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The study aimed to fingerprint the physical manufacturing properties of five commonly used acid sources in effervescent systems for designing the formulation and process of such systems. The hygroscopicity, texture properties, rheological torque, compressibility, tabletability, etc., were investigated to inspect 'powder direct compression (DC)' and 'wet granulation and compression' properties of citric (CA), tartaric (TA), malic (MA), fumaric (FA), and adipic acid (AA). The DC ability was evaluated by the SeDeM expert system. The results indicated that all acid powders failed to meet flowability requirements for DC, and plastic deformation dominated during compression. Furthermore, CA exhibited strong hygroscopicity and punch sticking, while MA demonstrated the best tabletability. TA had a large wet granulation space and was relatively the most suitable for DC. AA was extremely hygroscopic, and its flowability improved significantly as particle size increased. Finally, FA displayed the lowest hygroscopicity and ejection force as well as great compressibility and wet granulation space, and did not exhibit punch sticking, while the granule fragments dissolved slowly during disintegration. Generally speaking, the formulation or granulation affected the tabletability, indicating that pairing with other acids or suitable fillers could potentially improve its disadvantages. These multidimensional assessments effectively reduce the pre-exploration and enhance the efficiency of the development of effervescent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to investigate the extreme risk spillovers from crude oil to four major Asian stock markets from a market sentiment perspective. A copula-CoVaR (Conditional Value-at-Risk) approach is adopted to construct a dynamic network to capture the contributions of different types of market sentiment to the evolution of oil-stock risk nexus. The empirical evidence shows the presence of significant risk spillover effects from crude oil to equity markets. The dynamics of the oil-to-stock risk spillovers is shown to be significantly driven by market sentiments, mainly market fears in both stock markets and crude oil market triggered by prominent systemic events. As an extreme event unfolds, the oil-to-stock risk spillover dynamics is increasing susceptible to escalating market fears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine changes in market liquidity when several popular U.S. retail brokers restrict client trading in GameStop stock over a six-day period in early 2021 due to higher clearinghouse deposit requirements. When retail investor participation in a high-attentionstock becomes restricted, trading activity declines and trading venue shifts occur – there is less trading in dark markets and more fragmented trading across U.S. stock exchanges. We also find that when a stock order flow mix becomes comprised of fewer retail investors and a higher concentration of institutional investors, the quoted bid-ask spread widens, and trading cost measures rise significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of commercial probiotics for health improvement and disease treatment has increased in popularity among the public in recent years. The local shops and pharmacies are brimming with various probiotic products such as probiotic food, dietary supplement and pharmaceuticals that herald a range of health benefits, from nutraceutical benefits to pharmaceutical effects. However, although the probiotic market is expanding rapidly, there is increasing evidence challenging it. Emerging insights from microbiome research and public health demonstrate several potential limitations of the natural properties, regulatory frameworks, and market consequences of commercial probiotics. In this review, we highlight the potential safety and performance issues of the natural properties of commercial probiotics, from the genetic level to trait characteristics and probiotic properties and further to the probiotic-host interaction. Besides, the diverse regulatory frameworks and confusing probiotic guidelines worldwide have led to product consequences such as pathogenic contamination, overstated claims, inaccurate labeling and counterfeit trademarks for probiotic products. Here, we propose a plethora of available methods and strategies related to strain selection and modification, safety and efficacy assessment, and some recommendations for regulatory agencies to address these limitations to guarantee sustainability and progress in the probiotic industry and improve long-term public health and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, analysis of the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the unpolar fractions [petroleum ether (PE) and chloroform (C)] of fruits and leaves of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. were carried out, as well as the bioactivities of the main compounds nootkatone and valencene. From PE and C fractions of the fruits, and PE fraction of the leaves, 95.80%, 59.30%, and 82.11% of the chemical constituents respectively were identified by GC-MS. Among these identified compounds, nootkatone was the main compound in all of three fractions, while valencene was the second main compound in the PE fractions of the fruits and leaves. The bioactivities results showed that all of the fractions and the major compound nootkatone showed tyrosinase inhibitory, as well as inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. While valencene only presented inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The critical genes involved in nootkatone biosynthesis in A. oxyphylla were identified from the public transcriptome datasets, and protein sequences were preliminarily analyzed. Our studies develop the usage of the unpolar fractions of A. oxyphylla, especially its leaves as the waste during its production, and meanwhile provide the gene resources for nootkatone biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) is a member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase family. Previous studies have reported the involvement of RNF6 as a ubiquitin ligase in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, this study found that RNF6 has a clear localization in the nucleus of GC, indicating a role other than ubiquitin ligase. Further chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis revealed that RNF6 has DNA binding and transcriptional regulatory effects and is involved in important pathways such as tumor cell cycle and apoptosis. Cyclin A1 (CCNA1) and CREB binding protein (CREBBP) are downstream targets for RNF6 transcription regulation in GC. RNF6 binds to the promoter region of CCNA1/CREBBP and is actively regulating their expression in GC cells. Silencing CCNA1/CREBBP partially reversed the promoting effect of RNF6 overexpression on the biological function of GC cells. Our study suggests that RNF6 promotes the progression of GC by regulating