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Semi-supervised instance segmentation algorithms are mainly divided into algorithms based on pseudo-label generation and algorithms based on transfer learning. The algorithms based on pseudo-label generation need to design a specific pseudo-label generation process, but the process is not scalable for different types of source tasks. The algorithms based on transfer learning that started late have relatively high scalability, but the algorithm research ideas are relatively simple. To expand the research on semi-supervised instance segmentation based on transfer learning, this paper proposes a feature transfer-based semi-supervised instance segmentation algorithm Feature Transfer Mask R-CNN (FT-Mask). The FT-Mask algorithm is more scalable than algorithms based on pseudo-label generation and can be used to transfer knowledge from different types of source tasks. Compared with other semi-supervised instance segmentation algorithms based on transfer learning, FT-Mask uses the feature transfer method to achieve semi-supervised instance segmentation for the first time. The experimental results show that the FT-Mask model improves the semi-supervised instance segmentation accuracy of the Mask R-CNN benchmark model through the semi-supervised learning process, and can achieve effective transfer learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit sweetness is determined by the amount and composition of sugars in the edible flesh. The accumulation of sugar is a highly orchestrated process that requires coordination of numerous metabolic enzymes and sugar transporters. This coordination enables partitioning and long-distance translocation of photoassimilates from source tissues to sink organs. In fruit crops, sugars ultimately accumulate in the sink fruit. Whereas tremendous progress has been achieved in understanding the function of individual genes associated with sugar metabolism and sugar transport in non-fruit crops, there is less known about the sugar transporters and metabolic enzymes responsible for sugar accumulation in fruit crop species. This review identifies knowledge gaps and can serve as a foundation for future studies, with comprehensive updates focusing on (1) the physiological roles of the metabolic enzymes and sugar transporters responsible for sugar allocation and partitioning and that contribute to sugar accumulation in fruit crops; and (2) the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of sugar transport and metabolism. We also provide insights into the challenges and future directions of studies on sugar transporters and metabolic enzymes and name several promising genes that should be targeted with gene editing in the pursuit of optimized sugar allocation and partitioning to enhance sugar accumulation in fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with the nonlinear stability of traveling wave solutions for a conservation laws arising from the well‐known chemotaxis model with logarithmic sensitivity. By constructing appropriate "ansatz," we shall prove the nonlinear stability of traveling waves even though the perturbations oscillate at the far fields. More precisely, it is shown that as time tends to infinite, the solutions converge to arbitrarily large amplitude viscous shock wave solutions with a shift, which are partially determined by the periodic oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes are important catalysts in biochemical reactions with superior regio, stereo, and substrate selectivity. However, enzymatic reaction systems have drawbacks including product inhibition, difficulty recycling, and poor stability. Importantly, the rate of an enzyme catalyzed reaction diminishes rapidly due to product inhibition and substrate depletion, making it difficult for many enzymes to catalyze a reaction to completion. The outcome is a mixture of unreacted substrates being present in the final reaction, necessitating additional separation steps that increase costs. This study presents a microfluidic reactor for accelerating enzyme catalyzed reactions using a countercurrent design that continuously removes products and adds fresh substrate into the reaction, allowing enzymes to operate under better reaction conditions. It demonstrates that countercurrent flow accelerates enzymatic reactions in our system up to 36 % for horseradish peroxidase and 21 % for β‐glucosidase compared to cocurrent flow, and the resulting reaction solution contains highly pure product with minimal substrate contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to enhance conventional vibration energy harvesting systems (VEHs) by repositioning the piezoelectric patch (PZT) in the middle of a fixed–fixed elastic steel sheet instead of the root, as is commonly the case. The system is subjected to an axial simple harmonic force at one end to induce transversal vibration and deformation. To further improve power conversion, a baffle is strategically installed at the point of maximum deflection, introducing a slapping force to augment electrical energy harvesting. Employing the theory of nonlinear beams, the equation of motion for this nonlinear elastic beam is derived, and the method of multiple scales (MOMS) is used to analyze the phenomenon of parametric excitation. This study demonstrates through experiments and theoretical analysis that the second mode yields better power generation benefits than the first mode. Additionally, the voltage generation benefits of the enhanced system with the added baffle (slapping force) surpass those of traditional VEH systems. Overall, the proposed model proves feasible and holds promising potential for efficient vibration energy harvesting applications in various industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a beta-barium borate sensing head (BBO-SH) was fabricated and evaluated for the measurements of fluidic concentration variations by using a non-invasive technique. The BBO-SH could be coupled to a fluidic container through thin interlayer water in a heterodyne interferometer based on the phase interrogation. To ensure the sensing head's stability, the package of BBO-SH uses the prism and the coverslip bounded with UV glue, which can resist environmental damage due to moisture. After each use, the sensing head could be easily cleaned. The sensitivity of the BBO-SH remained stable after repeated measurements over a period of 139 days. Finally, the achievable measurement resolutions of the concentration and refractive index are 52 ppm and 1 × 10−6 RIU, respectively, for the sodium chloride solution. The achievable measurement resolutions of the concentration and refractive index were 55 ppm and 8.8 × 10−7 RIU, respectively, for the hydrochloric acid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first report of bifunctional sulfonamide organocatalysts in 2004, these chiral compounds have proven to be a reliable hydrogen‐bonding catalyst and have been wildly employed in asymmetric organocatalysis due to its strong acidity and self‐aggregation‐free property. Herein, we review the application of bifunctional sulfonamide as hydrogen‐bonding catalyst after 2011, and our highlights will cover asymmetric process including aldol reaction, Michael addition, Mannich reaction, desymmetrization and cyclization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Machine learning models for predicting cell-type-specific transcription factor (TF) binding sites have become increasingly more accurate thanks to the increased availability of next-generation sequencing data and more standardized model evaluation criteria. However, knowledge transfer from data-rich to data-limited TFs and cell types remains crucial for improving TF binding prediction models because available binding labels are highly skewed towards a small collection of TFs and cell types. Transfer prediction of TF binding sites can potentially benefit from a multitask learning approach; however, existing methods typically use shallow single-task models to generate low-resolution predictions. Here, we propose NetTIME, a multitask learning framework for predicting cell-type-specific TF binding sites with base-pair resolution. Results We show that the multitask learning strategy for TF binding prediction is more efficient than the single-task approach due to the increased data availability. NetTIME trains high-dimensional embedding vectors to distinguish TF and cell-type identities. We show that this approach is critical for the success of the multitask learning strategy and allows our model to make accurate transfer predictions within and beyond the training panels of TFs and cell types. We additionally train a linear-chain conditional random field (CRF) to classify binding predictions and show that this CRF eliminates the need for setting a probability threshold and reduces classification noise. We compare our method's predictive performance with two state-of-the-art methods, Catchitt and Leopard, and show that our method outperforms previous methods under both supervised and transfer learning settings. Availability and implementation NetTIME is freely available at https://github.com/ryi06/NetTIME and the code is also archived at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6994897. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical note proposes a clapping vibration energy harvesting system (CVEH system) installed in a rotating system. This device includes a rotating wheel, a drive shaft that rotates the wheel, and a double elastic steel sheet fixed on the drive shaft. One of the free ends of the steel is fixed with a magnet, and the free end of the other elastic steel is fixed with a PZT patch. We also install an array of magnets on the periphery (rim) of the wheel. The rim magnets repulse the magnet on the elastic steel sheet of the transmission shaft, causing the elastic steel to oscillate periodically, and slap the piezoelectric patch installed on the other elastic steel sheet to generate electricity. In this study, the authors' previous study on the voltage output was improved, and the accurate nonlinear natural frequency of the elastic steel was obtained by the dimensional analysis method. By adjusting the rotation speed of the wheel, the precise frequency was controlled to accurately excite the energy harvesting system and obtain the best output voltage. A simple experiment was also performed to correlate with the theoretical model. The voltage and power output efficiencies of the nonlinear frequency to linear frequency excitation of the CVEH system can reach 15.7% and 33.5%, respectively. This study confirms that the clapping VEH system has practical power generation benefits, and verifies that nonlinear frequencies are more effective than linear frequencies to excite the CVEH system to generate electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a leading cause of dementia and no therapy that reverses underlying neurodegeneration is available. Recent studies suggest the protective role of artemisinin, an antimalarial drug, in neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of artesunate, a water‐soluble derivative of artemisinin, on amyloid‐beta (Aβ)‐treated challenged microglial BV‐2, neuronal N2a cells, and the amyloid precursor protein/presenilin (APP/PS1) mice model. We found that Aβ significantly induced multiple AD‐related phenotypes, including increased expression/production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines from microglial cells, enhanced cellular and mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species, promoted mitochondrial fission, inhibited mitochondrial fusion, suppressed mitophagy or biogenesis in both cell types, stimulated apoptosis of neuronal cells, and microglia‐induced killing of neurons. All these in vitro phenotypes were attenuated by artesunate. In addition, the over‐expression of the mitochondrial fission protein Drp‐1, or down‐regulation of the mitochondrial fusion protein OPA‐1 both reduced the therapeutic benefits of artesunate. Artesunate also alleviated AD phenotypes in APP/PS1 mice, reducing Aβ deposition, and reversing deficits in memory and learning. Artesunate protects neuronal and microglial cells from AD pathology, both in vitro and in vivo. Maintaining mitochondrial dynamics and simultaneously targeting multiple AD pathogenic mechanisms are associated with the protective effects of artesunate. Consequently, artesunate may become a promising therapeutic for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been commonly utilised as an extension of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, most studies examined its effectiveness among adults, with no study focusing on children with selective mutism (SM). We aimed to examine its feasibility and acceptability among children with SM. Twenty children aged 6–12 with SM diagnosis were recruited and completed six therapist-guided VRET sessions. Parents and clinicians completed measures at pre-VRET, post-VRET, 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. At post-VRET, parent and child participants completed the acceptability questionnaires. Findings suggested the feasibility of VRET as all participants completed the programme with no attrition. Parents and child participants also reported VRET to be an acceptable and effective treatment for SM. Significant improvement in overall functioning were found at post-treatment and follow-up measures, but there were no significant changes in parent-rated speech frequency and anxiety measures. These support the acceptability of VRET as an adjunct modality (and not substitute) of CBT in SM treatment. Future studies, with more robust experimental designs and larger sample sizes, can be conducted to confirm its efficacy. As technology becomes more sophisticated, tools such as virtual environments can be explored to enhance evidence-based care for children and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens bijieensis X.X. Bai & L.Y. Ren, sp. nov. from northwest Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is distributed discontinuously in Jiulongshan, Dafang County and Dajiucaiping, Hezhang County, both of which are in the Wumeng Mountain area, a karst plateau landform. The new species is morphologically similar to I. pterosepala Hook.f., I. lasiophyton Hook.f. and I. leptocaulon Hook.f. in height and flower shape and it especially resembles I. lasiophyton in pilosity. However, it differs in its deep purplish-red flower, 2-lobed lower sepal apex and cylindrical capsule. A detailed description, colour photographs and a provisional IUCN Red List assessment are provided along with discussions of its geographical distribution, ecology and morphological relationships with other similar species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a series of porous organic polymer (POP) supported chloramphenicol base (ANP) derived organocatalysts with different polymeric condition or molecule structure and applied it to the asymmetric alcoholysis of cyclic meso -anhydrides. The optimal POP catalyst shows great enantioselectivity and good recyclability in asymmetric organocatalysis, which are the best performance in the research of ANP catalysts for asymmetric desymmetrization of cyclic meso -anhydrides. [Display omitted] • Starting material for porous organic polymer (POP) catalyst—(1 S , 2 S)-2-amino-1-(p -nitrophenyl)propane-1, 3-diol, as a chiral waste in the industrial production of chloramphenicol, enables efficient use of waste to a great extent. • The optimal POP catalyst shows great catalytic performance and good recyclability in asymmetric desymmetrization of meso -cyclic anhydrides, which even surpasses the corresponding homogeneous counterparts. • Potential application of POP catalyst in the formal synthesis of (+)-grandisol and total synthesis of (S)-pregabalin and (S)-piperidone. • The POP catalysts could be recovered easily and reused multiple times (10 runs) without apparent loss of catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. A series of porous organic polymer (POP) supported chloramphenicol base (ANP) derived catalysts are designed and prepared. A deep study of the polymerization condition, including reaction temperature, the ratio of monomers and the