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Summary: We evaluated the associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We found positive associations between IGF-I and BMD and negative associations between IGF-I and all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs and HFs in men, but not in women. Introduction: The objective was to investigate the associations of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in each gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study that included men over 50 years and postmenopausal women with T2D without medical conditions or medications known to significantly affect BMD or serum IGF-I levels. Data of IGF-1, bone metabolism markers, lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) BMD were obtained; 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) and hip fractures (HFs) was calculated and modified with rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score, and age. Correlations of IGF-1 levels with bone metabolism and risk of fractures were statistically analyzed in men and women, respectively. Results: A total of 391 patients, including 226 men and 165 women, were included. The age, serum fasting C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), bone formation marker, and all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs and HFs were higher in women than those in men (all p < 0.05). The levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), IGF-1, and BMD were lower in women than those in men (all p < 0.05). In men, IGF-1 was positively correlated with FN and TH BMD (FN BMD: r = 0.267, p < 0.001; TH BMD: r = 0.235, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with all three modified 10-year probabilities of MOFs (RA-modified MOFs: r = - 0.289, p < 0.001; age-modified MOFs: r = - 0.237, p < 0.001; FN T-score−modified MOFs: r = - 0.280, p < 0.001) and HFs (RA-modified HFs: r = - 0.291, p < 0.001; age-modified HFs: r = - 0.271, p < 0.001; FN T-score−modified HFs: r = - 0.270, p < 0.001), while no significant correlations were found between serum IGF-I and BMD and three modified 10-year probability in women. Conclusions: According to this study, we found sex differences in the associations of serum IGF-1 with BMD and risk of fractures in Chinese patients with T2D. These results suggested that increasing serum IGF-1 might be a clinical target for protecting fractures in T2D, especially in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agarwood, the resin part of Aquilaria spp., is valued in medicine, perfumes, and incense. The most important components of agarwood are sesquiterpenes, which are produced only when a healthy tree is wounded. Agarwood sesquiterpene synthase 1 (ASS1) is one of key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes in Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, and it is a typical wound-inducible synthase. To elucidate its regulatory mechanism at the transcriptional level, a 978-bp sequence upstream of the translation initiation codon ATG of the promoter for ASS1 was cloned. Computational analysis revealed that this promoter contained many known cis-elements including several defense related transcriptional factor-binding boxes. To functionally validate the promoter, a 5' truncated fragment fused with the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene was used for generating stable transgenic Arabidopsis plants. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of GUS in transgenic Arabidopsis showed that the promoter of ASS1 was induced by mechanical wound and mainly expressed in vascular bundles. Subcellular localization showed that ASS1 localized in the nucleus and plasma membrane. Here, identification of the ASS1 promoter not only lays a foundation for studying its transcriptional regulation, but also provides clues for studying the synthesis mechanism of agarwood sesquiterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We identified a novel large fragment deletion from intron 9 to 3'UTR in PLS3 (E10-E16del) in one Chinese boy with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, which expanded the pathogenic spectrum of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. Treatment with zoledronic acid was beneficial for increasing BMD and reshaping the vertebral bodies of this patient. Introduction: X-linked early-onset osteoporosis is a rare disease, which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), and/or long bone fractures. We aimed to detect the phenotype and the underlying pathogenic mutation of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis in a boy from a nonconsanguineous Chinese family. Methods: We investigated the pathogenic mutation of the patient with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis by targeted next-generation sequencing and confirmed it by Sanger sequencing. We also observed the effects of zoledronic acid on fracture frequency and BMD of the patient. Results: Low BMD and multiple VCFs were the main phenotypes of X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. We identified a total of 12,229 bp deletion in PLS3, involving intron 9 to the 3'UTR (E10-E16 del). This large fragment deletion might be mediated by Alu repeats and microhomology of 26 bp at each breakpoint junction. Zoledronic acid treatment could significantly increase the Z-score of BMD and reshape the compressed vertebral bodies. Conclusion: We identified a large fragment deletion mutation in PLS3 for the first time and elucidated the possible mechanism of the deletion, which led to X-linked early-onset osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures. Our findings would enrich the etiology spectrum of this rare disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients had low proximal hip BMD, which could be explained by reduced muscle strength, elevated bone resorption markers, vitamin D deficiency, and increased PTH levels in those with MG compared to controls. Introduction: Muscle strength is closely correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D status. Here, we evaluated muscle strength, BMD, and vitamin D status in a large sample of Chinese patients with MG. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 86 patients with MG without glucocorticoid treatment and 86 healthy controls were included. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD], parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and BMD were measured and compared between the two groups. Grip strength and one-leg standing time (OLST) were also assessed in MG patients. Results: Low grip strength and short OLST were found in 11 (12.8%) and 12 (14.0%) MG patients, respectively. There were 3 (3.5%) MG patients with low bone mass for chronological age. Serum beta C-terminal telopeptide and PTH levels were higher ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and BMD at the femoral neck and trochanter were lower in MG patients ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to healthy controls. In patients with MG, grip strength was positively correlated with BMD. Serum 25OHD levels were lower in MG patients than in healthy controls (17.36 ± 6.64 vs. 22.11 ± 7.28 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Grip strength was positively correlated with BMD in Chinese patients with MG. MG patients tended to have low proximal hip BMD, which may partially be explained by reduced muscle strength, vitamin D deficiency, increased PTH levels, and elevated bone resorption markers compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of iRoot FS (Innovative BioCeramix Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada) and to compare its performance with those of iRoot BP Plus (Innovative BioCeramix Inc.) and ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA). Methodology MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for 1, 2 and 3 days in various dilutions of iRoot FS, iRoot BP Plus and MTA extracts after 7 days of setting to assess cell viability using a cell counting kit-8 (Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan). The cell apoptosis induced by the set material extracts was evaluated through annexin V-propidium iodide flow cytometry. Changes in the cytoskeletal organization and stress fibres were observed through immunofluorescence by labelling the fibrous actin and nuclei of the cells. Cell attachment was observed under a scanning electron microscope after the MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on the surface of a material disc set for 1 day. The data were analysed using one-way anova. Results iRoot FS extracts induced higher cell viability than the control extracts ( P < 0.05) at levels comparable to those of iRoot BP Plus and MTA. Compared with the control group, iRoot FS did not promote cell apoptosis. Stretched stress fibres and cytoskeletons were detected in the cells treated with iRoot FS extracts. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the MC3T3-E1 cells attached to iRoot FS appeared flatter and exhibited better stretch than those attached to the other extracts. Conclusions iRoot FS displayed in vitro biocompatibility with MC3T3-E1 cells by promoting cellular proliferation and attachment without causing cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A normal reference value of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was established for the first time in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects by completely excluding interference of vitamin D deficiency. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Introduction: The aims of this study are to establish a normal reference value for serum PTH and to evaluate the effect of parathyroid gland status on bone turnover and BMD. Methods: Our cross-sectional study included 1436 healthy individuals from 5 different Chinese cities. Concentrations of serum PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), procollagen I N-terminal peptide (P1NP, a bone formation marker), and carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX, a bone resorption marker) were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The relation of PTH concentration to age, gender, height, and weight was examined. Reference values of PTH were established for all subjects and for subjects categorized by serum 25OHD concentrations. Correlations of PTH levels with bone turnover biomarkers and BMD were statistically analyzed. Results: Reference values of PTH were 8.84-69.95 pg/mL in all the subjects and 7.48-60.73 and 5.83-56.78 pg/mL in the subjects with serum 25OHD concentrations of ≥20 and ≥30 ng/mL, respectively. Serum PTH showed a negative linear correlation with 25OHD, and the breakpoint was 18.21 ng/mL, below which the PTH level rapidly increased. The increase in PTH levels with age showed a positive linear correlation with P1NP and β-CTX concentrations and a negative linear correlation with BMD at the lumbar spines and the femoral neck. Conclusions: A reference value of PTH was established in a large sample of healthy Chinese subjects according to 25OHD status, gender, and age. A high PTH level correlated significantly with an elevated bone turnover and a reduced BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer is a very common form of endocrine system malignancy. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying thyroid cancer remains poorly understood. Studies of oncocytic tumors have led to a hypothesis which proposes that defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OX- PHOS) may result in a compensatory increase in mitochondrial replication and gene expression. As a result, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation analysis has become a useful tool to explore the molecular basis of this disease. Among these mutations, mitochondrial transfer RNAs (mttRNAs) are the hot spots for pathogenic mutations associated with thyroid cancer. However, due to its high mutation rate, the role of mt-tRNA variants in thyroid cancer is still controversial. To address this problem, in this study, we reassessed seven reported mt-tRNA variants: tRNAAsp G7521A, tRNAArg T10411C and T10463C, tRNALeu(CUN) A12308G, tRNAIle G4292C and C4312T, and tRNAAla T5655C, in clinical manifestations of thyroid cancer. We first performed the phylogenetic conservation analysis for these variants; moreover, we used a bioinformatic tool to compare the minimum free energy (G) of mt-tRNA with and without mutations. Most strikingly, none of these variants caused the significant change of the G between the wild-type and the mutant form, suggesting that they may not play an important roles in thyroid cancer. In addition, we screened the frequency of the 'pathogenic' A12308G alternation in 300 patients with thyroid cancer and 200 healthy controls. We found that there were five patients and three control subjects carrying this variant. It seemed that the A12308G variant may be a common polymorphism in the human population. Taken together, our study indicated that variants in mt-tRNA genes may not play active roles in patients with thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, samples of magnesium alloys with composition of Mg–3% Al–1% Zn (AZ31) were employed to conduct a series of tensile tests along different directions. The anisotropy and diverse mechanical performances were systematically investigated, and a synchronous improvement trend of strength and plasticity of the rolled Mg alloy with the orientation angle increasing was observed. Simulation output and some observation methods verified the activation of prismatic slip which can contribute to this tendency. To thoroughly explain the influence of prismatic slip, crystallographic analysis was adopted. A tilt angle of 12.7° was then calculated to serve as the critical condition of the activation of basal and prismatic slip, and it was applied to explain the optimization of mechanical properties of the rolled Mg alloy. The synchronous improvement of strength and plasticity proves to be essentially ascribed to the higher applied stress and larger displacement component of certain grains. It is of great significance to get an access to the development of mechanical performance of AZ31 for the industrialized manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of quantitative contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasonography for crush injury in the hind limb muscles of rabbits. Methods: A total of 120 New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to receive compression on the left hind limb for either 2h (n = 56) or 4 h (n = 56) to induce muscle crush injury. Another eight animals were not injured and served as normal controls. CE ultrasonography parameters such as peak intensity (PI), ascending slop, descending slop and area under curve (AUC) were measured at 0.5, 2, 6 and 24 h and 3, 7 and 14 days after decompression. Results: Compared with the uninjured muscles, reperfusion of the injured muscles showed early and high enhancement in CE ultrasonography images. The time-intensity curve showed a trend of rapid lift and gradual drop. The PI and AUC values differed significantly among the three groups and were positively correlated with serum and tissue biomarkers. Rabbits of the 4-h compression group showed significantly higher PI and AUC values, and serum and tissue parameters than the 2-h compression group at each time points. Conclusion: CE ultrasonography can effectively detect muscle crush injury and monitor dynamic changes of the injured muscles in rabbits. PI and AUC are promising diagnostic parameters for this disease. Advances in knowledge: CE ultrasonography might play an important role in the pre-hospital and bedside settings for the diagnosis of muscle crush injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tensile and compressive properties of commercial magnesium alloy Mg–3% Al–1% Zn (AZ31) were investigated along different rolling directions. It is found that the ultimate strength and strain to failure display