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Photon blockade is a quantum phenomenon in driven nonlinear systems. It can be observed in cavity optomechanical systems when nonlinear optomechanical interaction occurs at the single‐photon level. However, achieving photon blockade in experiments is challenging due to the small single‐photon optomechanical coupling strength. Here, photon blockade in an optomechanical system is investigated, where the cavity mode is either strongly or weakly squeezed. When the cavity mode is strongly squeezed, the coupling between squeezed mode and mechanical mode will be exponentially enhanced, leading to strong optical nonlinearity that is required for the realization of photon blockade. In contrast, when the cavity mode is weakly squeezed, the nonlinear optomechanical interaction is weak. It is shown that photon blockade can also be realized through the destructive interference of two paths for two‐photon excitation. Interestingly, it is found that a larger mechanical decay rate facilitates the implementation of the interference‐based photon blockade, and thermal noise effects can be significantly suppressed by the destructive interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is characterized by elevated blood uric acid levels, which can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical studies have demonstrated satisfactory efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula QYHT decoction in improving ED. Furthermore, the main monomeric components of this formula, linoleyl acetate and mandenol, demonstrate promise in the treatment of ED. This study established an ED rat model induced by HUA and the animals were administered with linoleyl acetate and mandenol. HE and TUNEL were performed to detect tissue changes, ELISA to measure the levels of serum testosterone (T), MDA, NO, CRP, and TNF‐α and qPCR and WB to assess the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, JAK2, and STAT3 in whole blood. The findings showed that linoleyl acetate and mandenol improved kidney tissue morphology, reduced cell apoptosis in penile tissue, significantly increased T and NO levels, while substantially decreasing levels of MDA, CRP, and TNF‐α. Meanwhile, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 mRNAs and proteins was markedly reduced, and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was inhibited. These findings were further validated through faecal microbiota transplantation results. Taken together, linoleyl acetate and mandenol could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, suppress the activity of JAK–STAT signalling pathway, ultimately providing a potential treatment for HUA‐induced ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two polyhedral silver‐thiolate clusters, [S@Ag16(Tab)10(MeCN)8](PF6)14 (Ag16) and [Ag12(Tab)6(DMF)12](PF6)12 (Ag12), were synthesized by using electroneutral Tab species as protective ligands (Tab=4‐(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide, MeCN=acetonitrile). Ag16 has a decahedral shape composed of eight pentagon {Ag5} units and two square {Ag4} units. The structure of Ag12 is a cuboctahedron, a classical Archimedean structure composed of six triangular faces and eight square faces. The former configuration is discovered in silver‐thiolate cluster for the first time, possibly benefited from the more flexible coordination between the Tab ligand and Ag+ facilitated by the electropositive −N(CH3)3+ substituent group. Third‐order nonlinear optical studies show that both clusters in DMF exhibit reverse saturate absorption response under the irradiation of 532 nm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed data on safety associated with drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between Linezolid (LZD) and other antibiotics are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety signals related to these DDIs and to provide a reference for clinically related adverse drug event monitoring. Adverse event (AE) information from 1 January 2004 to 16 June 2022 of the target antibiotics including LZD using alone or in combination with LZD was extracted from the OpenVigil FDA data platform for safety signal analysis. The combined risk ratio model, reporting ratio method, Ω shrinkage measure model, and chi‐square statistics model were used to analyze the safety signals related to DDIs. Meanwhile, we evaluated the correlation and the influence of sex and age between the drug(s) and the target AE detected. There were 18991 AEs related to LZD. There were 2293, 1726, 4449, 821, 2431, 1053, and 463 AE reports when LZD was combined with amikacin, voriconazole, meropenem, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, piperacillin‐tazobactam, and azithromycin, respectively. Except for azithromycin, there were positive safety signals related to DDIs between LZD and these antibiotics. These DDIs might influence the incidence of 13, 16, 7, 7, 6, and 15 types of AEs, respectively, and is associated with higher reporting rates of AEs compared with use alone. Moreover, sex and age might influence the occurrence of AEs. We found that the combinations of LZD and other antibiotics are related to multiple AEs, such as hepatotoxicity, drug resistance and electrocardiogram QT prolonged, but further research is still required to investigate their underlying mechanisms. This study can provide a new reference for the safety monitoring of LZD combined with other antibiotics in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To evaluate corpus callosum (CC) size in fetuses with malformations of cortical development (MCD) and to explore the diagnostic value of three CC length (CCL) ratios in identifying cortical abnormalities. Methods: This is a single‐center retrospective study in singleton fetuses at 20–37 weeks of gestation between April 2017 and August 2022. The midsagittal plane of the fetal brain was obtained and evaluated for the following variables: length, height, area of the corpus callosum, and relevant markers, including the ratios of corpus callosum length to internal cranial occipitofrontal dimension (CCL/ICOFD), corpus callosum length to femur length (CCL/FL), and corpus callosum length to cerebellar vermian diameter (CCL/VD). Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate measurement consistency. The accuracy of biometric measurements in prediction of MCD was assessed using the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curves (AUC). Results: Fetuses with MCD had a significantly decreased CCL, height (genu and splenium), and area as compared with those of normal fetuses (P <.05), but there was no significant difference in body height (P =.326). The CCL/ICOFD, CCL/FL, and CCL/VD ratios were significantly decreased in fetuses with MCD when compared with controls (P <.05). The CCL/ICOFD ratio offered the highest predictive accuracy for MCD, yielding an AUC of 0.856 (95% CI: 0.774–0.938, P <.001), followed by CCL/FL ratio (AUC, 0.780 (95% CI: 0.657–0.904), P <.001), CCL/VD ratio (AUC, 0.677 (95% CI: 0.559–0.795), P <.01). Conclusion: The corpus callosum biometric parameters in fetuses with MCD are reduced. The CCL/ICOFD ratio derived from sonographic measurements is considered a promising tool for the prenatal detection of cortical malformations. External validation of these findings and prospective studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the imaging features, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy luteoma. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with pregnancy luteoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University between January 2003 and December 2022. We recorded their imaging features, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Additionally, we reviewed relevant studies in the field. Results: In total, 127 cases were identified, including eight from our hospital and 119 from the literature. Most patients (93/127, 73.23%) were of reproductive age, 20–40 years old, and 66% were parous. Maternal hirsutism or virilization (such as deepening voice, acne, facial hair growth and clitoromegaly) was observed in 29.92% (38/127), whereas 59.06% of patients (75/127) were asymptomatic. Abdominal pain was reported in 13 patients due to compression, torsion or combined ectopic pregnancy. The pregnancy luteomas, primarily discovered during the third trimester (79/106, 74.53%), varied in size ranging from 10 mm to 20 cm in diameter. Seventy‐five cases were incidentally detected during cesarean section or postpartum tubal ligation, and 39 were identified through imaging or physical examination during pregnancy. Approximately 26.61% of patients had bilateral lesions. The majority of pregnancy luteomas were solid and well‐defined (94/107, 87.85%), with 43.06% (31/72) displaying multiple solid and well‐circumscribed nodules. Elevated serum androgen levels (reaching values between 1.24 and 1529 times