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In this paper, we study the plane thermoelastic problem of an infinite matrix containing two interacting inclusions of arbitrary shapes for a uniform heat flux applied on the matrix remotely. We propose a numerical scheme for calculating the temperature and stress fields in the inclusion-matrix system by using the principle of superposition and the Faber series method. A group of numerical examples is given to demonstrate the stress field around two soft inclusions (softer than the matrix) of triangular and square shapes. The results show that the interfacial thermal stress concentration may be relieved by improving the thermal conductivities of the soft inclusions. In particular, we find that for soft inclusions with higher thermal conductivities (higher than the matrix), the interfacial thermal stresses could even reduce slightly when the inclusions approach each other. Additionally, it is shown that the thermal load-induced interaction between the inclusions decays much slower than the mechanical load-induced interaction between the inclusions as the inclusions move away from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the thermoelastic problem of an inclusion of general shape surrounded by a foreign elastic matrix under plane deformation and the influence of an in-plane far-field heat flux. The small-scale interface effects, related to not only interface conductivity, interface stretching rigidity and interface thermal expansion but also (residual) interface tension, are incorporated in the corresponding analysis. We establish general boundary value formulations in both heat conduction and thermoelasticity for an arbitrary inclusion shape, allowing for analytic or at least semi-analytic treatment of the problem. Specially, we derive closed-form solutions for the case of circular inclusion and obtain concise expressions for describing the remote heat flux-induced thermal stress near the interface (at both the inclusion side and matrix side). Surprisingly, it is shown that for the case of circular inclusion, interface tension plays the same role as interface stretching rigidity in determining the full thermal stress field, or in other words, the full thermal stress field depends on only the sum of interface tension and interface stretching rigidity but not on the specific value of either of them. Numerical examples are also given to illustrate the influence of interface tension on the von Mises stress distribution in the vicinity of the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large body of evidence indicates that patients with panic disorder(PD) report more obvious alexithymia, and previous studies suggest genetic factors may be play an important role in alexithymia. This study aims to examine the association between the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and alexithymia, and then to evaluate the association of the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism with PD risk. 223 patients with PD and 218 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) were administered to all subjects. And genotyping of the BDNF Val 66Met polymorphism was evaluated. Our results showed that both PD patients and normal controls with the BDNF Met/Met genotype had significantly higher total and difficulty describing feelings(DDF) subdimension scores on the TAS-20 than those with the Val/Val genotype.The patients with the BDNF Met/Met genotype were more severity of anticipatory anxiety than patients with Val/Val genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of carbendazim on carbendazim-sensitive (wild-type) and -resistant strains of Fusarium graminearum and Botrytis cinerea were compared. When treated with carbendazim, conidia and germlings of wild-type F. graminearum and B. cinerea germinated and grew to produce stunted, distorted, and abnormally branched germlings; in addition, distinct nuclei were replaced by irregularly distributed chromosome masses, and normal nuclear division was not observed. The CMI (chromosome mitosis index) values of wild-type strains rapidly increased within 60 min of treatment with carbendazim and then rapidly declined. Whereas the wild-type strains of the two fungi responded similarly, the carbendazim-resistant strains of F. graminearum and B. cinerea responded differently to carbendazim. The resistant strain of F. graminearum showed normal mitosis but produced significantly more branches and higher CMI values when treated with carbendazim than when untreated. In contrast, the carbendazim-resistant strain of B. cinerea exhibited normal morphology and mitosis after carbendazim treatment. The results suggest that the mechanism for carbendazim resistance in F. graminearum differs from that in B. cinerea and other fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the giant ramshorn snailMarisa cornuarietis, a biocontrol agent of freshwater weeds and snail vectors of schistosomes. The mitogenome is 15,923 bp in length, encoding 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs and 2 ribosomal RNAs. The mitogenome is A+T biased (70.0%), with 28.9% A, 41.1% T, 16.7% G, and 13.3% C. A comparison withPomacea canaliculata, the other member in the same family (Ampullariidae) with a sequenced mitogenome, shows that the two species have an identical gene order, but their intergenic regions vary substantially in sequence length. The mitogenome data can be used to understand the population genetics ofM. cornuarietis, and resolve the phylogenetic relationship of various genera in Ampullariidae. