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Water in the shale obstructs the enrichment and transportation of shale gas, so it is crucial to identify the occurrence mechanism of water in shale. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation had been performed to explore the occurrence state, dynamic characteristics, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation properties of confined water in shale inorganic nanopores (quartz). The results show that the number of adsorbed layers, diffusion coefficients (D) and rotational correlation time (τc) of water in quartz pores are strongly influenced by pore width (H). Layer analysis of water held in confinement indicates that the D value increases and the τc value decreases as the water approaches the centre of the pore. Furthermore, varying occurrence states lead to different NMR relaxation mechanisms. With the increase of H, the transverse relaxation time of adsorbed water is basically stable at 10−1 s. Finally, an exponential formula for evaluating pore size distribution is established. The total thickness of the water layer with the ratio of the intramolecular relaxation rate to the total relaxation rate less than 40% is defined as the thickness of the adsorbed water film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain neuromechanism in maintenance hemodialysis patients (MHD) with cognitive impairment (CI) remains unclear. The study aimed to probe the relationship between spontaneous brain activity and CI by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data. Here, 55 MHD patients with CI and 28 healthy controls were recruited. For baseline data, qualitative data were compared between groups using the χ2 test; quantitative data were compared between groups using the independent samples t-test, ANOVA test, Mann–Whitney U-test, or Kruskal–Wallis test. Comparisons of ALFF/fALFF/ReHo values among the three groups were calculated by using the DPABI toolbox, and then analyzing the correlation with clinical variables. p <.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, back propagation neural network (BPNN) was utilized to predict cognitive function. Compared with the MHD-NCI group, the patients with MHD-CI had more severe anemia and higher urea nitrogen levels, lower mALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus, lower mfALFF values in the left inferior temporal gyrus, and greater mALFF values in the right caudate nucleus (p <.05). The above-altered indicators were correlated with MOCA scores. BPNN prediction models indicated that the diagnostic efficacy of the model which inputs were hemoglobin, urea nitrogen, and mALFF value in the left central posterior gyrus was optimal (R2 = 0.8054), validation cohort (R2 = 0.7328). The rs-fMRI can reveal the neurophysiological mechanism of cognitive impairment in MHD patients. In addition, it can serve as a neuroimaging marker for diagnosing and evaluating cognitive impairment in MHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of deposit types formed in the late Palaeozoic-Mesozoic of eastern NE China and adjacent Russian Far East of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, outstanding questions remain on the (1) number of magmatic and metallogenic phases, and their respective space–time distribution; (2) geochemical (incl. isotopic) signature and fertility of each magmatic phase; and (3) tectonic link with these magmato-metallogenic events. We present new data (zircon U-Pb dating, geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotopes) on the Yangjingou W and Xiaoxi'nancha Au-Cu deposits, and compile published data from major ore deposits in the region. We have newly summarized four magmato-mineralization phases: (1) Middle Permian (ca. 273–259 Ma) Cu-Au-Pb-Zn, (2) Latest Permian-Early Triassic (ca. 253–247 Ma) W-Cu-Mo-Au, (3) Earliest-Middle Jurassic (ca. 201–162 Ma) Mo-Au-Fe-W-Pb-Zn, and (4) Cretaceous (ca. 129–83 Ma) W-Sn-Mo-Cu-Au mineralization. Cretaceous ore-causative granitoids are mainly I-type arc-related, whereas those for the three older mineralization phases are largely adakite-like or adakite-normal arc transitional. These granitoids were mostly derived from partial melting of juvenile crust, and to a lesser extent from a mixture of juvenile and ancient crust. We propose that the Middle Permian subduction of the Paleo-Asian and Panthalassa oceans formed the Au/Cu-Pb-Zn skarn and cryptoexplosive breccia-hosted Pb-Zn ± Ag deposits. Subsequently, the latest Permian-Early Triassic Paleo-Asian Ocean closure likely formed the porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo, orogenic Au, and vein-type W deposits in the Songliao and eastern Liaoyuan terranes. In the Early-Middle Jurassic, Paleo-Pacific subduction may have formed the Jiapigou orogenic Au belt and the Fe-polymetallic skarn deposits in the northern Songliao terrane, as well as porphyry Mo deposits along the Mudanjiang fault. Subsequently, Cretaceous W-Sn-Au-Cu metallogeny was controlled by Paleo-Pacific subduction rollback, and in the Russia Far East by partial melting of redox accretionary complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel moving horizon estimation approach based on distributionally robust optimisation to tackle the state estimation problem of non-linear systems with missing noise distribution information. The proposed method adopts a fuzzy set to mitigate the impact of uncertainties on state estimation. Specifically, the method derives an empirical distribution within the prediction window using a priori data and constructs a fuzzy sphere set using the Wasserstein metric with the empirical distribution as the sphere centre. This enables the estimation of the state sequence under the worst probability distribution of the fuzzy set. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a simple simulation example is conducted to compare its performance with that of traditional moving horizon estimation. The results provide evidence of the feasibility and superiority of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new sensing technology for rapid nondestructive detection, low field nuclear magnetic resonance technology (LF-NMR) is being widely applied in many fields of food science and technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of the LF-NMR technique to detect in the endpoint in drying off carrots as a model food material. Taking relative standard deviation (RSD) as the evaluation index, the research examined the effect of sample quantity and moisture content (MC) on the precision of detection. The results showed that adjusting the number of scans (NS) during drying and sample quantity can help improve the detection performance of LF-NMR. The MC level of 20% was observed to be the key point for adjustment of the detection parameter while the sample quantity at the drying endpoint is recommended to be 1.0-1.5g to achieve good precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been progress in improving endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), patients undergoing ESS are still at risk of postoperative bleeding. Little attention has been given to identifying specific risk factors for postoperative bleeding after ESS to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with postoperative bleeding in patients who underwent ESS to treat CRS. Six hundred and five patients with CRS who underwent ESS between 2017 and 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association between the incidence of postoperative bleeding and the background characteristics. Out of 605 ESSs, 36 (6.0%) patients developed postoperative bleeding. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the use of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant drugs, the presence of hypertension and the Lund-Mackay CT score were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative bleeding. Postoperative bleeding is a common complication following ESS. The risk factors for postoperative bleeding were as follows: the use of antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant drugs, hypertension and the Lund-Mackay CT score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research conducts an experimental study on the thermal performance of the finned metal foam (FMF) heat sinks with phase change material. The dynamic temperature response of an FMF heat sink is analyzed and compared with the corresponding finned heat sink. The effects of porosity and pore density on the thermal performance of FMF heat sinks are analyzed. Furthermore, the enhancement ratio and heat exchange capability are evaluated for the optimization of FMF heat sinks. The results indicate that the thermal conduction enhancement caused by the addition of metal foam exceeds the heat transfer loss arising from the suppression of natural convection. A decrease in porosity leads to an increase in heat exchange capability and contributes to a higher enhancement ratio. Considering the tradeoff between the low operating temperature and longer duration of reliability, the porosity of 0.9 is the best choice for FMF heat sinks. Though the porosity is identical, the thermal performance of an FMF heat sink is better with the increase of pore density. Considering the maximum energy charging capacities are identical, the FMF heat sink with larger pore density is recommended for practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) represents a group of congenital diseases characterized by sphere-shaped erythrocytes on peripheral blood smears. The typical clinical manifestations of HS include haemolysis, jaundice, splenomegaly, and gallstones. Ankyrin1, encoded by the ANK1 gene, is the predominant protein in red blood cells. Defects in ankyrin1 lead to a decrease in erythrocyte surface area, a spherical shape of erythrocytes and, in particular, loss of membrane elasticity and mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate a Chinese family with HS to determine the causative gene mutation and explore the genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods: A 4-year-old boy was diagnosed with HS based on typical clinical features. In addition, his father had a high possibility of HS. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) followed by Sanger sequencing was performed in the proband and his parents. Results: One mutation in the ANK1 gene was recognized. c1801-1G > C in exon 17, which leads to splicing defects, was detected. To confirm the c1801-1G > C variant, samples from the proband and his parents were analysed by Sanger sequencing, and Sanger verification showed that this mutation was inherited from the father. Conclusion: The present study confirmed that a novel mutation in ANK1 may be causative of HS, which plays an important role in expanding the mutational spectrum of ANK1 mutations. This may contribute to accurate genetic counselling. And it is helpful for understanding the correlation of the genotype and phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intellectualization is an important direction of drying development and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been widely used to solve problems of nonlinear function approximation, pattern detection, data interpretation, optimization, simulation, diagnosis, control, data sorting, clustering, and noise reduction in different food drying technologies due to the advantages of self-learning ability, adaptive ability, strong fault tolerance and high degree robustness to map the nonlinear structures of arbitrarily complex and dynamic phenomena. This article presents a comprehensive review on intelligent drying technologies and their applications. The paper starts with the introduction of basic theoretical knowledge of ANN, fuzzy logic and expert system. Then, we summarize the AI application of modeling, predicting, and optimization of heat and mass transfer, thermodynamic performance parameters, and quality indicators as well as physiochemical properties of dried products in artificial biomimetic technology (electronic nose, computer vision) and different conventional drying technologies. Furthermore, opportunities and limitations of AI technique in drying are also outlined to provide more ideas for researchers in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although bispectral index (BIS) has been widely used for predicting neurological outcomes in clinical practice, its optimal value concerning maximum (BISmax), minimum (BISmin) and mean (BISmean) on accurately predicting the prognosis of patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) after resuscitation has not been clearly determined. Methods: For a total number of 45 cases, the duration of each BIS measurement was 12 h, with the data collected at a 30 min interval. Outcome was recorded as survival and non-survival count 60 days after the resuscitation. Receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the BISmax, BISmin and BISmean for predicting clinical outcome. Results: By the end of observation, 