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CoO/Fe3O4 nanosheets exhibit a superior rechargeable zinc-air battery (ZAB) performance of 276 mW cm-2 and stability over 600 h. The all-solid-state ZAB also affords a high power density of 107 mW cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing grippers for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manipulation have persistent challenges, highlighting a need for grippers that are soft, self-adaptive, self-contained, easy to control, and lightweight. Inspired by tendril plants, we propose a class of soft grippers that are voltage driven and based on winding deformation for self-adaptive grasping. We design two types of U-shaped soft eccentric circular tube actuators (UCTAs) and propose using the liquid-gas phase-transition mechanism to actuate UCTAs. Two types of UCTAs are separately cross-arranged to construct two types of soft grippers, forming self-contained systems that can be directly driven by voltage. One gripper inspired by tendril climbers can be used for delicate grasping, and the other gripper inspired by hook climbers can be used for strong grasping. These grippers are ideal for deployment in UAVs because of their self-adaptability, ease of control, and light weight, paving the way for UAVs to achieve powerful manipulation with low positioning accuracy, no complex grasping planning, self-adaptability, and multiple environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and green route have been developed for the electrochemical synthesis of 3-halogenated spiro[4.5]trienones based on dearomative spirocyclization of alkynes with NaX (Br, I) as the halogen source. This transformation was performed in an undivided cell under mild conditions. A wide range of substituted 3-halogenated spiro[4.5]trienones products was prepared in moderate-to-good yields, showing a broad scope and functional group tolerance. In addition, this approach was further extended to access fused tricyclic 6,7-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo [2,1-j]quinoline-3,9(5H)-diones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the increasing demand for adjustable devices in the modern wireless communication system, a compact bandpass filter with active switchable passband is proposed. The filter is based on the half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW), and uses its cut-off characteristics to form the lower stopband. The resonant characteristics of a quarterwavelength shorted stub generates a transmission zero (TZ) at higher frequency, which forms the upper stopband. The active control of DC power supply determines the biased states of PIN diodes to change the electrical size of the filtering parts. When the diodes are reverse biased, the filter works in C band with the passband of 3.9-5.2 GHz; when the diodes are forward biased, the passband shifts to S band of 2.7-3.6 GHz. The 28.6% relative bandwidth in both frequency bands remains constant. The simple design realizes the active switching between bands, providing a promising idea for active adjustable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a miniaturized bandpass filter based on low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology is proposed. The miniaturization is achieved by two double folded substrate integrated waveguide (DFSIW) resonant cavities. By interconnecting LTCC three-dimensional structure, the resonant cavities can be stacked vertically. Compared with the conventional SIW filter, the size is reduced by 75.6%. The experimental results show that the low insertion loss and good selectivity are achieved. The proposed miniaturized bandpass filter is promising for 5G application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study linear and non-linear Schrödinger equations defined by fractal measures. Under the assumption that the Laplacian has compact resolvent, we prove that there exists a unique weak solution for a linear Schrödinger equation, and then use it to obtain the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution of a non-linear Schrödinger equation. We prove that for a class of self-similar measures on R with overlaps, the linear Schrödinger equations can be discretized so that the finite element method can be applied to obtain approximate solutions. We also prove that the numerical solutions converge to the actual solution and obtain the rate of convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing photochromic systems with information displays has been seldom studied but is critical to the realization of instant hand-writable system. Previous instant hand-writable systems with inorganic photochromic materials limited to low color contrast. Herein, by controlling the sintering environment and ion doping concentration, an excellent light response is achieved by engineering the formation of oxygen vacancy defects in Ba 3 MgSi 2 O 8 :0.25%Dy3+, the maximum color contrast as high as 80.7%. A hand-rewritable system fabricated using these photochromic materials exhibits excellent writing and erasing reversibility in response to UV illumination and thermal stimulus. In addition, a large luminescence modulation of 86.2% is achieved due to the well overlap between the emission peak of Dy3+ and the absorption peak of Ba 3 MgSi 2 O 8. The resulting insights will be useful to researchers in inducing oxygen vacancy defects in high-performance inorganic photochromic systems for superior functional design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir (BIC/FTC/TAF) have been regulatory approved and included in the National Reimbursement Drug List in China, due to the affordability concern, generic version of efavirenz + lamivudine + tenofovir (EFV + 3TC + TDF) is still recommended as the first-line therapy in the clinical guideline and widely used in clinical practice. The aim of the study is to assess the persistence with first-line BIC/TAF/TAF and EFV + 3TC + TDF in newly treated HIV-1 patients in the real-world setting in Hunan Province in China. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of HIV patients initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy in the First Hospital of Changsha in January 1st, 2021-July 31st, 2022 was conducted. Persistence was assessed as the number of days on the therapy from the index until treatment discontinuation or end of data availability. Kaplan-Meier Curves and Cox Proportional Hazard models were used to evaluate the discontinuation rates. Subgroup analysis was performed excluding BIC/FTC/TAF patients with treatment discontinuation due to economic reason, and EFV + 3TC + TDF patients with a viral load > 500,000 copies/mL. Results: A total of 310 eligible patients were included in the study, with 244 and 66 patients in the BIC/FTC/TAF group and EFV + 3TC + TDF group, respectively. Compared with EFV + 3TC + TDF patients, BIC/FTC/TAF patients were older, more living in the capital city currently, and had significantly higher total cholesterol and low-density level (all p < 0.05). No significant difference was shown in the time to discontinuation between BIC/FTC/TAF patients and EFV + 3TC + TDF patients. After excluding BIC/FTC/TAF patients with treatment discontinuation due to economic reason, EFV + 3TC + TDF group were shown to have a significantly higher risk of discontinuation than BIC/FTC/TAF group (hazard ratio [HR] = 11.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–93.2). After further removing the EFV + 3TC + TDF patients with a viral load > 500,000 copies/mL, the analysis showed similar results (HR = 10.1, 95% CI = 1.2–84.1). 