CCNA1/CREBBP transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study focused on casual sex motivation to explore why some users tend to have more sexual partners and are more likely to take risks in sexual practices, thereby raising their chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods: We recruited Chinese heterosexual dating app users (N = 582) online to investigate the serial mediation model. Results: Casual sex motivation for dating app use was not directly related to the diagnoses of STIs. Number of sexual partners and frequency of risky sexual behavior serially mediated the relationship between casual sex motivation and STI diagnoses. Conclusions: Using dating apps for casual sex motivation is not necessarily associated with higher incidences of STIs, provided that users do not engage in risky sexual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore plant-derived peptides as carrier material with the function of anti-hot-melt stickiness of traditional Chinese herbal extracts during spray drying. Crataegi fructus extract (CFE) with a severe hot-melt stickiness problem was used as a model drug, and soy peptides (SPT) were screened as the most effective and suitable carrier material among seven plant-derived proteins and peptides which include soy protein isolate, walnut protein and five kinds of peptides (corn peptides, wheat peptides, walnut peptides, rice peptides and SPT). The addition of 15% SPT also exhibited a strong anti-stickiness effect in other four hot-melt sticky herbal extracts from Chinese herbs (Lycii fructus, Corni fructus, Chaenomelis fructus and Mume fructus) since the obtained powder increased from completely sticking to the wall to more than 50% powder yield. The dynamic surface tensions (DST) of CFE decreased consistently with the increase of SPT from 5% to 20%, and DST1000ms had consistent reduction with the addition of SPT from zero to 20%. Meanwhile, the adhesive force of the single droplet at 28 min decreased below 18.5 N. The softening point of the spray-dried powder of CFE added 15% SPT increased by about 40 °C, and the addition of 15% SPT improved the stability which might be similar with the addition of 50% MD based on scanning electron microscope analysis but more efficiently. These findings confirmed that SPT plant-derived could serve as effective and stable carrier material with good anti-stickiness ability during spray drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the instability characteristics of CO/H2/air and CH4/H2/air mixtures in a narrow channel under standard temperature and pressure conditions. The CO/H2 mixture exhibits a greater overpressure growth rate and maximum explosion overpressure as compared to the CH4/H2 mixture at the same hydrogen content. As the hydrogen content increases, the maximum explosion overpressure (Pmax) value increases, while the corresponding time (θ) value gradually decreases. The maximum explosion overpressure of CH4/H2 and CO/H2 mixtures is 28.27 kPa and 25.09 kPa, respectively. The flame wrinkles to form cells due to the Darius-Landau instability, and the interaction between the vortex tube and premixed flame affects the structure of turbulent premixed combustion. The oscillation frequency of the overpressure increases with increasing hydrogen content, and the oscillation belongs to the Helmholtz oscillation. The CO/H2 mixtures exhibit greater flame thickness than CH4/H2 mixtures, resulting in lower Peclet numbers and therefore greater relative importance of heat losses. As the hydrogen content increases, the sensitivity coefficient of R99 (OH + CO <=> H + CO2) in the CO/H2 mixture gradually decreases, while the sensitivity coefficients of R38 (H + O2 <=> O + OH) and R84 (OH + H2 <=> H + H2O) increase. The elementary reaction R38 plays a leading role in increasing the laminar burning velocity of the CH4/H2 mixture. The trend of R38 variation in the two mixtures is opposite with increasing hydrogen content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation instability of a premixed H2/CO/air mixture flame in an open-ended vertical narrow channel was investigated in this paper. The mixture was ignited at five different ignition positions: IP-50, IP-250, IP-500, IP-750, and IP-950. This paper presents a new method for flame image processing. The flame front curve is generally an exponential outflow from the ignition to the top opening at any ignition. The oscillation frequency increases with the increase of flame front curvature. The flame front curvature fluctuates with time when the oscillation propagation occurs, and the flame decelerates and inverts when the curvature is larger. The dominant frequencies are different depending on ignition position, which has a certain effect on frequency. Five different ignition positions of dominant frequency are 78.00 Hz, 125.07 Hz, 170.5 Hz, 125.1 Hz, 170.7 Hz, respectively. Interestingly, IP-500, IP-750 and IP-950 have secondary frequency values of 356.9 Hz, 357.1 Hz and 331.8 Hz, respectively. The secondary frequency is about twice the dominant frequency, and it is caused by parametric instability. Flame oscillation propagation is affected by dimensionless temperature and Lewis value. The interaction between flame and overpressure wave promotes the deformation and oscillation of the flame front. The overpressure, flame front position, flame front curvature, and flame speed coupled oscillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using comprehensive transaction-level data from China, we document that institutional investors that have participated into the IPO pricing process trade at more profitable prices in the post-IPO market than other institutional investors do, resulting in higher profitability. The outperformance is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry. We also document that participating institutions are able to identify more good trading opportunities ahead of others and that this ability become stronger when trading firms with higher information asymmetry. The outperformance and trading ability of participating institutions alleviates in periods before the expiration of lock-up and when retail sentiment is higher. Overall, our results imply that participating institutions possess information advantages over other institutions in post-IPO trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how Western news media (The New York Times and BBC News) and Islamic news media (Al-Jazeera English and Al-Arabiya English) frame issues about freedom of expression and anti-Islamic sentiments, respectively, in the aftermath of the January 7, 2015, attacks on France's weekly satirical newsmagazine, Charlie Hebdo. Results show a deep divide: that the Western news media, on the one hand, endorsed Charlie Hebdo's right to offend religious sensitivities and lauded its role to protect the Western value of free speech; and that the Islamic news media, on the other, viewed the entire Western discourses as anti-Islam and