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Background: Tests are commonly and heavily used in fundamental engineering courses (FECs) to assess student learning of concepts. With existing literature presenting mixed benefits and disadvantages of testing to students' motivation to learn and documenting widely alternative assessments, the lack of questioning of heavy and common test usage must be addressed to diversify classroom assessment and promote intentionality in test usage. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study begins to address the lack of questioning by exploring and uncovering test usage beliefs and behaviors of seven FEC instructors from two engineering departments in a land‐grant, public, Research 1 university Design/Method: Grounded in the Situated Expectancy–Value Theory (SEVT), we conducted a multicase study. Data include two interviews, course syllabi, and sample tests provided by the participants, and public documents from the institution and departments. We conducted a priori and emergent coding and thematic analysis to identify the beliefs and behaviors before developing individual case summaries for cross‐case analysis to identify groupings. Results: Three test usage groups emerged: enthusiastic, default, and questioning. All test usage groups featured tests heavily in their FECs, resulting in varying alignment between these participants' test usage beliefs and behaviors. Conclusions: Our findings reveal the various factors that can shape FEC instructors' test usage beliefs and behaviors, and the complexity in terms of alignment. This work lays important implications, including laying the foundations for future scholarship on testing in engineering education research and leveraging findings to begin efforts in diversifying assessment approaches and promoting intentional test usage in FECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) cases are hereditary, yet approximately 60% of patients remain genetically undiagnosed. We undertook the present study to uncover the genetic basis for undiagnosed PKD patients. Methods: Whole‐exome sequencing was performed for 106 PRRT2‐negative PKD probands. The functional impact of the genetic variants was investigated in HEK293T cells and Drosophila. Results: Heterozygous variants in KCNJ10 were identified in 11 individuals from 8 unrelated families, which accounted for 7.5% (8/106) of the PRRT2‐negative probands. Both co‐segregation of the identified variants and the significantly higher frequency of rare KCNJ10 variants in PKD cases supported impacts from the detected KCNJ10 heterozygous variants on PKD pathogenesis. Moreover, a KCNJ10 mutation‐carrying father from a typical EAST/SeSAME family was identified as a PKD patient. All patients manifested dystonia attacks triggered by sudden movement with a short episodic duration. Patch‐clamp recordings in HEK293T cells revealed apparent reductions in K+ currents of the patient‐derived variants, indicating a loss‐of‐function. In Drosophila, milder hyperexcitability phenotypes were observed in heterozygous Irk2 knock‐in flies compared to homozygotes, supporting haploinsufficiency as the mechanism for the detected heterozygous variants. Electrophysiological recordings showed that excitatory neurons in Irk2 haploinsufficiency flies exhibited increased excitability, and glia‐specific complementation with human Kir4.1 rescued the Irk2 mutant phenotypes. Interpretation: Our study established haploinsufficiency resulting from heterozygous variants in KCNJ10 can be understood as a previously unrecognized genetic cause for PKD and provided evidence of glial involvement in the pathophysiology of PKD. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:758–773 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are neurologic disorders characterized by progressive lower‐extremity spasticity. Despite the identification of several HSP‐related genes, many patients lack a genetic diagnosis. Objectives: The aims were to confirm the pathogenic role of biallelic COQ4 mutations in HSP and elucidate the clinical, genetic, and functional molecular features of COQ4‐associated HSP. Methods: Whole exome sequences of 310 index patients with HSP of unknown cause from three distinct populations were analyzed to identify potential HSP causal genes. Clinical data obtained from patients harboring candidate causal mutations were examined. Functional characterization of COQ4 variants was performed using bioinformatic tools, single‐cell RNA sequencing, biochemical assays in cell lines, primary fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cell–derived pyramidal neurons, and zebrafish. Results: Compound heterozygous variants in COQ4, which cosegregated with HSP in pedigrees, were identified in 7 patients from six unrelated families. Patients from four of the six families presented with pure HSP, whereas probands of the other two families exhibited complicated HSP with epilepsy or with cerebellar ataxia. In patient‐derived fibroblasts and COQ4 knockout complementation lines, stable expression of these missense variants exerted loss‐of‐function effects, including mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and lower ubiquinone biosynthesis. Whereas differentiated pyramidal neurons expressed high COQ4 levels, coq4 knockdown zebrafish displayed severe motor dysfunction, reflecting motor neuron dysregulation. Conclusions: Our study confirms that loss‐of‐function, compound heterozygous, pathogenic COQ4 variants are causal for autosomal recessive pure and complicated HSP. Moreover, reduced COQ4 levels attributable to variants correspond with decreased ubiquinone biosynthesis, impaired mitochondrial function, and higher phenotypic disease severity. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that curcumin has a therapeutic effect on diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED), but the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In order to ascertain the involvement of ferroptosis in diabetic ED and explore the underlying mechanism by which curcumin mitigates ferroptosis in penile endothelial cells under conditions of high-glucose stimulation, we conducted an investigation utilizing a rat model of diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. The 40 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank control, diabetes control, ferroptosis inhibitor treatment, and curcumin treatment. After 8 weeks, the erectile function of all rats was evaluated through electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Histological and molecular changes of the cavernous body were analyzed using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Penile endothelial cells were then treated with appropriate concentrations of high glucose and curcumin to explore the mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling in curcumin's ability to alleviate ferroptosis in endothelial cells stimulated by high glucose. According to research, diabetic rats experience a decrease in erectile function, damaged endothelial cells, and ferroptosis in tissues. However, curcumin treatment has been shown to be effective in improving erectile function and related tissue and molecular changes in diabetic rats. Furthermore, in vitro experiments have confirmed that curcumin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in penile endothelial cells that are stimulated by high glucose through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Curcumin has been found to improve the occurrence of penile ED in diabetic penile endothelial cells. This is achieved by inhibiting the level of ferroptosis, and the mechanism behind this improvement may be linked to the upregulation of the expression level of Nrf2/HO-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In previous reports, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use increased the risk of gout. However, there is no epidemiological study investigating this association. We aimed to examine the potential impact of PPI treatment on the risk of developing gout. Methods: A population‐based case–control study was performed using a Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 from Taiwan (population 23 million). We identified gout cases and non‐gout controls through propensity score matching at 1:1, which was matched by sex and age. We used a conditional logistic regression model to estimate an odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for gout population versus controls. Results: Esomeprazole increased the risk of gout after adjusting confounding variables (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.6). The risk of gout was highest within 30 days of PPI treatment (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4–1.9) and attenuated thereafter. The risk of gout was increased among female users of PPI compared with male users (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7–2.8). The aOR of gout in people with PPI use was higher in middle‐aged individuals (41–60 years: aOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7–2.7) than in the older group (≥60 years: aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5–2.2). Conclusions: Our findings provide population‐level evidence for the hypothesis that PPI treatment is positively associated with the risk of developing gout. Further research on the mechanism underlying this association is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, phenolic formaldehyde (PF) resin‐based composites were prepared using basalt scale (BS) as a reinforcing agent via a melting‐blending method. The BS surface was treated with hydrochloric acid, and the surface properties were characterized using thermal field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Moreover, the influence of acid‐treated BS (H‐BS) content on the thermal properties, flexural properties, impact strength, and morphology of PF/H‐BS composites was investigated. The thermal stability and glass transition temperature of the composites increased significantly with the increasing H‐BS content. The impact strength tests indicated that the impact strength of the composite with 15 wt% H‐BS was 0.66 kJ/m2, which is 153% higher than that of pristine PF. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the PF/H‐BS composites exhibit rough morphology with numerous microcracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main characteristic of liver fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main source of ECM. The removal of activated HSCs has a reversal effect on liver fibrosis. Western blot and MTT analysis indicated that curcumol could relieve hepatic fibrosis by promoting HSCs receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1/3 (RIP1/RIP3)‐dependent necroptosis. Importantly, autophagy flow was monitored by constructing the mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 plasmid, and it was found that curcumol cleared activated HSCs in a necroptosis manner that was dependent on autophagy. Our study suggested that the activation of necrosome formed by RIP1 and RIP3 depended on Atg5, and that autophagosomes were also necessary for curcumol‐induced necroptosis. Furthermore, microscale thermophoresis and co‐immunoprecipitation assay results proved that curcumol could target Sirt1 to regulate autophagy by reducing the acetylation level of Atg5. The HSCs‐specific silencing of Sirt1 exacerbated CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. The deacetylation of Atg5 not only accelerated the accumulation of autophagosomes but also enhanced the interaction between Atg5 and RIP1/RIP3 to induce necroptosis. Overall, our study indicated that curcumol could activate Sirt1 to promote Atg5 deacetylation and enhanced its protein–protein interaction function, thereby inducing autophagy and promoting the necroptosis of HSCs to reduce liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) with a wide‐bandwidth operational amplifier was employed to implement and develop a two‐mode‐operation transconductance regulator (TMOTR). Using the proposed TMOTR, the laser diode can be operated in either the continuous constant‐current mode to fulfill a continuous‐wave laser or pulse‐width modulation (PWM) to achieve a narrow‐pulsed laser. When the laser diode is operated in PWM mode and at high frequency, the parasitic elements of the GaN HEMT, laser diodes, printed circuit board, and power wires must be considered, because these parasitic elements can influence the rising‐edge slope of the laser diode driving current resulting in narrow‐pulsed duty cycle diminution. This study applied equivalent circuit models of a GaN HEMT and laser diode to determine the parasitic parameters in accordance with device packages; therefore, the simulation circuit of the TMOTR with its parasitic element could be implemented to obtain the critical simulation waveform. The parasitic element parameters of the laser diode and GaN HEMT were calculated in detail and used simulation software to verify the TMOTR's characteristics. Finally, the TMOTR prototype was implemented, and the experimental waveforms were measured to confirm simulations, equivalent circuits, and dynamic responses; the GaN HEMT and MOSFET were experimented to compare their differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue analogue Na2Ni[Fe(CN)6] (Ni–PB) has been widely studied as a cathode material for sodium‐ion battery due to its excellent cycling performance. However, Ni–PB has a low theoretical capacity of 85 mAh g−1 because of the electrochemical inertness of Ni. Herein, ternary Ni–PB is successfully synthesized by double doping with Co and Fe at Ni‐site, and