79.4% of the EFV + 3TC + TDF patients discontinued treatment due to clinical reasons, while 83.3% of the BIC/FTC/TAF patients discontinued treatment due to economic reasons. Conclusions: Compared with BIC/FTC/TAF, EFV + TDF + 3TC patients were significantly more likely to discontinue the first-line treatment in Hunan Province in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identity and location of vocalization pattern generating (VPG) circuits in mammals is debated. Based on physiological experiments, investigators suggested anterior brainstem circuits in the reticular formation, and anatomic evidence suggested the nucleus retroambiguus (NRA) in the posterior brainstem, or combinations of these sites as the putative mammalian VPG. Additionally, vocalization loudness is a critical factor in acoustic communication. However, many of the underlying neuronal mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we evoked calls by stimulation of the periaqueductal gray in anesthetized male rats, performed a large-scale mapping of vocalization-related activity using the activity marker c-fos, and high-density recordings of brainstem circuits using Neuropixels probes. Both c-fos expression and recording of vocalization-related activity point to a participation of the NRA in vocalization. More important, among our recorded structures, we found that the NRA is the only brainstem area showing a strong correlation between unit activity and call intensity. In addition, we observed functionally diverse patterns of vocalizationrelated activity in a set of regions around NRA. Dorsal to NRA, we observed activity specific to the beginning and end of vocalizations in the posterior level of the medullary reticular nucleus, dorsal part, whereas medial and lateral to the NRA, we observed activity related to call initiation. No clear vocalization-related activity was observed at anterior brainstem sites. Our findings suggest a set of functionally heterogeneous regions around the NRA contribute to vocal pattern generation in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of sudden cardiac death (SCD) with a structurally normal heart remains an important challenge in forensic pathology. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is known as an inherited or acquired channelopathy, which is characterized with prolonged QT interval, and is likely to cause SCD in young adults. In this circumstance, no specific pathological change in the heart can be found anatomically or histologically in the LQTS victims. Thus, postmortem LQTS diagnosis is mainly based on clinical manifestations and genetic testing. Here, we reported a 26-year-old woman who was found dead at home with a history of unexplained syncope. Her clinical records and an electrocardiograph (ECG) obtained 3 months before her death showed a QTc interval of 539 ms which implicates the diagnosis of LQTS. Although the autopsy and pathological examination findings lacked specificity, we noticed enhanced lipofuscin accumulation in cardiomyocytes, which might be related to LQTS. After excluding potential diseases and injuries, we made the postmortem diagnosis as LQTS according to ECG, clinical history, and forensic postmortem findings. In conclusion, we provided clinical and pathological features of an SCD case due to LQTS, which might enrich the understanding of forensic postmortem SCD diagnosis with nonstructural cardiac diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a rare symptom, but is difficult to manage. Here, we report a case of post-trauma PSH in a young male patient. The main reason for the occurrence of PSH in trauma patients may be nonnoxious or noxious stimuli. In this case, the detection of positive sympathetic parameters and heart rate variability after pressure regulation provided strong evidence for the PSH attack, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of early diagnosis. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of PSH caused by rapid decline of ventricular pressure. Moreover, the appropriate regulation of ventricular pressure combined with pharmacologic interventions, rehabilitation and nutritional support may reduce and control this symptom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) has been recognized as a suppressor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is critical for the stemness maintenance of breast cancer stem cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms of GSK3β protein expression remain elusive. Methods: Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectral assays were performed to identify molecules binding to GSK3β, and to characterize the interactions of GSK3β, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), and co-chaperones. The role of PGK1 in Hsp90 chaperoning GSK3β was evaluated by constructing 293T cells stably expressing different domains/mutants of Hsp90α, and by performing a series of binding assays with bacterially purified proteins and clinical specimens. The influences of Hsp90 inhibitors on breast cancer stem cell stemness were investigated by Western blot and mammosphere formation assays. Results: We showed that GSK3β was a client protein of Hsp90. Hsp90, which did not directly bind to GSK3β, interacted with phosphoglycerate kinase 1 via its C-terminal domain, thereby facilitating the binding of GSK3β to Hsp90. GSK3β-bound PGK1 interacted with Hsp90 in the "closed" conformation and stabilized GSK3β expression in an Hsp90 activity-dependent manner. The Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-AAG, rather than HDN-1, disrupted the interaction between Hsp90 and PGK1, and reduced GSK3β expression, resulting in significantly reduced inhibition of β-catenin expression, to maintain the stemness of breast cancer stem cells. Conclusions: Our findings identified a novel regulatory mechanism of GSK3β expression involving metabolic enzyme PGK1-coupled Hsp90, and highlighted the potential for more effective cancer treatment by selecting Hsp90 inhibitors that do not affect PGK1-regulated GSK3β expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granitoids at convergent plate boundaries can be produced either by partial melting of crustal rocks (either continental or oceanic) or by fractional crystallization of mantlederived mafic magmas. Whereas granitoid formation through partial melting of the continental crust results in reworking of the pre-existing continental crust, granitoid formation through either partial melting of the oceanic crust or fractional crystallization of the mafic magmas leads to growth of the continental crust. This category is primarily based on the radiogenic Nd isotope compositions of crustal rocks; positive eNd(t) values indicate juvenile crust whereas negative eNd(t) values indicate ancient crust. Positive eNd(t) values are common for syn-collisional granitoids in southern Tibet, which leads to the hypothesis that continental collision zones are important sites for the net growth of continental crust. This hypothesis is examined through an integrated study of in situ zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes, whole-rock major trace elements, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes as well as mineral O isotopes for felsic igneous rocks of Eocene ages from the Gangdese orogen in southern Tibet. The results show that these rocks can be divided into two groups according to their emplacement ages and geochemical features. The first group is less granitic with lower SiO2 contents of 59.82-64.41 wt%, and it was emplaced at 50-48 Ma in the early Eocene. The second group is more granitic with higher SiO2 contents of 63.93-68.81 wt%, and it was emplaced at 42 Ma in the late Eocene. The early Eocene granitoids exhibit relatively depleted wholerock Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions with low (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7044-0.7048, positive eNd(t) values of 0.6-3.9, eHf(t) values of 6.5-10.5, zircon eHf(t) values of 1.6-12.1, and zircon d18O values of 5.28-6.26?. These isotopic characteristics are quite similar to those of Late Cretaceous mafic arc igneous rocks in the Gangdese orogen, which indicates their derivation from partial melting of the juvenile mafic arc crust. In comparison, the late Eocene granitoids have relatively lower MgO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, and heavy rare earth element (HREE) contents but higher K2O, Rb, Sr, Th, U, Pb contents, Sr/Y, and (La/Yb)N ratios. They also exhibit more enriched wholerock Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions with high (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7070-0.7085, negative eNd(t) values of -5.2 to -3.9 and neutral eHf(t) values of 0.9-2.3, and relatively lower zircon eHf(t) values of -2.8-8.0 and slightly higher zircon d18O values of 6.25-6.68?. An integrated interpretation of these geochemical features is that both the juvenile arc crust and the ancient continental crust partially