greater than normal values for term gestation) were observed in patients with hirsutism or virilization, with a larger lesion diameter (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of bilateral lesions (P < 0.001). Among the female infants born to masculinized mothers, 68.18% (15/22) were virilized. Information of imaging features was complete in 22 cases. Ultrasonography revealed well‐demarcated hypoechoic solid masses with rich blood supply in 12 of 19 cases (63.16%). Nine patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), and six exhibited solid masses, including three with multi‐nodular solid masses. Conclusions: Pregnancy luteomas mainly manifest as well‐defined, hypoechoic and hypervascular solid masses. MRI and CT are superior to ultrasonography in displaying the imaging features of multiple nodules. Maternal masculinization and solid masses with multiple nodules on imaging may help diagnose this rare disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct electromagnetic (EM) optimization for microwave components design is usually a time‐consuming process. To improve the optimization efficiency, this paper proposes a novel parallel EM optimization technique exploiting improved pole‐residue‐based neuro‐transfer function (neuro‐TF) surrogate and isomorphic orthogonal design of experiment (DOE) sampling strategy. We propose a new sampling method combining isomorphic orthogonal DOE and parallel EM simulations to generate training data for developing the neuro‐TF surrogate. This proposed sampling method can ensure the scattered distribution of data samples in the overall optimization process, thus effectively improving the surrogate accuracy and increasing the optimization speed. We also propose a new pole‐residue tracking technique for order‐changing to solve the discontinuity problem of pole/residues during the neuro‐TF surrogate development. Different from the fixed split ratio in existing pole‐residue tracking technique, the split ratio of poles and residues in the proposed technique is adaptive and determined according to the information of neighboring samples. Therefore, the continuity and smoothness of pole/residues after the splitting are improved, so as the neuro‐TF surrogate accuracy. In addition, the trust region algorithm is exploited during EM optimization to improve the convergence speed. In this way, the proposed EM optimization technique obtains the optimal solution in a shorter time with fewer iterations than the existing techniques. Two examples of EM optimizations of microwave components are used to illustrate the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonon blockade is study in a squeezed cavity optomechanical system, where the cavity mode is squeezed by a parametric driving field. The squeezed cavity mode can parametrically couple to the mechanical mode with an exponentially enhanced coupling strength, which allows one to obtain strong mechanical nonlinearity. By exploring the mechanical nonlinearity, the study researches on phonon blockade by analyzing the statistical properties of phonons, and finds that phonon blockade can be implemented with currently available optomechanical technologies. It is also shown that the phonon blockade can be detected by the measurement of correlation function of the squeezed cavity mode. The results suggest that the squeezed cavity optomechanical system could be a attractive platform for applications in the single‐phonon quantum technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key contributor to heart failure, and the molecular mechanisms underlying honokiol (HNK)‐mediated cardioprotection against this condition remain worth further exploring. This study aims to investigate the effect of HNK on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced myocardial hypertrophy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to Ang II infusion, followed by HNK or vehicle treatment for 4 weeks. Our results showed that HNK treatment protected against Ang II‐induced myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction in vivo and inhibited Ang II‐induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, HNK suppressed the Ang II‐induced Nur77 expression at the transcriptional level and promoted ubiquitination‐mediated degradation of Nur77, leading to dissociation of the Nur77–LKB1 complex. This facilitated the translocation of LKB1 into the cytoplasm and activated the LKB1‐AMPK pathway. Our findings suggest that HNK attenuates pathological remodelling and cardiac dysfunction induced by Ang II by promoting dissociation of the Nur77–LKB1 complex and subsequent activation of AMPK signalling. This study uncovers a novel role of HNK on the LKB1‐AMPK pathway to protect against cardiac hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an analog of clopidogrel and prasugrel, vicagrel is completely hydrolyzed to intermediate thiolactone metabolite 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel (also the precursor of active thiol metabolite H4) in human intestine, predominantly by AADAC and CES2; however, other unknown vicagrel hydrolases remain to be identified. In this study, recombinant human Raf kinase inhibitor protein (rhRKIP) and pooled human intestinal S9 (HIS9) fractions and microsome (HIM) preparations were used as the different enzyme sources; prasugrel as a probe drug for RKIP (a positive control), vicagrel as a substrate drug of interest, and the rate of the formation of thiolactone metabolites 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel and R95913 as metrics of hydrolase activity examined, respectively. In addition, an IC50 value of inhibition of rhRKIP‐catalyzed vicagrel hydrolysis by locostatin was measured, and five classical esterase inhibitors with distinct esterase selectivity were used to dissect the involvement of multiple hydrolases in vicagrel hydrolysis. The results showed that rhRKIP hydrolyzed vicagrel in vitro, with the values of Km, Vmax, and CLint measured as 20.04 ± 1.99 μM, 434.60 ± 12.46 nM/min/mg protein, and 21.69 ± 0.28 ml/min/mg protein, respectively, and that an IC50 value of locostatin was estimated as 1.24 ± 0.04 mM for rhRKIP. In addition to locostatin, eserine and vinblastine strongly suppressed vicagrel hydrolysis in HIM. It is concluded that RKIP can catalyze the hydrolysis of vicagrel in the human intestine, and that vicagrel can be hydrolyzed by multiple hydrolases, such as RKIP, AADAC, and CES2, concomitantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scheme is proposed to realize the non‐classical correlation between magnons and photons in a cavity optomagnonic system, which supports both photon modes and a magnon mode. Starting with the system being initially prepared in its ground state, two laser pulses successively drive corresponding optical mode. A two‐mode squeezing interaction between optical mode 1 and the magnon mode is created by the first pulse, which leads to a non‐classical correlation between photons and magnons. To verify this non‐classical correlation, the second pulse is utilized to transfer the magnon state to another optical mode, thus the correlated photon–photon pairs are generated out of the cavity. By discussing the violation of Cauchy–Schwarz inequality, based on numerical simulation, it is confirmed that non‐classical correlated photon–magnon pairs can be created in the weak coupling regime, which relaxes the requirements of experimental conditions. The result indicates that cavity optomagnonics can be a promising platform for studying magnon‐based quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Better understanding the determining factors of dynamic magnetic relaxation in polynuclear lanthanide based single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) remains a challenge due to the complexity of such architectures involving interactions between the magnetic centers. To address this issue, two structurally related heterometal DyIII2ZnII2 SMMs, [Zn2Dy2(L)4(Ac)2(DMF)(CH3OH)]·CH3OH·2H2O (1) and [Zn2Dy2(L)4(Ac)2(DMF)2]·4CH3CN (2) (H2L = (E)‐2‐((2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)amino)‐4‐methyphenol, DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide), are introduced and investigated. Through modifying the auxiliary ligands on one DyIII site while retaining that on the other DyIII, the intramolecular magnetic interactions and relaxation dynamics in these two heterometallic‐DyIII2ZnII2 SMMs can be tuned, demonstrating a dramatic change in the magnet relaxation behavior with energy barrier changing from a negligible value for 1 to 305 K for 2. Ab initio calculations reveal that changing the coordination geometries on the DyIII sites can significantly affect the magnetic interactions as well as single‐ion anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional classification of buildings is important for creating and managing urban zones and assisting government departments. Existing