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Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy plays a vital role in highly sensitive fingerprint detections and non-invasive point-of-care diagnostics. However, elaborate fabrication of a compact nanostructure-based plasmon hybridization to realize high-sensitivity SERS-active substrate remains a challenge. In this work, an Au hybrid hollow nanocone SERS substrate is successfully fabricated by ion-track technology. The overall electromagnetic enhancement is developed due to the synergistic effect of merging individual nanostructures onto one three-dimensional Au hybrid hollow nanocone SERS substrate. The near-field optical characterizations and the electromagnetic numerical simulations exhibit highly near-field nanofocusing. The reflectivity of the SERS substrate is less than 32%. The SERS spectra of rhodamine 6G molecules with a concentration detection limit of 10−8 M are analyzed, and the enhancement factor is ~ 0.75 × 105. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomas are particularly challenging due to their high invasiveness, frequent recurrence, and elevated mortality rates. Despite the availability of treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, each of these methods faces significant limitations. This has led to a pressing demand for new strategies against gliomas. In this landscape, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown significant potential in recent years. However, the application of MSCs in glioma therapy encounters various challenges. A significant advancement in this field is the utilization of exosomes (Exo), key secretions of MSCs. These exosomes not only carry the benefits inherent in MSCs but also exhibit unique physicochemical properties that make them effective drug carriers. Consequently, MSCs Exo is gaining recognition as a sophisticated drug delivery system, specifically designed for glioma treatment. The scope of MSCs Exo goes beyond being just an innovative drug delivery mechanism; it also shows potential as a standalone therapeutic option. This article aims to provide a detailed summary of the essential role of MSCs Exo in glioma progression and its growing importance as a drug delivery carrier in the fight against this formidable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous evolution of artificial intelligence and cyber–physical systems has presented promising opportunities for optimizing traffic signal control in densely populated urban areas, with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion. One area that has garnered significant interest from both researchers and practitioners is the application of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in traffic signal control. However, DRL-based algorithms often suffer from instability due to the dynamic nature of traffic flows. Discrepancies between the environments used for training and those encountered during deployment often lead to operational failures. Moreover, conventional DRL-based traffic signal control algorithms tend to reveal vulnerabilities when faced with unforeseen events, such as sensor failure. These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to enhance the robustness and adaptability of such systems. To address these pertinent issues, this paper introduces StageLight, a novel two-stage multiscale learning approach, which involves learning optimal timings on a coarse time scale in stage 1, while finetuning them on a finer time scale in stage 2. Our experimental results demonstrate StageLight's remarkable capability to generalize across diverse traffic conditions and its robustness to various sensor-failure scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finite Berry curvature in topological materials can induce many subtle phenomena, such as the anomalous Hall effect (AHE), spin Hall effect (SHE), anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), non-linear Hall effect (NLHE) and bulk photovoltaic effects. To explore these novel physics as well as their connection and coupling, a precise and effective model should be developed. Here, we propose such a versatile model—a 3D triangular lattice with alternating hopping parameters, which can yield various topological phases, including kagome bands, triply degenerate fermions, double Weyl semimetals and so on. We reveal that this special lattice can present unconventional transport due to its unique topological surface states and the aforementioned topological phenomena, such as AHE, ANE, NLHE and the topological photocurrent effect. In addition, we also provide a number of material candidates that have been synthesized experimentally with this lattice, and discuss two materials, including a non-magnetic triangular system for SHE, NLHE and the shift current, and a ferromagnetic triangular lattice for AHE and ANE. Our work provides an excellent platform, including both the model and materials, for the study of Berry-curvature-related physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligustilide, a natural phthalide mainly derived from chuanxiong rhizomes and Angelica Sinensis roots, possesses anti‐inflammatory activity, particularly in the context of the nervous system. However, its application is limited because of its unstable chemical properties. To overcome this limitation, ligusticum cycloprolactam (LIGc) was synthesized through structural modification of ligustilide. In this study, we combined network pharmacological methods with experimental verification to investigate the anti‐neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of ligustilide and LIGc. Based on our network pharmacology analysis, we identified four key targets of ligustilide involved in exerting an anti‐inflammatory effect, with the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signal pathway suggested as the main signalling pathway. To verify these results, we examined the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation‐related proteins, analysed the phosphorylation level of NF‐κB, inhibitor of κBα (IκBα) and inhibitor of κB kinase α and β (IKKα+β), and evaluated the effect of BV2 cell‐conditioned medium on HT22 cells in vitro. Our results, demonstrate for the first time that LIGc can downregulate the activation of the NF‐κB signal pathway in BV2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide, suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines and reduce nerve injury in HT22 cells mediated by BV2 cells. These findings suggest that LIGc inhibits the neuroinflammatory response mediated by BV2 cells, providing strong scientific support for the development of anti‐inflammatory drugs based on natural ligustilide or its derivatives. However, there are some limitations to our current study. In the future, further experiments using in vivo models may provide additional evidence to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia, as innate immune cells in the brain, closely monitor changes in the internal environment and participate in the maintenance of homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia can be polarized to the M1 or M2 phenotype in response to various stimuli in vivo or in vitro, affecting the functions of peripheral neurons. M2 microglia have attracted increasing attention in recent years owing to their beneficial effects on various diseases and injuries of the CNS, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. They exert neuroprotective effects by various mechanisms, e.g., suppressing inflammation, promoting the degradation of misfolded and aggregated proteins, promoting neurite