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To explore biomechanical characteristics of minimally invasive different screw fixations in treating Sanders typeⅡcalcaneal fractures.Dicom data of calcaneus by CT scan were input into Mimics 21.0 software and Ansys15.0 software to construct three-dimensional finite element digital model of calcaneus;this model was input into UG NX 10.0 software, and calcaneus was cut according to Sanders classification to establish Sanders typeⅡ calcaneus model with posterior articular surface collapse;then simulated minimally invasive screw internal fixation after calcaneal fracture:a screw from posterior articular surface was used to outside-in fix sustentaculum tali, other 4 screws were used to fix calcaneus by different methods through calcaneal tuberosity, and 4 different calcaneal models were obtained. Under the same conditions, 4 types of internal fixation models were loaded respectively, and nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to calculate the stress distribution of different internal fixation models.Under the same condition of loading, the model 3 had smaller displacement value, maximum calcaneus displacement value and maximum equivalent stress value of the screw than other three internal fixation models, and the stress was more dispersed.In minimally invasive screw internal fixation of calcaneus fracture, after 1 sustentaculum tali screw fixation, 2 screws crossed fix posterior articular surface from calcaneal tuberosity, 2 screws fix parallelly calcaneocuboid joint from calcaneal tuberosity are more suitable for biomechanical requirements, and could provide basic theory for clinical treatment.

The new technology of high throughput single cell RNA sequencing (10 × scRNA-seq) was developed recently with many advantages. However, it was not commonly used in farm animal research. There are few reports for the gene expression of goat ovarian follicle granulosa cells (GCs) during different developmental stages. In current investigation, the gene expression of follicle GCs at different stages from two populations of Ji'ning grey goats: high litter size (HL; ≥3/ litter; two litters) and low litter size (LL; ≤2 /litter; two litters) were analyzed by scRNA-seq. Many GCs marker genes were identified; and the pseudo-time showed that GCs developed during the time course which reflected the follicular development and differentiation trajectory. Moreover, the gene expression difference between the two populations HL vs LL was very clear at different developmental stages. Many marker genes differentially expressed at different developmental stages. ASIP and ASPN were found to be highly expressed in the early stage of GCs; INHA, INHBA, MFGE8, and HSD17B1 were identified to be highly expressed in the growing stage of GCs; while IGFBP2, IGFBP5, and CYP11A1 were found to be highly expressed in late stage. These marker genes could be used as reference genes of goat follicle GCs development. This investigation for the first time discovered the gene expression patterns in goat follicle GCs in high or low fertility populations (based on litter size) by scRNA-seq which may be useful for the uncovering the oocyte development potential.

In the pursuit of creating macromolecules with controlled molecular weight, sequence, and end groups, condensation polymerization remains an underexploited synthetic tool because of its intrinsic step-growth nature. Introducing chain-growth pathways into condensation polymerization calls for highly efficient chemistries that effect the challenging differentiation between functional groups of the same type present in monomers and polymers. Here, we address this challenge by a catalyst bifurcation strategy that enables a copper-catalyzed chain-growth condensation polymerization. Using a copper(I) arylacetylide as an initiator/precatalyst along with a phosphine ligand, polydiynes of controllable molecular weights and end groups are synthesized from readily available propargyl carbonates, including a block copolymer. This method provides a new chain-growth access to functional acetylenic polymers, a class of useful materials that have been obtained essentially by step-growth methods to date. This work demonstrates the power of dual-role transition metal catalysis in accomplishing unusual selectivity in organic synthesis.

In Shuangyushi block, northwestern Sichuan Basin, most gas reservoirs of Qixia Formation are characterized by super deep burial depth, high pressure, low porosity, and strong heterogeneity, bringing about difficulty in implementing productivity testing for gas wells. Moreover, there is a big error in an application of the common-used one point method to the early development stage of high-pressure gas reservoirs. So, it’s essential to develop a novel productivity calculation approach suitable for the Qixia gas reservoirs in Shuangyushi block in order to guide a rational proration of gas wells. However, a development of high-pressure and low-porosity gas reservoirs is sensitive to stress sensibility and high-speed non-Darcy effects, further affecting their development results. In this study, based on previous achievements, one method to calculate the productivity of gas reservoirs with abnormally high pressure, which takes full consideration of stress sensitivity, high-speed non-Darcy effects, and reservoir heterogeneity, is put forward, and some factors affecting the productivity are quantitatively analyzed. Results show that, due to high calculation accuracy, this method is very useful to calculate absolute open flow (AOF) of gas wells without productivity in these Qixia gas reservoirs with super deep burial depth and high pressure, and may guide an efficient development for similar ones.

We present multi-wavelength data to investigate the physical properties and fragmentation of AFGL 333- Ridge. A statistical analysis of velocity dispersion indicates that turbulence is the dominant motion in the ridge. However, the linear mass density (1124.0 M/pc) of AFGL 333-Ridge far exceeds its critical value of 406.5 M/pc, suggesting that additional motions are required to prevent the filament radial collapse. Using the getsources algorithm, we identified 14 cores from the Herschel maps, including two protostellar cores and 12 starless cores. All of these starless cores are gravitationally bound, and are therefore considered to be prestellar cores. Based on their radius-mass relation, 11 of 14 cores have the potential to form massive stars. Moreover, the seven cores in two sub-filaments of AFGL 333-Ridge seem to constitute two necklace-like chains with a spacing length of 0.51 pc and 0.45 pc, respectively. Compared the spacing length with theoretical prediction lengths by Jeans and cylindrical fragmentations, we argued that the combination of turbulence and thermal pressure may lead to the fragmentation of the two sub-filaments into the cores., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables, accepted by AJ