the effect of doping with Co and Fe on the electrochemical performance of Ni–PB is systematically investigated through theoretical calculations and electrochemical tests. The first principles calculations confirm that double doping with Co and Fe can significantly reduce the energy barrier and bandgap of Ni–PB. X‐ray diffraction and composition analysis results indicate that ternary NiCoFe–PB composite not only has good crystallinity and high Na content but also has low defects and crystal water. Electrochemical tests reveal that, besides the capacity contribution of high‐spin Co/Fe and low‐spin Fe, Co‐doping enhances the electrochemical activity of low‐spin Fe and Fe‐doping improves the activity of high‐spin Co; moreover, double doping can decrease the diffusion resistance of Na+ ions through solid electrolyte interface film, accelerate the kinetics for both ion diffusion process and Faradic reaction, and increase active sites. Under the synergistic effect of Co and Fe, this ternary NiCoFe–PB exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with a high initial discharge capacity of 120.4 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and an extremely low capacity fading rate of 0.0044% per cycle at a high current density of 2 A g−1 even after 10,000 cycles, showing great application potential of ternary NiCoFe–PB in the field of large‐scale energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies have shown that increased neutrophils, as a manifestation of oxidative stress, may be involved in the progression of kidney disease. To our knowledge, little is known about the relationship between neutrophils and renal impairment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we aim to investigate whether neutrophil is associated with renal impairment in RA patients. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the renal function of 602 RA patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from September 2018 and September 2019. The exposure variable was neutrophils, and the main outcome was eGFR. General data (gender, age, duration, hypertension, diabetes, hobbies, and medication history), whole blood markers, lipid indexes, and inflammatory indexes were collected as much as possible. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between neutrophils and renal impairment in RA participants. Results: A total of 89 cases (14.8%) had renal impairment with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 75 cases (84.3%) were female. Subgroup analysis showed that female (odds ratio [OR] = 0.523, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.318–0.867, p =.011), neutrophils greater thsn 7.5 × 109/L (OR = 2.314, 95% CI: 1.310–4.087, p =.004), NLR > 3.53 (OR = 1.757, 95% CI: 1.104–2.799, p =.018), hemoglobin less than 120 g/L (OR = 2.413, 95% CI: 1.418–4.118, p =.001), and UA > 360 μmol/L (OR = 6.052, 95% CI: 3.708–9.878, p <.001) was related to renal damage in RA. Adjusted for several confounders, the multivariable analysis indicated that neutrophils greater than 7.5 × 109/L (OR = 1.784, 95% CI: 1.164–3.288, p =.031) was independently associated with an increased risk of renal impairment in RA. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that neutrophils greater than 7.5 × 109/L was associated with a high risk of renal impairment in RA, suggesting that neutrophil may be a biomarker for renal impairment in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this hospital clinic based study was to evaluate the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of MetS in RA population. Methods: From January 2015 to October 2018, 717 patients with RA and 717 healthy controls who were treated or performed physical examination in Tianjin First Central Hospital were enrolled in this study. The basic disease diagnoses were recorded. A questionnaire was performed on all participants to assess the demographic details of the RA cohort. Moreover, laboratory indicators related to glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with RA were also detected. The potential risk factors for MetS were also analyzed. Results: The prevalence of MetS were 31.2% and 34.2% in case and control groups, respectively (P =.22). There were lower levels of HDL‐C, obesity, TG, LDL‐C and TC in case group than control group (all P <.05). The hypertension levels in healthy controls was decreased in compared with patients with RA (P <.05). Nevertheless, in patients with RA, complement 3 (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.03, P =.007) and less glucocorticoids use (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39‐0.99, P =.046) were associated with MetS. Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS was not associated with RA. Complement 3 may be associated with the higher prevalence of MetS in patients with RA. Glucocorticoids treatment may be associated with MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion In this study, we aim to explore the genetic imprint of Bronze Age globalization in East Asia from a phylogeographic perspective by examining the Y‐chromosome haplogroup Q1a1a‐M120, and to identify key demographic processes involved in the formation of early China and the ancient Huaxia people.Over the past few decades, we have collected the sequences of 347 Y chromosomes from the haplogroup Q1a1a‐M120. These sequences were utilized to analyze and reconstruct a highly revised phylogenetic tree with age estimates. And we analyzed the geographical distribution and spatial autocorrelation of nine major sub‐branches of Q1a1a‐M120. Finally, we observed the expansion of Q1a1a‐M120 from the beginning of the Bronze Age in East Asia, along with the continuous dissemination of its sub‐lineages among East Asian populations.We suggest that certain sub‐lineages played a significant role in the formation of states and early civilizations in China, as well as in the development of the ancient Huaxia people, who are the direct ancestors of the Han population. Overall, we propose that haplogroup Q‐M120 played a role in the introduction of Bronze Age culture to the central region of East Asia. Therefore, it is haplogroup Q‐M120, rather than the Western Eurasian paternal lineage, that expanded and contributed to the gene pool of the East Asian population.In summary, the globalization of the Bronze Age led to large‐scale population replacement and admixture across various regions of Eurasia; our findings highlight the unique demographic processes that occurred in East Asia during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing India‐Asia collision principally regulates the Cenozoic tectonic deformation of the Asian interior, and builds a far‐away but active spectacular intraplate orogen—Tian Shan. However, the deep processes and dynamics of far‐field deformation propagation and the