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Centromere pairing is crucial for synapsis in meiosis. This study delves into the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, specifically focusing on F-box protein 47 (FBXO47), in mouse meiosis. Here, we revealed that FBXO47 is localized at the centromere and it regulates centromere pairing cooperatively with SKP1 to ensure proper synapsis in pachynema. The absence of FBXO47 causes defective centromeres, resulting in incomplete centromere pairing, which leads to corruption of SC at centromeric ends and along chromosome axes, triggering premature dissociation of chromosomes and pachytene arrest. FBXO47 deficient pachytene spermatocytes exhibited drastically reduced SKP1 expression at centromeres and chromosomes. Additionally, FBXO47 stabilizes SKP1 by down-regulating its ubiquitination in HEK293T cells. In essence, we propose that FBXO47 collaborates with SKP1 to facilitate centromeric SCF formation in spermatocytes. In summary, we posit that the centromeric SCF E3 ligase complex regulates centromere pairing for pachynema progression in mice.FBXO47 is key component of the centromeric SCF E3 ligase complex that regulates centromere pairing for pachynema progression in mouse spermatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impact of late winter (January–February) sea surface temperature (SST) seesaw between equatorial central Pacific and Philippine Sea on early spring (March–April) vegetation interannual variation over the low-latitude highlands of China (CLLH) is investigated. The positive phase of late winter seesaw SST pattern, characterized by warmer (colder)-than-normal SSTs in the equatorial central Pacific (Philippine Sea), favors early spring CLLH vegetation growth. From the local perspective, the positive phase of late winter SST seesaw results in stronger (higher)-than-normal precipitation (surface air temperature) in the west (east) of the CLLH, these abnormal signals may be recorded by land surface and may persist to early spring, and this wetter(warmer)-than-normal land surface condition in the west (east) of the CLLH favors local vegetation growth. For the atmospheric circulation anomalies, the positive phase of late winter seesaw SST pattern contributes to an anomalous anticyclone over Philippine Sea in lower troposphere. On one hand, anomalous northerly winds on the eastern flank of this anomalous cyclone advect off-equatorial dry and cold air to the Maritime Continent and cause precipitation reduction there, consequently an anomalous anticyclone over the tropical north Indian Ocean in lower troposphere is excited via a Gill-type Rossby wave atmospheric response. This anomalous anticyclone leads to enhanced upward motion and increased precipitation in the west of the CLLH resultantly. On the other hand, southerly wind anomalies being the western flank of the anomalous anticyclone advect warm air to the east of the CLLH, result in increased surface air temperature there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The clinical advantage of alprostadil [prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)] in the treatment of microcirculatory disturbances (defined as no-reflow or slow-flow) in acute percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still disputed. The purpose of our study was to review the efficacy of PGE1 supplements in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who had urgent PCI. Design: This study was a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Ovid, ProQuest, Scopus, the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Internet, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform were used as sources. Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies: We included randomized controlled trials including PGE1 for the treatment of intraoperative microcirculatory disorders and major cardiovascular adverse events in emergency PCI in people with AMI. Independent data extraction was conducted, and study quality was assessed. The meta-analysis was carried out by using random effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) of microcirculatory disorders between groups receiving PGE1 and those receiving placebo, nitroglycerin, or tirofiban. Main Outcome Measures: The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of microcirculatory disturbances. Secondary outcomes included corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (cTFC), the percentage of patients with TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 (TMPG3), and the percentage of patients with myocardial blush grade 3 (MBG3) as efficacy indicators. Additionally, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 30 days and 180 days were assessed as safety indicators. Results: There were 18 trials involving a total of 1458 participants. PGE1 significantly reduced the occurrence of microcirculation disorders compared with conventional medications and placebo [risk ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.63, I2 = 46%; cTFC (RR −4.74, 95% −6.85 to −2.63, I2 93%); percentage of patients with TMPG3 (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.68, I2 70%) or MBG3 (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19–1.49, I2 0%); major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in 30 days (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.86, I2 0%); and MACEs in 180 days (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28–0.60, I2 0%)]. Conclusions: We found that PGE1 decreased the occurrence of micro-circulation disturbance in AMI and enhanced the outcome of PCI. Additional studies should be conducted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the interface stability between Li-rich Mn-based oxide cathodes and electrolytes, it is necessary to develop new polymer electrolytes. Here, we report an entanglement association polymer electrolyte (PVFH-PVCA) based on a poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVFH) matrix and a copolymer stabilizer (PVCA) prepared from acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, and vinylene carbonate. The entangled structure of the PVFH-PVCA electrolyte imparts excellent mechanical properties and eliminates the stress arising from dendrite growth during cycling and forms a stable interface layer, enabling Li//Li symmetric cells to cycle steadily for more than 4500 h at 8 mA cm−2. The PVCA acts as a stabilizer to promote the formation of an electrochemically robust cathode–electrolyte interphase. It delivers a high specific capacity and excellent cycling stability with 84.7% capacity retention after 400 cycles. Li1.