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Recently, a variety of elemental ferroelectric materials have been predicted in group‐V monolayers. However, black phosphorus, as a well‐known group‐V system with the similar structure, seems to be absent of spontaneous ferroelectric polarization. Based on first‐principles calculations, ferroelectric phase in monolayer black phosphorus (BP) is successfully obtained by strain engineering and the driving force can be attributed to Jahn–Teller effect. In addition, the bandgap of the monolayer BP is found to be tunable with applied strain, which can be adjusted to even achieve the metal polarization states. The work not only provides a new route to explore elemental ferroelectricity in 2D materials, but also suggests strain engineering as a powerful tool in related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are nonspecific and rarely have obvious associations with clinical characteristics and outcomes. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the MRI features of patients with NMDAR encephalitis, examine their associations with clinical characteristics, and evaluate their predictive power for disease recurrence and prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively extracted the clinical data and brain MRI findings of 144 patients with NMDAR encephalitis. Patients underwent a 2‐year follow‐up to assess disease outcomes. We evaluated the associations of brain MRI findings at the onset with clinical characteristics, recurrence, and prognosis. Results: Initial MRI showed typical abnormalities in 65 patients (45.1%); of these, 34 (29.3%) developed recurrence and 10 (9.4%) had poor prognosis (mRS ≥3). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that insula abnormalities were associated with acute seizure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.048, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.026–9.060) and white matter lesions were associated with cognitive impairment (OR = 2.730, 95% CI: 1.096–6.799). Risk factors for a poor 2‐year prognosis included a higher number of brain MRI abnormalities (OR = 1.573, 95% CI: 1.129–2.192) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (OR = 15.312, 95% CI: 1.684–139.198). The risk factors for 2‐year recurrence included abnormalities of the thalamus (HR = 3.780, 95% CI: 1.642–8.699). Interpretations: Brain MRI features of patients with NMDAR encephalitis were associated with clinical manifestations, prognosis, and recurrence. Higher numbers of MRI abnormalities and ICU admissions were predictive of poor prognosis. Abnormalities of the thalamus constituted a recurrence‐related risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma infection in intermediate host species closely associates with inflammation. This association has led to suggestions that the behavioural changes associated with infection may be indirectly driven by the resulting sustained inflammation rather than a direct behavioural manipulation by the parasite. If this is correct, sustained inflammation in chronically infected rodents should present as widespread differences in the gastrointestinal microbiota due to the dependency between the composition of these microbiota and sustained inflammation. We conducted a randomized controlled experiment in rats that were assigned to a Toxoplasma‐treatment, placebo‐treatment or negative control group. We euthanised rats during the chronic phase of infection, collected their caecal stool samples and sequenced the V3‐V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial community in these samples. Toxoplasma infection did not induce widespread differences in the bacterial community composition of the gastrointestinal tract of rats. Rather, we found sex differences in the bacterial community composition of rats. We conclude that it is unlikely that sustained inflammation is the mechanism driving the highly specific behavioural changes observed in Toxoplasma‐positive rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The factors associated with anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis relapse are yet to be elucidated. Aims of the Study: To investigate the factors associated with relapse and prognosis of anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis. Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to October 2019. The clinical features, auxiliary examinations, treatment regimens, and follow‐up were recorded. The outcomes were relapse and 2‐year disease prognosis. Results: A total of 160 patients were included. Consequently, 6 (5%) deaths, 34 (25.4%) relapses, and 19 (15.2%) patients had a poor prognosis (modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥3) were recorded. The multivariable analyses showed that age (p =.011), abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p =.019), glucocorticoid pulse (p =.009), and intracranial pressure (p =.023) were independently associated with the relapse, while age (p =.030) and central hypoventilation (p =.020) were independently associated with a poor prognosis at 2 years. Conclusion: Glucocorticoid pulse therapy reduces the relapse of anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis. Age, abnormal