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The electromagnetic (EM) detection and sensing research of human signs are becoming much more attractive, especially with the rise of intelligent metasurface which can strongly enhance the control abilities and functionalities of transmitting and receiving EM fields. It proposes the design of integrating‐type intelligent metasurface to realize the indoor positioning and posture recognition of the human body using the support vector machine algorithm and a new deep learning algorithm model it proposed called MetaNet. The integrating‐type metasurface with the in‐plane feed rather than horn excitation is real low profile, and the varactor based programmable phase shifters achieving 360‐degree cover and continuous control of phase are independently embedded in each unit cell for further synthesized manipulation of apertures. One pair of integrating‐type intelligent metasurfaces are fabricated for transmitting and receiving EM fields, respectively. Also, the corresponding prototype of radar transceiver system is developed and manufactured to rapidly acquire massive data. The total experimental flow can include two main steps that first, the transmitting and receiving beams of metasurfaces should scan dynamically and synchronously under the method of far‐field synthesis for detecting the direction of the human. Second, the transmitting beam should keep the detected direction and the receiving apertures of metasurface should be varied by randomly control the phase shift of each unit cell for multiple sensing. Based on the technology of deep learning to process the massive receiving data, the profile images and key points of various human postures can be reconstructed very well in the measurement that can verify the validity of the proposed sensing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most patients with pancreatic cancer are already in the late stages of the disease when they are diagnosed, and pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with a poor prognosis. With the advancement of research, immunotherapy has become a new focus in the treatment of tumors. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no reliable diagnostic or prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer; therefore, the present study investigated the potential of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a kinase 2 (EIF2AK2) as a predictive and diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of clinical samples independently verified that EIF2AK2 expression was significantly higher in clinically operated pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent pancreatic tissues., and EIF2AK2 expression and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using downloadable RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genomic Tumor Expression Atlas. In addition, Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses and immune cell infiltration were used for functional enrichment analysis of EIF2AK2-associated DEGs. The clinical importance of EIF2AK2 was also determined using Kaplan-Meier survival, Cox regression and time-dependent survival receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, and a predictive nomogram model was generated. Finally, the functional role of EIF2AK2 was assessed in PANC-1 cells using a short hairpin RNA-EIF2AK2 knockdown approach, including CCK-8, wound healing assay, cell cycle and apoptosis assays. The findings suggested that EIF2AK2 may have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, EIF2AK2 may provide a new therapeutic target for patients with pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endowing room‐temperature polymorphs with both long‐term stability and easy interconvertibility is a big challenge due to the complexity of intermolecular interactions. Herein, we present a chiral hexagonal perovskite (R‐3‐hydroxy‐1‐methylpiperidinium)[CdCl3] having two room‐temperature crystalline forms featuring obviously distinct second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) signals with a high switching contrast of ~18 times. The two room‐temperature forms could be long‐term stable yet easily interconvertible through an irreversible thermal‐induced phase transition and a pressure‐driven backward transition, by switching hydrogen bonds via collective reorientation of ordered homochiral cations. Based on the essential role of homochiral organic cations in inducing switchable hydrogen bond linkages, this present instance provides good evidence that relatively irregular organic cations could induce more obvious inorganic chain deformations, thus endowing polymorphs with significantly different SHG signals at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the drying rack system, users with limited time tend to use the fully functional drying rack system to realize various intelligent control functions. However, the existing control methods for drying rack system has some defects such as, low intelligence and system delay, which are unsuitable for most users. In this paper, an efficient intelligent control algorithm based on the back‐propagation (BP) neural network is proposed. In this system, STM32F103 is first utilized as the central controller and multiple sensors are used to collect environmental information. Then, the remote control, voice keywords, and buttons can be used to achieve intelligent control. Subsequently, a motor drive intelligence control algorithm based on the BP neural network (MCBP) is proposed to improve the accuracy of the intelligent control. Next, an Application (APP) that can display environmental data such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity is developed. The APP can realize various intelligent control functions such as lifting, panning, rotating, and harvesting. Finally, MCBP is compared with normal control and programmable logic controller control. The accuracy of the MCBP is higher than other two control methods. The final extensive experiments confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed intelligent control algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facility Relocation (FR), which is an effort to reallocate the placement of facilities to adapt to the changes of urban planning, has remarkable impact on many areas. Existing solutions fail to guarantee the result quality on relocating k > 1 facilities. As k-FR problem is NP-complete and is not submodular or non-decreasing, traditional greedy algorithm cannot be directly applied. We propose to transform k-FR into another facility placement problem, which is submodular and non-decreasing. We prove that the optimal solutions of both problems are equivalent. Accordingly, we present the first approximate solution toward the k-FR, FR2FP. Our extensive comparison over both FR2FP and the state-of-the-art solution shows that FR2FP, although it provides approximation guarantee, cannot necessarily given superior results. The comparison motivates us to present an advanced approximate solution, FR2FP-ex. Moreover, based