resultant Tian Shan building remain ambiguous. Here, we construct systematic numerical models with variable thermo‐rheological properties of the orogen‐featured blocks and convergence rates, which reveal that the far‐field effect of India‐Asia collision on the Tian Shan building is strongly controlled by the direct collision of Indian lithospheric mantle with the rigid Tarim block beneath western Tibet. The model results, together with the well‐established geological and geophysical constraints, not only reconcile the first‐order crustal and lithospheric structures of the western Tibetan plateau and Tian Shan, but also confirm a >30 Myr time lag between the initial India‐Asia collision and the far‐field Tian Shan building. Plain Language Summary: The present‐day Tian Shan in the central Asia is one of the world's greatest mountain ranges, and the India‐Asia collision is generally invoked to account for its Cenozoic uplift. However, the Tian Shan range lies ∼1,500 km to the north of the India‐Asia plate boundary at the surface, and its major uplift in the Cenozoic is >30 Myr later than the onset of India‐Asia collision. The physical mechanism for such a long‐distance stress transfer and such a long‐time delay are still poorly understood. In order to solve this problem, we constructed series of large‐scale 2D thermomechanical numerical models, with considering the major lithospheric heterogeneities of the western Tibet‐Tarim‐Tian Shan‐Junggar area. A novel mechanism for the Tian Shan building is proposed based on the comparisons of numerical models and multiple geological and geophysical observations. The new model indicates that the direct contact and collision between Indian and Tarim lithospheric mantles beneath western Tibet dominates the Cenozoic building of the Tian Shan. The new finding links the Tibetan dynamics with far‐field deformation in the Tian Shan range and sheds new light on the extensive continental deformation in the remote continental interior in response to plate tectonic forcing. Key Points: A novel mechanism is proposed for the Cenozoic building of Tian Shan based on systematic numerical modelingThe Tian Shan building is strongly controlled by the direct collision between Indian and Tarim lithospheric mantles beneath western TibetThe new model reconciles multiple observational constraints and long time lag between the India–Asia collision and Tian Shan reactivation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical multiplexing attracts considerable attention in the field of information encryption, optical probe, and time‐resolved bioimaging. However, the optical multiplexing based on rare‐earth nanoparticles suffers from heavy metal elements and relatively short lifetimes; sophisticated facilities are thus needed. Herein, time division duplexing based on eco‐friendly carbon nanodots (CNDs) with manipulative luminescence lifetimes is demonstrated. In a single green color emission channel, the luminescence lifetimes of the CNDs can be manipulated from nanosecond level to second level by introducing water, while the lifetime of the CNDs confined by a silica shell stays. Time division duplexing based on the CNDs and CNDs@silica with distinct lifetimes is realized and spatio‐temporal overlapping information is thus resolved. High‐level information encryption using the time division duplexing technology is realized. This work may promise the potential applications of CNDs in multi‐lifetime channels biological imaging, high‐density information storage, and anti‐counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method of recovering and recycling solvent for counter‐current chromatography was established by which zeaxanthin was separated from Lycium barbarum L. fruits. A column with activated carbon combined with high performance counter‐current chromatography formed the recovering and recycling solvent system. Using the solvent system of n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–ethanol–water (8:2:7:3, v/v) from the references, five injections were performed with an almost unchanged purity of zeaxanthin (80.9, 81.2, 81.5, 81.3, and 80.2% respectively) in counter‐current chromatography separation. Meanwhile, the mobile phase reduced by half than conventional counter‐current chromatography. By this present method, an effective improvement of counter‐current chromatography solvent utilization was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Mesozoic tectonic regime of the South China Block was characterized by strike‐slip movement. The northeastern South China Block dominated by recumbent folding, thrusting, and foreland imbrication. Between the North and South China blocks in southern Qinling, there was dextral transpression, but in the western South China Block, sinistral transpression took place. In central South China, sinistral transtension prevails. In contrast, both the eastern and western South China margins, composed of Precambrian basement, appears to be little deformed. These differences are due to lateral extrusion of the South China Block. Extrusion resulted from (a) an overall southerly compression (the North China Block against the South China Block) and indentation of the rigid North China Block into the weaker South China Block, (b) unconstrained South China southern margin, containing a subduction zone between the Indochina Block and the South China Block, allowing the escaped materials to be consumed, (c) an association of strongly constrained margins of the central Sichuan Craton in the western South China margin and the Southeast China Massif in the eastern South China margin, (d) structural obstacle of the Jiangnan Uplift mainly composed of the Proterozoic metamorphic basement, and (e) a previously thickened, gravitationally unstable, thermally weakened crust of the eastern Yangtze valley. The extrusion deformation began about at the beginning of the Jurassic/the end of the Triassic, and terminated at the end of the Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural colors obtained by self‐organized microstructures have found a variety of applications, such as decorations, displays, and encryption microarrays, and have been widely investigated for the excellent stability and anisotropic optical responses upon external stimuli. Here, the fabrication of a variety of bowl‐like shriveled microshells using helical cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) by glass‐capillary‐based microfluidic techniques is reported. Interestingly, the internal and selective Bragg interferences of the radially arranged helical CLC structure enable the color‐correlative optical responses, resulting in the generation of annular color rings with variable reflection wavelengths and geometries by tuning the pitch and adjusting the incubation parameters. In addition, the manipulation