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Nuptial gift-giving or courtship feeding is prevalent across. In an extreme case, females eat male body parts; in another case, females derive nutrients from males’ seminal fluids1. The nursery web spider, Pisaura mirabilis, females store more sperm from nuptial gift-giving males than those offering no gift with the identical copulation duration2. However, it is not known how females evaluate nuptial gifts and adjust sperm storage. Here, we show that Drosophila melanogaster females hold the ejaculate of starved males for shorter period and store less number of their sperm. A knock-down of the sugar transporter Tret1-1 in neurons that express the neuropeptide diuretic hormone 44 (Dh44-PI) critical for the ejaculate holding3 and detection of the nutritional value of sugar4 impairs the female’s ability to adjust the ejaculate holding period according to the male energy status. A galactoside selectively present in the male ejaculate activates Dh44-PI neurons in the brain to secrete Dh44, and starvation reduces its production by approximately 50%. RNAi-knockdown of glycosyltransferases, including UGT305A1, allows males to produce significantly lower amounts of the galactoside without starvation. Females mated with UGT305A1 knockdown males hold the ejaculate shorter, store less sperm and lay fewer eggs. The seminal galactoside enters the female hemocoel during mating, stimulates the activity of Dh44-PI neurons in the brain, augments the secretion of Dh44, and increase the ejaculate holding period, thereby enabling the uptake of injected nutrients and sperm. These evidence suggest that the galactoside signals reflecting the quality of male partners increase sperm storage and may be a source of nutrients used for egg production. Together, this study provides a molecular and cellular framework for understanding how females evaluate courtship feeding and optimize sexual selection after mating.

To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative lacrimal endoscopic evaluation (LEE) of lacrimal duct system (LDS).Retrospective comparative case series METHODS: From March 2016 to February 2020, the charts of patients chosen to undergo endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) or silicone tube intubation (STI) were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 included patients that underwent EDCR, and group 2 included patients that underwent STI. Preoperative LEE was performed for all patients. In group 1, we compared the functional success rate for patients who had been converted to STI with the patients who had undergone EDCR. In group 2, we compared the functional success rate of STI with those who had had STI without LEE.In group 1, 19 (54.3%) eyes were converted to STI following LEE, and the functional success rate was 84.2%, which is not significantly different from that of the EDCR group following LEE (p = 0.608). The functional success rate of EDCR without LEE was not different from that of STI following LEE (p = 1.000). In group 2, five eyes (26.3%) were converted to EDCR following LEE. The group undergoing STI following LEE showed a significantly higher functional success rate (95.7%) than the group without LEE (66.6%, p = 0.023).Preoperative LEE enables direct visualization of the LDS and helps to obtain more accurate diagnosis. This allows for the best surgical option based on LEE findings, which can contribute to better results. Therefore, LEE would be expected to change the paradigm of the classical management of LDS.

Thallium ions are widely used in chemical and industrial applications but are very toxic. Through this research, a novel dual signaling probe that is based on an oxidative cleavage reaction is examined. The probe showed selective and sensitive optical signaling behavior toward TI3+ through the oxidative hydrolysis of rhodamine–hydroxamate. The probe designed for this study exhibited a distinct colorimetric and fluorescence signaling activity for thallium ions compared to the ions of common metals and oxidants. In particular, the hypochlorous acid response of the probe was successfully suppressed using DMSO as a scavenger. The detection limit for thallium determination was 2.9 × 10−7 M and signaling was concluded within 5 minutes. The exploitation of the probe for the rapid screening of elevated urinary thallium levels due to thallium poisoning using smartphone images was also conducted.

In Asia, Vigna angularis (azuki bean) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases because of its biological properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are common regenerative bone diseases that are characterized by deterioration of joint and bone structure. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Vigna angularis extract (VAE) on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced OA and ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced OP models. In the MIA‐induced OA results, severe OA was alleviated by the administration of VAE. Extensive local damage in the cartilage and hemorrhagic and edematous of surrounding tissues were decreased by VAE treatment. Articular cartilage was almost intact except for a focal mild abrasion, and the surface was glistening, similar to that of the normal joint. In the OVX‐induced OP results, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were recovered by VAE treatment, and it improved the microstructures of bone. These results show that VAE could inhibit OA and OP symptoms., We investigated the regulatory effects of bone diseases of ethanolic extract from Vigna angularis (azuki bean). Vigna angularis (azuki bean) could be serve as natural bone‐regulatory material.