building function classification methods are mainly designed for remote sensing imagery or zones in vector maps. These methods cannot be used for the single buildings in large‐scale vector maps. In this study, a learning strategy for multiple features and context information is developed to detect a single building function in a vector map. First, multiple features are extracted for each building based on local and regional structures. Then, a graph convolutional network, GraphSAGE, is introduced to analyze the modeled graph and building footprint features through supervised learning. Experiments show that the framework can learn local and contextual building information with the ability to distinguish different building functions. When classifying the building function, the proposed method performed better than other machine learning methods, such as random forest and support vector machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, channel steepness and main divide migration analysis were conducted on the Qinghai Nanshan to confirm the activity and evolution of the range. The results showed that the broad and gently dipping northern limbs correspond to relatively low steepness values, while the narrow and steeply dipping southern limbs are characterized by higher steepness distribution. In addition, main divide of the range is currently stable, despite its tendency migrating northward. Based on previous numerical simulations and our geomorphological results, we suggested that the Qinghai Nanshan thrust Fault is tectonically active. The sustained thrust activities of the fault have uplifted the Qinghai Nanshan, driven southward migration of the main divide and caused obvious regional crustal shortening and thickening. Given the same landscape characteristics as the Qinghai Nanshan, the Gonghe Nanshan was found to have appreciable influence on regional crust deformation. Secondary active tectonics (e.g. the Qinghai Nanshan and Gonghe Nanshan) could subdivide rigid blocks into smaller ones and promote the slip transferring and strain regulation between boundary strike‐slip faults. In summary, we concluded that continuous crustal deformation within the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is implemented through strain assimilation by minor faults in minor blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been noted that in large solar energetic particle (SEP) events, the peak intensities show an East‐West asymmetry with respect to the source flare locations. Using the 2D improved Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere (iPATH) model, we investigate the origin of this longitudinal trend. We consider multiple cases with different solar wind speeds and eruption speeds of the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and fit the longitudinal distributions of time‐averaged fluence by symmetric/asymmetric Gaussian functions with three time intervals of 8, 24 and 48 hr after the flare onset time respectively. The simulation results are compared with a statistical study of three‐spacecraft events. We suggest that the East‐West asymmetry of SEP fluence and peak intensity can be primarily caused the combined effect of an extended shock acceleration process and the evolution of magnetic field connection to the shock front. Our simulations show that the solar wind speed and the CME speed are important factors determining the East‐West fluence asymmetry. Plain Language Summary: Large solar energetic particle (SEP) events are quite common during the solar maximum period when the solar activity is high. In these events, particles can be accelerated to relatively high energies at shock waves driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in large SEP events. These energetic particles are the leading concern of astronaut safety and are a central topic of space weather studies. The intensity and the maximum particle energy, as well as the spectral shape of energetic particles vary significantly from one event to another. In particular, an interesting feature of these events is the so‐called East‐West asymmetry, where the intensity of energetic particles are not symmetric with respect to the source flare location and the peak intensity is shifted to the west of the source location. Using the 2D improved Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere model, we examine this East‐West asymmetry. Model results clearly show this asymmetry and suggest that its origin arises from the history of shock acceleration and magnetic connection. We also discuss the role of the background solar wind speed and the CME speed as key parameters organizing this asymmetry. Key Points: The time‐averaged fluence of solar energetic particles shows an East‐West asymmetry with respect to the source flare locationsUsing the improved Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere model, we find the asymmetry is a result of the effects of shock acceleration history and the geometry of the magnetic fieldThe background solar wind speed and the coronal mass ejection speed are key factors affecting this asymmetry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Overweight or obese patients exhibit poorer platelet responses to clopidogrel. However, the mechanisms behind this phenotype remain to be elucidated. Here, we sought to discover whether and why obesity could affect the metabolic activation of and/or platelet response to clopidogrel in obese patients and high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. Experimental Approach A post hoc stratified analysis of an observational clinical study was performed to investigate changes in residual platelet reactivity with increasing body weight in patients taking clopidogrel. Furthermore, high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice were used to reveal alterations in systemic exposure of clopidogrel thiol active metabolite H4, ADP‐induced platelet activation and aggregation, the expression of genes involved in the metabolic activation of clopidogrel, count of circulating reticulated and mature platelets, and proliferation profiles of megakaryocytes in bone marrow. The relevant genes and potential signalling pathways were predicted and enriched according to the GEO datasets available from obese patients. Key Results: Obese patients exhibited significantly attenuated antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel. In diet‐induced obese mice, systemic exposure of clopidogrel active metabolite H4 was reduced but that of its hydrolytic metabolite was increased due to down‐regulation of certain P450s but up‐regulation of carboxylesterase‐1 in the liver. Moreover, enhanced proliferation of megakaryocytes and elevated platelet count also contributed. Conclusion and Implications: Obesity attenuated metabolic activation of clopidogrel and increased counts of circulating reticulated and mature platelets, leading to impaired platelet responsiveness to the drug in mice, suggesting that clopidogrel dosage may need to be adjusted adequately in overweight or obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real‐time epidemiological tracking of variants of concern (VOCs) can help limit the spread of more contagious forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), such as those containing the N501Y mutation. Typically, genetic sequencing is required to be able to track VOCs in real‐time. However, sequencing can take time and may not be accessible in all laboratories. Genotyping by RT‐ddPCR offers an alternative to rapidly detect VOCs through discrimination of specific alleles such as N501Y, which is associated with increased transmissibility and virulence. Here we describe the first cases of the B.1.1.7 lineage of SARS‐CoV‐2 detected in Washington State by using a combination of reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), RT‐ddPCR, and next‐generation sequencing. We initially screened 1035 samples positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by our CDC‐based laboratory‐developed assay using ThermoFisher's multiplex RT‐PCR COVID‐19 assay over four weeks from late December 2020 to early January 2021. S gene target failures (SGTF) were subsequently assayed by RT‐ddPCR to confirm four mutations within the S gene associated with the B.1.1.7 lineage: a deletion at amino acid (AA) 69‐70 (ACATGT), deletion at AA 145, (TTA), N501Y mutation (TAT), and S982A mutation (GCA). All four targets were detected in two specimens; follow‐up sequencing revealed a total of 9 mutations in the S gene and phylogenetic clustering within the B.1.1.7 lineage. Next, we continued screening samples for SGTF detecting 23 additional B.1.1.7 variants by RT‐ddPCR and confirmed by sequencing. As VOCs become increasingly prevalent, molecular diagnostic tools like RT‐ddPCR can be utilized to quickly, accurately, and sensitively distinguish more contagious lineages of SARS‐CoV‐2. Highlights: ‐B.1.1.7 (alpha) lineage of SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in Washington State using RT‐ddPCR.