a synchronously improving trend for both tensile and compressive samples. The synchronous improvement should be attributed to the difference in the activated deformation mechanisms due to the existence of texture. It is suggested that improving both the strength and ductility of AZ31 becomes possible through controlling the rolling orientation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extruded Mg–3% Al–1% Zn alloy (AZ31) plate often exhibits quite different strength and plasticity along two directions (extruded direction, ED; transverse direction, TD) under tension and compression conditions. In particular, the hysteresis loops of ED and TD samples display obviously different shapes in the total strain amplitude range from 0.1% to 1%. Accordingly, the low-cycle fatigue lives of TD samples are found to be longer than those of ED samples, which can be attributed to the difference in the mean stress and hysteresis energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-cycle fatigue (HCF) and low-cycle fatigue (LCF) properties of a rolled AZ31-O alloy along different directions were evaluated at room temperature. Two types of samples denoted as RD (rolling direction) and TD (transverse direction) were compared because the samples along the two typical directions show an obvious anisotropy. By evaluating the fatigue parameters following the Manson–Coffin and Basquin’s equations, it is found that the fatigue lives of TD samples are longer than those of RD samples under both stress-controlled and strain-controlled cyclic loadings. Finally, the microscopic and macroscopic fracture features under tensile and fatigue loadings are observed and compared with the available literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Very high-cycle fatigue behaviors of extruded Mg–12Gd–3Y–0.5Zr (GW123k) magnesium alloy have been investigated and compared to that of conventional extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy. Typical post-fatigue microstructure and surface morphology features are presented for both the GW123k and the AZ31 alloy in order to stand out the uniqueness of GW123k alloy. Respective fatigue damage mechanisms for both alloys were also proposed in accordance. It is found that GW123k alloy contains a large amount of precipitated particles and possesses a relatively weak texture, which give rise to its much relieved tension–compression yield asymmetry and enhanced fatigue failure resistance. The much homogenized deformation mechanism in GW123k alloy is considered the underline reason for the improvement of material''s fatigue performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The tensile, compressive and low-cycle fatigue properties of a rolled magnesium alloy Mg–2.8% Al–1.1% Zn–0.4% Mn (AZ31) along the transverse direction (TD) and rolling direction (RD) were investigated. The results show that both the strength and elongation of the TD samples are higher than those of the RD samples; consequently, the low-cycle fatigue properties of the TD samples are better than those of the RD samples in the total strain amplitude range from 0.2% to 0.6%, due to the effects of texture and microstructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of our study was to compare the diagnostic performance of subtraction computed tomography angiography (CTA) with conventional nonsubtracted CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection of intracranial aneurysms. A total of 76 patients underwent both subtraction CTA and conventional CTA for the detection and therapy planning of suspected intracranial aneurysms. Subtraction and conventional CTA images were independently assessed by two readers in a blinded manner. The possibility of endovascular treatment or surgical clipping was also assessed based on information provided by CT angiograms alone. In 64 patients, 75 aneurysms were present on DSA. On a per-aneurysm basis, the sensitivity of subtraction CTA was 98.6% for reader 1, and 100% for reader 2. However, sensitivity of conventional CTA was 94.6% for reader 1, and 93.3% for reader 2. Therapeutic decisions could be made regarding 63 patients based on information provided by subtraction CTA images. However, conventional CTA provided sufficient information to make this decision for 55 patients. Conventional CTA has limited sensitivity in detecting very small aneurysms as well as aneurysms adjacent to bone. Subtraction CTA performed on a 64-row multidetector CT is an accurate and promising diagnostic tool that seems to be equivalent to 2D DSA for the detection and pretreatment planning of intracranial aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Amorphous Co85Zr9Nb6 films with inserted Cr layer were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. After the Cr layers were inserted, tensile strengths calculated from stress–strain curves were found to be enhanced; the elastic regions were shortened, while the plastic regions were extended. Surface morphology examination after strain revealed cracks oriented at an angle of about 60° to the tensile direction when the Cr layer is introduced. The shear bands distribute around the cracks and rotate relative to the cracks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was designed to evaluate whether percutaneous injection of hemostatic agents under the guidance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can stop hemorrhage from severe hepatic trauma. Eighteen dogs were impacted by a miniature impactor to create blunt hepatic trauma. Fourteen with appropriate liver lesions were divided into two groups: the treatment group (n = 7) and the control group (n = 7). In the treatment group, hemocoagulase atrox and alpha-cyanoacrylate were respectively injected into the injury sites and transected micro-vessels under the guidance of CEUS. In the control group, normal saline was injected into the injury sites. CEUS and CT were performed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the focal injection. Surviving animals were killed on the 21st day for pathologic examination. All animals of the treatment group survived. Three dogs of the control group died in the first 24 h. In the treatment group, CEUS and CT demonstrated that hepatic lesions became smaller gradually from the 3rd to the 21st day after injection. The focal injection of hemostatic agents under the guidance of CEUS can stop hemorrhage from hepatic trauma of grade III~IV or IV. During the period of 3 weeks, no side effect was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanical properties of Co79Zr13Nb8/Cr multilayers were investigated using nanoindentation. The hardness is higher than the average value calculated by rule-of-mixture. The hardness and the resistance to plastic deformation characterized by the ratio of H3/E2 vary similarly with periodicity (Λ). They all arrive to the maximum at Λ =8 nm and decrease subsequently when the Λ increases. The hardness dependence on the Λ is fitted by Hall–Petch relation. The fitted index n is much lower than the normal value (~0.5) in many crystalline multilayers. The mutual restriction of shear band and dislocation in amorphous/crystalline structure, which is named structure barrier strengthening, should be main mechanism for the hardness enhancement. The SEM study of indents shows that the shear bands are distorted significantly at the smaller Λ (4 nm) and disappear at the larger Λ (>20 nm). This morphology variation implies a potential improvement of plasticity caused by the restriction effect of the Cr crystalline layers on the shear bands propagation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this report, we describe the identification of a novel HLA-DPB1 allele, DPB1*0102, which was first found in a 27-year-old woman and was later detected again in another person, from the Han population of China. According to the nucleotide alignment, DPB1*0102 was the most similar to DPB1*0202, with only one nucleotide substitution from A to G at position 192 among three closely related