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Abstract: Zero-crossing wave heights, obtained from the field measurement of random waves propagating through salt marsh vegetation (Spartina alterniflora) during a tropical storm, were analyzed to examine their probability distribution. Wave data (significant wave heights up to 0.4m in 0.8m depth) were collected over a two-day period along a 28m transect using three pressure transducers sampling at 10Hz. Wave height distribution was observed to deviate from the Rayleigh distribution. The observed probability densities of the larger wave heights were reduced significantly by vegetation, producing wave heights lower than those predicted by the Rayleigh distribution. Assuming Rayleigh distributed wave heights for the incident waves to the vegetation patch, existing vegetation-induced wave attenuation formulations are used to derive a special form of two-parameter Weibull distribution for wave heights in the inundated wetland. The scale parameter of the distribution is theoretically shown to be a function of the shape parameter, which agrees with the measurements, effectively reducing the proposed distribution to a one-parameter type. The derived distribution depends on the local parameters only and fits well to the observed distribution of wave heights attenuated by vegetation. Empirical relationships are developed to estimate the shape parameter from the local wave parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and objective: Procaterol, a selective, short‐acting beta‐2 adrenoceptor agonist, is effective in treating ‘classical’ asthma, but its efficacy for cough‐variant asthma (CVA) is unknown. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of procaterol combined with budesonide for CVA. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial in China was conducted. One hundred and fifty‐nine patients diagnosed with CVA (aged 18–75 years) were randomly divided into two groups to receive twice daily for 8 weeks, inhaled budesonide 100 μg plus either oral procaterol 25 μg or placebo. Primary and secondary efficacy variables were cough symptom severity scores and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) life quality scores. Adverse events were also assessed. Results: The budesonide/placebo and budesonide/procaterol groups contained 80 and 78 participants (one excluded for later diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchitis), respectively, with similar baseline characteristics. Daily cough score declined during treatment in both groups and was lower in the budesonide/procaterol group at 8 (0.44 vs 0.73) and 10 (0.36 vs 0.69) weeks (P < 0.05). Compared with the budesonide/placebo group, the proportion of patients with a reduction of 3 points or greater (66% vs 42%) and that of patients scoring 0 points (63% vs 51%) was higher in the budesonide/procaterol group for daily cough scores (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks, LCQ score improvement was superior in the budesonide/procaterol group (38.94 ± 19.24 vs 32.71 ± 18.92; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Procaterol combined with budesonide was well tolerated and effective at improving cough symptoms and quality of life in patients with CVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of existing attribute-based encryption schemes with attribute revocation, a new attribute-based encryption scheme with attribute revocation and key delegation based on policy control is proposed. The arbitrator of scheme can control attribute revocation and key delegation flexibly via two policy table, i. e. table of attribute revocation and table of attribute proxy. By querying the attribute revocation table, the arbitrator refuse to decrypt for the user of which attribute has revoked to achieve the purpose of attribute revocation. When the decryption right is delegated, the key of delegation conversion is sent to the arbitrator. By using of attribute proxy table, the arbitrator decides if the user has the right of delegation, so as to achieve the goal of flexible at tribute proxy. The scheme uses a linear secret sharing matrix to construct the access policies in order to support flexible access structure and applies the key division technology to the key distribution. Finally, the correctness and security of proposed scheme are proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance for sustainable development to produce degradable, thiol–ene networks obtained from bio-based monomers using environment-friendly processes. Hence, we have prepared tunable and degradable thiol–ene crosslinked networks from renewable vanillin and multifunctional thiols. Vanillin was converted into an α,ω-diene monomer (1a) with degradable ester group via Williamson and Tishchenko reactions. UV-thermally induced thiol–ene click polymerizations between 1a and thiols with various functionalities were performed to prepare thiol–ene networks. 