anti-Muslim, emphasizing the need for good taste and professionalism in journalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert a critical effect on tumorigenesis and development. Our research aimed to clarify the function and underlying mechanism of circ_0060937 inNSCLC. The concentrations of circ_0060937, miR-195-5p and high-mobility group box 3 (HMGB3) were monitored via qRT-PCR and western blot assays. Additionally, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Glycolysis was evaluated via detecting glucose uptake and lactate product. The association between miR-195-5p and circ_0060937/HMGB3 were validated using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RIP assays. Furthermore,in vivo experiment was performed to analyze tumorigenesis.Circ_0060937 and HMGB3 levels were elevated, whereas miR-195-5p level was dropped in NSCLC. Circ_0060937 down-regulation restrainedNSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis, and triggered apoptosis. Knockdown of circ_0060937 restrained NSCLC development via absorbing miR-195-5p. Circ_0060937 silencing inhibited NSCLC progression by mediating HMGB3. Besides, circ_0060937 depletion suppressed tumor growth in vivo.Circ_0060937 knockdown hindered NSCLC development and glycolysis via regulating miR-195-5p/HMGB3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If both the coefficient matrix and the observation vector are affected by noise, a total least-squares algorithm should be applied to obtain the solution. However, if they are also contaminated by outliers, the solution of the algorithm will seriously deviate from the true values. Therefore, the effect of outliers needs to be eliminated. For this purpose, the robust estimation is introduced into the total least-squares algorithm, developing a new robust weighted total least-squares algorithm. Simultaneously, considering the robustness of structure space, the standardized residuals are utilized to construct the weight function. Finally, the robustness and efficiency of this algorithm are verified by three experiments involving line-fitting and 2D affine transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the posterolateral approach is considered to carry a higher early dislocation rate after total hip arthroplasty, posterior soft tissue repair techniques make up for this limitation. Through-bone and through-tendon repair techniques are the two most commonly used techniques. This study aimed to comprehensively compare these techniques and give more evidence-based references for orthopedists. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 87 patients who underwent posterior soft tissue repair with total hip arthroplasty via the posterolateral approach. The posterior capsular and external rotators were reconstructed to the greater trochanter through drill holes (through-bone, n = 46) or gluteus medius tendon (through-tendon, n = 41). Early dislocation rate, repair-related complications, postoperative pain (visual analog scale, VAS), hip joint function (Harris Hip Scale, HHS), patient satisfaction, and operation-related indexes were evaluated. Results: The discrepancy in early dislocation between the two cohorts was not statistically significant. Operation-related indexes were not significantly different between the two cohorts, except for the postoperative drainage volume (229.46 mL vs. 172.07 mL, p=.013). No patient sustained greater trochanteric fracture and sciatic nerve injury. Each group achieved significant improvements in HHS and VAS scores compared with preoperative values. No statistically significant discrepancy was found in HHS scores between the two groups at the same period, while VAS scores were significantly lower in the through-bone group at 1 week (4.93 vs. 5.68, p=.026) and 1 month (1.72 vs. 1.99, p=.038) after surgery. Higher patient satisfaction was observed in the through-bone group. Conclusions: Although no statistical discrepancy in the early dislocation rate between through-bone and through-tendon repair techniques was observed, lower pain scores and higher patient satisfaction supported the former. We recommend that through-bone repair technique should be chosen first by orthopedists when performing reconstruction of the posterior soft tissue in total hip arthroplasty via a posterolateral approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a one-step forecasting method based on the LS+AR prediction model that calculates LS and AR model parameters simultaneously. The EOPs products released by the IERS were used as primary data to predict changes in LOD parameters over spans of 1–500 days for 1230 experiments. The experimental results showed that the proposed method has an obvious improvement in long-term LOD parameters prediction accuracy compared with the LS+AR mode. However, limited by the large matrix in the calculation process, the computational efficiency of the proposed method needs to be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Zaoheibao" fruit with rich rose-scented grapes was used as the main material to optimize the fermentation process of "Zaoheibao" wine. Its composition in volatile aroma compounds was determined by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, indicating that "Zaoheibao" wine has strong ester, fruity and floral characteristics. The addition of 30 mg/L SO2 and 200 mg/L yeast, and a fermentation time of 6 days were indicated as the optimal fermentation conditions, where 35 volatile aroma substances were detected and a relative ester content of 45.59% was achieved. Among the identified ester compounds, isoamyl ester, ethyl octanoate, ethyl acetate, 2-methyltetrahydrothiophen-3-one, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, linalool and 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene contributed mainly to the aroma characteristics of "Zaoheibao" wine. The obtained results will allow the production of higher quality "Zaoheibao" wine and serve as a guide to improve the characteristics of other wine varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ERS-related neuronal apoptosis contribute to the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. (-)-Clausenamide has been reported to be nootropic and improve learning and memory in amnesia animal models. However, whether (-)-Clau could protect neurons from ischemic injury and the possible mechanism needed further study. The present study aimed to explore the effects of (-)-Clau on primary cortical neurons treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Rat primary cortical neurons were used to set up an injury model of OGD/R which imitated the clinical I/R injury. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 assay, LDH detection and TUNEL staining, respectively. The activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway, one of the three branches of ERS, and cleaved caspase-3, the apoptotic marker, were assessed by western blotting. OGD/R induced activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway. (-)-Clau significantly attenuated OGD/R-induced decrease in the cellular viability and the activation of GRP78, eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. To further confirm the effect of (-)-Clau on OGD/R-induced ERS activation, the ERS inducer Tunicamycin (TM) was applied. TM significantly abolished (-)-Clau's protective effect against ERS and neuronal apoptosis, indicating that the protective effect of (-)-Clau was dependent on inhibiting ERS. The present work demonstrated for the first time that (-)-Clau could reverse the activation of GRP78/eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP branch, thus inhibited ERS and the subsequent apoptosis induced by OGD/R and promoted cell viability in vitro. (-)-Clau could serve as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment for ischemic stroke in the future. ATF4: activating transcription factor-4; ATF6: activating transcription factor-6; CHOP: transcriptional induction of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein; (-)-Clau: 3-hydroxy-4-phenyl-5a-hydroxybenzylN-methyl-g-lactam; eIF2α: eukaryotic initiation factor 2α; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERS: endoplasmic reticulum stress; GRP78: 78-kDa glucose regulated protein; I/R: ischemia/reperfusion; IRE1: inositol requiring enzyme-1; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; OGD/R: oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation; PERK: double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER kinase; TM: Tunicamycin; UPR: unfolded protein response [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extinct genus Limnobiophyllum (Araceae) has been considered a tentative link between the Aroideae and Lemnoideae subfamilies of Araceae. General understanding of morphological character evolution among these subfamilies has been limited due to the lack of preserved key structures in fossils such as infructescences. In this study, a new fossil species, Limnobiophyllum pedunculatum Low, Su & Xing sp. nov., is reported based on unusually complete specimens with intact leaves, stolon and attached infructescence and seeds from the late Oligocene of central Tibet, China. It represents the first convincing Limnobiophyllum fossil from the Tibetan Plateau and the first well-documented occurrence from east Asia. Its phylogenetic position was inferred using a matrix of 56 morphological characters and 5226 gene sequences of 41 taxa. Phylogenetic inference based on the matrix suggests that Limnobiophyllum is sister to Cobbania, as well as to the remaining extinct and living genera within the Araceae subfamily Lemnoideae. Reconstruction of vegetative and reproductive character evolution confirms that Limnobiophyllum possessed intermediate characters, especially for infructescences, between the subfamilies Lemnoideae and Aroideae. Within Lemnoideae, both vegetative and reproductive characters show clear reduction and simplification from extinct genera to living lemnoids. These findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of the family Araceae. In addition, the discovery of this species, in association with the surrounding plant megafossil assemblage, suggests a warm, humid lowland environment in the central Tibetan Plateau during the late Oligocene, contradicting previous studies that indicated high elevation of the plateau since the early Palaeogene. However, the extinction of Limnobiophyllum might have been due to both global cooling and orogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Safrole is a natural compound categorized as a group 2B carcinogen extracted from sassafras oil or certain other essential oils. The hepatotoxicity of safrole has always been highly concerned. So, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated reactive metabolites (RMs) formation and its induced cytotoxicity in HepaRG cells. 2. Safrole belongs to the methylenedioxyphenyl structure which could be activated to RMs. Two metabolites (M1, M2) and three new glutathione conjugates (M3–M5) of safrole ortho-oquinone RMs were found in HepaRG cells. Using human recombinant CYP450 enzymes and chemical inhibitor method, the metabolism of safrole RMs was predominantly carried out through the CYP1A2 with minor contributions by CYP2E1. 3. Induction of CYP1A2 by omeprazole (OME) enhanced safrole-induced cytotoxicity, compared with treatment with safrole alone, whereas inhibition of CYP1A2 by alpha-naphthoflavone (α-NAP) decreased the cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of cell induced by safrole was related to the amount of RMs formation. Besides, pretreatment with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to deplete intracellular GSH markedly enhanced safrole-induced cytotoxicity. OME induced the safrole-induced GSH exhaustion, and GSH depletion by safrole was not via oxidation of GSH and occurred prior to the increase in ROS. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) could be aggravated by the inducer of CYP1A2 together with safrole. Collectively, these data suggest that the ortho-quinone RM may mediate safrole hepatotoxicity, and CYP1A2 was the core enzyme in ortho-quinone RMs-mediated safrole hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:In vitro and in vivo research has shown that curcumin can alleviate diabetes and the relevant complications. Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumin on gestational diabetes (GD). Materials and methods: C57 BL/KsJdb/+(db/+) mice and C57 BL/KsJ+/+ mice (10–12 weeks old) were divided into four groups (n = 15): normal pregnancy (C57 BL/KsJ+/+), GD (C57 BL/KsJdb/+), GD plus low dose curcumin (50 mg/kg, orally gavage every day) and GD plus high dose curcumin (100 mg/kg, orally gavage every day). The tolerance of glucose and insulin were measured on gestation day 10. Body weight at birth and litter size of offspring were investigated, and the expression of oxidative stress factors [thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phospho-AMPK, histone deacetylases 4 (HDAC4), pHDAC4 and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in the livers were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot on gestation day 20. Results: High dose curcumin could partly ameliorate the intolerance of glucose and insulin, and completely restore the litter size and the body weight of GD mice through decreased TBARS expression (p < 0.05) and increased GSH, SOD and CAT expression (p < 0.05). Enhanced AMPK activation, accompanied with decreased HDAC4 and G6Pase expression (p < 0.05) were partly contributed to the alleviation of GD mediated by curcumin. Conclusions: Although further detailed mechanism needs to be deciphered, curcumin can be considered as an alternative treatment for gestational diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a variety of cancers, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were believed to play important roles. Nevertheless, H19's possible molecular mechanism related to miR-20b-5p has not yet