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Summary: This paper studies a coordinated rotor speed control of flywheel energy storage matrix systems (FESMS) in the presence of model uncertainties and unknown disturbances. We consider the scenarios that the torque variation during the operation of flywheel energy storage system (FESS) cannot be accurately measured and the coordinated operation of FESMS is realized without the measurements of accurate rotor speeds. We design a distributed extended state observer (ESO) only using local rotor position measurements to estimate the rotor speeds and unknown disturbances. Based on the estimated states, a coordinated control strategy with the compensation of model uncertainties and unknown disturbances is proposed. The proposed control strategy has the advantage of speed‐free feature and active disturbance rejection. By using Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient conditions are given to ensure that the FESMS can achieve the reference tracking. The performance of the control strategy is verified by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is fundamentally challenging to achieve stable and efficient all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in ambient air conditions for low‐cost commercial manufacturing, as the crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical activity of all‐inorganic perovskites exhibit high sensitivity to environmental factors such as moisture and illumination. Herein, a dual‐doping strategy is presented to prepare high‐quality dual‐doping CsPbI2Br films under ambient air with relative humidity of 70% (70% RH) by introducing CaCl2 and InCl3 additives into precursor solution. The results from the experiments and calculations reveal that the CaCl2 additive can isolate moisture by forming hydrates at the surface and grain boundary of perovskites. Meanwhile, the addition of InCl3 can significantly improve the optoelectronic properties via the heterovalent substitution of Pb2+ by a small amount of In3+. Moreover, the phase segregation can be significantly suppressed in the dual‐doping CsPbI2Br films owing to decreasing the electron–phonon coupling strength and increasing the activation energy of ion migration. The unencapsulated dual‐doping CsPbI2Br PSC with the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.51% (70% RH) demonstrates high humidity storage and long‐term optical stability, remaining 90% of the original PCE after aging 2400 h under ambient air (50% RH) and 1500 h under continuous illumination, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether the ability of aucubin to mitigate the pathology of GONFH involves suppression of TLR4/NF‐κB signalling and promotion of macrophage polarization to an M2 phenotype. In necrotic bone tissues from GONFH patients, we compared levels of pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophages and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages as well as levels of TLR4/NF‐κB signalling. In a rat model of GONFH, we examined the effects of aucubin on these parameters. We further explored its mechanism of action in a cell culture model of M1 macrophages. Necrotic bone tissues from GONFH patients contained a significantly increased macrophage M1/M2 ratio, and higher levels of TLR4, MYD88 and NF‐κB p65 than bone tissues from patients with hip osteoarthritis. Treating GONFH rats with aucubin mitigated bone necrosis and demineralization as well as destruction of trabecular bone and marrow in a dose‐dependent manner, based on micro‐computed tomography. These therapeutic effects were associated with a decrease in the overall number of macrophages, decrease in the proportion of M1 macrophages, increase in the proportion of M2 macrophages, and downregulation of TLR4, MYD88 and NF‐κB p65. These effects in vivo were confirmed by treating cultures of M1 macrophage‐like cells with aucubin. Aucubin mitigates bone pathology in GONFH by suppressing TLR4/NF‐κB signalling to shift macrophages from a pro‐ to anti‐inflammatory phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Gathering logistics operations in an individual location offers various benefits at the macro level namely reducing environmental and community issues, replacing overflow of traffic, minimizing air pollution, and more. But the complexity in the selection of location is maximized and the logistic operation chooses the wrong location due to frequent variations in characteristics. Also, it is suitable for capturing long‐term dependencies. To overcome these difficulties, we propose ESVM‐IGS; an Ensemble support vector machine, and an Improved Genetic algorithm, with an initial search strategy to improve the efficiency. The Ensemble SVM is applied to produce a better outcome. To identify optimal configurations in the complex optimization problem an initial search‐based improved genetic algorithm is implemented. To conduct our experiments, the ESVM‐IGS is rigorously evaluated on the GIS real‐time Dataset and the efficiency of the model is validated with various performance measures. From the analysis, the proposed method results that it solved the complexity burden and improved the selection ability of long‐term dependency. The experimental results depict the better efficiency of the ESVM‐IGS method for the location selection strategy of logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the dual‐carbon goal, due to the long‐term operation of thermal power units under wide load and frequent fluctuating load after heat supply transformation, the dynamic process of subcritical units is modeled, and a frequency modulation optimization technology based on frequency signal accuracy is proposed to ensure the accuracy of the speed signal and improve the qualification rate of primary frequency modulation action. At the same time, the frequency regulation technology of steam engine side control optimization under boundary working conditions is proposed, so as to realize the sensitivity and rapidity of the digital electric hydraulic control system. The coordination optimization technology under boundary working conditions is proposed, and the primary frequency regulation performance of the unit is improved through a series of optimization adjustments. Finally, the engineering application is carried out and the optimization effect is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple primary lung cancers (MPLCs) are becoming more and more common and these patients can benefit from minimally invasive surgery. Here, we report a case of a patient diagnosed with synchronous MPLCs who underwent bilateral thoracoscopic pulmonary resections in a two‐stage strategy, and achieved a good surgical outcome and high quality of life. A 66‐year‐old female was found to have one major ground‐glass nodule (GGN) in the right upper lobe and eight minor GGNs in the left upper and lower lobes. The patient underwent right upper lobe resection and systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection via single‐utility port thoracoscopic surgery in September 2018. Pathology was lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma pT1bN0M0, IA2. Regular high‐resolution computed tomography examination during 36 months after right upper lobectomy showed gradually increasing diameter and solid component of multiple GGNs in left lung. The patient underwent thoracoscopic multiple pulmonary resections using an intraoperative localization technique in a hybrid operating room in October 2021 and all eight nodules in the left lung were resected. Two segmentectomies and four wedge resections were performed, and the pathological results of the eight nodules included four adenocarcinomas, three adenocarcinomas in situ, and one alveolar epithelial hyperplasia. The two operations were successful with no intra‐ or postoperative 90‐day complications. During more than 20 months of follow‐up after the second operation, the patient had well recovered pulmonary function and physical status with a Karnofsky performance status score of 90 and no local recurrence or metastasis. A two‐stage surgical strategy for synchronous MPLCs is therefore feasible. The surgical strategy, timing of intervention, and extent of pulmonary resection should be individually designed according