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Three carbazole‐substituted anthracene 2CbzAn, 26CbzAn, and 246CbzAn have been developed. The introduction of these carbazole substituents could generate more triplet states with energy levels close to 2× E(T1) that could successfully facilitate the triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) process to achieve high upconversion quantum yield (UCQY). This observation aligns with the Adachi theory about TTA‐UC mechanisms. In organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) device investigation, in a non‐doped state show an external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 5.82% with exceptional pure‐blue emission (CIEy of 0.101), and the DPaNIF doped DMPPP/26CbzAn bilayer structure reaches an impressive EQEmax of 11.12%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the results of a cohort analysis on invasive genetic testing for fetuses with isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT) measurements of 3.0-3.4 mm. The study included 604 cases and found that 8.4% of the fetuses had clinically significant copy-number variant (CNV) results, with trisomy 21 being the most common finding. The study suggests that isolated NT measurements in this range are associated with an increased risk of chromosomal anomalies and potentially monogenic disorders. The findings have implications for parental counseling and the option of invasive genetic investigations. [Extracted from the article]

The key to type 1 copper (T1Cu) function lies in the fine tuning of the CuII/I reduction potential (E°′T1Cu) to match those of its redox partners, enabling efficient electron transfer in a wide range of biological systems. While the secondary coordination sphere (SCS) effects have been used to tune E°′T1Cu in azurin over a wide range, these principles are yet to be generalized to other T1Cu‐containing proteins to tune catalytic properties. To this end, we have examined the effects of Y229F, V290N and S292F mutations around the T1Cu of small laccase (SLAC) from Streptomyces coelicolor to match the high E°′T1Cu of fungal laccases. Using ultraviolet‐visible absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, together with X‐ray crystallography and redox titrations, we have probed the influence of SCS mutations on the T1Cu and corresponding E°′T1Cu. While minimal and small E°′T1Cu increases are observed in Y229F‐ and S292F‐SLAC, the V290N mutant exhibits a major E°′T1Cu increase. Moreover, the influence of these mutations on E°′T1Cu is additive, culminating in a triple mutant Y229F/V290N/S292F‐SLAC with the highest E°′T1Cu of 556 mV vs. SHE reported to date. Further activity assays indicate that all mutants retain oxygen reduction reaction activity, and display improved catalytic efficiencies (kcat/KM) relative to WT‐SLAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the on‐site diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across diverse practice settings. Methods: Between May 2019 and April 2022, a total of 2085 patients with 2320 pathologically confirmed focal liver lesions (FLLs) were enrolled. Imaging reports were compared with results from pathology analysis. Diagnostic performance was analyzed in defined size, high‐risk factors for HCC, and hospital volume categories. Results: Three images achieved similar diagnostic performance in classifying HCC from 16 types of FLLs, including HCC ≤2.0 cm. For HCC diagnosis at low‐volume hospitals and HCC with high‐risk factors, the accuracy and specificity of CEUS were comparable to CECT and CEMRI, while the sensitivity of CEUS (77.4 and 89.5%, respectively) was inferior to CEMRI (87.0 and 92.8%, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS + CEMRI and CEUS + CECT increased by 7.8 and 6.2% for HCC ≤2.0 cm, 8.0 and 5.0% for HCC with high‐risk factors, and 7.4 and 5.5% for HCC at low‐volume hospitals, respectively, compared with CEMRI/CECT alone. Conclusions: Compared with CECT and CEMRI, CEUS provides adequate diagnostic performance in clinical first‐line applications at high‐volume hospitals. Moreover, a higher diagnostic performance for HCC is achieved by combining CEUS with CECT/CEMRI compared with any single imaging technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wing polymorphism is an evolutionary trait that is widely present in various insects and provides a model system for studying the evolutionary significance of insect dispersal. The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) can alter its wing morphs under biotic and abiotic stress. However, whether differential signaling pathways are induced by the 2 types of stress remain largely unknown. Here, we screened a number of candidate genes through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and found that ornithine decarboxylase (NlODC), a key enzyme in the synthesis of polyamines, was associated with wing differentiation in BPH and mainly responded to abiotic stress stimuli. We analyzed the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathways of differentially expressed genes under the 2 stresses by transcriptomic comparison, and found that biotic stress mainly influenced insulin‐related signaling pathways while abiotic stress mainly influenced hormone‐related pathways. Moreover, we found that insulin receptor 1 (NlInR1) may regulate wing differentiation of BPH by responding to both biotic and abiotic stress, but NlInR2 only responded to biotic stress. Similarly, the juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase associated with juvenile hormone degradation and NlODC may regulate wing differentiation mainly through abiotic stress. A model based on the genes and stresses to modulate the wing dimorphism of BPH was proposed. These findings present a comprehensive molecular mechanism for wing polymorphism in BPH induced by biotic and abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that can be caused by genetic syndromes. In this study, a case of CDH diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy was reported. Exome sequencing (ES) was used to determine the genetic cause of the CDH, and a variant in the ARID2 gene associated with Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) type 6 was identified. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis of CDH and suggests that genetic testing, including ES, should be considered in the evaluation of fetuses with CDH. However, ES is not recommended as a routine test in early pregnancy. [Extracted from the article]