Although low-cost, high-surface-area crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites have been recognized as promising adsorbents for the capture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), their hydrophilic nature leads to a significant loss of performance owing to the ubiquitous presence of water vapor in the VOC stream. Herein, the aluminosilicate zeolites (i.e., mordenite and nanocrystalline β) are functionalized via a solvothermal post-treatment with methyl iodide as the grafting agent. The methyl groups are primarily attached to the zeolite internal surface via covalent bonding between internal bridging O and -CH3, as evidenced by multiple analysis data. The static isotherms and diffusional studies clearly reveal a remarkable decrease in both the rate of water adsorption and the water affinity due to the attachment of methyl groups to the micropore walls, thus enhancing the water tolerance compared to that of pristine zeolites. In addition, CH3I-functionalized zeolites are investigated as adsorbents for the removal of benzene under dry and humid conditions, and their performance is compared to that of CH3Si(-OCH3)3-functionalized zeolites, wherein the methyl groups have been grafted onto the external surface. The results demonstrate that, although the benzene adsorption capacity under dry conditions is decreased upon internal surface functionalization, the loss of VOC adsorption capacity in the presence of H2O vapor is effectively prevented. By contrast, external surface functionalization is ineffective for preventing the negative effects of moisture upon the benzene adsorption capacity. As a result, CH3I-functionalized zeolites exhibit superior dynamic adsorption performance for benzene at 318 K under humid conditions (relative humidity: 80%), with a saturated adsorption capacity of 64.9 mg g-1. This work provides an easy strategy for tailoring the adsorption properties of aluminosilicate zeolites for adsorption/separation and other advanced applications.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based assays have been recently developed to overcome the low detection sensitivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SERS-based assays using magnetic beads in microtubes slightly improved the limit of detection (LoD) for SARS-CoV-2. However, the sensitivity and reproducibility of the method are still insufficient for reliable SARS-CoV-2 detection. In this study, we developed a SERS-based microdroplet sensor to dramatically improve the LoD and reproducibility of SARS-CoV-2 detection. Raman signals were measured for SERS nanotags in 140 droplets passing through a laser focal volume fixed at the center of the channel for 15 s. A comparison of the Raman signals of SERS nanotags measured in a microtube with those measured for multiple droplets in the microfluidic channel revealed that the LoD and coefficient of variation significantly improved from 36 to 0.22 PFU/mL and 21.2% to 1.79%, respectively. This improvement resulted from the ensemble average effects because the signals were measured for SERS nanotags in multiple droplets. Moreover, the total assay time decreased from 30 to 10 min. A clinical test was performed on patient samples to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the SERS-based microdroplet sensor. The assay results agreed well with those measured by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The proposed SERS-based microdroplet sensor is expected to be used as a new point-of-care diagnostic platform for quick and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the field.

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of discontinuing anticoagulants(ACs)/antiplatelets(APs) preoperatively on surgery for blepharoptosisMethodA retrospective analysis included patients with acquired blepharoptosis who underwent surgical correction, and were followed for more than one month. Patients were classified into two groups depending on AC/AP treatment or otherwise. All patients taking AC/AP discontinued with the treatment one week prior to surgery in accordance with our clinical guidelines. Preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance 1(MRD1) and ecchymosis grade were evaluated and compared.ResultsGroup 1 (AC/AP treatment cessation) included 47 patients with 93 eyelids, and group 2 (control) included 51 patients with 98 eyelids. The preoperative MRD1 showed no significant difference between groups. Group 1 showed a significantly higher rate of severe ecchymosis (41.8 vs. 22.4%, p = 0.004) at 1 week of surgery as well as 'persistent ecchymosis (58.8 vs. 7.3%, p=0.000) compared with group 2 postoperatively at 1 month. Postoperative MRD1 was significantly lower in group 1 at 1 week (p=0.019). However, the MRD1 and degree of improvement in lid height (postoperative MRD1–preoperative MRD1) was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.499, p = 0.058) at 1 month postoperatively.ConclusionPostoperative ecchymosis was more severe in group 1 at one month after ptosis surgery even though the ACs/APs were discontinued. Surgeons should be careful about this before operation.