on Lagrangian relaxation, we develop an algorithm that can adjust the approximation ratio. Extensive experiments verified that, FR2FP-ex demonstrates the best result quality, and it is very close to the optimal solution. In addition, we also unveil the scenarios when the state-of-the-art would fail. We further generalize the k-FR problem, considering the budget for relocation and the cost of each facility. We also present corresponding approximate solutions toward the new problem and prove the approximation ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy is the standard of treatment for metastatic gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). It is unclear whether chemotherapy plus surgery improves the survival outcomes of patients with isolated liver metastases from GBC. We aimed to investigate the survival benefits of chemotherapy plus surgery in GBC with isolated liver metastases compared to those of chemotherapy alone. Methods: We identified 406 patients with isolated liver metastases from GBC who underwent chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus surgery between 2010 and 2015 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups: group I, chemotherapy alone (n = 263); group II, chemotherapy combined with cholecystectomy (n = 116); and group III, chemotherapy combined with cholecystectomy plus hepatectomy (n = 27). The cancer-specific survival and overall survival were evaluated. Results: Compared with group I, group II revealed a longer survival time (P <.001). In addition, the survival time of the group III was also prolonged (P <.001). Multivariate cox analysis showed that treatment strategy was an independent prognostic factor. Conclusion: Chemotherapy combined with resection of the primary tumor plus or not plus resection of the metastatic lesions may be beneficial in GBC with isolated liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marlelimestone rhythmic strata of the Permian Maokou Formation have been identified as hosts of unconventional gas reservoirs with "sourceereservoir" integration. The lack of research on the pore structure evolution of organic-rich carbonate rock restricts gas exploration of these strata. Here, pyrolysis experiments were performed on the Mao-1 carbonate to simulate hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and diagenesis in gray marl from low maturity to overmaturity. The pore structure of this marl is dominated by mesopores and macropores, and the proportion of macropores increases gradually with temperature. The macropores are mainly pores in the organic matter and shrinkage microcracks. Additionally, micropores and mesopores, dominated by clay mineral interlayer pores and pyrite intergranular pores, are developed in the high mature stage and subsequently compressed in the overmature stage. The main contributors to the specific surface area are micropores and mesopores, which are conducive to natural gas adsorption. After the same pyrolysis treatment, the available porosity of grey marl is higher than that of marine/lacustrine shales, and exhibits an obvious decrease in the low mature emature stage. These suggest that the abundant residual oil generated blocked the organic and inorganic pores in the gray marl, providing a pivotal material foundation for the gas generation. Micropores and mesopores developed during the high mature stage ensure the gas accumulation and preservation. The above indicate the organic-rich carbonate at the high matureeovermature stage (Ro = 1.7%e2.5%) in the Sichuan Basin may be a favorable exploration horizon for unconventional oil and gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the oblique supine position (OSP) and the prone position (PP). Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OSP versus PP for PCNL. Material and methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Ovid, SCOPUS, and citation lists was conducted to identify eligible comparative studies up to November 2022. All studies comparing OSP versus PP for PCNL were included. Statistical analysis was performed with the Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. Results: Overall, eight studies were included involving 1185 patients (OSP = 634; PP = 551). There were no statistically significant differences between OSP and PP in age (WMD = -0.95 years; 95% CI: -2.12 to 0.21; p = 0.83) or proportion of male patients (OR = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.08; p = 0.43). We found that OSP was performed more frequently for smaller stone size and patients with higher BMI (WMD = -0.1 cm, 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.02; p = 0.01) and patients with higher BMI (WMD = 0.66 kg/m2; 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.03; p = 0.0005). The operation time was shorter in OSP than PP (WMD = -14 min; 95% CI: -27.00 to -1.00; p = 0.03). The reduction of hemoglobin was lower in OSP than PP (WMD = -0.39 g/dl; 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.13; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in stone-free rate and hospitalization between the two groups (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.78; p = 0.07; WMD = -5.99 h; 95% CI: -17.15 to 5.16; p = 0.29). The overall complications were fewer in OSP than in PP (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.81; p = 0.001), but no difference was observed between the positions with regard to the major complications (Clavien-Dindo score = 3) (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.43 to 1.34; p = 0.35). Conclusions: OSP showed non-inferior stone-free rate, blood loss, and hospitalization compared with PP. OSP may be superior in terms of operative time and complications than PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To compare the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) vs. transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RLA versus TLA for PHEO. Material and methods: A systematic research of PubMed, Ovid, Scopus (up to June 2022), and citation lists was performed for all comparative eligible studies of RLA versus TLA for PHEO. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results: Overall, six studies including 597 patients (RLA 243; TLA 354) were included. RLA was associated with lower BMI compared to TLA (WMD = -0.81 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.10; p = 0.03). RLA was associated with smaller tumor size (WMD = -0.90 cm, 95% CI: -1.59 to -0.20; p = 0.01). RLA was associated with shorter operative time (WMD = -34.58 min, 95% CI: -40.80 to -28.36; p < 0.001), lower EBL (WMD = -107.91 ml, 95% CI: -145.09, -70.74; p < 0.001), and a slightly higher HI rate (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.29; p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences for complications (p = 0.71) and Clavien-Dindo score = 3 complications (p = 0.19) for RLA compared to TLA. RLA was associated with shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = -1.94 days, 95% CI: -2.60 to -1.29; p < 0.001). Conclusions: For selected PHEO patients, RLA has advantages in terms of operative time, EBL, and length of hospital stay, but the HI rate is higher. Since the lower BMI and smaller tumor size of RLA reduced the difficulty of surgery, these results need to be confirmed by further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DW model is improved based on the unique characters of group consumption. At first, using social experiment, we determine the categories and attributes of agents, and then based on the DW model, participants' interaction rules are established. Finally, a mass of numerical simulation experiments show that in the form of collaborative online shopping, merchants can reverse opinions, who could persuade consumers with negative attitudes, changing opinions, and supporting collaborative online shopping, and the level of characteristics is closely related to the number of consumers changing opinions; opinion leaders can differentiate group opinions, neither accelerating effect nor destructive effect; the characteristics level of individual consumers has close relation with positive group polarization effect; when an individual consumer has high conformity or trust propensity, the opinions of some customers with supporting collaborative online shopping will be strengthened, they accept collaborative online shopping more. In addition, for group interaction of collaborative online shopping context, there is no negative group polarization effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-phase isolated ac–dc matrix converter (3P-IMC) inherits all the merits of the conventional matrix converter. But it also suffers from a large number of bidirectional switches and cannot operate safely in an open-circuit fault condition. Hence, with a general space vector PWM (SVPWM) model presented in this article, three types of asymmetrical SVPWM (ASVPWM) schemes are first proposed for normal and open-circuit fault-tolerant operation. The ASVPWM schemes have more kinds of synthetic vectors with asymmetrical distribution, however, also feature a higher freedom and flexibility to further improve the system performance. Then by sectional combining the above ASVPWM schemes with the conventional one, the 3P-IMC could be continued to operate with a tight dc output voltage regulation under single-switch open-circuit fault condition, which has an inherent open-circuit fault-tolerant capability. Compared with the conventional two-phase fault-tolerant operation, the proposed strategy has a smaller output voltage ripple, lower current stress, lower current harmonic, higher maximum output power, etc. The safety and reliability of the converter are greatly improved. Finally, a 3P-IMC experimental prototype is built up to verify the performance of the proposed ASVPWM schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to obtain a margin of safety for material and process parameters in sheet metal forming. Commonly applied forming criteria are difficult to comprehensively evaluate the forming quality directly. Therefore, an image-driven criterion is suggested for uncertainty parameter identification of sheet metal forming. In this way, more useful characteristics, material flow, and distributions of safe and crack regions, can be considered. Moreover, to improve the efficiency for obtaining sufficient statistics of Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), a manifold learning-assisted ABC uncertainty inverse framework is proposed. Based on the framework, the design parameters of two sheet metal forming problems, an air conditioning cover and an engine inner hood, are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a fractional-order economic growth model with time delay based on the Solow model to describe the economic growth path and explore the underlying growth factors. It effectively captures memory characteristics in economic operations by adding a time lag to the capital stock. The proposed model is presented in the form of a fractional differential equations system, and the sufficient conditions for the local stability are obtained. In the simulation, the theoretical results are verified and the sensitivity analysis is performed on individual parameters. Based on the proposed model, we predict China's GDP in the next thirty years through optimization and find medium-to-high-speed growth in the short term. Furthermore, the application results indicate that China is facing the disappearance of demographic dividend and the deceleration of capital accumulation. Therefore, it is urgent for China to increase the total factor productivity (TFP) and transform its economic growth into a trajectory dependent on TFP growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and organic fertilizers are important alternatives to mineral fertilizers. Thus, it is important to understand how the co-application of biochar and organic fertilizers influences crop productivity and soil-plant phosphorus (P) trade-offs. Herein, we conducted a field fertilization experiment for eight years with maize-cabbage rotation. This experiment contained five treatments: no fertilization (CK), mineral fertilizers (CF), CF + biochar (BF), 20% substitution of mineral nitrogen (N) with organic fertilizers (OF), and OF + biochar (BOF). The fertilization regimes of all plots were maintained since 2013. The results showed that soil P pool composition but not P bioavailability differed significantly between the five treatments. Compared with the CF treatment, soil labile-P content in the BF, OF, and BOF treatments significantly increased by 12–23% and soil stable-P content decreased by 13–19%. Besides, the soil moderately labile-P content in the OF and BOF significantly decreased by 40% and 10% and increased by 31% in the BF as compared to the CF. The activities of soil acid (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the BF, OF, and BOF significantly increased by 8–44% and 16–49% respectively compared to the CK. Furthermore, the abundance of P-acquiring genes (bpp , phoD , phoX , ppx , ppk , and phnK) in the BF, OF, and BOF increased by 22–114% compared to the CK. Plant P uptake and maize yield were significantly correlated with soil ACP and ALP activities as well as the abundance of phnK , ppx , phoD , phoX , and pqqC genes but not to the contents of soil P components. In conclusion, the co-application of biochar and organic fertilizer on maize productivity increases was mainly related to the improvement of soil phosphatase activity and P-acquiring gene abundance. [Display omitted] • Long-term biochar and organic fertilizer inputs affected soil P pool and maize growth. • Biochar and organic fertilizer increased 12–23% labile-P but reduced 13–19% stable-P. • Biochar and organic fertilizer enhanced soil P-cycling enzyme activity and gene abundance. • Organically-amended increase in maize productivity relied on microbial-driven P dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a three-phase isolated ac-dc matrix converter, the slight volt-second imbalance caused by variable input voltage is an inherent defect and has been