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In this paper, we concentrate on the Bayesian inversion of a dispersion‐dominated fractional Helmholtz (DDFH) equation, which has been introduced in studies concerning seismic exploration. To establish the inversion theory, we meticulously examine the DDFH equation. We transform it into a system comprising both fractional‐ and integer‐order elliptic equations, extending the conventional definition of the spectral fractional Laplace operator to accommodate non‐homogeneous boundary conditions. Subsequently, we establish the well‐posedness theory for scenarios involving both small and large wavenumbers. Our proof hinges upon the regularity attributes of select fractional elliptic equations and capitalizes fully on the structural peculiarities of the elliptic system, which distinguish it from classical cases. Thereafter, we focus on the inverse medium scattering problem pertinent to the DDFH equation, framed within the Bayesian statistical framework. We address two scenarios: one devoid of model reduction errors and another characterized by such errors—arising from the implementation of certain absorbing boundary conditions. More precisely, based on the properties of the forward operator, well‐posedness of the posterior measures have been proved in both cases, which provide an opportunity to quantify the uncertainties of this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions at high temperatures between thin films and the Si substrate limit materials discovery using combinatorial processing platforms (CPPs). To overcome this, a diffusion and reaction barrier, SiO2, by thermal oxidation of Si tips is developed. The application of this diffusion barrier in CPPs for atomic‐scale investigations of new materials in atom probe tomography is reported. Thermal SiO2 layers (20 and 50 nm thick) are examined as barriers to separate coatings from Si tips. Pt is chosen as it easily forms silicides. CPPs are sequentially annealed in vacuum at 400 °C for 10 h, 600 °C for 2 h, and 800 °C for 2 h. The thermal SiO2 diffusion barrier remains stable and prevents intermixing at least up to 800 °C. Moreover, it provides improved film adhesion as dewetting of Pt on the oxide surface occurred at 800 °C instead of 600 °C without a thermal diffusion barrier. A comprehensive structural and chemical analysis of the Pt film, the thermal SiO2 layer, and their interfaces is performed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. As a result, the thermal SiO2 forms a stable barrier, even at the lowest thickness of 20 nm, avoiding the formation of Pt silicides, even at 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare survival outcomes and toxic effects among patients with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) when treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus IMRT + carbon‐ion radiotherapy (CIRT). Methods: We performed a retrospective propensity score matching analysis (1:1) of patients treated with IMRT and IMRT + CIRT. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the baseline characteristics of the patients. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify the independent predictors of survival. We examined the association between risk factors and adverse events (AEs) using chi‐square tests. Cox model and logistic regression were used to analyze AEs. Results: Hundred and nine patients who received IMRT + CIRT were included and the median follow‐up time was 20.6 months (range: 4.6–82 months). There were no statistically significant differences in locoregional failure–free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, disease‐free survival, or overall survival between the two groups, but potentially better in IMRT + CIRT group (p > 0.05, respectively). Nodal boost was the only significant factor associated with LRFS and DFS on multivariable analysis. Thirty‐seven patients (34.0%) developed grade 3 acute OMs and no grade 4 acute OMs were observed in IMRT + CIRT group. All patients in IMRT + CIRT group developed grade 1 dermatitis; while in the match group, 76 patients developed grade 1 dermatitis, 27 patients developed grade 2 dermatitis, 5 patients developed grade 3 dermatitis, 1 patient developed grade 4 dermatitis. IMRT + CIRT treatment was associated with a significant trend of lower grades of OM and dermatitis (p < 0.05, respectively). Any severe (i.e., grade 3) chronic AEs, such as xerostomia, skin fibrosis, temporal lobe necrosis, osteoradionecrosis, or radiation‐induced optic neuropathy, was not observed. Conclusions: In this study, IMRT + CIRT was associated with significantly reduced acute toxicity burden compared with full course of IMRT, with excellent survival outcomes. Patients with persistent disease after treatment and treated with nodal boost had a worse outcome. More accurate assessments of IMRT + CIRT to primary nonmetastatic NPC patients will be imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is an extract of the bergamot fruit with significant neuroprotective effect. This study was to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanism of BEO in mitigating depression. GC–MS were used to identify its constituents. Antidepressive properties of BEO were evaluated by sucrose preference test (SPT), force swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Nissl staining was used to determine the number of Nissl bodies in hippocampus (HIPP) of rats. Changes in HIPP dendritic length and dendritic spine density were detected by Golgi‐Cox staining. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95) and synaptophysin (SYP) in the HIPP of rats. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the HIPP, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats. Inhaled BEO significantly improved depressive behaviour in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. BEO increased Nissl bodies, dendritic length and spine density, PSD‐95 and SYP protein in the HIPP. Additionally, BEO upregulated serum 5‐HT, serum and CSF IGF‐1, while downregulating serum IL‐1β. Collectively, inhaled BEO mitigates depression by protecting the plasticity of hippocampal neurons, hence, providing novel insights into treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microencapsulation of paraffin with melamine formaldehyde shell (Pn@MF) shows the drawbacks of low thermal conductivity. Hence, we constructed SiO2 shells on Pn@MF phase change microcapsules by interfacial polycondensation to obtain Pn@MF@SiO2 double‐shelled microcapsules. The effect of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) contents on the performance of Pn@MF@SiO2 was discussed in detail. As the TEOS contents increased, the thermal conductivity of Pn@MF@SiO2 gradually increased, reaching up to 0.376 W m−1 K−1. The Pn@MF@SiO2 have exhibited superior leakage‐proof properties and thermal reliability through double‐shelled protection, and the highest reduction in leakage rate reached 45.06 % compared to Pn@MF microcapsules. The Pn@MF@SiO2‐3 with the lowest enthalpy still exhibit a latent heat storage capacity of more than 176 J/g, which displayed outstanding latent heat storage/release capability and good anti‐permeable property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the construction of an experimental-based transcription factor (TF) interaction network in the seeds of Brassica napus, an important oil crop. The researchers used a method called mCrY2H-seq, which is a cost-effective and time-saving approach for screening protein-protein interactions. They identified 932 non-redundant TFs involved in seed development and organic accumulation. The resulting TF interaction network revealed both conserved subnetworks and previously unreported interactions related to hormone signaling pathways. The researchers also investigated the function of a specific TF, BnaGRF6, and found that its interaction with another TF, BnaWRI1, increased seed oil content. The study provides insights into the functions of genes in polyploid crops and has implications for molecular breeding advancements. [Extracted from the article]

A series of paraffin@poly(methyl methacrylate) phase‐change microcapsules (Pn@PMMA) were synthesized by suspension polymerization. The prepared Pn@PMMA had excellent latent heat storage and release properties (ΔHm=183.2 J/g, ΔHc=181.9 J/g), excellent thermal stability and cycle durability of at least 100 cycles. The effects of emulsifier type, cross‐linking agent content and core/shell mass ratio on structure and properties of Pn@PMMA were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology of Pn@PMMA exhibited spherical profile with styrene‐maleic anhydride (SMA) as emulsifier and the agglomeration was significantly reduced. The enthalpy of the microcapsules was significantly improved with the addition of crosslinker. The anti‐permeability of Pn@PMMA subsequently further improved with continued increasing amount of cross‐linker. Besides, the enthalpy and anti‐leaking property of the microcapsules progressively reduced with the core/shell mass ratio decreased, while the thermal conductivity gradually increased. Therefore, the results showed that the Pn@PMMA with the enthalpy of 183.2 J/g and the leakage rate of 4.72 %, which displayed a high thermal reliability potential for thermal energy storage and temperature regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characterization of early breast cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may provide valuable information on tumor metastasis. Methods: We used immunomagnetic nanospheres to capture CTCs from the peripheral blood of eight early breast cancer patients and then performed single‐cell RNA sequencing using our proposed bead‐dd‐seq method. Results: CTCs displayed obvious tumor cell characteristics, such as the activation of oxidative stress, proliferation, and promotion of metastasis. CTCs were clustered into two subtypes significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis status of patients. CTCs in subtype 1 showed a strong metastatic ability because these CTCs have the phenotype of partial epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and enriched transcripts, indicating breast cancer responsiveness and proliferation. Furthermore, DNA damage repair pathways were significantly upregulated in subtype 1. We performed in vitro and in vivo investigations, and found that cellular oxidative stress and further DNA damage existed in CTCs. The activated DNA damage repair pathway in CTCs favors resistance to cisplatin. A checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitor sensitized CTCs to cisplatin in mouse models of breast cancer metastasis. Conclusion: The present study dissects the molecular characteristics of CTCs from early‐stage breast cancer, providing novel insight into the understanding of CTC behavior in breast cancer metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of food security, using non‐grain feed instead of corn–soybean‐based feed is an effective measure to alleviate the food‐feed competition. While, non‐grain