‐Specific allelic discrimination can be used to distinguish SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern.‐Allelic discrimination can identify variants of concern more rapidly than conventional sequencing techniques.‐S‐gene target failures can be used to screen for certain SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the relation between independent director attention and the cost of equity capital. Masulis and Mobbs find that a director with multiple directorships distributes her time and effort (i.e., attention) unequally according to the relative prestige of each directorship. We investigate whether a firm's cost of equity capital reflects such unequal distribution of attention by its directors. We find that firms receiving more director attention are associated with a lower cost of equity capital. These firms also have higher accounting information quality. Moreover, the attention from audit committee directors matters more than that from other directors in reducing the cost of equity capital. Robustness checks show that the results are not driven by firm size. Overall, our evidence is consistent with director attention reducing the cost of equity capital through effective monitoring that increases accounting information quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation plays a pivotal role during tumorigenesis. In this study, to analyze the epigenomic landscape and identify potential biomarkers for CCs, we selected a series of samples from normal to cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CINs) to CCs and performed an integrative analysis of whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS‐seq), oxidative WGBS, RNA‐seq, and external histone modifications profiling data. Results: In the development and progression of CC, there were genome‐wide hypo‐methylation and hypo‐hydroxymethylation, accompanied by local hyper‐methylation and hyper‐hydroxymethylation. Hydroxymethylation prefers to distribute in the CpG islands and CpG shores, as displayed a trend of gradual decline from health to CIN2, while a trend of increase from CIN3 to CC. The differentially methylated and hydroxymethylated region‐associated genes both enriched in Hippo and other cancer‐related signaling pathways that drive cervical carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we identified eight novel differentially methylated/hydroxymethylated‐associated genes (DES, MAL, MTIF2, PIP5K1A, RPS6KA6, ANGEL2, MPP, and PAPSS2) significantly correlated with the overall survival of CC. In addition, no any correlation was observed between methylation or hydroxymethylation levels and somatic copy number variations in CINs and CCs. Conclusion: Our current study systematically delineates the map of methylome and hydroxymethylome from CINs to CC, and some differentially methylated/hydroxymethylated‐associated genes can be used as the potential epigenetic biomarkers in CC prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located at the outer edge of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, the Qilian Shan has long been considered to be the key area to address the issue of how the Tibetan Plateau generates its high topography. However, in spite of the fruitful achievements on the growth pattern and subtle crustal structures of the Qilian Shan, what we know about the regional topography evolution and its relationship with the deep structures are still lacking. In this study, the landscape features of the eastern Qilian Shan and the probable drainage evolution history of the Lenglong Ling, located within the central part of the eastern Qilian Shan, are investigated, based on the multiple geomorphic analyses (i.e., HI and steepness distributions, and the Gilbert and χ metrics). The topographic results show that high HI and steepness values distribute mainly in areas controlled by active faults (i.e., the mountain areas). In addition, the Gilbert and χ metrics suggest that the main Lenglong Ling divide is stable. According to the drainage divide stability criteria, we suggest that the presence of the uplift rate gradient in the eastern Qilian Shan (i.e., with higher uplift in the Lenglong Ling area), which is suggested by the topographic results, has driven the main divide to migrate southward and is now "holding" the divide in place. Taking the previously published magnetotelluric imaging into account, we reveal the coupling relationship between the deep structures and the regional geomorphic features, and further suggest that the Lenglong Ling Fault, or the Qilian‐Haiyuan Fault, makes a difference in regional strain transferring and relief generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Vicagrel is a novel promising antiplatelet drug designed for overcoming clopidogrel resistance. There is limited evidence indicating that exogenous IL-10 suppresses CYP3A4 activity in healthy subjects and that IL-10 knockout (KO) mice exhibit increased clopidogrel bioactivation compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In this study, we sought to determine whether IL-10 could play an important role in the metabolism of and platelet response to vicagrel in mice.Experimental Approach: IL-10 KO and WT mice were administered vicagrel, then their plasma H4 (active metabolite of vicagrel) concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS, and inhibition of ADP-induced whole-blood platelet aggregation by vicagrel was assessed with an aggregometer. The mRNA and protein levels of several relevant genes between IL-10 KO and WT mice were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blots, respectively. Intestinal Aadac protein levels were measured in IL-10 WT mice injected i.p. with vehicle control, Stattic, or BAY 11-7082.Key Results: Compared with WT mice, IL-10 KO mice exhibited significantly increased plasma levels of H4 and enhanced platelet responses to vicagrel, as well as significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of arylacetamide deacetylase (Aadac) in the intestine. In WT mice, STAT3, not NF-κB, mediated Aadac expression in the intestine.Conclusions and Implications: IL-10 suppresses metabolic activation of vicagrel through down-regulation of Aadac in mouse intestine in a STAT3-dependent manner and, consequently, attenuates platelet responses to vicagrel, suggesting that the antiplatelet effect of vicagrel may be modulated by changes in plasma IL-10 levels in relevant clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the amount of published geoscience literature grows, reading and summarizing texts of large collections has become a challenging task. Publication keywords can be considered basic components of knowledge structure representations and have been used to reveal knowledge concerning research domains. In contrast to data used in other research domains, the works on textual geoscience data that entail keyword extraction are limited. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised algorithm, the graph‐based keyword extractor with error‐feedback propagation (GKEEP), that enhances graph‐based keyword extraction approaches by using an error‐feedback mechanism similar to the concept of backpropagation. The proposed approach comprises the following steps. A preprocessed document is used as the input of the proposed model and is represented as a weighted undirected graph, where the vertices represent words and the edges represent the cooccurrence relationship between the words constrained by a window size. Subsequently, its nodes are ranked by their importance scores calculated by a graph‐based ranking algorithm. Consequently, all the words have their own scores, and they are used to compute the scores of keyword candidates. Subsequently, the Word2Vec method is applied to recalculate the scores of keyword candidates and rank the keyword candidates to select the final keyword. It also utilizes error feedback to boost the rankings of the most salient terms that would otherwise be deemed less important. With empirical experiments on two real data sets (including our newly built data set), the proposed GKEEP model outperforms state‐of‐the‐art unsupervised models and the existing graph‐based ranking models. The proposed method can effectively reflect intrinsic keyword semantics and interrelationships. Plain Language Summary: The common or frequently used terms receive higher scores in traditional graph‐based extraction owing to there are more edges connected to them. This paper proposes a graph‐based KE algorithm called KE using error‐feedback propagation, which utilizes the semantics of word embedding to assist in extracting keywords from geoscience reports. We hope that our approach will serve as an alternative method that deserves further study. Key Points: Word embedding is incorporated to capture the dependency structure as well as the data distribution, and it computes semantic relations to solve the content sparsity problemError feedback is utilized to boost the most salient terms that graph‐based approaches deem less importantA set of experiments to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method on two available manually constructed data sets [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Large birthweight discrepancy has been identified as a risk factor for perinatal morbidity and mortality in twin pregnancies. However, it remains unclear whether such discordance can be predicted by various biological indices with specific cut‐off values, and how these depend on the gestational age. We aimed to determine the most effective way to predict large birthweight discordance at various gestational ages. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study of dichorionic twins, live‐born between 2008 and 2018, was conducted. Discordances in biparietal diameter, head circumference, humerus and femur length, abdominal circumference, and estimated fetal weight were calculated—([larger twin − smaller twin] / larger twin) × 100%—and compared between those with and without a large birthweight discordance (≥20%). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to analyze the predictive characteristics of each parameter. Results: Of 598 dichorionic twin pregnancies included, 83 (13.9%) had a birthweight discordance ≥20%. Group differences in biparietal diameter and head circumference discordance were the earliest to emerge (before 20 weeks of gestation), but became insignificant after 36 weeks, followed by humerus and femur length, estimated fetal weight discordance (after 20 weeks), and abdominal circumference discordance (after 28 weeks). The best predictors (with cut‐off values) were discordance in biparietal diameter ≥7.8% at <20 weeks, head circumference ≥4.5% at 20‐23+6 weeks, humerus length ≥4.5% at 24‐27+6 weeks, and estimated fetal weight discordance (≥11.6% at 28‐31+6 weeks, ≥10.5% at 32‐35+6 weeks, and ≥15.0% ≥36 weeks), with sensitivity and specificity of 52%‐77% and 69%‐82%, respectively. Conclusions: Different predictors and cut‐off values may be useful for predicting large inter‐twin birthweight discordance in dichorionic twins at different gestational ages. It is more accurate to use biparietal diameter and head circumference discordance in the early second trimester, humerus length discordance in the late second trimester, and estimated fetal weight discordance in the third trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal capsular contracture is a prevalent complication commonly observed after rhinoplasty. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of nasal capsular contracture is largely unclear compared to that of breast capsular contracture. This study aimed to identify the key genes implicated in nasal capsular contracture progression using RNA deep sequencing (RNA‐seq). Biopsy samples were taken from Grade II to Grade IV nasal fibrous capsular tissues. The former is regarded as the relatively normal tissues and thus was set as control group, while the latter was treated as pathological group. Results from RNA‐seq underwent GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis and subsequent verification by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. RNA‐seq analysis showed that 3149 genes were up‐regulated and 3131 genes in pathological groups compared with controls. The top 30 up‐regulated genes included many chemokines (e.g., CCL18, CCL13, CCL17 and CCL8), matrix metallopeptidases (e.g., MMP9 and MMP12) and integrin proteins (e.g., ITGAM and ITGB2). GO enrichment analysis demonstrated that the up‐regulated genes affected various immune functions, including immune system process, cell activation, leukocyte activation, defence response and positive regulation of immune. The down‐regulated gene primary influenced muscle development and functions as well as metabolic processes. In summary, this study reveal that abnormal changes of immune functions, muscle develop and metabolic processes are probably implicated in the pathogenesis of nasal capsular contracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocrystal of ammonium dinitramide (ADN)/1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18‐Crown‐6) has effectively reduced the hygroscopicity of ADN. In order to understand the effect of solvent on the crystal growth, the interfacial models of ADN/18‐Crown‐6–ethanol are built and simulated by the molecular dynamics (MD) method at different temperatures (293–323 K, 10 K intervals). The energy, mass density, radial distribution function, and diffusion capacity of solvent are analyzed. The modified attachment energy (MAE) model is employed to study the solvent effect on cocrystal morphology. Results of MD simulation show that ADN/18‐Crown‐6 cocrystal has four important growth surfaces in vacuum, i.e., (2 0 0), (0 0 2), (1 1 0), and (2 0 −2). The binding energy of cocrystal and the absorbed energy of cocrystal–solvent are larger at 293 K than other temperatures. Hydrogen bonding interactions are formed between ADN/18‐Crown‐6 and solvent. More ethanol molecules adsorb on the crystal surface at lower temperatures, and hence the interaction between cocrystal and solvent is stronger. The morphology of ADN/18‐Crown‐6 cocrystal is different at various temperatures. The predicted morphology at 303 K is consistent with experimental shape. Moreover, cocrystal morphology at 293 K is a sphere‐like shape, which may reduce the hygroscopicity of ADN/18‐Crown‐6 cocrystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Phospholipids, the main lipid component in marine shellfish, mainly comprise glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE). GPC and GPE in marine shellfish, especially scallop, carry n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), although different types of glycerophospholipids (GP) have different health benefits on human health. Moreover, different GP subclasses such as GPC and GPE have different oxidative susceptibilities in complex food systems. The present study compared the oxidative susceptibilities of GPC and GPE in dried scallop during storage by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and kinetic models, and also investigated the effects of natural phenolic antioxidant on their susceptibilities. RESULTS: The results showed that GPC and GPE molecular species (carrying EPA or DHA) contents in samples continuously reduced during storage at two different temperatures. The first‐order kinetic model better reflected the changes of GPC and GPE molecular species (carrying EPA or DHA) in samples than the zero‐order kinetic model during storage. According to the oxidation rate (k) obtained from first‐order kinetic models, GPE possessed a greater oxidation rate than GPC during storage. Moreover, the results showed that antioxidants of bamboo leaves (AOB, polar polyphenolic antioxidants) significantly decreased the oxidation rates of GPC and GPE molecular species (carrying EPA or DHA) in samples during storage, and GPC could be more effectively protected by AOB compared to GPE. CONCLUSION: The present study provides a practical method for accurately evaluating the oxidative susceptibility of different phospholipid classes in complex food systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) receptors (5‐HTRs) mediate neuroendocrine signaling via interactions with the ligand serotonin (5‐HT). The 5‐HT signaling system has been well studied in vertebrates, but rarely known in invertebrate animals, especially in the marine invertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel 5‐HTR from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Aj5‐HT4/6). The cloned Aj5‐HT4/6 open reading frame comprised 1290 bp and encoded 429 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis of the receptor indicated that it was a member of the class A of the G protein‐coupled receptor family. Further experiments using Aj5‐HT4/6‐transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that treatment with 5‐HT could induce rapid internalization of Aj5‐HT4/6 fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and triggered a significant increase in levels of the second messenger cAMP as well as mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a 5‐HT dose‐dependent manner. Quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that Aj5‐HT4/6 was predominantly expressed in the muscle and respiratory tree, and its expression was significantly decreased during estivation. Taken together, these results imply that Aj5‐HT4/6 is potentially involved in the movement and metabolism of the sea cucumber. Research Highlights: A novel 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor (5‐HTR) (Aj5‐HT4/6) was identified in sea cucumber with 1290 bp open reading frame.The bioinformatic and pharmacological analyses indicated that Aj5‐HT4/6 was