20 cases (44.4%) survived with a significantly higher BISmax. The area under the curve for BISmax of predicting survival was the highest compared to BISmin and BISmean. The optimal cut-off value of BISmax was 71.5 with 100% sensitivity and 60% specificity. Ten patients presented BIS value down to zero at any time point did not survive the observation. Conclusion: The BISmax is a better outcome predictor than BISmin or BISmean for patients with HIE after resuscitation. Lower BISmax represents higher risk of mortality. Additionally, BIS value decreases to zero represents a poor outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intellectualization is an important direction of drying development and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been widely used to solve problems of nonlinear function approximation, pattern detection, data interpretation, optimization, simulation, diagnosis, control, data sorting, clustering, and noise reduction in different food drying technologies due to the advantages of self-learning ability, adaptive ability, strong fault tolerance and high degree robustness to map the nonlinear structures of arbitrarily complex and dynamic phenomena. This article presents a comprehensive review on intelligent drying technologies and their applications. The paper starts with the introduction of basic theoretical knowledge of ANN, fuzzy logic and expert system. Then, we summarize the AI application of modeling, predicting, and optimization of heat and mass transfer, thermodynamic performance parameters, and quality indicators as well as physiochemical properties of dried products in artificial biomimetic technology (electronic nose, computer vision) and different conventional drying technologies. Furthermore, opportunities and limitations of AI technique in drying are also outlined to provide more ideas for researchers in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the amygdala is more involved in processing animate categories, such as humans and animals, than inanimate objects, but little is known regarding whether this animate advantage applies to auditory stimuli. To address this issue, we performed a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) study with emotion and category as factors, in which subjects heard sounds from different categories (i.e., humans, animals, and objects) in negative and neutral dimensions. Emotional levels and semantic familiarity were matched across categories. The results showed that the amygdala responded more to human vocalization than to animal vocalization and sounds of inanimate objects in both negative and neutral valences, and more to animal sounds than to objects in neural condition. In addition, the amygdala, together with the insula and the right superior temporal sulcus, further distinguished human voices from animal sounds. These data indicated that the amygdala is prepared to respond to animate sources, especially human vocalizations in auditory modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berry fruits have attracted increasing more attention of the food processing industry as well as consumers due to their widely acclaimed advantages as highly effective anti-oxidant properties which may provide protection against some cancers as well as aging. However, the conventional extraction methods are inefficient and wasteful of solvent utilization. This paper presents a critical overview of some novel extraction methods applicable to berries, including pressurized-liquid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction as well as some combined extraction methods. When combined with conventional methods, the new technologies can be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, high quality processing of the functional extracts from berry fruits, such as refined processing technology, is introduced in this review. Finally, progress of applications of berry functional extracts in the food industry is described in detail; this should encourage further scientific research and industrial utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the state estimation advantages for a class of linear discrete-time stochastic jump systems, in which a Markov process governs the operation mode, and the state variables and disturbances are subject to inequality constraints. The horizon estimation approach addressed the constrained state estimation problem, and the Bayesian network technique solved the stochastic jump problem. The moving horizon state estimator designed in this paper can produce the constrained state estimates with a lower error covariance than under the unconstrained counterpart. This new estimation method is used in the design of the restricted state estimator for two practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practice, to reduce systematic variation and increase precision of effect estimation, a practical design strategy is then to partition the experimental units into homogeneous groups, known as blocks. It is an important issue to study the optimal way on blocking the experimental units. Blocked general minimum lower order confounding (B1-GMC) is a new criterion for selecting optimal block designs. The paper considers the construction of optimal two-level block designs with respect to the B1-GMC criterion. By utilizing doubling theory and MaxC2 design, some optimal block designs with respect to the B1-GMC criterion are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An organic-inorganic hybrid functionalized material was successfully synthesized by a surface molecular imprinting technique combined with a nonhydrolytic sol-gel (NHSG) process using acrylamide (AA) as the template, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane as the cross-linker and magnetic chitosan (CTS) microspheres as the support material. The adsorption ability and selectivity of this material toward AA was characterized. Experimental results showed that the imprinted polymer exhibited better recognition and selective performance toward AA than the nonimprinted polymer (NIP). The saturated binding capacity (Qmax) was 104.68 mg/g, and the equilibrium dissociation constant was 263.16 mg/mL. This prepared material also offered fast kinetics for the adsorption and desorption of AA. After shaking for 5 min, an adsorption capacity of 4.71 mg/g was obtained, and it almost reached the adsorption equilibrium within 90 min. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An organic–inorganic hybrid functionalized material was successfully synthesized by a surface molecular imprinting technique combined with a nonhydrolytic sol–gel process using acrylamide as the template, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane as the cross-linker, and magnetic chitosan microspheres as the support material. The adsorption ability and selectivity of this material toward acrylamide was characterized. Experimental results showed that the imprinted polymer exhibited better recognition and selective performance toward acrylamide than the nonimprinted polymer. The saturated binding capacity (Qmax) was 104.68 mg/g, and the equilibrium dissociation constant was 263.16 mg/mL. This prepared material also offered fast kinetics for the adsorption and desorption of acrylamide. After shaking for 5 min, an adsorption capacity of 4.71 mg/g was obtained, and it almost reached the adsorption equilibrium within 90 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence measurement provides a nondestructivein situanalysis of elements. We present a high-resolution minor element dataset covering the past 1300 years from the varved sediments in Lake Xiaolongwan. The variations of lithogenic elements (Rb, Sr, Ti, Zn, As and Fe) in the lake sediment show distinct decadal to centennial features during the past 1300 years. The Medieval Warm Period has a low value of lithogenic elements. In contrast, the Little Ice Age may be a period with stronger physical weathering and a higher value of lithogenic elements. Principal components analysis of our geochemical dataset suggests a link between high Rb/Sr ratio and Zr abundance in the sediment that could be related with both chemical weathering process and dust input. The variations of biogenic bromine (factor-3) show a pattern similar to the decadal drought index in Korea. Wet conditions favor bromine accumulation in lake sediment because high precipitation may transport more bromine from forest soil and increase plankton production in the lake. Spectral analysis of factor-3 yields notable periodicities of 2.6, 3.5, 53–55, 87–89 and 105–110 years, implying that precipitation variability for the past 1400 years could be associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation and solar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permian alkaline granitoids are widely distributed throughout the Tien Shan Orogen and adjacent region of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, their petrogenesis and related tectonic setting remain equivocal. A detailed mineralogical, U-Pb zircon dating, in situ elemental and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic studies of the uranium-rich Akkulen syenite intrusion in the Northern Tien Shan of Kyrgyzstan were undertaken to better understand its magmatic processes and geodynamic evolution. Four independent oxygen barometers have shown that the oxygen fugacity of the Akkulen syenitic magma evolved from initial low fO2 (NNO +1) during magma ascent and cooling; Apatite geochemical characteristics also indicate that the magma is relatively high F (2.9–5.1 wt.%), with low Cl (0.053–0.13 wt.%) and anhydrous (<4 wt %) contents. According to whole-rock geochemical data, the syenite samples have abnormally high U (38.5–57.1 ppm) and Th (96.2–137 ppm) concentrations, we suggest that high F content and moderate oxygen fugacity are beneficial for uranium enrichment. Zircon grains from a syenite sample yielded a weighted 206Pb/238U age of 283.5 ± 2.6 Ma. The intrusion has an A-type granite affinity with high alkali (Na2O + K2O) contents and Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios, high LREE/HREE (~5), and low Sr, Ba, and Eu contents. They have negative εNd(t) (−5.2 to −3.6) values with Mesoproterozoic two-stage model ages (T DM2 = 1.35–1.47 Ga), and variable εHf(t) values (−4.6 to +2.4) with Mesoproterozoic two-stage model ages (T DM2 = 1. 2–1.59 Ga), which suggest these rock derivations from the relatively old crustal with minor contribution from juvenile crustal melts. In comparison with regional available dataset, we propose that the alkaline Permian granitoids in Kyrgyz Northern Tien Shan may have been originated from large-scale partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metamorphic basement with minor juvenile crustal material in a post-extensional setting. In contrast, the Early Permian granitoid magmatism in the Tarim Craton may have been caused by the partial melting of Neoproterozoic basement rocks associated with Permian mantle plume activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syndiotactic polypropylenes (s-PPs) were freeze-extracted from alkyl solvents of varying molar volume. Higher degree of crystallinity was found for s-PP recovered from hexadecane than that from octane by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. DSC analysis indicated that s-PP freeze-extracted from alkyl solvents of larger molar volume crystallized at a faster rate. FT-Raman spectra were used to characterize s-PP gels in octane and in hexadecane. It is found that interaction existed between the segments of s-PP chains and octane, while no interaction was found between s-PP and hexadecane, which may account for the faster crystallization rate and high degree of crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic watermarking (DW)-based detection methods can effectively detect replay attacks, however these detection methods cannot achieve the desired effectiveness for generalised replay attacks (GRAs). The objectiveness of this paper is to investigate security weakness of DW-based detection for GRAs. Firstly, unlike replaying history data from replay attacks, data accuracy compromised by GRAs is analysed, where their characteristics are similar to that compromised by replay attacks, and the current data are distorted by typical GRAs such as injection, replacement and scaling attacks. Secondly, considering the corresponding hidden Markov models of different types of GRAs, the stealthiness is quantified by auto covariance of residuals and cross covariance between residuals and watermarking signals. It is found that if both auto and cross covariance keep unchanged or increase along with watermarking intensity increasing, GRAs cannot be detected effectively. Thirdly, after DW-based detection is invalid for GRAs, it is proved that the stability of closed-loop systems for open-loop unstable dynamics will be destroyed, or the admissible system state bounds can be crossed within a finite time. Finally, experiments are operated