neglected in most PWM schemes. The analysis in this paper shows that the imbalance lies in a single direction during the entire input cycle, and it might generate a large dc bias to severely decrease the efficiency of the steady-state operation. Therefore, the imbalance phenomenon is first investigated, and the generation mechanism of the steady-state dc bias is derived in detail. To eliminate such a dc bias, a novel transformer primary-side voltage pulse is originally defined. Based on the special crisscrossing operation mode with the above pulse, a simple but effective four-segment space vector PWM (4S-SVPWM) scheme is proposed. Compared with the conventional more-segment SVPWM schemes, the novel 4S-SVPWM scheme can achieve volt-second self-balancing without auxiliary methods, as well as a 1/2 reduction in the common-mode voltage (CMV) peak value and a 1/3 reduction in the switching actions. The overall efficiency and power density of the converter are greatly improved. Finally, an experimental prototype is built to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the novel scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to endow polymorphs with both long-term stability and easy interconvertibility. We demonstrate an interesting example that two room-temperature polymorphs could be long-term stable yet easily interconvertible, at a pressure of ∼4.8 MPa and a temperature of 120 °C, by switching hydrogen bonds via collective reorientation of organic cations in chiral molecular perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Thrombin plays a neuroprotective role against ICH injury. • Thrombin alleviates neurological deficits and neuron damage after ICH. • Thrombin promotes new vessels maturation and stabilization by increasing pericyte coverage. • Thrombin increases pericyte coverage by activating Tie2 and a downstream PI3K/Akt signaling. Abstract Pericyte coverage on the endothelial tubes leads to the formation of a mature and stable microvessel system, which is critical for brain repair after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We report herein that thrombin promotes pericyte coverage by activating Tie2 and the downstream signaling pathway PI3K/Akt in a rat model of ICH. ICH was induced by injection of autologous blood with or without thrombin inhibitor hirudin. Rats were treated with thrombin alone or in combination with a Tie2 inhibitor. The expression of total- and phospho-Tie2, PI3K and phospho-Akt, blood perfusion, pericyte coverage, IgG extravasation, neuron survival and neurological deficits were evaluated by western blot, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate-dextran staining, immunohistochemistry, Nissl staining and modified neurological severity scores respectively. Induction of ICH resulted in increased phosphorylation of Tie2 on endothelial cells and pericyte coverage, better formation of integral and functional microvessels, more surviving neurons and accelerated motor function recovery, all of which were significantly attenuated by hirudin at 7 and 14 days after ICH induction. Furthermore, thrombin increased phosphorylation of Tie2 and Akt, expression of PI3K, and pericyte coverage, which were however reversed by pharmacological inhibition of Tie2. Our results demonstrated that thrombin promotes pericyte coverage on microvessels following ICH by enhancing activation of Tie2, in which the downstream PI3K/Akt signaling pathway might be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the rising utilization of medical imaging and the risks of radiation, there is increased interest in reducing radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate, as a proof of principle, CT scans performed at radiation doses equivalent to that of a posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph series in the cystic lung disease lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).Methods: From November 2016 to May 2018, 105 consecutive subjects with LAM received chest CT scans at standard and ultra-low radiation doses. Standard and ultra-low-dose images, respectively, were reconstructed with routine iterative and newer model-based iterative reconstruction. LAM severity can be quantified as cyst score (percentage of lung occupied by cysts), an ideal benchmark for validating CT scans performed at a reduced dose compared with a standard dose. Cyst scores were quantified using semi-automated software and evaluated by linear correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.Results: Overall, ultra-low-dose CT scans represented a 96% dose reduction, with a median dose equivalent to 1 vs 22 posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph series (0.14 mSv; 5th-95th percentile, 0.10-0.20 vs standard dose 3.4 mSv; 5th-95th percentile, 1.5-7.4; P < .0001). The mean difference in cyst scores between ultra-low- and standard-dose CT scans was 1.1% ± 2.0%, with a relative difference in cyst score of 11%. Linear correlation coefficient was excellent at 0.97 (P < .0001).Conclusions: In LAM chest CT scan at substantial radiation reduction to doses equivalent to that of a posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph series provides cyst score quantification similar to that of standard-dose CT scan.Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Nos.: NCT00001465 and NCT00001532; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BI (bistable interlock), which exists in some creatures and is nowadays applied in engineering, is a kind of micro-structure with two distinct stable positions. In this study, the physical properties and other characteristics of the BI are investigated and the geometric parameters of the BI are optimized. Initially, to filter unimportant factors for individual interlocked structure, GSA-HDMR (global sensitivity analysis - high dimensional modeling representation) is firstly performed through a closed-loop method. An optimization of structure with multiple interlocked sutures is carried out by several novel algorithms to find the optimal design that makes the structure the most stable. The optimal design obtained by the PSO (particle swarm optimization) method turns out to be the best. To improve the modeling efficiency and make the above procedures adaptive and easy to be controlled, the GSA (global sensitivity analysis) and optimization procedures are modeled in ABAQUS based on Python Language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient synthetic approach is reported for the synthesis of 5-trifluoromethyl-5-aryl-3-methylidenepyrrolidin-2-ones in moderate to excellent yields via an acid-catalyzed one-pot multicomponent reaction of aromatic trifluoromethyl ketones, acylhydrazines, and ethyl 2-(bromomethyl)acrylate promoted by tin powder. The protocol is operationally simple. The overall process involves allylation and cyclization of the intermediate of acylhydrazones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With heptachlor as the sole carbon source, an effective heptachlor-degrading microorganism (named strain H) was isolated from the sludge