1,2-Ethanedithiol and 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane were also incorporated into the networks to further regulate their properties. The curing behaviours were studied by FT-IR and DSC to determine the optimal curing conditions. The thermomechanical, thermal and mechanical characteristics of the networks were investigated by DMA, DSC, TGA, and tensile strength tests to understand the influence of different crosslinkers on the material's properties. By varying the amount of co-monomer, the networks exhibited glass transition temperature, tensile strength, and elongations at break in the ranges of 14.5–43.3 °C, 2.6–24.8 MPa, and 29.1–510.2%, respectively. All the thiol–ene networks had good transparency with transmittance between 85 and 90% at 600 nm. Moreover, the networks could be degraded in mild alkaline aqueous solution owing to their inherent ester groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing risk of falling debris from outer space as well as the atmospheric interaction effect makes the orbit decay prediction of large spacecraft in very low earth orbit (VLEO) increasingly significant. Focusing on the aerodynamic perturbation effects under multiscale and nonequilibrium states on the orbit decay of the large spacecraft in VLEO at the end of its lifetime, we developed a novel perturbation prediction model covering the entire altitude range before reentry to perform long-term and short-term predictions of the large-scale spacecraft. A unified local rapid engineering algorithm for aerodynamic force and moment coefficients covering all flow regimes is proposed. The orbit perturbation models, combining the components of aerodynamics solved by the engineering algorithm, are built for the large-scale spacecraft. For altitudes ranging from 350 km to 250 km, which we defined as the slow descending stage (SDS), the two-line orbital elements (TLEs) and simplified general perturbation 4 (SGP4) model were used for long-term prediction, whereas for altitudes from 250 km to 120 km, which we defined as the rapid falling stage (RFS), Kepler two-body motion dynamics with acceleration perturbations were applied. All the relevant orbital elements were analytically solved and numerically simulated by the Runge–Kutta integration method. Thus, the decay orbit for large spacecraft from 350 km to 120 km altitudes can be evaluated by the platform we built. All the predicted results were broadly consistent with the measurement data. The findings in this paper can be further applied into the orbit determination of noncooperative spacecraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Green tea phenolic profile was changed massively by tyrosinase incubation. • Pre- & post-oxidation of green tea phenolics had similar anti-obesity effect. • Pre- & post-oxidation of green tea phenolics had similar effect on gut microbiota. • Anti-obesity effect of tea was associated with the alteration in gut microbiota. Green and black teas are regarded to possess therapeutic potential for the treatment of obesity, however it is not clear which tea performs better in body weight control. In this study, aiming to eliminate cultivar variation, green tea phenolics (GTP) were oxidized by tyrosinase to obtain oxidized tea phenolics (OTP). Thereafter, their anti-obesity effect on high-fat diet induced obese mice were compared. The results showed that despite their distinctive phenolic profiles, GTP and OTP exerted similar anti-obesity properties after 12 weeks of dietary intervention. Furthermore, cecal microbiota profiling exhibited comparable modulatory effects of GTP and OTP on multiple bacterial taxa, including Parabacteroides distasonis , Bifidobacterium , Prevotella , and Akkermansia muciniphila , which were strongly associated with obesity related indexes. Putative bacterial function profiling implicated that both GTP and OTP might regulate the lipid metabolism similarly. Collectively, the oxidation of GTP did not influence the anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulatory effects to any large extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chronic irisin administration significantly reduces hypertension, improves kidney function, and promotes urinary sodium excretion in ZDF rats. • Chronic irisin administration alleviates renal inflammation and renal oxidative stress in ZDF rats. • Chronic irisin administration reduces the expression of and restores the function of renal AT 1 R, probably by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in ZDF rats. Irisin, a novel myokine, has been identified to exert a series of favorable effects on metabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity. This study aimed to explore the effects of chronic irisin administration on blood pressure and the related underlying mechanisms in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Male ZDF rats and Zucker lean (ZL) rats received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of irisin or saline for 4 weeks. Compared with ZL counterparts, ZDF rats reported higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), severer renal inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and impaired natriuresis and diuresis; they also had an elevated AT 1 R expression in renal cortex and