Ionizing radiation (IR) has been extensively used for cancer therapy, but the radioresistance hinders and undermines the radiotherapy efficacy in clinics greatly. Here, we reported that the spliceosomal protein thioredoxin-like 4B (TXNL4B) is highly expressed in lung tissues from lung cancer patients with radiotherapy. Lung cancer cells with TXNL4B knockdown illustrate increased sensitivity to IR. Mechanistically, TXNL4B interacts with RNA processing factor 3 (PRP3) and co-localizes in the nucleus post-IR. Nuclear localization of PRP3 promotes the alternative splicing of the Fanconi anemia group I protein (FANCI) transcript variants, FANCI-12 and FANCI-13. PRP3 regulates alternative splicing of FANCI toward the two variants, FANCI-12 and FANCI-13. Radioresistancewas greatly enhanced through the combination of PRP31 and PRP8, the critical components of core spliceosome promoted by PRP3. Notably, the inhibition of PRP3 to suppress the production of FANCI-12 would deprive PRP31 and PRP8 of such interaction. As a result, cell cycle G2/M arrest was induced, DNA damage repair was delayed, and radiosensitivity was improved. Collectively, our study highlights potential novel underlying mechanisms of the involvement of TXNL4B and alternative splicing in radioresistance. The results would benefit potential cancer radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corroles have attracted increasing research interests in recent decades owing to their unique properties over porphyrins. However, the relatively inefficient and tedious synthetic procedures of corrole building blocks with functional groups for bioconjugation hindered their bioapplications. Herein, we report a highly efficient protocol to synthesize corrole‐peptide conjugates with good yields (up to 63 %) without using prepared corrole building blocks. By condensing two −COOH‐bearing‐dipyrromethane molecules onto an aldehyde group on resin‐bound peptide chains in a controllable manner, a series of desired products with long (up to 25 residues) and bioactive peptide chains were obtained with at most one chromatographic purification. The synthesized compounds exhibited potential applications as chelators for metal ions for biomedical applications, as building blocks for supramolecular materials, as well as targeted fluorescent probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the classic 1,1′:4′,1″‐terphenyl fluorophore, a novel near‐ultraviolet (NUV) fluorescent BB4Ph (4,4″′‐bis(2,3,4,5‐tetraphenylphen‐1‐yl)(1,1′:4′,1″‐terphenyl) is designed, synthesized, and characterized. BB4Ph exhibits a NUV fluorescence with a λmax of 373 and 380 nm in solution and as a thin film, respectively. The grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) reveals BB4Ph having a high value of order parameter (SGIWAXS) of 0.59 for a molecular layer array normal to the substrate; the angle‐dependent photoluminescence (ADPL) measurement shows Θ (horizontal–dipole ratios) as high as 95% with the neat film. The non‐doped BB4Ph organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) show external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 5.24% with 1931 Commission Internationale de l' Eclairage coordinates (CIEx,y) of (0.16, 0.04), a NUV electroluminescence. With 4P‐Cz (9,9′‐(1,1′:4′,1″:4″,1′″‐quaterphenyl‐4,4′″‐diyl)dicarbazole) as a dopant emitter, doped BB4Ph OLEDs show the highest EQE of 6.99% and a NUV 1931 CIEx,y (0.16, 0.04). The photoluminescence quantum yield is measured for the thin film of BB4Ph and 4P‐Cz:BB4Ph as 68% and 96%, respectively. Hence, the low limits of light outcoupling efficiency (ηout) of the two individual OLEDs are estimated as 31% and 29%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present both our center's and previously reported experience of prenatal diagnosis of Coffin‐Siris syndrome (CSS) with regard to the laboratory testing and fetal features of this syndrome. Methods: This was a retrospective study of eight pregnancies with fetal CSS identified by prenatal or postnatal genetic testing. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and reviewed for these cases, including maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, chromosomal microarray and exome sequencing (ES) results, and pregnancy outcomes. Results: A total of eight cases of fetal CSS based on molecular testing were detected. Two cases presented with an increased nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester. The remaining six were identified at the second trimester scan. Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) was the most common sonographic finding, accounting for 5/7 (71.4%) cases in which a second trimester sonogram was performed: four had ACC as an isolated finding, and one had additional features of cerebellar hypoplasia and left congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Conclusion: CSS should be included in the differential diagnosis when ACC is found by prenatal ultrasound. Both chromosomal microarray and ES should be options when counseling patients with a structurally anomalous fetus. Key points: What is already known on this topic?Coffin‐Siris syndrome (CSS) is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner; most affected individuals have the disorder as the result of de novo CSS‐causing variants of genes in the BAF complex.In postnatal patients, the diagnosis is based on the presence of major and at least one minor clinical sign. What this study adds?CSS should be included in the differential diagnosis when a fetus presents with agenesis of the corpus callosum.In addition to chromosomal microarray, exome sequencing should be an option when counseling patients with a structurally anomalous fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe a facilitated procedure of colorectal filling contrast ultrasonography (CFCUS) and explore its value in the diagnosis of pediatric juvenile polyps. Methods: One hundred and eleven children with clinical signs of colorectal polyps admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All children underwent conventional transabdominal ultrasonography (CTUS) and CFCUS prior to undergoing colonoscopy. Pathologic findings were used as the gold standard. Chi‐squared tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Forty‐five children with fifty‐two colorectal polyps were confirmed via pathological examination. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CFCUS vs. CTUS were 92.3% versus 80.7%, 100% versus 100%, 100% versus 100%, and 93.3% versus 84.8%, respectively. The missed polyps were significantly smaller than the polyps detected in diameter (7.50 ± 2.12 mm vs. 19.62 ± 7.89 mm, p < 0.0001) by CTUS. A significant difference between CTUS and CFCUS was observed in the detection rate of polyps with a diameter < 1 cm (p = 0.031) and pedicles (p < 0.001). The kappa values for the assessment of Yamada's classification between CTUS and colonoscopy and CFCUS and colonoscopy were 0.51 and 0.84, respectively. Moreover, CFCUS incidentally revealed a punctate hyperechoic area on the surface of colonic polyps in six cases, which may be suggestive of a correlation with erosion and bleeding findings. Conclusion: CFCUS can increase the detection rate of polyps and pedicles, especially polyps with diameters <1 cm, and accurately evaluate Yamada's classification, providing useful preoperative information for colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores Internet celebrities' personal brand development motivations and their strategies for successful personal branding practices. It divides the motivations of Internet celebrities to build their personal brands into internal and external factors as a basic framework to explore the establishment of a personal brand. We collect empirical data on 280 Internet celebrities from Taiwan through online and paper‐based questionnaires and conduct structure equation modeling to examine any causal relationships. Statistical results support the main hypothesis that both internal and external motivations push them to adopt involvement and information sharing as their main activities when building a personal brand. However, only involvement is able to create a successful personal brand, as information sharing alone fails to demonstrate the expected effects. We employ the mixed‐method approach to collect data through qualitative and quantitative sources. In‐depth qualitative interviews of successful Internet celebrities also corroborate the empirical results. This study suggests that future Internet celebrities should focus on involvement activities, rather than just sharing information, if they want to create a successful personal brand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the clinical value of image fusion of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the diagnosis of invisible lesions with a size ≤2 cm on conventional ultrasound imaging, and compare it with the clinical value of "first CEUS". Methods: A total of 132 patients with 147 lesions with abnormal blood supply with a size ≤2 cm on CECT were included in this study. "first CEUS" was performed for these lesions. Then "fusion CEUS," that is, CEUS administered after fusion of US and CECT images, was carried out. The detection rates of the "first CEUS" and "fusion CEUS" were compared. How "fusion CEUS" corrects the misdiagnosis of liver lesions on CECT was analyzed. Results: One hundred nine lesions considered as HCC and 38 lesions considered as benign lesions on CECT were included. The detection rates for the lesions of "first CEUS" and "fusion CEUS" were 71.4% and 96.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the 147 lesions, 68 were with a diameter ≤ 1 cm. The detection rate of "first CEUS" and "fusion CEUS" were 55.9% and 95.6%, respectively (P < 0.001) for the lesions with a size ≤1 cm. "Fusion CEUS" and "first CEUS" corrected the misdiagnosis in 2 lesions on CECT. Conclusion: The "first CEUS" and "fusion CEUS" can improve the lesion conspicuity. Compared with "first CEUS," "fusion CEUS" has a higher diagnostic ability and hence can detect most of the invisible lesions on the former. Access the CME test here and search by article title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odorant‐degrading enzymes (ODEs) have been found in insect antennae and play a critical role in signal chemical degradation once the message is conveyed. Significant progress has been made in characterizing ODEs in a variety of pests but very little is known in their natural enemies. We have carried out an antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis, a natural enemy of aphid, to identify the candidate ODEs. Based on the antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome, a total of 100 putative ODEs were identified including one aldehyde oxidase (AOX), four alcohol dehydrogenases (ADs), eight UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 45 cytochrome P450 (P450s), nine glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and 40 carboxylesterases (CCEs or CXEs). Additionally, we used RT‐qPCR to determine the expression profiles of these genes in tissues of both sexes. Based on the phylogenic analysis and tissue‐expression patterns, AgifEstE4, AgifCXE3, AgifCCE4, AgifCCE7, and AgifCCE18 were suggested as key ODEs in A. gifuensis. In addition, the female or male specifically enriched genes, such as AgifCCE17, AgifEstB1, AgifCYP18a1, AgifUGT2C2, were also considered to involve in the chemosensory processing in A. gifuensis. This study not only identified the candidate ODEs in A. gifuensis but also provided source for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of chemical signal transductions in A. gifuensis, as well as other hymenopteran species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the changes in temperature extremes is important for managing and coping with the risks associated with regional climate change. However, the climatological characteristics of temperature extremes and their variabilities is still not adequately studies in Malaysia. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal variations of temperature extremes over Malaysia for the period 1985–2018. This study includes four phases: (a) collection, quality control and homogeneity analysis of temperature data; (b) general (TXmean, TNmean, TMmean and DTR), warm (TXx, TNx, TX90p and TN90p) and cool (TXn, TNn, TX10p and TN10p) temperature extreme indices calculations; (c) trend analysis of temperature extremes using the Mann‐Kendall and Sens's slope test; and (d) analyses of correlations between temperature extremes and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results indicate a warming of surface temperature across Malaysia, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. In general, TXmean, TNmean and TMmean increased significantly at 5% significance level by 0.12°C/decade, 0.27°C/decade and 0.17°C/decade, respectively. A significant decreasing trend in DTR by 0.12°C/decade is seen, which is related to the higher increasing rate of TNmean. All of the warm extreme indices, TXx, TNx, TX90p and TN90p presents significant increasing trends by 0.19°C/decade, 0.28°C/decade, 2.86%/decade and 3.08%/decade, respectively. For the cool extreme indices, TX10p and TN10p decreased significantly by 0.95%/decade and 3.18%/decade, respectively, though the trend in TXn by 0.11°C/decade is not statistically significant. The only cool index presenting a significant increasing trend is TNn by 0.44°C/decade, indicating a reduction of cool nights. Besides that, major cities in the northern and western parts of Peninsular Malaysia generally exhibit a higher warming trend compared to rural and highland area. These are possibly related to the intensified urban heat island effect under the rapid urbanization. This study also found that the ENSO affected warm extreme indices much stronger than cool extreme indices in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute lung injury (ARDS/ALI) is histologically characterized by extensive alveolar barrier disruption and excessive fibroproliferation responses. Protectin DX (PDX) displays anti‐inflammatory and potent inflammation pro‐resolving actions. We sought to investigate whether PDX attenuates LPS (lipopolysaccharide)‐induced lung injury via modulating epithelial cell injury repair, apoptosis and fibroblasts activation. In vivo, PDX was administered intraperitoneally (IP) with 200 ng/per mouse after intratracheal injection of LPS, which remarkedly stimulated proliferation of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT II cells), reduced the apoptosis of AT II cells, which attenuated lung injury induced by LPS. Moreover, primary type II alveolar cells were isolated and cultured to assess the effects of PDX on wound repair, apoptosis, proliferation and transdifferentiation in vitro. We also investigated the effects of PDX on primary rat lung fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation. Our result suggests PDX promotes primary AT II cells wound closure by inducing the proliferation of AT II cells and reducing the apoptosis of AT II cells induced by LPS, and promotes AT II cells transdifferentiation. Furthermore, PDX inhibits transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) induced fibroproliferation, fibroblast collagen production and myofibroblast transformation. Furthermore, the effects of PDX on epithelial wound healing and proliferation, fibroblast proliferation and activation partly via the ALX/ PI3K signalling pathway. These data present identify a new mechanism of PDX which targets the airway epithelial cell and fibroproliferation are potential for treatment of ARDS/ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decamethonium diiodide is reported to perform the chemo‐ and regioselective encapsulation of para‐dihalobenzenes through the competitive formation of halogen‐bonded cocrystals starting from solutions that also contain ortho and meta isomers. Selective caging in the solid occurs even when an excess ortho or meta isomers, or even a mixture of them, is present in the solution. A prime matching between the size and shape of the dication and the formed dianions plays a key role in enabling the selective self‐assembly, as proven by successful encapsulation of halogen‐bond donors as weak as 1,4‐dichlorobenzene and by the results of cocrystallization trials involving mismatching tectons. Encapsulated para‐dihalobenzenes guest molecules can be removed quantitatively by heating the cocrystals under reduced pressure and be recovered as pure materials. The residual decamethonium diiodide can be recycled with no reduction in selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase (TPS), an enzyme that hydrolyzes two glucose molecules to yield trehalose, plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes. In this study, we cloned the trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase gene (HvTPS) and investigated its expression patterns in various tissues and developmental stages in Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). HvTPS was highly expressed in the fat body and after pupation or before molting. We knocked down TPS in H. vitessoides by RNA interference and found that 3.0 μg of dsHvTPS resulted in optimal interference at 24 h and 36 h post‐injection and caused a sharp decline in the survival rate during the 5th instar larval–pupal stage and obviously abnormal or lethal phenotypes. Additionally, compared to the controls, TPS activity and trehalose contents were significantly lower and the glucose content was significantly higher 24 h or 36 h after injection with 3.0 μg of dsHvTPS. Furthermore, the silencing of HvTPS suppressed the expression of six key genes in the chitin biosynthesis pathway and one key gene related to lipid catabolism. The expression levels of two genes associated with lipid biosynthesis were upregulated. These results strongly suggest that HvTPS is essential for the normal growth and development of H. vitessoides and provide a reference for further studies of the utility of key genes involved in chitin and lipid biosynthesis for controlling insect development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoperiod sensitivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars plays an important role in rice growth and yield formation. To ascertain the different effects of sowing dates on