Search

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the global existence as well as the optimal decay estimates of the Cauchy problem for the multi-dimensional Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers equation with large initial data in the whole-space. And these results are obtained by Greenʼs function method, Fourier analysis method, energy estimates method combined with the time-frequency decomposition method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By the finite-difference time-domain method, the propagations for 45° and 90° waveguide bend in 2D+3D hetero-structure are investigated. Different optimization methods are considered. The results show that the perturbation method and periodicity changing can effectively enhance the transmission of waveguide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neonatal seizures pose a high risk for adverse outcome in survived infants. While the prognostic value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) is well established in neonates with encephalopathy and asphyxia, neonatal seizure studies focusing on the direct correlation between early aEEG measurement and subsequent neurologic outcome are scarce. In this study, the prognostic value of aEEG features was systematically analyzed in 143 full-term neonates to identify prognostic indicators of neurodevelopmental outcome. Neonatal aEEG features of background pattern, cyclicity, and seizure activity, as well as the etiology of neonatal seizures, were significantly associated with neurodevelopmental outcome at one year of age. aEEG background pattern was highly associated with neurologic outcomes (χ2 = 116.9), followed by aEEG cyclicity (χ2 = 87.2) and seizure etiology (χ2 = 79.3). Multiple linear regression showed that the four predictors explained 71.2% of the variation in neurological outcome, with standardized β coefficients of 0.44, 0.24, 0.22, and 0.14 for the predictors of aEEG background pattern, cyclicity, etiology, and aEEG seizure activity, respectively. This clinically applicable scoring system based on etiology and three aEEG indices would allow pediatricians to assess the risk for neurodevelopmental impairment and facilitate an early intervention in newborns developing seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using the finite-difference time-domain method, photonic bandgaps and defect modes in two-dimensional photonic crystals based on “triangular cylinders” are simulated. Compared with the circular cross-section rods, there is a structural/shape anisotropy in triangular cross-section based cylinders. When all cylinders are rotated for different angles along clockwise or counter-clockwise, a small shift at the high band-edge is observed even if the filling fraction did not change. When defect is introduced in photonic crystals, the defect modes can be adjusted by rotation of cylinders which are in the neighborhood of the defect. All results show that the structural/shape anisotropy of cylinders can be used to adjust the photonic bandgap and defect modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Red-light-emitting phosphors of La2Mo2O9:Pr3+ and S-doped La2Mo2O9:Pr3+ were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction. Under the excitation of 450nm blue light, all samples produced a red emission peak at 650nm corresponding to the characteristic transition of Pr3+ (3P0→3F2). The dependence of Pr3+ doping content (x) on the luminescent intensity was analyzed, and the optimal doping content of Pr3+ was x=0.07. After a small quantity of sulfur was introduced into the system, the luminescence intensity of phosphors was obviously enhanced. The reasons for the enhancement of luminescence are due to improved crystallization after S doping and the relatively large electronegativity difference between S and Mo. Additionally, the coincidence of the excitation wavelength with the emission of GaN chips may recommend this phosphor system as a potential candidate for use in white light-emitting diodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Morinda officinalis, a well-known traditional herbal medicine in China, is used to treat deficiency of kidney-yang syndrome. Although this medicine has the property of "reinforcing kidney to strengthening Yang," the chemical constituents responsible for this effect remain to be elucidated. Here, we aimed to identify the main active compounds responsible for reinforcing kidney to strengthening Yang, based on spectrum-effect relationships combined with chemometrics. We used the UPLC-diode array detection method to establish the chromatography fingerprint of M. officinalis. Hydrocortisone-induced and adenine-induced kidney-yang deficiency patterns were established to evaluate the efficacy of M. officinalis. Serum triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin, testosterone, cortisol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were determined as pharmacodynamic indices. Analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weight of each index to the total pharmacodynamic contribution. Lastly, the spectrum-effect between the fingerprint and the pharmacological effects were established using grey relational analysis and partial least squares. Our findings indicated that peaks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20 might represent the main components that positively correlated to the total effect, of which four were identified by comparison with reference standards. The identified components were monotropein (peak 1), deacetyl asperulosidic acid (peak 3), asperulosidic acid (peak 8), and asperuloside (peak 9). Our results suggest that the "reinforce kidney to strengthening Yang" effects were attributable to the combined effects of the multiple chemical components of M. officinalis and provide a valuable method to identify the active "reinforce kidney to strengthening Yang" components of M. officinalis and establish the quality control of M. officinalis. [Display omitted] • Chromatography fingerprint of M. officinalis was established using UPLC-diode array. • 24 peaks were chosen to represent the characteristic components of M. officinalis. • Hydrocortisone/adenine-induced kidney-yang deficiency (KYDS) patterns were created. • Salt M. officinalis had good effect on hydrocortisone and adenine-induced KYDS. • 13 components of M. officinalis correlated to treatment of KYDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitors are the most promising drugs for the treatment of hematological tumors. A high selectivity of BTK inhibitors ensures reduced side effects from off-targeting. Accordingly, here, based on Zanubrutinib, we designed and synthesized a new range of imidazopyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as novel BTK inhibitors that retained the amide group for improved selectivity. These compounds revealed potent inhibitory activity against BTK in vitro. Remarkably, compounds 12a (IC 50 5.2 nM) and 18a (IC 50 4.9 nM) possessed the highest kinase selectivity. Both of these effectively inhibited the auto-phosphorylation of BTK, blocked the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and induced apoptosis in the TMD8 cells. In a TMD8 cells xenograft model, a twice-daily dose of compound 12a at 25 mg/kg and a thrice-daily dose of compound 18a at 15 mg/kg significantly suppressed the tumor growth without obvious toxicity. Collectively, 12a and 18a are the potential selective BTK inhibitors that can be developed further. [Display omitted] • A series of imidazopyrazole-3-carboxamide-containing BTK inhibitors were synthesized. • 12a and 18a exhibited potent BTK inhibitory activity and good selectivity. • 12a and 18a showed a significant in vivo anti-tumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment planning systems play a key role in radiotherapy. Various commercial planning systems are currently available on the market. These systems usually differ in the algorithms used for radiation dose calculation and vary in the manner of implementation of the same algorithms. They also differ in optimizer algorithms used in search of the best treatment plan required to meet the user specified criteria. In this study, we evaluate two optimization systems available from two commercial treatment planning systems. The two systems used in the study are the Eclipse Planning System (version 10.042, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto); and, Monaco