been explored in endometrial cancer. Differential lncRNAs in endometrial cancer were identified based on microarray analysis (GSE23339). In this research, in the first place, H19 expression was detected to be increased but miR-20b-5p to be decreased in endometrial cancer tissues and cells. Besides, H19 expression displayed a negative relationship to miR-20b-5p expression in endometrial cancer tissues. According to gain- and loss-of-function experiments of H19, like a ceRNA, H19 elevated AXL level and HIF-1α expression so as to stimulate the migration, proliferation and EMT process of endometrial cancer. Additionally, the knockdown of H19 slowed down tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and upregulated miR-20b-5p expression but lowered the expressions of HIF-1α, PCNA and AXL in vivo. Furthermore, H19 was also verified to stimulate the activity of endometrial cancer with AXL inhibitor BGB324 in vitro and in vivo. To sum up, H19 accelerates the tumor formation of endometrial cancer through the miR-20b-5p/AXL/HIF-1α signaling pathway, thereby providing a novel target for diagnosing and treating endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although retinoblastoma is rare but can be deadly in some severe cases. To find novel therapeutic targets for retinoblastoma, we explored the potential role of lncRNA NKILA in retinoblastoma. Results: We found that, comparing to healthy controls, NKILA was downregulated, while lncRNA XIST was upregulated in plasma of retinoblastoma patients and they were inversely correlated. Downregulation of NKILA distinguished early-stage patients from healthy controls. Overexpression of lncRNA NKILA mediated the downregulation of XIST in retinoblastoma cells, while XIST overexpression failed to significantly affect NKILA. Overexpression of NKILA resulted in decreased, while XIST overexpression resulted in increased proliferation, migration and invasion rates of retinoblastoma cells. In addition, rescue experiment showed that XIST overexpression attenuated the effects of NKILA overexpression on cancer cell behaviors. Conclusions: Therefore, NKILA inhibits retinoblastoma possibly by downregulating XIST, but the causality has not been fully validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasites from buffaloes in Guizhou province, southwest China, were suspected to be sarcocysts through morphologic observation. 18S rRNA and the subunit I of cytochrome oxidase (cox1) sequences were amplified, then implemented by phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA and cox1 genes both indicated the low degree of genetic diversity among the isolated sequences and other sequences of Sarcocystis fusiformis. The result shows that the sarcocysts from these buffaloes in Guizhou province S. fusiformis. This study is the first molecular characterization of S. fusiformis from Chinese buffaloes that used two genetic markers (18S rRNA and cox1 sequences) in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive alkaloids (e.g. vincristine, hydroxycamptothecin, ligustrazine, and so on) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have exerted potent efficacies (e.g. anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, immunosuppression, etc.). However, a series of undesirable physicochemical properties (like low solubility and weak stability) and baneful pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles (e.g. low bioavailability, short half time, rapid clearance, etc.) have severely restricted their applications in clinic. In addition, some side effects (like cumulative toxicities caused by high-frequency administration and their own toxicities) have recently been reported and also confined their clinical uses. Therefore, developments in drug delivery of such alkaloids are of significance in improving their drug-like properties and, thus, treatment efficiencies in clinic. Strategies, including (i) specific delivery via liposomes; (ii) sustained delivery via nanoparticles, gels, and emulsions; and (iii) transdermal delivery via ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and penetrating enhancers, have been reported to improve the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characters of problematic TCM alkaloids, decline their adverse effects, and thus, boost their curative efficacies. In this review, the recent reports in this field were comprehensively summarized with the aim of providing an informative reference for relevant readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to achieve long-lasting delivery of radix ophiopogonis polysaccharide (ROP) by sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB)-based in situ forming systems (ISFSs) alone or combined with mono-PEGylation of ROP. When the '90%SAIB/10% solvent' system was used, the mean residence time (MRT) of ROP was prolonged by 4.3 5 ∼ 7.00 times and the initial release rate was reduced significantly. However, this system was only suitable for days-long sustained release of ROP in short-term therapy. As to the 'SAIB/additives/solvent' system containing mono-PEGylated ROP, the results indicated that SAIB/poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was superior to SAIB/polylactic acid (PLA)/NMP and SAIB/PLA/ethanol in controlled release. Moreover, weeks- to months-long (16-60 d) smooth release of ROP could be achieved by varying the concentration (10-30%) and molecular weight (MW) of PLGA (10-50 kDa) or by employing a moderate MW of PEGylated ROP (∼20 or ∼30 kDa). With further increasing the conjugate MW to ∼40 kDa, the contribution of drug elimination to its plasma retention seemed to surpass that of the SAIB-based system, resulting in that the system no longer had an obvious influence on the in vivo behavior of the conjugate. Besides, the results of host response confirmed that with less solvent being used, the SAIB-based systems showed a higher biocompatibility than the PLGA-based systems, suggesting that they could be freely chosen in the prevention and/or cure of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After administration, drug molecules usually enter target cells to access their intracellular targets. In eukaryotic cells, these targets are often located in organelles, including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, and peroxisomes. Each organelle type possesses unique biological features. For example, mitochondria possess a negative transmembrane potential, while lysosomes have an intraluminal delta pH. Other properties are common to several organelle types, such as the presence of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) or solute carrier-type (SLC) transporters that sequester or pump out xenobiotic drugs. Studies on subcellular drug distribution are critical to understand the efficacy and toxicity of drugs along with the body's resistance to them and to potentially offer hints for targeted subcellular drug delivery. This review summarizes the results of studies from 1990 to 2017 that examined