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Thermodynamic assessment of the Al-Mo-V ternary system was performed by means of the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach based on the thermodynamic descriptions of three constitutive binary systems (Al-Mo, Al-V and Mo-V) as well as the experimental phase equilibria data available in the literature. The solution phases, i.e. liquid, bcc (Mo, V) and fcc (Al), were described using the substitutional solution models with the Redlich-Kister equation. The binary phases in the Al-Mo and Al-V systems with the solubilities of the third element were modeled using the sublattice models. An optimal set of thermodynamic parameters for the Al-Mo-V system was obtained. Six isothermal sections at 1200, 1000, 750, 715, 675 and 630°C and liquidus projection with isotherm were calculated. The reaction scheme for the entire Al-Mo-V system was also constructed. Comparisons between the calculated and measured phase diagrams indicated that almost all the reliable experimental information was satisfactorily accounted for by the present modeling.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the associations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 gene polymorphisms with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 200 patients with Parkinson's disease in our hospital were collected as the disease group. Meanwhile, 200 healthy subjects were taken as the control group. Peripheral blood samples were drawn from all research subjects. The polymorphic regions of IL-1β and IL-6 were amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Moreover, the polymorphisms were detected and analyzed, followed by further analysis based on the changes in gene expressions and Hoehn-Yahr grade of patients. RESULTS: The allele distributions at IL-1β rs571556428 (p=0.015) and IL-6 rs543214973 (p=0.012) were statistically different between control group and disease group. In disease group, the G allele frequency at IL-1β rs571556428 and T allele frequency at IL-6 rs543214973 were significantly higher (p<0.05). Genotype distributions at IL-1β rs572292175 (p=0.017) and rs571556428 (p=0.000), and IL-6 rs543214973 (p=0.002) in disease group were also different from those in control group. In addition, the frequencies of CT genotype at IL-1β rs572292175, AA genotype at IL-1β rs571556428 and AA genotype at IL-6 rs543214973 in disease group were significantly lower (p<0.05). After modeling and analysis, it was found that the distribution of recessive model at IL-1β rs571556428 (p=0.012) and IL-6 rs543214973 (p=0.014) in disease group exhibited significant differences from those in control group. The frequencies of TA haplotype at IL-1β rs572292175 and rs571556428 (p=0.038) and GA haplotype at IL-6 rs1474348 and rs543214973 (p=0.047) in disease group were lower than those in control group (p<0.05). The polymorphisms at IL-1β rs571556428 and IL-6 rs1474348 were significantly associated with gene expression (p<0.05). Moreover, the expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 rose significantly in patients with GG genotype at rs571556428 and CG genotype at rs1474348, respectively (p<0.05). Furthermore, the polymorphism at IL-1β rs571556428 was significantly correlated with the grade of Parkinson's disease (p=0.000). Parkinson's disease was in a higher grade (grade 4-5) in patients with AA genotype, whereas in a lower grade (grade 1-2) in patients with GG and AG genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1β and IL-6 gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the morphological, physiological, and yield traits of 24 maize cultivars under 50% shading. Comparing with the control, 50% shading decreased the plant height, stem diameter, leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), specific leaf weight (SLW), aboveground dry matter accumulation, ear length and diameter, axis diameter, and kernels per row. The interval from anthesis to silking (ASI) was prolonged, and the grain yield was decreased significantly. The percent changes of ASI, Pn, SLW, and kernels per row were significantly correlated with aboveground dry matter accumulation and grain yield, being able to be used as the indices to evaluate the maize shade-tolerance in field. Cluster analysis using comprehensive shade-tolerance traits as evaluation parameters indicated that 14 maize cultivars including Zhengdan 958, Xundan 20, and Denghai 602, etc. were of shade-tolerance type, and 10 cultivars (Anyu 12 and Yuyu 22, etc. ) were of shade-sensitive type. It was suggested that adopting the morphological, physiological and yield traits as the indices to evaluate the shade-tolerance of maize would be more objective, simple and practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. H[sub 2] and O[sub 2] multiplex coherent anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) employing a single dye laser has been explored to simultaneously determine the temperature and concentrations of H[sub 2] and