Search

Off-site construction (OSC) is an environmentally friendly building method with substantial benefits, yet it encounters challenges, particularly in supply chain efficiency. Current research on off-site construction supply chain (OSCSC) challenges faces issues such as dispersion, cross-disciplinarity, and timeliness. This is despite a number of studies in recent years focusing on the optimization of OSCSC to improve their performance and efficiency. However, the current literature still lacks a comprehensive summary of OSCSC problems, which hinders the popularization of OSC. To address this, improve OSCSC efficiency, and enhance OSC practicability, this paper conducted a thorough review of 244 published articles. Utilizing bibliometrics and scientometrics methods, it identified research trends, prominent researchers, and topics. Current OSCSC issues were further extracted and classified from the internal supply chain perspective. The findings reveal key issues hindering OSCSC efficiency, offering practitioners, policymakers, and researchers a nuanced understanding of current research issues. In addition, this paper provides future research directions and performance optimization recommendations, contributing to solving OSCSC challenges and exploring innovative solutions for continuous improvement in the OSCSC field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply the Ralph et al. scaling method to a reanalysis dataset to examine the climatology and variability of landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs) along the western North American coastline during 1980–2019. The local perspective ranks AR intensity on a scale from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong) at each grid point along the coastline. The object-based perspective analyzes the characteristics of spatially independent and temporally coherent AR objects making landfall. The local perspective shows that the annual AR frequency of weak and strong ARs along the coast is highest in Oregon and Washington and lowest in Southern California. Strong ARs occur less frequently than weak ARs and have a more pronounced seasonal cycle. If those ARs with integrated water vapor transport (IVT) weaker than 250 kg m−1 s−1 are included, there is an enhanced seasonal cycle of AR frequency in Southern California and a seasonal cycle of AR intensity but not AR frequency in Alaska. The object-based analysis additionally indicates that strong ARs at lower latitudes are associated with stronger wind than weak ARs but similar moisture, whereas strong ARs at higher latitudes are associated with greater moisture than weak ARs but similar wind. For strong ARs, IVT at the core is largest for ARs in Oregon and Washington and smaller poleward and equatorward. Both IVT in the AR core and cumulative IVT along the coastline usually decrease after the first day of landfall for weak ARs but increase from the first to second day for strong ARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the electronic structure and optical properties of Zr-doped β -Ga2O3 with interstitial H and O vacancies were studied by using first-principles generalized gradient approximation combined with the Hubbard U method based on density functional theory. The energy band structure, density of states, absorption spectrum, effective mass, mobility and conductivity of the doped system were calculated and analyzed. Results showed that the doped system was more stable under the Ga-rich condition than under the O-rich condition. With the increase in Zr doping concentration, the bandgap of the β -Ga2O3 system gradually narrowed and the absorption spectrum of the system blue-shifted in the wavelength range of 162–275 nm. System conductivity was enhanced by Zr doping, decreased by O vacancies and greatly improved by interstitial H. Therefore, doping Zr into the β -Ga2O3 system is important for improving material properties and preparing electronic and optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the recrystallization behavior of the argon (Ar) bubble-rich amorphous germanium (a-Ge) by utilizing the excimer laser annealing (ELA) in comparison with the conventional furnace annealing (FA). We demonstrate that the ELA can efficiently suppress the Ar bubbles to have good recrystallization of a-Ge in sharp contrast to the conventional FA treatment where the bubble-rich a-Ge can only be getting partial recrystallization with many dislocations and stacking faults. Transmission electron microscopy results exhibit that ELA can transform the Ar implantation-induced damaged layer into a fully crystalline matrix containing no visible defects except isolated bubbles in a low density. We reveal the critical role of the Ar bubbles played in the recrystallization behavior of the a-Ge by comparing the two types of annealing methods. This finding provides a new routine to suppress the implantation-induced noble-gas bubbles in semiconductors to solve the issue of the high-quality regrowth of the noble–gas implanted layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the photoelectric properties of Ta‐doped β‐Ga2O3 are studied based on first‐principles density functional theory calculation. The effects of interstitial H and O vacancies on the properties of the system are also considered. The electronic structure, dielectric function, absorption spectrum, mobility, and conductivity of all the systems are studied and analyzed. The results show that Ta‐doped β‐Ga2O3 is an n‐type direct‐bandgap semiconductor. With the increase in Ta doping concentration, the dielectric constant, polarization ability, and charge binding ability of the system gradually increase, the bandgap gradually narrows, and the absorption spectra of systems redshift. The main absorption wavelengths of all systems are in the wavelength range of less than 300 nm. Therefore, Ta‐doped β‐Ga2O3 has an ultraviolet detection ability. The introduction of Ta is beneficial to improve the conductivity of the system. Interstitial H can improve the conductivity of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the decomposition of trade-related production activities in the global value chain, we analyze the characteristics of Asian countries from inter- and intra- Asian regional value chain (ARVC) perspectives between 2009 and 2019. Then, we investigate how Asian countries' inter- and intra-ARVC positions influence their gross output in the global value chain. The results illustrate that the inter-ARVC position is positively correlated to the gross output for countries with large economies of scale. Furthermore, the inter-ARVC position is employed as the threshold variable to evaluate Asian countries' performance in the intra-ARVC. When their inter-ARVC position is below the threshold value, increasing the intra-ARVC position cannot increase their gross output for all Asian countries. Countries with large economies of scale could benefit through intra-ARVC with a higher threshold value of inter-ARVC position compared with countries with small economies of scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including childhood maltreatment, have been linked with increased risk of diabetes and obesity during adulthood. A comprehensive assessment on the associations between childhood maltreatment and all major endocrine diseases, as well as the relative importance of different proposed mechanistic pathways on these associations, is currently lacking. Methods: Based on the UK Biobank, we constructed a cohort including 151,659 participants with self-reported data on childhood maltreatment who were 30 years of age or older on/after January 1, 1985. All participants were followed from the index date (i.e., January 1, 1985, or their 30th birthday, whichever came later) until the first diagnosis of any or specific (12 individual diagnoses and 9 subtypes) endocrine diseases, death, or the end of follow-up (December 31, 2019), whichever occurred first. We used Cox models to examine the association of childhood maltreatment, treated as continuous (i.e., the cumulative number of experienced childhood maltreatment), ordinal (i.e., 0, 1 and ≥ 2), or binary (< 2 and ≥ 2) variable, with any and specific endocrine diseases, adjusted for multiple covariates. We further examined the risk of having multiple endocrine diseases using Linear or Logistic Regression models. Then, sequential mediation analyses were performed to assess the contribution of four possible mechanisms (i.e., suboptimal socioeconomic status (SES), psychological adversities, unfavorable lifestyle, and biological alterations) on the observed associations. Results: During an average follow-up of 30.8 years, 20,885 participants received a diagnosis of endocrine diseases. We observed an association between the cumulative number of experienced childhood maltreatment and increased risk of being diagnosed with any endocrine disease (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.12). The HR was 1.26 (1.22–1.30) when comparing individuals ≥ 2 with those with < 2 experienced childhood maltreatment. We further noted the most pronounced associations for type 2 diabetes (1.40 (1.33–1.48)) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis-related endocrine diseases (1.38 (1.17–1.62)), and the association was stronger for having multiple endocrine diseases, compared to having one (odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.24 (1.19–1.30), 1.35 (1.27–1.44), and 1.52 (1.52–1.53) for 1, 2, and ≥ 3, respectively). Sequential mediation analyses showed that the association between childhood maltreatment and endocrine diseases was consistently and most distinctly mediated by psychological adversities (15.38 ~ 44.97%), while unfavorable lifestyle (10.86 ~ 25.32%) was additionally noted for type 2 diabetes whereas suboptimal SES (14.42 ~ 39.33%) for HPA-axis-related endocrine diseases. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that adverse psychological sequel of childhood maltreatment constitutes the main pathway to multiple endocrine diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and HPA-axis-related endocrine diseases. Therefore, increased access to evidence-based mental health services may also be pivotal in reducing the risk of endocrine diseases among childhood maltreatment-exposed individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The overproduction of reactive oxygen species observed in AD patients results in the loss of mitochondrial function, altered metal ion homeostasis, lipopolysaccharide metabolism disorder, reduced anti-oxidant defense, increased release of inflammatory factors, and the aggravation and accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau hyper-phosphorylation, which directly cause synaptic and neuronal loss and lead to cognitive dysfunction. Thus, oxidative stress proves to be a fundamental part of AD development and progression, suggesting the potential benefits of anti-oxidant-based therapies for AD. In this study, we found that a water-soluble extract of Artemisia annua (WSEAA), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a strong anti-oxidant function. We also found that WSEAA is able to improve the cognitive function of 3xTg AD mice. However, the mechanisms and molecular targets underlying WSEAA action are still not known. In order to uncover the potential molecular mechanisms involved, we used a combination of network pharmacology and different experimental approaches. Obtained results revealed key genes (such as AKT1, BCL2, IL-6, TNF- α and BAX) and signaling pathways (like PI3K-AKT and BCL2/BAX) are closely associated with the biological processes responding to oxidative stress. Further verification of the survival/anti-oxidant effects of WSEAA in vitro and in vivo showed that the extract has anti-oxidatant/neuronal survival action against H2O2-induced damage, and is thus able to prevent the cognitive decline and pathological changes of 3xTg transgenic (3xTg) mice via the regulation of key target-genes and pathways, such as PI3K-AKT and BCL2/BAX, related to survival/apoptosis. Our findings strongly indicate the potential of WSEAA for the prevention and treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies investigating innate leukocyte recruitment into the brain after cerebral ischemia have shown conflicting results. Using distinct cell surface and intracellular markers, the current study evaluated the contributions of innate immune cells to the poststroke brain following 1‐h middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) or permanent MCAO (pMCAO), and assessed whether these cells ascribed to an inflammatory state. Moreover, we examined whether there is evidence for leukocyte infiltration into the contralateral (CL) hemisphere despite the absence of stroke infarct. We observed the recruitment of peripheral neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages into the hemisphere ipsilateral (IL) to the ischemic brain infarct at 24 and 96 h following both tMCAO and pMCAO. In addition, we found evidence of increased leukocyte recruitment to the CL hemisphere but to a lesser extent than the IL hemisphere after stroke. Robust production of intracellular cytokines in the innate immune cell types examined was most evident at 24 h after pMCAO. Specifically, brain‐associated neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages demonstrated stroke‐induced production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, while only monocytes and macrophages exhibit a significant expression of arginase 1 (Arg1) after stroke. At 96 h after stroke, brain‐resident microglia demonstrated production of TNF‐α and IL‐1β following both tMCAO and pMCAO. At this later timepoint, neutrophils displayed TNF‐α production and brain‐associated macrophages exhibited elevation of IL‐1β and Arg1 after tMCAO. Further, pMCAO induced significant expression of Arg1 and IL‐1β in monocytes and macrophages at 96 h, respectively. These results revealed that brain‐associated innate immune cells display various stroke‐induced inflammatory states that are dependent on the experimental stroke setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism, additional gene–gene interaction, and haplotypes on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).SNPstats online software (https://www.snpstats.net/start.htm) was employed to evaluate the association between CRP gene and T2DM risk. High-order interactions among SNPs was tested using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and the testing balanced accuracy, training balanced accuracy and cross-validation consistency were calculated. The SHEsisPlus (http://shesisplus.bio-x.cn/SHEsis.html) online software was used for haplotype analysis.A total of 730 T2DM patients and 765 controls were enrolled. The T allele of rs1205 is associated with increased susceptibility to T2DM, OR (95% CI) were 1.51 (1.13–2.01), 1.44 (1.10–1.89) and 1.25 (1.01–1.54) for codominant, dominant and over-dominant models, respectively. We also found that minor allele of rs2794521 is associated with decreased susceptibility to T2DM under codominant and recessive models, OR (95%CI) were 0.38 (0.18–0.79) and 0.37 (0.16–0.80) for codominant and recessive models, respectively. No significant gene–gene interaction existed among CRP gene SNPs, all interaction p- values were more than 0.05. Haplotype analyses suggested the CGCA haplotype containing rs1205-C, rs1130864-G, rs2794521- C and rs3093059- A allele was associated with decreased risk of T2DM, OR (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.68–0.98), P = 0.047.Minor allele of rs1205 was associated with increased T2DM risk. Minor allele of rs2794521 and the CGCA haplotype were associated with decreased T2DM risk.Methods: We aimed to evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism, additional gene–gene interaction, and haplotypes on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).SNPstats online software (https://www.snpstats.net/start.htm) was employed to evaluate the association between CRP gene and T2DM risk. High-order interactions among SNPs was tested using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and the testing balanced accuracy, training balanced accuracy and cross-validation consistency were calculated. The SHEsisPlus (http://shesisplus.bio-x.cn/SHEsis.html) online software was used for haplotype analysis.A total of 730 T2DM patients and 765 controls were enrolled. The T allele of rs1205 is associated with increased susceptibility to T2DM, OR (95% CI) were 1.51 (1.13–2.01), 1.44 (1.10–1.89) and 1.25 (1.01–1.54) for codominant, dominant and over-dominant models, respectively. We also found that minor allele of rs2794521 is associated with decreased susceptibility to T2DM under codominant and recessive models, OR (95%CI) were 0.38 (0.18–0.79) and 0.37 (0.16–0.80) for codominant and recessive models, respectively. No significant gene–gene interaction existed among CRP gene SNPs, all interaction p- values were more than 0.05. Haplotype analyses suggested the CGCA haplotype containing rs1205-C, rs1130864-G, rs2794521- C and rs3093059- A allele was associated with decreased risk of T2DM, OR (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.68–0.98), P = 0.047.Minor allele of rs1205 was associated with increased T2DM risk. Minor allele of rs2794521 and the CGCA haplotype were associated with decreased T2DM risk.Results: We aimed to evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism, additional gene–gene interaction, and haplotypes on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).SNPstats online software (https://www.snpstats.net/start.htm) was employed to evaluate the association between CRP gene and T2DM risk. High-order interactions among SNPs was tested using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and the testing balanced accuracy, training balanced accuracy and cross-validation consistency were calculated. The SHEsisPlus (http://shesisplus.bio-x.cn/SHEsis.html) online software was used for haplotype analysis.A total of 730 T2DM patients and 765 controls were enrolled. The T allele of rs1205 is associated with increased susceptibility to T2DM, OR (95% CI) were 1.51 (1.13–2.01), 1.44 (1.10–1.89) and 1.25 (1.01–1.54) for codominant, dominant and over-dominant models, respectively. We also found that minor allele of rs2794521 is associated with decreased susceptibility to T2DM under codominant and recessive models, OR (95%CI) were 0.38 (0.18–0.79) and 0.37 (0.16–0.80) for codominant and recessive models, respectively. No significant gene–gene interaction existed among CRP gene SNPs, all interaction p- values were more than 0.05. Haplotype analyses suggested the CGCA haplotype containing rs1205-C, rs1130864-G, rs2794521- C and rs3093059- A allele was associated with decreased risk of T2DM, OR (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.68–0.98), P = 0.047.Minor allele of rs1205 was associated with increased T2DM risk. Minor allele of rs2794521 and the CGCA haplotype were associated with decreased T2DM risk.Conclusions: We aimed to evaluate the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism, additional