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Spalted heartwood is valued for its vibrant colors, patterns, and decay-free appearance. Using microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and non-targeted metabolomics, we aimed to study some distinctive features of black patterning. The results showed that cocci might be associated with the production of spalted heartwood. There was an absence of decay in the spalted heartwood because the cocci had not aggressively attacked the cell walls. 4-pyridoxine, often associated with the bacterial stimulation of organisms, was identified as an upregulated metabolite in the black-patterned wood compared to non-colored areas. We identified four primary metabolic pathways related to bacterial activity associated with the black patterning: pentose and glucuronate interconversions, ATP-binding cassette transporters, histidine metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction. These results suggest that microbes might play a significant role in the development of the heartwood's distinctive black pattern in Diospyros spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative materials are being investigated as substitution of the traditional copper rotating band, in order to solve problems associated with their mechanical and physical properties. Meanwhile, new processes for joining the rotating band on the projectile body have also to be developed because of different material physical properties. In this paper, swaging, welding, and newly developed spraying technologies for fabricating rotating band are analyzed, respectively. Quasi-static and dynamic engraving methods are presented for evaluating the performance of as-prepared rotating band. The former was performed on an 810 Material Testing System and the latter was carried out by using a specially developed gas-gun-based impact test rig. Hoop and axial direction strain gauges were positioned on the exterior of the barrel to monitor the effect of the rotating band on the barrel during engraving process. It is suggested that aluminum bronze coating prepared by the High Velocity Arc Spraying (HVAS) process should be a good candidate for application to a rotating band of medium- and large- caliber projectiles. The measured strains were found to be dependent on a set of variables, such as loading rate, band material and structure, forcing cone and rifling (land and groove) structure, bore condition (oiled or dry), etc. The loading rate has been verified as the most important factor and the essential difference among quasi-static engraving, dynamic engraving, and actual firing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed at exploring sequence variability in four mitochondrial (mt) genes, namely, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox1), cytochrome b ( cytb) and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1 and 5 ( nad1 and nad5), among pinworm Aspicularis tetraptera isolates from laboratory mice in four different provinces, China. A part of the cox1 (p cox1), cytb (p cytb), nad1 and nad5 genes (p nad1 and p nad5) were amplified separately from individual pinworms by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to determine sequence variations and examine their phylogenetic relationships. Herein, the intra-specific sequence variations within A. tetraptera were 0-0.5% for p cox1, 0-1.4% for p cytb, 0-1.8% for p nad1 and 0-1.7% for p nad5, respectively. In contrast, the inter-specific sequence differences among members of the Oxyuridae were significantly higher, being 13.7-17.0% for p cox1, 24.5-34.7% for p cytb, 26.6-29.6% for p nad1 and 24.4-25.5% for p nad5, respectively. Three methods, namely, Bayesian inference (BI), maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP), were used for phylogenetic analyses based on the combined sequences of the four mt gene sequences, and the results indicated that all A. tetraptera samples form monophyletic groups, but samples from the same geographical origin did not always cluster together. This study demonstrated the existence of low-level intra-specific variation in four mtDNA sequences among A. tetraptera isolates from laboratory mice in different geographic regions in China, indicating no obvious geographical distinction among A. tetraptera isolates in China. These findings have important implications for studying systematics, molecular epidemiology and population genetics of A. tetraptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two polyoxometalate-based complexes, NaH3SiW12O40·17H2O (1) and [Mn(H2O)4]2(H2SiW12O40)2·13H2O (2), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR spectra, thermal analysis, and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The results reveal that the Na(I) in1is in a distorted octahedral geometry with two coordinated waters and four Otfrom four α-[H3SiW12O40]−anions, while each α-[H3SiW12O40]−is connected with four Na(I) by four Ot. The Na–O and hydrogen bonds connect1into a 3-D framework. Complex2consists of two α-[H2SiW12O40]2−anions and two [Mn(H2O)4]2+cations, each Mn(II) is coordinated by four waters and two Otfrom two α-[H2SiW12O40]2−anions; the clusters are assembled into a 3-D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new ?-Keggin polyoxometalates, [Cu2(phen)4(GeW12O40)] (1) and [Ni2(bpy)4(H2O)2(GeW12O40)]·2H2O (2) (phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline, bpy?=?2,2?-bipyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic properties. Compound1crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space groupP2(1)/c, and1is assembled into two-dimensional (2-D) layers parallel to (1?0?1) based on the adjacent phen?···?stacking interactions (3.788(8)?