O[sub 2] in a hydrogen-fueled supersonic combustor. Systematic calibrations were performed through a well-characterized H[sub 2] /air premixed flat-flame burner. In particular, temperature measurement was accomplished using the intensity ratio of the H[sub 2] S(5) and S(6) rotational lines, whereas extraction of the H[sub 2] and O[sub 2] concentrations was obtained from the H[sub 2] S(6) and O[sub 2] Q-branch, respectively. Details of the calibration procedure and data reduction are discussed. Quantification of the supersonic mixing and combustion characteristics applying the present technique has been demonstrated to be feasible. The associated detection limits as well as possible improvements are also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two aspects to testing: 1) the selection of appropriate test inputs and 2) the analysis of the observed interactions of the implementation under test (IUT) in order to determine whether the observed input/output trace conforms to the IUT's specification. The paper analyzes the second aspect with particular attention to testing of communication protocol implementations. Various distributed test architectures are used for this purpose, where partial input/output traces are observable by "local observers" at different interfaces. The error detection power of different test configurations is determined, based on the partial trace visible to each local observer and their global knowledge about the applied test case. The automated construction of trace analysis modules from the formal specification of the protocol is also discussed. Different transformations of the protocol specification may be necessary to obtain the "reference specification" which can be used by a local or global observer for checking the observed trace. This checking possibly involves the "nondeterministic execution" of the reference specification. Experience with the construction of an arbiter for the OSI Transport protocol is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "First Report of Gray Mold on Amorphophallus muelleri Caused by Botrytis cinerea in China" by L. Yu, J. R. Zhao, S. G. Xu and company is presented.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with positive repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test results on the accessory nerve and negative needle electromyography (EMG) test results on the sternocleidomastoid with the goal to enrich the knowledge of disease progression in patients with ALS. Methods: The clinical data of 612 patients diagnosed with ALS at the Neurology Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2016 to August 2022 were collected. In total, 267 cases had undergone EMG tests on the sternocleidomastoid following a positive 3 Hz RNS test result on the accessory nerve, who were selected as the study subjects. The differences in clinical indicators were compared between RNS (+)/EMG (-) group and RNS (+)/EMG (+) group. A binomial distribution model with multiple variables was built to quantitatively analyze the major factors and their effects. Results: At the initial visit, 15.8% of patients with ALS were 3 Hz RNS (+) on the accessory nerve and EMG (-) on the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid, accounting for 36.3% of RNS (+) patients. The decremental range of the 3 Hz RNS test delivered to the accessory nerve in these patients [-14% (-19%, -12%)] was lower than that in patients with RNS (+)/EMG (+) [-17% (-23%, -13%)] ( P <0.05), while the ratio of upper limb onset (64.9%) and non-definite diagnosis (28.9%) were higher [54.7% and 13.5% for patients with RNS (+)/EMG (+), P <0.05]. Furthermore, the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score [40 (37, 42)], body mass index (BMI) [23.8 (22.0, 25.4) kg/m 2 ] and forced vital capacity (FVC) [92.8% (76.6%, 103.8%)] were higher in patients with RNS(+)/EMG(+) ( P <0.05). The multivariate model suggested that, in patients with RNS (+)/EMG (-), the ratio of upper limb onset to lower limb onset was 1.04, while that of upper limb onset to bulbar onset was 2.02, and that of lower limb onset to bulbar onset was 1.94. The ratio of non-definite ALS to definite ALS was 1.13. The ALSFRS-R score, BMI, and FVC had a protective contribution to the electrophysiological function of the motor neurons. The ratio of the effect size of the ALSFRS-R or BMI to that of FVC was 3.37 and 1.14, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with ALS that were 3 Hz RNS (+) on the accessory nerve and EMG (-) on the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid had a smaller decremental range of the compound muscle action potential amplitude, and a higher proportion of upper limb onset and non-definite ALS. A higher ALSFRS-R score, BMI, and FVC have a protective effect to the electrophysiological function of motor neurons. The effect size of the ALSFRS-R score is the largest, followed by BMI and FVC.