spikelet formation for different photoperiod-sensitive genotypes, 10 sowing dates were selected to assess differences in spikelet differentiation and degeneration for photoperiod-sensitive cultivars yongyou 538 (YY538) and xiushui134 (XS134) and photoperiod- insensitive cultivar chujing27 (CJ27). The yield of the cultivars differed significantly among different sowing dates and was primarily influenced by the spikelet number per panicle. With different sowing dates, shorter daylengths, and increasing temperatures significantly shortened the duration from sowing to heading for YY538 and XS134, while that of CJ27 was less changed and influenced by the average temperature. Rice growth duration was the primary factor limiting dry matter accumulation (DMA), which was correlated with the number of differentiated spikelets (NDS) and the proportion of degenerated spikelets (PGS) in photoperiod-sensitive varieties. High temperature weather with a relatively large temperature gap and strong solar radiation promoted spikelet differentiation in all three cultivars. Extremely high and low temperatures aggravated spikelet degeneration, but YY538 and XS134 were not exposed to low temperatures because their duration of growth was shortened to a greater extent than that of CJ27 with late sowing dates. Under different sowing dates, the NDS and PGS were evaluated by partial least squares regression (PLSR) with DMA, rice growth duration, temperature, and solar radiation. These results provide a reference for sowing date adjustment with climate changes in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the sensitivity of precipitation in Southeast Asia (SEA) to the choice of land‐surface schemes available in RegCM4, that is BATS1e (BATS) and CLM4.5 (CLM), over the CORDEX SEA domain. Two similar simulations using different land‐surface schemes were conducted for the period 1989 to 2007, with a horizontal resolution of 25 × 25 km. Four different types of observational data were used to evaluate the performance of these simulations. It was found that both of these simulations reproduced the SEA precipitation climatology spatial patterns reasonably well. However, the BATS simulation systematically produced higher frequency and more intense precipitation over land. The CLM simulation, although overestimating the precipitation frequency, produced a lower amount of on‐land precipitation. The precipitation annual cycle and interannual variability were both insensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme. The errors in the precipitation simulation were found to originate from the simulated convective precipitation (CPr). Large‐scale precipitation was found to be less sensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme. The influence of the land‐surface scheme on SEA precipitation simulation took place through the interaction between soil moisture content and CPr. The soil moisture content was consistently higher in the BATS simulation, as was the CPr simulated. During December to February (DJF), the difference in the precipitation amount simulated by BATS and CLM simulations was lower over the SEA mainland, even though the soil moisture content in both simulations was very different. This difference was due to the inactivity of the convective activities over the SEA mainland during DJF. This study concludes that the simulation of SEA precipitation amount was sensitive to the choice of land‐surface scheme, and recommend the use of CLM4.5 land‐surface scheme for simulation of SEA precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims To explore the long-term outcomes and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation ( MWA) of exophytic tumours in hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) patients. Methods One hundred and thirty-two patients with subcapsular HCC were enrolled in this retrospective study. These patients were divided into the exophytic group (n=71) and non-exophytic group (n=61) according to the location of the tumour(s). A special technology of puncture and ablation was performed to treat the exophytic tumours. The local tumour progression ( LTP), progression free survival ( PFS) and overall survival ( OS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests. Results Sixty-nine of 71 exophytic tumours and 60 of 61 subcapsular tumours were completely ablated. The complete ablation rates were 97.2% and 98.4% respectively. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 62 months with a median of 31 months in the exophytic group, and ranged from 5 to 61 months, with a median of 27 months in the non-exophytic group. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative LTP rates were 2.4%, 12.3%, 18.4% and 5.1%, 12.0%, 17.8% in the exophytic and non-exophytic groups respectively ( P=.733). The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 100%, 75.7%, 52.9% and 95.0%, 73.8%, 61.5% in the exophytic group and non-exophytic group respectively ( P=.980). There was no procedure-related mortality or major complication. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA is safe and effective for exophytic tumours in HCC patients. Treated by MWA, the HCC patients with exophytic tumours can get the similar local response and long-term outcome to those with non-exophytic subcapsular tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploidization is an important evolutionary force in plant speciation and diversification. Retention and elimination of homoeologs derived by polyploidization are prevalent, whereas the evolutionary details of some duplicated genes in closely related natural polyploids are largely unknown. In the present study, we used an important regulatory gene ( R) that encodes a bHLH protein in the anthocyanin metabolism pathway to demonstrate divergent evolutionary fates of homoeologs among four related Oryza allotetraploids. The BBCC genome species O. punctata Kotschy ex Steud. maintained both of its homoeologs, whereas three CCDD genome species ( O. alta Swallen, O. grandiglumis (Döll) Prod., and O. latifolia Desv.) lost their C subgenome homoeologous copies. In addition, the evolutionary rates of the homoeologs in the polyploids were equivalent to their corresponding homologs in