growth, enhancing neurogenesis, inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis, promoting myelination, maintaining blood–brain barrier integrity, and enhancing phagocytic activity.This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which M2 microglia exert protective effects on neurons and provides a reference for the selection of therapeutic targets for CNS diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of green manure return for stabilized spring maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield (GY) we reduced nitrogen fertilizer input by regulation and examined effects on soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and fungal communities. This two-year field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain. The field experiment was undertaken with a split-plot design; the primary plots were winter fallow (WF) and green manure (GM), and the split-plots were five N application rates of 0 (N0), 189 (N189), 216 (N216), 243 (N243), and 270 (N270) kg ha−1. The results showed that, spring maize GY under GM treatments (GYGM) were significantly increased by 5.38–11.68% more than WF treatment (GYWF), and GYWF and GYGM significantly increased by 35.9–91.5% and 80.1–135.5% across all N treatments. By linear-platform model analysis, spring maize under GM treatments obtained higher GY, reaching 1270.5–14,312.2 kg ha−1 with optimized N application rate at 238–265 kg ha−1, which resulted in a GY higher than WF (11,820.0 and 13,654.2 kg ha−1) and N reduced 11.2% (238 vs. 268 kg ha−1). GM treatment significantly increased soil organic carbon by 3.90–12.23% more than WF over all N application rates, and total nitrogen and available nitrogen were significantly increased by 3.79–15.76% and 4.87–17.29%, with total phosphorus and available phosphorus for GM higher than WF by 6.1–13.6% and 9.6–5.3%, respectively. However, there were lesser effects of GM on total potassium and available potassium. Compared to WF, soil catalase, sucrose, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased by 6.2–16.4%, 5.8–48.1%, 3.3–21.5% and 11.5–82.3%, respectively, over all N application rates under GM over two years. GM increased Zygomycota and Basidiomycota relative abundances significantly, and reduced Thielavia, unclassified fungi, and Podospora relative abundances by 35.35%, 52.92% and 52.77% more than WF treatment, respectively. In summary, due to the GM return into fields, increased soil nutrients were available, which were positively affected by soil enzyme activity and fungal communities, and reduced nutrient requirements, and so the farmers could obtain a spring maize grain yield higher than 14,000 kg ha−1 with a reduced 11.2% N application rate from 268 kg ha−1 to 238 kg ha−1 by sowing winter green manure for a long time period in the North China Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effects of Compaximab and raizumab on retinal function and serum interleukin-17A level in retinopathy of prematurity. Methods. Sixty cases of retinopathy of prematurity treated in our hospital from February 2019 to April 2021 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and research group (n = 30). The control group was treated with Compaq and the research group was treated with razumab. The curative effect, retinal function, incidence of complications, intraocular pressure at different time, and the level of serum interleukin-17A were compared. Results. Compared with the two groups, the curative effect of the research group 93.33% (28/30) was greater than that of the control group 66.67% (20/30), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the incidence of complications, the incidence of corneal opacity, lens opacity, preretinal and vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, and traction retinal detachment in the research group was greatly lower, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Following the therapy, the IOP of the two groups decreased at different times. The IOP of 1 min, 10 min, and 30 min in the research group was obviously lower, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Following treatments, the levels of serum IL-17A were decreased. Compared with the control group, the level of serum IL-17A in the research group was greatly downregulated, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Intravitreal injection of razumab is an effective treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, which can effectively improve the retinal function of infants. The level of serum interleukin-17A can be reduced and intraocular pressure can be regulated, which is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia, as the intrinsic immune cells in the brain, are activated following ischemic stroke. Activated microglia participate in the pathological processes after stroke through polarization, autophagy, phagocytosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and necrosis, thereby influencing the injury and repair following stroke. It has been established that polarized M1 and M2 microglia exhibit pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Autophagy and phagocytosis in microglia following ischemia are dynamic processes, where moderate levels promote cell survival, while excessive responses may exacerbate neurofunctional deficits following stroke. Additionally, pyroptosis and ferroptosis in microglia after ischemic stroke contribute to the release of harmful cytokines, further aggravating the damage to brain tissue due to ischemia. This article discusses the different functional states of microglia in ischemic stroke research, highlighting current research trends and gaps, and provides insights and guidance for further study of ischemic stroke. • Microglia is important in the repair of ischemic stroke. • Microglial polarization is a double-edged sword in ischemic stroke. • Microglial proper autophagy and phagocytosis contribute to functional recovery after ischemic stroke, while excessive activation may worsen the damage. • Microglial pyroptosis, ferroptosis, apoptosis and necrosis in ischemic stroke is in the preliminary stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains a clinical challenge. Currently, riociguat, a soluble guanylate-cyclase stimulator is recommended by international guidelines. More recently, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) develops as an alternative treatment for inoperable CTEPH.Method: This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial. Subjects with inoperable CTEPH are randomized into either a BPA combined with riociguat or riociguat monotherapy group (2:1) and observed for 12 months after initiation of treatment. The primary endpoint is the change in pulmonary vascular resistance from baseline to 12 months after initiation of treatment. The secondary endpoints include 6-min walk distance (6MWD), WHO-FC, NT-proBNP, SF-36, and other hemodynamic parameters. Safety endpoints are analyzed too.Discussion: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of BPA combined with riociguat and riociguat monotherapy for inoperable CTEPH.