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08O2/PVFH-PVCA/Li full cell achieved 125 cycles at 1 C (4.8 V cut-off) with a stable discharge capacity of ~2.5 mAh cm−2.Here, the authors report an entanglement association polymer electrolyte with a polymer matrix and copolymer stabilizer. The developed entangled structure forms a stable interface for the polymer electrolyte during charging and discharging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The extensive use of vancomycin has led to the development of Staphylococcus aureus strains with varying degrees of resistance to vancomycin. The present study aimed to explore the molecular causes of vancomycin resistance by conducting a proteomics analysis of subcellular fractions isolated from vancomycin-intermediate resistant S. aureus (VISA) and vancomycin-sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) strains. Methods: We conducted proteomics analysis of subcellular fractions isolated from 2 isogenic S. aureus strains: strain 11 (VSSA) and strain 11Y (VISA). We used an integrated quantitative proteomics approach assisted by bioinformatics analysis, and comprehensively investigated the proteome profile. Intensive bioinformatics analysis, including protein annotation, functional classification, functional enrichment, and functional enrichment-based cluster analysis, was used to annotate quantifiable targets. Results: We identified 128 upregulated proteins and 21 downregulated proteins in strain 11Y as compared to strain 11. The largest group of differentially expressed proteins was composed of enzymatic proteins associated with metabolic and catalytic activity, which accounted for 32.1% and 50% of the total proteins, respectively. Some proteins were indispensable parts of the regulatory networks of S. aureus that were altered with vancomycin treatment, and these proteins were related to cell wall metabolism, cell adhesion, proteolysis, and pressure response. Conclusion: Our proteomics study revealed regulatory proteins associated with vancomycin resistance in S. aureus. Some of these proteins were involved in the regulation of cell metabolism and function, which provides potential targets for the development of strategies to manage vancomycin resistance in S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the manufacturing process of lead acid battery, formation is one of the most important steps. Quality of formation will directly affect performance and life of the lead acid battery. This paper investigates the influence of tartaric acid (TA) on the formation of the negative plate. TA can significantly improve the stability and efficiency of battery with higher electrochemical reactivity and longer high-rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) improves the soil structure, reduces soil pH, and accelerates soil salt leaching. Biochar amendment to soil can affect the soil infiltration rate, increase soil porosity, decrease soil bulk density, and enhance the water retention capacity. This study investigated the interactive effect of FGDG and biochar on water infiltration characteristics and physicochemical properties as well as determined the optimal amendment rate as a saline-alkaline soil conditioner. Seven experimental schemes were designed, and the newly reclaimed cultivated soil from Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone in Fujian Province, China, was used in an indoor soil column experiment to simulate soil infiltration. Five models were employed to describe the infiltration process. The power function was used to represent the dynamic process of the wetting front. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) there was a reduction in the infiltration capacity of saline-alkaline soil (sandy soil) in each treatment, and the application of FGDG alone had the highest inhibition effect compared to the control (CK). The Kostiakov model provides the best fit for the experimental data of soil cumulative infiltration. (2) All treatments increased the total porosity and water content of saline-alkali soil, with the combined application of FGDG and biochar found to be more effective. (3) The application of FGDG alone or in combination with biochar decreased the pH and increased the electrical conductivity of the saline-alkali soil significantly, with the combined application having the most significant effect. In contrast, soil amended with biochar alone had minimal effect on the pH and EC of the soil. (4) The best improvement ratio was achieved with the F1B2 combination (75 g/kg FGDG + 30 g/kg biochar). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue of engineering materials is caused by the gradual degradation of materials under cyclic loading, from the evolution of internal and surface defects. It is quite necessary to combine internal and surface defects together in fatigue life prediction for materials. In this paper, an integrated method was proposed to predict fatigue life based on internal and surface defects. Based on five-stage damage testing, internal defects were obtained by x-ray CT and reconstructed. A simplified internal defects classification method is proposed. Surface defects were observed by microscope, then extracted by MATLAB, and reconstructed in SolidWorks. Then, an integrated defect model combining both internal and surface defects was proposed by using Python script to ABAQUS software. The model was verified by experiments. Finally, a regression fatigue life prediction method was obtained by combining surface roughness and stress concentration coefficient. It is shown that the proposed integrated defect model can achieve life prediction effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma theory, which emerged in the early 1990s, unveiled the deep-rooted violence characterising modern civilisation. As an essential subset of trauma studies, trauma literature acts as a testament to victims' experiences. A narrative technique pivotal to this literature is the fragmented narrative, mirroring both the inherent nature of trauma and its external portrayal. This technique aptly captures the often-ineffable nature of traumatic experiences. This research scrutinises the application of fragmented narrative in two seminal works: Amy Tan's The Kitchen God's Wife published in 1991 and Toni Morrison's Beloved published in 1987. Through a lens focused on mother-daughter dynamics and trauma representation, the study illuminates the novels' shared themes of motherhood and the agonising internal battles of trauma-afflicted mothers. Tan and Morrison, using fragmented narrative, vividly depict their protagonists' harrowing traumas, and offer invaluable insights into the experiences of marginalised communities. The emphasis on trauma literature is pivotal, both for a comprehensive understanding of traumatic events and the advancement of trauma research. This underscores