feeds are often rich in fiber, which cannot be digested by non‐ruminants. Producing heterologous enzymes in non‐ruminants to improve cellulose utilization rate is a new research strategy by transgenic technology. In this study, porcine transthyretin (TTR) promoter, signal peptide‐coding sequence (CDS), Saccharomycopsis fibuligera β‐glucosidase gene (BGL1)‐CDS, 6×His sequences fragments were fused into pGL3‐control vector to generate transgenic vector. Then, transgenic mice were generated by pronuclear microinjection of the linearized expression vectors. Transgenic mice and their offspring were examined by PCR‐based genotyping and copy number variation. Results showed that BGL1 was successfully integrated into the mouse genome and transmitted stably. Furthermore, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blotting, and β‐glucosidase activity assay demonstrated that BGL1 was specifically expressed in the liver, and β‐glucosidase activity significantly increased. In addition, liver weight index, cellular morphology, and collagen fiber content of the liver showed that exogenous gene insertion did not cause any lesions to live. Taken together, our findings suggest that β‐glucosidase driven by TTR promoter was specifically expressed in the liver of transgenic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of paraffin (Pn)@silica (SiO2) microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCM) were synthesized by sol‐gel process using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and silane coupling agent as precursors. The morphology and chemical compositions of Pn@SiO2 microcapsules were characterized by SEM and FT‐IR, and thermal energy storage capacity was tested by DSC. The results showed that the Pn@SiO2 microcapsules modified with 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) had a desirable phase transition enthalpy (184.12 J/g). Meanwhile, the contact angle and leakage rate of Pn@SiO2 microcapsules were analyzed, and the data indicated the contact angle of Pn@SiO2 microcapsules was significantly improved and the leakage rate of Pn@SiO2 microcapsules was reduced to different degrees by modification with silane coupling agents. The main reason is that the modification of silane coupling agents improves the wettability of silica on the surface of paraffin wax, which makes the aggregation of silica on the surface of paraffin more efficient. Among them, the Pn@SiO2 microcapsules modified by MPS showed the most significant reduction in leakage rate, which was reduced from 8.38 % to 1.24 %. Pn@SiO2 microcapsules modified by MPS not only showed outstanding latent heat‐storage/release capability with a high capacity but also exhibited good shape stability, high thermal stability and excellent phase‐change reliability and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the role of galectin‐3 in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer cells and the potential mechanism. Methods: Kaplan–Meier (KM)‐plot and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to study the role of galectin‐3 in the prognosis of HER2‐positive breast cancer. The effects of galectin‐3 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation ability in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells were examined. The relationship between galectin‐3 and important components in the HER2 pathways, including HER2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), protein kinase B (AKT), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was further studied. Lentivirus and CRISPR/Cas9 were used to construct stable cell lines. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and apoptosis assays were used to study the relationship between galectin‐3 and trastuzumab. The effect of galectin‐3 on cell stemness was studied by mammosphere formation assay. The effects of galectin‐3 on stemness biomarkers and the Notch1 pathway were examined. Tumorigenic models were used to evaluate the effects of galectin‐3 on tumorigenesis and the therapeutic effect of trastuzumab in vivo. Results: HER2‐positive breast cancer patients with a high expression level of LGALS3 (the gene encoding galectin‐3) messenger RNA (mRNA) showed a poor prognosis. Galectin‐3 promoted cancer malignancy through phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway activation and upregulated stemness by activating the Notch1 signaling pathway in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells. These two factors contributed to the enhancement of trastuzumab resistance in cells. Knockout of LGALS3 had a synergistic therapeutic effect with trastuzumab both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Galectin‐3 may represent a prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for HER2‐positive breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal ferrites, such as CoFe2O4 (CFO) and NiFe2O4 (NFO), have gained increasing attention as potential materials for supercapacitors. Since chemical vapor deposition (CVD) offers advantages like interface quality to the underlying substrates and the possibility for coverage of 3D substrates, two CVD processes are reported for CFO and NFO. Growth rates amount to 150 to 200 nm h−1 and yield uniform, dense, and phase pure spinel ferrite films according to X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis (RBS/NRA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Atom probe tomography (APT) and synchrotron X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) give insights into the vertical homogeneity