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000032403 . Registered on 27 April 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane trafficking process is significant for the complex and precise regulatory of the nervous system. Rab11, as a small GTPase of the Rab superfamily, controls endocytic vesicular trafficking to the cell surface after sorting in recycling endosome (RE), coordinating with its receptors to maintain neurological function. This article reviewed the literature of Rab11 in nervous system. Rab11-positive vesicles targeted transport growth-related molecules, such as integrins, protrudin, tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A/B receptor and AMPA receptor (AMPAR) to membrane surface to promote the regeneration capacity of axon and dendrites and maintain synaptic plasticity. In addition, many studies have shown that the expression of Rab11 is decreased in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, which is highly correlated with the process of production, transport and clearance of disease-related pathological proteins. And overexpression or increased activity of Rab11 can greatly improve the defect of membrane trafficking and slow down the disease process. With increasing research efforts on Rab11-dependent membrane trafficking mechanisms, a potential target for nerve regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases will be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 /rGO composite was successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method. This composite consisted of flower-like core-shell structured Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 microspheres mounting on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets. The specific surface areas, magnetization saturation value (M s), and band gap energy (E g) of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 /rGO (x = 0.15 g) were 139.26 m2/g, 20.3 emu/g, and 1.91 eV, respectively. Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 /rGO (x = 0.15 g) exhibited remarkable ability to photocatalytically degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H), methylene blue (MB), and decolorize a mixed solution of MB, methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (Rh B); CIP, TC-H, and MB degradation by Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 /rGO conformed to a first-order kinetic reaction, and the corresponding k app values by Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 /rGO (x = 0.15 g) were 0.04211, 0.02792, and 0.05967 min−1, respectively. Excellent magnetic separation performance, recyclability, and stability were also observed. A suitable amount of rGO to the as-prepared photocatalyst could decrease the E g , accelerate the transfer of photogenerated electrons (e−), suppress the recombination of photo-generated e−–hole (h+) pairs, and enhance the visible-light response of the catalyst. The •OH is the dominant active species during photocatalysis. This work suggests a promising strategy to synthesize photocatalysts with enhanced ability to catalytically degrade organic pollutant under visible light and excellent recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) was reported to be decreased in the hearts of end-state heart failure patients. Our study aimed to explore the effects of PK2 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and the underlying mechanism. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 5 nM PK2 in the presence or absence of 5 mM dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (BEZ235) for 24 h and then subjected to H/R treatment. Cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were evaluated by CCK-8 and LDH release assays, respectively. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Results showed that H/R treatment decreased PK2 expression and inactivated the Akt/mTOR pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. PK2 treatment activated the Akt/mTOR pathway in H/R-exposed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. H/R stimulation suppressed cell viability, increased LDH release, induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, while these effects were neutralised by treatment with PK2. However, the inhibitory effects of PK2 on H/R-induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were abolished by the addition of BEZ235. In conclusion, PK2 relieved H/R-induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes by activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung injury and inflammation are complex pathological processes. The influence and crosstalk between various cells form a characteristic microenvironment. Extracellular vesicles from different cell sources in the microenvironment carry multiple cargo molecules, which affect the pathological process through different pathways. Here, we mainly discussed the mechanism of crosstalk between alveolar epithelial cells and different immune cells through extracellular vesicles in lung inflammation and reviewed the mechanism of extracellular vesicles released by blood and airways on lung inflammation. Finally, the role of extracellular vesicles in viral infection of the lung was also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are closely related to the pathological processes of neurological disorders. Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) is an abundant antioxidant enzyme in the central nervous system. Prdx2 reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and participates in regulating various signaling pathways in neurons by catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thereby protecting neurons against oxidative stress and an inflammatory injury. However, the spillage of Prdx2, as damage-associated molecular patterns, accelerates brain damage after stroke by activating an inflammatory response. The post-translational modifications of Prdx2 also affect its enzyme activity. This review focuses on the effects of Prdx2 and its molecular mechanisms in various neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The oncogene of wild type neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) has been found to involve in the tumorigenesis of cancers. However, the role of NRAS in retinoblastoma (RB) progression remains largely unknown. Methods: The expression levels of NRAS, miR-183-5p and small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay or Western blot assay, respectively. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay or flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to determine cell migration and invasion abilities. The interaction between miR-183-5p and NRAS or SNHG16 was analyzed using bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: NRAS was elevated in RB tissues and cell lines, knockdown of NRAS could inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion but induced apoptosis in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. NRAS was confirmed to be a target of miR-183-5p and was negatively regulated by miR-183-5p in RB cells. Moreover, overexpressed NRAS reversed miR-183-5p mediated inhibition on RB cell progression. Besides that, SNHG16 directly interacted with miR-183-5p and reduced miR-183-5p expression in RB cells. The suppression of RB cell progression induced by SNHG16 silencing could be partially attenuated by the inhibition of miR-183-5p. Besides that, SNHG16 could regulate NRAS expression through competitively binding to miR-183-5p in RB cells. Conclusion: NRAS functioned as an oncogene to contribute to RB progression by SNHG16/miR-183-5p/NRAS regulatory network, indicating a novel and promising therapeutic target for RB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and malignant type of primary brain tumors in adults. The valuable prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GBM remain to be elucidated. The association of adipokines with cancer has been well documented. The C1q/TNF-related protein 1 (CTRP1), a novel adipokine, belongs to the CTRP family. Methods. In the present study, the expression and potential roles of CTRP1 in GBM were explored based on in silico