Using archival infrared data of GLIMPSE, Hi-GAL, and molecular line data of SEDIGISM, MSGPCOS, and MALT90, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of the molecular gas associated with the mid-infrared bubble S156. By the method of spectral energy distribution, we made H2 column density and dust temperature maps of this region. We find two clouds with masses of 5.4 ± 1.1 × 104 M ⊙ and 2.2 ± 0.5 × 104 M ⊙, respectively. In both of the two clouds, the 13CO (2–1/1–0) and 13CO (2–1)/N2H+ (1–0) intensity ratios are enhanced on the boundary. Cloud A has a clear dust temperature gradient decreasing from the boundary to the outside region. Our analysis indicates cloud A is mainly influenced by the feedback from S156, while cloud B is affected both by S156 and the G305 complex. We also find the 13CO and C2H emissions tend to be brighter in photon dominated regions (PDRs), while N2H+ is brighter in the regions of cold gas that is far away. Furthermore, we make the abundance maps of C2H and N2H+ of cloud A. We find the abundance of C2H is enhanced in the region facing ionizing stars and it decreases steadily moving away from them. On the other hand, the abundance of N2H+ increases from the ionized boundary to the cold gas outward. These phenomena indicate C2H prefers to be produced in hot gas such as PDRs, while N2H+ could be destroyed by it. Our study also suggests the abundance ratio of C2H to N2H+ could trace PDRs in the late stages of massive star formation.

Aconitum pendulum N. Busch (Ranunculaceae) is rich in alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Many studies have focused on the identification or quantification of alkaloid components using low-throughput tests. However, the metabolic differences of plants from environmentally distinct regions remain unclear. The present study profiled alkaloid chemical compounds in the rhizomes of A. pendulum from different regions. A total of 80 chemical compounds were identified using a widely targeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach. Principal component, hierarchical clustering, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analyses of the chemical compounds indicated that the plants from 6 regions clearly separated into distinct groups. A total of 19 compounds contributed the most to the metabolite differences between collection areas and were identified as potential metabolic markers. The anti-inflammatory activities of the A. pendulum extracts were also evaluated and the potential environmental effects on the regulation of metabolite composition and bioactivity were explored. These results improve our understanding of the variation in chemical composition of plants from different regions and will serve as a reference for evaluating the medicinal value of A. pendulum in different environments.

Le Qiu,* Xu Jin,* Jun-Jie Wang,* Xu-Dong Tang,* Xiao Fang, Shi-Ji Li, Fei Wang, Xu-Lin Chen Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xu-Lin ChenDepartment of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 120 Wanshui Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-551-65908495 Email okcxl@126.comIntroduction: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of NLR to predict 90-day mortality.Methods: Data of 577 patients with burns over 30% of total body surface area were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors for 90-day mortality were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the 3rd day NLR was performed and the optimal cut-off value was calculated. The 90-day mortality rates were compared between high and low NLR groups using Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results: Age, mechanical ventilation, burn index, 3rd day NLR, and 7th day red blood cell and platelet (PLT) counts were found to be independent predictive values for 90-day mortality. In contrast, percentage of total body surface area burned, inhalation injury, 1st day white blood cell and neutrophil counts, the 3rd day lymphocytes and PLT counts, and 7th day hemoglobin level were not independently associated with 90-day mortality. The area under the ROC curve of the 3rd day NLR for severe burn–delayed death prediction was 0.665 (95% confidence interval, 0.591– 0.739), and the optimal cut-off value of the 3rd day NLR was 10.50. The 90-day mortality rates differed significantly between the NLR > 10.5 group and the NLR ≤ 10.5 group (17.03% vs 5.92%, respectively; P < 0.01).Conclusion: These results suggested that the 3rd day NLR was associated with an increased risk of death in severely burned patients; thus, it can provide useful information to predict 90-day mortality.Keywords: burns, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, 90-day mortality

Psychological stress can cause adverse health effects in animals and humans. Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological stress in female mice is associated with ovarian developmental abnormalities accompanied by follicle and oocyte defects. Oocyte and early embryonic development are impaired in mice facing psychological stress, likely resulting from hormone signalling disorders, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alterations in epigenetic modifications, which are primarily mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axes. The present evidence suggests that psychological stress is increasingly becoming the most common causative factor for female subfertility. Here, we review recent progress on the impact of psychological stress on female reproduction, particularly for oocyte and early embryonic development in female mice. This review highlights the connection between psychological stress and reproductive health and provides novel insight on human subfertility.

As the "powerhouse" of a cell, mitochondria maintain energy homeostasis, synthesize ATP via oxidative phosphorylation, generate ROS signaling molecules, and modulate cell apoptosis. Herein, three Re(I) complexes bearing guanidinium derivatives have been synthesized and characterized. All of these complexes exhibit moderate anticancer activity in HepG2, HeLa, MCF-7, and A549 cancer cells. Mechanism studies indicate that complex 3, [Re(CO)3(L)(Im)](PF6)2, can selectively localize in the mitochondria and induce cancer cell death through mitochondria-associated pathways. In addition, complex 3 can effectively depress the ability of cell migration, cell invasion, and colony formation.

Prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is still to be explored. Statins are potent immunomodulatory agents that hold promise as novel and safe agents for aGVHD prophylaxis, yet the controversial effect and regulatory mechanism are incompletely understood. Here, in an MHC mismatched murine model, we found that Fluvastatin-pretreated donor cells could attenuate aGVHD severity by remission tissue pathological injury. Fluvastatin served to restrain effector T cells entry into aGVHD target organs from secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). The potential mechanism of correcting the effector T cell biased distribution was that Fluvastatin elevated CD62L and CCR7 expression while decreased CXCR3 and CD44 levels, which were correlated with Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) sustention in donor-derived cells. In addition, Fluvastatin was contributed to reducing cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme-B production in allogeneic effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, evidence confirmed that Fluvastatin had a long-lasting effect to sustain KLF2 expression both in vitro and in vivo even under the stimulated circumstance. In conclusion, administration of Fluvastatin to donor mice showed protective effects against recipient aGVHD when compared to untreated mice due to the retention of effector T cells in lymphoid organs accompanying with reduction of nonlymphatic infiltration and related inflammatory cytokines.

South China presents an excellent opportunity to build a phylogeographic paradigm for complex geological history, including mountain lifting, climate change, and river capture/reversal events. The phylogeography of cyprinids, particularly

Litter size (LS), an important economic trait in livestock, is so complicate that involves many aspects of reproduction, the underlying mechanism of which particularly in goat has always been scanty. To uncover the genetic basis of LS, the genomic sequence of Jining Gray goat groups (one famous breed for high prolificacy in China) with LS 1, 2, and 3 for firstborn was analyzed, obtaining 563.67 Gb sequence data and a total of 31,864,651 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms loci were identified. Particularly, the increased heterozygosity in higher LS groups, and large continuous homozygous segments associated with lower LS group had been uncovered. Through an integrated analysis of three popular methods for detecting selective sweeps (Fst, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima's D statistic), 111 selected regions and 42 genes associated with LS were scanned genome wide. The candidate genes with highest selective signatures included KIT, KCNH7, and KMT2E in LS2 and PAK1, PRKAA1, and SMAD9 in LS3 group, respectively. Meanwhile, functional terms of programmed cell death involved in cell development and regulation of insulin receptor signaling pathway were mostly enriched with 42 candidate genes, which also included reproduction related terms of steroid metabolic process and cellular response to hormone stimulus. In conclusion, our study identified novel candidate genes involving in regulation of LS in goat, which expand our understanding of genetic fundament of reproductive ability, and the novel insights regarding to LS would be potentially applied to improve reproductive performance.

A general protocol has been developed for the Markovnikov-selective intermolecular hydrofunctionalization based on visible-light-mediated Co/Ru dual catalysis. The key feature involves the photochemical oxidation of an organocobalt(III) intermediate derived from hydrogen atom transfer, which is supported by electrochemical analysis, quenching studies and stoichiometric experiments. This unique redox process enables the efficient branch-selective alkylation of pharmaceutically important nucleophiles (phenols, sulfonamides and various N-heterocycles) using a wide range of alkenes including moderately electron-deficient ones. Moreover, light-gated polar functionalization via organocobalt species was demonstrated.

Mushroom poisoning is a serious food safety issue in China. However, there is insufficient information on many poisoning incidents, including mushroom species and their clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments and toxins. Detailed epidemiological investigation was conducted after the occurrence of a mushroom poisoning incident resulting in typical muscarinic syndrome in Ningxia, China. The suspected mushroom species was identified based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Muscarine was detected using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). On September 2, 2019, two patients exhibited typical muscarinic syndrome after consuming wild mushrooms. The clinical manifestations included chills, sweating, salivation and diarrhoea; the incubation period was approximately 2 h. Treatments, including anti-inflammatory, detoxification and nutritional support, were remedial. Full recovery ensued within 24 h. The specimen was identified as Inocybe serotina, and its muscarine content was 324.0 ± 62.4 mg/kg (k = 2, p = 95%). Two patients were poisoned via stimulation of their parasympathetic nervous system due to mistaken consumption of muscarine-containing I. serotina. They fully recovered with supportive treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of I. serotina poisoning worldwide and is the first record of this species in China. Further, a method for muscarine detection was established using UPLC-MS/MS.

Four coordination polymers (CPs) based on π-conjugated polypyridyl ligand {[Cu(HL) (5-Me-IPA)]·0.25H2O}n (1), {[Co(HL) (5-Me-IPA)]·0.25H2O}n (2), {[Zn(HL) (5-Me-IPA)]}n (3) and {[Zn(HL) (5-Me-IPA)]·H2O}n (4) (HL ​= ​4'-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,2':6′,4″-terpyridine, 5-Me-IPA ​= ​5-methyl-iso-Phthalic acid) have been solvothermally synthesized by controlling metal centers and pH condition, exhibiting three-dimensional framework with Schlafli symbol of 66 (for 1) and 658 (for 2) and two-dimensional network for 3 and 4. The photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) over 1–4 have been investigated, indicating complex 1 exhibits the best photocatalytic activity with degradation rates of 83.9% (for MB in 150 ​min) and 70.7% (for MO in 300 ​min) resulting from the band gap, position of valence band energy levels, separation of electrons and holes, and charge carrier mobility regulated by copper center. This work provides an example of structure-function relationship for photodegradation of organic dyes over coordination polymers.

Solvothermal reaction of MII (M = Co, Cu) ions with 2,4,5-tri(4-pyridyl)-imidazole (Htpim) gave two MOFs, [Co1.5(tpim)(FA)2(H2O)]n (1) and [Cu2(Htpim)(tpim)(FA)(NO3)2(DMF)]n (2) (HFA = formic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that 1 exhibits a 3D {43.412} topology framework assembled by hexanuclear [Co6(FA)8(H2O)4] units and tpim ligands, while 2 presents a 2-D double layer {4.62}2{42.64.82.102}{62.8} network. Hereinto, an inorganic acid was not only used to adjust the pH value of reaction system but also to act as an oxidizing agent to participate in in situ organic reactions. Moreover, 1 displays high sensitivity in the detection of nitrobenzene as a fluorescent sensor and exhibits a relatively good photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.