the paramountcy of acknowledging personal and communal traumas and championing a humane approach to trauma victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control over magnetic properties by optical stimulation is not only interesting from the physics point of view, but also important for practical applications such as magneto-optical devices. Here, based on a simple tight-binding (TB) model, we propose a general theory of light-induced magnetic phase transition (MPT) in antiferromagnets. Considering the fact that the bandgap of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase is usually larger than that of the ferromagnetic (FM) one for a given system, we suggest that light-induced electronic excitation prefers to stabilize the FM state over the AFM one, and will induce an MPT from AFM phase to FM phase once a critical photocarrier concentration (αc) is reached. This theory has been confirmed by performing first-principles calculations on a series of 2D van der Waals (vdW) antiferromagnets. Interestingly, a linear relationship between αc and the intrinsic material parameters is obtained, in agreement with our TB model analysis. Our general theory paves a new way to manipulate 2D magnetism with high speed and superior resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dynamic spatial distribution and evolution of three-dimensional (3D) voids/cracks in engineering materials are crucial information to predict fatigue damage and residual life. A method of fatigue damage analysis was proposed and used to estimate low-cycle fatigue damage. First, multi-stage fatigue damage defects were measured based on x-ray computed tomography (XCT). 3D voids/cracks were reconstructed and analyzed by VG Studio and Diego algorithm. Then, 3D voids/cracks were transferred into finite element model along with material domain for numerical analysis. Thirdly, the damage transformation process was achieved by means of 3D finite element analysis. And the numerical and experimental results were compared. The estimated damage variables in terms of effective elastic modulus were in agreement with experimental results. It is indicated that the proposed numerical prediction method is valid for damage evolution in low-cycle fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the spatiotemporal variation of diabatic heating in the Southeast Asian low-latitude highlands (SEALLH) using JRA-55 reanalysis data. Throughout the year, the column-integrated radiative heating (CIRH) is negative, the column-integrated sensible heating (CISH) is positive, and the column-integrated latent heating (CILH) is positive over the SEALLH. The near-surface sensible heating and the rainy-season latent heating in the lower-middle troposphere are the dominant components of diabatic heating. The SEALLH is a heat source from April to September but is a heat sink from November to February. The SEALLH is warmer and wetter than the TP, and the intensity of latent heating and diabatic heating over the SEALLH are greater than their counterpart in the TP, especially in boreal summer. The annual cycles of the CISH, CIRH, and CILH over the SEALLH are phase shifted by around 1 month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter responds to an article titled "Minimally invasive surgical approach in children treated for oesophageal atresia is associated with attention problems at school age: a prospective cohort study." The authors of the letter raise questions about the study's methodology and suggest that postoperative complications, such as esophageal dyskinesia and respiratory disorders, may be related to attention problems in children with oesophageal atresia. They also propose that future research should explore the role of gut flora and the link between recurrent respiratory infections and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The authors hope that their suggestions will contribute to further studies on the relationship between oesophageal atresia and attention problems. [Extracted from the article]

Fatigue damage of critical components and structures is an important phenomenon in engineering practice where service loads are normally much lower than the strength of materials. Few past studies focused on the correlation between macroscopic fatigue residual life and the micro-/meso-scale defect evolution He (Fatigue Fract. Eng. Mater. Struct. 36: 102-114, 2013), Shanyavskiy (AIP Conf. Proc. 2167: 020324, 2019), Tang (Int. J. Fatigue 70: 270 277, 2015). This study explores the fatigue damage with three significant contributions: (1) one of the first studies on predicting fatigue residual life at different load stages without prior knowledge of the load history, (2) a new multiscale fatigue damage index for linking of micro-/meso-scale defects and damage to macroscale high-cycle fatigue life, and (3) a novel incremental evaluation method for fatigue damage. A series of coordinated materials tests were conducted along with the corresponding numerical simulations. Experimental results indicate that our multiscale fatigue damage index (MFDI) is significantly better than the state of the art in terms of the correlation with actual fatigue life of test specimens and MFDI may serve as an ideal fatigue damage signature for nondestructive inspection of fatigue residual life. Our MFDI can also be potentially utilized to evaluate the impact of micro-/meso-scale defects and damage in new manufacturing processes of materials such as additive manufacturing and nanomaterials manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracardial cystic lesions (PCLs) are rare, benign lesions and may occur in any part surrounding the heart. It covers a variety of pathological types, including pericardial cysts, thymic cysts, bronchogenic cysts and so on. The aim of this study was to summarize the diagnostic value of echocardiography in different pathological types of the PCLs. Echocardiographic features of 43 consecutive PCL patients treated at the Union Hospital from January 2002 to December 2017 were compared and analyzed with their surgical and pathological findings retrospectively. The PCLs included 19 pericardial cysts, 12 thymic cysts, 7 bronchogenic cysts, 3 cystic teratomas, 1 enteric cyst and 1 lymphangioma. Among them, 29 cases (67.4%) were accurately diagnosed by echocardiography and 14 cases (32.6%) were missed the diagnosis. All diagnosed cysts were showed as thin-walled, monolocular, echo-free structures without blood flow signals in echocardiographic images. 