alleles– DPB1*0202, DPB1*2401 and DPB1*0501. This substitution was a non-synonymous one, which caused a change of amino acid from E to K at codon 69 of DPβ-chain in the mature protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, we have examined the individual and combined protective mechanism of probiotic and Bidens pilosa on the performance and gut health of chickens during Eimeria tenella infection over a 29‐day experimental trial. Methods and Results: A total of one hundred and fifty 1‐day‐old chickens were equally distributed into five treatment groups with three biological replicates: two groups were allocated as control groups (control group untreated unchallenged, CG and control positive untreated challenged, CPG) and three groups were fed diets with probiotic (PG), B. pilosa (BPG) and probiotic + B. pilosa (PG + BPG) and challenged with E. tenella. Birds of all groups were assessed for pre and post‐infection body weights, oocysts shedding, caecal lesion scores and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis related proteins (Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase‐3), antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD 1), pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and tight junction proteins (CLDN 1 and ZO 1). Our results revealed that during infection (day 21–29), E. tenella challenged chickens significantly decreased the body weight compared with uninfected control chickens; however, there was no significant effect on body weight of chickens fed with probiotic, B. pilosa and probiotic + B. pilosa was observed. Eimeria tenella challenged untreated birds increased (P < 0·05) oocysts shedding, destructive ratio of caeca and mortality as compared to treated challenged birds. CPG group up‐regulated the mRNA expression levels of anti‐apoptosis protein Bcl‐2 while down‐regulated the pro‐apoptosis protein Bax relative to PG, BPG and PG + BPG groups. Moreover chickens fed probiotic, B. pilosa and probiotic + B. pilosa diets enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins with the comparison of control positive untreated challenged chickens. Conclusion: These findings elaborated that feed supplementation of probiotic and B. pilosa (individually or in combination) appeared to be effective in inhibiting the occurrence of disease and decreasing the severity of Eimeria infection in chickens. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study explained the underlying anti‐coccidial mechanism in which probiotic and B. pilosa (individually and/or in combination) improve the performance of chicken and protect against gut inflammatory responses caused by E. tenella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To increase enduracidin production in Streptomyces fungicidicus ATCC 31731 by overexpressing positive regulators in enduracidin biosynthesis. Methods and Results: Genes orf22 and orf42 were knocked out by in‐frame deletion based on CRISPR/Cas9 strategy, while the orf41 gene was inactivated by replacing it with the apramycin resistance gene cassette aac(3)IV using a fast screening blue/white system. The integrative plasmid pSET152ermE was used for the overexpression of orf22, orf41 and orf42 individually. The constructed plasmids were transformed into wild‐type strain Streptomyces fungicidicus ATCC 31731. Three gene inactivation mutants Δorf22, Δorf41 and Δorf42 and three recombinant strains overexpressing orf22, orf41 and orf42 were all fermented and the enduracidin production of each strain was detected and compared by HPLC analysis. Two resulting engineered strains were generated through overexpression of gene orf22 and orf42 in Streptomyces fungicidicus, respectively, and in these strains the enduracidins titres were increased by approximately 4·0‐fold and 2·3‐fold higher than that of the wild‐type strain. Conclusions: The functions of three regulatory genes orf22, orf41 and orf42 in the enduracidin gene cluster in Streptomyces fungicidicus ATCC 31731 were examined. The orf22 gene, encoding a SARP family protein, was proposed to act in a positive manner. The proteins encoded by genes orf41 and orf42 were proposed to compose a two‐component regulation system, in which the response protein Orf41 was characterized as a repressor, and the kinase Orf42 was shown to be an activator. The production of enduracidins was improved considerably by overexpression of the two positive regulatory genes orf22 and orf42 respectively. Significance and Impact of the Study: The production of enduracidins was successfully improved by manipulating the regulatory genes involving in enduracidin biosynthesis, providing an efficient approach to improve enduracidin production further for fermentation industry and synthetic biological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 allele, DQB1*020102, was detected in a 28-year-old woman of Han ethnic in Guangzhou, China. Compared with HLA-DQB1*020101 and HLA-DQB1*0202, they differed in only one nucleotide at the position 167 (C to T) of exon 2, which was a highly conserved position. This is a synonymous mutation, which does not cause any change in the amino acid sequence of mature protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel HLA-DRB1 allele, DRB1*0449, has been identified in the Han population of Guangdong Province of China. Compared with DRB1*0406, it has only one single-nucleotide mutation from G to A at position 18 of exon 2, which causes a change in the protein sequence from valine to isoleucine at codon 11 of DR beta chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations in SERPINH1 in a Chinese boy suffering from recurrent fractures, femoral deformities, and growth retardation, which resulted in extremely rare autosomal recessive OI type X. Long-term treatment of BPs was effective in increasing BMD Z-score, reducing fracture incidence and reshaping vertebrae compression.Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable bone disorder characterized by low bone mineral density, recurrent fractures, and progressive bone deformities. Mutation in serpin peptidase inhibitor clade H, member 1 (SERPINH1), which encodes heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), leads to rare autosomal recessive OI type X. We aimed to detect the phenotype and the pathogenic mutation of OI type X in a boy from a non-consanguineous Chinese family.Methods: We investigated the pathogenic mutations and analyzed their relationship with the phenotype in the patient using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing. Moreover, the efficacy of long-term bisphosphonate treatment in this patient was evaluated.Results: The patient suffered from multiple fractures, low bone mass, and bone deformities in the femur, without dentinogenesis imperfecta or hearing loss. Compound heterozygous variants were found in SERPINH1 as follows: c.149 T>G in exon 2 and c.1214G>A in exon 5. His parents were heterozygous carriers of each of these mutations, respectively. Bisphosphonates could be helpful in increasing BMD Z-score, reducing bone fracture risk and reshaping the compressed vertebral bodies of this patient.Conclusion: We reported novel compound heterozygous mutations in SERPINH1 in a Chinese OI patient for the first time, which expanded the spectrum of phenotype and genotype of extremely rare OI type X. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts experimental research and theoretical analysis on the effect of cellulose particle motion on impulse breakdown in transformer oil. In the experiment, the spherically capped electrodes immersed in the bulk of the transformer oil are used to form a quasi-uniform electric field. The breakdown tests are carried out and the breakdown voltages for three cellulose contamination levels oil under four types of impulses, 1.4/50μs, 14/220μs, 80/850 μs and 240/2400 μs, are obtained. The experimental results show that both the impulse waveshape and cellulose contamination level have an effect on the breakdown of transformer oil. Longer impulse duration or higher cellulose contamination level of transformer oil can lead to the decrease of impulse breakdown voltage. Specifically, the effect of the high level cellulose contamination for U50% becomes much more significant under long-duration impulses. To verify the findings above, a numerical model is introduced for the cellulose particle dynamics in the transformer oil under these four kinds of impulses. Notably, the calculation result indicates the particles can accelerate with the action of the impulse, and particles can aggregate in concentrated area of the electric field in the oil gap with the action of the long-duration impulse. It is concluded that the particle motion can play a catalytic role in the impulse breakdown of the oil gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are typical representatives of probiotics owing to their beneficial effects on the host. They have been widely used in the food industry, animal husbandry, health care, and other fields. In this study, 91 strains were isolated and purified from commercial yogurts. And their functional properties, such as bacteriostatic effects, drug resistances, growth performances, adhesion characteristics, surface hydrophobicity, self-aggregation, and copolymerization, were evaluated. The results showed that all indicators of LAB M3 are good, which was identified as Lactobacillus casei by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Subsequently, the mice were gavaged with Lactobacillus casei M3, and a high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to detect their feces to evaluate the changes in microbial flora in mice. It found that Lactobacillus casei M3 can intervene in the intestines of mice, improve the abundance of beneficial microflora in reducing the incidence of colitis and preventing obesity, and improve the intestinal microflora. It would have a good application prospect in the field of food industry, health care or medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For plates with an inclined crack of wide-range aspect ratios under biaxial loadings, T-stress values are calculated with three-dimensional finite element method. The results show that the normalized T-stress is crack length and orientation dependent. A linear equation for the relationship between normalized T-stresses and biaxility factors is proposed to describe the normalized T-stresses for different crack lengths and crack angles under different biaxial loadings, which is more convenient and involves wider biaxility ratios compared with the existing solutions. The plate thickness effect and the trend of normalized T-stresses along the crack front thickness are also studied for mode I and I-II mixed-mode cracks. Based on the analyses and comparisons, it is necessary to take the thickness effect into consideration when the crack length is long enough ( a/ W = 7/10). When the component of mode II is significant ( β > 45°), and the biaxility ratios are negative, T-stresses near the free surface are lower than those at other positions, which are the opposite of mode I crack and most of I-II mixed-mode crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are typical representatives of probiotics owing to their beneficial effects on the host. They have been widely used in the food industry, animal husbandry, health care, and other fields. In this study, 91 strains were isolated and purified from commercial yogurts. And their functional properties, such as bacteriostatic effects, drug resistances, growth performances, adhesion characteristics, surface hydrophobicity, self-aggregation, and copolymerization, were evaluated. The results showed that all indicators of LAB M3 are good, which was identified as Lactobacillus casei by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Subsequently, the mice were gavaged with Lactobacillus casei M3, and a high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to detect their feces to evaluate the changes in microbial flora in mice. It found that Lactobacillus casei M3 can intervene in the intestines of mice, improve the abundance of beneficial microflora in reducing the incidence of colitis and preventing obesity, and improve the intestinal microflora. It would have a good application prospect in the field of food industry, health care or medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets prepared from the direct intercalation reaction between melamine and g-C3N4 are reported for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy are applied to characterize the novel COF nanosheets. It is observed apparently from the TEM image that COF nanosheets are obtained. Successful preparation of COF nanosheets is proved further by vanishment of the typical diffraction peak of COFs in the XRD pattern and the appearance of quadrant and semicircle stretching of the s-triazine ring at 1568 and 1469 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra of COF nanosheets. The prepared COF nanosheets are used as a flame retardant for the cable sheath material. The thermal stability, thermal shrinkage, oxygen index, and vertical combustion are tested. The research results show that the COF nanosheet flame retardant increases the thermal stability time of the sheath material from 89 to 125 min, and the thermal shrinkage rate is reduced to 2.17%. The oxygen index and vertical combustion tests show that the COF nanosheet flame retardant makes the oxygen index of the cable sheath material reach 29.5, and the flame retardant grade reaches UL-94 V-0. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis of the carbon residue of the cable sheath material after burning, it is found that the COF nanosheet flame retardant changes the shape of the carbon layer of the cable sheath material into a dense honeycomb structure, which prevents the diffusion of oxygen and combustible gases, thereby inhibiting the transmission of flame and heat and effectively improving the flame retardancy of the cable sheath material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to investigate the feed supplementation with Bacillus subtilisbased probiotic and methanol extraction of anticoccidial herbs (leaves of Artemisia annua Linn., Dichroa febrifuga Lour., and peel of Punica granatum L.) individually or in combination as alternatives during chicken E. tenella infection. A total of 264 chickens were divided into 11 groups (n = 8 x 3). They were control group (G1), E. tenella infected group (G2), E. tenella infected with diclazuril treated group (G3). G4 to G6 were E. tenella infected and treated with 300 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of herb in feed (3 different kinds of herbs: leaves of Artemisia annua Linn., Dichroa febrifuga Lour., and peel of Punica granatum L.), respectively. G7 to G9 were infected and probiotic-herb combined groups: 5 x 108 cfu/kg B. subtilis was added to feed on the basis of G4 to G6, respectively. The remaining groups are both feed with B. subtilis at 5 x 108 cfu/kg in feed but infected (G10) and uninfected (G11). The anticoccidial efficacy was assessed by: bloody feces scores, lesion scores, relative weight gain rate, oocysts excretion, and mRNA expression levels (occludin, ZO-1, IL-17A and IL-2) in ceca. All the interventions reduced all the indexes, as compared to that of G2. The use of B. subtilis combined with herb significantly reduced the oocysts excretion and IL-17A mRNA level as compared to herb only groups. In summary, we conclude that the combination of B. subtilis and anticoccidial herb have potential development value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chain link corrosion model was constructed by the finite element analysis software ABAQUS to evaluate the plain link chain impact under the changing behavior of different corrosion states. The link chain simulation study at different corrosion states was conducted (corrosion depth, area, and density), the curve of stress and energy variation with time was plotted. The stress distribution and