the subcellular distribution of small molecular drugs. We hope this review will aid in the understanding of drug distribution within cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Received human resource management (HRM) studies have paid much attention to the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and employees’ attitudes and behaviours, but they lack deep understanding on how such HRM systems work for ‘new generation’ employees and accommodate ‘new generation’ preferences and characteristics. Embracing ‘new generation’ workforce characteristics, we collected two waves of data from 561 employees who were based in 23 Chinese firms. Our findings reveal that, first, HPWS is positively related to ‘new generation’ employees’ engagement; second, hindrance-related stressors partially mediate the relationship between HPWS and ‘new generation’ employee engagement, but the mediation role of challenge-related stressors is not evident; third, procedural justice negatively affects the relationship between HPWS and hindrance-related stressors; finally, HPWS and procedural justice jointly affect ‘new generation’ employee engagement partly through hindrance-related stressors. We conclude that the study not only contributes to the link between HPWS and employee engagement in a ‘new generation’ workforce context, but also argues for the importance of having occupational stress- management for a ‘new generation’ employee workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine differences in information content between order submission sizes and trade sizes by U.S. equity traders. Increasing (decreasing) order submission (trade) size is reflective of information. The result suggests that better-informed traders want to trade in a large size, but that they engage in stealth trading practices or break larger orders into smaller sizes in order to conceal information. While prior studies tend to narrowly focus on trade executions at the market-centre level, our findings indicate that order submission size varies significantly from trade size and that both sizes are informative about future prices, albeit in an inverse manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire diameter, sintering parameter, and porosity have great influences on porous structures and compressive properties of the stainless steel porous twisted wire materials with 30–92% porosities. Finer wires, higher sintering temperature, and longer sintering time will lead to narrower pore-size distributions, more compact porous structures, and stronger compressive yield strength. A random pore model and a twisted wire framework model are put forward to simulate the compressive process. The compressive deformation mechanism is a continuous densification process. The simulated and experimental stress-strain curves all exhibit elastic stage, plastic yield platform stage, and final densification stage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The sequence diversities in three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, namely portions of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (pnad1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (pcox1), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (pnad4), were investigated in allAscaris suumsamples isolated from four regions in northwestern China. Those genes were amplified by PCR method and the lengths of pnad1, pcox1, and pnad4 were 419 bp, 711 bp, and 723 bp, respectively. The intraspecific sequence variations withinA. suumsamples were 0–2.9% for pnad1, 0–2.1% for pcox1, and 0–3.1% for pnad4. Phylogenetic analysis combined with three sequences of mtDNA fragments showed that allA. suumsamples were monophyletic groups, but samples from the same geographical origin did not always cluster together. The results suggested that the three mtDNA fragments could not be used as molecular markers to identify theA. suumisolates from four regions, and have important implications for studying molecular epidemiology and population genetics ofA. suum. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to explore Chinese Christians’ sense of self-worth, well-being, locus of control and the correlations between these variables. One hundred and two Chinese Christians with a range of 18–40 years old were surveyed by the Scale of Self-worth, Chinese version of General Well-Being Scale and internal–external Locus of Control Scale. A control group of 134 Chinese non-Christians participated in the same survey. Christians scored lower on locus of control and higher on self-worth than the non-Christians. No significant general well-being difference was between the Christian and non-Christian samples. The correlations were significant between locus of control and self-worth/general well-being (negative) and between self-worth and general well-being (positive). Results suggest that Christians experience better self-worth and tend to be internals on locus of control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to determine the functional and structural properties of Maillard reaction products of mung bean [Vigna radiate(L.)] protein isolate with dextran obtained under the temperature of 80°C or 90°C with different times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h). The mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate had better solubility, emulsifying activity, and emulsifying stability than mung bean protein isolate; however, the protein aggregation decreased the solubility, surface hydrophobicity, emulsifying activity, and emulsifying stability of mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate. In general, these functional properties of mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate obtained at 80°C with lower degree of glycosylation and browning degree were better than mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate obtained at 90°C. Both vicilin (8S) and legumin type (11S) globulins both participated in the graft reaction, the subunit with a molecular weight of 21 kDa that contributed to 11S globulin might be the most vulnerable to dextran followed by the 60, 32, and 26 kDa subunits. Maillard reaction between mung bean protein isolate and dextran led to a decreased fluorescence intensity and a bathochromic shift. The fluorescence intensity of mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate generally decreased, andλmaxof mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate first increased and then decreased. The grafted mung bean protein isolates had lower α-helix content but higher β-sheet content. As the Maillard reaction between mung bean protein isolate and dextran proceeded, the α-helix contents of the mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugates were significantly increased and then decreased, and the β-sheet content generally decreased and then increased. Excessive grafted dextran and more protein aggregation was observed in mung bean protein isolate–dextran conjugate obtained at 