4 patients had compression of the heart and great vessels caused by cysts. In addition, 4 intracardiac lesions were diagnosed by echocardiography and the results were further confirmed in surgery. Echocardiography is of great value in the diagnosis of paracardiac cystic lesions as well as combined intracardiac lesions. Differential diagnosis could be mainly made based on the location of the lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a modified Landau-Devonshire type thermodynamic potential, we show that dielectric tunability η of a tetragonal ferroelectric film can be analytically solved. At a given electric field E, η is a function of the remnant polarization ( P 0 f ) and the small-field relative dielectric permittivity ( χ 0 f ), which are commonly measured material properties. After a survey of materials, a large η~80% is predicted to be achievable in a (001)-oriented tetragonal (K0.5,Na0.5)NbO3 film. This strain-stabilized tetragonal phase is verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. (K0.5,Na0.5)NbO3 films based on this design were successfully prepared via a sputtering deposition process on SrRuO3-buffered (100)SrTiO3 substrates. The resulted epitaxial films showed a sizable P 0 f (~0.21C m−2) and a large χ 0 f (~830–860), as well as a large η close to the theoretical value. The measured dielectric tunabilities as functions of E are well described by the theoretical η(E) curves, validating our integrated approach rooted in a theoretical understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferroelectricity in the hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 is under debate because it results from the polar molecular cation CH3NH3+ while the molecular orientation was reported to be random. Here we predict that a Pb-free hybrid perovskite N(CH3)4SnI3 with non-polar molecular cation N(CH3)4+ has strong ferroelectricity with a spontaneous polarization of 16.13 μC cm−2. The large polarization results from the distortion of SnI6 octahedron induced by the large N(CH3)4+ and is independent of the molecular orientation, so the ferroelectricity is robust. The ferroelectric R3m perovskite structure of N(CH3)4SnI3 can be synthesized as the ground state under a hydrostatic pressure over 3 GPa and remains stable under ambient pressure. Given the strong ferroelectricity, good stability and high visible-light absorption, N(CH3)4SnI3 may be an ideal light-absorber semiconductor for high-efficiency solar cells because its ferroelectric polarization can facilitate electron-hole separation and produce large bulk photovoltaic effect, making the design of homogeneous bulk photovoltaic devices possible. The ferroelectricity in hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 is under debate. Here, the authors predict a Pb-free hybrid perovskite N(CH3)4SnI3 with non-polar molecular cation N(CH3)4+ showing strong ferroelectricity, good stability, and high visible-light absorption, ideal for high-efficiency solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrageenans are widely utilized in many commercial applications such as the food and pharmaceutical industry, due to their excellent functional properties. In this study, a sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed to determine κ-3, κ-5, and κ-7 carrageenan oligosaccharides simultaneously. Optimum MRM transitions for κ-3, κ-5, and κ-7 carrageenan oligosaccharides were (645.079→565.111, [M-H]−), (515.137→474.946, [M-2H]2−), and (471.484→445, [M-3H]3−), respectively. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Amide column coupled with a guard column operated at 60 °C under stepwise gradient elution. The linearity of the LC-MS/MS method for κ-3, κ-5, and κ-7 carrageenan oligosaccharides, evaluated over the concentration range of 0.10–20.0 µmol L−1, was excellent. The precisions of the method for κ-3, κ-5, and κ-7 carrageenan oligosaccharides were from 0.91% to 9.66%, and the inter-day precisions were from 0.92% to 10.5%. Validation of the LC-MS/MS method indicated that the method was precise and in line with the CFDA guidance. This method has been successfully applied to an in vitro absorption study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) metabolism and caused by a defect in the thiamine-dependent enzyme branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) with subsequent accumulation of BCAAs and corresponding branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) metabolites. Presently, at least 4 genes of BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DLD and DBT have been reported to cause MSUD. Furthermore, more than 265 mutations have been identified as the cause across different populations worldwide. Some studies have reported the data of gene mutations in Chinese people with MSUD. In this study, we present clinical characteristics and mutational analyses in five Chinese Han child with MSUD, which had been screened out by tandem mass spectrometry detection of amino acids in blood samples. High-throughput sequencing, Sanger sequence and real-time qualitative PCR were performed to detect and verify the genetic mutations. Six different novel genetic variants were validated in BCKDHB gene and BCKDHA gene, including c.523 T > C, c.659delA, c.550delT, c.863G > A and two gross deletions. Interestingly, 3 cases had identical mutation of BCKDHB gene (c.659delA). We predicted the pathogenicity and analyzed the clinical characteristics. The identification of these mutations in this study further expands the mutation spectrum of MSUD and contributes to prenatal molecular diagnosis of MSUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing number of immunocompromised hosts, the epidemiological characteristics of fungal infections have undergone enormous changes worldwide, including in China. In this paper, we reviewed the existing data on mycosis across China to summarize available epidemiological profiles. We found that the general incidence of superficial fungal infections in China has been stable, but the incidence of tinea capitis has decreased and the transmission route has changed. By contrast, the overall incidence of invasive fungal infections has continued to rise. The occurrence of candidemia caused by Candida species other than C. albicans and including some uncommon Candida species has increased recently in China. Infections caused by Aspergillus have also propagated in recent years, particularly with the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. An increasing trend of cryptococcosis has been noted in China, with Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii ST 5 genotype isolates as the predominant pathogen. Retrospective studies have suggested that the epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis pneumonia in China may be similar to those in other developing countries. Endemic fungal infections, such as sporotrichosis in Northeastern China, must arouse research, diagnostic, and treatment vigilance. Currently, the