of shriveled photonic microshells is demonstrated under a magnetic field. Benefiting from the low‐cost fabrication of optical interference microstructures and the controllable generation of structural color, it is expected that this class of shriveled photonic CLC microshells might pioneer a novel route for future photonic applications and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the authors demonstrate the control of quality factor (Q‐factor) is laterally coupled vertical cavities. A 3 μm‐side‐length square cavity directly connected to a 1.5 μm‐width, 10 μm‐length Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity has been fabricated and measured. Dynamic tuning of the Q‐factor has been successfully observed by bringing the square cavity and FP cavity into resonance. The vertical‐cavity‐based Q‐factor control scheme provides a new choice for the modulation of light and holds potentials for applications associated with optical information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hepatic sinusoidal angiogenesis owing to dysfunctional liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) accompanied by an abnormal angioarchitecture is a symbol related to liver fibrogenesis, which indicates a potential target for therapeutic interventions. However, there are few researches connecting angiogenesis with liver fibrosis, and the deeper mechanism remains to be explored. Materials and Methods: Cell angiogenesis and angiogenic protein were examined in primary LSECs of rats, and multifarious cellular and molecular assays revealed the efficiency of curcumol intervention in fibrotic mice. Results: We found that curcumol inhibited angiogenic properties through regulating their upstream mediator hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). The transcription activation of HIF‐1α was regulated by hedgehog signalling on the one hand, and the protein stabilization of HIF‐1α was under the control of Prospero‐related homeobox 1 (PROX1) on the other. A deubiquitinase called USP19 could be recruited by PROX1 and involved in ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of HIF‐1α. Furthermore, our researches revealed that hedgehog signalling participated in the activation of PROX1 transcription probably in vitro. Besides, curcumol was found to ameliorate liver fibrosis and sinusoid angiogenesis via hedgehog pathway in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrotic mice. The protein expression of key regulatory factors, PROX1 and HIF‐1α, was consistent with the Smo, the marker protein of Hh signalling pathway. Conclusions: In this article, we evidenced that curcumol controlling LSEC‐mediated angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, a laser headlight driving controller (LHDC) using the controller area network (CAN)‐bus communication system was developed and implemented for vehicle headlight applications. To observe temperature variations that influence the forward‐bias voltage and optical power of laser diodes, the laser diode was placed in an ambient temperature‐testing chamber to measure the electro‐optic characteristics and calculate the electro‐optic conversion efficiencies. The optical power and conversion efficiency values obtained at different temperatures (from negative to positive temperatures) when optical power adjustment was executed using analog and pulse‐width modulation technologies were compared. Moreover, a human‐machine operating interface was developed using the LabVIEW software. Therefore, the LHDC and laser optical power can be controlled using a computer through the CAN‐bus communication system to control the LHDC and monitor it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new detrital zircon U–Pb chronological and whole‐rock geochemical data for the newly discovered black rock units in West Kunlun Orogen in an attempt to constrain the provenance variations of the siliciclastic rocks and the tectonic history of NW China. Geochemical data indicate these black rock units could have formed in an active continental margin to continental arc setting during the Late Ordovician and source rocks could have undergone modest chemical weathering under a relatively warm and humid climate during the deposition of the black rock units. U–Pb dating of 170 detrital zircons defines five major age populations at 459–545 Ma, 710–900 Ma, 1,300–900 Ma, 1,814–1,641 Ma, and 2,153–2,845 Ma, demonstrating that the black rock units deposited during the Late Ordovician and the tectonic events that occurred in the West Kunlun Orogen were related to the assembly and breakup of the supercontinents of Columbia and Rodinia. Prevalence of Early Palaeozoic magmatic zircons further indicates the black rock units were derived from a proximal source, most likely from the South Kunlun arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is ongoing debate as to the genesis of the Lhasa Terrane during the Mesozoic (northward subduction of Yanglu‐Zangbo Tethyan Ocean [YZTO] or southward subduction of Bangong–Nujiang Tethyan Ocean [BNTO]). In this paper, we report a dataset of geochronology, geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes for the Azhale granitoids in order to elucidate the dominant geodynamic processes of the central subterrane. These rocks are dated at 142.2 ± 1.0 and 136.6 ± 0.6 Ma by zircon LA–ICP–MS method, indicating that these rocks were contemporaneous. In situ zircon Hf isotopic analyses yielded εHf(t) values of −4.2 to −0.1. Geochemically, these samples mostly belong to calc‐alkaline series and show strong enrichments in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE;e.g., Rb, Ba, and Th) and depletions in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE;e.g., Nb and Ta), indicating the Azhale granitoids are typically I‐type granite. In terms of isotopic composition, these rocks also have low εNd(t) values (−6.51 to −6.80) and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7078 to 0.7084) relative to melts derived from partial melting of ancient mafic lower crust. We considered that these rocks should be interpreted to have resulted from melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization (MASH process) above subduction zones. In conclusion, combined with the published and our new data, we argued for the petrogenesis of Early Cretaceous arc‐related granitoids were due to the YZTO lithosphere subducted northward beneath the Lhasa Terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effects of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) have been controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LMWH on prognosis of SAP by systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods: We searched relevant studies published up to March 2019 in five databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Journal of