Planning System (version 3.01, Elekta CMS Software, St. Louis, MO). Computed tomographic images for ten patients, previously planned using Eclipse, were randomly selected from our patient database. We generated treatment plans for the ten cases utilizing the Monaco system. Monaco utilizes a set of biological and DVH functions in the optimization process, while Eclipse uses only dose volume objectives. Planners would need to understand the difference between the two methodologies for getting better outcomes in radiation treatment planning for cancer patients. All generated plans in the study were evaluated based on dose volume histogram (DVH) and isodose distributions. The overall performance of dose volume optimization was better compared to the biological optimization. Dose volume optimization was more efficient and easier to manipulate for our prostate cases. The biological optimization process provided good quality plans. However, the optimizer requires improvement to become more efficient. • Two optimization systems available from two commercial treatment planning systems were evaluated. • The overall performance of dose volume optimization was better compared to the biological optimization. • Dose volume optimization was more efficient and easier to manipulate for our prostate cases. • The biological optimization process was also able to provide good quality plans. • Biological optimizers require improvement to become more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human decision-making is significantly modulated by previously experienced outcomes. Using event-related potentials (ERPs), we examined whether ERP components evoked by outcome feedbacks could serve as biomarkers to signal the influence of current outcome evaluation on subsequent decision-making. In this study, 18 adult volunteers participated in a simple monetary gambling task, in which they were asked to choose between two options that differed in risk. Their decisions were immediately followed by outcome presentation. Temporospatial principle component analysis (PCA) was applied to the outcome-onset locked ERPs in the 200–1000ms time window. The PCA factors that approximated classical ERP components (P2, feedback-related negativity, P3a, and P3b) in terms of time course and scalp distribution were tested for their association with subsequent decision-making strategies. Our results revealed that a fronto–central PCA factor approximating the classical P3a was related to changes of decision-making strategies on subsequent trials. The decision to switch between high- and low-risk options resulted in a larger P3a relative to the decision to retain the same choice. According to the results, we suggest that the amplitude of the fronto–central P3a is an electrophysiological index of the influence of current outcome on subsequent risk decision-making. Furthermore, the ERP source analysis indicated that the activations of the frontopolar cortex and sensorimotor cortex were involved in subsequent changes of strategies, which enriches our understanding of the neural mechanisms of adjusting decision-making strategies based on previous experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of HIV infection and characteristically risk of factors which associated with HIV infection among MSM in Harbin, China. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire interview was conducted among 463 Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) who were recruited by the snowball sampling in Harbin from April, 2011 to July, 2011. The questionnaire mainly included demographics, AIDS knowledge, homosexual behavior and the status of intervention in MSM. Blood specimens were obtained and tested for the diagnoses of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Associations between above exposed factors and HIV infection were analyzed using a univariate analysis and forward stepwise logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of HIV and syphilis was 9.5 and 14.3%. The awareness rate of AIDS was 86.8%. The rate of unprotected sexual behavior was 57.6% of MSM during the past 6 months. The univariate analysis identified that the age (age≥35 years old), cohabitation, more than 10 years of homosexual behavior and more than 10 homosexual partners were risk factors which associated with the HIV infection, and that protected sex during the past 6 months was a protective factor for the HIV infection. The multivariate analysis identified that the duration of homosexual behavior and commercial sexual behavior were independent risk factors which associated with the HIV infection, and the protected sex during the past 6 months was a protective factor for the HIV infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV among MSM in Harbin has been rapidly increasing in the past few years. Targeted, tailored, and comprehensive interventions are urgently needed to prevent the HIV infection from MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Two transcript isoforms of AGAMOUS homologs, from single and double flower Prunus lannesiana, respectively, showed different functions. Abstract: The Arabidopsis floral homeotic C function gene AGAMOUS ( AG) confers stamen and carpel identity. Loss of AG function results in homeotic conversions of stamens into petals and formation of double flowers. In order to present a molecular dissection of a double-flower cultivar in Prunus lannesiana (Rosaceae), we isolated and identified a single-copy gene, AG homolog from two genetically cognate P. lannesiana bearing single and double flowers, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that the AG homolog, prseag- 1, from double flowers showed a 170-bp exon skipping as compared to PrseAG ( Prunus serrulata AGAMOUS) from the single flowers. Genomic DNA sequence revealed that abnormal splicing resulted in mutant prseag- 1 protein with the C-terminal AG motifs I and II deletions. In addition, protein sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the PrseAG was grouped into the euAG lineage. A semi-quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of PrseAG was restricted to reproductive organs of stamens and carpels in single flowers of P. lannesiana 'speciosa', while the prseag- 1 mRNA was highly transcribed throughout the petals, stamens, and carpels in double flowers from 'Albo-rosea'. The transgenic Arabidopsis containing 35S:: PrseAG displayed extremely early flowering, bigger stamens and carpels and homeotic conversion of petals into staminoid organs, but ectopic expression of prseag-1 could not mimic the phenotypic ectopic expression of PrseAG in Arabidopsis. In general, this study provides evidences to show that double flower 'Albo-rosea' is a putative C functional ag mutant in P. lannesiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) is an important mitochondrial protein in maintaining mitochondrial network and bioenergetics. Recently, Mfn2 has been reported to have a potential role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation in many cell types. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) DNA analysis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and cell cycle analysis to determine the role of Mfn2 in hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling. Our results showed that hypoxia promoted the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, including regulating more cells at G2/M+S phase, increasing proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Cyclin A expression, whereas all these effects of hypoxia were suppressed after the cells were treated with siRNA against Mfn2. Our results also proved that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was involved in Mfn2‐induced smooth muscle cell proliferation. Thus, these results indicate that Mfn2 mediates PASMC proliferation in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The early detection and stratification of potential hypoxic ischaemia (HI) injury in neonates are crucial for reducing the risk of neural disability. This study investigates early changes in brain function caused by acute HI of varying severities in the neonatal pig. Methods: Two non-invasive techniques, amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), were used to monitor electrocortical and cerebral haemodynamic function, respectively. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was varied to produce different HI severities. The sensitivity and HI correlation of these methods were systematically analysed to assess their abilities to both detect injury early and assess HI severity accurately. Results: The tissue oxygen index measured via NIRS detected acute changes in cerebral oxygenation and was highly sensitive to HI (sensitivity=0.97), whereas aEEG was comparatively insensitive to HI. On the other hand, aEEG measurements correlated well with FiO2 during the entire HI event as well as the 3-h recovery period (R =0.43–0.61). NIRS measurements did not correlate well with FiO2. Conclusions: Parameters measured via aEEG and NIRS displayed different time profiles during and following the HI event. Significance: These results highlight the potential advantage of using aEEG and NIRS in conjunction to monitor neonatal brain function, and provide an objective and rigorous method for the characterisation of cerebral function both during and following HI insults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To study the clinical significance of manganese (Mn) in the serum of children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, we analyzed the correlation between Mn and the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and explored the immune pathogenesis of EBV infection. Children diagnosed with IM comprised the IM group, and healthy children during the same period were selected as the normal control group. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and related inflammatory factors, and Mn in serum was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-β expression levels in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the correlation between Mn levels and clinical manifestations and laboratory tests was analyzed. Mn levels and the expression levels of cGAS, STING, and related inflammatory factors were significantly higher in children with IM than in healthy children. Furthermore, Mn levels in children with IM were positively correlated with the expression levels of cGAS and related inflammatory factors. Thus, Mn, cGAS, STING, and inflammatory cytokines may be involved in the immune mechanism of IM caused by EBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Structural dissimilarities of hexabromocyclododecane diastereoisomers could raise substantial differences in physicochemical, biological and toxicological properties. In order to fully assess the environmental safety and health risk of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), zebrafish embryos were used to evaluate the developmental toxicity of individual HBCD diastereoisomers (α-HBCD, β-HBCD and γ-HBCD). Four-hour post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of HBCD diastereoisomers (0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/l) until 120hpf. The results showed that exposure to HBCDs can affect the development of zebrafish embryos/larvae in a dose-dependent and diastereoselective manner. The diastereoisomers α-, β- and γ-HBCD at 0.01mg/l had little effect on the development of zebrafish embryos except that exposure to 0.01mg/l γ-HBCD significantly delayed hatching (P <0.05). At 0.1mg/l, α-HBCD resulted in depressed heart rate of larvae (96hpf) and delayed hatching, whereas β- and γ-HBCD both caused significant hatching delay and growth inhibition (P <0.05). In addition, a remarkable and significant increase in mortality and malformation rate was noted at 0.1mg/l γ-HBCD exposure groups (P <0.05). At 1.0mg/l, α-, β- and γ-HBCD significantly affected all of the endpoints monitored (P <0.05). Additionally, HBCD diastereoisomers could induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicated that HBCD diastereoisomers could cause developmental toxicity to zebrafish embryos through inducing apoptosis by ROS formation. The overall results showed a good agreement confirming that the order of developmental toxicity of HBCD diastereoisomers in zebrafish is γ-HBCD>β-HBCD>α-HBCD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni–Al–NO3 layered double hydroxides (LDH) are electrodeposited on the glassy carbon (GC) electrodes and the electrocatalytic activities of the modified electrodes toward methanol oxidation are studied in detail by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Various factors affecting the electro-oxidation of methanol are investigated for optimizing the electrocatalytic properties and making the mechanism clearly such as methanol concentration, scan rate, KOH concentration, Ni:Al ratio of Ni–Al LDH used. The results show that Ni–Al–NO3 LDH exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation and better stability than that of Ni(OH)2 prepared under the same condition. The LDH with Ni:Al ratio of 3:1 display a good electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation in 0.5M KOH. The mechanism of methanol oxidation on Ni–Al LDHf/GC electrode is also proposed according to the experimental results, involving in both a chemical oxidation via Fleischmann''s mechanism and a direct electro-oxidation on the Ni3+ oxide surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of oxalic acid application on plum fruit (Prunus salicina cv. ‘Damili’) ripening properties during storage or shelf-life was determined. The fruits were dipped for 3min in solutions containing 5mmol/L oxalic acid and then were packed into polyethylene bags and stored at 25°C for 12days, or at 2°C for 20days and subsequently at 25°C for 12days. Ethylene production, fruit firmness, contents of pectin and anthocyanin, specific activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) were measured. The application of oxalic acid reduced ethylene production and delayed softening of plum fruit. The inhibition of softening was associated with decreased PG and PME activities; that is, the retardation of pectin solubilization/degradation. During storage or shelf-life, flesh reddening and anthocyanin synthesis were significantly inhibited in oxalic acid-treated plum fruit, accompanied with decreased PAL activity. Furthermore, it was found that variable:maximalchlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), an indicator of ripening, senescence or stress injury of fruit and vegetable, decreased much more slowly in oxalic-treated plum fruits than in control fruits. Thus, oxalic acid treatment can be an effective means to extend the shelf life of plum fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies from different countries showed variations of genetic changes and association with Chlamydia psittaci in ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. A total of 38 ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma cases from Northern China were studied. Genetic abnormalities were investigated in 28 cases by interphase FISH. C. psittaci and other infectious agents that are commonly-associated with chronic eye disease were screened in 38 cases by PCR. Genetic abnormalities were detected in 60.7% of cases. Among them, only one showed a break-apart of the IgH gene and all others showed numerical abnormalities, including trisomy 18 in 7 cases (25%), 3 copies of BCL6 gene in 12 cases (43%), and 3 copies of C-MYC gene in 2 cases (7%). C. pneumoniae was positive in two cases (5.3%), and C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8, and ADV19 were not detected in any cases. In conclusion, numerical abnormalities are frequent and the chromosomal translocations commonly associated with MALT lymphomas are rare in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma of Northern China. C. psittaci and other infectious agents are not associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen that is a serious health hazard worldwide. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the detection of L. monocytogenes using a novel species-specific target sequence (a region of lmo0754 gene) identified by a comparative genomic approach. An internal amplification control was incorporated into this PCR system. The assay allowed amplification of a 331-bp fragment only from the genomic DNA of L. monocytogenes strains and not from other Listeria species, as well as some non-Listeria species. The detection limit of the PCR assay was 55 copies/PCR with L. monocytogenes genomic DNA. Applying this PCR assay to artificially contaminated milk samples, low levels of L. monocytogenes (1--10 cfu/mL of milk) were detected after 6--9 h incubation in selective culture enrichment (UVM1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A nanocomposite based on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was prepared via hydrothermal treatment followed by a reduction procedure. The AuNPs were obtained in Mg–Al LDHs, and they maintained good stability. The electrocatalytic activities of AuNPs/LDH-modified glassy carbon electrodes for methanol oxidation in alkaline medium were investigated in detail. Under the same conditions, the modified electrode exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity than both the pure AuNPs-modified electrode and LDH-modified electrode. The role of the AuNPs and LDHs in this composite system was explored by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, respectively. Further studies demonstrated that the promoting effect of LDHs could be due to its strong adsorption and partly to the discharge of OH− during methanol oxidation. This work indicates that LDHs is expected to be a good supporting material in the development of methanol anode catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have observed extensive interindividual differences in DNA methylation of 8590 CpG sites of 6229 genes in 153 human adult cerebellum samples, enriched in CpG island “shores” and at further distances from CpG islands. To search for genetic factors that regulate this variation, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) mapping of methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) for the 8590 testable CpG sites. cis association refers to correlation of methylation with SNPs within 1 Mb of a CpG site. 736 CpG sites showed phenotype-wide significant cis association with 2878 SNPs (after permutation correction for all tested markers and methylation phenotypes). In trans analysis of methylation, which tests for distant regulation effects, associations of 12 CpG sites and 38 SNPs remained significant after phenotype-wide correction. To examine the functional effects of mQTLs, we analyzed 85 genes that were with genetically regulated methylation we observed and for which we had quality gene expression data. Ten genes showed SNP-methylation-expression three-way associations—the same SNP simultaneously showed significant association with both DNA methylation and gene expression, while DNA methylation was significantly correlated with gene expression. Thus, we demonstrated that DNA methylation is frequently a heritable continuous quantitatively variable trait in human brain. Unlike allele-specific methylation, genetic polymorphisms mark both cis- and trans-regulatory genetic sites at measurable distances from their CpG sites. Some of the genetically regulated DNA methylation is directly connected with genetically regulated gene expression variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important food-borne bacterium that is closely related to food poisoning from consumption of raw or lightly-cooked oysters. Therefore, intensive efforts must be taken to depurate the contaminated oysters. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is considered to be a safe and effective disinfectant and is routinely applied for treatment of drinking water and seafood. However, the retention of V. parahaemolyticus in oyster tissues has not yet been explored after using ClO2 as a disinfectant. To address this lack of information, oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were artificially contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus (ATCC 17802). Individual oysters, the gills and the digestive glands were analyzed by spreading supernatants from homogenized tissues onto thiosulfate–citrate–bile–salt sucrose agar and polymerase chain reaction assays on the resulting bacterial colonies. V. parahaemolyticus that bioaccumulated in different oyster tissues could be disinfected completely after 6h of treatment with 20mg/L of ClO2. Thus, ClO2 appears to be a candidate disinfectant for V. parahaemolyticus depuration in oysters. The digestive glands appear to be a promising target tissue for detection of bacterial pathogens in oysters, using either conventional methods or molecular assays. The shelf life of oysters was extended to at least 12days following 6h of ClO2 treatment at 4°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: As a major component of plant cell wall, lignin plays important roles in mechanical support, water transport, and stress responses. As the main cause for the recalcitrance of plant cell wall, lignin modification has been a major task for bioenergy feedstock improvement. The study of the evolution and function of lignin biosynthesis genes thus has two-fold implications. First, the lignin biosynthesis pathway provides an excellent model to study the coordinative evolution of a biochemical pathway in plants. Second, understanding the function and evolution of lignin biosynthesis genes will guide us to develop better strategies for bioenergy feedstock improvement. Results: We analyzed lignin biosynthesis genes from fourteen plant species and one symbiotic fungal species. Comprehensive comparative genome analysis was carried out to study the distribution, relatedness, and family expansion of the lignin biosynthesis genes across the plant kingdom. In addition, we also analyzed the comparative synteny map between rice and sorghum to study the evolution of lignin biosynthesis genes within the Poaceae family and the chromosome evolution between the two species. Comprehensive lignin biosynthesis gene expression analysis was performed in rice, poplar and Arabidopsis. The representative data from rice indicates that different fates of gene duplications exist for lignin biosynthesis genes. In addition, we also carried out the biomass composition analysis of nine Arabidopsis mutants with both MBMS analysis and traditional wet chemistry methods. The results were analyzed together with the genomics analysis. Conclusion: The research revealed that, among the species analyzed, the complete lignin biosynthesis pathway first appeared in moss; the pathway is absent in green algae. The expansion of lignin biosynthesis gene families correlates with substrate diversity. In addition, we found that the expansion of the gene families mostly occurred after the divergence of monocots and dicots, with the exception of the C4H gene family. Gene expression analysis revealed different fates of gene duplications, largely confirming plants are tolerant to gene dosage effects. The rapid expansion of lignin biosynthesis genes indicated that the translation of transgenic lignin modification strategies from model species to bioenergy feedstock might only be successful between the closely relevant species within the same family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance evolution of target pests reduces efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins used in insect-pest control. Mutations in Cadherin (CAD) or ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters genes are linked to Cry resistance in different pests. Also, it has been shown that ABCC2 and CAD have synergistic interaction on Cry toxicity when co-express in cell lines, which we confirmed here by Helicoverpa armigera HaABCC2 and HaCAD expression in Hi5 cells. To confirm that CAD and ABC transporters interact in vivo , we constructed nearly H. armigera isogenic lines such as LFC2 and 96CAD strains, linked to Ha ABCC2 and Ha CAD mutations that showed 512- and 396-fold Cry1Ac resistance-ratios, respectively. Interestingly, Fusion-1 strain linked to both Ha ABCC2 and Ha CAD mutations, showed 6273-fold resistance-ratio, significantly higher than the single mutant strains. To confirm the interaction of HaABCC2 and CAD in Cry1Ac resistance, we analyzed the Cry1Ac susceptibility in CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown strains, C2–KO (ABCC2-gene knockout-strain) and CAD-KO (CAD-gene knockout-strain), that showed 112- and 531-fold Cry1Ac resistance-ratios, respectively. However, the resistance-ratio of Fusion-2 strain obtained from crossing C2–KO and CAD-KO strains, was only 816-fold. The analysis of Ha ABCC3 gene transcript levels showed nearly 4-fold lower expression in LFC2 and Fusion-1 strains compared to the susceptible strain, suggesting that additional mutations in these strains resulted in low Ha ABCC3 expression, which contribute to their enhanced Cry1Ac resistance. Our data show that the CAD and ABCC2/ABCC3 interact synergistically