As the most aggressive and malignant glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) abnormally expresses genes that mediate glycolytic metabolism and tumour cell growth. In this study, we investigated myricetin incorporated nanoliposomes and ascertained their prospect in effectively treating cancer via the employment of the GBM cell line DBTRG-05MG. Notably, the myricetin nanoliposomes (MYR-NLs) displayed potent inhibition of proliferation and significantly regulated the levels of proteins related to both glycolytic metabolism and cell survival. Most importantly, SIRT3 and phosphorylated p53 were also down-regulated by MYR-NLs, indicating that the MYR-NLs inhibited GBM cell growth through the SIRT3/p53-mediated PI3K/Akt-ERK and mitochondrial pathways. Our findings thus provide rational evidence that liposomal myricetin targeted at alternative cell death pathways may be a useful adjuvant therapy in glioblastoma treatment.

Two Ca(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on rigid 1,4‑naphthalene dicarboxylate ligand (1,4‑NDC) have been synthesized via solvothermal method. In these two compounds, [Ca(NDC)(DMF)] (1) and [CaZn(NDC)2(DMF)2] (2), the ligand of 1,4‑NDC exhibits two different coordination modes. Compound 1 features a 3D framework with 1D rods along the c-direction which is accomplished by connecting Ca-based building units to μ5-bridging NDC2− ligands. Compound 2 also exhibits a 3D framework. Moreover, the two compounds both exhibit strong solid-state fluorescence emissions at room temperature. Furthermore, the 1, 4‑NDC ligand is a good “antenna” ligand for Eu(III), when introduced the Eu(III) ions into 1 to get hybrid framework 1′, the hybrid material 1′ shows strong red luminescence and the temperature-dependent luminescent properties studies indicate that 1′ is a potential luminescent thermometer in the range from 270 to 400 K.

Three Yb(III)-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with different bulky ligands, namely [Yb(L1)1.5(DMF)]n (1), [Yb(L2)0.5(NO3)(DMF)2]n (2) and [Yb(L3)0.5(L3)0.5(NO3)(DMF)(H2O)]n (3) (H2L1 = terephthalic acid, H4L2 = 5,5′-(diazene-1,2-dily)diisophthalic acid, H2L3 = anthracene-9,10-dicarboxylic acid, and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), were solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Single crystal XRD analyses indicate that the backbones of ligands play an important role in governing the formation of the final frameworks. When compound 1 and compound 2 assume 3D (4,4,6)-connected {42.62.82}{43.63}2{48.67}2 and (3,6)-connected {42.6}2{44.62.87.102} topology structures, compound 3 displays a 2D 44 network. All the three compounds display high sensitivities in the detection of acetone (ACE) as fluorescent sensors. Moreover, 1–3 exhibit good photodegradation efficiencies towards rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.

Two coordination compounds, namely [M(L)(Htpim)2]n (M = Zn for 1, M = Cd for 2, H2L = 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, and Htpim = 2,4,5-tri(4-pyridyl)-imidazole), were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and X-ray diffraction analyses. X-ray single crystal diffraction indicates that compounds 1 and 2 were almost isostructural and possess 2D 44 frameworks. They displayed highly sensitivity in the detection of nitrobenzene (NB) as fluorescent sensors. Moreover, 1 exhibited relatively good photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.

Zearalenone (ZEA), a metabolite of Fusarium, which is commonly found in moldy feed crops, is a well-known exogenous endocrine disruptor and has serious negative effects on animal reproduction. In order to understand the toxic effects of ZEA exposure on porcine granulosa cells (pGCs), which were exposed to 10 μM and 30 μM ZEA for 48 h in vitro, several methods were used for analysis. Flow cytometry and TUNEL analysis showed that the apoptosis of pGCs significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner after ZEA exposure compared with that of the control group. Whole transcriptome RNA-seq analysis was performed to reveal the mRNAs and miRNAs expression changes of pGCs after ZEA exposure and it was found that the expression of apoptosis-related genes was altered after ZEA exposure, and miRNAs were also significantly different among the experimental groups. In particular, ZEA exposure affected the expression of miRNAs associated with apoptosis-related pathways, such as miR-744, miR-1343 and miR-331-3p, as well as focal adhesion pathways related genes, Pak4 and Elk1, which were also involved in the apoptosis-related pathways. Moreover, the regulation networks between apoptosis-related mRNA and miRNAs were confirmed with the results of RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. In conclusion, our results here demonstrated that ZEA exposure impaired pGCs growth and apoptosis via miRNAs-mediated focal adhesion pathway.

Viscoelastic sheets, moving in an inviscid gas with initial varicose disturbances, have been investigated by performing a second-order temporal weakly nonlinear instability analysis based on the perturbation technique. The Oldroyd-B equation is considered as the rheological model of viscoelastic fluid. The solutions of the second-order disturbances have been derived, including the second-order dispersion relation and the corresponding interface displacement. The results showed that the second-order interface displacement of the varicose mode was also varicose, which interacts with the fundamental varicose wave, causing disintegration of sheets at full-wavelength intervals and resulting in ligaments consisting of two connected swells. Much smaller satellite ligaments were also formed soon after breakup within such ligaments. Different breakup behaviors and mechanisms between sheets with initial varicose and sinuous disturbances are displayed and analyzed. It is found that the eventual shape of sheets depends mainly on three factors, the first-order and second-order temporal growth rates and the second-order disturbance amplitude. The breakup time has been calculated to assess the extent of nonlinear instability. The influence of dimensionless rheological parameters on instability, i.e. elasticity number and time constant ratio, are examined via comparison of the three key factors, breakup time and wave deformation at the shortest breakup time.