melted to produce the late Eocene granitoids. In this regard, the compositional evolution of syn-collisional granitoids from the early to late Eocene indicates a temporal change of their magma sources from the complete juvenile arc crust to a mixture of the juvenile and ancient crust. In either case, the syn-collisional granitoids in the Gangdese orogen are the reworking products of the pre-existing continental crust. Therefore, they do not contribute to crustal growth in the continental collision zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, by the combination of quantitative and qualitative research, the number of valid questionnaires was 217. The results show that there was a positive correlation between stress sources and stress response, and the four stress sources of own ability and quality, interpersonal relationship and communication, role requirements, work environment and atmosphere had a significant predictive effect on tvork pressure response; different personality characteristics had significant differences in the effect of work stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fusion glycoprotein (F) is essential for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) entry and has become an attractive target for anti-RSV drug development. Despite the promising prospect of RSV F inhibitors, issues of drug resistance remain challenging. In this study, we established a dual-luciferase protocol for RSV fusion inhibitor discovery. A small-molecule inhibitor, salvianolic acid R (LF-6), was identified to inhibit virus-cell and cell-cell fusion mediated by the RSV F protein. Sequence analysis of the resultant resistant viruses identified a K394R mutation in the viral F protein. The K394R mutant virus also conferred cross-resistance to multiple RSV fusion inhibitors, including several inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. Our study further showed that K394R mutation not only increased the triggering rate of F protein in prefusion conformation but also enhanced the fusion activity of F protein, both of which were positively correlated with resistance to fusion inhibitors. Moreover, the K394R mutation also showed cooperative effects with other escape mutations to increase the fusion activity of F protein. By substitution of K394 into different amino acids, we found that K394R or K394H substitution resulted in hyperfusiogenic F proteins, whereas F variants with other substitutions exhibited less fusion activity. Both K394R and K394H in F protein exhibited cross-resistance to RSV fusion inhibitors. Collectively, these findings reveal a positive correlation between the membrane fusion activity of F protein and the resistance of corresponding inhibitors. All of the results demonstrate that K394R in F protein confers cross-resistance to fusion inhibitors through destabilizing F protein and increasing its membrane fusion activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is essential in maintaining physiological homeostasis in the brain. While the underlying mechanism is not fully understood, a 'synaptic homeostasis' theory has been proposed that synapses continue to strengthen during awake and undergo downscaling during sleep. This theory predicts that brain excitability increases with sleepiness. Here, we collected transcranial magnetic stimulation measurements in 38 subjects in a 34 hr program and decoded the relationship between cortical excitability and self-report sleepiness using advanced statistical methods. By utilizing a combination of partial least squares regression and mixed-effect models, we identified a robust pattern of excitability changes, which can quantitatively predict the degree of sleepiness. Moreover, we found that synaptic strengthen occurred in both excitatory and inhibitory connections after sleep deprivation. In sum, our study provides supportive evidence for the synaptic homeostasis theory in human sleep and clarifies the process of synaptic strength modulation during sleepiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ashy-throated parrotbill (Paradoxornis alphonsianus) is a sexually monomorphic species with high abundance in Southwest China, which has been widely used as a fighting bird across Guizhou Province, leading it to become one of the most coveted and heavily hunted wild birds in the region at present. Information on the sexes is a fundamental requirement for a wide variety of avian studies. From a conservation perspective, knowledge necessary for quick sexing of this species should be important, as the determination of sex contributes to the understanding of which sexes are used for fighting. Our goal was to develop a quick method that can be used to identify sex of the ashy-throated parrotbill in the field. Seven body traits were measured and compared between the sexes among 124 individual ashy-throated parrotbills, with sex determined by molecular techniques. Data revealed that the male is the larger sex, with significantly greater measurements than the female in bill length, wing length, and middle claw length. The univariate discriminant function based on bill length featured the highest identification accuracy (67.7%). The larger body size of males may have evolved by sexual selection, but additional data are needed to test this hypothesis. This study found that male and female ashy-throated parrotbills are divergent in size, although further efforts are required for a discriminant function with more robust accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable form of medicine with a long history in China. It has played a significant role in the control and prevention of infectious diseases including SARS and H7N9 flu. After the outbreak of COVID-19, China's National Health Commission included TCM in the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, three traditional Chinese medicines (Jinhua Qinggan granules, Lianhua Qingwen medicine, and a Xuebijing Injection) and three TCM preparations (a Qingfei Paidu decoction, a Huashi Baidu decoction, and a Xuanfei Baidu decoction) have been screened for their efficacy against COVID-19. More than 150 trials involving TCMs are registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), and those trials cover prevention, treatment, recovery, and illnesses diagnosed in accordance with TCM principles. TCM can effectively alleviate the symptoms of patients with COVID-19, delay the disease's progression from mild to severe or critical, and reduce severe and critical all-cause mortality. The underlying mechanisms of TCM mainly involve action against SARS-CoV-2, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action, and organ protection. The current work provides a brief description of the current status of and issues with TCM to treat this novel infectious disease. The hope is that TCM can help considerably to control this global epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted delivery of therapeutics for spinal cord injury (SCI) has been a long-term challenge due to the complexity of the pathological procession. Macrophage, as an immune cell, can selectively accumulate at the trauma site after SCI. This intrinsic targeting, coupled with good immune-escaping capacity makes macrophages an ideal source of biomimetic delivery carrier for SCI. Worth mentioning, macrophages have multiple polarization states, which may not be ignored when designing macrophage-based delivery systems. Herein, we fabricated macrophage membrane-camouflaged liposomes (RM-LIPs) and evaluated their abilities to extend drug circulation time and target the injured spinal cord. Specially, we detected the expression levels of the two main targeted receptors Mac-1 and integrin α4 in three macrophage subtypes, including unactivated (M0) macrophages, classically activated (M1) macrophages and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages, and compared targeting of these macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for SCI. The macrophage membrane camouflage decreased cellular uptake of liposomes in RAW264.7 immune cells and strengthened binding of the nanoparticle to the damaged endothelial cells in vitro . RM-LIPs can prolong drug circulation time and actively accumulate at the trauma site of the spinal cord in vivo . Besides, RM-LIPs