evaluation, including GEPIA, the Pathology Atlas of the Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal, TIMER, and SurvExpress. The CCK8, transwell, and wound healing assays were used to detect cell proliferation and migration. Results. It was found that mRNA expression levels of CTRP1 were significantly upregulated in GBM tissues compared with those in nontumor tissues according to the analysis on public dataset and immunohistochemical results of GBM tissues (P<0.05). CTRP1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of GBM cells. The genetic alterations of CTRP1 occurred at a low rate in GBM (2 of 591 sequenced cases/patients, 0.33%). The mRNA expression levels of CTRP1 were positively associated with the tumor-infiltrating macrophages and CCL2 in GBM (P<0.05, respectively). The higher mRNA expression levels of CTRP1 were significantly correlated with higher risk and shorter overall survival time in GBM (P<0.05). CTRP1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration in human GBM cells, suggesting the inhibition of CTRP1 on human GMB progression. Moreover, CTRP1 knockdown inhibited CCL2 expression, and CCL2 overexpression reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration induced by CTRP1 knockdown, suggesting that CTRP1 promoted tumor progression by regulating CCL2 expression. Conclusions. These findings suggest that CTRP1 potentially indicates poor prognosis in GBM and promotes the progression of human GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several miRNAs have been demonstrated to be involved in endothelial dysfunction during atherosclerosis (AS). However, the detailed roles and underlying mechanisms of miR-34a in AS-associated endothelial cell apoptosis are far from being addressed. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) were used as in vivo model of AS. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were applied as in vitro model of AS. The effects of miR-34a on atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Oil Red O staining. Pecam-1+ endothelial cells were isolated from the aortic arch with flow cytometry. qRT-PCR and western blot were employed to measure gene and protein expression. The effects of miR-34a on cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were assessed by Cell counting kit (CCK)-8 and flow cytometry analysis. The relationship between miR-34a and Bcl-2 was confirmed by online softwares, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). miR-34a was upregulated in HFD-induced ApoE−/− mice and ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Anti-miR-34a decreased atherosclerotic lesions and inhibited Pecam-1+ endothelial cells apoptosis in HFD-induced ApoE−/− mice. Moreover, anti-miR-34a significantly promoted cell viability, alleviated cell cycle arrest, and restrained apoptosis in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Furthermore, Bcl-2 was identified as a target of miR-34a, and miR-34a inhibited Bcl-2 expression via binding to its 3′UTR. Rescue experiments demonstrated that Bcl-2 overexpression dramatically reversed miR-34a-mediated inhibition of cell growth and promotion of apoptosis in ox-LDL-exposed HAECs. Depletion of miR-34a facilitated endothelial cell growth and blocked apoptosis in AS by upregulating Bcl-2, offering a promising avenue for AS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, charge or spin nonlinear transport with nontrivial topological properties in crystal materials has attracted much attention. In this paper, we perform a comprehensive symmetry analysis for all 122 magnetic point groups (MPGs) and provide a useful dictionary for charge and spin nonlinear transport from the Berry curvature dipole, Berry connection polarizability and Drude term with nontrivial topological nature. The results are obtained by conducting a full symmetry investigation of the matrix representations of six nonlinear response tensors. We further identify every MPG that can accommodate two or three of the nonlinear tensors. The present work gives a solid theoretical basis for an overall understanding of the second-order nonlinear responses in realistic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin Seebeck effect is a novel indirect thermoelectric conversion phenomenon, in which magnetic materials play an important role, that is distinct from the traditional direct thermoelectric conversion method. In this paper, we studied the spin Seebeck effect driven by thermal flux in two-dimensional ferromagnets and derived the spin-dependent Seebeck coefficient and the spin Seebeck coefficient contributed by conduction electrons in a ferromagnet based on the non-equilibrium linear irreversible thermodynamics and the Boltzmann linear theory. The spin Seebeck coefficients of six two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials (including manganese halides and transition metal chalcogenides) were numerically calculated. A largest spin Seebeck coefficient is found for MnCl 3 to be 1600 μ V/K in the range of temperature from 50 to 120 K, which is even larger than that of known CrI 3 and CrGeTe 3. The present study on the heat flow-spin current transport properties of ferromagnets could have great significance for the thermoelectric applications in spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how the immune system responds to tumor self antigens, we used enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in B16 melanoma cells (B16-EGFP) and tested in the mouse lines expressing EGFP in thymic epithelial cells (3.1T-EGFP) or in antigen presenting cells (Get40), in comparison to the wild-type mouse. B16-EGFP cells were distinctively immunoedited in three mouse lines at the early phase, and the cells were completely eliminated only in the wild-type at the late phase, suggesting EGFP-specific tolerance is present in 3.1T-EGFP and Get40. The numbers of tumor-infiltrating T cells in all mouse lines were reversely correlated with the tumor sizes, suggesting dominant T cell mediated tumor elimination. When a soluble EGFP was immunized, surprisingly, the growth of B16-EGFP in Get40 mouse was promoted, while reduced in B6. Immunization did not make significant difference in the growth of tumors in 3.1T-EGFP. Detailed analyses showed the opposite directional changes in the numbers of B and CD8+T cells in B6 and Get40. In Get40 mice, the immunization significantly reduced the percentage of Gr1−CD11b+cells, indicating that tolerance induction and breaking involve both adaptive and innate cells differentially. Therefore, the strategy for a cancer vaccine should be carefully considered on the types of antigen expressing cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the combustion behavior of pyrite, pyrrhotite, and pyrite-pyrrhotite mixture (mixed mineral) powders in an air atmosphere. To study the influence of the pyrrhotite content in mixed mineral powders on the combustion behavior in the air, thermogravimetric mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were employed. The results indicated that pyrrhotite lead to a weight gain in the mixed minerals during the combustion process. Pyrrhotite particles are more easily adsorbed on the surface of pyrite particles during mixed mineral combustion due to their strong ability to absorb oxygen, which accelerates pyrite combustion. The weight loss of mixed minerals decreased during the combustion process with increasing pyrrhotite content, resulting from pyrite encapsulation by agglomerated and sintered pyrrhotite during combustion. The calculated kinetic parameters and phase analysis results suggested that pyrite