interval (CTB2-1, CTB6-2, CTB7-1, CTB7-2 and CTB7-4). However, only three traits obtained the same QTLs in different years, which indicated that cold tolerant QTL at the booting stage was greatly affected by environment. The six selected progenys with cold tolerance alleles can be used in cross combinations. A total of 47 cold tolerance meta-QTLs (MCqtl) were obtained from the meta-analysis, of which 8 reported cold response genes were found in 7 MCqtl regions, and 18 candidate genes conferring cold tolerance were identified, of which 10 candidate genes showed hits to ESTs expressed in the reproductive tissue. These results would lay a foundation for fine mapping of QTLs/genes related to cold tolerance in booting stage and marker-assisted selection for breeding in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO2 migrated from deeper to shallower layers may change its phase state from supercritical state to gaseous state (called phase transition). This phase transition makes both viscosity and density of CO2 experience a sharp variation, which may induce the CO2 further penetration into shallow layers. This is a critical and dangerous situation for the security of CO2 geological storage. However, the assessment of caprock sealing efficiency with a fully coupled multi-physical model is still missing on this phase transition effect. This study extends our previous fully coupled multi-physical model to include this phase transition effect. The dramatic changes of CO2 viscosity and density are incorporated into the model. The impacts of temperature and pressure on caprock sealing efficiency (expressed by CO2 penetration depth) are then numerically investigated for a caprock layer at the depth of 800 m. The changes of CO2 physical properties with gas partial pressure and formation temperature in the phase transition zone are explored. It is observed that phase transition revises the linear relationship of CO2 penetration depth and time square root as well as penetration depth. The real physical properties of CO2 in the phase transition zone are critical to the safety of CO2 sequestration. Pressure and temperature have different impact mechanisms on the security of CO2 geological storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiller number per plant (TN) and plant height (PH) are important agronomic traits related to grain yield (GY) in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A total of 30 additive quantitative trait loci (A-QTL) and 9 significant additive × environment interaction QTLs (AE-QTL) were detected, while the phenotypic and QTL correlations confirmed the intrinsic relationship of the three traits. These QTLs were integrated with 986 QTLs from previous studies by metaanalysis. Consensus maps contained 7156 markers for a total map length of 1112.71 cM, onto which 863 QTLs were projected; 78 meta-QTLs (MQTLs) covering 11 of the 30 QTLs were detected from the cross between Dongnong422 and Kongyu131 in this study. A total of 705 predicted genes were distributed over the 21 MQTL intervals with physical length <0.3 Mb; 13 of the 21 MQTLs, and 34 candidate genes related to grain yield and plant development, were screened. Five major QTLs, viz. qGY6-2, qPH7-2, qPH6-3, qTN6-1, and qTN7-1, were not detected in the MQTL intervals and could be used as newly discovered QTLs. Candidate genes within these QTL intervals will play a meaningful role in molecular marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of rice TN, PH, and GY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new complex laser beam with inhomogeneous polarization distributions mapping onto high-order Poincaré spheres (HOPSs). The complex laser mode is achieved by superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes and manifests exotic flower-like localization on intensity and phase profiles. A simple optical system is used to generate a polarization-variant distribution on the complex laser mode by superposition of orthogonal circular polarizations with opposite topological charges. Numerical analyses of the polarization distribution are consistent with the experimental results. The novel flower HOPS beams can act as a new light source for photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue, microalloying certain element with positive heat of mixing leading to the enhanced glass forming ability (GFA) in multicomponent alloys, has been investigated by systematic experimental measurements coupled with theoretical calculations. It is found that in the Nb-doped CuZr alloys, strong interaction between Nb and Zr atoms leads to a shortened pair distance. In addition, fraction of the icosahedral-like local structures increases with Nb addition and Nb solutes are apt to be separated with each other. These factors contribute to an increase of the atomic level efficiency to fill space and formation of the short-to-medium range orderings. As a result, the amorphous structure is stabilized and the GFA is enhanced accordingly. This work provides an in-depth understanding of microalloying-induced high GFAs in multicomponent alloys and is helpful for guiding the development of more metallic glasses with high GFAs via microalloying, despite the positive heat of mixing between the constituent elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ignition and reaction processes of the thermal explosion reaction from the Ti-B4C system in air were studied. The thermal explosion reaction for the formation of TiC and TiB2 can be initiated at a relatively low temperature with the incorporation of air. Generally, the ignition process in air is suggested to be a chemical oven rather than gas transport, and the reaction process is proposed to be dissolution and precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which investigated cardiovascular protection and blood pressure reduction. Methodology; Results; Conclusion.