Soils filled in or along bank of a large reservoir may be subjected to wetting–drying cycles induced by cyclic lowering and rising of reservoir water level. The wetting–drying cycles may affect the mechanical behaviors of the soils. This study focused on the effects of wetting–drying cycles on the strain–stress relationship from triaxial test of a mudstone mixture. Several consolidated drained triaxial tests with wetting–drying cycles were carried out. Experimental data indicates that the wetting–drying cycles may induce an increment of axial strain, Δe, and a decrement of deviator stress, Δ(σ1 − σ3). With increment of the number of cycles, N, the values of Δe and Δ(σ1 − σ3) are increasing along logarithmic curves. Both change rates of Δe and Δ(σ1 − σ3) are sharply dropping with increment of N value. Thus, the effects of wetting–drying cycles on the strain–stress relationship of test material are mainly concentrated on the period of first several cycles. Based on experimental data, several fitting equations, which may estimate the values of Δe, Δ(σ1 − σ3), change rates of Δe and Δ(σ1 − σ3), with increment of N value, were suggested.

Although it is becoming increasingly evident that maternal starvation during pregnancy can have permanent effects on a range of physiological processes in the offspring, scant information is available about the consequence of such condition for oogenesis and hence for lifetime reproductive success of progeny in mammals. In the present study, we address this topic by starving pregnant mice at the time of ovarian differentiation (12.5 days post coitum (dpc)) for three consecutive days and analyzed the consequence first on the survival of the fetal oocytes and their capability to progress throughout the stages of meiotic prophase I (MPI) and then on the postnatal folliculogenesis of the offspring. The results showed that maternal starvation increased apoptosis in the fetal ovaries, resulting in reduction of the oocyte number. Moreover, MPI progression was slowed down in the surviving oocytes and the expression of DNA repair players in the starved ovaries increased. Transcriptome analysis identified 61 differentially expressed genes between control and starved ovaries, the most part of these being involved in metabolic processes. A significant decrease in the percentage of oocytes enclosed in primordial follicles and the expression of oocyte genes critically involved in folliculogenesis such as Nobox, Lhx8 and Sohlh2 in the 3 days post partum (dpp) starved ovaries were found. Finally, at the time of juvenile period (21 dpp), the number of oocytes and antral follicles resulted significantly lower in the ovaries of the offspring from starved mothers in comparison to controls. Our findings support the notion that maternal starvation can affect ovary development in the offspring that could adversely affect their reproductive success in the adult life.

Assessing the CRC subtypes that can predict the outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with immunogenicity seems to be a promising strategy to develop new drugs that target the antitumoral immune response. In particular, the disinhibition of the antitumoral T‐cell response by immune checkpoint blockade has shown remarkable therapeutic promise for patients with mismatch repair (MMR) deficient CRC. In this review, the authors provide the update of the molecular features and immunogenicity of CRC, discuss the role of possible predictive biomarkers, illustrate the modern immunotherapeutic approaches, and introduce the most relevant ongoing preclinical study and clinical trials such as the use of the combination therapy with immunotherapy. Furthermore, this work is further to understand the complex interactions between the immune surveillance and develop resistance in tumor cells. As expected, if the promise of these developments is fulfilled, it could develop the effective therapeutic strategies and novel combinations to overcome immune resistance and enhance effector responses, which guide clinicians toward a more “personalized” treatment for advanced CRC patients.

In the paper, we give an efficient conservative scheme for the fractional Klein–Gordon–Schrodinger equations, based on the central difference scheme, the Crank–Nicolson scheme and leap-frog scheme. First, we use central difference scheme for discretizing the system in space direction. Second, we use Crank–Nicolson and leap-frog scheme for discretizing the system in time direction. We find that the scheme can be decoupled, linearized and suitable for parallel computation to increase computing efficiency, and preserve mass and energy conservation laws. The convergence of the scheme is discussed, and it is shown that the scheme is of the accuracy O ( τ 2 + h 2 ) . The numerical experiments are given, and verify the correctness of theoretical results and the efficiency of the scheme.

BACKGROUND To explore the diagnostic value of sagittal measurement of thoracic inlet parameters for degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy (DCSM). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients with DCSM (study group) and the same number of normal subjects (control group) were initially enrolled in the study. All data from X-ray in the standing position and computed tomography (CT) in the supine position were collected and carefully analyzed. Cervical sagittal parameters, including C2-C7 angle, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA), T1 slope, thoracic inlet angle (TIA), and neck tilt (NT), were measured at the lateral radiographs by using standard X-rays and CT. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out to explore the diagnostic value of cervical sagittal parameters for the DCSM. RESULTS All the enrolled patients in the study and control groups completed the follow-up, and the mean follow-up periods were 35.8 months in the study group and 36.3 months in the control group. The DCSM group had smaller T1 slope and TIA when compared with that of the control group (18.14±2.67° vs. 24.16±3.7°, p=0.00; 66.42±12.36° vs. 70.42±10.21°, p=0.01). Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that preoperative T1 slope of less than 18.5° had significant diagnostic value for the incidence of DCSM (p