augmented candesartan-induced natriuresis and diuresis. The irisin administration lowered SBP, improved diuretic and natriuretic effects, and reduced renal inflammation and oxidative stress in ZDF rats, along with decreased renal expression of AT 1 R and restored candesartan-mediated natriuresis and diuresis. Further experiments showed that irisin inhibited the translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, which may contribute to the reduced AT 1 R expression and function. Irisin administration serves an anti-hypertensive role in ZDF rats by alleviating renal inflammation and oxidative stress, reducing the expression and impact of AT 1 R, and restoring natriuresis and diuresis. The underlying mechanism may involve the irisin-induced inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most attractive routes to valorize lignin is to prepare lignin-based materials which can be used as high-value products, such as dye absorbents. Various processes have been investigated to improve the properties of lignin. In this study, a hypervalent iodine reagent (III) was employed to achieve oxidative coupling of Kraft lignin (KL). The structural changes were investigated by FTIR, quantitative 31P NMR, 2D-HSQC, and GPC. Oxidative coupling between lignin aromatic C(sp2) H bonds and aromatic C(sp2)-H functionalization with aliphatic hydroxyl group occurred via inter- or intramolecular modes, with resultant decreases of the aromatic protons and hydroxyl groups. In addition, selective modification of aliphatic OH groups in β-O-4′ linkages occurred leading to the formation of aromatic carbonyl groups. Increases in molecular weights with the appearance of conjugated C O groups were also observed. The oxidative crosslinked lignin (KL-2.0) exhibited better adsorptive features for brilliant green (251.2 mg/g) than that of unmodified KL (59.4 mg/g). Their adsorption kinetics were investigated by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and mixed-order models. Furthermore, the Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed to study the adsorption isotherms. Oxidative coupling of Kraft lignin between lignin C(sp2) H bonds and aromatic C(sp2) H functionalization with aliphatic hydroxyl groups was achieved by employing hypervalent iodine reagent (III), resulting an new oxidative cross-linked lignin with better adsorptive features for brilliant green (251.2 mg/g) than that of unmodified KL (59.4 mg/g). [Display omitted] • New oxidative coupling of lignin with high selectivity was achieved in the presence of hypervalent iodine reagent (PIFA). • The treatment of KL with PIFA appeared to selectively oxidize hydroxyl group in β-O-4′ linkages into carbonyl group. • The adsorption capacity of lignin for brilliant green has been significantly improved after oxidative coupling modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that some mutations in the genome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may predict the outcome of the virus infection. However, evolutionary data derived from long-term longitudinal analysis of entire HBV genomes using next generation sequencing (NGS) remain rare. In this study, serum samples were collected from asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers from a long-term prospective cohort. The entire HBV genome was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced using NGS. Twenty-eight time series serum samples from nine subjects were successfully analysed. The Shannon entropy (S n) ranged from 0 to 0.89, with a median value of 0.76, and the genetic diversity (D) ranged from 0 to 0.013, with a median value of 0.004. Intrahost HBV viral evolutionary rates ranged from 2.39E-04 to 3.11E-03. Double mutations at nt1762(A → T) and 1764(G → A) and a stop mutation at nt1896(G → A) were seen in all sequences from subject BO129 in 2007. However, in 2019, most sequences were wild type at these positions. Deletions between nt 2920–3040 were seen in all sequences from subject TS115 in 2007 and 2013 but these were not present in 2004 or 2019. Some sequences from subject CC246 had predicted escape substitutions (T123N, G145R) in the surface protein in 2004, 2013 and 2019 but none of the sequences from 2007 had these changes. In conclusion, HBV mutations may revert to wild type in natural infection. Clinicians should be wary of predicting long-term prognoses on the basis of the presence of mutations. • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) may develop a lots of mutations when it replicate. • Some of HBV genetic mutations may predict the outcome of the virus infection. • Mutations in the genome of HBV may revert to wild type during the long-term evolution of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common disabling spinal injury, and the complex pathological process can eventually lead to severe neurological dysfunction. Many studies have reported that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in synaptogenesis, neuron growth, differentiation, and survival after central nervous system injury. It is also involved in various traumatic and central nervous system diseases, including