loaded with minocycline (RM-LIP/MC) showed a comprehensive therapeutic effect on SCI mice, and the anti-pyroptosis was found to be a novel mechanism of RM-LIP/MC treatment of SCI. Moreover, the levels of Mac-1 and integrin α4 in macrophages and the targeting of RM-LIP for SCI were found to be independent of macrophage polarization states. Our study provided a biomimetic strategy via the biological properties of macrophages for SCI targeting and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA) that affects acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) and its potential molecular mechanism by constructing a miRNA-mRNA interaction network using bioinformatics methods.Material and Methods: MicroRNA expression data of AML were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and analyzed by microarray analysis. Expression levels of miR-107 and RAD51 mRNA were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression of RAD51, pro-apoptotic protein Bax, apoptosis related protein CytC and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were determined by Western blot. The rate of cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin-V/PI. The predicted targeting relationship between miR-107 and the 3'UTR of RAD51 was first predicted by the online application TargetScan and then verified by dual-luciferase assay.Results: Acute myelocytic leukemia-associated genes (n = 197) and miRNAs (n = 1701) were retrieved from the database, the interaction network of miRNA-mRNA was constructed and the core position was occupied by RAD51. miR-107 exhibited a regulatory effect on RAD51 in which the mRNA and protein expression of RAD51 were both significantly inhibited by miR-107 mimics in vitro. Additionally, down-regulated expression of miR107 as well as up-regulated expression of RAD51 were detected not only in the plasma of AML patients compared to healthy volunteers, but also in AML cell lines compared to the normal bone marrow stromal cell line. Further study found that increased expression of miR-107 and the consequent down-regulation of RAD51 could aggravate the apoptosis of AML cells in vitro.Conclusions: Our present results showed that the crucial role of RAD51 and miR-107 in the apoptosis of AML cells, i.e., miR-107 promotes the apoptosis of AML cells through down-regulating the expression of RAD51. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against excitatory neurotoxicity have been associated with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition. This study examined the differential inhibitory effects of resveratrol on NMDAR-mediated responses in neuronal cells with different NMDAR subtype composition. Methods: The effects of resveratrol on NMDA-induced cell death and calcium influx in immature and mature rat primary cortical neurons were determined and compared. Moreover, the potencies and efficacies of resveratrol to inhibit NR1/NR2A, NR1/NR2B, NR1/NR2C, and NR1/NR2D NMDAR expressed in HEK 293 cells were evaluated. Results: Resveratrol significantly attenuated NMDA-induced cell death in mature neurons, but not in immature neurons. Resveratrol also concentration-dependently reduced NMDA-induced calcium influx among all NMDAR subtypes, but displayed NR2 subunit selectivity, with a potency rank order of NR2B = NR2D > NR2A = NR2C and an efficacy rank order of NR2B = NR2C > NR2A = NR2D. Data show the stronger inhibitory effects of resveratrol on NR1/NR2B than other subtypes. Moreover, resveratrol did not affect hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), but impaired long-term depression (LTD). Discussion: These findings reveal the specific NMDAR modulating profile of resveratrol, providing further insight into potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of resveratrol on neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hippocampus is critical for learning and memory and may be separated into anatomically-defined hippocampal subfields (aHPSFs). Hippocampal functional networks, particularly during resting state, are generally analyzed using aHPSFs as seed regions, with the underlying assumption that the function within a subfield is homogeneous, yet heterogeneous between subfields. However, several prior studies have observed similar resting-state functional connectivity (FC) profiles between aHPSFs. Alternatively, data-driven approaches investigate hippocampal functional organization without a priori assumptions. However, insufficient spatial resolution may result in a number of caveats concerning the reliability of the results. Hence, we developed a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) sequence on a 7 T MR scanner achieving 0.94 mm isotropic resolution with a TR of 2 s and brain-wide coverage to (1) investigate the functional organization within hippocampus at rest, and (2) compare the brain-wide FC associated with fine-grained aHPSFs and functionally-defined hippocampal subfields (fHPSFs). This study showed that fHPSFs were arranged along the longitudinal axis that were not comparable to the lamellar structures of aHPSFs. For brain-wide FC, the fHPSFs rather than aHPSFs revealed that a number of fHPSFs connected specifically with some of the functional networks. Different functional networks also showed preferential connections with different portions of hippocampal subfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited antiviral options and lack of an effective vaccine against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) highlight the need for a novel antiviral therapy. One alternative is to identify and target the host factors required for viral infection. Here, using RNA interference to knock down Rab proteins, we provide multiple lines of evidence that Rab5a is required for RSV infection: (i) Rab5a is upregulated both in RSV A2-infected A549 cells and RSV A2-challenged BALB/c mouse airway epithelial cells at early infection phase; (ii) short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of Rab5a is associated with reduced lung pathology in RSV A2-challenged mice; (iii) Rab5a expression is correlated with disease severity of RSV infection of infants. Knockdown of Rab5a increases lambda interferon (IFN-λ) production by mediating interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) nuclear translocation. Our results highlight a new role for Rab5a in RSV infection, such that its depletion inhibits RSV infection by stimulating the endogenous respiratory epithelial antiviral immunity, which suggests that Rab5a is a potential target for novel therapeutics against RSV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is important for lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) with preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) to be aware of the track and the length of the LCA. We aimed to investigate the branching pattern and trajectory of LCA and measure the distances from the root of the IMA to the origin of the LCA (D mm) and from the origin of LCA to intersection of LCA and IMV (d mm) during laparoscopic left-sided colorectal operations.Methods: We analyzed 106 patients who underwent laparoscope-assisted left-side colorectal surgery during laparoscopic surgery. The branching patterns among the IMA, LCA, and sigmoidal trunk were evaluated; the trajectory of LCA was examined; the D mm and d mm were measured using a length of silk in the surgical operation.Results: In 59.5% patients, the LCA arose independently from the sigmoidal trunk (type A); in 8.5% patients, the LCA and sigmoidal trunk arose from the IMA at the same point (type B); in 29.2% patients, the LCA and sigmoidal trunk had a common trunk (type C); the LCA did not exist in 2.8% (type D).The D mm and d mm for all cases ranged from 15.0 to 65.3 mm (median, 43.1 mm) and from 20.3 to 46.2 mm (median, 34.8 mm), respectively. 