diploids. We also found a slightly higher level of nucleotide diversity in R for the C subgenome homoeolog than for the B subgenome counterpart in O. punctata. After comparing the two types of polyploids, we conclude that inconsistent evolutionary patterns of R in these polyploids are probably associated with different evolutionary time, asymmetrical subgenome evolutionary dynamics, and unique demographical characteristics of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnII/CdII coordination polymers (CPs) based on 2-(4- carboxy-phenyl)imidazo[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline (HNCP) and different derivatives of 5-R-1,3-benzenedicarboxylate (5-R-1,3- BDC) (R = NO2 , H, OH), [Zn(HNCP)(5-NO2-1,3-BDC)]n (1), [Cd(HNCP)(5-NO2-1,3-BDC)]n (2), [Zn(HNCP)(1,3-BDC)(H2O)2]n (3), and {[Zn(HNCP)(5-OH-1,3-BDC)(H2O)·H2O}n (4) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1-4 were determined by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous, presenting a 4-connected uninodal (4,4)-sql 2D framework with threefold interpenetration, which are further extended into the three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture through π···π stacking interactions between the aryl rings of 5-NO2-1,3-BDC. Compared to compound 1, 3 is obtained by using different reaction temperatures and metal-ligand ratios, generating a 3D framework with -ABAB- fashion via π···π stacking interactions. Compound 4 is a 1D chain, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular net by hydrogen bonds and π···π stacking interactions. The thermogravimetric and fluorescence properties of 1-4 were also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmasking a recessive allele by a deletion: Early prenatal diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome in a Chinese family It has been classified as a ciliopathy, notable for extensive allelic and genetic heterogeneity.1 Before birth, enlarged/cystic kidneys and polydactyly are the hallmark signs of BBS, and can be identified by second-trimester sonography.2 However, BBS has seldom been diagnosed prenatally at the first trimester of gestation. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, intellectual disability, renal dysfunction, and hypogonadism. [Extracted from the article]

The reactions of PY5Me2 with hydrated metal perchlorate salts [ MII(ClO4)2] in CH3CN afforded two isostructural compounds [ MII(PY5Me2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 in high yields [ M = Fe ( 1), Ni ( 2)]. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic activities of 1 and 2 towards the alcohol oxidation and C-H bond activation of organic substrates were studied. Initial experiments revealed that 1 was an active catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation and C-H bond activation of various substrates, whereas 2 was not. A FeIII species [FeIII(PY5Me2)(OH)]2+ was proposed as the active species for the catalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim To compare the efficacy of microwave ablation ( MWA) and surgical resection ( RES) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) conforming to Milan criteria. Methods Two hundred twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. One hundred and seventeen patients received MWA, and 107 patients underwent RES. The primary endpoints were overall survival ( OS) and disease-free survival ( DFS). Results The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 94%, 70%, 52% for the MWA group and 94%, 72%, 60% for the RES group ( P = 0.513). The corresponding DFS rates for the two groups were 77%, 38%, 18% and 85%, 57%, 31% ( P = 0.005). In subgroup analyses of patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, there were no significant differences in OS rates and DFS rates between the two groups ( P = 0.577 and P = 0.140). For patients with solitary HCC 3 to 5 cm, there was no significant differences in OS rates between the two groups ( P = 0.820), the DFS rates was significantly higher in the RES group than in the MWA group ( P = 0.014). Conclusions MWA results in lower DFS rates than RES for HCC conforming to Milan criteria. However, the OS rates are comparable between the two therapies. For solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, MWA is as effective as RES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of PY5Me2 with hydrated metal perchlorate salts [ MII(ClO4)2] in CH3CN afforded two isostructural compounds [ MII(PY5Me2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 in high yields [ M = Fe ( 1), Ni ( 2)]. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic activities of 1 and 2 towards the alcohol oxidation and C-H bond activation of organic substrates were studied. Initial experiments revealed that 1 was an active catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation and C-H bond activation of various substrates, whereas 2 was not. A FeIII species [FeIII(PY5Me2)(OH)]2+ was proposed as the active species for the catalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single exposure to drugs of abuse produces an NMDAR ( N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor)-dependent synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses of dopamine ( DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area ( VTA) of the midbrain. All addictive drugs can increase DA concentrations in projection areas of the midbrain, including the hippocampus. Hippocampal DA release subsequently modulates hippocampal plasticity and drug-associated memories. Using in vivo electrophysiological recording techniques in anesthetized rats, we show that systemic injection of morphine induced hippocampal synaptic potentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Intra- VTA but not intra-hippocampus injection of morphine evoked this potentiation. Local hippocampal dopamine D1 receptors ( D1R) are required in the morphine-induced synaptic potentiation and conditioned place preference ( CPP). Moreover, both NMDAR activation in the VTA and VTA/hippocampus dopaminergic connections are essential for the morphine-evoked potentiation and CPP. These findings suggest that NMDAR signalings in the midbrain play a key role in regulating dopamine-mediated