traumatic brain injury, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral apoplexy. mTOR has also been reported to play an important regulatory role in various pathophysiological processes following SCI. Activation of mTOR signals after SCI can regulate physiological and pathological processes, such as proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, regeneration of nerve axons, neuroinflammation, and glial scar formation, through various pathways. Inhibition of mTOR activity has been confirmed to promote repair in SCI. At present, many studies have reported that Chinese herbal medicine can inhibit the SCI-activated mTOR pathway to improve the microenvironment and promote nerve repair after SCI. Due to the role of the mTOR pathway in SCI, it may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This review is focused on the pathophysiological process of SCI, characteristics of the mTOR pathway, role of the mTOR pathway in SCI, role of inhibition of mTOR on SCI, and role and significance of inhibition of mTOR by related Chinese herbal medicine inhibitors in SCI. In addition, the review discusses the deficiencies and solutions to mTOR and SCI research shortcomings. This study hopes to provide reference for mTOR and SCI research and a theoretical basis for SCI biotherapy. • This paper reviews the recent literature on mTOR signaling pathway and spinal cord injury. • According to the role of mTOR pathway in spinal cord injury, the role of mTOR pathway on spinal cord injury field was summarized. • It is concluded that mTOR pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for spinal cord injury. • This review is valuable to all who are engaged in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Water-dispersible isocyanates based on castor oil were prepared for the first time. • Dispersion performance is related to the number of hydrophilic groups and viscosity. • The bonding strength was obviously improved when applied to water-based adhesives. • Suitable for various water-based adhesives when used as crosslinking agents. To improve the performance of waterborne materials, this study attempts to prepare a novel water-dispersible isocyanate crosslinking agent based on plant-based castor oil. The intermediate maleated castor oil and water-dispersible isocyanates with different R values [n(NCO)/n(OH)] are prepared and characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR. The viscosity test, isocyanate content titration, particle size analysis, and the morphologies indicate that the optimal condition for the water-dispersible isocyanates (e.g., best storage stability and particle size distribution) is at R value = 40. The mechanical test proves that the water-dispersible isocyanates can greatly improve the bonding strength and water resistance of wood adhesives, showing an increase of wet strength to be as high as 146 % and 506 % for urea-formaldehyde resin and white latex, respectively. The castor oil-mediated water-dispersible isocyanate system opens a novel avenue to synthesize waterborne crosslinking agent for applications in adhesives, coatings, and structural materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Spectral energy dissipation of random waves due to salt marsh vegetation (Spartina alterniflora) was analyzed using field data collected during a tropical storm. Wave data (significant wave heights up to 0.4m in 0.8m depth) were measured over a two-day period along a 28m transect using 3 pressure transducers. The storm produced largely bimodal spectra on the wetland, consisting of low-frequency swell (7–10s) and high-frequency (2–4.5s) wind-sea. The energy dissipation varied across the frequency scales with the largest magnitude observed near the spectral peaks, above which the dissipation gradually decreased. The wind-sea energy dissipated largely in the leading section of the instrument array in the wetland, but the low-frequency swell propagated to the subsequent section with limited energy loss. Across a spectrum, dissipation did not linearly follow incident energy, and the degree of non-linearity varied with the dominant wave frequency. A rigid-type vegetation model was used to estimate the frequency-dependent bulk drag coefficient. For a given spectrum, this drag coefficient increased gradually up to the peak frequency and remained generally at a stable value at the higher frequencies. This spectral variation was parameterized by employing a frequency-dependent velocity attenuation parameter inside the canopy. This parameter had much less variability among incident wave conditions, compared to the variability of the bulk drag coefficient, allowing its standardization into a single, frequency-dependent curve for velocity attenuation inside a canopy. It is demonstrated that the spectral drag coefficient predicts the frequency-dependent energy dissipation with more accuracy than the integral coefficient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Osterix (Osx) is an osteoblast-specific transcription factor which is essential for bone formation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been