to the location and characteristics of each nodule. Intraoperative localization of small GGNs is very important to ensure that all nodules are completely and accurately resected during the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various heating disturbances and faults in the heating network are necessary to be controlled and handled by some intelligent heating strategies with the increasing complexity of the heating network. This paper constructed the dynamic modeling of the heating system using standard thermal resistance and obtained a dynamic heat current model of the heating system. On this basis, we analyzed the heat transfer performance of the heating system. Five disturbances are selected, including the behavior of users, indoor heat source, heat exchanger heat transfer performance deterioration, pipe blockage, and pipe leakage. The effects of different disturbances on the overall system and user side water supply temperature were obtained by establishing a dynamic model for segmented heating pipelines. Feasible control methods for the heating network and load side are sorted out, mainly changing the water supply's temperature and the water supply's flow rate to reduce the water supply's fluctuation. Five specific control strategies are proposed for five types of disturbances. Comparing the case without control and the case with control, the results show that the fluctuation of water supply temperature is significantly reduced, and the control strategies can reduce the impact of disturbances on the heat network system and customers and improve the comfort of customers in the presence of disturbances. under the disturbance of pipeline leakage, the method proposed in this article reduces the temperature fluctuation amplitude by 75% and the fluctuation duration by 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cells and tissues, such as macrophages, express inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) after stimulation by certain factors. INOS helps mediate the macrophage inflammatory reaction, but few studies have explored how INOS affects macrophage function in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: This study investigated the role of INOS‐mediated macrophage activity in NAFLD. Methods: A high‐fat diet was used to establish an NAFLD mouse model. After 12 weeks, blood was collected for immune cell and lipid analyses, and liver tissues were collected for pathological analyses with hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining. Peritoneal macrophages were extracted in situ, cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, and stimulated with palmitic acid to mimic in vivo conditions for further assays. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the expression of target genes or proteins. Results: In the NAFLD model, INOS expression in macrophages increased, and INOS knockdown significantly decreased the number of macrophages. Pathological examinations confirmed that INOS knockdown slowed NAFLD progression and macrophage infiltration during inflammation. INOS knockdown also enhanced phagocytosis and lipid transport by macrophages, and increased the expression of autophagy‐related molecules in macrophages, which improved the autophagy level, promoted apoptotic cell degradation, and maintained intracellular environment homeostasis. Conclusions: These results indicate a correlation between INOS expression and macrophage function in NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In distributed generation systems, converters play a vital role and DC/DC converter technology is constantly being promoted with the increasing demand for electrical equipment in various industries. A cascaded topology of DC/DC converter has been proposed in this paper, named three‐level Buck‐LLC(TL‐BLLC) converter. In the proposed TL‐BLLC, Buck and LLC circuit are cascaded by a switch and a diode, so that the input voltage of the LLC can be adjusted to three levels. The stability of the output voltage of the whole system depends on the three‐level weight, so the LLC works at fixed frequency, which simplifies the control and ensures the efficiency. At the same time, compared with the traditional cascaded Buck‐LLC, this structure can reduce the processing power and reduce the size of passive elements of the previous Buck. Finally, a 980 W experimental prototype was established and the results of the experiment verified the correctness of the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of auditor choice (Big 4/Non‐Big 4) in debt financing for private and public firms. We find private firms have less access to debt than public firms, and Big 4 auditors support debt raising in both private and public firms. Consistent with private firms facing greater information asymmetry, Big 4 auditors are more important for debt raising in private firms than in public firms. The benefit of appointing Big 4 auditors for private firms' debt raising is greater in the opaque information environment of the global financial crisis. It is also greater when firms are smaller, younger, or have poorer financial reporting quality. We also find evidence consistent with Big 4 auditors mitigating agency conflicts and enhancing debt raising when ownership concentration is higher in private firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to microgravity can adversely affect the fitness of astronauts. The integrity of the skin plays a crucial role in protecting against mechanical forces and infections, fluid imbalance, and thermal dysregulation. In brief, the skin wound may cause unknown challenges to the implementation of space missions. Wound healing is a physiological process that relies on the synergistic action of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and various growth factors to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma. Fibroblasts are present almost throughout the entire process of wound repair, especially in the scar formation at the endpoint of wound healing. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent to which fibroblasts are affected by the lack of gravity during wound healing. In this study, we utilized the rotary cell culture system, a ground‐based facility that mimics the weightless condition, to study the alterations of L929 fibroblast cells under simulated microgravity (SMG). Our results demonstrated that the SM condition exerted negative influences on the proliferation and ECM formation of the L929 fibroblast. Whereas, the apoptosis of fibroblast was significantly upregulated upon exposure to SMG conditions. Moreover, the transforming growth factor‐β1/Smad3 (TGF‐β1/smad3) signaling pathway of L929 fibroblast related to wound repair was also altered significantly under a weightless environment. Overall, our study provided evidence that fibroblasts are strongly sensitive to SMG and elucidated the potential value of the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway modulating wound healing in the future practice of space medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of renewable energy, the primary frequency control (PFC) is becoming more critical and significant to ensure the stability of the electrical power system. As the main role of PFC, the thermal power unit tends to in a wide operation interval, and the changes in PFC characteristics along with working conditions are inevitable. By decomposing and quantifying the dynamic energy conversion process, this paper proposes a novel mechanism to evaluate the PFC capability for the supercritical thermal power plants that covered 30%–100% of the rated load. In the mechanism, a refined steam turbine model is established to reflect the short‐term dynamic response of PFC by combining it with the coupling characteristics of the main steam valve and main steam pressure in the later phase. Meanwhile, as a new prior assessment index, the equivalent electricity has been put forward to quantify the PFC capability for the power plant. In a case study of a 600 MW supercritical power plant, the capacities of PFC under 30%–50% of the rated load are quantified for the first time. Comparison results between theoretical calculation and real PFC test show that the proposed PFC capability assessment mechanism has acceptable accuracy of 