Å). Variable temperature magnetic measurements show ferromagnetic behavior from 300 to 2?K. Compound2crystallizes in the triclinic system, space groupP-1, and2is assembled into 2-D layers parallel to (1?0?1) based on the adjacent bpy?···?stacking interactions (3.07?Å). Variable temperature magnetic measurements show a weak ferromagnetic behavior from 300 to 26?K followed by antiferromagnetic behavior below 26?K. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Triodontophorusspp. parasitizes the large intestine of equine, causing strongylid diseases. The present study assessed genetic variation in five gene regions within and betweenTriodontophorus brevicaudaandTriodontophorus nipponicusfrom Heilongjiang Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous region. The five gene markers were three mitochondrial (mt) genes, cytochromecoxidase subunit I (cox1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5), cytochromeb(cytb); and two ribosomal RNA genes, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Partial (p) sequences ofcox1,nad5,cytb and the complete ITS rDNA region were PCR amplified from individual nematodes, and the amplicons were subjected to sequencing in both directions. The size of the three mt genes is identical in both species: 761 bp (pcox1), 505 bp (pnad5) and 562 bp (pcytb); the length of the two ribosomal genes is different: 376 bp and 370 bp (ITS1), and 333 bp and 322 bp (ITS2), respectively. Intraspecific variation betweenT. brevicaudaandT. nipponicuswas 0–1.5% and 0–1.1% for pcox1, 0–2.0% and 0–2.0% for pnad5, 0–1.4% and 0–2.2% for pcytb, 0–0.8% and 0–1.1% for ITS1 and 0–0.9% and 0–2.2% for ITS2. Interspecific variation within the nematodes was 13.5–14.3% for pcox1, 15.5–18.7% for pnad5, 16.7–18.6% for pcytb, 11.5–13.1% for ITS1 and 16.0–18.4% for ITS2. Phylogenetic analyses based on the combined mt gene sequences, as well as with the ITS sequences, show each species forming a monophyletic group of individuals. However, samples of different species from the same geographical origin did not always cluster together. These results provide valuable information for further studies of systematics and population genetics of the genusTriodontophorus. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of polylactid acid (PLA) fibrous membrane seeded with allogeneic rabbit adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to repair urethral defects in a rabbit model. Materials and methods: Rabbit ADSCs were harvested and phenotypically characterized. Twenty-four New Zealand male rabbits with 5-mm urethral mucosal defects were randomly divided into two groups. They underwent urethroplasty either with PLA fibrous membrane seeded with ADSCs (group A) or blank PLA fibrous membrane (group B). At 4 and 6 weeks after urethroplasty, the urethral grafts were collected and analyzed grossly and histologically. The incidence rate of urethrostenosis was measured. Results: The adipose tissue-derived cells in monolayer culture showed a typical morphology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They were positive for the MSC marker CD44 but negative for lineage markers CD45 and CD105. Six weeks after surgery, the incidence rate of urethrostenosis in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, the ADSC-seeded grafts showed a normal urethral architecture with a thickened muscle layer. In contrast, the newly developed urethra in group B demonstrated a fewer number of urothelial layers and scarce or no smooth muscle cells. Conclusion: The PLA scaffold seeded with ADSCs is effective in urethral regeneration in a rabbit model. ADSCs may represent a promising source of seed cells for urethral tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Elevated blood glucose (BG) induced by antihypertensive agents increases the risk of cardiovascular events. This study was designed to investigate whether fosinopril+indapamide combination therapy has any effect on glucose tolerance (GT), and if it did, whether conversion to fosinopril alone could reverse the impaired GT. Methods. Included in the present study were 124 hypertensive patients, of whom 62 patients were treated with fosinopril plus indapamide (F/I group) and the remaining 62 patients were treated with fosinopril alone (F group). Of them, 89 patients completed a mean of 14-month follow-up. In the F/I group, 29 patients were converted to the use of fosinopril for 4–12 months after they completed the follow-up. Results. In the F group, fasting BG decreased significantly from 5.1±0.5 to 4.8±0.7 mmol/l ( p<0.01), and 2-h postprandial BG decreased significantly from 7.2±1.6 to 6.4±1.4 mmol/l ( p<0.01), while in the F/I group, fasting BG increased significantly from 5.1 ±0.6 to 5.3±0.9 mmol/l ( p<0.05), and 2-h postprandial BG increased significantly from 7.2±1.7 to 7.7±1.8 mmol/l ( p<0.05). In 29 patients of the F/I group who completed the follow-up and were converted to fosinopril, fasting BG decreased significantly from 5.5±1.0 to 5.3±1.0 mmol/l ( p<0.05), and 2-h postprandial BG decreased significantly from 7.5±2.0 to 7.0±2.7 mmol/l ( p<0.05). Conclusion. Fosinopril+indapamide combination therapy impaired GT in Chinese hypertensive patients, and fosinopril alone was able to reverse fosinopril+indapamide-induced GT impairment in part of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background aims Cell-based gene therapy is an alternative to viral and non-viral gene therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are able to migrate to sites of tissue injury and have immunosuppressive properties that may be useful in targeted gene therapy for sustained specific tissue engraftment. Methods In this study, we injected intravenously (i.v.) 1×106 