previously shown to be involved in osteogenesis. However, it is unclear whether Osx is involved in the regulation of miRNA expression. In this study, we have identified groups of miRNAs that are differentially expressed in calvaria of the E18.5 Osx−/− embryos compared to wild type embryos. The correlation between the levels of miRNAs and Osx expression was further verified in cultured M-Osx cells in which over-expression of Osx is inducible. Our results suggest that Osx down-regulates expression of a group of miRNAs including mir-133a and -204/211, but up-regulates expression of another group of miRNAs such as mir-141/200a. Mir-133a and -204/211 are known to target the master osteogenic transcription factor Runx2. Further assays suggest that Sost, which encodes the Wnt signaling antagonist Sclerostin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are two additional targets of mir-204/211. Mir-141/200a has been known to target the transcription factor Dlx5. Thus, we postulate that during the process of Osx-controlled osteogenesis, Osx has the ability to coordinately modulate Runx2, Sclerostin, ALP and Dlx5 proteins at levels appropriate for optimal osteoblast differentiation and function, at least in part, through regulation of specific miRNAs. Our study shows a tight correlation between Osx and the miRNAs involved in bone formation, and provides new information about molecular mechanisms of Osx-controlled osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problems of the robust stability and robust H∞ controller design for time-varying delay switched systems using delta operator approach. Based on the average dwell time approach and delta operator theory, a sufficient condition of the robust exponential stability is presented by choosing an appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional candidate. Then, a state feedback controller is designed such that the resulting closed-loop system is exponentially stable with a guaranteed H∞ performance. The obtained results are formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical example is provided to explicitly illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the synergies of laccase, a ligninolytic enzyme, with cellulose and hemicellulase amendments on ensiled corn stover. Molecular signals of lignin decomposition were observed by tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (TMAH–GC–MS) analysis. The significant findings suggest that ensilage might provide a platform for biological pretreatment. By partially hydrolyzing cellulose and hemicellulose into soluble sugars, ensilage facilitates laccase penetration into the lignocellulose complex to enhance lignin degradation. Downstream cellulose hydrolysis was improved 7% with increasing laccase loading rate. These results demonstrate the potential of enzymes, either directly amended or expressed by microbes during ensilage, to maximize utilization of corn stover for cellulosic biofuels and other downstream fermentations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents information on effect of abnormal hypomethylation of DDX43, a cancer/testing gene, enhances myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It mentions that patients with DDX43 methylation and patients without DDX43 methylation differed only in their clinical characteristic of hemoglobin level. A table depicting DDX43 hypomethylation in MDS patient and two graphs depicting survival of MDS patient are presented.

Abstract: A major polysaccharide fraction (PMPP) was obtained by purifying the crude polysaccharides extracted from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata. Preliminary structural characterization was conducted by physicochemical property and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Monosaccharide component analysis indicated that PMPP was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.64:1.00:1.34:6.06. Intraperitoneal administration of PMPP could increase levels of serum IL-2 and hematological parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet counts), enhance antioxidant profiles, and promote hematopoiesis of splenocytes though up-regulating expressions of EPOR and GATA-1 proteins in cyclophosphamide (Cy) induced anemic mice. These findings indicate that PMPP played an important role in the protection against myelosuppression and immunosuppression in Cy-treated mice and may warrant further evaluation as a potential immunomodulatory agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The doctor-blade method is investigated for the preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 films for low-cost solar cell application. Cu2ZnSnS4 precursor powder, the main raw material for the doctor-blade paste, is synthesized by a simple ball-milling process. The doctor-bladed Cu2ZnSnS4 films are annealed in N2 ambient under various conditions and characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolent/vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and current-voltage (J-V ) meansurement. Our experimental results indicate that (i) the X-ray diffraction peaks of the