Genome flanking regions surrounding transcription start sites (TSSs) are critical for the regulation of gene expression, containing many translational regulatory elements. To investigate whether critical single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exist around TSSs in the dairy goat genome, we performed high throughput DNA sequencing to compare two dairy goat groups with discrepant litter sizes. After genome mapping, SNP calling, and annotation, we screened the SNPs within 2kb scales surrounding annotated TSSs in high fecundity (HF) and low fecundity (LF) groups, respectively. We attempted to identify distinct SNPs and motifs near the TSSs in both groups. The SNPs near the TSSs most were consistent; 318 new SNPs were uncovered in the HF group, of which 305 were heterozygote SNPs, 13 were homozygote SNPs, and majority of which were distributed on chromosome 2 and 29. After validation by Sanger sequencing we found that a SNP in CHI16: 27612330 C>A in the PSEN2 gene presented an A/A genotype in the HF group and an A/A or A/C genotype in the LF group. In conclusion, our study provides insightful information into the dairy goat genomic variations surrounding TSSs, which may contribute to enhanced litter size. Based on comparison studies of SNPs exist around transcription start sites between high fecundity group and low fecundity group. Our finding provides insights concerning the goat litter size phenotypic and will promote future goat breeding.

The solvothermal reactions of MII (M = Mn, Zn, Cd) ions with naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2L) and 2,4,5-tri(4-pyridyl)-imidazole (Htpim) gave rise to three MOFs, [Mn(L)0.5(L)0.5(Htpim)2]n (1), [Zn4(L)4(Htpim)2]n (2) and [Cd4(L)4(Htpim)2(DMF)2]n (3). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that compounds 1–3 display diverse topologies. 1 possesses a 2D 44 network constructed by linking Mn centers, compound 2 exhibits a 3D (3,4,6)-connected {4·62}2{42·64}2{42·68·82·103} net interlinked by [Zn2L4] units, while compound 3 presents a 3D (3,7)-connected {42·5}{46·55·68·72} framework assembled by dinuclear Cd nodes. 1 and 3 display high sensitivity in the detection of nitrobenzene (NB) as fluorescent sensors and Ca2+ or Co2+ ions as luminescent probes. Moreover, 3 exhibits a relatively good photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.

The co-metabolic degradation kinetics, microbial growth kinetics and electricity generation capacity were researched of strain MC-1 in a MFC (microbial fuel cell). The results show that Haldane and Aiba models suit the growth kinetics of a single substrate (sodium acetate) MFC with 0.995 correlation coefficient. Moreover, the Haldane model was appropriate to describe the growth kinetics of a single substrate (sodium cyanide) MFC with 0.986 correlation coefficient. The growth kinetics of a mixed substrate MFC can be explained well by the SKIP model with correlation coefficient 0.995. Second order and three-half order models were found to suitably describe the cyanide degradation process. The maximum output voltage of MFC and the cyanide degradation efficiency were significantly enhanced by using sodium acetate and cyanide as mixed substrates. Also, the trend of electricity production is related to the growth cycle of microorganisms in a MFC.

Three different metal–organic frameworks, [Zn5(L)4(H2tpim)2(FA)4(H2O)2]n (1), [Zn(L)(Htpim)]n (2) and [Zn(L)(Htpim)]n (3) (HFA = formic acid), have been synthesized in a one-pot solvothermal reaction of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 5-nitroisophthalic acid (H2L), and 2,4,5-tri(4-pyridyl)-imidazole (Htpim). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that compound 1 is a double layer 2D {4·6·72·8·9}{4·6·8}3{6·7·9}2{72·10} topology network because of the existence of FA. In contrast, 2 displays an irregular 2D (44) topology, while 3 exhibits a 2D parallelogrammic (44) topology net built by symmetrical L and Htpim ligands in an up and down mode with binuclear [Zn2(COO)2] units. As far as the ratios of Zn/L/Htpim are concerned, 2 and 3 can be considered as isomers. The thermal stabilities, luminescence properties, selective fluorescence sensing and photocatalytic activities of 1–3 were also investigated. They all display high sensitivity as fluorescent sensors in the detection of acetone (ACE). Moreover, 1–3 exhibit relatively good photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.

In the present study, a rock cut slope in Chongqing of China, which failed suddenly about ten years after excavation, was reported. The survey results after failure indicated that the rock masses of the rock slope were highly fractured and heavily weathered, the critical slip surface was composed of three connected discontinuities from the toe to top of slope. The factors resulting in the failure of rock slope were mainly initial excavation and weathering process. The initial excavation removed original supporting role of the excavated rock masses at the toe of the slope to the upper unexcavated rock masses, and broken the original ground stress balance. The physical and chemical weathering after the initial excavation cracked progressively the rock masses, deteriorated the mechanic properties of the rock masses, and changed the stresses and strains in the rock slope. The stability of high artificial rock slope during operation should be paid attention to. The characteristics of geological structure, unloading induced by excavation, and weathering have important effects on the evolution for deformation of artificial rock high slope.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies demonstrated that cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor 1 (CysLT(1)R) knockout, pharmacological blockade, or hippocampus knockdown produced beneficial effects against Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, whether CysLT(1)R upregulation has deleterious effects on AD remains elusive. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the changes in behaviors, hippocampal amyloidogenesis, and synapse plasticity after CysLT(1)R overexpression by microinfusion of the lentiviral vector, containing its coding sequence of mouse (LV-CysLT(1)R), into the bilateral dentate gyri (DG) of the hippocampus or CysLT(1)R activation by repeated systemic administration of its agonist YM-17690 (0.1 mg/kg, once a day, i.p., for 28 d). RESULTS: The behavior data showed that overexpression of CysLT(1)R in hippocampal DG or administration of YM-17690 deteriorated behavioral performance in Morris water maze (MWM), Y-maze tests, and novel object recognition (NOR) in young APP/PS1 mice. The further studies showed that these treatments significantly destroyed synaptic function, as evidenced by impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), decreased spine density, low number of synapses, and decreased postsynaptic protein (PSD95), and promoted the generation of amyloid β (Aβ) through increased expression of BACE1 and PS1 in the hippocampus of young APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results indicate that CysLT(1)R upregulation accelerates memory impairment in young APP/PS1 mice, which is associated with promoting synaptic dysfunction and amyloidogenesis in the hippocampus.