74.8% of the LCA went straight upper left and upward to proximal part of descending colon (type I), 25.2% went to the lower left at first, then turned to travel straight upward to proximal part of descending colon (type II).Conclusion: This study showed the anatomic variations of LCA during laparoscopic left-sided colorectal operation, which would help surgeons safely perform laparoscopic surgery in the left-side colon and rectum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date, the relationship between the causative pathogens and the changes of hematological parameters was rarely referred and deserves further investigation. Methodology: A total of 825 adult patients, including 134 negative blood cultures patients and 691 bloodstream infection (BSI) patients, were screened for eligibility in this study. Receiver operating characteristic curves and binary logistic regression models were used to assess the power of hematological parameters to distinguish patients with BSI caused by different pathogens. Results: Except for platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet larger cell count (P-LCC), the other hematological parameters investigated in the study were significantly different in patients with BSI caused by different pathogens, including Candida. The specific combinations of lymphocyte count (LYM), platelet count (PLT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV-to-PLT ratio (MPV/PLT), platelet larger cell ratio (P-LCR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) can improve the ability to distinguish various BSI from negative blood cultures. The highest area under the curve of was 0.753 (95% CI 0.709-0.797) for positive blood cultures, 0.715 (95% CI 0.658-0.771) for Gram-positive pathogens BSI, 0.777 (95% CI 0.730-0.824) for Gram-negative pathogens BSI, 0.797 (95% CI 0.747-0.846) for Escherichia coli BSI, 0.943 (95% CI 0.899-0.987) for Enterobacter aerogenes BSI, 0.830 (95% CI 0.740-0.921) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa BSI, and 0.767 (95% CI 0.695-0.839) for Staphylococcus aureus BSI. Conclusions: The specific combinations of hematological parameters can improve the power to distinguish patients with BSI caused by different pathogens. Attention to these parameters can be easily integrated into daily medical activities, without extra costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) contribute to the initiation, development, and recurrence of breast carcinomas. β1,4-Galactosyltransferase V (B4GalT5), which catalyzes the addition of galactose to GlcNAcβ1-4Man of N-glycans, is involved in embryogenesis. However, its role in the modulation of BCSCs remains unknown. Materials and Methods The relationship between B4GalT5 and breast cancer stemness was investigated by online clinical databases and immunohistochemistry analysis. Mammosphere formation, fluorescence- activated cell sorting (FACS), and in-vivo assays were used to evaluate B4GalT5 expression in BCSCs and its effect on BCSCs. B4GalT5 regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was examined by immunofluorescence and Ricinus communis agglutinin I pull-down assays. Cell surface biotinylation and FACS assays were performed to assess the association of cell surface B4GalT5 and BCSCs. Results B4GalT5, but not other B4GalTs, was highly correlated with BCSC markers and poor prognosis. B4GalT5 significantly increased the stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) and promoted the production of CD44+CD24-/low cells and the formation of mammospheres. Furthermore, B4GalT5 overexpression resulted in dramatic tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, B4GalT5 modified and protected Frizzled-1 from degradation via the lysosomal pathway, promoting Wnt/β-catenin signaling which was hyperactivated in BCSCs. B4GalT5, located on the surface of a small subset of breast carcinoma cells, was not responsible for the stemness of BCSCs. Conclusion B4GalT5 modulates the stemness of breast cancer through glycosylation modification to stabilize Frizzled-1 and activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling independent of its cell surface location. Our studies highlight a previously unknown role of B4GalT5 in regulating the stemness of breast cancer and provide a potential drug target for anticancer drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of migrant workers in Taiwan has been increasing annually. Over the past decade, migrant workers have contributed to the nation's economic growth, particularly in the construction, fishing, nursing, and public service sectors. Although many practitioners and scholars have articulated the significance of managing and understanding the migrant workers' work and living conditions, research on the complex influences targeting their shopping behavior, attachment, and customer loyalty has not been steady. This study aimed to develop and empirically test a framework to examine the effects of store image, service quality, product attributes, and sales promotion on store and brand attachments, affecting customers' loyalty to stores among migrant workers. The study employed the Mehrabian-Russell Model and attachment theory as theoretical bases. Empirical data was collected from 504 migrant workers in Taiwan through the purposive sampling technique using a questionnaire survey. Data analysis, hypotheses testing, and model validation were performed through SmartPLS 3.2.8 statistical software. The findings showed that store image and service quality were positively related to store attachment. Product attributes and sales promotion were positively related to brand attachment. Additionally, store and brand attachments are positively related to customer loyalty. Therefore, store and brand attachment were mediators linking store image, service quality, product attributes, and sales promotion to customer loyalty. According to the findings, the study offers implications and suggestions for researchers and practitioners in the retail sector, especially for retail stores related to migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although continental crust is characterized by the widespread occurrence of granitoids, the causal relationship between continental crust growth and granitic magmatism still remains enigmatic. While fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas (with or without crustal contamination) and partial melting of mafic lower crust are two feasible mechanisms for the production of granitoids in continental arc regions, the problem has been encountered in discriminating between the two mechanisms by whole-rock geochemistry. This can be resolved by an integrated study of zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotopes together with whole-rock major-trace elements and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, which is illustrated for Mesozoic granitoids from the Gangdese orogen in southern Tibet. The results provide geochemical evidence for prompt reworking of the juvenile mafic arc crust in the newly accreted continental margin. The target granitoids exhibit high contents of SiO2 (65.76-70.75 wt%) and Na2O + K2O (6.38-8.15 wt%) but low contents of MgO (0.19-0.98 wt%), Fe2O3 (0.88-3.13 wt%), CaO (2.00-3.82 wt%), Ni (<5.8 ppm), and Cr (⩽10 ppm). They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements, Pb, and light rare earth elements but depleted in high field strength elements. The granitoids are relatively depleted in whole-rock Sr-Nd isotope compositions with low (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7043-0.7048 and positive Nd(t) values of 0.5-2.6, and have relatively low 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios at given 206Pb/204Pb ratios. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry U-Pb dating on synmagmatic zircons yield ages of 77 ± 2-81 ± 1 Ma in the Late Cretaceous for their emplacement. Relict zircons have two groups of U-Pb ages in the late Mesozoic and the late Paleozoic, respectively. The whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes in the granitoids are quite similar to those of Late Cretaceous mafic rocks in the Gangdese batholith. In addition, both synmagmatic zircons and relict zircons with Late Cretaceous U-Pb ages exhibit almost the same Hf-O isotope compositions to those of the slightly earlier mafic rocks. All these observations indicate that the granitoids were mainly derived from partial melting of the juvenile mafic arc crust. Therefore, reworking of the juvenile mafic arc crust is the mechanism for the origin of isotopically depleted granitoids in southern Tibet. It is this process that leads to differentiation of the juvenile mafic arc crust toward the felsic lithology in the continental arc. In this regard, the granitoids with depleted radiogenic isotope compositions do not necessarily contribute to the crustal growth at convergent plate boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amygdala is a brain area critical for the formation of fear memories. However, the nature of the teaching signal(s) that drive plasticity in the amygdala are still under debate. Here, we use optogenetic methods to investigate the contribution of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons to auditory-cued fear learning in male mice. Using anterograde and retrograde labeling, we found that a sparse and relatively evenly distributed population of VTA neurons projects to the basal amygdala (BA). In vivo optrode recordings in behaving mice showed that many VTA neurons, among them putative dopamine neurons, are excited by footshocks, and acquire a response to auditory stimuli during fear learning. Combined cfos imaging and retrograde labeling in dopamine transporter (DAT) Cre mice revealed that a large majority of BA projectors (>95%) are dopamine neurons, and that BA projectors become activated by the tone-footshock pairing of fear learning protocols. Finally, silencing VTA dopamine neurons, or their axon terminals in the BA during the footshock, reduced the strength of fear memory as tested 1 d later, whereas silencing the VTA-central amygdala (CeA) projection had no effect. Thus, VTA dopamine neurons projecting to the BA contribute to fear memory formation, by coding for the saliency of the footshock event and by signaling such events to the basal amygdala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: microRNAs (miRs) regulate the expression of protein-coding genes and play key roles in various biological processes, including development and immunity. However, dysregulation of miR expression is also involved in disease biology, including cancer. METHODS: We utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other publicly available databases for miRs and mRNA expression in prostate cancer, selected miR-484 and investigated its role in prostate cancer biology and disease progression using in vitro studies. RESULTS: Our data mining efforts revealed that increased miR-484 in prostate tumors associates with early disease recurrence, while miR-484 expression in human prostate cancer cells enhances cancer cell mobility. Using RNAseq and bioinformatics, we identified candidate target genes of miR-484 and generated a list of potential tumor suppressors. One candidate in this list was PSMG1. We applied luciferase assays and immunoblotting to confirm that miR-484 directly targets PSMG1. Additional in vitro assays with cancer cell lines showed that PSMG1 knockdown rescued the reduction in mobility brought on by miR-484 inhibition, pointing toward the existence of a miR-484--PSMG1 axis in prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that miR-484 is an oncogene in the prostate that increases cancer cell mobility, with PSMG1 being a mir-484 target in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties of amorphous GdFeCo film are studied in the temperature range from 5 to 300 K. The temperature dependence of the magnetization shows that the GdFeCo film has different compensation temperature for cooling and heating processes. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is observed in the GdFeCo film and persists in the whole measuring temperature range. Coercivity increases rapidly as the temperature approaches the compensation point and displays M-type variation. The hysteresis loop shows a small exchange bias at room temperature. The exchange bias is observed to increase significantly when temperature is close to the compensation point and shows multiple peak variation. Two magnetic phases are suggested to be coexisting in the sample. Bases on this assumption, the peculiar magnetic properties of the amorphous GdFeCo film can be well explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low voltage distribution networks with the high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) units are facing four types of challenges, including over-voltage issues, under-voltage issues, voltage fluctuation issues and high power losses. In order to mitigate the above issues, this study proposes a multi-mode adaptive local reactive power control method based on Q(P) characteristics. A new concept, node virtual injection active power (NVIP), is developed to take the PV active power, load active power and load reactive power as a whole and as the basis to regulate the PV reactive power. Then, an NVIP-based multi-mode local Q(P) framework is proposed to consider the four types of challenges based on four operation modes, respectively, that can be adaptively switched according to the NVIP value and the NVIP variation. In addition, a systematic parameter design for the Q(P) framework is proposed based on an optimisation model to further enhance the effectiveness of the proposed multi-mode control. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in mitigating voltage violations and voltage fluctuations, and improving the power losses and power factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro-turbojet engine (MTE) is especially suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Because the rotor speed is proportional to the thrust force, the accurate speed tracking control is indispensable for MTE. Thanks to its simplicity, the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is commonly used for rotor speed regulation. However, the PID controller cannot guarantee superior performance over the entire operation range due to the time-variance and strong nonlinearity of MTE. The gain scheduling approach using a family of linear controllers is recognized as an efficient alternative, but such a solution heavily relies on the model sets and pre-knowledge. To tackle such challenges, a single neural adaptive PID (SNA-PID) controller is proposed herein for rotor speed control. The new controller featuring with a single-neuron network is able to adaptively tune the gains (weights) online. The simple structure of the controller reduces the computational load and facilitates the algorithm implementation on low-cost hardware. Finally, the proposed controller is validated by numerical simulations and experiments on the MTE in laboratory conditions, and the results show that the proposed controller achieves remarkable effectiveness for speed tracking control. In comparison with the PID controller, the proposed controller yields 54% and 66% reductions on static tracking error under two typical cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of Mandarin congenital amusia with or without lexical tone deficit (i.e., tone agnosia and pure amusia) on Mandarin vowel and tone identification in different types of vowels (e.g., monophthong, diphthongs, and triphthongs) embedded in consonant--vowel contexts with and without semantic content. Method: Thirteen pure amusics (i.e., amusics with normal lexical processing), 5 tone agnosics (i.e., with lexical tone deficit), and 12 controls were screened with Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia and lexical tone tests (Nan et al., 2010; Peretz et al., 2003). Vowel-plus-tone identification tasks with the factors of vowel type and syllables with and without semantic content (e.g., real and nonsense words) were examined among the 3 groups, and identification scores were calculated in 3 formats: vowel-plus-tone identification, vowel identification, and tone identification. Results: Tone agnosics showed significantly poorer performances on identifications of vowel, tone, and vowel plus tone across monophthongs, diphthongs, and triphthongs in both real and nonsense words compared to pure amusics and controls. Their deficits were similar across the 3 types of vowels, while the deficit on vowelplus- tone identification was more severe in nonsense words than in real words. On the other hand, pure amusics performed similarly with controls across all these conditions. Conclusions: Tone agnosia might affect both musical pitch and phonological processing, resulting in deficits in lexical tone and vowel perception. On the contrary, pure amusics's effect is primarily on musical pitch perception but not on lexical tone or phonemic