option of polymetric position on ANP scaffold was conducted. The best catalyst, poly - I a, performs high stereoselectivity and catalytic activity (up to 98% yield and 99% ee) in asymmetric alcoholysis of meso -cyclic anhydride with the possibility of high recyclability (at least 10 times). More importantly, poly - I a even obtains higher enantioselectivity compared to its homogeneous monomer, which overcomes the common drawback of heterogeneous organocatalysts, for instance, lower selectivity and diminished reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stressors can have negative effects on well‐being, but little is known about how an individual's inability to precisely forecast upcoming stress could be a risk factor for well‐being. Antecedents and outcomes of two stress forecasting variables, anticipated stress level and underestimation errors in stress forecasting (operationalized by the residual change scores obtained by regressing the evening experienced stress on the morning anticipated stress), were investigated. In a daily diary study of 110 undergraduate students over a workweek, poor sleep quality and negative affect reported in the morning predicted a higher anticipated stress of the upcoming day. Poor sleep quality was found to be related to less underestimation errors (i.e., more overestimation). Mispredicting the daily stress level was found to predict greater health complaints and negative affect by the end of the day. Those high on trait resilience were found to make fewer underestimation errors on average. Worse emotional outcomes were associated with underestimation errors during stress forecasting than with overestimation errors. This study demonstrates that examining an individual's experience in forecasting upcoming stressors is an important area for future research in determining points of intervention to promote adaptive management of daily demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullying through online medium has afflicted many adolescents to cause severe mental health concerns, including self-harm and suicide. The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence of cyberbullying in Singapore adolescents, its associations with psychosocial difficulties, and how do the adolescents seek help after being cybervictimized. A representative sample of 3,319 school students aged between 12 and 17 years responded to a survey with scales measuring cyberbullying, psychosocial difficulties, and help-seeking behaviors. In the present study, 7.3 percent of adolescents reported being cybervictims only, 1.8 percent were cyberbullies only, and 4.8 percent were cyberbully-victims. Compared with the non-involved group, both cybervictim and cyberbully-victim groups were associated with more internalizing problems, but all the three cyberbullying-involved groups were associated with higher externalizing problems. Approximately half of the cybervictimized participants reported that they have sought help, with most of them (81.7 percent) choosing to tell their friends. Our findings are consistent with previous overseas studies showing increased associations of psychosocial difficulties among adolescents who are involved in cyberbullying. Public awareness of the consequences of unhealthy cyber-usage could be raised to aid in the early detection of cyberbullying among school children and adolescents. Moreover, cyberwellness programs should be considered as a component of larger anti-bullying programs in schools and in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene are known to be associated with susceptibility to several cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke (IS). The aims of this study was to evaluate associations between PCSK9 gene polymorphisms and the risk of IS. Based on previous reports linking PCSK9 SNPs to plasma lipid levels and to atherosclerosis, and to inconsistencies in the reported associations between the SNPs, plasma lipid levels and IS risk, we choose the PCSK9 rs505151, rs529787, and rs17111503 to performe the association analysis. Methods: Using multiple databases, all relevant case-control and cohort studies that matched our search criteria were collected. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Demographic and genotype data were extracted from each study, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata/MP 17.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Results: A critical evaluation was conducted on ten case-control studies, involving a total of 2426 cases and 2424 controls. Pooled results from the allelic models indicated the PCSK9 rs505151 G allele (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06-1.87, p = 0.019, I2 = 53.9%) and the PCSK9 rs17111503 A allele (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22-1.55, p < 0.001, I2 = 43.5%) were significantly associated with IS. Study qualities ranged from moderate (n = 4) to good (n = 6). Begg's and Egger's tests results indicated there was no evidence of publication bias in the findings (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that G allele variant of PCSK9 rs505151 and A allele variant of PCSK9 rs17111503 were associated with an increased risk of IS. Based on our findings, these SNPs could serve as potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of IS. The integration of information on genetic polymorphism into IS risk prediction model may be beneficial in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the piezoelectric technology to collect vibration energy from the fixed-fixed nonlinear elastic beams attached with the piezo-patch between the two ends. Both single elastic steel sheet (SESS) and double elastic steel sheet (DESS) systems are investigated and correlated. To simulate the power generation of the vibration energy harvester (VEH) of both the SESS and the DESS in different engineering elements, the simple harmonic external force generated by a shaker at the location of the piezo-patch is used as the source. With this, more vibration converted electric energy is derived from the transverse deformation and flapping from the DESS than the SESS beam. The equation of a nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam is coupled with the electric energy equation of the piezo-patch to simulate the SESS VEH system. The flapping force from the DESS VEH system can be considered the concentrated external load applied on the SESS beam model. The method of multiple scales (MOMS) is employed to analyze this nonlinear problem. The fixed points plots and the numerical results confirm this theory presented for the two beam systems, which can be used for evaluating similar engineering systems. Experiments are also performed in this study. The Taguchi method is used to analyze the optimum locations of the shaker and piezo-patch, as well as the confidence level of the factors. The method of nonlinear analysis presented in this study demonstrates its accuracy compared with the linear case. The transverse DESS VEH model proposed is proved to be feasible and more effective than the SESS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Inflammation is a complex biological response to stimulation. Natural cassane diterpenoids from Caesalpinia genus exhibit significant anti‐inflammation activity. Eight new cassane diterpenoids (1—8) along with seven known ones (9—15) were obtained from the seed kernels of Caesalpinia cucullata Roxb. This is the first report on chemical investigation of the seed kernels of C. cucullata, and the cassane diterpenes were found in this plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated based on the extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configurations were identified by ECD calculation and X‐ray crystallography. All compounds were evaluated for their anti‐inflammation activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1—2 and 9—11 exhibited effective inhibitory activity with inhibition rate more than 50%. The iNOS enzyme activity and molecular docking experiments were performed to explore the preliminary mechanism. Eventually, a potential anti‐inflammatory mechanism revealed that the