90°C, which induced structural changes that might have impaired the functions. Our findings suggest that conjugation of mung bean protein isolate with dextran through the Maillard reaction is an effective way of improving the functional properties of mung bean protein isolate for its application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the role of whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in differentiating radiological indeterminate vestibular schwannoma (VS) from meningioma in cerebellopontine angle (CPA).Materials and methods: Diffusion-weighted (DW) images (b= 0 and 1000 s/mm2) of pathologically confirmed and radiological indeterminate CPA meningioma (CPAM) (n= 27) and VS (n= 12) were retrospectively collected and processed with mono-exponential model. Whole-tumor regions of interest were drawn on all slices of the ADC maps to obtain histogram parameters, including the mean ADC (ADCmean), median ADC (ADCmedian), 10th/25th/75th/90th percentile ADC (ADC10, ADC25, ADC75and ADC90), skewness and kurtosis. The differences of ADC histogram parameters between CPAM and VS were compared using unpairedt-test. Multiple receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was used to determine and compare the diagnostic value of each significant parameter.Results: Significant differences were found on the ADCmean, ADCmedian, ADC10, ADC25, ADC75and ADC90between CPAM and VS (allpvalues < 0.001), while no significant difference was found on kurtosis (p= 0.562) and skewness (p= 0.047). ROC curves analysis revealed, a cut-off value of 1.126 × 10−3mm2/s for the ADC90value generated highest area under curves (AUC) for differentiating CPAM from VS (AUC, 0.975; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 88.9%).Conclusions: Histogram analysis of ADC maps based on whole tumor can be a useful tool for differentiating radiological indeterminate CPAM from VS. The ADC90value was the most promising parameter for differentiating these two entities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The structure and functionalities of rice bran protein (RBP) oxidized by peroxyl radicals were analyzed in this study. The thermal decomposition of 2,2′-azobis [2-amidinopropane] dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used to generate peroxyl radicals. Increased oxidation of RBP by AAPH gradually generated more carbonyl (COOH) groups, which resulted in a loss of protein sulfhydryl groups. Low oxidization (≤0.2 mmol/L AAPH) could cause structural unfolding with an increase in surface hydrophobicity and emulsion properties but reducing the solubility and disulfide bonding. Moderate and high oxidization (>0.2 mmol/L AAPH) could result in soluble aggregates formed by subunits with molecular weights of 53, 49, and 36 kDa, attributed to globulin, albumin, and glutelin, increasing the solubility and disulfide bonding but decreasing the surface hydrophobicity and emulsion stability. Oxidization by low concentration AAPH induced a more unordered structure and transformation from β-turn to β-sheets, while a more ordered structure increased with aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine differences among US equity market participants according to how quickly, on average, they execute their orders. When traders who execute faster buy (sell), market prices tend to rise (decline). Those who trade more quickly take liquidity more, use smaller trade sizes, transact more frequently, and spread their trading across more venues. Although faster traders are net liquidity demanders, they pay a lower cost to trade. Our results indicate that systematic differences exist across market participants according to how fast they transact, and those with a shorter time to execution exhibit traits that are consistent with information-based trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ContextHydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced damage in the lens epithelium leads to cell death and cataract.Semiaquilegia adoxoides(DC.) Makino (Ranunculaceae), a folk medicine of Hmong (an ethnic group of China), has been traditionally used to treat cataract; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is yet to be uncovered. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether then-butanol extract ofS. adoxoides(nSA) is effective against the H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells. Materials and methodsHuman lens epithelial (SRA 01/04) cells were stimulated by H2O2(250 μM) in the presence or absence of nSA. The antioxidant effects of nSA were determined in terms of cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis (AnnexinV/PI staining), radical scavenging capability (various enzymatic assays), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Rhodamine 123 staining), expression of apoptotic markers including caspase-3 and caspase-9 and the change of Bcl-2/Bax ratio (western blot) in the HLE cells. ResultsThe results showed that pretreatment of nSA (250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL) markedly reduced H2O2-induced cellular apoptosis and malondialdehyde accumulation, but elevated the activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase. Thus, the total antioxidative capability was enhanced upon the nSA treatment meanwhile the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was prevented. Moreover, nSA at concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL also significantly suppressed the activation of caspase-3 and -9, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the HLE cells. Discussion and conclusionOur findings suggested that nSA is a potential prophylactic agent in the prevention of cataractogeneis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cobalt boride nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of Mobil Crystalline Material 41 (MCM-41) and the catalytic activity for sodium borohydride hydrolysis was characterized. The transition from cobalt boride particle to cobalt boride layer was evaluated, and the catalytic activity of cobalt boride was improved because of the MCM-41. The catalytic activity increased with the cobalt boride/MCM-41 mass ratio from 1:4 to 1:1. A cobalt boride/MCM-41 mass ratio of 1:1 provided high catalytic activity similar to cobalt boride. Sintered measurements showed that the catalytic activity was from amorphous cobalt boride and not from crystalline cobalt boride. Sintering resulted in the conversion of amorphous cobalt boride to crystalline cobalt boride and damaged the nanostructure of the amorphous cobalt boride framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have focused on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), despite indications of increasing substance abuse among AAPIs in recent years.Objectives: This prospective longitudinal study examined gender differences among AAPIs in treatment.Methods: The study included 567 (177 women, 390 men) AAPI patients drawn from two prior studies, one with 32 community treatment programs