hippocampal synaptic plasticity underlying drug-induced associative memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Serum Golgi protein 73 (s GP73) is a novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). However, there are few reports on the pattern of GP73 expression in the progression of benign liver diseases to precancerous lesions and HCC. This study aimed to investigate GP73 expression and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Methods Tissue GP73 (t GP73) levels were detected in specimens of group A ( n = 186) including HCC, peritumoral tissue ( PTL), high/low-grade hepatic atypical hyperplasia ( AH), chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) and normal controls ( NC) by immunohistochemistry, and GP73 expression in group B ( n = 159) and group C ( n = 16) were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. s GP73 levels were detected in subjects of group D ( n = 287) by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results GP73 expression increased gradually from NC, CHB, PTL to high-grade AH and HCC at both protein and m RNA levels ( P < 0.05), while s GP73 in the HCC group was lower than in the liver cirrhosis ( LC) group ( P < 0.001). Both t GP73 and s GP73 levels were negatively associated with tumor size and tumor-node-metastasis stage, and t GP73 levels were positively associated with tumor differentiation. The high-t GP73 group showed significantly better overall and disease-free survival than the low-t GP73 group ( P = 0.008, P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that the t GP73 level was an independent prognostic factor for HCC, but not s GP73. Conclusion GP73 expression pattern suggests that the regulatory mechanism of GP73 is related to the progression of chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, a high level of t GP73 is a favorable prognostic factor for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent studies have focused on regulatory T cells (Tregs) in chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) and they were also conducted independently of each other. Aims This study tried to characterize Tregs in blood and tumour infiltration, and to explore the correlations between Tregs and the context of chronic hepatitis B in HCC patients. Methods The liver-resident Tregs and CD8+ T cells on core biopsy were investigated using immunohistochemistry staining in individuals ( n = 209) with CHB ( n = 47), HCC ( n = 137) or healthy controls ( n = 25). Circulating Tregs were detected in the above patients with CHB ( n = 27) or HCC ( n = 101) by flow cytometry. Results The number of tumour-infiltrating and circulating FoxP3+ Tregs was significantly high in patients with CHB ( P < 0.001). However, there were fewer intratumoural Tregs in patients with advanced HCC than those in patients with early stage HCC ( P = 0.043); In contrast, the circulating Tregs frequency increased during the progression of HCC ( P = 0.024). Increased tumour-infiltrating and circulating FoxP3+ Tregs were associated with poor overall survival ( P = 0.041, 0.002 respectively) and a shorter time to recurrence ( P = 0.049, 0.002 respectively) in patients with early stage HCC. Tumour-infiltrating Foxp3 + Tregs were related to chronic hepatitis B natural history in HCC ( P = 0.012). Neither tumour-infiltrating CD8+ T cells nor balance of intratumoural Tregs and CD8+ T cells correlated with prognosis of HCC. Conclusions Increased Foxp3+ Tregs may represent a prognostic predictor in patients with early stage HCC. The CHB natural history influenced density of tumour-infiltrating Tregs in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with chronic hepatitis B viruses infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) and its relationship with yield formation was investigated under low nitrogen (LN) and normal nitrogen (NN) treatments, using 46 recombinant inbred lines from Zhenshan 97 × Minghui 63 (Oryza sativa). Apparent contribution of transferred NSC to grain yield (ACNSC) ranged from approximately 1 to 28% under LN and from 1 to 15% under NN. Concentration and total mass of NSC in stem (TMNSC) at heading, apparent transferred mass of NSC (ATMNSC) and ACNSC were larger under LN compared with NN. However, there was no significant difference in the apparent ratio of transferred NSC from stems to grain (ARNSC). ATMNSC was positively correlated with grain yield, 1000-grain weight and ACNSC under both nitrogen levels, whereas ARNSC was highly correlated with harvest index and ACNSC. Leaf area contributed more strongly to grain yield compared with ATMNSC under both LN and NN. ATMNSC showed larger direct effects on grain yield under LN compared with NN. TMNSC at heading, small vascular bundles (SVBs) and spikelets per m2 under LN had positive direct effects on ATMNSC. SVB and spikelets per m2 under LN had larger and positive direct effects, and large vascular bundles had negative direct effects on ARNSC. TMNSC at heading and SVB under LN had positive direct effects on ACNSC. In brief, LN supply increased stem NSC accumulation and translocation to developing grain. Components of the source-sink-flow system showed different effects on NSC translocation and contribution to yield formation, depending on genotype and nitrogen level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