bioactive cassane inhibited overproduction of NO by targeting key residues in the iNOS active cavity to reduce iNOS enzymatic activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study investigated the energy harvesting potential of a magneto-electric and fluid-structure interaction system, where a magnet repulsive force was applied on a PZT located at a nonlinear beam. • The magnet repulsive force significantly enhanced the electric generation capability of the system. Specifically, when the PZT was positioned at the curved area of the pipe, the energy generation increased by 193.197 % compared to the system without a magnet. • To ensure optimal energy conversion, it is important to accurately estimate the frequency of parametric resonance in the flow-induced vibration system and ensure that the energy harvesting system operates within that frequency range. This research proposes an innovative design of a fluid-solid coupling vibration energy harvesting system (VEH system) that includes a downstream waterwheel driven by the flow field, which, in turn, drives gears and connecting rods to rotate a wheel equipped with magnets to generate electricity by changing the magnetic field. A piezoelectric patch (PZT) is installed upstream of the pipeline with a magnet attached to it. The repulsive force between the magnet on the wheel and the magnet on the PZT generates additional force while also creating vibration through fluid-solid coupling of the pipeline. The study derives a theoretical model of the nonlinear vibrating beam and couples it with the piezoelectric and magneto-electric equations to simulate the vibration of the fixed-fixed elastic pipe. The method of multiple scales (MOMS), fixed points plots, phase plots, and Poincaré maps are employed to verify the theoretically predicted parametric excitation properties of the system. The study uses the Biot-Savart Law to calculate the theoretical magnetic force and combines it with the fluid-conveying nonlinear beam and the PZT to create a magneto-electric coupling fluid pipeline vibration energy harvesting model. The study conducts a simple experiment to verify the feasibility of the theoretical model and demonstrates that the repulsive force of the magnet significantly enhances the electric generation benefit of the system. Regardless of whether the PZT is located in the curved or flat area (straight part) of the nonlinear beam, the addition of magnets to the system significantly increases voltage generation efficiency by more than 190 % when compared to systems without magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of azilsartan on myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: A total of 200 AMI patients under percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were selected from the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. The subjects were randomly divided to take either azilsartan or benazepril. Serum C1q tumor necrosis factor-associated protein 1 (CTRP1) levels were detected in all subjects after admission, and the indices of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by using echocardiography. At the follow-up of 6 months and 1 year after PCI, the differences in CTRP1 and echocardiogram indices between the two groups were compared, and the influencing factors of myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction were analyzed. Results: The levels of LVEDV and CTRP1 in all subjects at 6 months and 1 year after PCI were lower than those before discharge, and the LVEDV in the azilsartan group at 6 months and 1 year after PCI was lower than that in the benazepril group. An improvement in myocardial remodeling was obviously observed within 6 months after PCI, but the effect declined over time. Conclusions: Azilsartan can improve myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. CTRP1 may become an effective target for the prevention and treatment of myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In E. coli , the Min-protein oscillator, together with the nucleoid occlusion (NO), destabilizes the Z-ring assembly away from the midcell to ensure faithful septation. These two inhibitory pathways are thought to be working independently for division site placement. Even though the Min-protein oscillator has been displayed by synthetic minimal systems, it is unclear the interplays of Min proteins and compartment geometry are sufficient to bolster oscillation stability in vivo. By probing if NO plays a role in the Min oscillation, we study the oscillation frequency in the anucleate and nucleoid-perturbed cells. Surprisingly, we found that the oscillation periods of the Min-protein oscillators were seriously deviated in the anucleate and nucleoid-perturbed cells, but the oscillation frequency either went up in the anucleate or down in the nucleoid-perturbed cells. Intriguingly, enhanced stability and reduced frequency were observed in the cells expressing the NO factor SlmA higher than the native level. Our results reveal an unanticipated role of the nucleoid in modulating the frequency and stability of Min-protein system. SlmA is indicated to facilitate such modulations, potentially via directly interacting with the Min-protein system. A fresh perspective is suggested that frequency modulation of Min-protein oscillator is mediated via the act of nucleoid-associated factors. • The nucleoid is crucial for the robustness of Min oscillator in bacterial cell division. • Min oscillator is modulated by nucleoid-associated factors in frequency domain. • Nucleoid-associated factors include nucleoid morphology and levels of NO factor. • Altered nucleoid morphology would destabilize the Min oscillator. • Overexpressed NO factor, or SlmA, could enhance the stability of the Min system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have been used for treating tissue injury, and preactivation enhances their therapeutic effect. This study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic effect of activated ADMSCs by IL-1β on the intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and exploring potential mechanisms. ADMSCs were pretreated with IL-1β in vitro, and activation of ADMSCs was assessed by α-SMA and COX-2 expressions and secretary function. Activated ADMSCs was transplanted into IR-injured intestine in a mouse model, and therapeutic effect was evaluated. In addition, to explore underlying mechanisms, COX-2 expression was silenced to investigate its role in activated ADMSCs for treatment of intestinal IR injury. When ADMSCs were pretreated with 50 ng/ml IL-1β for 24 hr, expressions of α-SMA and COX-2 were significantly upregulated, and secretions of PGE2, SDF-1, and VEGF were increased. When COX-2 was silenced, the effect of IL-1β treatment was abolished. Activated ADMSCs with IL-1β significantly suppressed inflammation and apoptosis and enhanced healing of intestinal IR injury in mice, and these effects were impaired by COX-2 silencing. The results of RNA sequencing suggested that compared with the IR injury group activated ADMSCs induced alterations in mRNA expression and suppressed the activation of the NF-κB-P65, MAPK-ERK1/2, and PI3K-AKT pathways induced by intestinal IR injury, whereas silencing COX-2 impaired the suppressive effect of activated ADMSCs on these pathway activations induced by IR injury. These data suggested that IL-1β pretreatment enhanced the therapeutic effect of ADMSCs on intestinal IR injury repairing via activating ADMSC COX-2-PGE2 signaling axis and via suppressing the NF-κB-P65, MAPK-ERK1/2, and PI3K-AKT pathways in the intestinal IR-injured tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a highly sensitive method using a colorimetric probe coupled to dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed for the quantitative determination of dopamine (DA) in serum. The DA in serum was concentrated by DLLME to increase the detection sensitivity and reduce the matrix effects. After the DLLME process, a colorimetric probe of silver triangular nanoparticles (AgTNPs) was used to detect DA, which was based on the plasma transformation of AgTNPs caused by strong interactions with melamine (MA). The results showed that DA could inhibit the aggregation of AgTNPs induced by MA, resulting in the recovery of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of AgTNPs. Thus, the DLLME method followed by colorimetric probe detection of DA can be achieved. The parameters affecting the proposed method were optimized, under the optimal conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained over a concentration range of 5 to 250 nM with a recovery from 94.4 to 101.3%. The detection limit was 1.6 nM (at an S/N ratio of 3). The present method was successfully applied to determine DA in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription and translation of active genes play an important role in determining the global organization of the chromosome. To further elucidate this phenomenon, we examined how the expression of either the lacY or the cfp gene in the native lac operon influences adjacent chromosomal segments by fluorescently labeling loci upstream and downstream of the expressed gene. Based on the positions and motile behaviors of these loci, our results reveal that the local organization of the vicinal chromosomal segments and its position in the nucleoid are both influenced by gene expression. Furthermore, we found that the effects on local organization depend on whether the expressed gene encodes a membrane protein or a cytoplasmic protein. Our measurements showing the movement of loci toward the membrane and the correlation between the motions of the upstream and downstream loci support the conclusion that the expression of genes encoding membrane proteins greatly influences chromosome dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing interest in big data and health services research, use of administrative databases is becoming commonplace in health care studies, including in neurosurgery. Administrative data offer the unique advantage of accessing large amounts of information previously collected from a population-based sample with geographic diversity. When using administrative data sets, researchers can benefit from application of risk adjustment instruments, which help stratify patients and tailor the original sample for specific research questions. The Charlson Comorbidity Index and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index are 2 of the most common indices. The Pediatric Medical Complexity Algorithm and Clinical Classification Software are other promising tools. Understanding of these tools may assist neurosurgeons who wish to critically assess research findings relevant to their clinical practice. In this review, an overview is presented of risk adjustment tools commonly used in adult as well as pediatric populations and their history, uses, limitations, and applications in neurosurgical research are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report quantum mechanical calculations of center-of-mass differential cross sections (DCS) for the F+H2→HF+H reaction performed on the multistate [Alexander–Stark–Werner (ASW)] potential energy surfaces (PES) that describe the open-shell character of this reaction. For comparison, we repeat single-state calculations with the Stark–Werner (SW) and Hartke–Stark–Werner (HSW) PESs. The ASW DCSs differ from those predicted for the SW and HSW PES in the backward direction. These differences arise from nonadiabatic coupling between several electronic states. The DCSs are then used in forward simulations of the laboratory-frame angular distributions (ADs) measured by Lee, Neumark, and co-workers [J. Chem. Phys. 82, 3045 (1985)]. The simulations are scaled to match experiment over the range 12°<Θlab<80°. As a natural consequence of the reduced backward scattering, the ASW ADs are more forward and sideways scattered than predicted by the HSW PES. At the two higher collision energies (2.74 and 3.42 kcal/mol) the enhanced sideways scattering of HF v′=2 products bring the ASW ADs in very good agreement with the experiment. At the lowest collision energy (1.84 kcal/mol), the simulations, for all three sets of PESs consistently underestimate the sideways scattering. The residual disagreements, particularly at the lowest collision energy, may be due to the known deficiencies in the PESs. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report quantum mechanical calculations of excitation functions (relative reaction cross sections) for the F+HD reaction. We include three potential energy surfaces and an accurate treatment of all couplings (non-adiabatic, spin-orbit, and Coriolis). Comparison with experimental results [Dong, Lee, and Liu, J. Chem. Phys., 113, 3633 (2000)] show excellent agreement for the DF product channel and an improved but not perfect agreement for the HF product channel. In the former case, when weighted by the (16%) fractional population of the spin-orbit excited state (F*) in the beam, the overall reactivity of the F* is small (∼5%). For the HF product channel and with the same (16%) fractional weight, F* reactivity makes a contribution of ∼12% in the high-energy tail of the resonance peak. As a result, averaging over the population of F spin-orbit states in the beam changes the shape of the resonance. The greater the fraction of F* in the beam, the less pronounced will be the resonance modulation of the reaction excitation function. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) are a common radiologic finding in the elderly; rarely, they can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Symptomatic ACOs are most commonly found between C4 and C7 and much less commonly at higher cervical levels. Here, we present a case series, with an example case of a 57-year-old woman with high cervical osteophytes at C1–C2 causing globus sensation, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Additionally, we provide a literature review regarding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ACOs, with a focus on management of high ACOs. Case Description A 57-year-old smoker with a history of chronic neck pain and previous cervical spinal instrumentation presented with several months of globus sensation, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Imaging revealed 2 large anterior osteophytes at C1–C2. She underwent endoscopic transoral osteophytectomy, with resolution of symptoms. Five other patients are also presented who underwent similar procedures. Conclusions ACOs are a potential cause of dysphagia, and their diagnosis is best made with computed tomographic imaging and oropharyngeal swallow study. Although high ACOs at C1–C2 are a rare finding, here we show with an exemplary case and small case series that they can be effectively treated with transoral endoscopic osteophytectomy. Highlights • Anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) are a common radiologic finding in the elderly. • ACOs rarely can cause dysphagia and are most commonly found between C4 and C7. • Here, we present a case report of a rare high ACO at C1–C2. • High ACOs can be effectively treated with transoral endoscopic osteophytectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although much is known of the observable physical tasks associated with household management and child rearing, there is scant understanding of the less visible tasks that are just as critical. Grounding our research in the extant literature, the broader lay discussion, as well as our own qualitative research, we define, conceptualize, and operationalize this construct, which we label as "invisible family load." Using a mixed method, five-study approach, we offer a comprehensive, multidimensional definition and provide a nine-item, empirically validated scale to measure its component parts—managerial, cognitive, and emotional family load. In addition, we investigate gender differences and find, as expected, that women report higher levels of each dimension. We also examine the implications of invisible family load for employee health, well-being, and job attitudes, as well as family-to-work spillover. Although we substantiated some significant negative consequences, contrary to the popular view that consequences of invisible family