related energy variations remained approximately the same at heavy loads. The steady stress of the corrosion chain link, friction dissipation energy, plastic dissipation energy, as well as steady internal energy, and corrosion depth, area, and density are fitted by third-degree polynomial relations. The maximum steady stress occurred at corrosion state III, which already exceeded the yield strength of the link chain below 20°C so that it made easy for the corrosion fracture to occur. This method provided important grounds for the design optimization and lifetime prediction of plain link chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective – Brain abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attracted much attention. Our study was to identify the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients. Methods – Patients who fulfilled the latest diagnostic criteria of NMO proposed by Wingerchuk et al. [Neurology 66 (2006) 1485] and whose brain MRI did not meet the multiple sclerosis (MS) criteria of McDonald et al. [Ann Neurol 50 (2001) 121] were selected to perform MRI scanning of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Results – Twenty-eight of 33 patients (84.8%) had abnormal MRI findings. Twenty-two patients (66.7%) presented with well-defined brain parenchymal lesions and the other six patients (18.2%) with macroscopic symmetrical diffuse hyperintensities in deep white matter. Fifteen of 22 patients had more than one lesion (≥2 lesions) and the other seven patients had single lesion. In the supratentorium, most lesions were punctate or small round dot and non-specific in juxtacortical, subcortical and deep white matter regions, a few were patchy atypical confluent lesions. Brainstem was easily involved (14/33, 42.4%) especially in medulla (7/33, 21.2%). Conclusions – This study demonstrates the characteristics of brain MRI abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients, which are helpful to the revision of diagnostic criteria for NMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CuTa/CoZrNb multilayers were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering. The structure, mechanical properties and thermal stability were investigated by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, vacuum annealing and nanoindentation. The results show that the as-deposited multilayers possess amorphous/amorphous structure. The amorphous feature leads to the lack of hardness enhancement with decreasing modulation periodicity, which can be attributed to the absence of the dislocation movement. After thermal annealing, the density increases due to the decrease of the bond distance and the annihilation of defects with increasing annealing temperature. The densification results in the enhancement of the elastic modulus and hardness. The enhancement for the multilayers with smaller modulation periodicity is more sensitive to thermal annealing because of larger volume fraction of interfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To describe the risk behaviours of visitors to gay websites and to explore the role of the internet in the HIV transmission among the Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Between May and August 2006, visitors of three Chinese gay websites were invited to complete an online questionnaire about the use of the internet and risk sexual behaviours. Results: The median age of the online sample was 25 years old (range 18 to 64). Over three-quarters (77.6%) had an education of college or higher. Less than 44% of the online sample reported little or no risk for HIV transmission. These men had either had no anal intercourse (28.0%) or had always used a condom for anal intercourse (15.8%). Although only about half of the participants reported that their main purpose of visiting the gay websites was to look for sexual partners, most participants (86.1%) had used the internet to seek partners. Compared with men seeking sexual partners only on the internet, men seeking partners both in traditional gay venues and on the internet were older, less likely to be students and more likely to have unprotected anal intercourse, more than six sexual partners in the past 6 months and commercial sex behaviours. Conclusion: The users of the gay websites are relatively young and well educated, and highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, given their low prevalence of consistent condom use and multiple-risk sexual behaviours. Effective intervention programmes should be implemented and strengthened in China, especially for those who seek sexual partners both on the internet and in traditional gay venues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SQL injection attack (SQLIA) is a code injection technique, used to attack data‐driven applications by executing malicious SQL statements. Techniques like pattern matching, software testing and grammar analysis etc. are frequently used to prevent such attack. However, major bottlenecks still remain in detecting SQLIA with bypassing techniques, getting access to source code and requiring an additional manual operation to extract features. The authors propose a novel detection approach based on long short‐term memory and abstract syntax tree, which could detect SQLIAs from the raw query strings and work under SQL detection bypassing scenario. Our deep learning technique explicitly uses both context and syntax information that previous methods failed to fully grasp. Experimental results clearly illustrate the superior performance of our method compared to other existing works when detecting with complete SQL raw queries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate typical features of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate it from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with PFTC and 35 patients with EOC were included. The clinical and pathological features of patients were analysed. The following MRI features were compared: maximal diameter, laterality, configuration, shape, signal intensity, enhancement pattern, hydrosalpinx, intrauterine fluid accumulation, rim enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within the solid components of tumours in PFTC and EOC.Results: The maximal diameter of PFTC was 4.50±2.10 cm. The shapes of PFTC were mural papillary nodules (2/21, 10%), sausage-like (8/21, 38%), nodular (3/21, 14%), or irregular (8/21, 38%). Enhancement was mild (10/21, 48%), moderate (8/21, 38%), or marked (3/21, 14%). Associated hydrosalpinx and intrauterine fluid accumulation were observed in six (29%) and three (10%) cases, respectively. Significant differences between PFTC and EOC were found in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, maximal diameter, shape, enhancement pattern, hydrosalpinx, and intrauterine fluid accumulation (p=0.002, 0.004<0.001, <0.001, and 0.048, respectively). Rim enhancement was more prevalent, thicker, and exhibited higher continuity in PFTC than in EOC (p=0.002, <0.001, and 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Rim enhancement is a useful feature in distinguishing PFTC from EOC, particularly when continuous or seen in combination with a sausage-like shape, hydrosalpinx or intrauterine fluid accumulation. When the tumour is associated with other MRI signs, for example, (i) hydrosalpinx with mural papillary nodules or sausage-like shape with mild-to-moderate enhancement of solid components, (ii) hydrosalpinx, or (iii) intrauterine fluid accumulation, the diagnosis of PFTC should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using census and multiplier methods to estimate the size of the population of female sex workers (FSWs) in a small city in western China, this study compared the advantages and challenges of the two methods. It was estimated that there were about 1,500 FSWs within the urban area using the census method, which was significantly lower than that estimated by the multiplier method (2,500). Each method has advantages and limitations, and could be applied to different situations. The census method is less time and resource consuming in smaller regions and has a tendency to underestimate, and therefore, the result can be viewed as a low limit. It is useful in a local setting, for example, when estimations are needed for planning HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in a single city. Using existing information or resources, multiplier method could be used to produce estimates for a large geographic area or at a national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a study that examine the quality of life (QoL) in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Topics discussed include the Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is hereditary disease characterized by multiple fragility fractures and progressive skeletal deformities, mentions the validated questionnaire of PedsQL to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with OI, and information on the patients with severe OI had poorer HRQoL scores.