on a networked inverted pendulum platform, and experimental results confirm security weakness of DW-based detection for GRAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterial and methodsResultsConclusionsThis study was designed to conduct pooled comparisons of the relative clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization for pulmonary nodules (PNs) using either coil- or liquid material-based approaches.Relevant articles published as of July 2023 were identified in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Wanfang databases, and pooled analyses of relevant endpoints were then conducted.Six articles that enrolled 287 patients (341 PNs) and 247 patients (301 PNs) that had respectively undergone CT-guided localization procedures using coil- and liquid material-based approaches prior to video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) were included in this meta-analysis. The liquid material group exhibited a significantly higher pooled successful localization rate as compared to the coil group (p = 0.01), together with significantly lower pooled total complication rates (p = 0.0008) and pneumothorax rates (p = 0.01). Both groups exhibited similar rates of pulmonary hemorrhage (p = 0.44) and successful wedge resection (p = 0.26). Liquid-based localization was also associated with significant reductions in pooled localization and VATS procedure durations (p = 0.004 and 0.007).These data are consistent with CT-guided localization procedures performed using liquid materials being safer and more efficacious than coil-based localization in patients with PNs prior to VATS resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal dysfunction and disruption of renal endothelial glycocalyx are two important events during septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, the role and mechanism of hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) in regulating renal injury and renal endothelial glycocalyx breakdown in septic AKI were explored for the first time. BALB/c mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) to induce AKI. HYAL1 was blocked in vivo using lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting HYAL1 (LV-sh-HYAL1). Biochemical assays were performed to measure the levels and concentrations of biochemical parameters associated with AKI as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines. Renal pathological lesions were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis in the kidney was detected using terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining assays were used to examine the levels of hyaluronic acid in the kidney. The protein levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, endothelial glycocalyx, and autophagy-associated indicators were assessed by western blotting. The knockdown of HYAL1 in LPS-subjected mice by LV-sh-HYAL1 significantly reduced renal inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and kidney dysfunction in AKI, as well as alleviated renal endothelial glycocalyx disruption by preventing the release of hyaluronic acid to the bloodstream. Additionally, autophagy-related protein analysis indicated that knockdown of HYAL1 significantly enhanced autophagy in LPS mice. Furthermore, the beneficial actions of HYAL1 blockade were closely associated with the AMPK/mTOR signaling. HYAL1 deficiency attenuates LPS-triggered renal injury and endothelial glycocalyx breakdown in septic AKI in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is one of the dominant bacteria for refractory infections of teeth. Silver ions (Ag+) have been proved to be a strong bactericide but with high cytotoxicity and discoloration property. Simvastatin is an agent used for dyslipidemia treatment and has anti-inflammatory property. In this study, Ag+ and simvastatin were for the first time used in combination, and poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) submicron particles carrying both Ag+ and simvastatin (AgS-PLGA) were fabricated for further investigations. Results confirmed the enhanced antibacterial activity against E. faecalis of Ag+ by simvastatin. AgS-PLGA could release both Ag+ and simvastatin for 24 days and also showed enhanced antibacterial activities. On dentin slices, AgS-PLGA could enter dentinal tubules by ultrasonic activation and inhibit the colonization of E. faecalis. AgS-PLGA showed no cytotoxicity on MC3T3-E1 cells and slight suppressive effect on RAW-264.7 cells, and could reduce the secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β of RAW-264.7 cells. AgS-PLGA could be developed as a new biomaterial for infection and inflammation control for dental and related medical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) has devastating consequences. Dorsal root ganglion as a pivotal locus participates in the process of neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration. In recent years, gene sequencing technology has seen rapid rise in the biomedicine field. So, we attempt to gain insight into in the mechanism of neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration in the transcriptional level and to explore novel genes through bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The gene expression profiles of GSE96051 were downloaded from GEO database. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was constructed by Cytoscape software. Results: Our results showed that both IL-6 and Jun genes and the signaling pathway of MAPK, apoptosis, P53 present their vital modulatory role in nerve regeneration and neuropathic pain. Noteworthy, 13 hub genes associated with neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration, including Ccl12, Ppp1r15a, Cdkn1a, Atf3, Nts, Dusp1, Ccl7, Csf, Gadd45a, Serpine1, Timp1 were rarely reported in PubMed database, these genes may provide us the new orientation in experimental research and clinical study. Conclusions: Our results may provide more deep insight into the mechanism and a promising therapeutic target. The next step is to put our emphasis on an experiment level and to verify the novel genes from 13 hub genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient separation of emulsified oily wastewater is urgently needed and remains a worldwide challenge. However, the preparation of underwater superoleophobic materials still suffer from complicated process control, special equipment and expensive reagents, which further restricts the large-scale application of such materials. Herein, one-step