Mitochondrial damage will hinder the energy production of cells and produce excessive ROS (reactive oxygen species), resulting in cell death through autophagy or apoptosis. In this paper, four cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes (Ir1: [Ir(piq)2L]PF6; Ir2: [Ir(bzq)2L]PF6; Ir3: [Ir(dfppy)2L]PF6; Ir4: [Ir(thpy)2L]PF6; piq = 1-phenylisoquinoline; bzq = benzo[h]quinoline; dfppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine;thpy = 2-(2-thienyl)pyridine; L = 1,10-phenanthroline-5-amine) were synthesized and characterized. Cytotoxicity tests show that these complexes have excellent cytotoxicity to cancer cells, and mechanism studies indicatethat these complexes can specifically target mitochondria. Complexes Ir1 and Ir2 can damage the function of mitochondria, subsequently increasing intracellular levels of ROS, decreasing MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential), and interfering with ATP energy production, which leads to autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, autophagy induced by Ir1 and Ir2 can promote cell death in coordination with apoptosis. Surprisingly, these four complexes also showed moderate antibacterial activity to S. aureusand P. aeruginosa.

Developing biodegradable and biocompatible products to replace non-biodegradable petrochemical products is of great importance for supplementing rapidly diminishing oil resources and reducing environmental pollution. Based on this belief, the goal of this research was to introduce a green/clean procedure to prepare an aerogel using biodegradable cellulose as feedstock and renewable choline butyrate as solvent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the morphology, chemical structure and thermostability. The results indicated that the cellulose aerogel possessed a porous structure which was composed of randomly oriented cellulose sheets. The cellulose aerogel had an amorphous structure compared to the original cellulose (cellulose I), and displayed good thermal stability.

To understand the contemporary and anticipated future (future 30–50 years) distribution of Chinese wild yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) and to improve the species’ in situ conservation strategy within the network of China’s National Nature Reserves (NNR), we used BiodiversityR to predict the species’ distribution utilizing the “always-suitable” map concept. We then delineated the always-suitable distributions with the existing NNRs to identify potential conservation areas using an approach that concurrently considered spatial distribution, gap analysis, the role of climate change, and economic analyses. Seven bioclimatic variable predictors and 12 environmental niche modelling submodels successfully contributed to the final model assembly (AUC = 0.916, κ = 0.398). The species range delineation indicated that 71 of the 427 NNRs were included in the always-suitable area, accounting for 26 007 km2 (1.58%) of the species total distribution. This mapping endeavour highlighted the negative impact of climate change with a projected 15%–20% habitat decline and expected species’ distribution centers shifting from the country’s northwest to the southeast. Our results predict the continuous deterioration of X. sorbifolium because of its existing utilization as an oil source and its increased bioenergy potential. The adoption of a flexible management strategy embracing acceptable trade-offs between conservation and utilization within China’s NNRs could effectively alleviate the expected species decline.

The performance of rock-socketed concrete-filled steel tube piles is strongly dependent on the shear behavior of the interface between the steel and the surrounding soil. The effects of particle size distribution (PSD) on soil-steel interface shear behavior were investigated for a soil mixture composed of crushed sandstone and mudstone particles. Tests were conducted using a strain-controlled direct shearing apparatus. The results showed nonlinear relationships between the shear strain and the stress and revealed dilation of the specimens during the shearing process. The shear strength of the interface was found to be linearly related to the normal stress, obeying the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. Relationships between the shear strength parameters and PSDs were established. In combination with fractal theory, these were used to assess the variation of interface shear strength and the disintegration of particles in shear processes. With knowledge of the variation of the fractal dimensions of the PSD, an approach for evaluating the evolution of interface shear strength parameters was proposed based on the effect of PSD on shear behavior.

Suffusion is an important mechanism that leads to the failure of hydraulic structures such as dams and levees. To evaluate the onset conditions, i.e., the critical hydraulic gradient of the suffusion, a set of laboratory experiments is conducted to explore the internal erosion behaviors under upward seepage conditions. During these experiments, the particle erosion in soils with different particle size distributions and dry densities is investigated. Based on the results of the experiments, a low critical hydraulic gradient (LCHG) and a high critical hydraulic gradient (HCHG) are defined corresponding to the local moving and the global loss of fine particles, respectively. The results show that these two critical hydraulic gradients are significantly influenced by the particle size distribution and the dry density of the soil. Moreover, the experiments reveal that the characteristics of the soil, especially the particle size distribution, have a significant impact on the internal instability of the soil. The effects of the particle size distribution and the dry density on the critical hydraulic gradients are then explained using a capillary model, which is built upon the characteristics of the voids in the soil, including the porosity and the void size distribution.