96.1%, which could be effective to assess the frequency response reserve and stability margin in the grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquorice tribe Glycyrrhizeae is a leguminous herbaceous group of plants comprised of the genera Glycyrrhiza and Glycyrrhizopsis. Some Glycyrrhiza taxa contain glycyrrhizin, a pharmacologically significant sweet substance that also has applications in crafting industrial materials. Here, we utilized an expanded taxon sampling of Glycyrrhizeae to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships in the tribe based on genome skimming data, including whole chloroplast genomes, nuclear ribosomal DNA, and low‐copy nuclear DNA. We also launched machine learning analysis (MLA) for one species pair with controversial taxonomic boundary. The integrated results indicated Glycyrrhizopsis should be split from Glycyrrhiza, while the former genus Meristotropis should be treated as part of Glycyrrhiza. Glycyrrhizopsis includes two species, Glycyrrhizopsis asymmetrica and Glycyrrhizopsis flavescens, and we recognize 13 species in Glycyrrhiza: Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa, Glycyrrhiza astragalina, Glycyrrhiza bucharica, Glycyrrhiza echinata, Glycyrrhiza foetida, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza gontscharovii, Glycyrrhiza lepidota, Glycyrrhiza macedonica, Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora, Glycyrrhiza squamulosa, Glycyrrhiza triphylla, and Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis. We propose a broader G. glabra that includes former Glycyrrhiza aspera, G. glabra s.s., Glycyrrhiza inflata, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and represents the glycyrrhizin‐contained medicinal group. Our ancestral state inferences show the ancestor of Glycyrrhiza lacked glycyrrhizin, and the presence of glycyrrhizin evolved twice within Glycyrrhiza during the last one million years. Our integrative phylogenomics‐MLA study not only provides new insights into long‐standing taxonomic controversies of Glycyrrhizeae, but also represents a useful approach for future taxonomic studies on other plant taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrugated 2D antimony‐halide perovskites such as Cs3Sb2Cl9 (CSC) are promising candidates for single‐source white‐light emission due to their ultra‐broadband spectra. However, CSC has a serious luminescence quenching phenomenon due to inadequate confinement of excitons. By the homovalent substitution of trivalent antimony cation Sb3+ by a small amount of trivalent rare earth (RE) cations RE3+, the photoluminescence intensities from high‐quality Cs3(Sb1−xREx)2Cl9 (CSRC) (RE = Ce, Sm, Nd, Y, Er, etc.) films at room temperature (RT) are over two orders of magnitude higher than that of CSC film. Especially, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) for the Cs3(Sb0.995Er0.005)2Cl9 film is 9.5% at RT, which is much higher than A3B2X9 perovskites previously reported for single‐source white‐light lighting. Furthermore, the Cs3(Sb0.995Er0.005)2Cl9 film exhibits an ultra‐broadband emission with the full width at half maximum reaching 554 meV at RT, resulting in a "warm" white‐light with the CIE coordinate (0.33, 0.46) and the correlated color temperature of 5450 K. The PLQY enhancement can be considered as the fact that a high activation energy by bandgap widening effect and Type‐I‐like "straddling" band alignment between Cs3Sb2Cl9 and Cs3Er2Cl9 lead to reducing nonradiative losses and increasing radiative recombination channels. Meanwhile, the spectral broadening can be considered to be attributed to strong effect of electron–phonon interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early diversification of angiosperms is thought to have been a rapid process, which may complicate phylogenetic analyses of early angiosperm relationships. Plastid and nuclear phylogenomic studies have raised several conflicting hypotheses regarding overall angiosperm phylogeny, but mitochondrial genomes have been largely ignored as a relevant source of information. Here we sequenced mitochondrial genomes from 18 angiosperms to fill taxon‐sampling gaps in Austrobaileyales, magnoliids, Chloranthales, Ceratophyllales, and major lineages of eudicots and monocots. We assembled a data matrix of 38 mitochondrial genes from 107 taxa to assess how well mitochondrial genomic data address current uncertainties in angiosperm relationships. Although we recovered conflicting phylogenies based on different data sets and analytical methods, we also observed congruence regarding deep relationships of several major angiosperm lineages: Chloranthales were always inferred to be the sister group of Ceratophyllales, Austrobaileyales to mesangiosperms, and the unplaced Dilleniales was consistently resolved as the sister to superasterids. Substitutional saturation, GC compositional heterogeneity, and codon‐usage bias are possible reasons for the noise/conflict that may impact phylogenetic reconstruction; and angiosperm mitochondrial genes may not be substantially affected by these factors. The third codon positions of the mitochondrial genes appear to contain more parsimony‐informative sites than the first and second codon positions, and therefore produced better resolved phylogenetic relationships with generally strong support. The relationships among these major lineages remain incompletely resolved, perhaps as a result of the rapidity of early radiations. Nevertheless, data from mitochondrial genomes provide additional evidence and alternative hypotheses for exploring the early evolution and diversification of the angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute liver inflammatory reactions contribute to many health problems; thus, it is critical to understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute hepatitis. In this study, an experimental in vivo model of concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced hepatitis was used. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 (wild‐type, WT) or inducible nitric oxide synthase‐deficient (iNOS−/−) mice were injected with PBS or 15 mg/kg ConA via tail vein. Detection of liver injury by histological examination and apoptosis, and flow cytometry to detect the effect of immune cells on liver injury. Results: iNOS−/− mice had lower levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, suggesting that they were protected against ConA‐induced pathological liver injury and that iNOS participated in the regulation of hepatitis. Furthermore, iNOS deficiency was found to lower CD86 expression and suppressed the messenger RNA levels of inflammatory factors in the liver. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that iNOS deficiency suppressed the sequential phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway cascade, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages and consequently suppressing the transcription of inflammation factors. Conclusion: iNOS may contribute to ConA‐induced inflammation by promoting the activation of proinflammatory macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric cascade cyclization/[1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement via a non‐diazo approach, leading to the practical and atom‐economic assembly of various valuable chiral chromeno[3,4‐c]pyrroles bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in generally moderate to good yields with wide substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). Importantly, this protocol not only represents the first example of catalytic asymmetric [1,2]‐Stevens‐type rearrangement based on alkynes but also constitutes the first asymmetric formal carbene insertion into the Si−O bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: High resting heart rate (RHR), one abnormal manifestation of autonomic nervous system, is associated with metabolic disorders. However, the association between RHR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components remains controversial. We aimed to explore the link between these two parameters. Materials and Methods: The study included 6589 Dong adults (1434 cases of MetS) from the cross‐sectional survey of the China Multi‐Ethnic Cohort Study. Logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assess the