MRI, and intracranial pressure are risk factors for relapse, while age and central hypoventilation are independently associated with poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuronal engagement of the peripheral nerve system plays a crucial role in regulating fracture healing, but how to modulate the neuronal activity to enhance fracture healing remains unexploited. Here it is shown that electrical stimulation (ES) directly promotes the biosynthesis and release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) by activating Ca2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway and action potential, respectively. To accelerate rat femoral osteoporotic fracture healing which presents with decline of CGRP, soft electrodes are engineered and they are implanted at L3 and L4 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). ES delivered at DRGs for the first two weeks after fracture increases CGRP expression in both DRGs and fracture callus. It is also identified that CGRP is indispensable for type‐H vessel formation, a biological event coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis, contributing to ES‐enhanced osteoporotic fracture healing. This proof‐of‐concept study shows for the first time that ES at lumbar DRGs can effectively promote femoral fracture healing, offering an innovative strategy using bioelectronic device to enhance bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a gaze‐contingent moving‐window paradigm, we investigated whether/how deafness affects perceptual processing in Chinese reading. Besides the manipulation of window size, word length of sentences used in the experiment was also manipulated to check whether deafness enhanced the word length effect on perceptual span. Significant interactions of window constraints and deafness and a three‐way interaction were observed on reading rate. Smaller effects of window constraints for deaf Chinese readers and nonreliable three‐way interactions were observed on forward saccade length. This suggests that deaf Chinese readers exhibit a larger perceptual span, and word length affected the span from which information was acquired for comprehension whereas both deafness and word length might have little impact on the span from which information is acquired for oculomotor targeting during natural reading of Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported here is a concise total synthesis of (−)‐berkelic acid in eight linear steps. This synthesis features a Catellani reaction/oxa‐Michael cascade for the construction of the isochroman scaffold, a one‐pot deprotection/spiroacetalization operation for the formation of the tetracyclic core structure, and a late‐stage Ni‐catalyzed reductive coupling for the introduction of the lateral chain. Notably, four stereocenters are established from a single existing chiral center with excellent stereocontrol during the deprotection/spiroacetalization process. Stereocontrol of the intriguing deprotection/spiroacetalization process is supported by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is the foundation of human survival. With the development and progress of society, people increasingly focus on the problems of food quality and safety, which is closely related to human's health. Thus, the whole industrial chain from farmland to dining table need to be strictly controlled. Traditional detection methods are time‐consuming, laborious, and destructive. In recent years, hyperspectral technology has been more and more applied to food safety and quality detection, because the technology can achieve rapid and nondestructive detection of food, and the requirement to experimental condition is low; operability is strong. In this paper, hyperspectral imaging technology was briefly introduced, and its application in agricultural products and food detection in recent years was systematically summarized, and the key points in the research process were deeply discussed. This work lays a solid foundation for the peers to the following in‐depth research and application of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature rise subjected to the copper losses and iron losses is an important issue for a magnetically suspended turbomolecular pump (MSTMP). In this study, the loss estimation, thermal analysis, and temperature rise measurement of a large‐scale MSTMP are investigated. The copper losses and the iron core losses of two radial magnetic bearings, a thrust magnetic bearing, and a brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) are predicted by the analytical models. Based on the predicted loss values, the heat generation rates in the different parts of the large‐scale MSTMP are calculated, then the thermal field of the prototype is analysed by the 3D finite‐element model. The maximum temperatures estimated for the rotor part and stator part are located at the rotor sleeve and the winding end of BLDCM, which are 68.5 and 55.2 °C, respectively. The loss calculation and thermal field prediction is validated by the temperature rise test in a prototype of large‐scale MSTMP with pumping speed of 4100 L/s, ultimate vacuum of 1.8 × 10−7 Pa, and rated speed of 21,000 r/min. The maximum error between the estimated and the measured temperature rise values is <5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Few studies focus on patients' views on factors influencing implementation of patient decision aids (PDAs). This study aims to explore patients' views on the factors influencing implementation of an "insulin choice" PDA in a primary care setting. Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative study design. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide developed based on the theoretical domains framework. Nine in‐depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes who have been advised to start insulin or were currently using insulin and those who had been seeking diabetes treatment in the clinic for more than 1 year. Interviews were conducted after the participants were familiarized with the PDA. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Five themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) trust in the physician (patients preferred physicians to other health care providers in delivering the insulin PDA to them as they trusted physicians more when it comes to making decisions such as starting insulin), (b) physician's attitude (patients were more likely to trust a physician who is friendly and sympathetic hence would be more willing to use the insulin PDA), (c) physician's communication style (patients were more willing to use the insulin PDA if the physicians would take time and guide them in the PDA use), (d) conducive environment (patients preferred to read the PDA at home), and (e) cost (patients would not be willing to pay to use the insulin PDA unless they needed it). Conclusions: Patients want physicians to play a major role in the implementation of the insulin PDA; physicians' communication style and commitment may influence implementation outcomes. Health care authorities need to create a conducive environment and provide patients with free access to PDA to promote effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of nurse-led counselling on the anxiety symptoms and the quality of life following percutaneous coronary intervention for stable coronary artery disease. Design: Randomised control trial. Setting: Rural and remote China. Participants: Rural and remote patients were consecutively recruited from a medical centre located in China between January and December 2014. Interventions: The control group received standard pre-procedure information from a ward nurse on the processes of the hospitalisation and percutaneous coronary intervention, and post-procedural care. The intervention group received a structured 30-minute counselling session the day before and 24 hours after the percutaneous coronary intervention, by nurse consultants with qualifications in psychological therapies and counselling. The health outcomes were assessed by a SF-12 scale and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire at 6 and 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention. The anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated by a Zung anxiety and depression questionnaire. Main outcome measures: Cardiac outcomes, quality of life and mental health status. Results: Eighty patients were randomly divided into control (n = 40) and intervention groups (n = 40). There was a significant increase in the scores of the three domains of Seattle Angina Questionnaire 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention in the intervention group (P < .01). The mental health and physical health scores also increased (P < .01). In the control group, the mean scores of Zung self-rating anxiety scale 12 months following percutaneous coronary intervention were higher than the baseline scores, and higher than in the intervention group (P < .01). Conclusions: Counselling by a clinician qualified in psychological therapies and counselling significantly reduces anxiety symptoms and improves quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives. Carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1)/kininogen and selenoprotein W (SelW)/14-3-3η signal transduction orchestrate oxidative stress, which can also be regulated by nitric oxide (NO). The mutated caveolin-1 (Cav-1F92A) gene may enhance NO production. This study explored the effect of Cav-1F92A-modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSC/Cav-1F92A) on oxidative stress regulation through CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction in a rat model of monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Method. PAH was induced in rats through the subcutaneous injection of MCT. Next, rBMSC/Vector (negative control), rBMSC/Cav-1, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A, or rBMSC/Cav-1F92A+L-NAME were administered to the rats. Changes in pulmonary hemodynamic and vascular morphometry and oxidative stress levels were evaluated. CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dimerization, and eNOS/NO/sGC/cGMP pathway changes were determined through real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, or immunohistochemical analyses. Results. In MCT-induced PAH