combustion is consistent with the shrinking core mechanism, and in the combustion process, the irregular pyrite particle shrank into a spherical particle; the combustion products of pyrrhotite grew in a layer-by-layer manner. Pyrrhotite combustion corresponded to the three-dimensional diffusion mechanism, and mixed mineral combustion was dominated by the shrinking core mechanism and supplemented by the three-dimensional diffusion mechanism. SO2, as the main combustion product, was continuously generated and volatilized in the reaction, signifying that the combustion reaction of pyrite is a two-phase reaction involving gas and solid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to date, series of studies on ischemic stroke had resulted in inconsistent conclusion. In this study, we aimed to evaluate which specific genes were associated with increased predisposition to stroke in a Chinese population. To identify the specific genes and polymorphisms associated with predisposition to ischemic stroke, we performed high throughput sequenom based next-generation sequencing from 743 patient with history of ischemic stroke. Variants SNPs in nNOS, renalase, MTHFR, CELSR1 and XYLB genes were found significantly associated with IS, thus suggesting involvement of these loci to IS in Chinese patients. Because of different locations on chromosomes, haplotype analyses were not feasible. Our results demonstrate the top level genes that are related to normal vascular physiology, viz. genes of nitric oxide synthesis, endothelial health and smooth muscle biology. Further validation studies are awaited. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(3):170-174, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An impulse oscillometry system (IOS) assesses pulmonary resistance and reactance. The present study investigated which IOS measurement is correlated with airflow obstruction, airway conductance and lung volume in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 180 patients with COPD were selected and 95 agreed to follow-up 1 year after the initial tests. IOS measurements [R5, R20, X5 and resonant frequency (Fres)], body plethysmography [forced end-expiratory flow (FEF)75, total lung capacity, residual volume (RV) and total inspiratory resistance (Rtot)] and spirometry [forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1)] were performed. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation tests were used to determine the correlation between the IOS and other measurements. R5, X5 and Fres were all significantly associated (P<0.05) with FEV1, FEF75, RV and Rtot. However, R20 was not correlated with these measurements except from FEF75 and Rtot (r values were all <0.25). The strongest associations were observed with FEV1 and the reactance measurements X5 (r=0.635), Fres (r=-0.721) and R5 (r=-0.496); FEF75 with X5 (r=0.505), Fres (r=-0.629) and R5 (r=-0.468); RV with X5 (r=-0.485), Fres (r=0.570) and R5 (r=0.326); and Rtot with X5 (r=-0.691), Fres (r=0.632) and R5 (r=0.570). There was a significant increase in FEV1 and X5 after one year as compared with the RV. The other measurements did not change over the year. The changes in X5, Fres and R5 were significantly correlated with the changes in FEV1 and the correlation coefficients were 0.355, -0.364 and -0.381, respectively. Similarly, the changes in X5, Fres and R5 were significantly correlated with the changes in RV and the correlation coefficients were -0.264, 0.287 and 0.318, respectively. In the COPD patients, the IOS reactance measurements were more closely correlated with other pulmonary function measurements rather than with resistance measurements. The IOS reactance measurements, particularly X5, appear to indicate changes in pulmonary compliance caused by airflow obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution has a significant weakening effect on solar radiation. Therefore, it is important for the development and utilization of solar energy to establish a solar radiation model under the influence of fog and haze. Based on the analysis of existing layer-by-layer weakening solar radiation models, the discontinuous meteorological data provided by MODIS satellite are replaced by continuous measured data from meteorological stations. The beam solar radiation model and diffuse solar radiation model are modified by using relative humidity (φ) and air quality index (AQI). The results show that the correction effects of these modified models are better. The R value of beam solar radiation models have increased by 5.74%, the R value of diffuse solar radiation models have increased by 41.27%, and other statistical parameters (RSE, RMSE and NSE) have also been improved to a certain extent. The calculated value of the modified models is closer to the measured data. In addition, the order of correction parameters also has an effect on the results. The research shows that the best correction effect is to use relative humidity first and then AQI. According to this method, the layer-by-layer weakening solar radiation models can be more accurate and reliable. • Smog is considered to modify the layer-by-layer weakening solar radiation models. • The data measured on the ground instead of MODIS are used to build new models. • Two new variables are added to the layer-by-layer weakening solar radiation models. • The accuracy of the modified solar radiation models has been. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of these experiments was to test the hypothesis that dietary phytoestrogens would diminish experimental aortic aneurysm formation. Materials and methods: Six-wk-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into groups, fed either a diet with minimal phytoestrogen content or a regular commercial rodent diet with high phytoestrogen content for 2 wk. At the age of 8 wk, aortic aneurysms were induced by infusing the isolated infrarenal abdominal aorta with 0.4% elastase for 5 min. Mice were recovered and the diameter of the infused aorta was measured at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Abdominal aorta samples were collected for histology, cytokine array, and gelatin zymography after aortic diameter measurement. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum phytoestrogens and estradiol levels. Multiple-group comparisons were done using an analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey tests. Results: Compared with mice on a minimal phytoestrogen diet, mice on a regular rodent diet had higher levels of serum phytoestrogens (male, 1138 ± 846 ng/dL; female, 310 ± 295 ng/dL). These serum phytoestrogen levels were also much higher than their own endogenous estradiol levels (109-fold higher for males and 35.5-fold higher for females). Although aortic diameters of female mice were unaffected by the phytoestrogen concentration in the diets, male mice on the regular rodent diet (M+ group) developed smaller aortic aneurysms than male mice on the minimal phytoestrogen diet (M− group) on postoperative day 14 (M+ 54.8 ± 8.8% versus M− 109.3 ± 37.6%; P < 0.001). During aneurysm development (postoperative days 3 and 7), there were fewer neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in the aorta from the M+ group than from the M− group. Concentrations of multiple proinflammatory cytokines (matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs]; interleukin 1β [IL-1β]; IL-6; IL-17; IL-23; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted; interferon γ; and tumor necrosis factor α) from aortas of the M+ group were also lower than those from the aortas of the M− group. Zymography also demonstrated that the M+ group had lower levels of aortic MMP-9s than the M− group on postoperative day 14 (P < 0.001 for pro-MMP-9, P < 0.001 for active MMP-9). Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary phytoestrogens inhibit experimental aortic aneurysm formation in male mice via a reduction of the inflammatory response in the aorta wall. The protective effect of dietary phytoestrogens on aneurysm formation warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural variation and high-temperature flow features of a Ti-55511 alloy in the β region are studied by utilizing double-stage compression with a stepped strain rate. The results demonstrate that the stresses in the latter stage of hot compression markedly reduce as the strain at the previous stage or the strain rate at the previous/latter stage drops. Moreover, the annihilation/interaction of substructures is promoted, and the distinct refinement of the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) in the β grain can be found. However, the coarsening of the β grain and the consumption of dislocation substructures are accelerated at high temperatures. Furthermore, the principal DRX nucleation mechanism of the Ti-55511 alloy during double-stage compression with a stepped strain rate in the β region is discontinuous DRX. Additionally, by using the microstructural variation characteristics related to the forming parameters, a physical mechanism equation is modeled to forecast the forming features, the DRX fraction, and the size of the β grain in the investigated alloy. The forecasted results are in accordance with the tested results, indicating that the established model can accurately forecast the microstructure variation and flow features of the studied alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new phenolic compounds 4-(4′-hydroxybenzyl) phenyl glucoside (gastrodin B,1) and 1′-hydroxymethyl-phenyl 4-hydroxy-3-(4″-hydroxybenzyl) benzyl ether (gastrol B,2) were isolated from the rhizomes ofGastrodia elata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical reaction. All compounds exhibited potent neuroprotective activity against H2O2-induced PC12 cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We have studied the ground state and thermodynamic properties of the anisotropic 3-state Potts model on square lattice by means of the tensor network-based numerical method. The phase diagrams of this model in the ground state and at finite temperature are identified. The singular behavior at the critical endpoint along the phase boundary is carefully investigated. It is discovered that the sharp peaks appear in the second-order derivative of the field as well as the first-order derivative of the magnetization with respect to temperature on the phase boundary. Our numerical results confirm the prediction of Fisher et al. about the critical endpoint. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the adoption and roll-out of a 100 Per Cent Condom Use Program (100% CUP) in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It first details the initial implementation of a 100% CUP in Thailand and explains how this created a framework for action in other developing countries. It then examines the implementation of pilot programs in China. We conclude that governmental authorities in the PRC now actively target designated high-risk populations such as female sex workers in order to combat the spread of sexually transmissible infections and HIV/AIDS. This has resulted in the introduction of new legal frameworks and the use of widespread media publicity to promote condom use and safer-sex strategies. However, the more effective implementation of a national 100% CUP in China requires attention to the problems associated with the legal and social marginalisation of female sex workers, which is reinforced by police-led crackdowns on prostitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A core-shell-type Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 -sepiolite was fabricated by hydrothermal method. • The photocatalyst showed remarkable visible-light catalytic activity for pollutants. • A synergistic effect was observed between BiFeO 3 and sepiolite in the photocatalyst. • The synergistic effect improved the photocatalyst's structure and catalytic activity. • The photocatalyst exhibited excellent magnetic separation and recyclable performance. Novel magnetic core-shell structured Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite microspheres were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared microspheres comprised a Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 magnetic core with a strong response to external fields and a porous BiFeO 3 /sepiolite composite functional layer. The specific surface area, magnetization saturation value (M s), and band gap energy (E g) of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite (x = 0.4 g) were 126.68 m2/g, 18.2 emu/g, and 2.09 eV, respectively. A suitable amount of sepiolite in Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite could improve the microstructure of the photocatalyst through the interface effect between the sepiolite and the formed BiFeO 3 , which can enlarge the specific surface area and thus increase the absorption of light and the adsorption of pollutants, decrease the E g of the as-prepared photocatalyst, and improve the separation and inhibit the recombination of photogenic electron and hole (e−/h+) pairs, thereby expediting the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. The as-obtained Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite (x = 0.4 g) exhibited a remarkable photocatalytic degradation performance for ciprofloxacin (CIP), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H), and methylene blue (MB) and an excellent decolorization for the mixed solution of methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (Rh B), and MB under visible-light irradiation. In addition, the as-obtained photocatalyst demonstrated excellent magnetic separation performance, recyclability, and stability. The active species produced during the photocatalysis included OH, O 2 −, and h+, with OH being the dominant active species. Such a well-structured core-shell photocatalyst has remarkable potential for numerous applications in treating organic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitration of asymmetric hydrazones with nitric oxide occurred stereoselectively at C1′-atom, giving mono-nitrated trans isomer as a major outcome. The ratio of trans to cis was up to >99. Higher isolated yields of nitrated products and higher trans/cis ratios of isomers suggest that this procedure offers advantages for synthesizing asymmetry nitro compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electronic structures of haloform intercalated molecular solids C60·2CHX3 (X=Cl,Br) at low temperature are investigated by a first-principle calculation. It is found that the density of states of these solids at the Fermi level are quite low, and a phenomenon of hole doping induced insulator–metal transition in these systems is observed at low temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated the current-induced spin transfer torque of a ferromagnet–insulator–ferromagnet tunnel junction by taking the spin-flip scatterings into account. It is found that the spin-flip scattering can induce an additional spin torque, enhancing the maximum of the spin torque and giving rise to an angular shift compared to the case when the spin-flip scatterings are neglected. The effects of the molecular fields of the left and right ferromagnets on the spin