Summary: The achievement of more accurate diagnosis would greatly benefit the management of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In this study, we present the largest OI sample in China as screened by next generation sequencing. In particular, we successfully identified 81 variants, which included 45 novel variants. We further did a genotype-phenotype analysis, which helps make a better understanding of OI. Introduction: This study aims to reveal the gene mutation spectrum and the genotype-phenotype relationship among Chinese OI patients by next generation sequencing (NGS). Methods: We developed a NGS-based panel for targeted sequencing of all exons of 14 genes related to OI, and performed diagnostic gene sequencing for a cohort of 103 Chinese OI patients from 101 unrelated families. Mutations identified by NGS were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis. Results: Of the 103 patients from 101 unrelated OI families, we identified 79 mutations, including 43 novel mutations (11 frameshift, 17 missense, 5 nonsense, 9 splice site, and 1 chromosome translocation) in 90 patients (87.4%). Mutations in genes encoding type I collagen, COL1A1 ( n = 37), and COL1A2 ( n = 29) accounts for 73.3% of all molecularly diagnosed patients, followed by IFITM5 ( n = 9, 10%), SERPINF1 ( n = 4, 4.4%), WNT1 ( n = 4, 4.4%), FKBP10 ( n = 3, 3.3%), TMEM38B ( n = 3, 3.3%), and PLOD2 ( n = 1, 1.1%). This corresponds to 75 autosomal dominant inherited (AD) OI patients and 15 autosomal recessive (AR) inherited patients. Compared with AD inherited OI patients, AR inherited patients had lower bone mineral density (BMD) at spine ( P = 0.05) and less frequent blue sclera ( P = 0.001). Patients with type I collagen qualitative defects had lower femoral neck BMD Z-score ( P = 0.034) and were shorter compared with patients with type I collagen quantitative defects ( P = 0.022). Conclusion: We revealed the gene mutation spectrum in Chinese OI patients, and novel mutations identified here expanded the mutation catalog and genotype and phenotype relationships among OI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies ( GWASs) have been widely applied in livestock to identify genes associated with traits of economic interest. Here, we conducted the first GWAS of the supernumerary nipple phenotype in Wadi sheep, a native Chinese sheep breed, based on Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotypes in a total of 144 ewes (75 cases with four teats, including two normal and two supernumerary teats, and 69 control cases with two teats). We detected 63 significant SNPs at the chromosome-wise threshold. Additionally, one candidate region (chr1: 170.723-170.734 Mb) was identified by haplotype-based association tests, with one SNP (rs413490006) surrounding functional genes BBX and CD47 on chromosome 1 being commonly identified as significant by the two mentioned analyses. Moreover, Gene Ontology enrichment for the significant SNPs identified by the GWAS analysis was functionally clustered into the categories of receptor activity and synaptic membrane. In addition, pathway mapping revealed four promising pathways (Wnt, oxytocin, MAPK and axon guidance) involved in the development of the supernumerary nipple phenotype. Our results provide novel and important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotype of supernumerary nipples in mammals, including humans. These findings may be useful for future breeding and genetics in sheep and other livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims LI-Fs are a family of highly potent cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotics with a broad antimicrobial spectrum (Gram-positive bacteria and fungi). In this study, LI-F-type antimicrobial peptides ( AMP-jsa9) composing of LI-F03a, LI-F03b, LI-F04a, LI-F04b and LI-F05b were isolated from Paenibacillus polymyxa JSA-9. To better understand the antimicrobial mechanism of AMP-jsa9, the potency and action(s) of AMP-jsa9 against Bacillus cereus were examined. Methods and Results Flow cytometry, confocal laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy ( TEM) and atomic force microscopy observation, as well as determination of peptidoglycan and cell wall-associated protein and other methods were used. The results indicate that AMP-jsa9 exhibits strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Moreover, AMP-jsa9 targets the cell wall and membrane of B. cereus to impair membrane integrity, increase membrane permeability and enhance cytoplasm leakage (e.g. K+, protein, nucleic acid). This leads to bacterial cells with irregular, withered and coarse surfaces. In addition, AMP-jsa9 is also able to bind to DNA and break down B. cereus biofilms. Conclusions In this study, the action mechanism of LI-Fs against B. cereus was clarified in details. Significance and Impact of the Study The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for utilizing AMP-jsa9 or similar analogues as natural and effective preservatives in the food and feed industries. These efforts could also stimulate research activities interested in understanding the specific effects of other antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known regarding to impact of simulated shading conditions on cotton yield and fiber quality at different fruiting positions. In this 2-year study, our field experiments investigated the effects of shading percentage on the cotton yield, fiber properties, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate concentrations in boll's subtending leaves during various growing stages at different fruiting positions (FP). Net photosynthetic rate and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry decreased in response to shading on both FP1 and FP3 of the 7 sympodial branches, respectively. Shading also reduced sucrose and starch contents of leaves at each fruiting position. Shading decreased the number and mass of cotton bolls, the fiber strength and micronaire, while the fiber length increased at both fruiting positions. Our results suggested that shading resulted in the reduction of the cotton yield and fiber quality, which are mainly associated with the changes in boll number and alteration of photosynthesis and carbohydrate concentrations during the boll development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Few studies have evaluated the effect of weight change from pre-pregnancy to post-partum with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum with metabolic syndrome among Chinese women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 women with gestational diabetes mellitus at 1-5 years post-partum. Participants were divided into four groups based on their weight change from pre-pregnancy to 1-5 years post-partum: loss of ≥ 3 kg, ± 3 kg, gain of 3-7 kg and gain of ≥7 kg. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.1%, 16.2%, 26.0% and 44.3% among women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg, stable weight ( ± 3 kg), weight gain 3-7 kg and weight gain ≥ 7 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum, respectively. The positive association between weight change and metabolic syndrome was observed among women with pre-pregnancy normal weight ( BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight ( BMI 24-27.9 kg/m2) and obesity ( BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was almost similar among pre-pregnancy normal weight women with weight gain ≥ 7 kg, pre-pregnancy overweight women with stable weight ( ± 3 kg) and pre-pregnancy obese women with weight loss ≥ 3 kg from pre-pregnancy to post-partum ( P = 0.62). Conclusions Women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had large weight gain from pre-pregnancy to post-partum were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Women who are pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and also diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy need more weight control after delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M type strontium hexaferrites SrFe12 − xCrxO19 ( x = 0.0-0.6) were prepared by the ceramic process. The structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and B- H hysteresis curve measurements. The XRD patterns show the formation of the M-type hexaferrite phase in the pre-sintered samples with non-magnetic phase, α-Fe2O3. The SEM results indicate that the Cr substitution does not obviously affect the structure of strontium ferrite. The results of magnetic mensuration, especially for the SrFe11.8Cr0.2O19 samples, reveal that rather high magnetic properties can be obtained in the sintering temperature range of 1135-1165°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate characteristics of the internal cerebral veins (ICVs) and their main tributaries and the deep medullary veins (DMVs) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with enhanced T (2)-weighted angiography imaging (ESWAN).Methods: Fifty-three RRMS patients and 53 normal controls underwent conventional MRI and ESWAN. ESWAN venograms were created by performing minimum intensity projections of the phase images, and the resulting venograms were used to observe characteristic vascular changes, including scores of the ICVs and their main tributaries and manifestations of the DMVs. Two experienced radiologists analysed all data.Results: Patients showed decreased mean scores of the ICVs and their main tributaries compared with controls. The mean score in acute patients was higher than in stable patients. Furthermore, the DMVs diminished and shortened in 48 patients with longer disease duration, whereas the DMVs increased and elongated in 5 patients with shorter disease duration. The penetrating veins were well defined in 30 active lesions, whereas the veins were ill defined in 69 non-active lesions. Interestingly, well-defined penetrating veins were shown in 15 non-active lesions in the stable patients.Conclusions: Enhanced T (2)-weighted MR angiography can detect cerebral vein characteristics in relapsing-remitting MS patients, which may provide important information on the pathogenesis of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the characterization of runoff in storm sewer from various urban catchments, three monitoring systems at different spatial scales have been installed separately. They have been held since July 2010 in urban area of Beijing (China). The monitoring data revealed that chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and NH3-N values significantly exceed the Class V surface water quality standard developed by Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China (MEP). A surface solids buildup and wash off model for small watershed was adopted to analyze and discuss the process of a runoff pollutant discharge. More than a half of pollutant parameters presented a good fit to the model. However, a slightly worse-fit to the wash off model appeared in less than half of the data. Due to the influence of sewer sediments, sewer system characteristics, catchment characteristics, and other reasons, first flush was seldom observed in storm sewer runoff from these three survey areas. Meanwhile, the correlation between TSS and any other pollutant was analyzed according to cumulative load of pollutants in runoff events. An event mean concentrations (EMCs) approach was adopted to quantify the pollution of runoff. EMCs of various pollutants in storm sewer runoff between different rainfall events were slightly higher than the typical values observed in similar areas at home and abroad, according to other studies reported in literature. Based on quantitative analysis, it can be concluded that urban nonpoint source pollution is recognized as the major causes of quality deterioration in the receiving water bodies. This is after the point source pollution has been controlled substantially in Beijing. An integrated strategy, which combines centralized and decentralized control, along with the conditions of meteorology, hydrology, urban planning, existing drainage system, etc., will be an effective and economic approach to urban runoff pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate the trend in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus during 1999-2008 in women living in urban Tianjin, China. Methods A universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus has become an integral part of the antenatal care in Tianjin, China from 1998. A total of 105 473 pregnant women living in the six urban districts of Tianjin, China, participated in the gestational diabetes mellitus screening programme between December 1998 and December 2008. The screening test consisted of a 50-g 1-h glucose test. Women who had a glucose reading ≥ 7.8 mmol / l at the initial screening were invited to undergo the standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with a 75-g glucose load. Gestational diabetes mellitus was confirmed using the World Health Organization's diagnostic criteria. Results The adjusted prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus increased by 2.8 times during 1999-2008, from 2.4 to 6.8% (P < 0.0001 for linear trend). In 2008, the age-specific prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was the highest among women aged 30-34 years (11.3%) and lowest among women aged 25 and under (1.2%). In women aged 35 years and more, the prevalence was 5.3%. Conclusions The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus has markedly been increasing in a universally screened urban Chinese female population and has become an important public health problem in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A method is developed to analyze the in-plane magnetic anisotropy from surface morphology for amorphous films. The lateral sizes along radial direction (R RD) and tangent direction (R TD) of rotational substrate, which are extracted from the surface morphology of Co66.3Zr33.7 amorphous films, are used to calculate stress anisotropy energy E σ. It is found that E σ is consistent with the magnetic anisotropy energy K μ for the samples deposited on Si (100) substrate and then a relationship K μ ∝1/R RD −1/R TD can be obtained. This method is sensitive to the initial state of substrate so its application range is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Co metastable structures are formed in Co–Ag alloy films with the aid of glancing incident ions during deposition. The structures of Co are characterized by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the Co K-edge. The results indicate that two kinds of Co phases coexist in every film. One is α-Co or β-Co and the other is named fcc-II with a =4.06Å. It is thought that the stress between Co and Ag clusters induces the formation of β-Co and the fcc-II phase. The role of glancing incident ions is to trigger a collision cascade on the surface and to facilitate both thermodynamics and kinetics aspects of cluster mixing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]