gene–gene interaction, and haplotypes on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).SNPstats online software (https://www.snpstats.net/start.htm) was employed to evaluate the association between CRP gene and T2DM risk. High-order interactions among SNPs was tested using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and the testing balanced accuracy, training balanced accuracy and cross-validation consistency were calculated. The SHEsisPlus (http://shesisplus.bio-x.cn/SHEsis.html) online software was used for haplotype analysis.A total of 730 T2DM patients and 765 controls were enrolled. The T allele of rs1205 is associated with increased susceptibility to T2DM, OR (95% CI) were 1.51 (1.13–2.01), 1.44 (1.10–1.89) and 1.25 (1.01–1.54) for codominant, dominant and over-dominant models, respectively. We also found that minor allele of rs2794521 is associated with decreased susceptibility to T2DM under codominant and recessive models, OR (95%CI) were 0.38 (0.18–0.79) and 0.37 (0.16–0.80) for codominant and recessive models, respectively. No significant gene–gene interaction existed among CRP gene SNPs, all interaction p- values were more than 0.05. Haplotype analyses suggested the CGCA haplotype containing rs1205-C, rs1130864-G, rs2794521- C and rs3093059- A allele was associated with decreased risk of T2DM, OR (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.68–0.98), P = 0.047.Minor allele of rs1205 was associated with increased T2DM risk. Minor allele of rs2794521 and the CGCA haplotype were associated with decreased T2DM risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To systematically evaluate the differences in intestinal flora before and after menopause. To provide a possible mechanism for perimenopausal syndrome and provide a basis for probiotics as adjuvant therapy. Methods. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched. The included studies were case-control studies. Results. Three case-control studies were included, with a total of 156 people. At the phylum level, there were no differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. At the genus level, the relative abundances of A. odoratum and B. cholerae were higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women, with no differences among other genera. The Shannon diversity index increased after menopause, but no differences were found. Only one study found a positive association of estradiol with Gammaproteobacteria and Myxococcales and a negative association with Prevotellaceae. Conclusions. On the basis of previous studies, it was found that there was no significant difference at the phylum level between postmenopausal women and premenopausal women, but Odoribacter and Bilophila increased at the genus level in postmenopausal women. The class of Gammaproteobacteria may be positively correlated with estradiol. Limited by the number of included studies, more high-quality clinical studies are needed for validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N-deficient citrus leaves and roots kept high abilities to detoxify ROS and MG. • N-deficiency (ND) affected ROS and MG metabolism more in roots than in leaves. • ND enhanced n distribution in roots and R/S, and delayed root senescence. • ND reduced MDA levels and electrolyte leakage in citrus leaves and roots. Nitrogen-deficiency (ND) usually occurs in some citrus orchard soils in China. The roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG) generation and their detoxification systems in ND tolerance of horticultural woody plants still need to be revealed. For the first time, we examined the effects of ND on ROS and MG generation and their detoxification systems in leaves and roots of Citrus sinensis seedlings. The objectives are to test the hypotheses that N-deficient leaves and roots can keep high abilities to scavenge ROS and MG, thereby protecting them from oxidative damage, and that ND-induced alterations of ROS and MG formation and their detoxification systems in leaves and roots are different. ND augmented superoxide anion production rate and MG concentrations, but it decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and electrolyte leakage in leaves and roots. ND increased the activities of most enzymes involved in ROS (ascorbate-glutathione cycle-related enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and sulfur metabolism-related enzymes) and MG (glyoxalases) detoxification expressed on a protein basis with a few exceptions, and the concentrations of ascorbate, phytochelatins, and total non-protein thiols in leaves and roots. These results suggested that nitrogen-deficient leaves and roots could keep high abilities to detoxify ROS and MG, and protect them from oxidative damage. Generally viewed, ND affected the production and removal of ROS and MG more in roots than in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is the main cause for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), followed by rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have reported conflicting results concerning the risk of surgical site infection after TKA for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether rheumatoid arthritis patients had a higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database of the whole population from 2012 to 2015, and collected the medical records of osteoarthritis patients or rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent TKA. To evaluate the risk of acute surgical site infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients, propensity score matching was implemented for osteoarthritis patients. Acute surgical site infection was observed in 2.58% of TKA cases in rheumatoid arthritis patients and 2.66% of TKA cases in osteoarthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients had comparable risk for 90-day (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.371–1.768) and 1-year (odds ratio = 0.463, 95% confidence interval: 0.121–1.766) surgical site infection. In conclusion, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were not at higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. The current treatment strategy for patients with RA is safe and appropriate if they require TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trials involving the blockage of peripheral inflammatory leukocyte recruitment into the brain have puzzlingly led to either no significant improvement in stroke outcome, or even worsened outcomes and increased mortality, prompting a re‐evaluation of our understanding into the neuroinflammatory processes after stroke. Whilst traditionally understood as simple effectors of the innate immune system, emerging research in vascular disease biology has redefined the neutrophil as a specialized and highly specific cell type with dynamic functional capacity. Indeed, emerging experimental evidence indicates that neutrophils display diverse roles in the acute stages of ischemic stroke with the ability to elicit both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. Currently, there is some uncertainty as to whether neutrophil diversity is beneficial or harmful in stroke as their interactions with the resident cells of the brain, such as microglia and neurons, would potentially elicit heterogeneous outcomes. Current treatments for patients with stroke aim to remove the vascular blockage and to restore blood flow, but there are currently no drug treatments for managing the loss of functional brain tissue nor restoration of microglial and neuronal damage. If these hypothesized wound‐healing functions of neutrophils can be validated in a stroke setting, promoting the recruitment of this type of neutrophils into the injured brain tissue may form a promising therapeutic target for the majority of stroke patients currently without treatment. In this review, we will provide an update on recent research that has explored neutrophil heterogeneity in the neuroinflammatory cascade after ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe and analyze the therapeutic effect of blood-supplementing and heart-nourishing acupuncture method combined with psychological intervention on postpartum depression. Methods: A total of 116 patients with postpartum depression admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to June 2018 were selected as the observation objects. The patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 58 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional treatment. Patients in the observation group were treated with blood-supplementing and heart-nourishing acupuncture method combined with psychological intervention. The HAMD scores of patients in the two groups were compared to detect the depressive status and anxiety degree. Moreover, the detection data of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and estradiol (E2) of patients in the two groups were compared. Results: (1) Before treatment, comparison of the HAMD scores of patients between the two groups indicated that the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After treatment, the HAMD scores of patients in the two groups decreased comparing with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the HAMD scores of patients in the observation group treated with blood-supplementing and heart-nourishing acupuncture method combined with psychological intervention were lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). (2) The anxiety degree of patients in the control group treated with conventional treatment was 