Many studies have identified and described various medicinal effects of cirsiliol. Here, we investigated the signaling pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of cirsiliol on IL-6-induced activity. Cirsiliol showed no cytotoxicity and inhibited pSTAT3-induced luciferase activity. At the molecular level, cirsiliol suppressed the expression of IL-6-induced inflammatory marker genes such as CRP, IL-1β, ICAM-1 and SOCS3, IL-6-induced activation of Jak2, gp130, STAT3 and ERK and nuclear translocation of STAT3, as measured by PCR, immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. However, the interaction between IL-6 and its receptor was not affected by cirsiliol treatment. These results indicate that cirsiliol attenuates IL-6-induced cellular signaling by regulating Jak2 phosphorylation. Therefore, cirsiliol could be a therapeutic agent for IL-6-related inflammatory diseases.

Today, the role of intelligence agencies is changing in each country due to the paradigm shift in global anti-terror intelligence activities. In the...

A photodetector responding to deep-ultraviolet (DUV) wavelengths (λ = 200–300 nm) is developed via the growth of crystalline α-Ga2O3 thin films with a bandgap of 5.2 eV on sapphire (0006) substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD), at a low temperature of approximately 250 °C. The achievement of crystalline α-Ga2O3 films at such a low temperature is viable owing to the lattice match between α-Ga2O3 and sapphire crystals, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. Metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors (active area of 30 × 30 μm2) using 10-nm-thick α-Ga2O3 films exhibit a rise time (time required for the photocurrent to increase from 10% to 90% of its final value under illumination) of 539 ns at λ = 266 nm. Such an ultrafast response to DUV with λ = 266 nm is maintained for 3-nm-thick α-Ga2O3 photodetectors, suggesting that our ALD process is adequate for obtaining high-quality ultrathin α-Ga2O3 films. Measurements of the wavelength-resolved photocurrents reveal that the α-Ga2O3 photodetectors respond selectively to DUV wavelengths (λ = 200–300 nm), without responding to other longer wavelengths (λ > 300 nm). The responsivity is maximized to 0.76 A/W at λ = 253 nm, and drops off at λ ≈ 300 nm (i.e., a cutoff wavelength). The dark current measured at 10 V is as low as 0.5 pA, and the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 104, both of which underpin the pristine material quality of the ALD-grown α-Ga2O3 films. We believe that the fabrication of photodetectors using α-Ga2O3 thin films at such a low temperature will provide an economically feasible solution for high-performance DUV detection and sensing applications.

To realize efficient operation of a silo, level management of internal storage is crucial. In this study, to address the existing measurement limitations, a silo hotspot detector, which is typically utilized for internal silo temperature monitoring, was employed. The internal temperature data measured using the hotspot detectors were used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to predict the level of the internal storage of the silo. The prediction accuracy was evaluated by comparing the predicted data with ground truth data. We combined the ANN model with the genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the prediction accuracy and establish efficient sensor installation positions and number to proceed with optimization. Simulation results demonstrated that the best predictive performance (up to 97% accuracy) was achieved when the ANN structure was 9-19-19-1. Furthermore, the numbers of efficient sensors and sensors positions determined using the proposed ANN-GA technique were reduced from seven to five or four, thereby ensuring economic feasibility.