constructing of underwater superoleophobic beds is introduced for highly efficient gravity-directed separation of various oil-in-water emulsions. Importantly, this study simplifies the fabrication process of underwater superoleophobic materials. It's worth noting that the strategy can achieve the effective separation of a range of oil-in-water emulsions by only requires simple accumulation of hydrophilic materials. More importantly, the underwater superoleophobic sandwich-structured beds still maintain the separation efficiency more than 99.2% after 10 cycles. In addition, this strategy is suitable for a variety of hydrophilic materials, which provides new perspectives for fabrication of novel oil-water emulsion-separating materials. One-step constructing of underwater superoleophobic bed was used for high efficiency separation of oil-in-water emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study collected 49 topsoil samples in agricultural soil from Panxi district (Sichuan, China), investigating the contamination status and probabilistic health risk of their heavy metal(loid)s (HMs). The average concentrations (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were 18.18, 1.66, 294.05, 143.37, 70.18, 31.70 and 139.18, respectively. The pollution index (Pi) of the seven HMs were in the descending order of Cd > Cr > Cu > As > Zn > Ni > Pb, and the comprehensive Nemeiro risk index (PN) was 2.67, indicating that the study area was a moderate pollution by HMs. Meanwhile, Cd showed major contribution to the soil pollution among these HMs. The spatial distribution of HMs revealed that the southwestern part of the study area was the contamination hotspots. The hazard index (Hi) for children and adults were 1.621 and 0.346, respectively, and the total non-carcinogenic risk for children exceeded the threshold of 1. The carcinogenic risks associated with Cr (adults:, children:) and Ni (adults:) far exceeded the safe level of 1E-04; Monte Carlo simulations showed that humans locating in the study area suffered from a relatively significant carcinogenic risk; and the children were at higher risk than the adults. Among the three exposure pathways (ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact), the ingestion was the most important way for HMs to harm human health. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for both controlling HMs contamination and reducing the potential health risks in studied soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the wide application of steel structure buildings and bridges, the fatigue of welded connections has gradually become a research upsurge. Accurate evaluation of fatigue behavior is the most challenge issue for the study of fatigue failure of welded structures. In this paper, the conventional S-N curve was calculated by Bayesian method, and compared with several standards and probability models, such as EN1993-1-9, IIW-1823-07, ASTM E739 and Weibull distribution model etc. To consider the influence of load ratio R reflecting mean stress on fatigue life, using Bayesian method and S-N-R model, the design fatigue life of the welded joints was successfully calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of starch synthase (SS) has been extensively analysed in the model plant rice, but there have been few detailed studies directed towards exploring the intron splicing variant effect on the divergence of theSSgene. We report here an example that the alternative splicing of a GC-AG intron induced a new splicing isoform ofSSII-1expressed inOryza sativa japonicacultivar Zhonghua-15. In addition, a GT-AG intron flanking the alternative splicing GC-AG intron was simultaneously spliced at an incorrect position, inducing another intron fragment gained in matureSSII-1RNA. Moreover, when a GT-AG intron fromSSII-3was artificially mutated into the GC-AG intron, a 28 bp fragment from the intron added to the mature RNA could be observed in transgenic rice. In this study, the alternative intron splicing of the GC-AG intron might offer more variants for genetic divergence of the starch synthase gene family in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a numerical study on seismic collapse capacity of high-rise concrete-filled steel tubular moment resisting frames (CFT-MRFs) under extreme ground motions that are beyond the design levels. The ground motions characterised as flat velocity spectral shape were selected to neglect record-to-record uncertainty induced by the changing of the natural periods of structures. A simple numerical approach was developed using fibre element with stiffness and strength degradation accounted in stress–strain models. Then, incremental dynamic analyses with various parameters were performed to evaluate the P-Delta and degradation effects on local and global collapse mechanisms. Results have shown that a drift concentration at the lower stories triggered the side-sway collapse mode that was dominated by the post-buckling strength degradation of CFT columns. The height of drift concentration indicates the range where the collapse mechanism was formed, and a drift concentration factor was proposed to estimate the extent of drift concentration. Last, a factor indicating the safety margin under collapse was computed based on the probability of earthquake occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen were determined in river water during intermittent aeration by near-infrared spectroscopy with a back-propagation neural network. Near-infrared spectra were obtained for 138 samples. A total of 116 samples were used as the calibration set and the remainder as the test set. The spectral region was from 4000 to 12,500 cm−1. Principal component analysis was used as a preprocessing method of the near-infrared spectra to eliminate redundant information. The six principal components were extracted through principal component analysis. Back-propagation neural network models of total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen showed that the correlation coefficients were 0.9816, 0.9783, and 0.9562, respectively, with root-mean-square error of cross validation values of 0.04735, 0.03689, and 0.03766. The results of the back-propagation neural network models of total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen indicated that the correlation coefficients were 0.9752, 0.9690, and 0.9524, respectively, with root-mean-square errors of prediction equal to 0.05763, 0.04537, and 0.04157. This study showed that the described approach