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A multiplicative function f is said to be resembling the Möbius function if f is supported on the square-free integers, and f (p)= ±1 for each prime p. We prove O- and Ω-results for the summatory function ∑n≤xf(n) for a class of these f, and the point is that these O-results demonstrate cancellations better than the square-root saving. It is proved in particular that the summatory function is O(x1/3+ε) under the Riemann Hypothesis. On the other hand it is proved to be Ω(x1/4) unconditionally. It is interesting to compare these with the corresponding results for the Möbius function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous work investigated the synchronous dynamics of moving phase oscillators in a two-dimensional plane with periodic boundaries. A mobile phase oscillator can only couple to adjacent oscillators located within its communication radius. In our earlier research, we assumed that the agents' movement direction is identical to the oscillators' phase. However, in our current study, we have made a different assumption: the direction of an agent's movement conforms to a power function of the phase of an oscillator. By configuring various power functions, we can restrict the maximum angle at which the agents can navigate, thereby controlling the agent's range of movement. To explore this new assumption, we performed numerical simulations and analyzed both macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of collective dynamics among locally connected oscillators for various power exponents. Our findings revealed a novel phenomenon of cyclic oscillation during the phase transition to synchronization at the macroscopic level. On a microscopic level, initially formed three clusters gradually merge into a single cluster which eventually achieves full synchronization as coupling strength increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarnak's Disjointness Conjecture states that the Möbius function is disjoint with any zero-entropy flow. This note establishes this conjecture, with a rate, for Furstenberg's irregular flows on the infinite-dimensional torus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of lentinan on regulatory T cells (Tregs) in sepsis, especially on the generation of interleukin (IL)-10 via regulation of Erk-FoxO1 signaling.Methods: BalB/c mice were randomized into five groups: sham group, the group with burns plus Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and the groups with burns plus P. aeruginosa infection administered 40, 100, and 250mg/kg of lentinan. The mice were sacrificed on postburn days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with eight animals per group at each time point. The peripheral blood CD4+ CD25+ Tregs and CD4+ T cells were isolated using magnetic microbeads. The phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The cytokine levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Signal transduction was studied by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and luciferase assay.Results: The IL-10-producing capacity of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs was significantly enhanced in the group with burns plus P. aeruginosa infection, compared with the sham group. Administration of lentinan significantly decreased IL-10 production and FoxP3 expression of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs. The proliferative activities of CD4+ T cells, however, were restored. Lentinan decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-10 production in the Tregs isolated from burned mice. In addition, lentinan attenuated LPS-stimulated Erk-FoxO1 activation.Conclusions: Lentinan may improve the outcome of postburn sepsis by suppressing LPS-triggered Erk-FoxO1 activation. Consequently, the hyperfunction of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs is inhibited, leading to a shift in the inflammatory status from Th2 to Th1 in postburn sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lots of studies on synchronization focus on networks with static topologies, but ignore the synchronization in time-varying networks. We study the synchronization of the system in which agents carrying phase oscillators move in two-dimensional lattice with periodic boundary conditions and only interact with their neighbors. In particular, we assume that the direction of movement of an agent is positively correlated to the phase of the oscillator. By numerical simulations, we find cyclic oscillations in the phase transition to synchronization. Remarkably, the oscillators cluster spatially toward the oscillators with higher natural frequency to form groups. And the groups will collapse from the center, as coupling strength exceeds the critical value. In addition, we investigate the effect of moving speed on synchronization and find that the cyclic oscillation during synchronization will disappear with the increment of moving speed. • The direction of the moving Kuramoto oscillator was correlated with its phase. • The cyclic oscillation of order parameter will emerge for a larger coupling strength. • The oscillators' frequency distribution will affect the formation of the final groups. • The cyclic oscillations will disappear as the speed of movement increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the characteristics of GH536 super alloy material, the nonlinear rules of change in its thermal physical parameters with temperature is obtained through the test using a numerical method, and the finite element simulation of