to induce high Cry1Ac resistance in H. armigera. These results can be helpful for Bt resistance monitoring and pest management. [Display omitted] • Nearly isogenic lines of H.arimigera which linked to mutated ABCC2 and CAD conferred high resistance level to Cry1Ac. • HaABCC2 and HaCAD showed synergistic interaction on Cry1Ac toxicity in vitro. • CAD and ABCC2/ABCC3 interact synergistically on high Cry1Ac resistance level in H. arimigera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In somatic cell reprogramming, cells must escape the somatic cell-specific gene expression program to adopt other cell fates. Here, in vitro chemical induction with RepSox generated chemically induced mammary epithelial cells (CiMECs) with milk secreting functions from goat ear fibroblasts (GEFs). Transplanted CiMECs regenerated the normal mammary gland structure with milk-secreting functions in nude mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that during the reprogramming process, GEFs may sequentially undergo embryonic ectoderm (EE)-like and different MEC developmental states and finally achieve milk secreting functions, bypassing the pluripotent state. Mechanistically, Smad3 upregulation induced by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor 1 (TGFβR1) downregulation led to GEF reprogramming into CiMECs without other reprogramming factors. The TGFβR1-Smad3 regulatory effects will provide new insight into the TGFβ signaling pathway regulation of somatic cell reprogramming. These findings suggest an innovative strategy for autogenous cell therapy for mammary gland defects and the production of transgenic mammary gland bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, compared with traditional refrigeration technology, the electrocaloric refrigeration technology has been applied in variety of green cooling devices due to its high efficiency and environmentally friendly. Recent findings reveal that the ceramic system with additives (such as, LiBiO 2 , PbO) can create large ECE under low electric field. In this work, the ternary glass BaO–CaO–SiO 2 (BCS) was used as a sintering aid to enhance the electrocaloric (EC) response of 0.2Ba(Ti 0.9 Sn 0.1)O 3 -0.8Ba(Zr 0.18 Ti 0.82)O 3 (BZSnT20) bulk ceramics. The EC properties of BZSnT20 could be also improved via controlling sintering temperature and the content of BCS sintering aid. It was found that BZSnT20 with 0.5 wt% BCS show the maximum EC response of 3.2 K under 7 MV/m with sintering temperature of 1262 °C. These results demonstrated that the ECE of BZSnT20 can be boosted by using appropriate additives, which provides an effective route to realize large ECE under low electric fields. [Display omitted] • High efficiency ECE as an environmentally friendly refrigeration technology has been studied via modifying the BZSnT20 system with BCS sintering aid. • The BZSnT20 with 0.5 wt% BCS show the maximum EC response of 3.2 K under 7 MV/m with sintering temperature of 1262 °C. • The electrocaloric performance of BZSnT20 with 0.5 wt%BCS is relatively stable near room temperature, and it can produce a huge ECE over a wide operating temperature (from 20 °C to 60 °C), even under a relatively lower electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper addresses the cooperation problem for a team of mobile robots in adversarial environments. Considering the mutual influence among the robots, two key factors are defined: the impact factor and the suffering factor. A stochastic assignment model is built, based on the geometric topology of the targets, through which the robots can exhibit temporal cooperation. To reduce computational complexity, a genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the relative weights of the impact factor and the suffering factor, and after that, the Improved Hungarian Algorithm is used to solve the assignment problem. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes an adaptive task assignment method for a team of fully distributed mobile robots with initially identical functionalities in unknown task environments. A hierarchical assignment architecture is established for each individual robot. In the higher hierarchy, we employ a simple self-reinforcement learning model inspired by the behavior of social insects to differentiate the initially identical robots into “specialists” of different task types, resulting in stable and flexible division of labor; on the other hand, in dealing with the cooperation problem of the robots engaged in the same type of task, Ant System algorithm is adopted to organize low-level task assignment. To avoid using a centralized component, a “local blackboard” communication mechanism is utilized for knowledge sharing. The proposed method allows the robot team members to adapt themselves to the unknown dynamic environments, respond flexibly to the environmental perturbations and robustly to the modifications in the team arising from mechanical failure. The effectiveness of the presented method is validated in two different task domains: a cooperative concurrent foraging task and a cooperative collection task. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Genetic factors that influence subjective responses to drug use (such as euphoria) contribute to the risk of addiction. μ-opioid receptor is the molecular target of heroin mediating its effects in both pain relief and euphoria. Methods: To evaluate the association of μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) variants with heroin-induced positive responses on first use, we studied 336 Chinese Han heroin addicts recruited in Shanghai and divided heroin addicts into two groups (positive vs. negative) according to the self-reporting feeling on first use. Association analyses with the genotypes and alleles in nine tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) in OPRM1 with subjective responses were performed. Similar analysis with haplotypes of these tSNPs was also performed. Results: Allele frequencies of three tSNPs were significantly different between the positive and negative groups. They were rs696522 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.06, p = .0013), rs1381376 (OR = 3.16, p = .0008), and rs3778151 (OR = 3.12, p = .0004). Such association remains after adjustment for demographic covariates and for multiple testing. The subjects with heroin-induced positive responses on first use consumed more drugs than the negative group (Mann-Whitney U = 224.0, Wilcoxon W = 16334.0, p ≤ .0001). Conclusions: Self-reported positive responses on first use of heroin were found to be associated with OPRM1. The findings suggest that heroin-induced positive responses are likely associated with more heroin consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of global vision impairment (Bourne et al. [1]), with myopia being the most frequently seen refractive error, especially in east and southeast Asian countries (Morgan et al. [4]). Thus, understanding the trend of myopia rate in children and adolescents is important to be able to provide the eye care needs and perhaps control the diseases secondary to severe myopia. Their study also revealed that the detection rate of myopia was high in children and adolescents in China and the age of myopia prevalence peak has become earlier gradually. [Extracted from the article]