50%. The anxiety degree of patients in the treatment group treated with blood-supplementing and heart-nourishing acupuncture method combined with psychological intervention was 22.41%. It could be seen that the anxiety degree of the observation group was far lower than that of the control group (x2 = 9.555, P < 0.05). (3) Before treatment, the detection data of 5-HT and E2 of patients between the two groups indicated that the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). After treatment, the detection data of 5-HT and E2 of patients in the two groups increased comparing with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the detection data of 5-HT and E2 of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: The treatment of blood-supplementing and heart-nourishing acupuncture method combined with psychological intervention can improve the depressive status and anxiety degree of patients with postpartum depression. The treatment has significant effect, and it is worthy of generalization and application in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hierarchically bicontinuous polystyrene monoliths (HBPMs) with homogeneous skeletons and glycopolymer surfaces are fabricated for the first time based on the medium internal phase emulsion (MIPE) templating method via activator generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). The synergistic self‐assembly of amphiphilic diblock glycopolymer (ADG) and Pluronic F127 (PF127) at the oil/water interface via hydrogen bonding interaction contributes to the formation of bicontinuous MIPE with deformed neighboring water droplets, resulting in the highly interconnected HBPM after polymerization. There is a bimodal pore size distribution in the HBPM, that is, through pores (150–5000 nm) and mesopores (10–150 nm). The HBPMs as prepared show excellent biocompatibility, homogeneous skeletons, strong mechanical strength, and high bed permeability, overcoming the practical limitations of the second generation of polystyrene (PS) monoliths. Glycoprotein concanavalin A (Con A) can be easily and quickly separated by the HBPM in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) mode. These results suggest the HBPMs have great potentials in catalysis, separations, and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Absolute monocyte count (AMC) is often used to be assessed in cancer follow‐up, which has regained interest as a potential prognostic indicator in many solid tumors, though not consistently or comprehensively. In the present study, we set out to perform a comprehensive meta‐analysis of all available data regarding the prognostic significance of AMC in solid tumors. We also evaluated the association between AMC and clinical features in solid tumors. Methods: A hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) or a p value (p) from eligible studies were extracted and subsequently pooled analyzed. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression analyses were conducted according to the confounders of included studies. In addition, the relationships between AMC and clinical characteristics were also explored in the meta‐analysis. Results: Overall, ninety‐three articles comprising 104 studies with 32229 patients were finally included. The results showed that elevated AMC was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.615; 95% CI: 1.475‐1.768; p < 0.001), disease‐free survival (DFS) (HR:1.488; 95% CI: 1.357‐1.633; p < 0.001), progressive‐free survival (PFS) (HR: 1.533; 95% CI: 1.342‐1.751; p < 0.001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (HR: 1.585; 95% CI: 1.253‐2.006; p < 0.001) in non‐hematological tumors. Subgroup analyses according to each confounder further proved the consistent prognostic value of AMC in solid tumor outcomes. Moreover, elevated AMC was more likely to be observed in male group and patients with smoking history, and associated with longer tumor length and advanced T stage. Conclusion: In short, the meta‐analysis found that elevated AMC might indicate poor long‐term outcomes in non‐hematologic cancers, thus AMC may be a valuable marker in the prognosis for patients with solid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA‐C*07:1029 differs from HLA‐C*07:02:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to profile the metabolism of soybean roots that were infected with soybean cyst nematodes and treated with Bacillus simplex to identify metabolic differences that may explain nematode resistance. Compared with control soybean roots, B. simplex-treated soybean roots contained lower levels of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and trehalose, which reduced the nematodes' food source. Furthermore, treatment with B. simplex led to higher levels of melibiose, gluconic acid, lactic acid, phytosphingosine, and noradrenaline in soybean roots, which promoted nematocidal activity. The levels of oxoproline, maltose, and galactose were lowered after B. simplex treatment, which improved disease resistance. Collectively, this study provides insight into the metabolic alterations induced by B. simplex treatment, which affects the interactions with soybean cyst nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) exists in multiple physiological processes. In order to further understand the action mechanism of H 2 S in cells and human body, we proposed a smart surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobe, Au core-4-mercaptobenzonitrile-Ag shell nanoparticle (Au@4-MBN@Ag), for the detection of endogenous H 2 S in living cells based on the reaction between Ag shell and sulfide species. 4-MBN was selected as the SERS reporter to avoid interference from cellular molecules. With the sulfide concentration increasing, the Ag 2 S constantly formed, and consequently the SERS signal intensity of Au@4-MBN@Ag gradually decreased owing to the weaker SERS activity of Ag 2 S. With the nanoprobes, this method not only offers a high sensitivity for H 2 S detection at an nM level, but also achieves the goal of non-background analysis. It displays satisfactory anti-interference capability and a good linear relationship with sulfide concentration ranging from 50 nM to 500 μM, and an estimated detection limit is 0.14 nM. The Au@4-MBN@Ag nanoprobes were successfully applied to detect endogenous H 2 S in living HepG2 cells stimulated by pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate. This work offers a potential analytical method in the related research of H 2 S physiological function. Image 1 • Au core-4-mercaptobenzonitrile-Ag shell nanoprobes offer high sensitivity to detect hydrogen sulfide at nM level. • Endogenous hydrogen sulfide in HepG2 cells was dynamically monitored by SERS. • Non-background detection in living cells is realized by virtue of 4-MBN molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish two critical points theorems for functional which is not defined on the whole space, but C 1 on a closed subset. As applications, we study the existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of Kirchhoff type equations with bounded nonlocal term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of frame plays a significant role in art design. However, traditional picture frames do not offer human interaction. To create a new dimension of graphic artwork demonstration, we utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to develop human and digital frame interaction. Specifically, this paper uses IoTtalk, an application-layer IoT device management platform, to quickly establish connections and meaningful interactions between IoT devices. The interaction between human and frame is accomplished by implementing an output device of IoTtalk called FrameTalk, which allows the input devices to control the dynamic graphics on a digital frame. The FrameTalk device can be exhibited in specific frame hardware or the screen of any computing device. We illustrate the functional block diagram of the FrameTalk device and its default applications. Then we demonstrate two FrameTalk application examples. The first example is CalligraphyTalk, where an audience can interact with the frame to write Chinese poems. The second example is PortraitGuess that allows an audience to play the historical figures portrait painting guess game by the frame. We measure the delays between the smartphone and the FrameTalk device, and develop both analytic and simulation models to investigate the user experience of the FrameTalk applications. Our study indicates that good user experience can be achieved in FrameTalk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonon heat transport based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) in a free standing, bent duct with characteristic dimension down to the nanoscale is investigated through the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method. Both the thermal excited transverse and longitudinal phonons are considered. The collision term in BTE is approximated by the relaxation time approximation. Both diffusive and specular phonon scatterings at duct surfaces are considered. An analytical expression for thermal conductivity suitable for an infinitely long, straight duct with constant properties is derived. Results show that the size effect depends strongly on the Knudsen number. For large Knudsen number, heat transport is mainly dominated by the ballistics that results in strong size effect, and vice versa. For the bent duct more phonons take the passageway near the inner corner of the bending region where higher local thermal conductivity is expected. Although the specular boundary scattering introduces no change in the bulk quantities for a straight duct, it, however, brings in the geometric influence as the duct is bent. Compared to the straight duct, the bent duct has the supremacy in conducting heat as the Knudsen number is small. Conversely the straight duct presents higher conductivity when the Knudsen number is large. By the present LB method, jumps in macroscopic quantities, occurring at boundary and wall surface, can be calculated naturally and straightforwardly. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • SERS repeatability was substantially improved by using the droplet-based SERS method. • High detection speed was achieved with 10 s each assay. • The droplets provided a stable environment for detecting 6-TG in serum. Abstract 6-thioguanine is an anticancer drug with narrow safe dose range and intense toxic reactions, so it is urgently necessary to evaluate its clinical usage. Reproducibility and analysis speed are important factors to take into account when analyzing drug concentration in body fluids. In this work, we fabricated a droplet-based microfluidic chip for detecting 6-thioguanine in human serum by using the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique. The easily-prepared Au nanoparticles were used as SERS substrates, and reagent mixing and signal acquiring happened in droplets one by one. This assay device is endowed with the superiority in improving determination repeatability with coefficient of variation of no more than 5% (n = 25) and high speed of 10 s each assay. The SERS peak at 1295 cm−1 originated from N1-C6 stretching vibration mode of purine ring was selected for quantitating 6-thioguanine. The signals indicated a satisfied linear relationship with the concentrations of 6-thioguanine in the range of 0.010 μM to 10 μM, with a detection limit of 0.032 μM. The droplet-based microfluidic SERS system was successfully applied for credible and rapid analysis of 6-thioguanine in human serum, and is pretty promising for performing the therapeutic drug monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated the regulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in in vivo high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and in vitro cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed on standard chow, serum was prepared, and ET-1 levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit. Quantitative PCR was performed using iQ SYBR Green Supermix. Statistical significance was assessed using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The serum ET-1 content and endothelial expression of ET-1 mRNA were increased in the HFD-fed mice compared to the chow-fed control mice. Moreover, the mRNA expression of ET-1 was significantly increased in cultured HAECs in response to acute (< 24 h) and chronic (12–16 days) treatments with palmitic acid (PA), one of the most abundant saturated fatty acids in obesity. We found that the induction of ET-1 expression by PA was abolished by pretreating the cells with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid or the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Gö 6850. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate for the first time that PA increases ET-1 expression in endothelial cells through the induction of ER stress and the activation of PKC, providing novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current standard in the clinical diagnostic of corneal infection in vivo is reflectance confocal microscopy using photons in the wavelength range of 600 s nm. While pathogens with large spatial features (∼10 μm) such as acanthamoeba and fungal species can be identified, smaller pathogens such as bacteria (∼1 μm) are difficult to detect. Furthermore, reflected light produces images anywhere there are index of refractive index changes. The non-specificity of such images can contribute to confusion in pathogen identification. In this work, we used 488 nm to excite autofluorescence in nine common pathogens (4 bacteria, 3 fungi, and 2 acanthamoeba species) inoculated in ex vivo porcine corneas. We found that the detected green autofluroescence is sufficient to clearly image the pathogens. Histograms of the autofluorescence intensity can also act as a metric in pathogen classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between bisphenol A (BPA) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis using STATA software for observational studies. Results: Nine studies involving 493 PCOS patients and 440 controls were included in this review. The meta-analysis demonstrated that PCOS patients had significantly higher BPA levels compared with control groups (standardized mean difference (SMD): 2.437, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.265, 3.609), p < .001). For studies of serum samples detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), subgroup analyses according to ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), sample size, detection method (high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ELISA), PCOS-to-control ratio and study quality displayed that high BPA levels were significantly associated with Caucasian PCOS patients (SMD: 0.615, 95% CI: (0.308, 0.922), p < .001), high BMI (SMD: 0.512, 95% CI: (0.180, 0.843), p = .002), high quality (SMD: 0.624, 95% CI: (0.391, 0.856), p < .001), and high HOMA-IR (SMD: 0.467, 95% CI: (0.121, 0.813), p = .008). Conclusions: Serum BPA may be positively associated with women with PCOS and BPA might be involved in the insulin-resistance and hyperandrogenism of PCOS. More evidence from high quality studies, advanced detection methods, and larger cohorts for observational trials are needed to further confirm the association between BPA and PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Previous studies had indicated that hormone therapy (HT) may increase the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in menopausal women. However, little is known about the benefits and risks of use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in conditions related to hormone use. The aim of this study is to explore the risk of IS in menopausal women treated with HT and CHM. Materials and methods A total of 32,441 menopausal women without surgical menopause aged 40–65 years were selected from 2003 to 2010 using the 2-million random samples of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. According to the medication usage of HT and CHM, we divided the current and recent users into two groups: an HT use-only group (n = 4989) and an HT/CHM group (n = 9265). Propensity-score matching samples (4079 pairs) were further created to deal with confounding by indication. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of IS were estimated by the robust Cox proportional hazards model. Results The incidence rate of IS in the HT/CHM group was significantly lower than in the HT group (4.5 vs. 12.8 per 1000 person-year, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis results indicated that additional CHM use had a lower risk of IS compared to the HT group (HR = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21–0.43). Further subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses had similar findings. Conclusion We found that combined use of HT and CHM was associated with a lower risk of IS. Further study is needed to examine possible mechanism underlying this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the spectral element method (SEM) is improved to solve the moving load problem. In this method, a structure with uniform geometry and material properties is considered as a spectral element, which means that the element number and the degree of freedom can be reduced significantly. Based on the variational method and the Laplace transform theory, the spectral stiffness matrix and the equivalent nodal force of the beam-column element are established. The static Green function is employed to deduce the improved function. The proposed method is applied to two typical engineering practices—the one-span bridge and the horizontal jib of the tower crane. The results have revealed the following. First, the new method can yield extremely high-precision results of the dynamic deflection, the bending moment and the shear force in the moving load problem. In most cases, the relative errors are smaller than 1%. Second, by comparing with the finite element method, one can obtain the highly accurate results using the improved SEM with smaller element numbers. Moreover, the method can be widely used for statically determinate as well as statically indeterminate structures. Third, the dynamic deflection of the twin-lift jib decreases with the increase in the moving load speed, whereas the curvature of the deflection increases. Finally, the dynamic deflection, the bending moment and the shear force of the jib will all increase as the magnitude of the moving load increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Patients with lung cancer are frequently treated with Western medical treatments. Recently, patients have begun to use Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and alleviate side effects. Aim of the study We aimed to evaluate the association between mortality rate and early use of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) among patients with lung cancer. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan Cancer Registry, and Cause of Death Data. Patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer between 2002 and 2010 were classified as either the CHP ( n = 422) or the non-CHP group ( n = 2828) based on whether they used CHP within 3 months after first diagnosis of lung cancer. A robust Cox regression model was used to examine the hazard ratio (HR) of death for propensity score (PS) matching samples. Results After PS matching, average survival time of the CHP group was significantly longer than that of the non-CHP group. The adjusted HR (0.82; 95% CI: 0.73–0.92) in the CHP group was lower than the non-CHP group. Stratified by clinical cancer stages, CHP group had longer survival time in stage 3 subgroup. When the exposure period of CHP use was changed from 3 to 6 months, results remained similar (HR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95). Conclusion Results indicated that patients with lung cancer who used CHP within 3 months after first diagnosis had a lower hazard of death than non-CHP users, especially for stage 3 lung cancer. Further experimental studies are needed to examine the causal relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten-based alloy would be one of the effective ways to solve the problem of irradiation damage to plasma-facing materials. 4 d , 5 d transition metal elements (Re, Ta, Hf, Mo, Nb, Zr) have been choosen as W-based alloy to research the interaction relationship between transition elements and mono-vacancy in W lattice. The results of migration barrier energy ( E m ) demonstrated that transition metal would be beneficial to mono-vacancy diffusion, in which Re, Hf, Mo, Zr alloy atoms had been proved an advantageous influence on forming mono-vacancy than Ta, Nb elements, and the minimal E m was about 0.859eV in W-Zr system. The volume of octahedral in the saddle point had proved the stress of the alloying atom was closely related with the E m of the vacancy. The effect of the alloying element concentration on mono-vacancy in W system presented an inverse relationship between E m with the Ta concentration. The results revealed the diffusion of mono-vacancy would be promoted in W-Ta alloying system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation damage research is one of the basic issues to solve the application of first-wall materials in fusion engineering. The diffusion and recovery of the defects can greatly affect the performance of the materials in fusion. The rotation stability, complex migration processes and the uniaxial strain modulus M [ ijk ] of the self-interstitial atoms (SIAs) in defect structures of tungsten were investigated by the first-principle method. It was found that the <11 h >dumbbell had a lower formation energy than <111>dumbbell. Further confirmation has been done from the uniaxial strain that the uniaxial modulus M [11 h ] has a minimum value of 518Gpa in crystal tungsten. It demonstrated that the stress field played an important role to the SIA dumbbells. Nevertheless, the calculation indicated that the <11 h > SIA would be the key subject in finishing the complex migration in evolution of irradiation defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on ion channels and their monoclonal antibodies plays a critical role in drug development and disease diagnosis. The current ion channel researches are often not conducted in the microenvironment for cells survival, which restricts the mechanism study of the links between the cell structure and the ion channel function. In this work, we synthesized gold core-4-mercaptobenzonitrile-sliver shell-goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G (Au@4-MBN@Ag@IgG) nanoparticles as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes for investigating the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium ion channel in cell membranes. This is the first attempt to study ion channels using SERS. Due to the unique core-molecule-shell structure and the silver shell of nanoprobes, strong and stable SERS signal was obtained. With the help of antibodies, the Au@4-MBN@Ag@IgG nanoprobes were captured by hERG antibodies and then bonded with hERG ion channels based on the sandwich immune response. The reporter molecule, 4-MBN, displayed a strong and sharp characteristic peak at 2233 cm-1 in the Raman silent region. The intensity of this peak denoted the concentration of antibodies and the expression of ion channel proteins. We successfully applied this amplification-free method for in-situ imaging the distribution of the hERG ion channel on the transfected HEK293 cell surface at the single-cell level. This hERG ion channel profiling strategy promises a maneuverable tool for ion channel research. [Display omitted] • The hERG gene encoded potassium ion channel was detected in situ by SERS. • The amplification-free imaging of hERG ion channel was realized. • The distribution of hERG ion channel on cells was visualized by SERS mapping. • The core-molecule-shell nanoprobes have high SERS intensity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical studies and cancer cell models emphasize the importance of targeting therapies for oral cancer. The tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is highly expressed in cancer, and is a selective killing ligand for oral cancer. Signaling proteins in the wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) integration site family (Wnt), Sonic hedgehog (SHH), and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways may regulate cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Accordingly, the genes encoding these signaling proteins are potential targets for oral cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on recent advances in targeting therapies for oral cancer and discuss the gene targets within TRAIL, Wnt, SHH, and TGFβ signaling for oral cancer therapies. Oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) and tumor suppressor miRNAs targeting the genes encoding these signaling proteins are summarized, and the interactions between Wnt, SHH, TGFβ, and miRNAs are interpreted. With suitable combination treatments, synergistic effects are expected to improve targeting therapies for oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red soils developed above the reef limestones are commonly observed in the world. Their characteristic properties of high contents in clays and iron-oxides, reddish hue are usually classified themselves as Inceptisols, Alfisols, Ultisols or Mollisols in Soil Taxonomy. The genetic contexts between the soils and beneath limestone have been revealed for gauging paleo-landform surface processes relating to paleoclimatic shifts since the late Pleistocene. There are levels of reef marine terraces in altitude in the Hengchun Peninsula of Taiwan. Their surfaces are covered by thick reddish soil enriched with iron-oxides. However, these terra rossa-like soils distributed on the reef limestone are actually developed from heterogeneous detrital materials, instead of developing from the insoluble residue of the limestone. According to the Soil Taxonomy, the soils on the higher terraces are classified as the Typic Paleudults or typic Kandiultults. They are equivalent to the Alisols in WRB system. The soils on the lower terraces are classified as Typic Udipsamments and Lithic Eutrudepts, and they are equivalent to the Arenosols and Cambisols respectively. This study suggests that the terra rossa-like soils in the study are developed from the parent materials of fluvial deposits which are subject to the landform surface processes during the Interglacial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia are highly prevalent in the general population with significant symptom overlap, while the interaction between both remains poorly understood.Aim: To examine whether GERD overlapping dyspepsia would have an impact on clinical and psychological features as compared with GERD alone.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a GERD cohort (n = 868) that was previously recruited from a population-based GERD survey (n = 2752). We compared the clinical and psychological factors between patients with and without dyspeptic symptoms "epigastric pain or burning." All participants were evaluated with Reflux Disease Questionnaire score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire score, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score. Endoscopic findings were classified according to the Los Angeles classification.Results: Among the GERD population, 107 subjects had overlapping "epigastric pain or burning" (GERD-D), and 761 did not have these symptoms (GERD alone). GERD-D subjects had more severe GERD symptoms and were more often associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.92-6.52) as compared subjects with GERD alone. In addition, GERD-D subjects had lower quality of sleep (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.21), higher depression (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10), lower blood pressure (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.95), and higher serum total cholesterol levels (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.36-5.67) than GERD alone.Conclusions: GERD-D subjects are characterized with worsening clinical symptoms as well as higher psychosocial, IBS, and metabolic comorbidities, but less erosive esophagitis. Our results indicate that clinical awareness of such overlapping condition would help optimize the management of GERD in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stationary state entanglement in a chain with three spins is reported. Each of spins couples to its own separate bosonic reservoir. The master equation for such spins' system is derived under the Born-Markovian approximation. The result presents that the coupling between the middle spin and its bosonic bath in some special temperature region reinforce the entanglement between the spins. By analyzing the heat current between the middle spin and its bosonic bath, we find a tight relationship between the direction of heat current from the middle spin to its bosonic bath and the reinforcement of the entanglement. The entanglement increases with the heat current between the middle spin and its bosonic bath almost linearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of severe complications frequently associated with OSA. Lipocalin-type prostaglandin synthase (L-PGDS) is potentially responsible for the production of prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 ) which is an endogenous sleep inducer. To date, whether the content of PGD 2 and PGDS is related to intermittent hypoxia has never been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the content of PGD 2 and L-PGDS in rats' brains with and without intermittent hypoxia. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 48; 8–10 weeks) were averagely divided into two groups. One was control group, and the other group was exposed to IH (12 h/day for 6 weeks). In each group there are four time-points including 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, and six rats were killed and studied at each time-point. At the end of 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, the concentrations of PGD 2 in brains were measured by LC-MS/MS. In addition, the expressions of L-PGDS protein and mRNA in brains were investigated by western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed the concentrations of PGD 2 in CIH rat brains were higher than those in control groups from the second week. At the end of 6 weeks, the concentrations of PGD 2 in CIH and control groups were 11.1 and 5.9 ng/g, respectively. The levels of L-PGDS protein and mRNA followed the same trend during the whole 6 weeks. The results will provide a new idea to explore that patients with OSA are always accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are transcription mediators which play vital roles in multiple biological processes, such as antiviral defense, immune response, cell growth regulation and apoptosis. A fish specific IRF, termed IRF11, has been identified in previous study through searching fish genome databases. Herein, a transcript of IRF11, EcIRF11 was cloned from orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides . The EcIRF11 cDNA sequence has 1573 bp in length, encoding a putative protein of 261 amino acids, with a high degree of similarity found between EcIRF11 and its teleost counterparts. Comparative analyses in teleost genomes revealed that IRF11 may have an ancient origin at least 450 million years ago, and the locus harbouring IRF11 might have experienced chromosomal rearrangement and/or inversion during evolution. Expression analysis revealed that the other two members, IRF1 and IRF2 also in the IRF1 subgroup (SG) as IRF11, exhibited high expression levels in early experimental infection phase in response to viral stimulation of poly I:C and to bacterial stimulation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections in the fish, while EcIRF11 is not transcriptionally modulated at the examined time points except in kidney at 6 h following poly I:C stimulation. Taken together, the results obtained in this study indicate that IRF11 might have been originated from the same ancestor as IRF1 and IRF2, but exhibits distinct basal and induced expression, implying its different function which needs further characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase CK2, which consists of two α and two β subunits, plays an essential role in plant development and is implicated in plant responses to abiotic stresses, including salt and heat. However, the function of CK2 in response to heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) has not yet been established. In this study, the transgenic line CKB4ox , which overexpresses CKB4 encoding the CK2β subunit and has elevated CK2 activity, was used to investigate the potential role of CK2 in response to Cd stress in Arabidopsis thaliana . Under Cd stress, CKB4ox showed reduced root growth and biomass accumulation as well as decreased chlorophyll and proline contents compared with wild type. Furthermore, increased Cd accumulation and a higher H 2 O 2 content were found in CKB4ox , possibly contributing to the inhibition of CKB4ox growth under Cd stress. Additionally, altered levels of Cd and H 2 O 2 were found to be associated with decreased expression of genes involved in Cd efflux, Cd sequestration and H 2 O 2 scavenging. Taken together, these results suggest that elevated expression of CKB4 and increased CK2 activity enhance the sensitivity of plants to Cd stress by affecting Cd and H 2 O 2 accumulation, including the modulation of genes involved in Cd transport and H 2 O 2 scavenging. This study provides direct evidence for the involvement of plant CK2 in the response to Cd stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The point defects behavior becomes one of the most basic issues under the challenge of fusion environment. The recovery mechanisms of Frenkel pair defects and the self-diffusion coefficient of mono-vacancy in bulk bcc tungsten were researched by the first principle calculations. The calculation of migration energy curves for <111> SIAs indicated that the process of the Frenkel pair recovery had a close correlation with the “I–V” distance, and the migration barrier energies E m was within a limit range of 1.86–2.08 eV. It was found that the self-recovery region had an ellipsoid profile with the semiminor axis of 2.7 Å and the semimajor axis of 5.5 Å. The self-diffusion coefficients of the mono-vacancy were calculated and the results showed that the probability for the vacancy migration was not only associated with the E m but also the temperature being challenged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • (Cu 43 Zr 47 Al 7 Ag 3) 95.5 Co 0.5 BMG exhibits excellent thermal stability and plasticity. • New formed B2-CuZr phase and nanocrystallines improve plasticity. • Toughness mechanisms help design new Cu-Zr-Al BMGs with high mechanical performances. The influences of Ag and Co additions on the thermal stability and glass-forming abilities of twenty (Cu 46- x Zr 47 Al 7 Ag x) 100 -y Co y (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and y = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) alloys were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter techniques. The mechanical performances (i.e., hardness, strength, and plasticity) of the alloys were evaluated, and the plasticization mechanisms of four representative (Cu 46- x Zr 47 Al 7 Ag x) 100 -y Co y specimens were discussed based on the observations of scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is found that (Cu 43 Zr 47 Al 7 Ag 3) 99.5 Co 0.5 bulk metallic glass exhibits excellent thermal stability and improved plasticity after compression tests. The improvement can be attributed to the large amount and density of shear bands, the coexistence of a large area of smooth regions, the vein-like pattern, and the river-like pattern on the fractures. More importantly, the new-formed B2-CuZr phases and nanocrystallines during compressive tests also contribute to the improved plastic deformation ability by exalting the number and density of shear bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of bis- N -heterocyclic carbene ligand with biphenyl backbone [MIBIPhen](Br) 2 ( L ), [Ag(MIBIPhen)] 2 (PF 6 ) 2 ( 1 ) and palladium-NHC complexes, [Pd(MIBIPhen)(Cl)(H 3 C-CN)]PF 6 ( 2 ), [Pd(MIBIPhen)(H 3 C-CN) 2 ](PF 6 ) 2 ( 3 ) and [Pd(MIBIPhen)Br 2 ] ( 4 ) {MIBIPhen = (3,3′-(biphenyl-2,2′-diylbis(methylene))bis(1-methyl-1 H -imidazol-3-ium)bromide)} is reported. All complexes ( 1 – 4 ) are characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, elemental analysis and single crystal XRD. Complex 1 serves as an efficient NHC transfer agent for the preparation of complex 2 . Treatment of complex 2 with AgPF 6 drives the exchange of chloride by acetonitrile to result in complex 3 . Complex 4 is prepared by in situ deprotonation of MIBIPhen with Pd(OAc) 2 . Complex 1 is molecular box type with silver in bent geometry. Complexes 2 , 3 & 4 exist as monomers with palladium in distorted-square-planar geometry. All Pd-NHC complexes are explored as catalyst in water mediated Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reaction where complex 3 shows efficient catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Arabidopsis CK2 α4 subunit regulates the primary root and hypocotyl elongation, lateral root formation, cotyledon expansion, rosette leaf initiation and growth, flowering, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Abstract: Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a conserved tetrameric kinase composed of two α and two β subunits. The inhibition of CK2 activity usually results in severe developmental deficiency. Four genes ( CKA1- CKA4) encode CK2 α subunit in Arabidopsis. Single mutations of CKA1, CKA2, and CKA3 do not affect the normal growth of Arabidopsis, while the cka1 cka2 cka3 triple mutants are defective in cotyledon and hypocotyl growth, lateral root development, and flowering. The inhibition of CKA4 expression in cka1 cka2 cka3 background