Science and Technology of VIP database). Results: Sixteen randomized controlled trials with 1625 patients were included in the final analysis. Most studies were from China. In analysis of laboratory parameters and clinical scores, SAP patients receiving LMWH treatment had lower white blood cell counts, C‐reactive protein level, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and computed tomography severity index. In clinical outcomes, SAP patients who received LMWH treatment had shorter hospital stay (pooled mean difference [95% confidence interval; CI] −8.79 [−11.18, −6.40], P < .01), lower mortality (pooled risk ratio [RR] [95% CI] 0.33 [0.24‐0.44], P < .01), lower incidences of multiple organ failure (pooled RR [95% CI] 0.34 [0.23‐0.52], P < .01), pancreatic pseudocyst (pooled RR [95% CI] 0.49 [0.27‐0.90], P =.02), and operation rate (pooled RR [95% CI] 0.39 [0.31‐0.50], P < .01). Conclusions: LMWH could improve the prognosis of SAP, and has a potential role in reducing hospital stay, mortality, incidences of multiple organ failure, pancreatic pseudocyst, and operation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced four‐mask process a‐Si TFT array manufacturing method and good TFT stability is presented in this paper. We used an optimum half‐tone mask transmittance and half‐tone photoresist for the four‐mask process architecture. Data line open and photoresist peeling issues occurred in G8.6 TFT‐LCDs and solutions will be shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design methodology for gate driving circuit (GOA) is critical to reduce the production cost and power consumption for TFT‐LCD. The process fluctuation in the manufacturing of TFT can cause the malfunction of GOA. TFT compact model is the key to take process fluctuation into consideration during design stage. The testing method and corner modeling for process fluctuation are discussed in this paper. The bin model methodology is also used to help optimize the W/L size of GOA drive circuit. A high reliable A‐Si TFT GOA was designed by combining the usage of corner model and bin model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingerprint recognition is becoming a familiar technology. To further foster its use, it is important to make thinner sensors, adequate for embedding in various devices including display devices. An Optical type fingerprint scanning/touch‐input flat panel is designed. The driving system is based on the passive pixel sensor (PPS) array with amorphous silicon (a‐Si) TFT technology. The embedded sensing structure of the optical sensor is using the a‐Si TFT phototransistor and four‐mask process architecture technology. The pixel density is over 500 PPI and the a‐Si TFT phototransistor sensor is high reliability by using Multi‐N+ layer in the a‐Si TFT structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method of multi N+ and thicker N+ film were used to lower the leakage current of amorphous silicon TFT to improve the image sticking instead of normal single N+ layer in 4‐mask process. In this article, the improvement of the leakage current and the Vth shift by using the multi N+ and thicker N+ layer will be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of artificial neural networks (ANN) in predicting intra‐abdominal infection in moderately severe (MASP) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) compared with that of a logistic regression model (LRM). Methods: Patients suffering from MSAP or SAP from July 2014 to June 2017 in three affiliated hospitals of the Army Medical University in Chongqing, China, were enrolled in this study. A univariate analysis was used to determine the different parameters between patients with and without intra‐abdominal infection. Subsequently, these parameters were used to build LRM and ANN. Results: Altogether 263 patients with MSAP or SAP were enrolled in this retrospective study. A total of 16 parameters that differed between patients with and without intra‐abdominal infection were used to construct both models. The sensitivity of ANN and LRM was 80.99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.63‐87.33) and 70.25% (95% CI 61.15‐78.04), respectively (P > 0.05), whereas the specificity was 89.44% (95% CI 82.89‐93.77) and 77.46% (95% CI 69.54‐83.87), respectively (P < 0.05). ANN predicted the risk of intra‐abdominal infection better than LRM (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.923 [0.883‐0.952] vs 0.802 [0.749‐0.849], P < 0.001). Conclusions: ANN accurately predicted intra‐abdominal infection in MSAP and SAP and is an ideal tool for predicting intra‐abdominal infection in such patients. Coagulation parameters played an important role in such prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using cascaded intensity and phase modulators to achieve frequency combs is a common technique. However, this technique has not yet been employed to achieve optical frequency combs (OFCs) at the nanoscale. A theoretical model based on temporal coupled mode theory is developed to simulate an all‐optical photonic crystal modulator. The concepts used to generate an OFC based on electro‐optic modulators are then extended to the nanophotonic domain. It is theoretically proven that an OFC can be generated via all optical modulation of nanophotonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, to further verify and develop the novel counter‐current chromatography modified column separate mode, a melamine modified counter‐current chromatography column was prepared. Meanwhile, the modified counter‐current chromatography column was used to separate stevioside and rebaudioside A with the same partition coefficient in chosen solvent system to evaluate its separation efficiency. The results show that because of the presence of intermolecular forces between melamine and model compounds, better separation could be achieved on the modified column while it's almost impossible to be separated on the unmodified column. So the results of this research further show that column modified method is a possible approach to further increase the separation ability of counter‐current chromatography. Take advantage of large sample handing capacity of counter‐current chromatography, the mothed may have great potential to be an efficient method of separation and preparation enantiomer compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptides have gained increased interest over the past several decades because of their therapeutics. In this research, a strategy combining MCI gel column chromatography and high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was developed for the separation of high‐purity peptide Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro from Globin Peptide. First, the fraction of Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro mixtures with