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), also known as nitroglycerin, has been used to treat angina and heart failure for more than 130 years. Recently, it was shown that mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) is responsible for formation of NO, the metabolite needed for GTN efficacy. In the present study, we show that the common G-to-A polymorphism in exon 12 of ALDH2--resulting in a Glu504Lys replacement that virtually eliminates ALDH2 activity in both heterozygotes and homozygotes--is associated with a lack of efficacy of sublingual GTN in Chinese subjects. We also show that the catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km) of GTN metabolism of the Glu504 protein is approximately 10-fold higher than that of the Lys504 enzyme. We conclude that the presence of the Lys504 allele contributes in large part to the lack of an efficacious clinical response to nitroglycerin; we recommend that this genetic factor be considered when administering nitroglycerin to patients, especially Asians, 30-50% of whom possess the inactive ALDH2*2 mutant allele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A chiral stationary phase (CSP) based on (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid has been successfully employed in the liquid chromatographic resolution of eleven β-blockers containing a secondary amino functional group. As the result of an effort to find out the optimal mobile phase condition, the mixture of trifluoroacetic acid–triethylamine–ethanol–acetonitrile with the ratio of 0.1/0.5/20/80 (v/v/v/v) was concluded to be the best mobile phase condition, the separation (α) and the resolution factors (R S) for the resolution of 11 β-blockers being in the range of 1.13–1.85 and 1.36–5.79, respectively. Surprisingly, in contrast to the resolution of other racemic compounds containing a primary amino functional group, the separation factors (α) for the resolution of β-blockers were observed to improve as the column temperature increased and these unusual chromatographic behaviors were rationalized as the entropically controlled enantioselectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liquid chromatographic resolution of six racemic β2-bIockers including Bambuterol, clenbuterol, clenpropol, fumoterol, mabuteml, and terbutaline was studied on two Pirkle4ype chiral stationary phases (CSPs) such as a-Burke-2 and Pirkle-lJ. By varying the mobile phase compositions, five of the six β2-blockers were successfully resolved on α-Burke-2 CSP, while only two β2-blockers were resolved on Pirkle-lJ CSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics and bioequivalency of a newly developed sustained-release bupropion tablet was studied in six dogs after single oral administration and compared with a regular tablet (RT) in randomized two-period crossover design. A sensitive and rapid HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of bupropion in dog plasma. The compound and the internal standard (I.S.) (hydroxyethylfludiazepam) were extracted from the plasma samples by liquid–liquid extraction. The extracts were analyzed by a reversed-phase HPLC with 50 mmol/l phosphate buffer (pH 5.5)–methanol (45:55, v/v) as the eluent. The assay was specific for bupropion. The calibration curves were linear in the range between 1 and 750 ng/ml. The validated lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/ml. The overall precision (expressed as R.S.D.) of quality controls were within 15%. The method was successfully applied to the bioequivalency study of bupropion in the two formulations. The Cmax of sustained-release tablet (ST) was significantly lower than that of the RT and the Tmax was significantly longer than that of the RT (P<0.05). The relative bioavailability of the ST was (99.1±1.51)%, the results of ANOVA and two one sided tests indicated that the new ST exhibited good sustained release properties and was bioequivalent to the RT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Study of antimicrobial peptide mimics can alleviate the drug-resistance pressure. • Different molecular weight of pre-treated CMC affects the antibacterial efficiency. • Antibacterial effect of samples grafted diverse diamines were different distinctly. Inspired by antimicrobial peptides (AMP) which could alleviate drug resistance pressure, antimicrobial peptide mimics (AMPMs) were designed timely. Here, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) -based AMPMs were constructed by introducing different diamines on CMC effectively. Firstly, CMC was degraded to be oligomers with different molecular weights, followed by amination reactions with different diamines respectively. After protonation, a series of AMPMs with different structures were synthesized successfully. Their antibacterial effect has been evaluated by dynamic growth curves and microdilution method. The images snapped by the confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscope have fully proved its great lethality. And the antibacterial mechanism measured by flow cytometry analysis and zeta potential detection demonstrated that the destruction of membrane potential leads to bacteria death. The excellent blood compatibility and negligible drug resistance has also been confirmed. In addition, the synthesis method is simple and environmental-friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large scale rural-to-urban migration and China's household registration system have resulted in about 61 million children being left-behind in rural villages when their parents migrate to the cities. This paper uses survey and experimental data from male rural-urban migrants – prison inmates and comparable non-inmates – to examine whether parental absence in childhood as a result of migration is associated with increased criminality in adulthood. Control functions and sibling fixed effects are used to identify causal impacts. Parental absence due to migration is found to increase the propensity of adult males to commit crimes. Being left-behind decreases educational attainment and increases risk-loving behavior, both of which increase criminality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an integrated analytical method to investigate the polychrome clay sculptures of the Qinglian Temple in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, China. Digital microscopy, SEM-EDS, XRD, Herzberg stain, Micro-Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR were selected to identify the raw materials and techniques used to produce the ground clay layer, the white powder layer and the mineral pigment of the polychrome clay sculptures. The investigation shows that the clay used to make the coarse and fine clay layer is consistent. However, different kinds of fibres were found mixed in the coarse and fine clay layers: wheat straw was the main fibre used in coarse clay layer, while the bast fibres, including ramie, kenaf and sisal hemp, were used as the fibre supports in the fine clay layers due to their useful properties. The white powder layer was made of a mixture of kaolinite and gypsum. For the mineral pigments, it principally contained red (hematite, minium or a mixture of minium and cinnabar), green (atacamite and atacamite), blue (azurite), yellow (yellow ochre), black (amorphous carbon) and white (the mixture of kaolinite and gypsum). Additionally, a gilding technique and multiple paint layers also typified many pigment areas. This work has furthered understanding of the materials and techniques used in making the sculptures of the Qinglian Temple and has clear implications for the restoration and conservation treatments on these kinds of ancient painted clay sculptures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Study identifies temporal dynamics of VLPFC and DLPFC during negative emotional processing. • VLPFC was found to work at 400 ms, while DLPFC was found to work at 0 ms and 600 ms during emotional processing. • Results offer insights into the neural mechanisms underlying emotional processing with potential for intervention development. • Online single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (spTMS) used for investigation is a promising research tool. The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have been found to play important roles in negative emotion processing. However, the specific time window of their involvement remains unknown. This study addressed this issue in three experiments using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We found that TMS applied over the VLPFC at 400 ms after negative emotional exposure significantly enhanced negative feelings compared to the vertex condition. Furthermore, TMS applied over the DLPFC at both 0 ms and 600 ms after negative emotional exposure also resulted in deteriorated negative feelings. These findings provide potential evidence for the VLPFC-dependent semantic processing (∼400 ms) and the DLPFC-dependent attentional and cognitive control (∼0/600 ms) in negative emotion processing. The asynchronous involvement of these frontal cortices not only deepens our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying negative emotion processing but also provides valuable temporal parameters for neurostimulation therapy targeting patients with mood disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amotivation is a typical feature in major depressive disorder (MDD), which produces reduced willingness to exert effort. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a crucial structure in goal-directed actions and therefore is a potential target in modulating effortful motivation. However, it remains unclear whether the intervention is effective for patients with MDD. We employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), computational modelling and event-related potentials (ERPs) to reveal the causal relationship between the left DLPFC and motivation for effortful rewards in MDD. Fifty patients underwent both active and sham TMS sessions, each followed by performing an Effort-Expenditure for Rewards Task, during which participants chose and implemented between low-effort/low-reward and high-effort/high-reward options. The patients showed increased willingness to exert effort for rewards during the DLPFC facilitated session, compared with the sham session. They also had a trend in larger P3 amplitude for motivated attention toward chosen options, larger CNV during preparing for effort exertion, and larger SPN during anticipating a high reward. Besides, while behavior indexes for effortful choices were negatively related to depression severity in the sham session, this correlation was weakened in the active stimulation session. These findings provide behavioral, computational, and neural evidence for the left DLPFC on effortful motivation for rewards. Facilitated DLPFC improves motor preparation and value anticipation after making decisions especially for highly effortful rewards in MDD. Facilitated DLPFC also has a potential function in enhancing motivated attention during cost-benefit trade-off. This neuromodulation effect provides a potential treatment for improving motivation in clinics. • TMS-activated DLPFC enhances MDD patients' motivational behavior to exert effort for rewards • TMS results in enhanced the P3, CNV, and SPN amplitudes • DLPFC plays a causal role in preparing for effort exertion and anticipating rewards in MDD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is indispensable in agricultural production. An increasing food supply requires more efficient use of phosphate due to limited phosphate resources. However, how crops regulate phosphate efficiency remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a major quantitative trait locus, qPE19, that controls 7 low-phosphate (LP)-related traits in soybean (Glycine max) through linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies. We identified the gene responsible for qPE19 as GLYCEROPHOSPHORYL DIESTER PHOSPHODIESTERASE2 (GmGDPD2), and haplotype 5 represents the optimal allele favoring LP tolerance. Overexpression of GmGDPD2 significantly affects hormone signaling and improves root architecture, phosphate efficiency and yield-related traits; conversely, CRISPR/Cas9-edited plants show decreases in these traits. GmMyb73 negatively regulates GmGDPD2 by directly binding to its promoter; thus, GmMyb73 negatively regulates LP tolerance. GmGDPD2 physically interacts with GA 2-oxidase 1 (GmGA2ox1) in the plasma membrane, and overexpressing GmGA2ox1 enhances LP-associated traits, similar to GmGDPD2 overexpression. Analysis of double mutants for GmGDPD2 and GmGA2ox1 demonstrated that GmGDPD2 regulates LP tolerance likely by influencing auxin and gibberellin dose-associated cell division in the root. These results reveal a regulatory module that plays a major role in regulating LP tolerance in soybeans and is expected to be utilized to develop phosphate-efficient varieties to enhance soybean production, particularly in phosphate-deficient soils. The major quantitative trait locus gene GmGDPD2 controls root and phosphorus efficiency traits and interacts with Myb73 and GA2ox1 to enhance yield traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of study was to construct a nomogram to effectively predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Methods: The training cohort consisted of 5405 patients with VSCC, extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Eighty‐four patients with VSCC were selected from the disease database of the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from 2014 to 2020, and enrolled as the external validation cohort. Significant independent prognostic factors were identified using Cox regression analysis and used to develop nomograms to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS and CSS in patients with VSCC. Results: The nomogram predicting OS was developed based on tumor size, histological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, regional lymph node involvement, distant metastases, surgery, chemotherapy, age, and race. The nomogram for CSS was constructed using the similar factors, excluding race but including marital status. The nomogram for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS demonstrated robust performance with receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) exceeding 80% (0.86, 0.84, and 0.82), outperforming the FIGO staging alone (0.77, 0.75, and 0.72). Similarly, for CSS, our nomograms achieved larger AUCs of 0.89, 0.88, and 0.86 compared with FIGO staging alone (0.81, 0.79, and 0.78). Conclusion: The nomograms more accurately predict prognosis than simple FIGO staging. Moreover, the nomograms developed in this study provide a convenient, operable, and reliable tool for individual assessment and clinical decision‐making for patients with VSCC. Synopsis: The VSCC nomograms established in this study showed a good prognostic prediction effect and could be used as a supplement to FIGO staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient generation of monodispersed droplets holds great promise for micro‐/nanoparticle synthesis and biochemical analysis. However, it remains a challenge to achieve high‐throughput generation of monodispersed droplets in a portable and/or parallel manner in nonexpert biomedical laboratories. Herein, a versatile microchannel array (μCA) device is reported that is portable, multifaceted, reliable, and mass‐manufacturable, supporting the high‐throughput generation of monodispersed droplets in different ways. This device consists of a silicon‐based μCA chip based on the step emulsification principle, as well as two matching plastic containers, both of which can be mass‐manufactured by traditional microfabrication methods at low material costs. With the μCA device, aqueous solution can be dispersed into emulsion droplets by various modes, such as mechanical pump‐based large‐scale, handheld syringe‐based portable, and gas pump‐based highly parallel droplet generation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that our cost‐effective device can be applied for digital polymerase chain reaction analysis, supporting the need for more accessible microfluidic systems. Thus, the present device is expected to have a significant impact on both benchside and bedside applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In robot-assisted microsurgery (RAMS), surgeons often face the challenge of operating with minimal feedback, particularly lacking in haptic feedback. However, most traditional desktop haptic devices have restricted operational areas and limited dexterity. This report describes a novel, lightweight, and low-budget wearable haptic controller for teleoperated microsurgical robotic systems. We designed a wearable haptic interface entirely made using off-the-shelf material-PolyJet Photopolymer, fabricated using liquid and solid hybrid 3D co-printing technology. This interface was designed to resemble human soft tissues and can be wrapped around the fingertips, offering direct contact feedback to the operator. We also demonstrated that the device can be easily integrated with our motion tracking system for remote microsurgery. Two motion tracking methods, marker-based and marker-less, were compared in trajectory-tracking experiments at different depths to find the most effective motion tracking method for our RAMS system. The results indicate that within the 4 to 8 cm tracking range, the marker-based method achieved exceptional detection rates. Furthermore, the performance of three fusion algorithms was compared to establish the unscented Kalman filter as the most accurate and reliable. The effectiveness of the wearable haptic controller was evaluated through user studies focusing on the usefulness of haptic feedback. The results revealed that haptic feedback significantly enhances depth perception for operators during teleoperated RAMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multiple