rats, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A treatment reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, vascular stenosis, and oxidative stress; downregulated CA1/kininogen signal transduction; upregulated SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction; and reactivated the NO pathway. Conclusions. In a rat model of MCT-induced PAH, rBMSC/Cav-1F92A reduced oxidative stress by regulating CA1/kininogen and SelW/14-3-3η signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that the adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), which secrete high amounts of soluble molecules, such as soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), may ameliorate sepsis‐induced acute lung injury (ALI). A total of 120 male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were separated into four groups: the sham control (SC), sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP–ADMSCs, and CLP–sTNFR1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups; CLP groups underwent CLP and then received 1 × 106 ADMSCs with or without knockdown of sTNFR1 intravenously at 1 hr after surgery. Rats were killed at 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr after the SC or CLP procedures. 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐labeled ADMSCs extensively colonized the lungs at 6, 24, and 72 hr after injection. The lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratios in the CLP group were higher than those in SC group; however, ADMSCs ameliorated the W/D weight ratios following CLP, and this effect was abolished by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The levels of serum sTNFR1 and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) were higher in the CLP–ADMSCs group and lower in the SC group than in other groups; interestingly, these levels were higher in CLP and CLP–sTNFR1 siRNA groups than in SC group. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 levels increased significantly after CLP, and ADMSCs could alleviate these changes, but the effect was weakened by sTNFR1 siRNA treatment. The lung cell apoptosis and edema levels were consistent with IL‐6 levels among all groups. Therapeutically administered ADMSCs secrete sTNFR1, which most likely protects against ALI in septic rats by ameliorating inflammation and lung edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diisopropylammonium cation based single crystals with different counter anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, I− [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the regional tree-ring chronology of Picea crassifolia was used to estimate annual (September to August) streamflow of the Shiyang River for the period from AD 1765 to 2010. The linear regression model was stable and could explain 41.5% of the variance for the calibration period of 1955-2005. According to the streamflow reconstruction, dry periods with below average streamflow occurred in AD 1775-1804, 1814-1823, 1831-1856, 1862-1867, 1877-1885, 1905-1910, 1926-1932, 1948-1951, 1960-1963 and 1989-2002. Periods of relatively wet years are identified for AD 1765-1774, 1805-1813, 1824-1830, 1857-1861, 1868-1876, 1886-1904, 1911-1925, 1933-1947, 1952-1959, 1964-1988 and 2003-2010. Comparisons with the precipitation reconstructions from surrounding areas supplied a high degree of confidence in our reconstruction. Our reconstructed streamflow is significantly correlated with sea surface temperature in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. The Multitaper spectral and correlation analyses also suggested that the reconstructed streamflow variation in the Shiyang River could be associated with large-scale atmospheric-oceanic variability, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The linkages among the streamflow reconstruction, NAO and ENSO suggest the connection of regional streamflow variations to the Asian monsoon and westerlies circulations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. Genetic variations in inflammatory response genes can potentially influence the risk of prostate cancer. We aimed to examine the association between PPARG Pro12Ala, NFKB1 -94 ins/del, NFKBIA -826C/T, COX-1 (50C>T), and COX-2 (-1195G>A) polymorphisms on prostate cancer risk. The genotypes of the polymorphisms were ascertained in 543 prostate cancer patients and 753 controls through PCR-RFLP and the risk association was evaluated statistically using logistic regression analysis. The NFKB1 -94 polymorphism was shown to decrease prostate cancer risk in both heterozygous and homozygous comparison models (odds ratios of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58–0.96) (P=0.02) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.42–0.78) (P<0.01), resp.). An opposite finding was observed for COX-2 (-1195) polymorphism (odds ratios of 1.58 (95% CI = 1.15–2.18) (P<0.01) for heterozygous comparison model and 2.08 (95% CI = 1.48–2.92) (P<0.01) for homozygous comparison model). No association was observed for other polymorphisms. In conclusion, NFKB1 -94 ins/del and COX-2 (-1195G>A) polymorphisms may be, respectively, associated with decreased and increased prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a one-pot reaction of NiCO3 ·2Ni(OH)2 ·H2O, aminourea hydrochloride (SCZ ·HCl) and 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinol (TNR), a halogen-free and lead-free chelating energetic material (CEM) [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR was synthesized. We confirmed the structure of [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The complex is triclinic with P $\bar{1}$(2)/ n space group. Cell parameters are: a = 1.04008(17) nm, b = 1.3719(2) nm, c = 1.4897(2) nm, V = 2.0337(6) nm3, Z = 4. The central nickel atom is six-coordinate with three oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups and three terminal nitrogen atoms of the hydrazine groups from three SCZs to form a distorted octahedron. Differential scanning calorimetry and analysis applied to assess the thermal decomposition behavior. The DSC curve with a linear heating rate of 10 °C ·min-1 shows that [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR is thermally stable with one exothermic peak temperatures of 78.8 °C and two exothermic peak temperatures of 216.8 °C and 308.1 °C. The kinetic parameters were obtained by non-isothermal reaction kinetics. The equation can be expressed as ln k = 24.49-243.3 × 103/ RT. Moreover, the values of the critical temperature of thermal explosion, Δ S≠, Δ H≠, Δ G≠, and the enthalpies of formation were obtained as 206.5 °C, -145.543 J ·mol-1 ·K-1, 237.18 kJ ·mol-1, 305.84 kJ ·mol-1, and -2.65 MJ ·kg-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heptacoordinate transition metal coordination compound [Cd(SCZ)3(H2O)](PA)2 ·3H2O ( 1) with the ligand semicarbazide (SCZ) and the counteranion picrate (PA) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/ c. The Cd2+ ion is heptacoordinated by three SCZ groups and a water molecule. SCZ presents typical bidentate coordination modes. The thermal decomposition mechanism of 1 was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which revealed that complex 1 exhibits three small endothermic and two large exothermic processes. The non-isothermal kinetics parameters were calculated by the Kissinger's method and Ozawa-Doyle's method, respectively. The heat of combustion was measured by oxygen bomb calorimetry. The enthalpy of formation, the critical temperature of thermal explosion, the entropy of activation (Δ S≠), the enthalpy of activation (Δ H≠), and the free energy of activation (Δ G≠) were also calculated. Sensitivity tests revealed that 1 is insensitive to mechanical stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three trifoliate environmental friendly coordination compounds, [Zn(SCZ)3](NO3)2 ( 1) (SCZ = semicarbazide), [Zn(CHZ)3](NO3)2 ( 2) (CHZ = carbohydrazide), and [Zn(MCZ)3](NO3)2 ·H2O ( 3) (MCZ = methyl carbazate), were synthesized by the reaction of zinc nitrate with its corresponding ligands. The products were characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, compound 1 and 2 were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal structures of both 1 and 2 belong to the monoclinic P21/ c space group. Remarkably, in all the three compounds, the central zinc cations are six-coordinated with three oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups and three terminal nitrogen atoms of the hydrazine groups from three SCZ / CHZ / MCZ molecules, which can form three five-member (Zn-O-C-N-N) rings and exhibit a distorted octahedron. Thermal stabilities of 1 to 3 were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and showed that they are all thermostable. The non-isothermal kinetics parameters were calculated by the Kissinger's method and Ozawa's method, respectively. The energies of combustion, enthalpies of formation, critical temperature of thermal explosion, entropies of activation (Δ S≠), enthalpies of activation (Δ H≠), and free energies of activation (Δ G≠) were measured and calculated. Sensitivity tests revealed that 1- 3 are insensitive to mechanical stimuli. The studies of all these three zinc compounds showed that they have potential applications as heat-stable insensitive energetic materials, especially the semicarbazide coordination compound 1, which has higher crystal density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green nitrogen-rich coordination compound Zn3(ATZ)6(N3)6 ( 1) (ATZ = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, DSC and TG/DTG analyses. Its crystal structure was determined through X-ray single crystal diffraction at 153(2) K. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic P21/ n space group with crystal parameters of the unit cell dimensions: a = 0.9187(3) nm, b = 1.4109(4) nm, c = 1.3395(4) nm, β = 92.593(4)°, V = 1.7345(8) nm3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.824 g ·cm-3. The kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process of 1 were studied by the Kissinger's method and Ozawa-Doyle's method. Sensitivity tests revealed that 1 is insensitive to mechanical stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two energetic compounds, [Zn(H2O)6](PA)2 ·3H2O ( 1) and [Zn(ATZ)3](PA)2 ·2.5H2O] n ( 2), were synthesized based on 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ) and picrate (PA), and characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The crystallographic data showed that the crystals of 1 and 2 belong to the monoclinic space group P21/ n and the triclinic space group P $\bar{1}$, respectively. Furthermore, the ZnII cations are six-coordinated with six oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules for 1 and six nitrogen atoms from ATZ for 2, and exhibit distorted octahedral configurations. Thermal decomposition mechanisms were determined based on differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curve corresponding to thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) curves and kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process were studied by using Kissinger's and Ozawa's method. The energies of the impact sensitivities were 27.8 J for 2 and far greater than 29.4 J for 1. In addition, the experiment found the heats of combustion were -6.53 MJ ·kg-1 for 1 and -11.33 MJ ·kg-1 for 2 by oxygen bomb calorimeter. Therefore, compound 2 can improve the explosion performance and can maybe regarded as the less toxicity energy additive for the explosives and propellant formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To characterize the hemodynamics comparing thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate with traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. Methods A total of 80 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomly assigned into the thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate group or transurethral resection of the prostate group. Transpulmonary thermodilution hemodynamic monitoring was used before and 1 h after surgery to assess patient hemodynamics. Acute complications and treatment efficiency were evaluated after surgery. Results There were no statistical differences in age, prostate volume, anticoagulants and International Prostate Symptom Score between the two groups. The postoperative Stroke Volume Index was significantly higher in the thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate group ( P = 0.007). The extravascular lung water and intrathoracic blood volume indices differed significantly pre- and postoperatively, and were similar in both groups. Decreases in serum sodium and hemoglobin concentrations after surgery were lower in the thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate group ( P < 0.01). Acute complications, and improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rates, were similar in both groups. Conclusions Transpulmonary thermodilution hemodynamic monitoring provides additional safety measures during surgical procedures. Thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate is associated with fewer hemodynamic changes and provides similar efficacy to transurethral resection of the prostate. Thus, it can be considered a safe and effective procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two homologous genes of the Arabidopsis C-repeat/dehydration-responsive element binding factors (CBF/DREB1) transcriptional activator were isolated by RT-PCR from Chinese cabbage ( Brassica pekinensis Rupr. cv. Qinbai 5) and were designated as BcCBF1 and BcCBF2. Each encodes a putative CBF/DREB1 protein with an AP2 (Apetal2) DNA-binding domain, a putative nuclear localization signal, and a possible acidic activation domain. Deduced amino acid sequences show that BcCBF1 is very similar to the Arabidopsis CBF1, whereas BcCBF2 is different in that it contains two extra regions of 24 and 20 amino acids in the acidic domain. The mRNA accumulation profiles indicated that the expression of BcCBF1 and BcCBF2 is strongly induced by cold treatment, but does not respond similarly to dehydration or abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. However, the cold-induced accumulation of BcCBF2 mRNA was rapid but short-lived compared with that of BcCBF1. The mRNA levels of both BcCBF1 and BcCBF2 were higher in leaves than in roots when plants were exposed to cold, whereas, salt stress caused higher accumulation of BcCBF2 mRNA in roots than in leaves, suggesting that the organ specificity of the gene expression of the BcCBFs is probably stress dependent. In addition, the accumulation of BcCBF1 and BcCBF2 mRNAs was greatly enhanced by light compared with darkness when seedlings were exposed to cold. It is concluded that the two BcCBF proteins may be involved in the process of plant response to cold stress through an ABA-independent pathway and that there is also a cross-talk between the light signaling conduction pathway and the cold response pathway in B. pekinensis as in Arabidopsis. (Managing editor: Li-Hui Zhao) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orbital selective external potential (OSEP) method, recently developed by the authors, allows the energy level of a specific atomic orbital to be shifted, thus allowing for the identification of the role of this orbital in the chemical and physical properties of the system. Using OSEP, the origins of ferroelectricity in two classic ferroelectric perovskites, BaTiO3 and PbTiO3, are systematically revisited. The fact that the hybridization between