in 13 California counties (CalTOP, 3, 9 months), and another project including 36 treatment sites in 5 California counties (TSI, 3, 12 months). Baseline and follow-up assessments utilized the Addiction Severity Index(ASI). A subset of patients was assessed at 3 and 9/12 months (n= 106).Results:  Significant gender-related differences were observed at baseline: fewer women than men were employed or never married. More women were living with someone having alcohol and drug problems. Methamphetamine was the primary drug for women and men, followed by alcohol and heroin. Compared to AAPI men, AAPI women reported greater problem severity in family/social relationships (0.18 vs. 0.11,p<.001), employment (0.68 vs. 0.56,p<.001), and mental health (0.19 vs. 0.14,p<.01). Relative to women, AAPI men reported greater treatment satisfaction at the 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements at follow-up were observed in family, alcohol, drug, and legal domains for both genders, and in mental health for men only. Compared to AAPI men, AAPI women demonstrated significantly greater improvements in drug problems (ΔASI = 0.07,p<.05).Conclusions: Gender differences revealed in this study suggest a need for a greater treatment focus on psychiatric problems for AAPI women and drug use problems for AAPI men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new triterpene saponin, 3β,16β,23α,28β,30β-pentahydroxyl-olean-11,13(18)-dien-3β-yl-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-fucopyranoside, was named Clinoposaponin D (1), together with six known triterpene saponins, buddlejasaponin IVb (2), buddlejasaponin IVa (3), buddlejasaponin IV (4), clinopodisides D (5), 11α,16β,23,28-Tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3β-yl-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-fucopyranoside (6) and prosaikogenin A (7), and two known triterpenes, saikogenin A (8) and saikogenin F (9) were isolated fromClinopodium chinense(Benth.) O. Kuntze. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and MS analysis. Meanwhile, the effects of all compounds on rabbit platelet aggregation and thrombin time (TT) were investigatedin vitro. Compounds4and7had significant promoting effects on platelet aggregation with EC50value at 53.4 and 12.2 μM, respectively. In addition, the highest concentration (200 μM) of compounds2and9shortened TT by 20.6 and 25.1%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HIV stigma occurs among peers in social networks. However, the features of social networks that drive HIV stigma are not well understood. The objective of this study is to investigate anticipated HIV stigma within the social networks of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (N= 147) and the social networks of PLWHA's caregivers (N= 148). The egocentric social network data were collected in Guangxi, China. More than half of PLWHA (58%) and their caregivers (53%) anticipated HIV stigma from their network peers. Both PLWHA and their caregivers anticipated that spouses or other family members were less likely to stigmatise them, compared to friend peers or other relationships. Married network peers were believed to stigmatise caregivers more than unmarried peers. The association between frequent contacts and anticipated stigma was negative among caregivers. Being in a close relationship with PLWHA or caregivers (e.g., a spouse or other family member) was associated with less anticipated stigma. Lower network density was associated with higher anticipated stigma among PLWHA's alters, but not among caregivers' alters. Findings may shed light on innovative stigma reduction interventions at the social network level and therefore improve HIV/AIDS treatment utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lamprophyre dikes emplaced in a Jurassic granite at the southeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) carry different types of xenoliths. Here, we report a combined study of zircon U–Pb ages and whole-rock geochemistry of the xenoliths, as well as an Ar–Ar age of the lamprophyre, providing constraints on the sources of the magmatism and tectonic evolution in the southeastern margin of NCC. Phlogopite from the lamprophyre dike gave a40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 116.15 ± 0.33 Ma. The felsic xenoliths can be classified into three groups: monzogranite, banded biotite granitic gneiss, and garnet-bearing gneiss. The internal structures of zircons from the banded biotite granitic gneiss xenolith show complex growth patterns. The mantles of these zircons display low luminance with a concordant SHRIMP U–Pb age of 227 ± 10 Ma. The rims with lighter luminance provide a SHRIMP U–Pb age of 213 ± 10 Ma, both ages are identical within error and significantly different from the ages of the basement rocks in the surrounding Bengbu uplift. However, the age is identical to those of the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in the adjacent Dabie–Sulu orogen. In addition, zircon mantle domains of the banded biotite granitic gneiss xenolith have low Th/U ratios (>0.01) and flat HREE patterns ((Yb/Dy)n < 10), which suggest growth in an assemblage with garnet during HP metamorphism. The rim domains show very low Th/U ratios (<0.01) and steep HREE patterns ((Yb/Dy)n > 10), implying growth during exhumation in the absence of a garnet. Our studies show that the banded biotite gneiss represents vestiges of the subducted South China crust injected into or thrust below the North China Craton and provides constraints on the process of underthrusting in a continental collision zone, as well as the Mesozoic tectonic history of the southeastern margin of the NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ellagic acid derivative, 3,3′-dimethylellagic acid-4′-O-(6″-galloyl)-β-d-glucoside, named runcinatside (5), together with four known compounds 3,3′-dimethylellagic acid (1), 3,3′,4′-trimethylellagic acid (2), 3,3′-dimethylellagic acid-4′-O-β-d-glucoside (3) and 3-methylellagic acid-4′-O-α-l-rhamno-pyranoside (4), was isolated from the roots ofPolygonum runcinatumBuch.-Ham. ex D.Don Var.sinenseHemsl and the structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods and comparison with previously reported data. All compounds showed antioxidant activitiesin vitroand compound5possessed the highest activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We examine the relationship between trader longevity and trader behavior changes in U.S. equity markets. Traders who change how much, what, when, and where they trade often remain active for a longer period of time. Although longer (shorter) duration traders tend to perform better (worse), changes in trader behavior rather than in performance are the key determinants of longevity. Overall, our findings suggest that securities traders who are able to adapt and alter how they trade in light of continually changing market conditions are more successful. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]