torque are also studied. It is found that τRx/Ie (τRx is the spin-transfer torque acting on the right ferromagnet and Ie is the tunneling electrical current) does vary with the molecular fields. At two certain angles, τRx/Ie is independent of the molecular field of the right ferromagnet, resulting in two crossing points in the curve of τRx/Ie versus the relevant orientation for different molecular fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The possibility of the Josephson-like effect in a spin valve system is discussed. It is argued that in the absence of the bias voltage, the system can have dc currents flowing through the tunneling junction under certain conditions when alignments of spins in two ferromagnetic (FM) layers separated by an insulating layer, are parallel. The system may have ac currents flowing through the junction when spins in the two FM layers are tilting aligned or antialigned, this being a result quite different from the Josephson effect in superconducting junctions. In the presence of the bias voltage, the tunneling current is, in general, alternating, but for the case of antialigned spins, it contains adc current component when the bias voltage takes a specific value (a resonant condition). The case with an ac bias voltage is also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of the nonequilibrium Green function technique, the effect of spin-flip scatterings on the spin-dependent electrical transport in ferromagnet–insulator–ferromagnet (FM–I–FM) tunnel junctions is investigated. It is shown that Jullie&grave;re's formula for the tunnel conductance must be modified when including the contribution from the spin-flip scatterings. It is found that the spin-flip scatterings could lead to an angular shift of the tunnel conductance, giving rise to the junction resistance not being the largest when the orientations of magnetizations in the two FM electrodes are antiparallel, which may offer an alternative explanation for such a phenomenon observed previously in experiments in some FM–I–FM junctions. The spin-flip assisted tunneling is also observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of nonmagnetic impurities and the effective masses on the spin-dependent transport in a ferromagnet-normal metal-ferromagnet junction is investigated on the basis of a two-band model. Our results show that impurities and the effective masses of electrons in two ferromagnetic electrodes have remarkable effects on the behaviors of the conductance, namely, both affect the oscillating amplitudes, periods, as well as the positions of the resonant peaks of the conductance considerably. The impurity tends to suppress the amplitudes of the conductance, and makes the spin-valve effect less obvious, but under certain conditions the phenomenon of the so-called impurity-induced resonant tunneling is clearly observed. The impurity and the effective mass both can lead to nonmonotonous oscillation of the junction magnetoresistance (JMR) with the incident energy and the thickness of the normal metal. It is also observed that a smaller difference of the effective masses of electrons in two ferromagnetic electrodes would give rise to a larger amplitude of the JMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one-dimensional spin-one Heisenberg antiferromagnet with single-ion anisotropy in the presence of the applied magnetic field is explored in terms of the Schwinger boson mean-field theory. The temperature and anisotropy dependences of the specific heat, the susceptibility and the magnetization are thoroughly discussed. New features of the specific heat as a function of temperature as well as anisotropy are found. A transition from an antiferromagnetic phase to a spin-canting phase is observed, and meanwhile, a schematic phase diagram is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the Fermi surface (FS) and the symmetry of the gap function in unconventional superconductors is argued. It is found that the shapes of the FS are indeed related to the symmetry of the superconducting gap function, and is also influenced by the next nearest-neighbor overlapping. The application of the arguments to cuprate superconductors is briefly discussed. There is observed an interesting property that Luttinger's theorem perfectly holds for various pure gap symmetries in the weak-coupling limit while it is violated for d[sub x²-y²]- and d[sub x²-y²] + id[sub xy]-wave symmetries in a few cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a work zone is located at an intersection, it greatly reduces the capacity and change the traffic flow characteristics. However, the impacts of work zones have not attracted much attention, and the signal control method of the intersection with a work zone has not been investigated yet. This paper focuses on a specific type of work zone, which is located within the area of an intersection. The saturation flow rate model, traffic wave model, traffic delay model, and emptying time model are proposed to capture the traffic flow characteristics of the intersection with an island work zone, and a signal control model is further put forward. The real data is collected to calibrate, validate, and evaluate the proposed models. The results indicate that the proposed signal control model can reduce about 15.6% of queue length and 17.2% of traffic delay for the intersection with an island work zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Methods Results Conclusion Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and nocturnal hypoxemia were known to be present in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but the difference between SDB and nocturnal hypoxemia in patients who have chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) with or without pulmonary hypertension (PH) at rest remains unknown.Patients who had CTEPH (n = 80) or CTEPD without PH (n = 40) and who had undergone sleep studies from July 2020 to October 2022 at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were enrolled. Nocturnal mean SpO2 (Mean SpO2) <90% was defined as nocturnal hypoxemia, and the percentage of time with a saturation below 90% (T90%) exceeding 10% was used to evaluate the severity of nocturnal hypoxemia. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the difference and potential predictor of SDB or nocturnal hypoxemia between CTEPH and CTEPD without PH.SDB was similarly prevalent in CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (P = 0.104), both characterised by obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Twenty‐two patients with CTEPH were diagnosed with nocturnal hypoxemia, whereas only three were diagnosed with CTEPD without PH (P = 0.021). T90% was positively associated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (P < 0.001); T90% was also negatively related to cardiac output in these patients. Single‐breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, sex and mPAP were all correlated with nocturnal hypoxemia in CTEPH and CTEPD without PH (all P < 0.05).Nocturnal hypoxemia was worse in CTEPD with PH; T90%, but not SDB, was independently correlated with the hemodynamics in CTEPD with or without PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeycomb or triangular lattices were extensively studied and thought to be proper platforms for realizing the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE), where magnetism is usually caused by d orbitals of transition metals. Here we propose that a square lattice can host three magnetic topological states, including the fully spin-polarized nodal loop semimetal, QAHE and the