and oxidation states in the CFO films. Cation disorder of CFO is analyzed for the first time from synchrotron‐based XPS. NFO is analyzed via lab‐based XPS. Depositions on conducting Ni and Ti substrates result in electrodes with pseudocapacitive behavior, as evidenced by cyclovoltammetry (CV) experiments. The interfacial capacitances of the electrodes are up to 185 µF cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex solid solutions ("high entropy alloys"), comprising five or more principal elements, promise a paradigm change in electrocatalysis due to the availability of millions of different active sites with unique arrangements of multiple elements directly neighbouring a binding site. Thus, strong electronic and geometric effects are induced, which are known as effective tools to tune activity. With the example of the oxygen reduction reaction, we show that by utilising a data‐driven discovery cycle, the multidimensionality challenge raised by this catalyst class can be mastered. Iteratively refined computational models predict activity trends around which continuous composition‐spread thin‐film libraries are synthesised. High‐throughput characterisation datasets are then used as input for refinement of the model. The refined model correctly predicts activity maxima of the exemplary model system Ag‐Ir‐Pd‐Pt‐Ru. The method can identify optimal complex‐solid‐solution materials for electrocatalytic reactions in an unprecedented manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rh2 is a rare ginsenoside and there are few reports of its effect on cognition compared with other similar molecules. This study aimed to establish the impact of Rh2 treatment on improving scopolamine (Scop)‐induced memory deficits in mice and illuminate the underlying mechanisms. First, memory‐related behavior was evaluated using two approaches: object location recognition (OLR), based on spontaneous activity, and a Morris water maze (MWM) task, based on an aversive stimulus. Our results suggested that Rh2 treatment effectively increased the discrimination index of the mice in the OLR test. In addition, Rh2 elevated the crossing numbers and decreased the escape latency during the MWM task. Moreover, Rh2 markedly upregulated the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐cAMP response element binding (CREB)‐brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway in the hippocampus. Meanwhile, the administration of Rh2 significantly promoted the cholinergic system and dramatically suppressed oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Taken together, Rh2 exhibited neuroprotective effects against Scop‐induced memory dysfunction in mice. Rh2 activity might be ascribed to several underlying mechanisms, including its effects on modulating the cholinergic transmission, inhibiting oxidative stress and activating the ERK‐CREB‐BDNF signaling pathway. Consequently, the ginsenoside Rh2 might serve as a promising candidate compound for Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dammarane sapogenins (DS), an extract derived from ginseng by alkaline hydrolysis of total ginsenosides, possesses high pharmacological activity and higher bioavailability than ginsenosides. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effects of DS in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated social avoidance and anxiety-like behavior in four test models of CSDS, showing increased time in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and in the center of the field in the open field test, an increased percentage of entries and open arm time in the elevated plus maze, and reduced latency to eat in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Biochemical analyses showed that DS significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels and increased brain concentration of neurotransmitter 5-HT and noradrenaline in CSDS mice. Treatment with DS significantly upregulated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), p-CREB/CREB and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 protein expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CSDS mice. Collectively, these results suggest that DS exerts anxiolytic-like effects in CSDS model mice and the action is mediated, at least in part, by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A simple and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of plasma concentrations of five polyamines in normal and Hepatoma-22 mice, and mice treated with Mylabris and Acanthopanax senticosus was developed by HPLC-ESI-MS. Male Kunming mice were divided into nine groups, a control group (inoculation without treatment), a positive group (Cyclophosphamide), treatment groups [Mylabris (4, 8, 16 mg/kg), Acanthopanax senticosus (6, 12, 24 g/kg)] and a normal group (without inoculation). Twenty-four hours after the last administration, plasma samples were collected. The derived polyamines were separated on a C18 column by a gradient elution using methanol-water with excellent linearity within the range from 2.5 to 1000 ng/mL. Polyamines were confirmed as useful biochemical markers of hepatoma. The differences in anti-cancer therapeutic efficacy between Mylabris and Acanthopanax senticosus might contribute to the variability of polyamine levels in vivo. This HPLC-ESI-MS method was successfully applied to investigate the relationship between polyamines and cancer in mice and might be a useful method to test the activity of potential anti-tumor drugs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]