epidemiological data on mycosis in China are variable and fragmentary. Thus, a nationwide epidemiological research on fungal infections in China is an important need for improving the country's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effect of sous vide cooking on the total and resistant starch content, color, and shear force in three potato cultivars (Agria, Agata, and Carrera). Potato strips were also cooked by three common treatments (boiling, frying, and microwaving) to evaluate the differences between the methods. According to principal component analysis (PCA), sous vide-processed cv. Agria and Agata potato strips were grouped with boiled samples, in contrast, cv. Carrera sous vide samples were grouped with microwaved samples. Higher water losses were associated with microwaved potatoes due to the diffusion of water inside the tuber. In addition, a significant decrease in shear force was obtained after microwaving and sous vide cooking ( p < 0.05) irrespective of the treatment strength. The three cultivars became less bright, and the intensity of the color decreased; however, variations in the cook value ( C , min) between treatments did not affect the lightness and hue angle. Regardless of the initial value of resistant starch and the intensity of the cooking process, all of the cultivars reached a final content of less than 5%. From our results, in-pack sterilization may be considered for application in the food industry as a technology that has a similar impact to conventional cooking treatments used on potato products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast echocardiography with left ventricular opacification (LVO) improves the definition of endocardium in two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). This study was aimed to determine whether LVO offered added diagnostic value in noncompaction of left ventricular myocardium (NCVM). A total of 85 patients (40 ± 20 years, 54 males) with suspected NCVM were subjected to transthoracic 2DE and LVO, and 40 healthy volunteers were examined with 2DE and assigned as control subjects. The location of NCVM, the thickness ratio of noncompacted to compacted myocardium (NCR), and the cavity size and ejection fraction of LV were quantified. Results revealed that NCVM was mainly located in the LV medium (53.2%), apical (46.2%) segments, and lateral wall (39.8%). The NCR obtained through LVO was greater than that detected through 2DE (4.2 ± 1.3 vs. 3.3 ±1.2, P < 0.001), and higher inter-correlations and less intra- and inter-observer variabilities were determined in the former than in the latter. The NCVM detection rates were also increased from 63.5% via 2DE to 83.5% via LVO and 89.4% via 2DE combined with LVO (2DE + LVO) ( P = 0.0004). The LV cavity size was greater and the LVejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in the NCVM patients than in the control group ( P < 0.01). In the NCVM group, the LV cavity size was higher and the LVEF was lower in LVO than in 2DE ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, contrast echocardiography contributes significant sensitivity and reproducibility to routine transthoracic echocardiography in NCVM diagnosis. Therefore, this technique should be clinically performed to diagnose suspected NCVM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone-marrow-derived stem cells can regenerate pancreatic tissue in a model of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) form the main part of bone marrow. We show that the intrapancreatic transplantation of MSCs elevates serum insulin and C-peptide, while decreasing blood glucose. MSCs engrafted into the damaged rat pancreas become distributed into the blood vessels, acini, ducts, and islets. Renascent islets, islet-like clusters, and a small number of MSCs expressing insulin protein have been observed in the pancreas of diabetic rats. Intrapancreatic transplantation of MSCs triggers a series of molecular and cellular events, including differentiation towards the pancreas directly and the provision of a niche to start endogenous pancreatic regeneration, which ameliorates hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia caused by streptozotocin. These data establish the many roles of MSCs in the restoration of the function of an injured organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis (PCC) has been confirmed as a distinct clinical entity with secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis from systematic infection since 2003. Although it has been confirmed as a distinct clinical entity, little has progressed on PCC in immunocompetent hosts compared to their immunocompromised counterpart. We reviewed the literature on cases of PCC in immunocompetent patients from 2004 to 2014, and 21 cases from 16 reports were identified. Males are more likely to develop PCC infections, with a ratio of 17:4 male to female. These patients were found to be almost all senior population except for patients from Asia. Asymptomatic or moderate itching manifesting in a painful nodule is the most common presentation, although there is no typical clinical manifestation recorded. Upper limbs are the most common site of infection, accounting for 71.4 % of all patients. Of the 12 identified isolates, 6 strains are identified as C. neoformans, 5 as C. gattii, and 1 as C.laurentii. Fluconazole was used in 10 cases; however, only 80 % of the 10 cases could confirm that fluconazole was effective in clearing the infections. Interestingly although not approved as a treatment option, Itraconazole was effective in the seven cases it was used to treat cryptococcosis, with a dosage range of 100-400 mg/d and duration from 3 to 6 months. Even though the prognosis of these patients was generally good, more data are need to determine which antifungal azole is the better treatment option and whether primary skin infections could disseminate to systematic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer solar cells are an exciting class of next-generation photovoltaics, because they hold promise for the realization of mechanically flexible, lightweight, large-area devices that can be fabricated by room-temperature solution processing. High power conversion efficiencies of ∼10% have already been reported in tandem polymer solar cells. Here, we report that similar efficiencies are achievable in single-junction devices by reducing the tail state density below the conduction band of the electron acceptor in a high-performance photoactive layer made from a newly developed semiconducting polymer with a deepened valence energy level. Control over band tailing is realized through changes in the composition of the active layer and the structure order of the blend, both of which are known to be