association between RHR and MetS, clustered metabolic risk, and MetS components. Restricted cubic splines model was used to evaluate the dose response association. Results: A positive association existed between RHR and MetS, and people in the highest RHR quartile had a higher MetS risk (OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.42–2.15]) than those in the lowest quartile. The clustered metabolic risk associated with RHR (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RHR was related to elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated triglycerides (TG) and elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG); the ORs (95% CIs) for the highest versus lowest RHR quartile were 2.06 (1.75–2.43), 1.37 (1.17–1.62) and 2.53 (2.04–3.14), respectively. Similar results were found in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Also, non‐linear dose response association existed between RHR and MetS and elevated levels of BP, TG and FPG (p < 0.001). Conclusions: RHR was related to increased risk of MetS, three MetS components (elevated BP, elevated TG and elevated FPG) and the clustered metabolic risk. RHR may be a useful indicator for MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A vaccine for malaria is urgently required but no vaccine has yet shown satisfactory protective efficacy especially for Plasmodium falciparum. P. falciparum infection can progress to cerebral malaria (CM), a neurological syndrome with exceedingly high mortality. Designing effective P. falciparum vaccines require more understanding of the protective immune response while the host immune response to CM and the mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we aim to identify host gene responses to CM and host gene networks associated with CM pathogenesis. Methods: An innovative genomic analysis strategy, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with differential gene expression analysis, was used in this study. Data for analysis contain 93 whole blood samples, derived from two previous public transcriptome datasets. Results: This approach led to the identification of numerous differentially expressed human transcripts and dozens of coexpression gene modules. We further identified nine key genes, including MBP, SAMSN1, PSMF1, SLC39A8, EIF3B, SMPDL3A, FABP5, SPSB3, and SHARPIN, of which the last four genes were first identified to be related to CM in the present study. Conclusion: The results provided a comprehensive characterization of host gene expression profiles in CM and offered some new insight into malaria vaccine design. These identified key genes could be potential targets or immune modulators for novel therapeutic interventions of CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially interconnected systems (SISs) are formed by a chain of subsystems or units with the same or similar structure, all of which directly interact with their neighbors. For robust tracking of SISs subject to both polytopic uncertainty and external disturbances, a PD‐type iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm integrated with real‐time output feedback is proposed in the absence of accurate state measurement. By lifting along the spatial variable, the SISs are first transformed into an equivalent one‐dimensional (1D) state‐space model. Then, the transformed 1D system, together with the learning law, is reformulated as an equivalent discrete repetitive process model. Based on the Lyapunov theory, sufficient conditions in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) are established to ensure the robust stability of the resulting ILC system along the trial. To circumvent computation problem of BMIs, a two‐stage heuristic approach is developed to derive ILC gains iteratively. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by the comparative simulation of temperature distribution model of the metal rod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the efficacy of first‐line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy with cetuximab plus chemotherapy based on the stratification of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) or mucinous component (MC). Methods: A retrospective study involving all mCRC patients receiving first‐line bevacizumab‐based or cetuximab‐based chemotherapy at our hospital from September 2013 to January 2020 was conducted. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) were compared between the cetuximab‐chemotherapy group and the bevacizumab‐chemotherapy group on the basis of the conventional pathological classification of MA or MC. Results: A total of 620 patients with mCRC were included in our study, consisting of 141 (22.7%) patients with MA/MC and 479 (77.3%) patients with non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMA). In the MA/MC cohort, patients who were treated with bevacizumab‐based chemotherapy were associated with significantly better OS than those treated with cetuximab‐base chemotherapy (30.0 vs. 26.3 months, p = 0.002), irrespective of tumor sites. The efficacy of bevacizumab‐based chemotherapy was higher in nearly all subgroups as shown in the subgroup analysis. In the NMA cohort, median OS was better in the cetuximab plus chemotherapy group than that in the bevacizumab plus chemotherapy group (32.2 vs. 27.0 months, p = 0.005) for left‐side mCRC patients, whereas OS was significantly longer in the bevacizumab plus chemotherapy group for right‐side mCRC patients (26.0 vs. 20.9 months, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Conventional pathological classification (e.g. MA/MC) should be considered when tailoring the individualized optimal treatment for mCRC. Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy as first‐line therapy may be the optimal option for patients with MA/MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We concentrate on Lie symmetries and conservation laws of the Fokker‐Planck equation with power diffusion describing the growth of cell populations. First, we perform a complete symmetry classification of the equation, and then we find some interesting similarity solutions by means of the symmetries and the variable coefficient heat equation. Local dynamical behaviors are analyzed via the solutions for the growing cell populations. Second, we show that the conservation law multipliers of the equation take the form Λ=Λ(t,x,u), which satisfy a linear partial differential equation, and then give the general formula of conservation laws. Finally, symmetry properties of the conservation law are investigated and used to construct conservation laws of the reduced equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With more than 300 species, the Magnoliaceae family represents a major Magnoliid lineage that is disjunctly distributed in Asia and the New World. The classification of Magnolia s.l. has been highly controversial among taxonomists, varying from one genus with several subgenera, sections, and subsections to several (up to 16) genera. We conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic study of Magnoliaceae on the basis of sequences of the complete chloroplast genomes with a broad taxon sampling of 86 species. The phylogenetic analyses strongly support 15 major clades within Magnolia s.l. due to the non‐monophyly of subgen. Magnolia, the previous subgeneric treatment that recognizes three subgenera, is not supported. Based on the phylogenetic, morphological, and geographic evidence, we recognize two subfamilies in Magnoliaceae: Liriodendroideae and Magnolioideae, each with one genus, Liriodendron and Magnolia, respectively. Magnolia is herein classified into 15 sections: sects. Magnolia, Manglietia, Michelia, Gwillimia, Gynopodium, Kmeria, Maingola, Oyama, Rytidospermum, Splendentes, Talauma, Tuliparia, Macrophylla, Tulipastrum, and Yulania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerophospholipids (GPs) and sphingolipids (SPs) are important lipid components in the body and play biological functions. Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) are important nutrients, and their supplements are commonly used for preventing some diseases. However, the effect of n‐3 PUFAs on the human glycerophospholipidome and sphingolipidome is unclear. We used targeted lipidomics to study the GP and SP profile of healthy individuals after supplementation with n‐3 PUFAs for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. Fuzzy c‐means clustering was used to cluster the lipid species into six classes reflecting different changed‐content patterns after n‐3 PUFA supplementation. Among the species with significantly changed content, lysophospholipids were the most sensitive; their content started to increase on day 3. The content of phosphatidylserines increased at a later stage. The content of most of the phosphatidylcholines and alkylphosphatidylcholines decreased on day 21. A correlation network analysis of lipid species suggested that some enzymes involved in the metabolism of lysophospholipids and phosphatidylserines were regulated by n‐3 PUFAs. Levels of creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB), urea, glucose, triglycerides and total bilirubin were altered by n‐3 PUFA at 21 days. Correlation analysis revealed that the level of CK‐MB was negatively correlated with those of species in lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine classes, which were increased by n‐3 PUFA supplementation. With the analysis in this work, we demonstrated the regular pattern of n‐3 PUFAs on GP and SP metabolism, which provides a pharmacological basis for n‐3 PUFAs for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir porosity is a critical parameter for the process of unconventional oil and gas resources assessment. It is difficult to determine the porosity of a gas shale reservoir, and any large deviation will directly reduce the credibility of any shale gas resources evaluation. However, there is no quantitative explanation for the accuracy of porosity measurement. In this paper, measurement uncertainty, an internationally recognized index, was used to evaluate the results of porosity measurement of gas shale plugs, and its impact on the credibility of shale gas resources assessment was determined. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) the measurement uncertainty of porosity of a shale plug is 1.76%–3.12% using current measurement methods, the upper end of which is too large to be acceptable. It is suggested that the measurement uncertainty should be factored into the standard helium gas injection porosity determination experiment, and the uncertainty should be less than 2.00% when using a high‐precision pressure gauge; (2) in order to reduce the risk for exploration and decision‐making, attention should be paid to the large uncertainty (30% at least) of shale gas resource assessment results, sometimes with corrections being made based on the practical considerations;(3) a pressure gauge with an accuracy of 0.25% of the full scal cannot meet the requirements of porosity measurement, and a high‐precision plug cutting method or high‐precision bulk volume measurement method such as one using 3D scanning, is recommended to effectively reduce porosity uncertainty; (4) the method and process for evaluating the measurement uncertainty of gas shale porosity could also be referred for assessment of experimental quality by other laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The timely enumeration of cells of nanocellulose‐producing bacteria is challenging due to their unique growth properties. To better understand the metabolism of the bacteria and better control the concentration of living cells during cultivation, a prompt cell counting technology is crucial and urgently required. In this work, two fluorescent dyes, the asymmetrical anthocyanidin dye SYBR Green I (SG) and propidium iodide (PI), were first combined for Komagataeibacter xylinus species to determine live/dead bacterial cells quantitatively and promptly. The number of live and dead K. xylinus cells determined using an epifluorescence microscope corresponded well to the results obtained using a fluorescence microplate reader. The R2 values were 0.9986 and 0.9920, respectively, and were similar to those obtained with the LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM commercial kit. SG/PI double‐staining showed proper efficiency in distinguishing live/dead cells for the K. xylinus strain (R2 = 0.9898). The technology was applied to standardize four different K. xylinus strains, and the initial cell concentration of the strains was precisely controlled (no significant difference among the strains, P> 0.05). The cellulose yield per live cell was calculated, and significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among the four strains in the following order: DHU‐ATCC‐1> DHU‐ZCY‐1> DHU‐ZGD‐1> ATCC 23770. The study shows (i) the application of the SG/PI staining to standardizing inocula for bacterial cellulose production so that a more accurate comparison can be made between different strains, and (ii) the lower cost of using SG rather than the SYTO 9 of the commercially available LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM kit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Our previous study indicated that chronic stress caused autophagy impairment and subsequent neuron apoptosis in hippocampus. However, the mechanism underlying the stress‐induced damage to neurons is unclear. In present work, we investigated whether stress‐level glucocorticoids (GCs) GCs promoted PC12 cell damage via AMPK/mTOR signaling‐mediated autophagy. Methods: Chronic stress‐induced PC12 cell injury model was built by treatment with high level corticosterone (CORT). Cell injury was evaluated by flow cytometry assay and transmission electron microscopy observation. Results: Autophagy flux was measured based on the changes in LC3‐II and P62 protein expressions, and the color alteration of mCherry‐GFP‐LC3‐II transfection. Our results showed that CORT not only increased cell injury and apoptosis, but also dysregulated AMPK/mTOR signaling‐mediated autophagy flux, as indicated by the upregulated expression of LC3‐II and P62 proteins, and the lowered ration of autolysosomes to autophagosomes. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that autophagy activation by AMPK activator metformin or mTOR inhibitor rapamycin obviously promotes cell survival and autophagy flux, improved mitochondrial ultrastructure, and reduced expression of Cyt‐C and caspase‐3 in CORT‐induced PC12 cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that high CORT triggers PC12 cell damage through disrupting AMPK/mTOR‐mediated autophagy flux. Targeting this signaling may be a promising approach to protect against high CORT and chronic stress‐induced neuronal impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cladrastis clade is an early‐diverged lineage within the subfamily Papilionoideae of Leguminosae. Several taxonomic uncertainties limit a robust understanding of its taxonomy: (1) Should the genus Platyosprion be resurrected? (2) How should Cladrastis be delimited to maintain the generic monophyly? (3) Is Styphnolobium best classified into two or three sections? We assessed specific/sectional/generic boundaries within this clade by integrating evidence from phylogenetic analyses, morphology, and multivariate ecological methods. With an extensive sampling of the clade, we reconstructed the phylogenies using nrDNA (ITS) and plastid DNA regions (matK, psbA‐trnH, trnL‐F). Based on environmental data for 841 occurrences, clusters of species were sought according to their environmental preferences with the principal component analysis (PCA), and explicit hypotheses on species/sectional boundaries were tested using ecological niche modeling (ENM). A new tribe, Cladrastideae, is established based on the Cladrastis clade with four monophyletic groups: the Cladrastis platycarpa complex, Cladrastis s.str., Pickeringia and Styphnolobium. The C. platycarpa complex constitutes the resurrected genus Platyosprion. The putative species C. chingii, C. parvifolia, C. scandens and C. yungchunii are suggested to be treated as synonyms of Platyosprion platycarpum. Cladrastis is recircumscribed as equal to Cladrastis s.str., with three species from eastern Asia, and one species, C. kentukea, from eastern North America. Styphnolobium is herein classified into three sections: St. sect. Oresbios, St. sect. Styphnolobium and a new section, St. sect. Affine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Thirteen