Cu2ZnSnS4 precursor powder each show a red shift of about 0.40; (ii) the high-temperature annealing process can effectively improve the crystallinity of the doctor-bladed Cu2ZnSnS4, whereas an overlong annealing introduces defects; (iii) the band gap value of the doctor-bladed Cu2ZnSnS4 is around 1.41 eV; (iv) the short-circuit current density, the open-circuit voltage, the fill factor, and the efficiency of the best Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cell obtained with the superstrate structure of fluorine-doped tin oxide glass/TiO2/In2S3/Cu2ZnSnS4/Mo are 7.82 mA/cm2, 240 mV, 0.29, and 0.55%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dramatic changes in neocortical electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms are associated with the sleep-waking cycle in mammals. Although amphibians are thought to lack a neocortical homologue, changes in rest-activity states occur in these species. In the present study, EEG signals were recorded from the surface of the cerebral hemispheres and midbrain on both sides of the brain in an anuran species, Babina daunchina, using electrodes contacting the meninges in order to measure changes in mean EEG power across behavioral states. Functionally relevant frequency bands were identified using factor analysis. The results indicate that: (1) EEG power was concentrated in four frequency bands during the awake or active state and in three frequency bands during rest; (2) EEG bands in frogs differed substantially from humans, especially in the fast frequency band; (3) bursts similar to mammalian sleep spindles, which occur in non-rapid eye movement mammalian sleep, were observed when frogs were at rest suggesting sleep spindle-like EEG activity appeared prior to the evolution of mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho31 and/or Yb31 doped glass ceramics containing spherical BaF2 nanocrystals sized 10-20 nm were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. Radiative properties such as transition probabilities (A), radiative lifetimes (τ), branching ratios (β) along with absorption and emission cross sections have been calculated from the absorption spectra. Upon 637 nm excitation, Ho31-doped glass ceramics yield an intense infrared emission at 1191 nm with a full-width at half-maximum of 80 nm and weaker emissions at 980 and 1473 nm. Efficient 1.2 and 2.0 μm infrared emissions have been achieved in Ho31/ Yb31 co-doped glass ceramics under 980 nm excitation, demonstrating the occurrence of energy transfer ( ET) from Yb31 to Ho31. The microscopic parameters of the ET processes between Yb31 and Ho31 have been evaluated, revealing that the forward ET Yb31 → Ho31 is more efficient than the backward one and both the processes are mainly assisted by one-phonon emission (annihilation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents theoretical and numerical analyses of random wave attenuation attributable to vegetation. Existing models based on Rayleigh distribution of wave heights are critically examined followed by the development of two new models for random waves over vegetation. The first model is derived on the basis of Hasselmann and Collins' treatment of energy dissipation of random waves attributable to the bottom friction. The second model is derived on the basis of Longuet-Higgins' probability density function for the joint distribution of wave heights and wave periods, which recovers to the model that uses the Rayleigh distribution of wave heights if the spectrum becomes narrow banded. Such a model allows for quantifying the effects of the spectral width on the model performances. Comparisons of the modeled and measured root-mean-square wave heights over vegetation show good agreement. Moreover, the Joint distribution-based model provides insight into the spectral distribution of the energy dissipation, which is different from other dissipation models that follow exactly the wave energy spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrolysis of chitosan in ionic liquids was carried out under microwave irradiation (MW) using sulfonic acid-functionalized ionic liquids (SFILs) as catalysts. The effect of microwave power, irradiation time, dosage of SFILs and DMSO was investigated by orthogonal tests. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the yield of total reducing sugars (TRS) reached over 90% within 2min. The viscosity-average molecular weight of degraded chitosan was determined by viscosity method. The structures of the original and degraded chitosan were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR). The influence of microwave power and irradiation time on the TRS and Mv was further studied. This method can dramatically reduce reaction time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on multi-body system dynamics, the model of Yutong high-speed bus was built by ADAMS/Car software to analyse the influence of crosswind on the high-speed bus' handing stability. Seven discrete wind pressure centers effects on the chasis were taken into account, so the crosswind model with a shifting pressure center was achieved. After