deficit. Vowel type did not affect speech deficits for tone agnosics, while they relied more on semantic content as a compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a DEA-Tobit regression model to explore the efficiency of healthcare system of coastline provinces (or provincial cities) in China using 11 provincial data. According to the external explanatory variables obtained through the constrained dependent Tobit model analysis, this paper recommends the future reform of China's healthcare system strengthen the rational distribution of resources to improve the scale and structure of the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulated by the mass spectroscopic observation of the metallofullerene Ca@C44, we have performed a systematic investigation to search for the most stable isomer using HF/3-21G∼LanL2DZ, HF/6-31+G(d), B3LYP/6-31+G(d), and MP2/6-31+G(d)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d) methods. The Ca@C44 (D2:53) isomer with eight adjacent pentagons in the fullerene framework is predicted to possess the lowest energy. The thermodynamics stability explorations of Ca@C44 isomers at different temperatures show that Ca@C44 (D2:53) is the most thermodynamically stable in the temperature range of absolute zero to 4000 K. The encapsulation of Ca atom in C44 fullerene is exothermic, and the electronic structure of Ca@C44 (D2:53) can be described formally as Ca2+@C442-. Further analysis on the frontier molecular orbitals and density of states of Ca@C44 (D2:53) suggests that both highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital are carbonlike with low Ca character, and the carbon cage possesses high chemical activity. In addition, the vibrational spectrum of Ca@C44 (D2:53) has been simulated and analyzed to gain an insight into the metal-cage vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this article is to cast the quantum mechanical electron density, obtained via the Schrödinger–Poisson solver, into a classical form. The Thomas–Fermi (T–F) equation states that the electron density n is dependent on the electrostatic potential [lowercase_phi_synonym]. The electrostatic potential is determined by Poisson’s equation. In order to account for quantum effects, such as confinement and tunneling, we set out to dervive an effective potential, [lowercase_phi_synonym]*, that when used in place of Poisson’s potential in the original T–F equation will mimic the solution of the Schrödinger equation. This total potential is then used directly to calculate the electron density. Thus, [lowercase_phi_synonym]* effectivley washes out the intricacies of the wave functions and yields the electron density. The validity of the T–F equation, for a two-dimensional electron gas at low temperatures, is demonstrated through the solution of a single-electron distribution in fixed square and triangular potential wells. Self-consistent inversion-layer charge densities for single-gate and double-gate metal–oxide–silicon structures are also presented. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet and circadian rhythms have been found to have a profound impact on health, disease, and aging. Skipping breakfast, eating late, and overeating have adverse effects on the body's metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Disturbance of circadian rhythms has been associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases. Abnormal deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) and tau proteins in the brain and impaired synaptic function are linked to cognitive dysfunction. A restrictive diet following the circadian rhythm can affect the metabolism of lipids, glucose, and amino acids such as branched chain amino acids and cysteine. These metabolic changes contribute to autophagy through molecular mechanisms such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), rapamycin (mTOR), D-β-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Autophagy, in turn, promotes the removal of abnormally deposited proteins and damaged organelles and improves cognitive function, ultimately prolonging lifespan. In addition, a diet restricted to the circadian rhythm induces increased expression of brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the forebrain region, regulating autophagy and increasing synaptic plasticity, thus enhancing cognitive function. Consequently, circadian rhythm-restricted diets could serve as a promising non-pharmacological treatment for preventing and improving cognitive dysfunction and prolonging lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have found that intermittent fasting (IF) can prevent diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and neuropathy, while in humans it has helped to alleviate metabolic syndrome, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and many other disorders. IF involves a series of coordinated metabolic and hormonal changes to maintain the organism's metabolic balance and cellular homeostasis. More importantly, IF can activate hepatic autophagy, which is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and energy balance, quality control, cell and tissue remodeling, and defense against extracellular damage and pathogens. IF affects hepatic autophagy through multiple interacting pathways and molecular mechanisms, including adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), silent mating-type information regulatory 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1), peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as well as signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms such as glucagon and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). These pathways can stimulate the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), play a cytoprotective role, downregulate the expression of aging-related molecules, and prevent the development of steatosis-associated liver tumors. By influencing the metabolism of energy and oxygen radicals as well as cellular stress response systems, IF protects hepatocytes from genetic and environmental factors. By activating hepatic autophagy, IF has a potential role in treating a variety of liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A better understanding of the effects of IF on liver autophagy may lead to new approaches for the prevention and treatment of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to an elevated ambient carbon dioxide (eCO2) concentration could weaken or diminish the enhancement of plant photosynthesis and growth. To monitor this response and offer references for growth management, the whole-plant photosynthetic rate (Pn,w) and dark respiration rate (Rd,w) of Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa transplants were monitored with a growth chamber. The results showed that eCO2 increased both the Pn,w and Rd,w by (79 ± 42)% and (126 ± 51)%. The dry weight of transplants under eCO2 was 33.6% greater than that under aCO2. However, the photosynthetic acclimation to eCO2 occurred. The increase in the Pn,w was maintained until the end of the experiment due to increased leaf area. Moreover, the increase in plant dry weight mainly occurred in the first 15 days of treatment. Furthermore, the dry weight estimated based on the Pn,w and Rd,w agreed well with the measured dry weight. The relative growth rate (RGR) calculated with the estimated dry weight demonstrated the response of transplant growth to eCO2. These results indicated that the proposed method can be used to monitor the response of plant growth to eCO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiviral drug development against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is urgently needed due to the public health significance of the viral infection. Here, we report the anti-RSV activity of a small molecule, (1S,3R,4R,5R)-3,4-bis{[(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxy}-1,5-dihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic methyl ester (3,4-DCQAME) or 3,4-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, which can be isolated from several plants of traditional Chinese medicine. We showed for the first time that compound 3,4-DCQAME potently inhibits RSV entry and infection. In vitro, 3,4-DCQAME can interact with F(ecto), the ectodomain of RSV