sclerosis (MS), as an inflammatory demyelinating disorder of central nervous system, is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurologic disability in young adults. The pathogenesis of MS remains unknown, however, a dysregulation of glia-neuroimmune signaling plays a key role during progressive disease stage. Most of the existing drugs are aimed at the immune system, but there is no approved drug by promoting remyelination after demyelination so far. There is a great interest in identifying novel agents for treating MS by targeting to switch the immune imbalance from pro-inflammation and apoptosis to anti-inflammation and regeneration during remyelination phase. Here, we reported that ganoderic acid A (GAA) significantly enhanced the remyelination and rescued motor deficiency in two animal models of MS, including cuprizone-induced demyelination and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. In these two independent MS animal models, GAA modulated neuroimmune to enhance the anti-inflammatory and regeneration markers IL-4 and BDNF, inhibited inflammatory markers IL-1β and IL-6, followed by down-regulation of microglia activation and astrocyte proliferation. Pharmacological and genetic ablation of farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) abolished GAA-induced remyelination and restoration of motor deficiency in MS mice. Thus, GAA is a novel and potential therapeutic agent that can rescue MS neuroimmune imbalance and remyelination through an FXR receptor-dependent mechanism. Clinical investigation on the therapeutic effect of GAA in improving remyelination of the MS patients to rescue the motor function is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important small biomolecule that participates in a variety of physiological functions, and it has been regarded as a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis and a promising target for disease treatment. The conventional methods for NAD+ assay often suffer from complicated procedures, expensive labeling, poor selectivity, and unsatisfactory sensitivity. Herein, we develop a label-free and sensitive method for NAD+ assay based on the integration of a trifunctional split dumbbell probe with ligation-triggered isothermal rolling circle amplification (RCA). We design a trifunctional split dumbbell probe that can act as a probe for NAD+ recognition, a template for RCA reaction, and a substrate for SYBR Green I binding. In the presence of target NAD+, it can serve as a cofactor to active E. coli DNA ligase which subsequently catalyzes the ligation of split dumbbell probe to form a circular template for RCA reaction, generating numerous dumbbell probe amplicons which can be easily and label-free monitored by using SYBR Green I as the fluorescent indicator. Due to the high fidelity of NAD+-dependent ligation and high amplification efficiency of RCA amplification, this method exhibits high sensitivity with a detection limit of 85.6 fM and good selectivity with the capability of discriminating target NAD+ from its analogs. Moreover, this method can be applied for accurate and sensitive detection of NAD+ in complex biological samples and cancer cells, holding great potential in NAD+-related biological researches and clinical diagnosis. Image 1 • A label-free fluorescent method is developed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) assay. • This assay is based on the integration of a trifunctional split dumbbell probe with rolling circle amplification. • This method exhibits high sensitivity with a detection limit of 85.6 fM. • This method possesses good selectivity and it can discriminate NAD+ from its analogs. • This method can sensitively detect NAD+ in complex biological samples and even cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of society, psychological health becomes a basic standard for a college student to grow into a qualified person. This study is aimed at using data mining principles and methods to excavate the factors that lead to psychological problems of college students, to purposefully carry out psychological interventions, use visual art design methods to promote college students' psychological health treatment, and build a perfect system of college students' psychological treatment. Based on the theories of data mining, we built a data analysis model, elaborated the data preprocessing method, and applied the Apriori algorithm to analyze the data of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity symptoms, and various psychological problem attributes extracted the strong association rules and analyzed the results. Take advantage of the corresponding unique school environment and educational advantages, to build a set of mental health education methods suitable for modern college students, and truly enable them to obtain satisfactory psychological interventions in a reasonable art design treatment phase. Based on the above association pattern mining results, a series of preprocessing operations were performed on the data, and then, the Apriori algorithm was applied to discover the potential association relationships among 9 psychological dimension factors of college students, and then, the ID3 decision tree algorithm was used to construct a decision tree and pruning process, from which the classification rules of students' psychological problems were analyzed and discovered. These studies provide some practical reference basis for school counseling work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dielectric properties of barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride (BT/PVDF) composites are investigated. The doped BT particles were prepared using a simple heat treatment. It was found that 1000 °C was the optimal temperature for the doped BT particles to improve the dielectric properties of the BT/PVDF composites. Furthermore, we also found that the breakdown strength of the BT/PVDF composites could be significantly enhanced when the surface of the doped BT particles were pre-modified with phthalic acid or KH550. In particular, the BT/PVDF composites doped with KH550-modified BT particles had a maximum energy-storage density of 4.08 J cmâˆ'3, which is 81.33% higher than that of BT/PVDF composites doped with BT particles and without any treatment. Therefore, we can conclude that heat treatment and surface modification of doped BT particles could become a new approach to enhance the energy-storage performance of BT/PVDF composites, and which has good application prospects in the field of dielectric energy-storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic exercise facilitates optimal neurological function and exerts beneficial effects in neurologic injuries. Both animal and clinical studies have shown that aerobic exercise reduces brain lesion volume and improves multiple aspects of cognition and motor function after stroke. Studies using animal models have proposed a wide range of potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the neurological benefits of aerobic exercise. Furthermore, additional exercise parameters, including time of initiation, exercise dosage (exercise duration and intensity), and treatment modality are also critical for clinical application, as identifying the optimal combination of parameters will afford patients with maximal functional gains. To clarify these issues, the current review summarizes the known neurological benefits of aerobic exercise under both physiological and pathological conditions and then considers the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits in the contexts of stroke-like focal cerebral ischemia and cardiac arrest-induced global cerebral ischemia. In addition, we explore the key roles of exercise parameters on the extent of aerobic exercise-induced neurological benefits to elucidate the optimal combination for aerobic exercise intervention. Finally, the current challenges for aerobic exercise implementation after stroke are discussed. • Aerobic exercise effectively attenuates neuronal degeneration and facilitates functional recovery after stroke. • Aerobic exercise improves ischemic brain injury-induced cognitive decline by regulating neuroplasticity. • Aerobic exercise exerts neuroprotection by multiple mechanisms. • Effects of post-stroke aerobic exercise are contingent on exercise timing, intensity, and modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]