load are uniformly negative, our results show some potential benefits. Even after accounting for conscientiousness and neuroticism, managerial family load related to greater family-work enrichment, and cognitive family load related to greater family satisfaction and job performance. Yet, emotional family load had uniformly negative potential consequences including greater family-to-work conflict, sleep problems, family and job exhaustion, and lower life and family satisfaction. Our research sets the stage for scholars to forge a path forward to enhance understanding of this phenomenon and its implications for individuals, their families, and the organizations for which they work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibration and instability of U-shaped pipe can be induced by the internal flow. This study examines the stability of multi-span U-shaped pipe conveying fluid with complex constraints. A two-dimensional straight pipe-curve fluid theory is proposed, and the corresponding straight pipe-curve fluid element is constructed. Based on the proposed element and straight pipe-straight fluid element, the finite element model of in-plane vibration of multi-span U-shaped pipe conveying fluid is built, and the stability of system with complex constraints is showed. The results show that: (i) When U-shaped pipe is multi-span and flow velocity is large, a large bending deformation occurs, which could improve the stiffness of the system. Partial frequencies of the system increase with increasing the flow velocity under this condition, while the frequencies of the system decrease with the increase of flow velocity before the appearance of this phenomenon. (ii) In the considered velocity range, the system is stable when all constraints are valid. However, instability occurs when one end is free. When the length of the span with a free end is less than or equal to the maximum length of the spans with constrains at both ends, the system appears divergence or flutter depending on the location and the constraints of the maximum length span with constraints at both ends. When the length of the span with a free end is greater than that of other spans, the unstable pattern of the system is flutter. • The two-dimensional straight pipe-curve fluid theory is proposed to analyze the two-dimensional vibration of curved pipes conveying fluid. • The straight pipe-curve fluid element is established based on two-dimensional straight pipe-curve fluid theory. • The stability of multi-span U-shaped pipe conveying fluid with complex constraints is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method of electroless plating-calcination was developed to prepare Cu/Al2O3 with high catalytic activity and long operational life for catalytic ozonation. First, the effects of key preparation parameters on the catalytic activity of new Cu/Al2O3 were investigated. In addition, new Cu/Al2O3 prepared by electroless plating-calcination and conventional Cu/Al2O3 prepared by impregnation-calcination were characterized. The results show that when Cu/Al2O3 were prepared by electroless plating-calcination, copper oxides were uniformly and densely deposited on the surface of Al2O3, and the copper compounds consist of CuO. Furthermore, the catalytic activity and operational life of the two kinds of Cu/Al2O3 were also investigated comparatively. The results confirmed the advantage of the new method for the preparation of Cu/Al2O3 for catalytic ozonation. Finally, the degradation pathway was proposed. It can be concluded that electroless plating-calcination is a promising technology to prepare the robust Cu/Al2O3 with high catalytic activity for the decomposition of ozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How sugar transporters regulate sugar accumulation in fruits is poorly understood and particularly so for species storing high-concentration Suc. Accumulation of soluble sugars in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit, a major quality trait, had been selected during domestication. Still, the molecular mechanisms controlling this quantitative trait are unknown. We resequenced 96 recombinant inbred lines, derived from crossing sweet and unsweet accessions, to narrow down the size of a previously described sugar content quantitative trait locus, which contains a putative Tonoplast Sugar Transporter gene (ClTST2). Molecular and biochemical analyses indicated that ClTST2 encodes a vacuolar membrane protein, whose expression is associated with tonoplast uptake and accumulation of sugars in watermelon fruit flesh cells. We measured fruit sugar content and resequenced the genomic region surrounding ClTST2 in 400 watermelon accessions and associated the most sugar-related significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the ClTST2 promoter. Large-scale population analyses strongly suggest increased expression of ClTST2 as a major molecular event in watermelon domestication associated with a selection sweep around the ClTST2 promoter. Further molecular analyses explored the binding of a sugar-induced transcription factor (SUSIWM1) to a sugar-responsive cis-element within the ClTST2 promoter, which contains the quantitative trait locus (QTL) causal SNP. The functional characterization of ClTST2 and its expression regulation by SUSIWM1 provide novel tools to increase sugar sink potency in watermelon and possibly in other vegetable and fruit crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solving optimal design problems through crowdsourcing faces a dilemma: On the one hand, human beings have been shown to be more effective than algorithms at searching for good solutions of certain real-world problems with high-dimensional or discrete solution spaces; on the other hand, the cost of setting up crowdsourcing environments, the uncertainty in the crowd's domain-specific competence, and the lack of commitment of the crowd contribute to the lack of real-world application of design crowdsourcing. We are thus motivated to investigate a solution-searching mechanism where an optimization algorithm is tuned based on human demonstrations on solution searching, so that the search can be continued after human participants abandon the problem. To do so, we model the iterative search process as a Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm and propose an inverse BO (IBO) algorithm to find the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the BO parameters based on human solutions. We show through a vehicle design and control problem that the search performance of BO can be improved by recovering its parameters based on an effective human search. Thus, IBO has the potential to improve the success rate of design crowdsourcing activities, by requiring only good search strategies instead of good solutions from the crowd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe0 particles were passivated by concentrated nitric acid, and a Fe0/(passivated Fe0) system was setup for p-nitrophenol (PNP) removal. First, the characteristics of passivated Fe0 particles were analyzed. The results suggest that the passivated Fe0 particles have an iron oxide passivation film on their surface with inertness and high electrode potential (0.57 V). Besides, the optimal conditions were obtained according to the significant parameters optimization. In addition, control experiments were set up to investigate the advantage of reactivity and operational life of the Fe0/(passivated Fe0) system, and the results confirmed that the new system had higher reactivity and longer operational life. Meanwhile, the reaction mechanism of Fe0/(passivated Fe0) system for PNP removal was proposed. Finally, with an analysis of preparation cost, the Fe0/(passivated Fe0) system could also be seemed as a cost-effective technology. Consequently, the developed Fe0/(passivated Fe0) system in this study is a promising technology for treatment of contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute influenza-associated myocarditis varies in clinical severity ranging between asymptomatic and fulminant varieties. The most severe cases can result in impaired cardiac function-associated mortality; however, the mechanism underlying the development of viral myocarditis has yet to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the apoptosis induced in H9C2 cardiomyocytes by infection with the H1N1pdm2009 virus. The H9C2 cells were transfected with nucleoprotein (NP)-specific short hairpin (sh) RNA, and viral replication was re-evaluated in H9C2 cells infected with the H1N1pdm2009 virus, as was the apoptosis induced by the virus. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to measure the expression of NP and apoptosis-associated molecules. A plaque forming assay was used to quantify viral replication in H9C2 cells. An MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis were performed to determine the virus-associated alterations in cellular viability and apoptosis, respectively. Results demonstrated that the H1N1pdm2009 virus replicated effectively in H9C2 cells and promoted apoptosis in association with the viral infection. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated markers, including released cytochrome c and activated caspase-3 were markedly promoted in the H1N1pdm2009-infected H9C2 cells. However, the NP-specific shRNA-mediated NP knockdown significantly inhibited viral infection in the cells. The virus-induced apoptosis of the H9C2 cells was also significantly reduced by the shRNA, which occurred via a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells through downregulating the levels of apoptosis-associated markers. Taken together, the present study demonstrated the key pathogenic role of NP in H1N1pdm2009-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and this marker of the influenza virus may be important in influenza virus-associated acute myocarditis. In addition, NP-specific shRNA may be an effective agent for inhibiting influenza virus-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes or in influenza virus-associated acute myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the polarization charges on the properties of AlGaN-based heterojunction p-i-n ultraviolet photodetectors was investigated. It is found that the polarization charges at the hetero-interface can enhance the electric field intensity and result in an increased dark current. On the contrary, the polarization charges can lower the photoresponse because the direction of polarization electric field is opposite to the applied electric field in the light absorption layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have indicated that resistin, a type of adipokine, contributes to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mediates inflammatory reactions. However, a specific receptor for resistin has not yet been identified. In this study, the relationship between resistin and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors, as well as resistin signal transduction, was examined through transfection, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and ELISA. The mRNA expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), a key immune receptor related to insulin resistance, was significantly increased by resistin treatment at concentrations of 100, 150 and 200 ng/ml (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively). The mRNA expression of downstream signaling molecules in the NOD2 signaling pathway, receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIP2; P<0.01 at 6, 12 and 24 h) and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit beta (P<0.01 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h) were significantly increased by resistin treatment compared with the control. The mRNA expression of key proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor a, IL (interleukin)-6 and IL-1ß, were also significantly increased by resistin treatment compared with the control (P<0.01). NOD2 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly decreased the expression of NOD2 and RIP2 (P<0.01), and there was no significant increase in the levels of cytokines, as compared with treatment with control siRNA. These findings indicate that the inflammatory reaction induced by resistin involves the NOD2-nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. The inhibition of NF-κB significantly decreased the secretion of key inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), suggesting that NF-κB signaling mechanisms are essential to the resistin-induced inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the vibration of a nonlinear 3D-string fixed at both ends and supported by a nonlinear elastic foundation. Newton's second law is adopted to derive the equations of motion for the string resting on an elastic foundation. Then, the method of multiple scales (MOMS) is employed for the analysis of the nonlinear system. It was found that 1:3 internal resonance exists in the first and fourth modes of the string when the wave speed in the transverse direction is and the elasticity coefficient of the foundation is . Fixed point plots are used to obtain the frequency responses of the various modes and to identify internal resonance through observation of the amplitudes and mode shapes. To prevent internal resonance and reduce vibration, a tuned mass damper (TMD) is applied to the string. The effects of various TMD masses, locations, damper coefficients (), and spring constants () on overall damping were analyzed. The 3D plots of the maximum amplitude (3D POMAs) and 3D maximum amplitude contour plots (3D MACPs) are generated for the various modes to illustrate the amplitudes of the string, while identifying the optimal TMD parameters for vibration reduction. The results were verified numerically. It was concluded that better damping effects can be achieved using a TMD mass ratio -0.5 located near the middle of the string. Furthermore, for damper coefficient , the use of spring constant -13 can improve the overall damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcogen-based materials like Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) have attracted extensive attention for applications such as photovoltaics and water splitting. However, an inability to monitor the sulfur partial pressure (PS2) during the non-equilibrium annealing process at high temperatures complicates the synthesis of CZTS with controlled optoelectronic properties. Here we demonstrate that PS2 can be monitored by investigating the Sn-S phase transformation. We showed that PS2 drops considerably over the annealing time, causing gradual alterations in CZTS: (i) a change in defect type and (ii) evolution of ZnS and SnxSy phases. With additional ordering treatment, we observed that the low room-temperature photoluminescence energy usually seen in CZTS can result from insufficient PS2 during annealing. It is proven that remarkable Voc beyond 700 mV for solar cells with nonoptimal CdS buffer can be repeatedly achieved when CZTS is prepared under a sufficiently high PS2. An ordering treatment before CdS deposition can further improve Voc to 783 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin monosulfide (SnS) is a promising light-absorbing material with weak environmental constraints for application in thin film solar cells. In this paper, we present low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) of high-purity SnS of both cubic and orthorhombic phases. Using tin(II) 2,4-pentanedionate [Sn(acac)2] and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as precursors, controlled growth of the two polymorphs is achieved. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements are used to establish saturated conditions and show that the SnS ALD is self-limiting over temperatures from at least 80 to 160 °C. In this temperature window, a stable mass gain of 19 ng cm-2 cycle-1 is observed. The SnS thin film crystal structure and morphology undergo significant changes depending on the conditions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction demonstrate that fully saturated growth requires a large H2S dose and results in the cubic phase. Smaller H2S doses and higher temperatures favor the orthorhombic phase. The optical properties of the two polymorphs differ significantly, as demonstrated by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The orthorhombic phase displays a wide (0.3-0.4 eV) Urbach tail in the near-infrared region, ascribed to its nanoscale structural disorder and/or to sulfur vacancy-induced gap states. In contrast, the cubic phase is smooth and void-free and shows a well-defined, direct forbidden-type bandgap of 1.64 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe ultrafast proton transfer in the ground electronic state triggered by the use of shock waves created by high-speed impacts. The emission of Nile Red (NR), a polarity sensing dye, was used to probe the effects of shock compression in a series of polymers, including polymer Brønsted bases blended with organic acid proton donors. NR undergoes a shock-induced red-shift due to an increase both in density and in polymer polarity. In blends with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) and phenol, NR showed an excess shock-induced red-shift with a distinct time dependence not present in controls that are incapable of proton transfer. The excess red-shift first appeared with 0.8 km·s-1 impacts. Occurring in ca. 10 ns, this NR red-shift was caused by the formation of an ion pair created by shock-triggered proton transfer from phenol to PVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a recently new semi-analytical method, i.e., He’s variational iteration method is developed to apply to free vibration analysis of conveying fluid pipe. The critical flow velocity and frequency of pipe conveying fluid are obtained with considering the various boundary conditions. The results are compared with the ones of different transform method, and prove VIM that has the same precision and efficient with DTM. The mode shapes of cantilevered pipe and both ends with elastic support pipe are shown under different flow velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNA is cotranscrptionally processed and packaged into messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) in the nucleus. Prior to export through the nuclear pore, mRNPs undergo several obligatory remodeling reactions. In yeast, one of these reactions involves loading of the mRNA-binding protein Yra1 by the DEAD-box ATPase Sub2 as assisted by the hetero-pentameric THO complex. To obtain molecular insights into reaction mechanisms, we determined crystal structures of two relevant complexes: a THO hetero-pentamer bound to Sub2 at 6.0 Å resolution; and Sub2 associated with an ATP analogue, RNA, and a C-terminal fragment of Yra1 (Yra1-C) at 2.6 Å resolution. We found that the 25 nm long THO clamps Sub2 in a half-open configuration; in contrast, when bound to the ATP analogue, RNA and Yra1-C, Sub2 assumes a closed conformation. Both THO and Yra1-C stimulated Sub2's intrinsic ATPase activity. We propose that THO surveys common landmarks in each nuclear mRNP to localize Sub2 for targeted loading of Yra1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a passive vibration reduction method to provide the damping capability for precision manufacturing equipment in an economical manner. The structure of the damping device is simple, which does not require changes in the frequency of the external force. An elastic medium was sandwiched between the bottom of the main component and the underlying plate or membrane. This combination results in a damper capable of reducing vibrations in the precision manufacturing equipment. We analyzed the influence of the elastic modulus and geometry of the elastic medium in the plate-plate or plate-membrane system on the damping capability. Among the various dampers considered herein, the combinations that include stiffer foams and a flexible membrane provide the greatest damping capability, far exceeding that of the metal plates. The results also show that the damping capacity offered by a rectangular frame with a diagonal x-shaped elastic medium is close to that of a full sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building hierarchical assemblies from multiple chemically disparate components remains a tremendous challenge. In this study, we explored the co-assembly of a series of amphiphilic phosphole lipids and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Our studies suggest that both the "tweezer-like" conformation and the size of the counteranion of phosphole lipids are critical for constructing such co-assemblies in solution. Processing in hydrocarbons in which the solvent molecules interact weakly with the phosphole lipid further stabilizes these co-assemblies and results in hexagonal structures not observed in the neat constituents alone. Partial removal of solvents results in the formation of gels, with which we are able to induce strong preferential alignment via shear; these gels exhibit anisotropic electrical conductivities in the solid state, with an electrical conductivity that is 4 orders of magnitude higher along the shear direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumocystis jirovecii is a prototypical opportunistic pathogen, causing an asymptomatic or mild infection in normal hosts and fulminating pneumonia(Pneumocystis pneumonia, PCP)in immunocompromised hosts. PCP is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients such as AIDSpatients. Microscopic detection of cysts and trophic forms of P. jirovecii in respiratory secretions is simple and useful but may underestimate the P. jirovecii infection. Conventional polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and nested PCR increase the sensitivity and specificity to identify PCP and provide an approach to discriminate PCP from pulmonary P. jirovecii colonization, but the targeted genes and cut-off value from quantitative real-time PCR remain to be determined. Serum(1-3)-β-D-glucan level and the specific serum antibody titer are ancillary indicators for PCP diagnosis. The successful cultivation of P. jirovecii in vitro is an important progress for PCP research. The diagnosis of PCP relies on the combination of these laboratory examinations as well as the clinical presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations shape synonymous codon usage bias in certain organism genomes, while selection shapes it in others. Lepidopteran-specific Alphabaculovirus and Betabaculovirus are two large genera in the family of Baculoviridae . In this study, we analyzed the codon usage patterns in 17 baculoviruses, including 10 alphabaculoviruses and 7 betabaculoviruses, which were isolated from seven insect species, and we characterized the codon usage patterns between Alphabaculovirus and Betabaculovirus . Our results show that all the baculoviruses possessed a general weak trend of codon bias. The differences of ENc (effective number of codons) values, nucleotide contents and the impacts of nucleotide content on ENc value within alpha-/betabaculovirus pairs were independent of whether the host species are the same or different. Furthermore, the majority of amino acid sequences adopted codons unequally in all viruses, but the numbers of common preferred codons between alpha- and betabaculoviruses hosted by the same insect species were not significantly different from the differences observed between alpha- and betabaculoviruses hosted by different insect species. In addition, the amino acids that adopt the same synonymous codon composition between alpha- and betabaculoviruses hosted by the same insect species were statistically as few as those between alpha- and betabaculoviruses hosted by different insect species. Correspondence analysis revealed that no major factors resulted in the codon bias in these baculoviruses, implying multiple minor influential factors exist. Neutrality plot analysis indicated that selection pressure dominated mutations in shaping the codon usage. However, the levels of selection pressure were not significantly different among viruses hosted by the same insect species. We expect that evolution would cause the alpha- and betabaculoviruses hosted by the same insect species to share more patterns, but this effect was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]