further reduces the number of lateral roots and delays the flowering time. Here, we report the characterization of a novel knockout mutant of CKA4, which exhibits various developmental defects including reduced primary root and hypocotyl elongation, increased lateral root density, delayed cotyledon expansion, retarded rosette leaf initiation and growth, and late flowering. The examination of the cellular basis for abnormal root development of this mutant revealed reduced root meristem cells with enhanced RETINOBLASTOMA- RELATED ( RBR) expression that promotes cell differentiation in root meristem. Moreover, this cka4- 2 mutant accumulates higher anthocyanin in the aerial part and shows an increased expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, suggesting a novel role of CK2 in modulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. In addition, the complementation test using primary root elongation assay as a sample confirms that the changed phenotypes of this cka4- 2 mutant are due to the lack of CKA4. Taken together, this study reveals an essential role of CK2 α4 subunit in multiple developmental processes in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of frequent tectonic activities due to arc–continent collision, multi-level marine terraces are present along the coast of the Taiwan Island. They are suitable sites for constructing tropical soil chronosequences. This study investigated soils along a transect on reef terraces on the Kenting Peninsula, the southmost tip of Taiwan, in order to construct a soil chronosequence and then reveal the relation between the soils and geomorphic processes. Parent materials of the soils appear to be mainly alluvial deposits or eolian beach sands covering the reef. Selected pedogenic properties of the soils, clay, free iron oxides and crystallinity ratio of free iron oxides, silicon–aluminum and silicon–aluminum–iron ratio, silicon–aluminum and silicon–aluminum–iron ratio, increased or decreased or decreased rapidly at first and slowly with time, following a single logarithmic relationship with soil age. Moreover, the structureless soils on the youngest terrace were classified as Entisols, whereas the soils with subangular blocky and clay coatings on the high (old) terraces were classified as Alfisols or Ultisols. A post-incisive chronosequence was identified for these soils. Finally, a schematic model is proposed to explain the relationships between pedological morphologies of the soils and terrace-surface processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree peony ( Paeonia sect. Moutan ) is a famous ornamental crop worldwide that is difficult to propagate. The present study provides efficient protocols for the micropropagation of three economically important tree peony cultivars ( Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Jin Pao Hong’, P. suffruticosa ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’, and P. × lemoinei ‘High Noon’). For optimal shoot multiplication, different concentrations of GA 3 were added into woody plant medium (WPM) (double strength Ca 2+ ) containing 1.0 mg l −1 BAP; 0.5 mg l −1 GA 3 yielded the highest multiplication rate with more than 4 shoots per explant for the three cultivars. For better rooting, different polyamines (putrescine, spermine, or spermidine) were added individually to half-strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg l −1 IBA. 5.0, 1.0, and 1.0 mg l −1 putrescine produced the optimal rooting for ‘Jin Pao Hong’ (100%), ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ (100%), and ‘High Noon’ (80%), respectively; each rooted shoot had 4–6 roots measuring 4–6 cm in length. Poor survival rates during acclimatization were obtained for ‘Jin Pao Hong’ (52.6%), ‘Wu Long Peng Sheng’ (40.1%), and ‘High Noon’ (64.0%) when the plantlets were grown in uninoculated vermiculite/peat/perlite sterilized substrate; in contrast, ‘High Noon’ plantlets inoculated with Glomus mosseae showed a high survival rate (83.4%) and vigorous growth. The protocols reported in this study can be used for rapid and large-scale propagation of the three tree peony cultivars. Furthermore, this study raises interesting possibilities for stimulating the in vitro rooting of tree peony cultivars through polyamine application and for improving the ex vitro establishment of tree peony plantlets through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family, consisting of MIF and D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT) in vertebrates, is evolutionarily ancient and has been found across Kingdoms including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and bacteria. The mammalian MIF family are chemokines at the top of the inflammatory cascade in combating infections. They also possess enzymatic activities, e.g. DDT catalysis results in the production of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), a precursor of eumelanin. MIF-like genes are widely distributed, but DDT-like genes have only been described in vertebrates and a nematode. In this report, we cloned a DDT-like gene, for the first time in arthropods, and a second MIF in mud crab. The mud crab MIF family have a three exon/two intron structure as seen in vertebrates. The identification of a DDT-like gene in mud crab and other arthropods suggests that the separation of MIF and DDT preceded the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes. The MIF family is differentially expressed in tissues of adults and during embryonic development and early life. The high level expression of the MIF family in immune tissues, such as intestine and hepatopancreas, suggests an important role in mud crab innate immunity. Mud crab DDT is highly expressed in early embryos, in megalops and crablets and this coincides with the requirement for melanisation in egg chorion tanning and cuticular hardening in arthropods, suggesting a potential novel role of DDT in melanogenesis via its tautomerase activity to produce DHI in mud crab. The clarification of the presence of both MIF and DDT in this report paves the way for further investigation of their functional roles in immunity and in melanogenesis in mud crab and other arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is renewed interest in the immune regulatory role of the spleen in oncology. To date, very few studies have examined macroscopic variations of splenic volume in the setting of cancer, prior to or during therapy, especially in humans. Changes in splenic volume may be associated with changes in splenic function. The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in spleen volume in NSCLC patients during chemo-radiotherapy. Sixty patients with stage I-IIIB NSCLC underwent radiotherapy (60Gy/30 fractions) for six weeks with concomitant carboplatin/paclitaxel (Ca/P; n = 32) or cisplatin/etoposide (Ci/E; n = 28). A baseline PET/CT scan was performed within 2 weeks prior to treatment and during Weeks 2 and 4 of chemo-radiotherapy. Spleen volume was measured by contouring all CT slices. Significant macroscopic changes in splenic volume occurred early after the commencement of treatment. A significant decrease in spleen volume was observed for 66% of Ca/P and 79% of Ci/E patients between baseline and Week 2. Spleen volume was decreased by 14.2% for Ca/P (p<0.001) and 19.3% for Ci/E (p<0.001) patients. By Week 4, spleen volume was still significantly decreased for Ca/P patients compared to baseline, while for Ci/E patients, spleen volume returned to above baseline levels. This is the first report demonstrating macroscopic changes in the spleen in NSCLC patients undergoing radical chemo-radiotherapy that can be visualized by non-invasive imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrate gamma-interferon inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) is an IFN-γ-inducible protein and is involved in MHCII-restricted antigen processing and cross-presentation of MHCI-restricted antigens in adaptive immunity. Outside of the endocytic MHC pathway, GILT regulates the cellular redox state, inhibits T cell activation, neutralizes extracellular pathogens and is also a host factor of some bacterial pathogens. In this report, we isolated and characterized three divergent GILT -like genes, GILT1 , GILT2 and GILT3 , which share only 30.9–40.4% identities in a crustacean mud crab Scylla paramamosain . Whilst the crab GILT1 and GILT3 possess four and five exons, respectively, the GILT2 is intronless, suggesting that GILT2 may arise from a recent retroposition event. The invertebrate GILT -like genes have diverse gene organizations and may be evolved in a species/lineage-specific manner as suggested by phylogenetic tree analysis. The amino acid sequences equivalent to human mature GILT are well conserved, including the GILT signature and nine of the ten cysteine residues that potentially form 5 disulfide bonds in human GILT, across the animal kingdom. However, most invertebrate GILT -like molecules lack the human-type N-terminal propeptide, as well as the human-type C-terminal with a conserved cysteine residue, suggesting differences in post translational processing and mode of action. All the three GILT -like genes are highly expressed in the hepatopancreas and up-regulated by pathogenic bacterial infection suggesting a role in immune defense against bacterial diseases. This study may provide the basis for further investigation of the expanding functions of GILT -like molecules in immunity and other physiological processes in mud crabs and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]