accurately determined total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen. The concentrations of total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen were 0.64–54.25, 0.57–45.04, and 0.05–31.40 mg · L−1in river water, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The evolution of grain structure and formation of macrosegregation during solidification of Al-4wt% Cu alloy are simulated. A two-dimensional (2D) cellular automaton (CA)–finite element (FE) model is presented. The influences of the macroscopic transport of liquid momentum, heat and solute mass on the development of grain structure are accounted for. Experiments are performed in a sand mould with graphite chill placed on one side of the cavity. Comparisons of CAFE simulation with the measured concentration of copper and with the experimental grain structure are performed. A reasonable agreement is achieved concerning columnar-to-equiaxed transition from different directions and final concentration distribution. Simulations show that only with convection in the liquid can the experimental results be reproduced. Fluid flows affect the formation of grain structure by modifying the distribution manner and degree of constitutional undercooling in the bulk melt. Solute suppressed nucleation (SSN) effect is promoted by convection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The evaluation of probabilistic constraints plays an important role in reliability-based design optimization. Traditional simulation methods such as Monte Carlo simulation can provide highly accurate results, but they are often computationally intensive to implement. To improve the computational efficiency of the Monte Carlo method, this article proposes a particle splitting approach, a rare-event simulation technique that evaluates probabilistic constraints. The particle splitting-based reliability assessment is integrated into the iterative steps of design optimization. The proposed method provides an enhancement of subset simulation by increasing sample diversity and producing a stable solution. This method is further extended to address the problem with multiple probabilistic constraints. The performance of the particle splitting approach is compared with the most probable point based method and other approximation methods through examples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A meta-analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the procalcitonin (PCT) test for diagnosing neonatal sepsis. The major databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 1996 and May 2009 that evaluated PCT as a diagnostic marker for neonatal sepsis and provided sufficient data to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis. Trials that evaluated the PCT test for the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis at different time points (birth, 0–12 h, 12–24 h, and 24–48 h) and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) all showed moderate accuracy ( Q* = 0.79, 0.86, 0.81, 0.82, and 0.77, respectively). The PCT test was more accurate than the C-reactive protein (CRP) test for the diagnosis of LONS. A sensitivity analysis found that differences in PCT assay producer, gestational age and severity of sepsis in the study population may partially explain the between-studies heterogeneity. The PCT test showed moderate accuracy in diagnosing neonatal sepsis, regardless of differences in diagnostic criteria and time points for testing. For the diagnosis of LONS, the PCT test showed better accuracy than the CRP test. PCT is a valuable additional tool for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at investigating the characteristics of monosodium glutamate (MSG) microcapsules. Spray-drying was used to prepare the microcapsules, in which the core material (MSG) was coated with gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD), and the weight ratio of MD with GA was 1:2. The characteristics of microcapsules were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), moisture content, particle size, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), release behavior, the flavor, and taste in hot-pot. Few concave wrinkles were observed on the quasispheres surface of microcapsules coated with GA and MD. The particle size of the microcapsules ranged from 14.00 to 30.00 µm in the mean diameter, and moisture content was 2.08%. An FTIR study indicated a successful packet of MSG by wall materials and the formation of MSG microcapsules during spray drying. Results of DSC and TGA showed that hybrid encapsulation was conducive to the improvement of thermal stability of MSG. In the release of hot-pot study, tests of slow-release, electronic nose, and electronic tongue demonstrated that MSG microcapsules were available in hot water conditions to release. The MSG microcapsules coated with GA and MD exhibited long time for slow-release. Therefore, spraying drying is a suitable approach to manufacture slow-released powdered microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pairwise genetic interactions (B cell lymphocyte kinase(BLK) rs13277113,B cell scaffold protein with ankyrin repeats 1(BANK1) rs3733197andBLKrs13277113membrane metalloendopeptidase like 1(MMEL1)/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14(TNFRSF14) rs3890745) have been demonstrated in determining susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without replication, thus this study was performed to examine whether abovementioned genetic polymorphisms were associated with RA and further tests were performed to see whether aforementioned genetic interactions existed in RA among Chinese population. A total of 328 patients with RA and 449 healthy control subjects were included in the current study. The polymorphisms were genotyped using the ligase detection reaction-polymerase chain reaction (LDR-PCR) technology. The association of RA with each polymorphism was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Interaction analysis was done by multiple methods. Significant difference in genotype distribution ofBLKrs13277113 polymorphism between RA patients and healthy controls was found (p = 1.01 × 10−2). The major allele A ofBLKrs13277113 polymorphism was significantly increased in RA patients compared with controls (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08–1.71,p = 9.27 × 10−3). Significant association of RA with the major allele A ofBLKrs13277113 polymorphism under dominant model was also detected (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.42–5.29,p = 2.73 × 10−3). However, we did not find significant association between neitherBANK1rs3733197 polymorphism norMMEL1/TNFRSF14rs3890745 polymorphism and RA. Non-significant evidence was found for neither additive nor multiplicative interaction for these two pairwise genetic polymorphisms (BLKrs13277113-BANK1rs3733197;BLKrs13277113-MMEL1/TNFRSF14rs3890745). Significant association of RA with G allele ofBANK1rs3733197 polymorphism was only found among individuals carrying A/A genotype of theBLKrs13277113 polymorphism (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.01–2.18,p = .04). In summary, our results indicated that theBLKrs13277113 polymorphism was involved in the genetic background of RA in Chinese population and the association ofBANK1rs3733197 polymorphism with RA was dependent on the genotype ofBLKrs13277113 polymorphism, highlighting B-cell response implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:This study aims to assess the effects of low-dose benzene on DNA damage and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)methylation in occupational workers. Materials and methods:We recruited 96 nonsmoking male petrochemical industry workers exposed to low-dose benzene and 100 matched control workers. Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and S-benzylmercapturic acid (SBMA) were measured for indicating internal exposure of benzene and toluene. The degree of DNA damage was determined by the Comet assay. The levels ofMGMTmethylation were detected quantitatively by bisulphite-PCR pyrosequencing assay. Results:The benzene-exposed workers had significantly higher levels of urinary SPMA, degree of DNA damage but decreasedMGMTmethylation than the controls (allp < 0.05). In contrast, the level of urinary SBMA does not differ between benzene-exposed workers and the controls. In all participants,MGMTmethylation was negatively associated with the urinary SPMA and the degree of DNA damage, indicating that epigenetic regulation might be involved in response to low-dose benzene exposure-induced genetic damage. Discussion and conclusion:MGMTmethylation could be a potent biomarker associated with low-dose benzene exposure and benzene-induced DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The antidiabetic drug metformin exhibits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in various cells, suggesting its potential to treat a variety of malignant and non-malignant hyperplastic diseases. Clinical studies indicate that psoriasis patients with metformin treatment have a better response than those without metformin. Objective: The present study evaluates the antiproliferative activity and anti-inflammatory responses of metformin in human keratinocytesin vitroand explores the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods: HaCaT cells were incubated with metformin at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM for 48 h. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by MTT and apoptotic response was examined by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to detect IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF protein expression. Western blot was used to investigate the expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream effectors p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K). Results: The survival rates of HaCaT cells treated with metformin at 50 mM were reduced to 75.6, 59.4, and 30.3% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The number of apoptotic HaCaT cells was significantly increased at 50 mM metformin after 48 h treatment. Metformin can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by direct inhibition of IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF. Metformin at 50 mM significantly reduced the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K, by 49.0 and 62.1%, respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Metformin treatment significantly inhibited proliferation and proinflammatory responses in HaCaT cells by a mechanism associated with inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. The results indicate that metformin may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: A variety of laser and IPL treatments with continued progress have been applied for nonablative skin rejuvenation; however, the complete understanding of working mechanisms and clinical appliance strategy is not clear. Materials and methods: The rats were divided into three groups and irradiated with Q-switched 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser and IPL. Image analysis, chemical colorimetry method, and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the dermal thickness, hydroxyproline, and the expression of III procollagen mRNA, respectively, at sequential time points following irradiation. In addition, the ultra-structure changes of rat skin were observed by TEM at 3 weeks after irradiation. Results: Two-light treatment contributed to increase in the dermal thickness, the hydroxyproline contents and the expression of III procollagen mRNA, and the dense arrangement of collagen. The effect of collagen synthesis and remodeling could last for at least 3 months after treatment, and the YAG group is more efficient than the IPL group. The expressions of procollagen type III mRNA reached peak level at 2 weeks. Conclusion: The effect of different lights depends on the wavelength and the penetrated depth; the best referential treatment interval of two kinds of lights for nonablative skin rejuvenation on rat skin is 2 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal preparation conditions of DNA vaccine against swine influenza encapsulated in Poly (D,L)-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres were determined. The microspheres were prepared by an emulsion-evaporation method using PLGA as the biodegradable matrix forming polymer. Using the optimal preparation conditions, PLGA microspheres containing the DNA vaccine were produced with good morphology as evident from scanning electron micrographs, high encapsulation rate and high stability. The transfection test indicated that the vaccine could be expressed as an antigen in cells and maintained good bioactivity. Moreover, these results demonstrated that the PLGA microspheres containing DNA vaccine can be used to achieve prolonged release of plasmid DNA. These results have laid a foundation for further development before ultimate industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]