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effect of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-20a on nuclear factor-κB (NF-кB) in liver cancer Huh-7 cells, and to elucidate its influence on the chemosensitivity of Huh-7 cells., Materials and Methods: Huh-7 cells with overexpression of miR-20a or knockout of miR-20a were first constructed. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was adopted to detect the expression level of miR-20a in each group of cells. The sensitivity of cells to cisplatin and doxorubicin in each group was measured using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to detect the apoptosis of cells in each group. Furthermore, the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins and the NF-кB signaling pathway-related proteins in each group of cells were determined via Western blotting., Results: The expression level of miR-20a in blank control group was considerably higher than that in knockout group (p<0.01). Meanwhile, cells in overexpression group exhibited a notably higher expression level of miR-20a than blank control group (p<0.01). Cells in knockout group had dramatically enhanced sensitivity to doxorubicin and cisplatin (p<0.01), with a prominently decreased IC50 value (p<0.01). However, cells in overexpression group exhibited remarkably weakened sensitivity (p<0.01) and increased IC50 value (p<0.01). After treatment with doxorubicin and cisplatin, the apoptosis level of cells rose substantially in knockout group (p<0.01), whereas declined significantly in overexpression group (p<0.01). Moreover, knockout group exhibited a notably elevated expression level of Caspase-3 (p<0.01), and a considerably decreased ratio of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) (p<0.01). The expression level of Caspase-3 declined remarkably (p<0.01), however, the ratio of Bcl2/Bax increased substantially (p<0.01) in overexpression group. The expression level of NF-кB inhibitor beta (NF-кBIB) was markedly up-regulated (p<0.01), while the expression levels of Livin and Survivin declined remarkably (p<0.01) in knockout group. Furthermore, overexpression group had a considerably decreased expression level of NF-кBIB (p<0.01), but notably increased expression levels of Livin and Survivin (p<0.01)., Conclusions: MiR-20a up-regulates the expressions of the downstream proteins Livin and Survivin, decreases the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins, weakens the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy drugs and lowers the apoptosis level of cells by activating the NF-кB signaling pathway in liver cancer Huh-7 cells.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different triangular flap design and healing procedure on the sequelae after extraction of impacted lower third molars., Methods: In this prospective, split-mouth study, 60 healthy patients with bilateral, symmetrically fully impacted lower third molars (LM3) were included, of whom 30 patients with totally bony impacted LM3 were allocated into group A, while the other patients with partially bony impacted LM3 were allocated into group B. All the teeth were extracted by the same surgeon. Triangular flap was used on one side, and the wound was primarily closed with two sutures (TF-P). On the other side, modified triangular flap was used with a triangular region of mucosa posterior to LM2 removed during operation, and a triangular soft tissue defect was left for drainage after suture (MTF-S). The patients were followed up on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7. Clinical parameters included postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus. Distal probing depth of adjacent second molar was assessed 6 months after extraction. Doctors responsible for the evaluation did not know the group and flap design. Paired sample t test was used to analyze the differences of postoperative sequelae between the two strategies., Results: In group A, MTF-S strategy could reduce postoperative pain, ibuprofen consumption, and swelling significantly compared with TF-P strategy on the postoperative 1st and 3rd days (P<0.05). Besides, the trismus in the patients with TF-P strategy was more serious than that with MTF-S strategy on the postoperative 1st, 3rd and 7th days (P<0.05). However, statistic difference between the two strategies in pain, swelling and trismus was not detected in group B. Additionally, the VAS score in the patients with MTF-S strategy in group B increased slightly on the postoperative 4th day. The probing depth of the adjacent second molar was evaluated 6 months after extraction. Statistic difference was not detected between MTF-S strategy and TF-P strategy in the both groups., Conclusion: Modified triangular flap with secondary healing procedure could effectively reduce the postoperative complications of totally bony impacted LM3. However, the difference between the two strategies in the probing depth of the adjacent second molar was not statically significant 6 months after extraction.