a purity of 15.8% was obtained by using MCI gel column with a mixture of ethanol/water (20:80, v/v/v). Then, the high‐purity Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro was separated by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with a aqueous two phase systems of ethanol/acetonitrile/iso‐propyl alcohol/(NH4)2SO4 Saturated solution/H2O (0.5:0.5:0.25:1.5:0.7,v/v). The ammonium sulfate from high‐speed countercurrent chromatography fractions was removed from target compound by MCI gel column chromatography using ethanol/water in stepwise elution mode. A 78 mg of Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro was successfully purified with the purities of 98.80% from 30 g crude Globin Peptide. The amino acid sequence of the Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro was determined by electrospray ionization high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The method presents a practical strategy for the large‐scale separation of pure peptide Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro from Globin Peptide, and provides a reference method for obtaining high‐purity peptide from other polypeptide mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stationary phase retention is one of the most important parameters in countercurrent chromatography. In this work, a simple gradient equilibrium method was developed to further improve the stationary phase retention based on the optimized condition in the traditional equilibrium model. Meanwhile, this novel gradient equilibrium method was used to separate three flavone model compounds and compared with the conventional isocratic equilibrium method to evaluate the separation efficiency. The results show that better resolution or shorter separation time could be achieved with gradient equilibrium compared to isocratic equilibrium. So this novel equilibrium method has enormous potential for obtaining a better separation or saving the separating time in the preparative separation of target compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In chiral separation, enantioseparation factor is an important parameter which influences the resolution of enantiomers. In this current overview, a biphasic chiral recognition method is introduced to the readers. This method can significantly improve the enantioseparation factor in two‐phase solvent through adding lipophilic and hydrophilic chiral selectors which have opposite chiral recognition ability to organic and aqueous phases, respectively. This overview presents the development and applications of biphasic chiral recognition in liquid‐liquid extraction and counter current chromatography. It mainly focuses on the topics of mechanism, advantages and limitations, applications, and key factors of biphasic chiral recognition. In addition, the future outlook on development of biphasic chiral recognition also has been discussed in this overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have reported the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and immunoglobulins. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum immunoglobulin levels and NAFLD in a Chinese adult population. METHODS: We performed a cross‐sectional study including 11 261 Chinese adults. NAFLD was diagnosed based on the Chinese Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver diseases and an alcohol intake of <70 g/week in women and <140 g/week in men, and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were determined using immune nephelometry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to assess relationships between concentrations of serum immunoglobulins and NAFLD. RESULTS: Of the 11 261 adults recruited from January 2010 to December 2015, the prevalence of NAFLD was 40.8% (n = 4598). The geometric mean levels of IgG, IgM, IgE and IgA were 1177.49 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 1173.07–1181.93), 93.56 mg/dL (95% CI 92.70–94.42), 30.70 IU/mL (95% CI 29.92–31.49) and 216.64 mg/dL (95% CI 214.95–218.34), respectively. Compared with the lowest quintile, the multivariable adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of NAFLD for the highest quintile of IgG, IgM, IgE, and IgA were 0.78 (0.66–0.92), 0.71 (0.60–0.84), 0.98 (0.84–1.15) and 1.41 (1.21–1.66), respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased IgA and decreased IgG and IgM levels are independently associated with NAFLD prevalence. Further research is needed to explore the causal association between serum immunoglobulins and NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced four‐mask process a‐Si TFT array manufacturing method and good TFT stability is presented in this paper. We used an optimum half‐tone mask transmittance and half‐tone photoresist for the four‐mask process architecture. Data line open and photoresist peeling issues occurred in G8.6 TFT‐LCDs and solutions will be shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Optical type fingerprint scanning/touch‐input flat panel is designed. The driving system is based on the passive pixel sensor (PPS) array with amorphous silicon (a‐Si) TFT technology. The embedded sensing structure of the optical sensor is using the a Si TFT phototransistor and four‐mask process architecture technology. The pixel density is over 500 PPI and the a‐Si TFT phototransistor sensor is high reliability by using Multi‐N+ layer in the a‐Si TFT structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The the polymer film on array (PFA) as planarization layer is important in FFS(Fringe‐Field Switching) and COA(Color filter on Array)display mode,according to its liquid crystal alignment is horizontal. The planarization serves not only as a smooth surface for device build‐up,but also it can reduce parasitic capacitance between metal layers. In this paper,we found that the planarization layer is easily deamged by subsequent processes because it is organic. It found that when the silicon oxide (SIOx)as passivation layer slowly deposited on the common ITO upon planarization layer , the planarization layer would be damaged seriously.And the demage degree is related to siloxane content in PFA and subsequent layer incluse the common ITO electrode thickness and and passivation layer's process parameters and materials between common electrode and pixel electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method to improve the interface of A‐Si and SiNx in A‐Si TFT process, the influence of H content in PECVD system equipment and the A‐Si remain to image sticking are studied in the paper. The suitable NH3 plasma pretreatment power and time or A‐Si remain can decease the leakage current and to overcome the image sticking in four‐mask process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of new chloramphenicol-base-derived thiourea organocatalysts, (1 S,2 