of heptachlor-polluted sewage of a chemical plant, via enrichment, screening and purification. Strain H was identified as a facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacterial strain belonging to genus Shigella based on the physiological-biochemical characteristics and the similarity analysis of its 16S rDNA gene sequence with the sequences logged in the Ribosomal Database Project and GenBank databases. When the optimal inoculation volume and the pH were 20% and 7.1-7.6, respectively, strain H was able to degrade heptachlor by more than 88.2% after 130 h, with initial concentration of heptachlor being 300 µg/L at 30 ± 0.5 °C. It was also shown that strain H can grow on the degradation products of heptachlor such as 1-hydroxychlordene or heptachlor epoxide. Furthermore, additional carbon sources can accelerate the degradation rate of heptachlor because of co-metabolism. The degradation dynamics could be described by a first-order reaction model. A real-world field experiment demonstrated that strain H was effective in practical applications of heptachlor biodegradation in contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and practical cascade oxidation/halogenoaminocyclization of trifluoromethylated homoallylic N-acylhydrazines is developed. The protocol enables an efficient access to various biologically interesting CF3-containing pyrazoline compounds from readily accessible trifluoromethylated homoallylic N-acylhydrazines in good to excellent yields under mild conditions without any other additives or catalysts. The produced pyrazoline compounds can be further manipulated to other more complicated derivatives through transformation of residual halogen atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delphinidin, a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in nature and is used as a food supplement due to its pharmacological activity. The aims of the present study were to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of delphinidin in alleviating spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced inflammation in a rat model and to determine the underlying mechanisms in SCI. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scores of rats were assessed to evaluate the effect of delphinidin on the recovery of motor function. ELISA kits were also used to analyze the activities of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and caspase-3. In addition, the protein expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, activator protein 1 (AP-1) and p38-MAPK protein expression were measured using western blot analysis. Treatment with delphinidin significantly increased the BBB scores, as well as inhibited the intramedullary spinal pressure in SCI rats. Delphinidin treatment also significantly suppressed the levels of inflammatory factors and NF-κB protein expression in SCI rats. Finally, treatment with delphinidin significantly inhibited NF-κB stimulation, COX-2 activity, PGE2 production, and AP-1 and p38-MAPK protein expression in SCI rats. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of delphinidin alleviated inflammation in the SCI rat model via alleviation of the intramedullary spinal pressure through the NF-κB and p38-MAPK signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aluminum chloride promoted Hantzsch reaction of N-tosylhydrazones has been developed. The reaction is general for a wide range of N-tosylhydrazones, and a series of 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) were prepared in moderate to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold-resistant nitrobenzene-degrading strain was screened from river sediment. The strain was identified as Methylobacillus glycogens, which has never been reported to be capable of degrading nitrobenzene. The degradation rates of 900 μg/L nitrobenzene reached respectively 99.3% and 88.6% in 144 h under both aerobic and anaerobic environments (30 mL inoculation volume at 12 ± 0.5 °C and pH7.0 ± 0.1). When aerobically degraded, nitrobenzene was firstly oxidized into o-nitrophenol, which was further oxidized into 1,2-benzenediol, meanwhile releasing NO2-. Then the 1,2-benzenediol was metabolized through either the ortho-cleavage into succinic acid and acetyl-CoA, or meta-cleavage into pyruvic acid and acetaldehyde, as well as other small molecule substances of non-toxicity or low-toxicity, which were finally decomposed into CO2 and H2O. When anaerobically degraded, nitrobenzene was firstly degraded into aniline (C6H5NH2), which was further degraded into 4-amino benzoic acid. The benzoic acid was degraded into benzoyl, which was finally metabolized and decomposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common types of cancer in Asia, particular in China. However, the pathogenesis of ESCC has not previously been well demonstrated. A major product of lipid peroxidation, 4‑hydroxynonenal (4‑HNE), is considered to be an oxidative stress inducer, as it is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, cataracts and cancer. In order to investigate the association between oxidative stress and the pathogenic process of ESCC, the present study determined the expression levels of 4‑HNE in 23 non‑malignant esophageal epithelial tissues, 11 esophageal carcinoma in situ tissues and 57 ESCC tissues from patients in the Chaoshan area, a high‑risk region for esophageal cancer in China. A significantly higher expression level of 4‑HNE was identified in ESCC tissues compared with that in non‑malignant esophageal epithelial tissues (P<0.05). Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that expression levels of 4‑HNE were significantly associated with the clinical stage. The patients with positive staining of 4‑HNE revealed a poorer clinical outcome compared with that of patients with negative staining. 4‑HNE was significantly associated with the severity of inflammation and increased with the progression of precancerous lesions (P<0.05). These results provide pathological evidence that oxidative stress is a driving force of ESCC carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal genus Microcera consists of species mostly occurring as parasites of scale insects, but are also commonly isolated from soil or lichens. In the present study, we surveyed the diversity and assess the taxonomy of entomopathogenic fungi in Sichuan Province, China. Two new species of Microcera, viz. M. chrysomphaludis and M. pseudaulacaspidis, were isolated from scale insects colonising walnut (Juglans regia). Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses of ITS, LSU, tef1-a, rpb1, rpb2, acl1, act, tub2, cmdA and his3 sequence data provide evidence for the validity of the two species and their placement in Nectriaceae (Hypocreales). Microcera pseudaulacaspidis primarily differs from similar species by having more septate and smaller cylindrical macroconidia, as well as DNA sequence data. Meanwhile, Microcera chrysomphaludis has elliptical, one-septate ascospores with acute ends and cylindrical, slightly curved with 4-6 septate macroconidia up to 78 µm long. Morphological descriptions with illustrations of the novel species and DNA-based phylogeny generated from analyses of multigene dataset are also provided to better understand species relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma scalds initiated by a 1053 nm (1ω) nanosecond laser are separated from the defect-induced damage pits, which is verified as a result of the ionization wavefront with the subnanosecond laser. Considering the beam reflection from solid-state absorption fronts during the damage process, a theoretical scalding threshold about 6.84 J/cm2 (12 ns) based on the energy required to start an air avalanche is evaluated and agrees well with the experimental scalding threshold. The occurrence order of the initial explosion and subsequent ionization wavefront is verified to explain most of the damage morphologies caused by the 1ω laser. In addition to the significance in laser conditioning or cleaning for a high-power laser system, the results also indicate that through the occurrence of plasma scalds it is possible to mark the onset time of air plasma during laser-coating interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize the global super large field of view (FOV) and medium resolution imaging in satellite ocean remote sensing, we propose a catadioptric multiscale optical system based on the concentric double spherical mirrors with non optical axis. In this paper, according to the non optical axis characteristics of the multiscale optical system objective, the concentric double spherical mirrors with non optical axis characteristics is proposed as the objective to construct the catadioptric multiscale optical system, which can be used in the long wave infrared band (LWIR). Taking the system parameters of MODIS-N as example, the catadioptric multiscale system for LWIR based on concentric double spherical mirror is designed. The system works in the band of 7.5–12.5 μm, the resolution of the sub star point is 325 m, and the imaging FOV is 110°×1.4° (6-channel splicing FOV). The aberration analysis shows that the imaging quality of the system is good. According to the imaging experiment of the single channel prototype, the multiscale design idea based on concentric double spherical mirror is reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message We report an extremely rare case of acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4) with an MLL- ELL fusion gene lacking the PML- RAR α rearrangement that transformed from hypergranular acute promyelocytic leukemia ( APL) without showing any karyotypic evolution. The treatment was effective with chemotherapy for M4 and idarubicin plus a cytarabine-based chemotherapy protocol without ATRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

cold-resistant bacterium (strain GYT1) for degrading nitrobenzene was isolated from sediment in the Wei-he River by cultivation, domestication, enrichment, screening, and purification. Strain GYT1 is observed as a gram-negative bacterial strain of short pole shape according to the analysis of its morphology and physiological-biochemical characteristics. Strain GYT1 is identified as Methylobacillus sp. Lap based on the similarity analysis of its 16S rDNA gene sequence with the sequences logged in RDP database and the GenBank. Methylobacillus sp. Lap has never been reported to be able to degrade nitrobenzene. The degradation characteristics show that strain GYT1 can grow with nitrobenzene as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Nitrobenzene can be degraded completely when nitrobenzene concentration is less than 711μg/L at 12±0.5℃, with 15ml inoculation volume of strain GYT1 andpH 6.3-7.2. The degradation process meets the first-order reaction dynamics. According to the results of GC-MS analysis, nitrobenzene can be degraded into small molecule substances of non-toxicity or low-toxicity, and finally into CO2 and H2O by multi-step biochemical reactions under the action of enzyme catalytic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by recent experimental measurements, we study the quasiparticle spectra and the collective excitations in doped Sr2IrO4, in which the interesting interplay between the electronic correlations and strong spin-orbital coupling (SOC) exists. To include the SOC, we use the Hugenholtz diagrams to extend the fluctuation exchange (FLEX) approach to the case where the SU(2) symmetry can be broken. By using this generalized FLEX method, we find a weak pseudogap behavior near (π,0) in the slightly electron-doped system, with the corresponding Fermi arc formed by the partial destruction of Fermi surface. Similar features also appear in the hole-doped system; however, the position of the Fermi arc is rotated 45° with respect to the former. These results are consistent with the recent angle-resolved photoemission spectra in Sr2IrO4. We suggest that these anomalous phenomena are caused by the scatterings of quasiparticles off the isospin fluctuation derived from the effective Jeff = 1/2 doublet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of recombinant viral vectors expressing T. gondii antigens is a safe and efficient approach to induce immune responses against the parasite, as well as a valuable tool for vaccine development. We have previously prolonged the survival time of mice challenged with the RH strain of T. gondii by immunizing the mice with a eukaryotic vector expressing the protein ROP18 of T. gondii. We are now looking for ways to improve this vaccination strategy and enhance protection. Methods: In this study, we constructed and characterized a novel recombinant canine adenovirus type 2 expressing ROP18 (CAV-2-ROP18) of T. gondii by cytopathic effect (CPE) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) following transfection into MDCK cells. Intramuscular immunization of Kunming mice with CAV-2-ROP18 was carried out to evaluate humoral and cellular immune responses. Results: The vaccination of experimental mice with CAV-2-ROP18 elicited antibody production against ROP18, including high levels of a mixed IgG1/IgG2a and significant production of IFN-γ or IL-2, and displayed a significant bias towards a helper T cell type 1 (Th1) profile. Furthermore, the presence of T. gondii-specific IFN-γ-production and TNF-α-production T cells was elicited in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell compartments. Significantly higher survival rates (40%) occurred in the experimental group, and a reduction in brain cyst burden was detected in vaccinated mice. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential use of a CAV vector harboring the ROP18 gene in the development of a vaccine against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO colloid spheres with the size below 100 nm were coated on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) by the self-assembly method. The device exhibits excellent chemical sensing properties in methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol vapor. The kinetics of adsorption-desorption and mechanism of adsorption with different alcohols were studied. The results show that the concentration of analyte vapor affects on the chemical sensitivity of QCM sensor based on ZnO colloid spheres. The adsorption-desorption model is dependent on the type of analytes. Methanol and ethanol molecules adsorb on the ZnO surface much more easily than isopropanol molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were carried out in a newly-developed rectangular flume to investigate the pore pressure response of silty seabed in standing waves, and to emphatically discuss the physical mechanism of wave-induced pore pressure. We first analyzed the features of wave-induced stress, laid out the experimental setup, and particularly monitored the temporal and spatial variation of pore pressure. Then, we summarized the physical essence of wave-induced pore pressure, discussed the applicability of the existing models, and proposed several key points about developing new models. Results indicate that regular standing waves were obtained in the rectangular flume. The oscillating pore pressure (OPP) and the residual pore pressure (RPP) were observed simultaneously in the seabed under wave nodes or antinodes, and were found with coupling effect. The OPP and RPP were related to the elastic and plastic volumetric strains, respectively. Both elastic and plastic volumetric strains may be caused by the wave-induced cyclic spherical stress or deviatoric stress. The elastic model could only simulate the OPP and the pore pressure development mode could only simulate the RPP. The yielding under isotropic compression and the shear expansion of geotechnical materials, as well as the wave-induced stress paths, should be considered in the elastoplastic model to simulate the wave-induced pore pressure accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anninghe fault (ANHF) is an active left-lateral strike-slip fault along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Previous studies suggested the ANHF was divided into two segments, which herein we named the northern and southern segments respectively. Multiple trenches were excavated on the northern segment, revealing well-constrained paleoseismic events by radiocarbon ages. However, until now there is no paleoseismic result on the southern segment, which terminates at the Zemuhe fault (ZMHF) around Xichang where there were multiple historical records of large earthquakes. In this paper, we used high-resolution images for mapping fault traces on the southern segment of the ANHF and found a small depression. Through trenching in the depression, five paleoseismic events are identified and named E1 through E5 from youngest to oldest at 1750AD-present, 1430-1870AD, 940-1150AD, 700-1000AD, and 1400-500BC respectively. Comparing with the historical record earthquakes around Xichang, we suggest that the latest event E1 is associated with one of the 1850AD and 1952AD events, and event E2 is interpreted as the 1536AD earthquake; event E4 is possibly associated with the 814AD earthquake. The average recurrence interval of earthquakes on the southern segment is about 600-800yr, the interval between E1 and E2 is 416yr or 314yr, and 386-596yr between E2 and E3. The interval between E3 and E4 is shorter at 126-336yr, but much longer at 1314-2214yr between E4 and E5. These surface-faulting events on the southern segment of the ANHF appear to be unevenly spaced in time. Furthermore, integrating the paleoseismic sequence of the northern segment of the ANHF, the two segments appear to be ruptured individually or interactively triggered within a narrow time range, or co-ruptured during one paleoseismic event, indicating that the ANHF possibly shows a cascading rupturing behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of mammalian female germline stem cells (FGSCs) indicates that mammalian ovaries possess germline stem cells analogous to testis, and continue to produce gametes postnatally, which provides new insights into female fertility. In this study, we compared the morphological and molecular characteristics between FGSCs and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by analysis of morphology, immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase activity assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and microarray hybridization. The results demonstrated that the morphology and growth patterns of FGSCs are similar to those of SSCs. Microarray analysis of global gene expression profiles of FGSCs and SSCs showed similar signatures in the transcriptome level. A list of 853 co-highly expressed genes (CEG) in female and male germline stem cells may be responsible for the morphological and molecular similarity. We constructed a continuous network of the CEG based on I2D protein-protein interaction database by breadth first search. From the network, we could observe the interactions of the CEG may be responsible for maintaining the properties of germline stem cells. This study was the first attempt to compare morphological and molecular characteristics between FGSCs and SSCs. These findings would provide some clues for further research on mammalian FGSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend the method of constructing Bäcklund transformations for integrable equations through Riccati equations to the nonisospectral and the variable-coefficient equations. By taking nonisospectral and generalized variable-coefficient Korteweg—de Vries (KdV) equations as examples, their Bäcklund transformations are obtained under a more generalized constrain condition. In addition, the Lax pairs and infinite numbers of conservation laws of these equations are given. Especially, some classical equations such as the cylindrical KdV equation are just the special cases of the constrain condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlN epilayers are grown directly on sapphire (0001) substrates each of which has a low temperature AlN nucleation layer. The effects of pretreatments of sapphire substrates, including exposures to NH3/H2 and to H2 only ambients at different temperatures, before the growth of AlN epilayers is investigated. In-plane misoriented crystals occur in N-polar AlN epilayers each with pretreatment in a H2 only ambient, and are characterized by six 60°-apart peaks with splits in each peak in (101̄2) phi scan and two sets of hexagonal diffraction patterns taken along the [0001] zone axis in electron diffraction. These misoriented crystals can be eliminated in AlN epilayers by the pretreatment of sapphire substrates in the NH3/H2 ambient. AlN epilayers by the pretreatment of sapphire substrates in the NH3/H2 ambient are Al-polar. Our results show the pretreatments and the nucleation layers are responsible for the polarities of the AlN epilayers. We ascribe these results to the different strain relaxation mechanisms induced by the lattice mismatch of AlN and sapphire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weinreb amides were prepared directly from carboxylic acids, N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine, and