Precise control of mammalian oogenesis has been a traditional focus of reproductive and developmental biology research. Recently, new reports have introduced the possibility of obtaining functional gametes derived in vitro from stem cells. The potential to produce functional gametes from stem cells has exciting applications for regenerative medicine though still remains challenging. In mammalian females ovulation and fertilization is a privilege reserved for a small number of oocytes. In reality the vast majority of oocytes formed from primordial germ cells (PGCs) will undergo apoptosis, or other forms of cell death. Removal occurs during germ cell cyst breakdown and the establishment of the primordial follicle (PF) pool, during the long dormancy at the PF stage, or through follicular atresia prior to reaching the ovulatory stage. A way to solve this limitation could be to produce large numbers of oocytes, in vitro, from stem cells. However, to recapitulate mammalian oogenesis and produce fertilizable oocytes in vitro is a complex process involving several different cell types, precise follicular cell-oocyte reciprocal interactions, a variety of nutrients and combinations of cytokines, and precise growth factors and hormones depending on the developmental stage. In 2016, two papers published by Morohaku et al. and Hikabe et al. reported in vitro procedures that appear to reproduce efficiently these conditions allowing for the production, completely in a dish, of a relatively large number of oocytes that are fertilizable and capable of giving rise to viable offspring in the mouse. The present article offers a critical overview of these results as well as other previous work performed mainly in mouse attempting to reproduce oogenesis completely in vitro and considers some perspectives for the potential to adapt the methods to produce functional human oocytes.

Tectonic structures and tectonic damage of rock slope have an important effect on its failure mode, but it isn’t always paid attentions in actual engineering works. In the present study, a rock cut slope in Chongqing of China was reported. The survey results during the construction of the expressway indicated it should be safe, but it failed at last. The main reason is that tectonic tectonics and tectonic damage are not adequately taken into account in the design of this slope. The strong folds make the slope rock mass broken. Three groups of joints in the rock masses of the rock slope provide geometric conditions for landslides, and the further possible failure of the rock cut slope may follow the three group joints. The excavation change the stress environment of the slope and promote the destruction of the slope. Due to weathering processes, the integrality and shearing strength of the rock masses were reduced. The time-effect of excavations and weathering-effect are interacting with each other. Eventually, the slope not only slipped along the structural surface, but also produced plastic deformation damage. This indicates that in the design of the slope, the tectonic structures and tectonic damage must be fully considered, time effect is a factor which cannot be ignored.

The present study focuses on the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K0) of a saturated crushed binary soil mixture. The mixture is artificially mixed by crushed sandstone and mudstone particles according to presupposed weight ratios and particle size distribution curves. The oedometer tests are performed to determine the coefficient K0. From test data, the values of coefficient K0, which range from 0.242 to 0.381, with a mean value of 0.300, are obtained. Just as other mechanical parameters of soils, the K0 value is affected by many factors. The effects of the properties of test specimen and material are discussed on the basis of the test data. Strong negative correlation between the values of K0 and initial dry bulk density of test specimen, one between the values of K0 and median particle size diameter of test material, and one between the values of K0 and gravel content by weight of test material, respectively, are observed from the test data. The mudstone particle content by weight of the mixture may also affect the value of K0. The effects of these factors on the K0 value may exhibit interlocking effect. Higher interlocking effect results in higher shear strength, and therefore results in lower K0 value.

This study focuses on the evaluation on deformation induced by periodic saturation of a sandstone–mudstone particle mixture. Two types of triaxial tests, without and with periodic saturation, were ...

Suffusion is one of the mechanisms initiating internal erosion in levees and dams. To estimate the risks of seepage erosion, understanding the mechanism of suffusion under different stress conditio...

Objective To investigate neuroprotection of noggin-transfected neural stem cells (NSCs) against focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats. Methods Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into the sham, IRI, NSCs, and noggin + NSCs groups. Noggin containing adenoviral vectors was transfected into rat NSCs. Rats were subjected to 2.0 hours middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion 1.0 hour, followed by infusion into the lateral ventricles of NSCs alone, noggin-transfected NSCs, and saline at 3 days in the NSCs, noggin + NSCs, and sham groups, respectively. All rats were sacrificed on 1, 3, 7, and 28 days after transplantation; the colorimetric method was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content after the behavior capability determined. Western blot was performed for detecting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) proteins. The TUNEL-positive and BrdU/nestin double-positive cells were observed under a light microscope and quantitative analysis was performed by morphometric technique. Results Noggin-transfected NSCs significantly decreased the infarct volume and improved the neurological scores. Noggin-transfected NSCs also reduced the percentage of apoptotic neurons and relieved neuronal morphological damage. Noggin-transfected NSC transplantation markedly decreased the MDA levels and increased the SOD activity, and simultaneously downregulated the BMP4 (bone morphogenesis protein), VEGF, and bFGF proteins. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that grafting NSCs modified by noggin gene provides better neuroprotection for cerebrovascular disease.

A porous Zn 0.3 Co 2.7 O 4 willow-leaf like structure was obtained with an annealing treatment with the acetate hydrate precursor. The morphology and structure of precursor and porous Zn 0.3 Co 2.7 O 4 material was well characterized. The as-prepared Zn 0.3 Co 2.7 O 4 exhibited good electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance with an overpotential of 389 mV at the benchmark of a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 , a low Tafel slope of 61.57 mV/dec and a negligible increase of the overpotential during the stability test of 7200 s.

Opinion words are crucial information for sentiment analysis. In some text, however, opinion words are absent or highly ambiguous. The resulting implicit opinions are more difficult to extract and label than explicit ones. In this paper, cutting-edge machine-learning approaches – deep neural network and word-embedding – are adopted for implicit opinion mining at the snippet and clause levels. Hotel reviews written in Chinese are collected and annotated as the experimental data set. Results show the convolutional neural network models not only outperform traditional support vector machine models, but also capture hidden knowledge within the raw text. The strength of word-embedding is also analyzed.

Natural Science Foundation of China [51409029, 51479014]; China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [2014M562288]; Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) [ER-1365]; Environmental Security, and Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) [ER201212]; NSF EAR [1014594]; Jilin University from Department of Education, China; Global Expert award through Tianjin Normal University from the Thousand Talents Plan of Tianjin City