MSC, isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic rats, into Rif-1 fibrosarcoma-bearing C3H/HeN mice. The MSC had been infected using a lentiviral vector to express stably the luciferase reporter gene (MSC-GFP-luci). An in vivo imaging system (IVIS 200) and Western blotting techniques were used to detect the distribution of MSC-GFP-luci in tumor-bearing animals. Results We observed that xenogenic MSC selectively migrated to the tumor site, proliferated and expressed the exogenous gene in subcutaneous fibrosarcoma transplants. No MSC distribution was detected in other organs, such as the liver, spleen, colon and kidney. We further showed that the FGF2/FGFR pathways may play a role in the directional movement of MSC to the Rif-1 fibrosarcoma. We performed in vitro co-culture and in vivo tumor growth analysis, showing that MSC did not affect the proliferation of Rif-1 cells and fibrosarcoma growth compared with an untreated control group. Finally, we demonstrated that the xenogenic MSC stably expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein transferred by a lentivirus-based system had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Rif-1 tumors compared with MSC alone and the non-treatment control group. Conclusions iNOS delivered by genetically modified iNOS-MSC showed a significant anti-tumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. MSC may be used as a target gene delivery vehicle for the treatment of fibrosarcoma and other tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Cochlear slice and infrared video patch-clamp techniques can be used in real-time observation. They provide a good method and platform for further study of the electrophysiological properties and auditory transduction mechanism of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN). Objective: To establish the isolated rat cochlear slice technique combined with the infrared video patch-clamp technique to explore the electrophysiological properties of the SGN. Materials and methods: SD rats were divided into three groups according to postnatal days (0-2 days, 3-6 days and 7-14 days). After quickly making SD rat cochlear slices, the electrophysiological properties of the SGN were observed using the infrared differential interference contrast technique and patch-clamp recording, and the factors that affect the cochlear slice quality and patch-clamp recording were analysed. Results: The successful slice rate was highest in 3-6-day-old SD rats and two to four slices could be prepared using each cochlea. It is crucial to maintain the connection of partial skull with the cochlea and the volute integrity when producing slices. The position of the cochlear axis and blade, and the slice preparation time were also important factors affecting slice quality and cell activity. SGN cells in good condition could easily be found using the infrared video patch-clamp technique to help the assessment of the seal test process. SGN resting membrane potential of whole-cell recording was -45.6±5.3 mV (n=52) and the currents of Na+ and K+ could be recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genomic DNA of twoProvannasp. individuals was extracted, sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq1500, and the mitogenome was assembled. The nearly complete metogenome was 16,183 bp in length, consisting of 37 typical metazoan mitochondrial genes with the typical caenogastropod mitochondrial gene order. All mitochondrial genes were encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of eight transfer RNA genes. To reconstruct the phylogenetic position of the deep-sea Provannidae, we used amino acid sequences of all the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes in Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony analyses with sequences of selected gastropods. The resultant phylogenetic trees supported the placement of Provannidae in the superfamily Abyssochrysoidea of the clade Littorinimorpha of Gastropoda, providing new data for understanding the phylogeny of these deep-sea snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a nearly complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) from the glass spongeLophophysema eversa, the second mitogenome in the order Amphidiscosida and the ninth in the class Hexactinellida. It is 20,651 base pairs in length and contains 39 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA subunit genes and 24 tRNA genes. The gene content and order ofL. eversaare identical to those ofTabachnickiasp., the other species with a sequenced mitogenome in Amphidiscosida, except with two additional tRNAs and three tRNA translocations. Thecobgene has a +1 translational frameshift. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the phylogeny of glass sponges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of many species of Faviidae as structural-forming corals, only five species in three genera had a sequenced mitochondrial genome. We report the sixth complete mitochondrial genome in this family from the brain coral Platygyra carnosus, which is 16,463 bp in length and AT rich (67.0%). It has the typical coral mitochondrial gene arrangement, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 2 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes (tRNA-Met and tRNA-Trp). The ND5 gene is interrupted by a large group I intron which contains 10 protein-coding genes and 12S rRNA. Compared with related species from the same family, the three non-coding regions that are longer than 200 bp are less conserved in sequences than the coding regions, indicating potential markers for population genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]