important factors in cell operation. The approach yields cells with high power conversion efficiencies (∼9.94% certified) and enhanced photovoltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to gain a better understanding of Chinese seniors' demographic information as well as their attitudes toward old-age support as an indicator for their subjective well-being related to their retirement preparation. Particularly, the variation of demographic and attitudinal characteristics within the population was examined. The data was based on a sample of the Chinese senior population, aged 60 and over in 2006 from 20 provinces and metropolitan areas in China. A two-step cluster analysis was used in the current study and the auto-clustering algorithm indicated a two-cluster solution. Both demographic information and attitudinal responses were used for the clusters. The results showed that Chinese seniors' attitudinal and behavioral traits were relevant to the classification with regard to their retirement preparedness. The current study demonstrated that Chinese seniors were a heterogeneous group that could be divided into two basic, distinct segments, namely, helpless dependents and active independents. Each different group of seniors may raise different key issues in meeting their needs for retirement management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To summarize the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) patients and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of AIHA complicated with CM, we evaluated five cases of CM in patients with AIHA treated in our hospital from 2003 to 2013 and eight related foreign cases. All of the clinical isolates were Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and grouped into the VNI genotype and serotype A. The clinical features exhibit significant features. Headache, nausea, and fever are common symptoms of AIHA complicated with CM. The early clinical manifestations lack specificity, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Long-term use of prednisone (≥15 mg day), poor control of anemia, and splenectomy are risk factors for AIHA complicated with cryptococcal infection. The combination of intravenous amphotericin B and oral 5-fluorocytosine remains the preferred treatment for AIHA complicated with CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the simulation of summer rainfall changes in the Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) based on the fifth phase of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The historical runs of 20 CMIP5 coupled General Circulation Models (GCMs) are analyzed. The Multi-Model ensemble (MME) of the CMIP5 models well reproduces the general feature of NIO summer rainfall. For a short period 1979-2005, 14 out of 20 models show an increased trend in the mean rainfall and a similar spatial distribution to the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) observations in MME. The increasing of the convergence in the equatorial IO results in the increase of rainfall significantly. The equatorial rainfall trend patterns seem modulated by the SST warming in the tropical Indian Ocean, which confirm the mechanism of 'warmer-get-wetter' theory. For a long period 1950-2005, the trend of monsoon rainfall over India shows a decrease over the most parts of the India except an increase over the south corn er of the Indian Peninsula, due to a weakened summer monsoon circulation. The pattern is well simulated in half of the CMIP5 models. The rainfall over the north India is different for a short period, in which rainfall increases in 1979-2005, implying possible decadal variation in the NIO summer climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of early treatment with β-adrenergic blocker metoprolol on ventricular remodeling and function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by using high frequency ultrasound. The relationship between the efficacy and the expression level of cardiac myocardial inflammatory cytokine was examined in rats. The rat model of AMI was induced by ligating the left anterior descending artery. The surviving rats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: MI control (MI) group and MI metoprolol (MI-B) group, with the rats undergoing sham operation serving as normal control (Sham). MI-B group was given metoprolol for 4 weeks (refer to the CCS-2 protocol) and the other two groups received equal volume of saline via intragastric (i.g.) administation. The ventricular remodeling and function were evaluated by high frequency ultrasound 4 weeks after the treatment. Then all rats were sacrificed for pathological examination and immunohistochemistrical detection of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α. Compared with the MI group, the left ventricular end-systolic dimension, end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic volume and end-diastolic volume of the MI-B group were significantly decreased ( P<0.01), while the left ventricular anterior wall end-diastolic thickness, ejection fraction and fractional shortening were obviously increased ( P<0.01). The conspicuous improvement in the left ventricular morphology and function was coincident with the markedly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression and the increased IL-10 expression. We are led to conclude that early metoprolol treatment for AMI can regulate myocardial inflammatory cytokine expression to improve cardiac function and the underlying mechanism might be that it decreases the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the level of its anti-inflammatory counterparts in cardiac myocytes. Our study also showed that echocardiography is a useful technique for the structural and functional assessment of left ventricle after acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the preparation of cationic lipid microbubble (CLM), and evaluate its physical and chemical properties and toxicity, measure the gene transfection efficiency by ultrasound triggered microbobble destruction (UTMD) in combination with CLM. The CLM was prepared by the method of the thin film hydration, and its morphology was observed under the electron microscopy at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 14th day after preparation, respectively. The size, Zeta potential and stability of CLM were tested. The acute toxicity of CLM was assessed. The green fluorescent protein gene (EGFP) transfection efficiency was evaluated. The experiment grouping was as follows: naked plasmid group (P group), ultrasonic irradiation plus naked plasmid group (P-US group), naked plasmid plus CLM group (P-CLM group), naked plasmid plus ultrasound and CLM group (UTMD group). The expression of EGFP was detected