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lobaplatin (LBP) plus S-1 for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and determine the potential role of circulating tumor cells (CTC) for predicting the therapeutic response and prognosis. Methods: From January 2014 to February 2015, 64 consecutive patients with AGC received lobaplatin plus S-1 chemotherapy in Liaocheng People's Hospital. The clinical features, clinical response, adverse effects, prognosis and CTC pre- and post-treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between CTC and patients' disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were investigated. Results: All 64 patients completed 2 cycles of chemotherapy.The number of patients who achieved complete regression, partial regression, stable and progression were 0, 24 (37.5%), 18 (28.1%) and 22 (34.4%), respectively. ORR was 37.5% and DCR was 65.6%. The median PFS was 10.8 months(95% CI 7.1-12.0) and the median OS was 16.1 months(95% CI 12.4-18.8). The ORR and PFS were not significantly different between patients with baseline CTC≥2 and CTC<2 (25.0% vs 53.6%, P =0.150; 6.2 months vs 7.5 months, P =0.780), while the DCR and OS were significantly different (45.9% vs 90.0%, P =0.008; 10.5 months vs 17.2 months, P <0.001). After 2 cycles of chemotherapy, the ORR and DCR in patients with CTC≥2 were 16.7% and 45.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those observed in patients with CTC<2 (50.0% and 90.0%, respectively). The former also had shorter median PFS and OS (6.6 months vs 8.9 months, 8.4 months vs 15.0 months, respectively). Patients with persistently CTC<2 or those exhibiting an conversion to CTC<2 following chemotherapy had an improved PFS and OS, while patients with persistently CTC≥2 or those exhibiting an conversion to CTC≥2 following therapy had shorter PFS and OS.The most frequent adverse effects were grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal discomfort and myelosuppression. No patients discontinued chemotherapy because of adverse events. Conclusions: Lobaplatin plus S-1 had manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in patients with AGC. CTC could be used as a biomarker in evaluating therapeutic response and predicting their prognosis.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is caused by severe liver disease or portal shunt. Metabolic disorders and central nervous system dysfunctions are the main symptoms of this syndrome. Ammonia is considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of HE. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have been suggested as a possible source of ammonia production because of its high urease content. However, the relationship between H.pylori and blood ammonia and HE, as well as the therapeutic effect of H.pylori eradication on HE, is inconclusive, and the results are full of contradictions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the association of H. pylori with HE and to address the question of whether H. pylori eradication may be beneficial in the management of HE.

Objective: To analyze the distribution of types and characteristics of periodontal diseases in 34 677 patients visiting the Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology., Methods: Clinical data of 34 677 patients who had the electronic periodontal examination charts from 2007 to 2012 were collected and analyzed., Results: Out of 34 677 patients, 32 517 (93.77%) were diagnosed as chronic periodontitis(CP), 1 642(4.74%) were aggressive periodontitis(AgP) and the rest 518(1.49%) patients were classified into some other types of periodontitis. There were more female patients than male ones. Most of patients were between 25 to 54 years olds. Only 7 306(21.07%) patients had more than two periodontal examination charts which represented regular re-visits to the doctors. The majority of patients had severe periodontitis., Conclusions: Most of the patients visiting the Department of Periodontology were older aged and diagnosed chronic periodontitis. They had more severe periodontitis conditions but less re-visits. Therefore it is very important for dentists to enhance the oral health education and make early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases for patients. Dentists also should do more follow-up and maintenance works for patients after the initial treatments.

We report the generation of a 6 pC, 23 MeV electron bunch with the energy spread ± 3.5% by using 2 TW, 80 fs high contrast laser pulses interacting with helium gas targets. Within the optimized experimental condition, we obtained quasi-monoenergetic electron beam with an ultra-small normalized divergence angle of 92 mrad, which is at least 5 times smaller than the previous LPA-produced bunches. We suggest the significant decrease of the normalized divergence angles is due to smooth transfer from SM-LWFA to LWFA. Since the beam size in LPA is typically small, this observation may explore a simple way to generate ultralow normalized emittance electron bunches by using small-power but high-repetition-rate laser facilities.