temperature field distribution of electrical discharge griding (EDG) honeycomb ring is made using ABAQUS, and the effect of temperature field distribution on quality of surface of honeycomb ring is analyzed. The results show that it is feasible to use the finite element analysis to simulate the distribution law of the temperature field in the EDG honeycomb ring, the simulation process is accurate and rapid, and it is also applied to optimize the craft process of EDG related thin-walled parts. It can be also used to provide the theory basis of calculating precisely the thermal stress and residual stress in EDG processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) isolated from one of the Chinese herbs, Astragalus mongholicus, are known to have a variety of immunomodulatory activities. However, it is not yet clear whether APS can induce the activation and differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequently activate T cells. Aim of the study: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of APS on the differentiation of splenic DCs and its influence on T cell-mediated immunity through interleukin (IL)-12-producing CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs in vitro. Methodology: MACS microbeads were used to isolate splenic DCs, CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs, CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs and CD4+ T cells. Phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokine levels were determined with cytometric bead array or ELISA. Result: The percentage of CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs was significantly increased after treatment with APS compared to their counterparts. The cytokine secretion pattern of CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs and CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs was detected, and it was found that unlike the stable IL-10 secretion pattern of CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs induced by APS, CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs showed a dose-dependent relationship between IL-12 production and APS stimulation. In order to verify whether the activation of CD4+ T was associated with the differentiation of splenic DCs mediated by APS to CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs, anti-IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) as well as anti-IL-10R monoclonal antibody was used to inhibit the effect of CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs and CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs in CD4+ T mixed lymphocyte reaction culture. After treatment with anti-IL-12R or anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody in CD4+ T+CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs or CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs mixed lymphocyte reaction, the inductions of these DCs on T cells were inhibited dramatically. Conclusion: APS might induce the differentiation of splenic DCs to CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs followed by shifting of Th2 to Th1 with enhancement of T lymphocyte immune function in vitro. Also, the effect of APS on T-cell differentiation to Th1 was not associated with the inhibition of IL-10 production in CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been identified as a late proinflammatory cytokine and plays a key role in immune regulation. However, it is not yet clear whether HMGB1 can induce the activation and differentiation of dendritic cell (DC) subsets and subsequently modulate immune function of T cells. This study was performed to investigate the effect of HMGB1 on the differentiation of splenic DCs and its influence on T cell-mediated immunity in terms of DC subsets CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs and CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs in male BALB/c mice spleens in vitro. Results: MACS microbeads were used to isolate splenic DCs, CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs, CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs and CD4+ T cells. The percentage of CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs was significantly increased after treatment with HMGB1 compared to their counterparts (CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs). It was found that unlike the gradually increasing interleukin (IL)-12 secretion of CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs induced by HMGB1, CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs showed a obvious dose-dependent response between IL-10 production and HMGB1 stimulation. In order to verify whether the alteration of CD4+ T cells was mainly associated with the differentiation of splenic DCs mediated by HMGB1 to CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs, anti-IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) or anti-IL-10R monoclonal antibody was used to inhibit the effect of CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs or CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs in CD4+ T cells mixed lymphocyte reaction culture. After treatment with anti-IL-12R or anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody in CD4+ T cells+CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs or CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs mixed lymphocyte reaction, the induction of these DCs on T cells was inhibited dramatically. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that HMGB1 might induce the differentiation of splenic DCs to CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs followed by shifting of Th1 to Th2 with enhancement of T lymphocyte immune function in vitro. Also, the effect of HMGB1 on T cell differentiation to Th2 was not associated with the inhibition of IL-12 production in CD11chighCD45RBlow DCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite a good understanding of the process that initiates and promotes host inflammation induced by acute injury, little is known about the host immune cells responsible for the inhibition of inflammatory response to thermal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of naturally existing CD11clowCD45RBhigh dendritic cells (CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs) on acute severe inflammatory response and mortality rate in burned mice. Changes in the percentage of distinct subsets of splenic DCs and production of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, CCL-2) as well as CC chemokine (CCL)-2 were measured by FACS at various time points. The influence of CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs on IL-6, TNF-α, CCL-2 as well as IL-10 levels and mortality rate was observed following a single intraperitoneal injection of DCs to scald mice. Levels of IL-6, CCL-2 and TNF-α were peaked at postburn hours (PBHs) 12, and percentages of CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs were elevated at PBH 12–24. A single intraperitoneal injection of CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs to 15% total body surface area in scald mice led to significant decrease in IL-6, TNF-α and CCL-2, and lethality, but up-regulation of IL-10 compared with untreated mice from PBH 0 to 48. CD11clowCD45RBhigh DCs can effectively down-regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines and reduce the mortality rate in 15% TBSA scald injury mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adductor canal block (ACB) is an effective analgesic alternative to femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine for ACB is able to prolong analgesia and reduce pain. Study participants were randomized into groups receiving ACB with either 0.5% ropivacaine + normal saline (control group; n=93) or 0.5% ropivacaine + 8 mg dexamethasone (dexamethasone group; n=93). All patients were subjected to identical peri-operative management. Patients were assessed for the duration of analgesia by the return of pinprick sensation. A numerical rating scale, ranging from 0 to 10, was used to assess post-operative pain at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 h. Opioid use was recorded. Serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were measured at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The results revealed that the duration of sensory block was significantly longer in the dexamethasone group (23.42±3.35 vs. 14.67±2.96 h in control group, P<0.05). The dexamethasone group also had significantly lower pain scores at 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.001), and at 48 h, pain was comparable in the two groups. Reduction in post-operative pain was associated with a decrease in serum C-reactive protein. Morphine use in the first 24 h after surgery was also lower in the dexamethasone group (4.23±1.80 vs. 8.42±2.44 mg in control group, P<0.05). In conclusion, addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine for ACB was able to prolong the duration of analgesia and decreased early post-operative pain following TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized allenes are efficiently synthesized in moderate to high yield from gold-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of propargylic alcohols and aromatic compounds. The user-friendly process could be conducted under mild reaction conditions with easily accessible starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflammatory response involving interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has been thought to play an important role in the development of late-phase sepsis. However, in this study, we wanted to explore the possibility of using IL-1β to improve the prognosis of sepsis by triggering local differentiation of bone marrow cells (BMCs) into regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo, thereby reversing the immune paralysis in late-phase sepsis. Sepsis mouse models were induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lethal Escherichia coli O18 infection. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with IL-1β after CLP and after the lethal infection. Septic BMCs and liver immune cells were isolated at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 14 days post-CLP. BMCs and liver cells isolated from septic mice treated with IL-1β were adoptively transferred into CLP mice. GFP+-C57BL/6 parabiosis models were established. Serum IL-1β levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and the number, ratio, and phenotype of immune cells were observed by flow cytometry. IL-1β treatment improved the survival of sepsis and increased the numbers of BMCs and liver immune cells in septic mice. Moreover, IL-1β stimulation increased the number and the percentage of CD11c−CD45RBhigh DCs in septic BM and liver. Adoptive transfer of septic BMCs, liver immune cells, and CD11c−CD45RBhigh DCs treated with IL-1β into CLP mice attenuated sepsis. IL-1β triggered the redistribution of CD11c−CD45RBhigh DCs as well as BMCs in parabiosis models. IL-1β protects against sepsis by stimulating local proliferation and differentiation of BMCs into CD11c−CD45RBhigh DCs at immune organs and non-immune organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: The treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remains controversial; the ability to predict the risk of rupture for an aneurysm would be of clinical value. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the predictive value of the risk factors of IA rupture. Methods: This retrospective study involved 379 consecutive patients with 441 aneurysms between August 2011 and July 2014. Based on clinical data and computed tomography angiography findings, the potential of risk factors to predict the aneurysmal rupture was assessed using statistical methods. Results: Age, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, cerebral atherosclerosis, aneurysms located at the internal carotid artery (ICA) and neck width (N) correlated negatively with rupture risk. Aneurysms located at the anterior communicating artery, bifurcation, irregularity, with a daughter sac, aneurysm height, maximum size, aspect ratio (AR), height-to-width ratio and bottleneck factor were significantly and positively correlated with rupture risk. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that bifurcation aneurysm, irregular aneurysm and high AR increased the rupture risk, while cerebral atherosclerosis, aneurysm located on the ICA and greater N decreased the risk. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of AR curve values differed according to circumstances. Interpretation & conclusions: Cerebral atherosclerosis, location in the ICA and larger N were the protective factors against aneurysm rupture, and IAs located at bifurcations, irregular shape and increased AR indicated a greater rupture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the affinity of Chromium(III) (Cr(III)) malate complex (CrLMA) for human serum albumin (HSA) and apo-transferrin (apo-Tf) under the physiological condition. Material and methods: Ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as isothermal titration calorimetry (1TC) were explored to study the affinity of Cr(III) malate complex (CrLMA) for HSA and apo-Tf under the physiological condition. Results: It was indication that interaction of CrLMA with the HSA and apo-Tf resulted in an increase in the absorbance at 225 nm and a decrease at 280 nm. It also led to quenching of the fluorescence of HSA and apo-Tf. The endogenous fluorescence quenching of CrLMA with HSA and apo-Tf belonged to a static quenching mechanism. The fluorescence quenching measurements revealed that CrLMA binding with HSA and apo-Tf under the molar ratio was 1 : 1 and 2 : 3, respectively. The results of the ITC indicated that the molecule forces of the interactions of CrLMA with HSA and apo-Tf were mainly hydrogen bonds and van der Waals. Conclusions: Ultraviolet and fluorescence spectra and ITC analysis indicated that CrLMA could bind with HSA and apo-Tf. The outcome of the study has given a better theoretical reference for the study of the pharmacological mechanism between protein and CrLMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Low success rate of blood glucose in diabetes is an international problem. The endothelia cytotoxicity of hyperglycemia has been widely accepted. However, it has not been seen in reports of the value of concentration of high glucose beginning to produce cytotoxicity and the relationship between hyperglycemia and cytotoxicity as well as how to effectively prevent and control hyperglycemia cytotoxicity. Dan Gua prescription is an effective Chinese herb prescription for diabetic vascular complications. Methods: Dan Gua prescription was contained in Dan Gua liquor utilized in experiments. (1) The cytotoxicity experiment of Dan Gua was carried out with M199 medium whose glucose (Glu) was 5.55 mmol/l to seek for a suitable experimental concentration of Dan Gua. (2) The human vessel endotheliocyte was cultivated for 72 h with mediums containing glucose in different concentrations (Group G1 to Group G11, Glu: 5.5 to 99.9 mmol/l, respectively), and assayed an optical density (OD) value using the 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide method. (3) Experiment 2 was repeated. However, the medium of each group (Groups Y1 to Y11) contained Dan Gua liquor whose concentration was 1/300. Results: There was a negative correlation between means of cell OD values and glucose concentrations (r=−.927, R 2=.844), and it presented a notable linear correlation (y=0.681−0.002x). Based on the OD value of 5.5-mmol/l glucose concentration (group G1), when glucose concentration reached 22.2 mmol/l (G4), the difference in OD values has a statistical significance. OD values in Y1–Y11 were not less than that of G1. Conclusion: There is a notable linear correlation between the endothelial cytotoxicities of Glu and its concentrations. The spinodal point concentration of statistical significance of hyperglycemia cytotoxicity is 22.2 mmol/l; 1/300 Dan Gua can reverse the endothelia cytotoxicity in different concentrations of hyperglycemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The equilibrium solubility of 3- and 4-nitrophthalic acids in water was measured experimentally using Schreinemaker's wet residue method at temperatures ranging from (285.15 to 348.15) K at atmospheric pressure. The solubility of 3- and 4-nitrophthalic acids in water increased with the increase of temperature. The experimental solubility is correlated by an empirical equation. The calculated values via the empirical equation agreed well with experimental results for 3- and 4-nitrophthalic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]