by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The results showed that CLMs were spherical in shape, with the similar size and good distribution degree under the light and electron microscopies. The size of CLMs was varied from 250.4±88.3 to 399.0±99.8 nm and the Zeta potential of CLMs from 18.80±4.97 to 20.1±3.1 mV. The EGFP expression was the strongest in the UTMD group, followed by the P-CLM group, P-US group and P group. Flow cytometry results were consistent with those of fluorescent microscopy. The transfection efficiency was substantially increased in the P-US group, P-CLM group and UTMD group as compared with that in the P group, almost 7 times, 10 times and 30 times higher than that in the P group respectively. It is suggested that CLMs prepared by the method of thin film hydration are uniform in diameter, and proved non-toxic. UTMD combined with CLM can significantly increase the transfection efficiency of EGFP to targeted cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of right ventricular (RV) volume and function remains a challenge because of RV complex geometry by conventional echocardiography. The purpose of this study was to assess RV global longitudinal function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI). Thirty-eight patients with TOF were enrolled in this study and divided into child group ( n=25) and adult group ( n=13) according to age. Thirty-eight age- and sex-matched normal subjects were selected as control groups including child control group ( n=25) and adult control group ( n=13). RV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), strain rate (GLSRs), early diastolic strain rate (GLSRe) and late diastolic strain rate (GLSRa) were measured in all subjects by STI from the apical 4-chamber view and compared between groups. Furthermore, the main factors affecting the RV global longitudinal functional parameters were assessed. Compared with those in controls, RV GLS, GLSRs and GLSRe were significantly reduced in patients with TOF ( P<0.05 for all). RV GLSRs was significantly decreased in adult patients with TOF as compared with that in child patients ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RV GLS, GLSRe and GLSRa between child and adult TOF groups ( P>0.05). The diameter of right ventricle, main pulmonary artery and ventricular septum defect had correlations with RV GLSRs ( r 1=−0.490, r 2=0.580, r 3=−0.528, respectively, P<0.05 for all). Tricuspid annular plane peak systolic velocity (Sm) was the independent predictor of RV global strain and strain rate (β1=0.355, P1=0.031, β2=0.307, P2=0.021). RV global longitudinal function is decreased in patients with TOF, especially in adult patients. STI is a sensitive and accurate technique in RV global functional assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the feasibility of real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) by quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion in rabbits, transthoracic RTMCE was performed in 10 healthy rabbits by using continuous infusion of SonoVue into the auricular vein. The short axis view at the papillary muscle level was obtained. The duration of the time that the contrast took to appear in right heart, left heart and myocardium was recorded. The regional myocardial signal intensity (SI) versus refilling time plots were fitted to an exponential function: y(t) =A(1-e−β(t−t0)) + C, where y is SI at any given time, A is the SI plateau that reflects myocardial blood volume, and β is the slope of the refilling curve that reflects myocardial microbubble velocity. The A, β and A×β values at different infusion rate of SonoVue were analyzed and the A, β and A×β values in each segment in the short axis view at the papillary muscle level were compared. All the animal experiments were successful and high-quality images were obtained. The best intravenous infusion rate for SonoVue was 30 mL/h. The contrast appeared in right heart, left heart and myocardium at 7.5±2.2 s, 9.1±2.4 s and 12.2±1.6 s respectively. After 16.6±2.3s, myocardial opacification reached a steady state. The mean A, β and A×β value in the short axis view at the papillary muscle level were 9.8±3.0 dB, 1.4±0.5 s−1 and 13.5±3.6 dB×s−1 respectively. A, β and A×β values showed no significant differences among 6 segments. It was suggested that RTMCE was feasible for quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion in rabbits. It provides a non-invasive method to evaluate the myocardial perfusion in rabbit disease models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique N-doped TiO2 nanowires with one-dimensional nanostructure were synthesized in presence of NH3 gas at different temperature with titanate nanowires as precursor. Structure and morphology of the obtained samples were investigated by TEM, HRTEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, and UV–Vis. The results revealed that a clear visible-light response could be induced by N-doping. Nanowire structure was maintained after N-hybridization of TiO2 framework even at 600 °C, while distance between two contiguous layers shrinked a little. The incorporated nitrogen atoms are located in position of oxygen in TiO2 lattice to form O–Ti–N structure according to XPS result. An excellent photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanowires for degradation of methyl orange was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transthoracic echocardiographic characteristics of 17 cases of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), a rare disease in China, were analyzed in order to improve the understanding of the disease. Seventeen cases of biopsy-proven CA, admitted to Wuhan Union Hospital from June 1994 to September 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty normal volunteers served as control group. Left atrial and ventricular functions and mitral inflow velocity were measured by two-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)-derived peak systolic wall motion velocities (Sv), peak early diastolic wall motion velocities (Ev), and peak late diastolic wall motion (Av) were measured at the septum, lateral, inferior and anterior corners of mitral annulus from the apical 4- and 2 chamber views. Compared with the control group, the interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPWd), right ventricular transverse diameter (RVTDd) near the end of diastole and the interauricular septum thickness (IASs), left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAADs), right atrial transverse diameter (RATDs) near the end of systole were increased significantly (all P<0.05) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased ( P<0.05) in the CA group. Compared with the control group, Sv, Ev at each wall and Av at almost