( Headache 2010;50:1005-1016) Objective.— To investigate the functional abnormalities of the motor cortices in children with migraine using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a finger-tapping task. Background.— Cortical hyperexcitability has been reported in adults with migraine using MEG. Many children with migraine report difficulty with motor functioning. There is no report on motor-evoked magnetic activation in children with migraine using MEG and the latest signal processing methods. Methods.— Ten children with migraine (all female, 9 right-handed and 1 left-handed, aged 13-17 years) and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy children were studied with a 275-channel MEG system. After hearing a unilateral, randomly presented sound cue (500 Hz, 30 milliseconds square tone), each subject immediately performed a brisk index finger tapping with either the right or the left index finger. The auditory stimuli consisted of 200 trials of square tone, 100 trials per ear, randomly distributed. The latency and amplitude of neuromagnetic responses were analyzed with averaged waveforms. Neuromagnetic sources were estimated using synthetic aperture magnetometry (SAM). SAM images were normalized for each participant for group comparison. Results.— In comparison with healthy children, children with migraine had prolonged latency of motor-evoked magnetic response in the right hemispheres during left finger movement (62.33 ± 34.55 milliseconds vs 34.9 ± 17.29 milliseconds, P < .05). In addition, children with migraine had stronger activation in the motor cortex during right finger movement (8097.46 ± 5168.99 vs 4697.54 ± 3194.74, P < .05). Conclusions.— The results suggest that there are neurophysiological changes in the motor cortices of children with migraine that can be measured with neuromagnetic imaging techniques. The findings expand the ability to study the cerebral mechanisms of migraine using MEG and may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies in migraine treatment via alterations in cortical excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently mapped Idd4 to a 5.2 cM interval on chromosome 11 with two subloci, Idd4.1 and Idd4.2, in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Based on the localization of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase Ib1 ( PAF-AHIb1) and the decreased activity of PAF-AH in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, we hypothesized that PAF-AHIb1 in Idd4.1 is a candidate gene. The PAF-AHIb1 gene in NOD mice was cloned and sequenced, and its expression and function were studied. No polymorphisms were detected in PAF-AHIb1 cDNA between NOD and B6 mice. The expression of PAF-AH Ib1 at the mRNA and protein levels was found to be similar in different tissues between NOD and B6 mice. PAF-AH activity does not differ in the pancreatic islets or spleen between NOD and B6 mice. Our findings suggest that PAF-AH Ib1 may not be a diabetes-susceptibility gene in the Idd4.1 sublocus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2DPC) and 2- methylimidazole (mim) with CuCl2·6H2O yields the one-dimensional title polymer, [Cu(C7H3O4)(C4H6N2)]n. Hydrogen bonds connect the one-dimensional polymer chains into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the crystal structure of the compound diammine(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)copper(II) or [Cu(C7H3NO4)(NH3)2]. In the structure of this compound, the Cu atom is coordinated in a square-pyramidal geometry by a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligand acting in an N,O,O'-tridentate chelating mode, and by two N atoms from two ammine ligands. Moreover, in the crystal structure, intermolecular hydrogen bonds connect the one-dimensional molecular chains into a two-dimensional framework perpendicular to the b axis.

Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide, have been identified as key signaling intermediates in AngII-induced neuronal activation and sympathoexcitation associated with heart failure and hypertension. Here, we hypothesized that AngII-induced inhibition of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKv) is mediated specifically by intracellular O2•-. Differentiated CATH.a neurons were infected with adenoviral vectors (50 MOI) encoding the primarily cytoplasmic-localized O2•- dismutase (CuZnSOD), or the mitochondrial-targeted isoform (MnSOD). Four days later, IKv was recorded using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. In non-infected and control vector (AdEmpty)-infected neurons, AngII (100 nM) decreased the density of IKv by 45 ± 4% and 37 ± 6%, respectively (IKv elicited by 400 ms pulse from -80 to +80 mV, P<0.05 vs vehicle). This AngII effect was significantly blunted in neurons overexpressing active MnSOD or CuZnSOD as AngII inhibited IKv by merely 18 ± 8% and 11 ± 3%, respectively (P<0.05 vs AdEmpty-treated and non-infected cells). In contrast, extracellular SOD protein (400 U/ml)-treated cells exhibited the characteristic AngII-induced inhibition of IKv (34 ± 7%). These data suggest that intracellular O2•- produced from both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial sources attenuates AngII-induced inhibition of IKv in neurons. NIH P20RR017675; P01HL062222 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, [Zn(C7H3NO4)(NH3)2], was prepared by a hydro­thermal reaction at 413 K. The complex has mirror symmetry. The ZnII ion is coordinated by a tridentate pyridine­dicarboxyl­ate dianion and two ammonia mol­ecules, in a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry. An inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding network stabilizes the crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, [Na2Ni(C7H3NO4)2] n, was synthesized by reaction of pyridyl-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2PDC) and NiCl2 in the presence of NaOH. Two PDC units ligate to the NiII cation in an N, O′, O′′-tridentate manner and the NiII cation, which lies on a twofold rotation axis, has distorted tetra­gonal–bipyramidal octa­hedral geometry. The Na+ ions are surrounded by the O atoms of the PDC anions and one-dimensional chains are constructed by inter­actions between O and Na. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, [Cu2Cl4(C12H10N2O)2], was synthesized by reacting phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime with CuCl2·2H2O in a basic medium. The organic ligand coordinates to the CuII ions through its N atoms, while the oxime O atom remains uncoordinated. The Cl- ions play two roles: one is a terminal ligand and the other is a bridging ligand, the bridge being formed through a crystallographic inversion centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, {[Zn(C8H4O4)(C21H15N3)]·H2O} n, is a one-dimensional polymeric complex bridged by centrosymmetric dicarboxyl­ate dianions. Each Zn atom is five-coordinate, bonded to two carboxyl O atoms from the dicarboxyl­ate dianions and to three N atoms from the heterocycle, which chelates to the Zn atom in a κ3 N, N′, N′′ manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]