R)- 12 a- f and (1 R,2 R)- 15 a- c, and their use in the enantioselective alcoholysis of meso-anhydrides are described. In particular, hemiesters afforded excellent enantioselectivities if low loadings of (1 S,2 R)- 12 a- f were used. Almost no enantioselectivities were achieved with the use of (1 R,2 R)- 15 a- c. This technique was used to synthesize ( R)-(−)-baclofen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The high-power fast charger (HPFC) incorporating a power stage with a controlling loop is presented in this paper. A power stage is composed of an inter-leaved boost power factor correction and a DC-DC full-bridge phase-shifted (FBPS) converter, and that the HPFC can supply a constant-voltage (CV) or a constant-current (CC) power to charge a secondary lithium-ion battery pack. In addition, the ripple current can be reduced due to the DC-DC FBPS converter combines with the current-doubler rectifier at HPFC's output side. Also, the controlling loop is equipped with a voltage compensator and a current compensator, and this design is for the sake of HPFC, which can either operate in CV or CC output mode. Moreover, the shut-down situation will be prevented by proposed bi-phase charging controller, when the charging current is adjusted from the fist CC level to the second CC level. Analysis and design considerations of the proposed circuits are presented in details. Experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions and confirm the validity of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the postmortem interval ( PMI) is important in criminal, civil, and forensic cases. We examined the feasibility of using the transcript abundances of m RNAs, 18 S r RNA, U6 sn RNA, and micro RNAs as a means to estimate the PMI. We removed spleen tissues from rats at different PMIs under 4°C or 25°C and examined gene transcript abundances in these samples by RT-q PCR. Using the algorithm geNorm, we found that micro RNAs to be appropriate control markers because they were less affected by PMI and temperature. We also characterized relationships between observed PMI and the transcript levels of the above-mentioned RNAs. GAPDH1 and ACTB1 fluctuated slightly like cubic curves, while GAPDH2 and ACTB2 decreased rapidly. 18 S r RNA transcript level exhibited a parabolic-like trend at 25°C and exponential growth at 4°C, while U6 transcript level exhibited exponential decay at 25°C and a parabolic-like trend at 4°C. Following validation, we conclude that GAPDH2, ACTB2, and 18 S r RNA are suitable makers in the accurate determination of PMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To activate the expression of host genes that contribute to pathogen growth, pathogenic Xanthomonas bacteria inject their transcription activator-like effectors ( TALEs) into plant cells and the TALEs bind to target gene promoters by the central repeat region consisting of near-perfect 34-amino-acid repeats (34-aa repeats). Based on the recognition codes between the 34-aa repeats and the targeted nucleotides, TALE-based technologies, such as designer TALEs ( dTALEs) and TALE nucleases ( TALENs), have been developed. Amazingly, every natural TALE invariantly has a truncated last half-repeat ( LHR) at the end of the 34-aa repeats. Consequently, all the reported dTALEs and TALENs also harbour their LHRs. Here, we show that the LHRs in dTALEs are dispensable for the function of gene activation by both transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and gene-specific targeting in the rice genome, indicating that TALEs might originate from a single progenitor. In the light of this finding, we demonstrate that dTALEs can be constructed through two simple steps. Moreover, the activation strengths of dTALEs lacking the LHR are comparable with those of dTALEs harbouring the LHR. Our results provide new insights into the origin of natural TALEs, and will facilitate the simplification of the design and assembly of TALE-based tools, such as dTALEs and TALENs, in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial blight ( BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo), is not only a disease devastating rice production worldwide, but also an ideal model system for the study of the interaction between plants and their bacterial pathogens. The rice near-isogenic line ( NIL) CBB23, derived from a cross between a wild rice Oryza rufipogon accession ( RBB16) and a susceptible indica rice variety ( Jingang 30), is highly resistant to all field Xoo strains tested so far. Although the BB resistance of CBB23 has been widely used in rice breeding programmes, the mechanism of its extremely broad-spectrum resistance remains unknown. Here, we report the molecular cloning of an avirulence gene, designated as avrXa23, from Xoo strain PXO99 A. We validate that Avr Xa23, a novel transcription activator-like effector, specifically triggers the broad-spectrum BB resistance in CBB23. The prevalence of avrXa23 in all 38 Xoo strains surveyed may explain the broad-spectrum feature of BB resistance in CBB23. The results will significantly facilitate the molecular cloning of the corresponding resistance ( R) gene in the host, and provide new insights into our understanding of the molecular mechanism for broad-spectrum disease resistance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolbachia and Cardinium are widely distributed and are considered important for their ability to disturb reproduction and affect other fitness-related traits of their hosts. By using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing methods, we extensively surveyed Wolbachia and Cardinium infection status of four predominant rice planthoppers and one kind of leafhopper in different rice fields. The results demonstrated that Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) were infected with the same Wolbachia strain ( wStri), while Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and its closely related species Nilaparvata muiri China were infected with two phylogeneticlly distant strains, wLug and wMui, respectively. Three new Wolbachia strains (provisionally named wMfas1, wMfas2 and wMfas3) were detected in the leafhopper Macrosteles fascifrons (Stål). Only S. furcifera was co-infected with Cardinium, which indicated that the distribution of Cardinium in these rice planthoppers was narrower than that of Wolbachia. Unambiguous intragenic recombination events among these Wolbachia strains and incongruent phylogenetic relationships show that the connections between different Wolbachia strains and hosts were more complex than we expected. These results suggest that horizontal transmission and host associated specialization are two factors affecting Wolbachia and Cardinium infections among planthoppers and their related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]