Gs protein coupled GPCR and classified into 5‐HTR class 4 or 6 family.The transcriptional investigation of Aj5‐HT4/6 suggested its functional involvement in the movement and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite growing evidence in support of emotion dysregulation as a risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma exposure, few studies have examined temporal relations between emotion dysregulation and the onset and/or worsening of PTSD symptoms over time. The aim of the present study was to extend research on temporal associations between emotion dysregulation and PTSD in a sample of individuals recruited from hospital emergency departments soon after a traumatic event. Adult participants (N = 85; 62.4% female) completed self-report measures of emotion dysregulation and PTSD symptoms within 2 weeks of experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD were assessed approximately 3 months posttrauma. The results of a hierarchical linear regression analysis demonstrated that the inclusion of emotion dysregulation accounted for a significant amount of unique variance, β = .23, ΔR2 = .04, p = .042, in 3-month PTSD symptom severity over and above other risk factors and baseline PTSD symptoms. No specific facet of emotion dysregulation emerged as a significant predictor of 3-month PTSD symptoms when all facets were included on the same step of the model, βs = -.04-.33, ps = .133-.954. These results demonstrate that posttraumatic emotion dysregulation may predict PTSD symptoms 3 months after trauma exposure. These findings are consistent with a growing body of literature that speaks to the relevance of emotional processes to the onset and maintenance of PTSD following exposure to a traumatic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is the most common cause of death in intensive care units. This study investigated the circular RNA (circRNA) and mRNA expression profiles and functional networks of the aortic tissue in sepsis. We established a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced rat sepsis model. High‐throughput sequencing was performed on the aorta tissue to identify differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and mRNAs, which were validated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Bioinformatic analysis was carried out and coding and non‐coding co‐expression (CNC) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were constructed to investigate the mechanisms. In total, 373 up‐regulated and 428 down‐regulated circRNAs and 2063 up‐regulated and 2903 down‐regulated mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of mRNAs showed that the down‐regulated genes were mainly enriched in the process of energy generation. CNC and ceRNA regulatory networks were constructed with seven DE circRNAs. The results of functional enrichment analysis of CNC target genes revealed the important role of circRNAs in inflammatory response. The ceRNA network also highlighted the significant enrichment in calcium signalling pathway. Significant alterations in circRNAs and mRNAs were observed in the aortic tissue of septic rats. In addition, CNC and ceRNA networks were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystatin C, a well‐established biomarker of renal function, has been associated with a protective effect against stroke. However, the potential neuroprotective mechanism of cystatin C in ischemic brain injury remains unclear. Our study hypothesized that cystatin C can ameliorate blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption by up‐regulating caveolin‐1 expression, thereby improving neurological outcomes in cerebral ischemic injury. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate target proteins. Evans Blue and gelatin zymography were used to examine the effect of cystatin C on BBB disruption. Plasmid and small interfering RNA transfection was used to observe alterations in caveolin‐1 and occludin expression induced by changes in cystatin C expression. Intriguingly, our study showed that the expression of both cystatin C and caveolin‐1 was increased in middle cerebral artery occlusion‐injured mice, and pretreatment with exogenous cystatin C significantly increased caveolin‐1 expression, reduced Evans Blue leakage in the injured brain region, and decreased the enzymatic activity of matrix metallopeptidase‐9. Meanwhile, our study also showed that the over‐expression of cystatin C greatly enhanced caveolin‐1 expression, which later increased occludin expression in oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐exposed brain microvascular endothelial cells. The knockdown of cystatin C induced the opposite outcomes. These experimental results indicate a positive role for cystatin C in the regulation of caveolin‐1 and occludin expression in cerebral ischemic injury. Taken together, these data unveil a new mechanism of the regulation of caveolin‐1 expression by cystatin C in the maintenance of BBB integrity after ischemic brain injury and provide new clues for the identification of potential therapeutic strategies for stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether cervical elastographic parameters in addition to cervical length (CL) during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy would be predictive of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) among low‐risk women. Methods: This work was a prospective nested case‐control study evaluating cervical elastographic parameters and CL in low‐risk women during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to calculate significant covariates for prediction of sPTB. The area under the curve of the prediction model was calculated by using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: There were 286 women (26 cases and 260 controls) included in the analysis. The parameters of cervical elasticity became softened and heterogeneous during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy in both women with and without sPTB. The differences in the mean strain value at the internal os of the cervix (IOS), ratio (strain ratio of the internal os to the external os) during the second trimester and the IOS during the third trimester between the groups had statistical significance (P <.01; P =.01; P <.01, respectively). The CL had no association with sPTB during the 3 trimesters. The IOS during the second trimester was a better predictor of sPTB, with an area under the curve of 0.730, and sensitivity was 72.73%. Conclusions: We observed multiple elastographic parameters and demonstrated the physiologic changes in the cervix during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. Furthermore, we found that the IOS during the second trimester can be helpful in predicting sPTB. However, the CL had no association with sPTB during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Fresh shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) deteriorates easily and the drying process is an important processing method for prolonging the shelf life of shrimp. The traditional drying method is hot‐air‐drying (HD), which can cause some problems such as nutrient loss, discoloration and lipid oxidation. In recent years, freeze‐drying (FD) has been popular for removing moisture from food at lower temperatures, maintaining the structure of raw materials, and improving storage stability of products. In the present study, the effects of HD and FD on lipid and color of P. vannamei and the mechanisms involved were investigated. RESULTS: FD caused less lipid oxidation compared to HD; consequently, FD‐processed shrimps had lower levels of primary and secondary oxidation products, as well as acid value, and higher contents of triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid compared to HD‐processed samples. Lipase and lipoxygenase played a role in the oxidation and hydrolysis of lipids during drying process. FD‐processed shrimps had lower yellowness value and chromatic aberrations but a higher whiteness value compared to HD‐processed samples. Correlation analysis showed that lipid oxidation, astaxanthin degradation and the Maillard reaction contributed to the changes of color. Principal component analysis indicated that FD caused less deterioration in quality compared to HD. CONCLUSION: In the present study, FD is recommended for preserving shrimp color and lipid nutrition in terms of lipid oxidation control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses can inhibit host autophagy through multiple mechanisms, and evasion of autophagy plays an important role in immune suppression and viral oncogenesis. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) T‐antigens are expressed and involved in the pathogenesis of a large proportion of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Yet, how MCPyV induces tumorigenesis is not fully understood. Herein, we show that MCPyV T‐antigens induce miR‐375, miR‐30a‐3p and miR‐30a‐5p expressions, which target multiple key genes involved in autophagy, including ATG7, SQSTM1 (p62) and BECN1. In MCC tumors, low expression of ATG7 and p62 are associated with MCPyV‐positive tumors. Ectopic expression of MCPyV small T‐antigen and truncated large T‐antigen (LT), but not the wild‐type LT, resulted in autophagy suppression, suggesting the importance of autophagy evasion in MCPyV‐mediated tumorigenesis. Torin‐1 treatment induced cell death, which was attenuated by autophagy inhibitor, but not pan‐caspase inhibitor, suggesting a potential role of autophagy in promoting cell death in MCC. Conceptually, our study shows that MCPyV oncoproteins suppress autophagy to protect cancer cells from cell death, which contribute to a better understanding of MCPyV‐mediated tumorigenesis and potential MCC treatment. What's new? About four‐fifths of Merkel cell carcinomas harbor the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) genome, though mutations in viral T antigens generally render MCPyV replication‐deficient. Here, the authors describe a network by which MCPyV oncoproteins and viral‐regulated miRNAs hijack autophagy machinery in MCC. In cells, expression of MCPyV T‐antigens induced miR‐375, miR‐30a‐3p, and miR‐30a‐5p expression. Subsequent experiments validated these miRNAs as autophagy regulators that specifically target the genes ATG7, SQSTM1, and BECN1. Autophagy suppression protected MCC cell survival. This novel insight into the role of MCPyV and autophagy regulation in MCC may be relevant in the generation of future therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the reproducibility of a semiautomatic quantification tool for cervical stiffness and evaluate the normal changes in cervical elasticity during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: This longitudinal prospective pilot study evaluated cervical elasticity during the three trimesters of pregnancy (11–14, 20–24 and 28–32 weeks) in women with singleton pregnancies. Women with a history of conization, cerclage, cervical Naboth cysts (diameter > 10 mm), cervical tumors, or uterine malformation were excluded. A semiautomatic tool was used to evaluate the stiffness of the whole cervix and the internal and external cervical os with multiple quantitative elasticity parameters and the cervical length (CL) on the sagittal view via transvaginal elastography. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to assess intra‐ and interobserver variability. E‐Cervix parameters during the three trimesters were compared using the Friedman test. Results: In total, 217 women with 651 strain examinations during the three trimesters were included. The intra‐ and interobserver ICC for the E‐Cervix parameters ranged from 0.947 to 0.991 and 0.855 to 0.989, respectively. There were significant differences in all parameters among the three trimesters. Cervical elasticity showed significant softening and became heterogeneous during the three trimesters. The median CL was significantly shorter in the first trimester than in the second and third trimesters (P = 0.004, P < 0.001). Conclusion: E‐Cervix provides a graphical tool for operators to easily define regions of interest and obtain multiple repeatable measures of elasticity. The normal references for E‐Cervix parameters during the three trimesters reflect the physiological cervical changes during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the effect of customer concentration, the quality of institutions, and their interaction on corporate bond contract terms in China. We find that higher customer concentration is associated with higher bond spreads, shorter bond maturity, and more bond covenants. In contrast, better institutions are associated with lower bond spreads, longer bond maturity, and fewer bond covenants. Moreover, we find that the adverse or unfavourable association between customer concentration and bond contract terms is weakened for firms operating within better institutions or for firms whose ultimate owners are the Central Government of China. Furthermore, the adverse association between customer concentration and bond contract terms is more pronounced when a supplier's major customers have lower switching costs or when the supplier has made more relationship‐specific investments. Finally, our main results are robust to controls for endogeneity concerns and other sensitivity checks. Overall, our findings suggest that bondholders view customer concentration as a risk factor but better institutions as a protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study shows the compositional changes and oxidation development of clam (Ruditapes philippinarum, R. philippinarum) lipids and frying oils when subjected to different processing conditions. Parameters measured include acid value, peroxide value (POV), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), total oxidation (TOTOX), lipid classes, fatty acid composition, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) contents together with major glycerophospholipid (GP) molecular species. Deep‐fat frying increased triacylglycerol (TAG) content and decreased the contents of PC, PE, and GP molecular species in clam in a time‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, minor amounts of free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, and polar lipids were detected in frying oils, indicating lipid migration between the clam and frying oils. The time‐dependent increase of POV, TBARS, and TOTOX in fried clams and frying oils with concurrent reduction of docosahexenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid indicates extensive oxidative degradation of clam lipids. Moreover, the moisture‐rich clam aggravated the deterioration of frying oils. Consequently, deep‐fat frying significantly altered the lipid profile and decreased the nutritional value of clams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the chromosomal and subchromosomal anomalies in small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses with no additional structural anomalies and their clinical outcomes.Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the 128 SGA fetuses with no additional anomalies and underwent genetic testing with karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Stratified analysis was performed according to the existence of maternal risk factors for SGA (yes or no), gestational age at onset (before or after 32 weeks), presence of oligohydraminos (yes or no), and umbilical artery Doppler flow (normal or abnormal).Results: Chromosomal anomalies were identified in 6 (4.7%) SGA fetuses and pathogenic subchromosomal anomalies in 4 (3.1%) by microarray analysis. Chromosomal and subchromosomal anomalies were more frequently observed in cases with oligohydraminos (P = .017) and with early-onset SGA (P = .042). No differences were observed in relation to the existence of maternal risk factors and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler flow. Overall survival rate was 75.0% with different rates in the early and the late onset group (P < .001).Conclusions: There is a 3.3% incremental yield of subchromosomal anomalies in CMA above karyotyping in SGA fetuses. Chromosomal microarray analysis is recommended in SGA fetuses with no additional structural anomalies, especially coexisting with oligohydraminos and being early onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the genetic aetiology of fetal posterior fossa abnormalities (PFAs).Methods: This study involved cases of PFAs that were identified by prenatal ultrasonographic screening and confirmed postnatally between January 2012 and January 2016. Conventional cytogenetic analyses and chromosomal microarray analysis were performed, and chromosomal aneuploidies and copy number variations (CNVs) were identified.Results: Among 74 cases included in this study, 8 were of Blake's pouch cyst; 7, Dandy-Walker malformation; 11, vermian hypoplasia; 32, enlarged cisterna magna; and 16, cerebellar hypoplasia. The rates of nonbenign chromosomal aberrations (including chromosomal aneuploidies, pathogenic CNVs, and variants of unknown significance) were 2/8 (25.0%), 2/7 (28.5%), 8/11 (72.7%), 7/32 (21.9%), and 6/16 (37.5%), respectively. Cases were also classified as isolated PFAs (30/74), PFAs with other central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities (13/74), or PFAs with extra-CNS structural abnormalities (31/74). No fetuses with isolated PFAs or PFAs accompanied by other CNS abnormalities exhibited chromosomal aneuploidies or pathogenic CNVs. The rate of pathogenic chromosomal aberrations in the remaining fetuses was 17/31 (22.9%).Conclusion: The combined use of chromosomal microarray analysis and karyotype analysis might assist the prenatal diagnosis and management of PFAs, with extra-CNS structural abnormalities being detected by ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naringenin chalcone (NAC) can undergo biosynthesis to convert into dihydroflavonoid naringenin and then to flavonoid apigenin. To explore the antioxidant change during this biosynthesis, the three were comparatively analyzed using several methods. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis gave a dimer MS peak and an adduct MS peak when each of them mixing the 1,1'‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical. In antioxidant colorimetric analyses, the IC50 values increased in the order NAC < apigenin < naringenin. Thus, the three can scavenge free radicals via a chain reaction including propagation and termination steps. The propagation step involves a hydrogen‐atom‐abstraction (or electron‐transfer plus H+‐transfer) antioxidant mechanism. From NAC to naringenin, the antioxidant potential decreases, possibly due to enzymatic cyclization, which eliminates a phenolic ‐OH and saturates a C=C bond. From naringenin to apigenin, the antioxidant potential increases because the 2,3‐dehydrogenation reaction cause extended π‐π conjugation. In the termination step, each of them forms a dimer product and an adduct‐with‐radical product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total lipids were extracted from razor clams Sinonovacula constricta and Solen gouldi, and the molecular species of glycerophospholipid (Gpl) including choline glycerophospholipid (ChoGpl), ethanolamine glycerophospholipid (EtnGpl), serine glycerophospholipid (SerGpl), inositol glycerophospholipid (InsGpl), lysoChoGpl, lysoEtnGpl, and lysoSerGpl were characterized using a direct‐infusion tandem mass spectrometric method for the first time. Meanwhile, the lipid class composition and phospholipid (PL) class composition as well as the fatty acid (FA) composition of total lipids, triacylglycerol (TAG), and PL were also investigated. About 238 and 235 molecular species were characterized, respectively, in Sinonovacula constricta and Solen gouldi. The majority of the dominant Gpl molecular species contained n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Also, razor clam lipids contained a high‐proportioned PL (52.19–65.41% of total lipids) and PUFA (47.94–54.81 mol%). Furthermore, PL contained a higher proportion of PUFA (63.05–67.13 mol%), especially DHA (20.04–22.47 mol%) and EPA (16.27–21.46 mol%) than TAG (the corresponding values being 33.73–34.45, 11.95–12.27, and 8.13–0.8.99 mol%, respectively). Meanwhile, phosphatidylcholine (44.38–46.21 mol%) and phosphatidylethanolamine (38.84–39.95 mol%) were dominant among PL. In consideration of the high proportion of PUFA‐enriched Gpl, razor clam plays a great role in promoting human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although patients with rosacea often consult dermatologists for dietary factors that might be related to their skin disorders, few studies have been conducted to research the relationship between rosacea and dietary factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between rosacea and diet among the large Chinese population with rosacea, which would provide dietary guidelines for patients with rosacea. A multicenter case–control study was conducted. The feeding frequency 2 years before the occurrence of rosacea was collected by standardized questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate risks related to the diet. One thousand three hundred and forty‐seven patients with rosacea and 1290 controls were enrolled in our study. We found that high‐frequency intake of fatty food and tea presented a positive correlation with rosacea, while high‐frequency dairy product intake showed significant negative correlation with rosacea. Sweet food, coffee and spicy food appeared to be independent of any subset of rosacea in our study. However, high‐frequency dairy product intake showed a borderline beneficial effect on rosacea severity. We further analyzed the correlation between diet and the subtype of rosacea. We found that high‐frequency fatty intake was associated with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and phymatous rosacea, while high‐frequency tea intake was only associated with ETR. In addition, high‐frequency dairy product intake showed negative correlations with ETR and papulopustular rosacea. Rosacea is associated with some dietary factors, and our study is valuable in establishing dietary guidelines to prevent and improve rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu/SiO2 catalyst was prepared by the ammonia evaporation method for the direct synthesis of ethanol from CO hydrogenation. The catalyst exhibited the initial ethanol selectivity as high as 40.0 wt %, which dramatically decreased from 40.0 to 9.6 wt % on the stream of 50 h. XRD, XPS, TEM and N2O titration techniques were employed to elucidate the ethanol selectivity change and catalyst structure evolution during reaction process. The experiment and characterization results indicated that both Cu+/(Cu++Cu0) value and copper crystallite size had great effects on the ethanol selectivity. During the initial 38 h, the ethanol selectivity obviously decreased from 40.0 to 18.2 wt %, and Cu+/(Cu++Cu0) value on the catalyst surface rapidly dropped from 0.67 to 0.39, while the copper crystallite size remained almost unchanged. However, during the reaction period of 38–50 h, the Cu+/(Cu++Cu0) value possessed no distinct change, but a further decrease in ethanol selectivity and a rapid aggregation in Cu particles were observed simultaneously. The present systematic investigation demonstrated that the decrease of Cu+/(Cu++Cu0) value was the main factor for the loss of ethanol selectivity during the initial 38 h, whereas the rapid growth of Cu particles during the reaction period of 38–50 h were mainly contributed to the further decline of ethanol selectivity. Tuning selectivity: Cu/SiO2 was prepared by ammonia evaporation and used as catalyst for the direct synthesis of ethanol from CO hydrogenation. Both the Cu+/(Cu++Cu0) values and copper crystallite sizes had significant effects on the selectivity towards ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether discrepant copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to the risk for discordant congenital anomalies in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins.Methods: We conducted a parallel testing using both G-banding for standard karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) with Affymetrix CytoScan HD array in MCDA twins with discordant malformations.Results: During the study period, 193 MCDA twins with discordant malformations were detected and followed up. Multiple anomalies and cardiac defects were detected most frequently among the fetuses with malformations. Among all the 119 MCDA twins that were successfully performed fetal karyotyping, discordance of chromosomal aberrations were identified in nine cases, including one with discordant trisomy 18, seven with discordant monosomy X, one twin with 47, XXY and the co-twin with 45, X [7]/46, XY[43]. CMA revealed pathological CNVs in four out of the 110 fetuses with normal karyotype and the detection rate of uncertain clinical significance was 3.6% (4/110). Discordance of CNVs was detected in 5.5% (3/55) among the 55 MCDA twins with normal karyotype. Monozygosity was confirmed in all the 61 MCDA twins that were performed CMA.Conclusions: Large whole chromosome abnormalities are more common between discordant twins rather than smaller CNVs in this study. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser treatment has emerged as a common treatment modality for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules ( ABNOM). To identify the ratio of melasma induction and exacerbation before and after laser therapy for ABNOM and to observe the risk factors related to the induction and exacerbation of melasma by laser therapy, we analyzed related factors of 1268 adult Chinese patients who underwent 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser ( QNYL) treatment using case series and case-control studies. Overall, 24.0% of the ABNOM patients had mixed melasma. Among the ABNOM patients without melasma, after laser therapy the development of melasma was more frequently noted in patients older than 35 years ( P < 0.0001), as well in patients whose ABNOM was less than 10 cm2 ( P = 0.027), ABNOM were light (similar to yellow-brown) in color ( P = 0.021) and skin types were closer to type IV ( P < 0.0001). New melasma lesions also appeared most frequently in the zygomatic region ( P < 0.0001). Among the ABNOM patients with melasma, 89.5% experienced worsening of their melasma, irrespective of their related factors above. We concluded that the risk of inducing melasma is great after 1064-nm QNYL treatment in ABNOM patients, and particularly in the patients with both ABNOM and melasma. ABNOM patients should be treated as early as possible and before the age of 35 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]