topologically trivial ferromagnetic semiconductor, in terms of the symmetry and k · p model analyses that are material independent. A phase diagram is presented. We further show that the above three magnetic topological states can indeed be implemented in the two-dimensional (2D) materials ScLiCl5, LiScZ5 (Z=Cl, Br) and ScLiBr5, respectively. The ferromagnetism in these 2D materials is microscopically revealed from p electrons of halogen atoms. This present study opens a door to explore the exotic topological states as well as quantum magnetism from p -orbital electrons by means of the material-independent approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It can be shown that the bosonic degree of freedom of the tightly bound on-site electron pairs could be separated as Schwinger bosons. This is implemented by projecting the whole Hilbert space into the Hilbert subspace spanned by states of two kinds of Schwinger bosons (to be called binon and vacanon) subject to a constraint that these two kinds of bosonic quasiparticles cannot occupy the same site. We argue that a binon is actually a kind of quantum fluctuations of electron pairs, and a vacanon corresponds to a vacant state. These two bosonic quasiparticles may be responsible for the Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of the system associated with electron pairs. These concepts are also applied to the attractive Hubbard model with strong coupling, showing that it is quite useful. The relevance of the present arguments to the existing theories associated with the BEC of electron pairs is briefly commented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the thermal transformation process of common sulfide minerals in a nitrogen atmosphere, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric mass spectrometry are employed to define the influence of the pyrrhotite content in pyrite-pyrrhotite mixtures (mixed minerals). The results indicate that an increase in pyrrhotite content decreases the temperature of the maximum mass loss rate of mixed minerals and reduces its mass loss. The solid-phase transformation of the thermal decomposition of mixed minerals is accelerated because the apparent activation energy of pyrrhotite is lower than that of pyrite and mixed minerals. However, the pyrrhotite makes the mixed minerals easier to sinter and agglomerate, which reduces the total volatilization amount of the gas product, S2; thus, the rate of mass loss decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an oral sequential triple combination therapy with selexipag after dual combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor (PDE5I)/riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. A total of 192 PAH patients from 10 centers had received oral sequential selexipag therapy after being on dual‐combination therapy with ERA and PDE5i/riociguat for a minimum of 3 months. Clinical data were collected at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The study analyzed the event‐free survival at 6 months and all‐cause death over 2 years. At baseline, the distribution of patients among the risk groups was as follows: 22 in the low‐risk group, 35 in the intermediate‐low‐risk group, 91 in the intermediate‐high‐risk group, and 44 in the high‐risk group. After 6 months of treatment, the oral sequential triple combination therapy resulted in reduced NT‐proBNP levels (media from 1604 to 678 pg/mL), a decline in the percentage of WHO‐FC III/IV (from 79.2% to 60.4%), an increased in the 6MWD (from 325 ± 147 to 378 ± 143 m) and a rise in the percentage of patients with three low‐risk criteria (from 5.7% to 13.5%). Among the low‐risk group, there was an improvement in the right heart remodeling, marked by a decrease in right atrium area and eccentricity index. The intermediate‐low‐risk group exhibited significant enhancements in WHO‐FC and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. For those in the intermediate‐high and high‐risk groups, there were marked improvements in activity tolerance, as reflected by WHO‐FC and 6MWD. The event‐free survival rate at 6 months stood at 88%. Over the long‐term follow‐up, the survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 86.5% and 86.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the oral sequential triple combination therapy enhanced both exercise capacity and cardiac remodeling across PAH patients of different risk stratifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: GLay provides Cytoscape users an assorted collection of versatile community structure algorithms and graph layout functions for network clustering and structured visualization. High performance is achieved by dynamically linking highly optimized C functions to the Cytoscape JAVA program, which makes GLay especially suitable for decomposition, display and exploratory analysis of large biological networks.Availability: http://brainarray.mbni.med.umich.edu/glay/Contact: sugang@umich.edu [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By comparing the recently obtained superconducting energy gaps from the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) for underdoped superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ δ , significant distinctions were observed. By properly taking the effect of quasiparticle spectral weight in the STM spectra into account, good consistency between both energy gaps obtained by STM and ARPES is unveiled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a progressive disease characterized by inflammation, smooth muscle cell activation and matrix degradation. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can immunomodulate vascular inflammation and remodeling via altered microRNA (miRNAs) expression profile to attenuate TAA formation. C57BL/6 mice underwent topical elastase application to form descending TAAs. Mice were also treated with MSCs on days 1 and 5 and aortas were analyzed on day 14 for aortic diameter. Cytokine array was performed in aortic tissue and total RNA was tagged and hybridized for miRNAs microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed for elastin degradation and leukocyte infiltration. Treatment with MSCs significantly attenuated aortic diameter and TAA formation compared to untreated mice. MSC administration also attenuated T-cell, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and prevented elastic degradation to mitigate vascular remodeling. MSC treatment also attenuated aortic inflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL13, IL-27, CXCL12 and RANTES) and upregulating anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 expression in aortic tissue of elastase-treated mice. TAA formation demonstrated activation of specific miRNAs that are associated with aortic inflammation and vascular remodeling. Our results also demonstrated that MSCs modulate a different set of miRNAs that are associated with decrease leukocyte infiltration and vascular inflammation to attenuate the aortic diameter and TAA formation. These results indicate that MSCs immunomodulate specific miRNAs that are associated with modulating hallmarks of aortic inflammation and vascular remodeling of aortic aneurysms. Targeted therapies designed using MSCs and miRNAs have the potential to regulate the growth and development of TAAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the strategies used in teaching physics in various junior middle schools in China. Observations on the teaching methods of physics teachers in China; Significance of cognitive internalization in teaching physics; Reasons for the differences in the teaching methods.