all walls were significantly decreased in the CA group. In the CA group, Myocardial echoes of interventricular septum and free wall of left ventricle were enhanced evidently and distributed unevenly. The echoes presented as ground glass-like images, with some spotty hyper echoes. Both atria were enlarged, and LVEF decreased, with diastolic function impaired, and mild-moderate hydropericardium found in the CA group. It was concluded that echocardiography was a relatively sensitive and highly specific non-invasive method for the diagnosis of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the value of ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI) in the assessment of the short-axis and long-axis systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), 100 subjects with normal ejection fraction were studied, including 41 patients with DM only (DM group), 22 patients with both DM and left ventricular hypertrophy (DH group), and 37 healthy subjects (control group). Left ventricle systolic function in the long axis defined as longitudinal strain, and that in the short axis defined as radial strain, apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were assessed respectively. The results showed that average peak strain in the long axis at basal, middle and apical levels, and global peak strain were significantly decreased in the patient groups when compared with the control group ( P<0.001 for each). The parameters in DH group were significantly lower than those in DM group ( P<0.01 for each). There were no significant differences in average radial peak strain in the short axis at different levels, and global peak strain among the three groups ( P>0.05). Apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were greater in the patient groups than in the control group ( P<0.01 for each). Basal LV rotation and LV twist were greater in DH group than those in DM group ( P<0.01). It was concluded that STI may be used to identify early abnormalities in patients with type 2 DM that have normal left ventricular systolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the morphology of atrial septum by the live three-dimensional echocardiography (L3DE) and its value of clinical application, L3DE was performed in 62 subjects to observe the morphological characteristics and dynamic change of the overall anatomic structure of atrial septum. The study examined 49 patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), including 3 patients with atrial septal aneursym, and 10 healthy subjects. ASD in the 35 patients was surgically confirmed. The maximal diameters of ASD were measured and the percentages of area change were calculated. The parameters derived from L3DE were compared with intraoperative measurements. The results showed that L3DE could directly and clearly display the morphological features of overall anatomic structure of normal atrial septum, repaired and artificially-occluded atrial septum, atrial septal aneurysm. The defect area in ASD patients changed significantly during cardiac cycle, which reached a maximum at end-systole and a minimum at end-diastole, with a mean change percentage of 46.6%, ranging from 14.8% to 73.4%. The sizes obtained from L3DE bore an excellent correlation with intraoperative findings ( r=0.90). It is concluded that L3DE can clearly display the overall morphological features and dynamic change of atrial septum and measure the size of ASD area accurately, which is important in the decision to choose therapeutic protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT 3DE) in the diagnosis of double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) was explored. Five cases of DOMV were examined by using 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and RT 3DE. The spatial morphology of malformed mitral valve and its change in hemodynamics were observed. DOMV associated with partial atrioventricular septal defect was found in 3 cases (in which 2 cases had cleft mitral valve) and isolated DOMV in 2 cases; and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation was detected in 3 cases, and mild mitral regurgitation in 1, and no regurgitation in 1 case; 1 case had complicated rhumatic heart disease. Three cases were preoperatively discovered by 2DE, while 2 missed (1 case was discovered post-operatively). Four cases were diagnosed by RT 3DE preoperatively, and 1 case was diagnosed post-operatively (not examined by RT 3DE preoperatively). It was suggested that RT 3DE is a reliable technique in the diagnosis of DOMV; it permitted comprehensive and noninvasive assessment of mitral valve and may supplement 2D TTE in the assessment of DOMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let C be a nonempty bounded subset of a p-uniformly convex Banach space X, and T={ T(t):t∈S} be a Lipschitzian semigroup on C with [formula], where N[sub p] is the normal structure coefficient of X. Suppose also there exists a nonempty bounded closed convex subset E of C with the following properties: (P[sub 1])x ∈ E implies ω[sub w](x)⊂ E; (P[sub 2])T is asymptotically regular on E. The authors prove that there exists a z∈E such that T(s)z=z for all s ∈ S. Further, under the similar condition, the existence of fixed points of Lipschitzian semigroups in a uniformly convex Banach space is discussed. [formula available in full text]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RFeO3 orthoferrites, where R is a rare-earth ion of the lanthanide series, are attracting attention mostly because of their promising fast spin dynamics. The magnetic properties of these materials seem to crucially depend on whether the magnetizations of the R and Fe ions' weak ferromagnetic (WFM) components are parallel or antiparallel to each other. Here, we report an extensive investigation of a high-quality DyFeO3 single crystal in which the induced Dy3+ magnetization (FDy) has a natural tendency to be antiparallel to Fe3+ sublattice magnetization (FFe) within a large temperature window. Moreover, we find that specific variations of temperature and applied magnetic fields allow us to make FDy parallel to FFe, or force a spin-flip transition in FFe, among other effects. We found three different magnetic states that respond to temperature and magnetic fields, i.e. linear versus constant or, alternatively, presenting either behavior depending on the history of the sample. An original magnetic field-versus-temperature phase diagram is constructed to indicate the region of stability of the different magnetic phases, and to reveal the precise conditions yielding sudden spin switching and reversals. Knowledge of such a phase diagram is of potential importance to applications in spintronics and magnetic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]