agitator configurations were investigated at low speed in stirred‐tank reactors (STRs) to determine if improved crude bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) productivity can be achieved from glucose‐based media while maintaining high BNC quality using Komagataeibacter xylinus ATCC 23770 as a model organism. A comparison of five single impellers showed the pitched blade (large) was the optimal impeller at 300 rpm. The BNC production was further increased by maintaining the pH at 5.0. Among the single helical ribbon and frame impellers and the combined impellers, the twin pitched blade provided the best results. The combined impellers at 150 rpm performed better than the single impellers, and after optimizing the agitation conditions, the twin pitched blade (large) and helical ribbon impellers performed the best at 100 rpm. The performances of different agitators at low speed during BNC production were related to how efficiently the agitators improved the oxygen mass transfer coefficient. The twin pitched blade (large) was verified as providing the optimum performance by an observed crude BNC production of 1.97 g (L×d)−1 and a BNC crude yield of consumed glucose of 0.41 g g−1, which were 2.25 and 2.37 times higher than the initial values observed using the single impeller respectively. Further characterization indicated that the BNC obtained at 100 rpm from the STR equipped with the optimal agitator maintained high degree of polymerization and crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study determines whether assessment with compound action potentials (CAPs) can distinguish two different forms of cerebral white matter injury at the functional levels. Methods: A pure demyelination model was induced in C57/BL6 adult mice by dietary supplementation of cuprizone (0.2%) for 6 weeks. Callosal L‐N5‐(1‐Iminoethyl) ornithine (L‐NIO) hydrochloride (27 mg/mL) was injected into the corpus callosum (CC) to induce a focal white matter stroke (WMS), resulting in both demyelination and axonal injury. White matter integrity was assessed by performing CAP recording, electron microscopy, and immunohistological and luxol fast blue (LFB) staining. Results: Immunohistological and electron microscopic analyses confirmed the induction of robust demyelination in CC with cuprizone, and mixed demyelination and axonal damage with L‐NIO. Electrophysiologically, cuprizone‐induced demyelination significantly reduced the amplitude of negative peak 1 (N1), but increased the amplitude of negative peak 2 (N2), of the CAPs compared to the sham controls. However, cuprizone did not affect the axonal conduction velocity. In contrast, the amplitude and area of both N1 and N2 along with N1 axonal conduction velocity were dramatically decreased in L‐NIO‐induced WMS. Conclusions: Concertedly, parameters of the CAPs offer a novel functional assessment strategy for cerebral white matter injury in rodent models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Komagataeibacter xylinus ATCC 23770 was statically cultivated in eight culture media based on different carbon sources, viz. seven biomass‐derived sugars and one sugar mixture. The productivity and quality of the bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced in the different media were compared. Highest volumetric productivity, yield on consumed sugar, viscometric degree of polymerization (DPv, 4350–4400) and thermal stability were achieved using media based on glucose or maltose. Growth in media based on xylose, mannose or galactose resulted in lower volumetric productivity and DPv, but in larger fibril diameter and higher crystallinity (76–78%). Growth in medium based on a synthetic sugar mixture resembling the composition of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate promoted BNC productivity and yield, but decreased fibril diameter, DPv, crystallinity and thermal stability. This work shows that volumetric productivity, yield and properties of BNC are highly affected by the carbon source, and indicates how industrially relevant sugar mixtures would affect these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our previous study has confirmed that a novel curcumin derivate nicotinate‐curcumin (NC) can facilitate autophagic flux in THP‐1 cells induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein. Aims: Given that autophagy plays critical roles in neurodegenerative diseases, the present study was carried out to investigate whether NC can improve cognitive function of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) via restoring autophagic flux in CA1 hippocampus. Results: Our results showed that NC treatment improved cognitive deficit and attenuated neuronal loss as well as cellular ultrastructure impairment in the CA1 region of DM rats induced by streptozotocin. Moreover, NC lowered the expressions of the apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2, Bax, Cyt‐c, and cleaved Caspase‐3. Notably, NC treatment reversed autophagic flux impairment as evidenced by the deceases in LC3‐II and p62 protein levels, and autophagosome accumulation in the hippocampal CA1 region of DM rats. However, these protective effects of NC were abolished by cotreatment with 3‐methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) and chloroquine (an autophagic flux inhibitor), respectively. Furthermore, NC treatment decreased the expressions of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6k) proteins in the CA1 region of DM rats. Conclusions: These results indicate that NC ameliorates DM‐induced cognitive function impairment via restoring autophagic flux might by inhibiting mTOR/p70S6k activation in the CA1 region, and NC may be a promising agent for diabetic cognitive dysfunction prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of lead‐free double perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) Cs2AgSb1−yBiyX6 (X: Br, Cl; 0≤y≤1) is synthesized. In particular, the Cs2AgSbBr6 NCs is a new double perovskite material that has not been reported for the bulk form. Mixed Ag–Sb/Bi NCs exhibit enhanced stability in colloidal solution compared to Ag–Bi or Ag–Sb NCs. Femtosecond transient absorption studies indicate the presence of two prominent fast trapping processes in the charge‐carrier relaxation. The two fast trapping processes are dominated by intrinsic self‐trapping (ca. 1–2 ps) arising from giant exciton–phonon coupling and surface‐defect trapping (ca. 50–100 ps). Slow hot‐carrier relaxation is observed at high pump fluence, and the possible mechanisms for the slow hot‐carrier relaxation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a versatile biomaterial, however its production at industrial scale is not cost‐effective due to the high cost of culture media. Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) is an annually renewable agricultural residue with little or no value and could even cause haze if burned. The proposed approach is the first to use SSB to produce BNC by means of pretreatment of green solvent ionic liquid (IL) for promoted enzymatic saccharification due to the recalcitrant lignocellulose structure of SSB. But the questions, 'Which is the best IL' and 'Are there any negative effects' need answers. RESULTS: Six kinds of ILs were first compared in detail and showed diverse inhibition of cellulase and bacterial culture with changing IL concentration. Inhibition by IL of cellulase and BNC production could be removed completely by thorough washing. The results showed that three ILs, [AMIM]OAc, [EMIM]Fmt and [EMIM]OAc, had higher dissolving capacity and strong enhancement of cellulase saccharification of SSB. The fermentable sugar yield from SSB was enhanced by more than 7.5 times after [EMIM]Fmt‐pretreatment at biomass loading of 20%. The highest productivity of 0.71 g L−1 d−1 of crude BNC was obtained after cultivation with the hydrolysate of [EMIM]Fmt‐pretreated SSB. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a new approach to produce BNC by biorefining lignocellulosic waste SSB, which could provide the following potential benefits: better utilization of the agricultural residual SSB than burning, which causes haze and air pollution, improving economic benefits of SSB for farmers, and decreasing the production cost of BNC. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND More extensive utilization of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is severely restricted by the low efficiency and small scale of the traditional static cultivation. Submerged fermentation in stirred‐tank reactors (STRs) is potentially favourable for large‐scale production of BNC, but scale‐up of cultivation remains challenging. Even though the STR is most commonly used for submerged cultivation in the fermentation industry, there are few previous attempts to scale‐up production of BNC to pilot scale using an STR. Furthermore, the question of how scale‐up of submerged cultivation affects the properties of the BNC has received very little attention RESULTS: Four strains were compared in 250‐mL shake flasks. Strain DHU‐ATCC‐1 displayed the highest volumetric productivity, 0.56 g L−1 d−1, and was then cultivated in a 400‐mL STR, showing a similar productivity of 0.55 g L−1 d−1. Scale‐up using a 75‐L STR pilot bioreactor resulted in enhancement of the BNC production rate from 0.056 g d−1 in the shake flasks to 17.3 g d−1 in the 75‐L STR, although the productivity decreased to 0.43 g L−1 d−1. During scale‐up from shake flasks to 400‐mL STR and further on to 75‐L STR, the BNC fibers formed more bundles, whereas the fiber diameter decreased from 25.6 to 21.7 nm. The BNC from the 75‐L STR exhibited a higher degree of polymerization, specifically 3230, higher degree of crystallinity, specifically 83%, larger crystallites, and improved strength including higher tensile energy absorption index and superior stretch at break. CONCLUSION: It is possible to enhance BNC production, and maintain or improve its properties when scaling up submerged cultivation in STRs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dinuclear dysprosium complex, [Dy2(tta)6(4‐mepyNO)2]·CHCl3 (tta = thenoyltrifluoroacetone, 4‐mepyNO = 4‐methylpyridine N‐oxide), has been structurally and magnetically characterized. Analysis of the single‐crystal structure revealed that the NO group serves as an effective bridge to link the two DyIII centres and combine with the peripheral β‐diketonate ligands to form an eight‐coordinate geometry of DyIII. Magnetic measurements showed significant zero‐field single‐molecule magnetic behaviour with a 3 K hysteresis temperature and 121 K energy barrier. Diamagnetic dilution studies revealed that the DyIII–DyIII coupling suppresses the quantum tunelling of magnetization, although the coupling is generally weak. The diluted system mainly displays decoupling single‐ion magnetic anisotropic behaviour with a higher hysteresis temperature of 3.5 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crystal structures, single‐molecule magnetic behavior, and ab initio calculations of four new phenoxo‐bridged dinuclear dysprosium complexes and their gadolinium(III) analogues are explored. Complexes [Dy2(DMOMP)2(DBM)4]2⋅CHCl3 (1; DMOMP=1‐methyl‐3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxybenzene, DBM=1,3‐diphenylpropane‐1,3‐dione); [Dy2(DMOAP)2(DBM)4]2⋅CHCl3 (2; DMOAP=syringaldehyde); Dy2(DMOEP)2(DBM)4 (3; DMOEP=methyl syringate); and solvent‐free Dy2(DMOMP)2(DBM)4 (4), which is obtained by the transformation of single crystal into single crystal from 1, have nearly identical core structures and only differ in the substituents at the para position of the phenol moieties of the bridging ligand. In this system, the electronic effects are efficiently implemented to significantly modify the ligand field strength and exchange coupling by modulating the substituents on the phenol backbone. The effective energy barrier (Ueff) of magnetization reversal is improved significantly to fivefold magnitude, at most, and the hysteresis temperature up to 3.5 K by deliberately using the electron‐withdrawing substituent to replace the electron‐donating one. The origin of the two relaxation processes in 1 is mostly attributed to the existence of two molecules in one unit, which is illuminated by means of the transformation of single crystal into single crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lead‐free perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) were obtained mainly by substituting a Pb2+ cation with a divalent cation or substituting three Pb2+ cations with two trivalent cations. The substitution of two Pb2+ cations with one monovalent Ag+ and one trivalent Bi3+ cations was used to synthesize Cs2AgBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, I) double perovskite NCs. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, the charge carrier relaxation mechanism was elucidated in the double perovskite NCs. The Cs2AgBiBr6 NCs exhibit ultrafast hot‐carrier cooling (<1 ps), which competes with the carrier trapping processes (mainly originate from the surface defects). Notably, the photoluminescence can be increased by 100 times with surfactant (oleic acid) added to passivate the defects in Cs2AgBiCl6 NCs. These results suggest that the double perovskite NCs could be potential materials for optoelectronic applications by better controlling the surface defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The [Fe(L222N5)(CN)2] compound, where L222N5 refers to the macrocyclic Schiff‐base ligand, 2,13‐dimethyl‐3,6,9,‐12,18‐pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca‐1(18),2,12,14,‐ 16‐pentaene, is a photomagnetic FeII based coordination compound, which undergoes light‐induced excited spin‐state trapping (LIESST). The low spin state is hexacoordinated and the high spin state heptacoordinated. This system also serves as complex for the design of trinuclear or one‐dimensional compounds made of other types of bricks with diverse coordinated metals. Here its ultrafast spin‐state photoswitching dynamics are studied, by combining femtosecond optical spectroscopy and femtosecond X‐ray absorption measurements at the XPP station of the X‐ray free‐electron laser LCLS. DFT and TD‐DFT calculations are used to interpret experimental findings. These studies, performed in the solution phase, show that LIESST in [Fe(L222N5)(CN)2] occurs on the 100 fs timescale under different types of photoexcitation. In addition, coherent oscillations were observed, resulting from the structural dynamics accompanying LIESST, which were recently evidenced in more conventional octahedral FeIIN6 systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading on mice lumbar disc and the feasibility of applying this method to establish a mice intervertebral disc degeneration model using a custom‐made hot plate cage. In previous studies, we observed that the motion pattern of mice was greatly similar to that of humans when they were standing and jumping on their lower limbs. There is little data to demonstrate whether or not accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading could induce intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo. Methods: Twenty‐four 0‐week‐old mice were randomly divided into model 1‐month and 3‐month groups, and control 1‐month and 3‐month groups (n = 6 per group). The model groups was transferred into the custom‐made hot plate cage three times per day for modeling. The control group was kept in a regular cage. The intervertebral disc samples of the L3–L5 were harvested for histologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical studies after modeling for 1 and 3 months. Results: Accumulated spinal axial biomechanical loading affects the histologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical changes of mice L3–L5 intervertebral discs. Decreased height of disc and endplate, fissures of annulus fibrosus, and ossification of cartilage endplate were found in morphological studies. Immunohistochemical studies of the protein level showed a similar expression of type II collagen at 1 month, but a slightly decreased expression at 3 months, and an increased expression level of type X collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). Molecular studies showed that ColIIa1 and aggrecan mRNA expression levels were slightly increased at 1 month (P > 0.05), but then decreased slightly (P > 0.05). ColXa1, ADAMTS‐5, and MMP‐13 expression levels werer increased both at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05). In addition, increased expression of Runx2 was observed. Conclusion: Accumulated spinal axial loading provided by a custom‐made hot plate accelerated mice lumbar disc and especially endplate degeneration. However, this method requires further development to establish a lumbar disc degeneration model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Tumor necrosis factor ( TNF) and interleukin-17 ( IL-17) independently contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA). ABT-122 is a novel dual variable domain immunoglobulin that selectively and simultaneously targets human TNF and IL-17A. The aim of treatment with ABT-122 is to evoke a greater clinical response than that achieved by targeting either cytokine alone. This study was undertaken to present the pooled safety, tolerability, and exploratory pharmacodynamics of ABT-122 based on 2 phase I, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending-dose studies in patients with primarily inactive RA. Methods Patients (n = 44) receiving stable dosages of methotrexate (2.5-25 mg/week) were randomized to receive subcutaneous placebo, ABT-122 1 mg/kg every other week (4 doses), or ABT-122 0.5, 1.5, or 3 mg/kg weekly (8 doses) and were evaluated through 45 days after the last dose (day 92). Serum samples for the assessment of inflammation markers and chemokines were collected at baseline and on postdose days 3, 5, 8, 15, 29, 57, 64, 78, and 92. Results No clinically significant findings regarding the safety of ABT-122 were observed. The rates of treatment-emergent adverse events ( AEs) were similar in patients receiving ABT-122 and those receiving placebo. Only 1 serious AE (and no systemic hypersensitivity reactions or dose-limiting toxicities) was observed in patients treated with ABT-122. The incidence of infections was similar between patients treated with ABT-122 and those receiving placebo, with no serious infection reported. The levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL23, and soluble E-selectin were significantly decreased following ABT-122 treatment relative to placebo treatment. Although patients had essentially inactive RA, exploratory clinical parameters suggested potential antiinflammatory effects following treatment with ABT-122. Conclusion The results of these phase I studies suggest that dual neutralization of TNF and IL-17 with ABT-122 has characteristics acceptable for further exploration of therapeutic potential in TNF- and IL-17A-driven immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-based perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have outstanding optical properties and cheap synthesis conferring them a tremendous potential in the field of optoelectronic devices. However, two critical problems are still unresolved and hindering their commercial applications: one is the fact of being lead-based and the other is the poor stability. Lead-free all-inorganic perovskite Cs3Bi2X9 (X=Cl, Br, I) NCs are synthesized with emission wavelength ranging from 400 to 560 nm synthesized by a facile room temperature reaction. The ligand-free Cs3Bi2Br9 NCs exhibit blue emission with photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) about 0.2 %. The PLQE can be increased to 4.5 % when extra surfactant (oleic acid) is added during the synthesis processes. This improvement stems from passivation of the fast trapping process (2-20 ps). Notably, the trap states can also be passivated under humid conditions, and the NCs exhibited high stability towards air exposure exceeding 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature offers various explanations to either support or refute the Ang et al. () high idiosyncratic volatility low return puzzle. Fu () finds a significantly positive contemporaneous relation between return and exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic idiosyncratic volatility. We use corporate hedging to shed light on this puzzle. Conceptually, idiosyncratic volatility matters to investors who face limits to diversification. But limits to diversification become less relevant for firms that consistently hedge. We confirm the main finding in Fu (), but only for firms that do not consistently hedge. For firms that adopt a consistent hedging policy, idiosyncratic volatility, whether contemporaneous or lagged, is insignificant in Fama-MacBeth regressions, controlling for size, book-to-market, momentum, liquidity, and industry effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Bacterial nanocellulose ( BNC) has prospects for use in applications of artificial blood vessels, esophagus and urethra. Several bioreactors have been utilized for synthesis of BNC tubes, however, little is known about differences in biosynthesis processes and tube properties. The current work for the first time compared two types of bioreactors, double-silicone-tube (D- BNC) and single-silicone-tube (S- BNC) bioreactors, to evaluate differences in preparation and properties of BNC tubes using fructose or glucose of 50 g L−1 and 100 g L−1, respectively. RESULTS The two bioreactors showed different biosynthesis processes of BNC tube production. The D- BNC bioreactor provided higher yields and better mechanical performance of tubes because of the greater oxygen supply. Higher fructose concentration resulted in increased production of D- BNC, but sugar types and concentrations had little effect on S- BNC yields. Fructose granted stronger mechanical properties, but lower water permeability. Both types of tubes prepared with 100 g L−1 fructose were composed of porous nano-fibrillar networks but showed different cross-sectional morphologies and fiber distributions. CONCLUSION This study revealed the biosynthesis processes of BNC tubes in two bioreactors and their correlation with properties. The results suggest how to regulate BNC tubes with particular structures and properties for biomedical prostheses including artificial blood vessels. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic performance of the atomically precise gold cluster-Au38(PET)24 (PET=2-phenylethanethiolate), immobilized on activated carbon (AC), was investigated for the aerobic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. The Au38(PET)24/AC-120 catalysts, annealed at 120 °C in air, exhibited high catalytic activity and significantly better performance than the corresponding catalysts Au38/AC-150 and Au38/AC-300 (treated at 150 and 300 °C to remove the protecting thiolate ligands). The high activity of the robust Au cluster was a result of the partial ligand removal, providing catalytically active sites, which were evidenced by TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy. Au38(PET)24/AC-120 also showed excellent recyclability (up to seven cycles). The turnover frequency for the Au38(PET)24/AC-120 catalyst was 5440 h−1, which is higher than for the Pd/AC, Pd-Bi/AC, and Au/AC under identical reaction conditions. This new ultra-small gold nanomaterial is expected to find wide application in other catalytic oxidations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde ( FA), a common environmental contaminant, has toxic effects on the central nervous system ( CNS). We have previously found that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), the third endogenous gaseous mediator, protects neuron against the toxicity of FA. However, the underlying mechanism is poor. Aldehyde-dehydrogenase-2 ( ALDH2) plays a major role in detoxification of reactive aldehyde in a range of organs and cell types. Therefore, we speculated that H2S antagonizes FA-induced neurotoxicity by modulating ALDH2. In the present study, we found that the exposure of PC12 cells to FA causes increase in ALDH2 expression and activity. Daidzin, an inhibitor of ALDH2, significantly antagonizes FA-exerted cytotoxicity and oxidative stress including the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species ( ROS), 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal (4- HNE), and malondialdehyde ( MDA), in PC12 cells. We also showed that daidzin markedly attenuated FA-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Furthermore, we found that H2S reverses FA-elicited upregulation of ALDH2 in PC12 cells. Our results demonstrated the involvement of downregulation of ALDH2 in the protection of H2S against FA neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]