phosphorus trichloride in one pot at 60 °C in toluene in high yields, thus avoiding the separation of the moisture and air sensitive intermediate P[NMe(OMe)]3 in advance. Sterically hindered carboxylic acids also give the corresponding Weinreb amides in excellent yields. Various functional groups are tolerated on the carboxylic acid. The method, which is a simple process and gives high yields, is suitable for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamical behaviors of the Lorenz-84 atmospheric circulation model are investigated based on qualitative theory and numerical simulations. The stability and local bifurcation conditions of the Lorenz-84 atmospheric circulation model are obtained. It is also shown that when the bifurcation parameter exceeds a critical value, the Hopf bifurcation occurs in this model. Then, the conditions of the supercritical and subcritical bifurcation are derived through the normal form theory. Finally, the chaotic behavior of the model is also discussed, the bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents spectrum for the corresponding parameter are obtained, and the parameter interval ranges of limit cycle and chaotic attractor are calculated in further. Especially, a computer assisted proof of the chaoticity of the model is presented by a topological horseshoe theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative medicine is a new interdisciplinary field in biomedical science, which aims at the repair or re-placement of the defective tissue or organ by congenital defects, age, injury, or disease. Various cell-related techniques such as stem cell-based biotherapy are a hot topic in the current press, and stem cell research can help us to expand our understanding of development as well as the pathogenesis of disease. In addition, new technology such as reprogramming or dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation open a new area for regener-ative medicine. Here we review new approaches of these technologies used for cell-based therapy and discuss future directions and challenges in the field of regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sawtooth-shaped electron blocking layer is proposed to improve the performance of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy band diagram, the electrostatic field in the quantum well, the carrier concentration, the electron leakage, and the internal quantum efficiency are systematically studied. The simulation results show that the LED with a sawtooth-shaped electron blocking layer possesses higher output power and a smaller efficiency droop than the LED with a conventional AlGaN electron blocking layer, which is because the electron confinement is enhanced and the hole injection efficiency is improved by the appropriately modified electron blocking layer energy band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroscientists have carried out comprehensive experiments to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying the perceptual decision making that pervades daily life. These experiments have illuminated salient features of decision making, including probabilistic choice behavior, the ramping activity of decision-related neurons, and the dependence of decision time and accuracy on the difficulty of the task. Spiking network models have reproduced these features, and a two-dimensional mean field model has demonstrated that the saddle node structure underlies two-alternative decision making. Here, we reduced a spiking network model to an analytically tractable, partial integro-differential system and characterized not only multiple-choice decision behaviors but also the time course of neural activities underlying decisions, providing a mechanistic explanation for the observations noted in the experiments. First, we observed that a two-bump unstable steady state of the system is responsible for two-choice decision making, similar to the saddle node structure in the two-dimensional mean field model. However, for four-choice decision making, three types of unstable steady states collectively predominate the time course of the evolution from the initial state to the stable states. Second, the time constant of the unstable steady state can explain the fact that four-choice decision making requires a longer time than two-choice decision making. However, the quicker decision, given a stronger motion strength, cannot be explained by the time constant of the unstable steady state. Rather, the decision time can be attributed to the projection coefficient of the difference between the initial state and the unstable steady state on the eigenvector corresponding to the largest positive eigenvalue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteasomal and mitochondrial dysfunctions are implicated in chronic neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate the impact of mitochondrial impairment on the proteasome, we treated rat cerebral cortical neurons with oligomycin, antimycin, or rotenone, which inhibit different elements of the electron transport chain. Firstly, we observed a reduction in ubiquitinated proteins and E1 activity. Secondly, we established that 26S proteasomes are disassembled with a decline in activity. Thirdly, we show, to our knowledge for the first time, that calpain activation triggers the selective processing of the 26S proteasome subunit Rpn10. Other proteasome subunits tested were not affected. Calpain also cleaved caspase 3 to an inactive fragment, thus preventing apoptosis that is an energy-dependent cell death pathway. In addition, calpain cleaved the microtubule-associated protein Tau, a major component of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer disease and other tauopathies. Fourthly, we detected a rise in 20S proteasome levels and activity. Finally, we show that both acute (16 h) and long term (up to 7 days) mitochondrial impairment led to down-regulation of ubiquitinated-proteins, 26S proteasome disassembly, and a rise in 20S proteasomes. We postulate that upon mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP depletion and calpain activation contribute to the demise of protein turnover by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. The concomitant rise in 20S proteasomes, which seem to degrade proteins in an unregulated and energy-independent manner, in the short term may carry out the turnover of randomly unfolded oxidized proteins. However, if chronic, it could lead to neurodegeneration as regulated protein degradation by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway is essential for neuronal survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular iodine-catalyzed three-component reaction of amides or amide derivatives, paraformaldehyde and styrenes allows for the clean generation of allylamine derivatives in good yields and high regioselectivities. The reaction, forming water as the sole co-product, is an experimentally easy to conduct transformation in the absence of transition metals under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]