the Ti 3d state and the O 2p state is essential for the formation of ferroelectricity in both BaTiO3 and PbTiO3 is reproduced, which validates this method. Particularly, for PbTiO3, the Pb 6s lone‐pair electron states can also be tuned using the OSEP method, and its influence on the ferroelectricity is unveiled in detail. Surprisingly, it is found that the electric dipoles formed by lone‐pair lobes contribute only slightly to the overall ferroelectric polarization, whereas the concomitant ionic displacements and lattice distortions are prominently favorable for ferroelectricity. Indeed, it is found that the Pb–O hybridization plays an important role in the ferroelectricity of PbTiO3, which makes the polarization of PbTiO3 significantly larger than that of BaTiO3. This study provides a simple yet straightforward way to demonstrate the mechanisms of ferroelectricity in perovskite oxides, which can be applied to the study of ferroelectric mechanism in other relevant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which states that dance, drama and laughter are the best medicine. Phase 2 students of The University of Malaya Medical Faculty were encouraged to choose their focus of study from outwith the classic medical paradigm. The pre-set condition was that they had to explain the relevance of their chosen topics to the medical field and a faculty staff was appointed. The student-driven elective programme suggests there are benefits to be derived from returning autonomy.

Two energetic compounds, [Zn(H2O)6](PA)2 ·3H2O ( 1) and [Zn(ATZ)3](PA)2 ·2.5H2O] n ( 2), were synthesized based on 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ) and picrate (PA), and characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The crystallographic data showed that the crystals of 1 and 2 belong to the monoclinic space group P21/ n and the triclinic space group P $\bar{1}$, respectively. Furthermore, the ZnII cations are six-coordinated with six oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules for 1 and six nitrogen atoms from ATZ for 2, and exhibit distorted octahedral configurations. Thermal decomposition mechanisms were determined based on differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curve corresponding to thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) curves and kinetic parameters of the first exothermic process were studied by using Kissinger's and Ozawa's method. The energies of the impact sensitivities were 27.8 J for 2 and far greater than 29.4 J for 1. In addition, the experiment found the heats of combustion were -6.53 MJ ·kg-1 for 1 and -11.33 MJ ·kg-1 for 2 by oxygen bomb calorimeter. Therefore, compound 2 can improve the explosion performance and can maybe regarded as the less toxicity energy additive for the explosives and propellant formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Development of Helicobacter pylori vaccine would be a new effective strategy for prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection. Recombinant H. pylori vaccine comprising a single subunit antigen can only induce immune response with limited protection efficiency. In this study, the protective effect of H. pylori multicomponent vaccines consisting of three recombinant subunit antigens was investigated using the Mongolian gerbil model., Materials and Methods: Mongolian gerbils were immunized with different formulations of three recombinant H. pylori antigens (UreB, HspA, and HpaA) with two different adjuvants (Al(OH)3, LT(R72DITH)) by intragastric (i.g.) or intramuscular (i.m.) routes. The protective effects of multicomponent vaccines were assessed after H. pylori challenge in different studies. The specific IgG antibodies in serum were monitored by ELISA, and the mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IFN-gamma in spleen tissue were detected by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: The protective effect against H. pylori challenge in gerbils immunized with three recombinant antigens and LT(R72DITH) or Al(OH)3 was significantly higher than that in single- or double-antigen vaccine-immunized and control gerbils. Furthermore, the protective effect of the triple-antigen vaccine combined with the LT(R72DITH) adjuvant (average 86.3%) was significantly greater than that of vaccine combined with the Al(OH)3 adjuvant (average 53.4%). After the first immunization, the anti-UreB/HspA/HpaA serum IgG level in gerbils immunized with triple-antigen vaccine combined with Al(OH)3 was higher than that in gerbils immunized with the vaccine combined with LT(R72DITH). Splenic interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 transcript levels were significantly increased in LT(R72DITH) vaccine-immunized gerbils as compared to the Al(OH)3 vaccine group. Moreover, splenic IL-4 mRNA levels were higher than IFN-gamma in gerbils immunized with triple-antigen vaccine with either LT(R72DITH) or Al(OH)3., Conclusions: This study indicated that the recombinant multicomponent vaccine provided effective protection against H. pylori infection as compared to the single-antigen vaccine. This protective immunity would be closely associated with a predominant Th2-type response.