This paper addresses a conceptual study on a precise passive target localization approach for substation facilities inspection using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under GPS-denied environments. First, a cruciform receiver array that provides the range difference (RD) measurements between a facility (receiver array) and a UAV (transmitter) is devised. Then, to effectively deal with the real-time and accurate localization performance issue, our RD-based target localization problem is reformulated from the viewpoint of the linear least-squares estimation theory, and constrained robust weighted least-squares (C-RWLS) estimation scheme is applied. The proposed method shows excellent location estimates with the help of hard constraints on the geometric relation to the transceivers. Also, it is suitable for real-time implementation due to its linear structure. The reliability of the proposed estimation method is demonstrated through simulations from various points of the UAV.

Phenolics from plant materials have garnered attention in nanomedicine research, due to their various medicinal properties. Caffeic acid, a phenolic compound that is abundant in coffee beans, has been proven to have anticancer effects, due to its reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing properties. Here, a supramolecular nanomedicine was designed using caffeic acid molecule and the synthetic anticancer drug bortezomib, via catechol&ndash, boronic acid conjugation and Fe(III) ion crosslinking. Bortezomib is a proteasome-inhibiting drug and its boronic acid functional group can bind to caffeic acid&rsquo, s catechol moiety. By having a nanoparticle formulation that can deliver bortezomib via intracellular endocytosis, the catechol&ndash, boronic acid conjugation can be dissociated, which liberates the boronic acid functional group to bind to the 26S proteasome of the cell. The ROS-inducing property of caffeic acid also complements the bortezomib payload, as the latter suppresses the survival mechanism of the cell through NF-&kappa, B inhibition.

Many studies have reported the biological activities of retrofractamide C (RAC). However, few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced J774A.1 cells and a xylene-induced mouse ear edema model. Treatment with RAC decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) protein expression. It also downregulated the LPS-induced production of interleukin-1&beta, (IL-1&beta, ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) but not tumor necrosis factor &alpha, (TNF-&alpha, ). In the LPS-induced signaling pathway, RAC inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-&kappa, B) but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38. In a xylene-induced mouse ear edema model, RAC treatment alleviated edema formation and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, the present study indicates that RAC has the potential to have anti-inflammatory effects and could be a prospective functional food.

In advanced DRAM semiconductor manufacturing, there is a need to reduce the overlay fingerprints. Reducing on device fingerprints with very high spatial frequency remains one of the bottlenecks to achieve sub-2nm on device overlay. After-etch device overlay measurements using the YieldStar in-device metrology (IDM)[1] allow for previously unassessed and uncontrolled fingerprints to be corrected employing higher-order overlay corrections. This is because this technology allows dramatically increased overlay metrology sampling at affordable throughputs. This paper reports considerations for enabling dense after-etch overlay based corrections in a high volume manufacturing environment. Results will be shown on a front end critical layer of SK hynix that has been sampled with IDM with high density wafer sampling, over dozens of lots spanning several weeks.

Background/aims Elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with colorectal cancer (CRC) tend to avoid active treatment at the time of diagnosis despite of recent advances in treatment. The aim of this study was to determine treatment propensity of elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC in clinical practice and the impact of anticancer treatment on overall survival (OS). Methods Medical charts of 152 elderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) diagnosed with CRC between 1998 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' clinical characteristics, treatment modalities received, and clinical outcome were analyzed. Results Their median age was 82 years (range, 80 to 98). Of 152 patients, 148 were assessable for the extent of the disease. Eighty-two of 98 patients with localized disease and 28 of 50 patients with metastatic disease had received surgery or chemotherapy or both. Surgery was performed in 79 of 98 patients with localized disease and 15 of 50 patients with metastatic disease. Chemotherapy was administered in only 24 of 50 patients with metastatic disease. Patients who received anticancer treatment according to disease extent showed significantly longer OS compared to untreated patients (localized disease, 76.2 months vs. 15.4 months, p = 0.000; metastatic disease, 9.9 months vs. 2.6 months, p = 0.001). Along with anticancer treatment, favorable performance status (PS) was associated with longer OS in multivariate analysis of clinical outcome. Conclusion Elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with CRC tended to receive less treatment for metastatic disease. Nevertheless, anticancer treatment in patients with favorable PS was effective in prolonging OS regardless of disease extent.