The gene HtNB confers non-lesion resistance to the fungal pathogen Exserohilum turcicum in maize. To map this gene, we developed two F₂ populations, P111 (resistant line) x HuangZao 4 (susceptible line) and P111 x B73 (susceptible). HtNB was located on chromosome 8.07 bin, flanked by MAC216826-4 and umc2218 at distances of 3.3 and 3.4 cM, respectively. HtNB appears to be a new gene responsible for resistance to northern corn leaf blight. Functions of the genes in the region between umc1384 and umc2218 were predicted. In addition, several genes were found to be related to disease resistance, such as the genes encoding Ser/Thr protein kinase and protein-like leaf senescence.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) on the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The cell line HSC-T6 (1.25 x 10(5) cells/mL) was incubated with curcumin and HSC proliferation was detected by a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay. HSC apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, transmission electron microscope and agarose gel electrophoresis. HSC proliferation was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (10.6 to 63.5%) after incubation with 20-100 microM curcumin, compared with a control group. At 20, 40, and 60 microM, after 24 h of incubation, curcumin was associated with a significant increase in the number of HSC in the G2/M phase, and a significant decrease in cell numbers in the S phase (P < 0.05). At these concentrations, curcumin was also associated with an increase in the apoptosis index of 15.3 +/- 1.9, 26.7 +/- 2.8, and 37.6 +/- 4.4%, respectively, compared to control (1.9 +/- 0.6%, P < 0.01). At 40 microM, the curcumin-induced apoptosis index at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation was 12.0 +/- 2.4, 26.7 +/- 3.5, 33.8 +/- 1.8, and 49.3 +/- 1.6%, respectively (P < 0.01). In conclusion, curcumin inhibits the in vitro proliferation of HSCs in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and also induces apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The in vivo effect of curcumin on HSCs requires further investigation.

Setting: The need to minimize the transmission of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires rapid identification procedures., Objective: To develop a pyrosequencing approach for rapid screening of rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol-resistant M. tuberculosis based on characterization of resistance-associated hot mutations., Design: Three pairs of PCR primers and three pyrosequencing sequencing primers for detecting mutations at codon 526 and 531 of the rpoB gene, codon 315 of the katG gene, and codon 306 of the embB gene were chosen. The sensitivity of the pyrosequencing approach was determined by assaying PCR products generated from 10-fold serial dilutions of the DNA from the H37Rv strain. The efficacy of the pyrosequencing approach was evaluated by analyzing clinical isolates with a known antibiotic phenotype., Results: Resistance-associated hot mutations could be determined within 2 h after PCR amplification using pyrosequencing. About 45 fg DNA per reaction was required to obtain sufficient PCR products to produce a clear, accurate pyrosequencing pattern. No mutations were found in all 20 drug-susceptible clinical isolates, while all isolates with mutations showed corresponding drug resistances., Conclusion: This pyrosequencing approach can be used for rapid screening of rifampin-, isoniazid- and ethambutol-resistant M. tuberculosis prior to standard drug susceptibility testing.

Since ovarian dysfunction after sterilization may be of clinical importance in women, we studied whether microsurgical removal of both fallopian tubes would have adverse effects on ovarian function in the monkey. Macaca fascicularis monkeys were divided into two surgical groups: those that had undergone bilateral salpingectomy or a sham operation. Femoral blood samples were drawn before and after the operation for radioimmunoassays for progesterone. No significant difference was found between pre- and postoperative levels of the salpingectomized vs. the sham-operated group. At a second laparotomy during the luteal phase, all salpingectomized monkeys had at least one corpus luteum with a distinct stigma on one ovary, as did the sham-operated monkeys. The absence of any demonstrable endocrine change after salpingectomy makes it unlikely that any poststerilization symptoms, if they exist, are caused by the absence of tubal tissue.