fusion (F) protein. In cultured cells, the compound can block the interaction of F(ecto) protein with the cellular membrane and inhibit viral fusion during RSV entry, leading to inhibition of viral gene expression and infection. In RSV-infected mice that were treated with 3,4-DCQAME, we observed a reduction of RSV-induced pathologic changes and substantial inhibition of viral infection and growth in the lung tissues. Our results provide the first direct evidence of the anti-RSV activity of 3,4-DCQAME. Furthermore, these results suggest that 3,4-DCQAME represents a promising lead compound for anti-RSV therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Due to the requirement of the battery for the thermal management system, based on the coupling relationship between the velocity field and the thermal flow field of the field synergy principle, the flow paths of the forced air cooling system for different battery packs were analyzed. First, the thermodynamic parameters of the battery were collected through experiments and verified by simulation. Secondly, based on the collected thermodynamic parameters of the battery, the heat generation model of the battery, the heat conduction model of the gas, and the coupled heat dissipation model of the battery and air were established. Determine the boundary conditions, calculation methods and evaluation indicators required for simulation; Finally, based on four different driving conditions, the forced air cooling performance of the double “U” shape duct and double “1” type duct is simulated. Through the analysis of the results, the dual “U” air ducts have a more heat dissipation effect on the battery pack than the double “1” shape duct. The results conform to the definition of the field synergy principle for the coupling relationship between the velocity field and the heat flow field. Then research provide references for the design of battery packs and matching of cooling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes and records important historical events in the establishment and 40 year development process of continuing innovation and dissemination of grey system theory, providing reference for scholars who pay attention to the evolution laws of grey system theory, a new branch of uncertainty system research, as well as colleagues engaged in grey system theory research. If there are any important omissions, we sincerely welcome readers to supplement and improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiCrAl–WC–Ti 3 SiC 2 composite coatings with the different Ti 3 SiC 2 mass fractions were prepared on H13 steel by laser cladding (LC). The influence of Ti 3 SiC 2 mass fraction on the tribological property of obtained composite coatings at 500 °C was investigated using a high temperature wear machine, and the roles of WC and Ti 3 SiC 2 in the friction process were discussed in detail. The results show that the coefficients of friction (COFs) and wear rates of NiCrAl–WC–Ti 3 SiC 2 composite coatings are increased with the Ti 3 SiC 2 mass fraction, exhibiting the appropriate Ti 3 SiC 2 mass fraction plays a certain role in the friction reduction and wear resistance, which are contributed to the coarsening of grains and the decrease of hardness. In addition, it is also found that the Ti 3 SiC 2 is reacted with the WC to generate SiC, TiC, TiWC 2 and other hard phases, and the amount of WC particles of coatings is decreased by the addition of Ti 3 SiC 2 , which is the main factor for the decline of tribological performance. [Display omitted] • The TiWC 2 , SiC and TiC phases are generated by the reactions between the Ti 3 SiC 2 and the WC. • The grains of NiCrAl-WC-Ti 3 SiC 2 coatings become coarser with Ti 3 SiC 2 mass fraction. • The NiCrAl-40%WC-3%Ti 3 SiC 2 coating has the best tribological property. • The wear mechanism of NiCrAl-WC-Ti 3 SiC 2 coatings is adhesive, abrasive and oxidation wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Rosa funingensis and its variant R. funingensis f. rosea, both collected from Yunnan Province, China, are, for the first time, documented and illustrated in this study. Morphological analysis in comparison with two related species in the wild, R. gigantea and R. rubus, presents distinguishable features through leaf surfaces, inflorescences and the shape of styles. R. funingensis leaf surfaces are abaxially villous, purple-red, pale green when mature, adaxially glabrous, dark green; inflorescences solitary or 2–5(7) in corymbose cyme; and styles connate into a column or not, exserted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical magnetic iron particles were milled into different flake shapes, and their permittivity, permeability dispersion behaviors have been investigated within the frequency range of 1-8 GHz range. The results show that both permittivity and permeability values depend on the particle shapes. These flake particles also demonstrate better microwave absorption performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: High glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses play an important role in painful diabetic neuropathy by activating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Schwann cells (SCs) are integral to peripheral nerve biology, contributing to saltatory conduction along axons, nerve and axon development, and axonal regeneration. SCs provide a microenvironment favoring vascular regeneration but their low survival ratio in hyperglycemic conditions suppress the function to promote nerve growth. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) promotes remyelination after peripheral nerve injury. The aim of this study was to identify the role of Nrf2 in SC-mediated functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. Methods: We compared plasma inflammatory factors in diabetic patients (DN) with/without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and assessed whether Nrf2 expression in SCs could repair peripheral nerve injury in a rat model. Nrf2, TLR4/NFκB signal pathway and apoptosis relative protein expression were detected by western blot. Apoptosis and angiogenesis were determined by immunofluorescence and tubule formation assay, respectively. Regenerated nerves were determined by transmission electron microscope. Results: Higher levels of inflammatory factors and VEGF expression were found in DPN patients. Cellular experiments indicate that Nrf2 expression inhibits hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and promotes angiogenesis by regulating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Animal experiments show that nerve conduction velocity, myelin sheath thickness, and sciatic vasa nervorum are restored with transplantation of SCs overexpressing Nrf2. Conclusions: Taken together, the high survival ratio of SCs in a DPN rat model indicates that overexpression of Nrf2 restores nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine teschoviruses (PTVs) are small non-enveloped viruses with single-stranded, positive sense genomic RNA, belonging to the family Picornaviridae. Natural infections of teschoviruses are limited to pigs. Results: In this study, a PTV HuN-1 was found that it could be proliferated in PK-15 cell, and it came from the pig fecal samples from Hunan province, in central China. The complete genome of the HuN-1 was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The complete genome of HuN-1 isolate is 7098 nt, which shares the highest sequence identity (85. 9%) with the PTV 8 strain of Jilin/2003/2 and Fuyu/2009/2. The HuN-1 isolate contains only one ORF (from 320 to 7039 nt) coding a 2240 amino acid polyprotein. Aligned sequences show that more mutations occurred in the structural region than in the nonstructural region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HuN-1 isolate did not clustered with the hitherto reported strains, according to P1 sequences, forming a subgroup in the PTV cluster. Conclusion: In this study, complete genome of PTV HuN-1 was cloned and sequenced. Detection and characterization of further PTV strains from different geographic areas are important to understand the worldwide distribution and heterogeneity (serotype) of PTVs and their association with symptomatic infections in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]