improving the standard of the crosswind sensitivity test that is prescribed by American ESV (Experimental safety vehicle), the crosswind simulation tests with pressure center's shift and the immobile pressure center were carried out. The high-speed straight-line simulation test without the crosswind was also completed. By comparing the results of the three tests, the test data in consideration of wind pressure center's shift was more reasonable and provided the reference data for improving the crosswind stability of the bus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study utilized the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) red-channel reflectance with a spatial resolution of 250 m to estimate suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the Mobile Bay estuary, Alabama. Based on monthly in situ sampling, a new algorithm was developed using an exponential regression model. The concentration of inorganic suspended sediments (ISS) in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound was concerned and mapped by applying the new algorithm. The ISS maps during a cold front passage have revealed how the resuspension and transport of sediments respond to the variable wind forcing in this micro-tidal system. Particle tracking based on a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model was utilized to explain what was observed from the satellite imagery. It has been found that the rapid disappearance of the surface ISS after a cold front passage was mainly caused by settling of sediments rather than flushing out of the estuary. The study demonstrates that a combination of ISS mapped from the MODIS band-1 reflectance and three-dimensional numerical modelling is an effective tool to analyse sediment dynamics in the Mobile Bay estuary and other similar estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant extracts from 5 potato lines were evaluated for antioxidant activity, total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanin content, and in vitro anticancer capacity. Analysis showed that Mexican wild species S. pinnatisectum had the highest antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and chlorogenic acid content. The proliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells was significantly inhibited by potato antioxidant extracts. The highest antiproliferative activity was observed in extracts of S. pinnatisectum and the lowest in Northstar. An inverse correlation was found between total phenolics and the EC50 of colon cancer cell (R2 = 0.9303), as well as liver cancer cell proliferation (R2 = 0.8992). The relationship between antioxidant activity and EC50 of colon cancer/liver cancer cell proliferation was significant (R2 = 0.8144; R2 = 0.956, respectively). A significant difference in inhibition of cancer cells (P < 0.01) existed between the 3 polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, pelargonidin chloride, and malvidin chloride, suggesting that chlorogenic acid was a critical factor in the antiproliferation of colon cancer and liver cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change and accelerated sea level rise coupled with increased human activities in coastal regions have resulted in severe land loss globally. Mitigating coastal erosion requires better understanding and improved capability of modeling sediment transport. This paper presents the methodology and simulation results of a new mathematical model, Virtual Identity Particles, using a spectral/hp element method for sediment transport driven by shear flows. Assimilated the advantages of Eulerian and Lagrangian methods, this model is capable of modeling each individual grain as well as a bulk of numerous grains where frequent collisions between particles and with walls are characterized by the Speed Proportional Collisions. Besides, this model maintains an excellent balance of accuracy and efficiency through its economical considerations in the formulation, allowing modeling a large number of sediment particles. Simulation results demonstrate that this model holds promising potential for investigating sediment transport and the associated land erosion problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel, lower viscosity and highly efficient ionic liquid (IL), 1,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride (DMImCl), has been prepared. This IL together with another IL 1-H-3-methylimidazolium chloride (HMImCl) have been developed for the dissolution and regeneration of chitosan, which can be used to prepare chitosan/cellulose blended membranes and fibers. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), Fourier transform IR (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to visualize the modifications of the native structures of chitosan during the dissolution and the regeneration processes. No or little ammonium salts came into being in the dissolution process of chitosan. The morphological features and mechanical properties of the blended materials were carried out to evaluate the effect of blending by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and tensile testing, respectively. The resulting chitosan/cellulose blended membranes and fibers not only present brown compact structure but also possess good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At low temperature, Mn-doped ZnO mesocrystals have been prepared in a hydrated ionic liquid precursor tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). A clear hysteresis with coercive field Hc =85 Oe and remanence Mr =0.0213emug−1 was observed in Zn0.95Mn0.05O mesocrystals, but only paramagnetism was observed in Zn0.95Mn0.05O nanorods. The morphologies, structures, chemical state, optical properties and room temperature ferromagnetic properties of the synthesized Zn0.95Mn0.05O samples could be controlled simply by changing the concentration of zinc acetate in ionic liquid precursor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC) is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by sudden attacks of brief involuntary dyskinetic movement, which are precipitated by voluntary movement. The pathophysiology of PKC remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to localize cerebral functional abnormalities in idiopathic PKC with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). From May 2007 to August 2008, seven patients with idiopathic PKC were included. The mean age of onset was 11.7 ± 3.1 (range, 8-17) years and the mean disease duration was 6.9 ± 5.1 (range, 1-14) years. Seven subjects of an age- and sex-matched control group were recruited. Interictal brain fMRI was performed in the PKC patients and in the normal controls. Voxel-based analysis was used to characterize the alteration of amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in patients with PKC. Difference between the patient patterns and the control was analyzed with Student t-test. The whole brain analysis indicated that the patient group had significantly increased ALFF in the bilateral putamen ( P < 0.005) than normal control. fMRI could be useful to evaluate PKC with negative conventional imaging. It was suggested that abnormal cortico-striato-pallido-thalamic loop might be associated with the pathophysiology of idiopathic PKC. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on microarray hybridization, a diagnostic test for coronavirus infection was developed using eight coronavirus strains: canine coronavirus (CCoV), feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), feline coronavirus (FCoV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCoV), turkey enteritis coronavirus (TCoV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and human respiratory coronavirus (HRCoV). Up to 104 cDNA clones of eight viruses were obtained by reverse transcription PCR with different pairs of primers designed for each virus and a pair of universal primers designed for the RNA polymerase gene of coronavirus. Total RNAs extracted from virus were reverse transcribed, followed by multi-PCR amplification and labeled with Cy3-dCTP. All labeled cDNAs and prepared gene chips were subjected to specific hybridization. The results showed that extensive cross-reaction existed between CCoV, FCoV, FIPV, TGEV and PRCoV, while there was no cross-reaction between BCoV, TCoV and HRCoV. The ultimate specific gene chip was developed with DNA fragments reamplified from the chosen recombinant plasmids without cross-reaction between different coronaviruses. The hybridization results showed that this gene chip could specifically identify and distinguish the eight coronaviruses and the sensitivity of the chip may be 1,000× more sensitive than PCR, indicating that it can be used for the diagnosis of eight coronavirus infections at the same time. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Size-controllable Ag nanoparticle ultrathin films, which were fabricated by vacuum deposition method from high purity Ag wire onto cleaned indium tin oxide conducting glass, have different color fabricated by variation of preparation conditions. The UV/Vis spectra showed that optical absorption peak of these Ag nanoparticle films can be tuned in a range from 457nm to >650nm. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that with increasing film thickness Ag particle size was larger. Ag/WO3 composite films were prepared by cathodic electrodeposition of WO3 onto the surface of Ag nanoparticle films. Spectroelectrochemistry and electrochromic properties of the resulting composite films were characterized. It was found that the electrochemical and electrochromatic properties of the composite films were adjustable with change the size of Ag nanoparticles in the composite films. Compared with a single component system of WO3, a substantial enhancement in the electroactive and electrochromic performance for the Ag embedded WO3 composite system was clearly observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), a freshwater species native to China, have been introduced in more than 100 countries. In this paper, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic variation within and among grass carp populations sampled from its native (China) and colonized habitats (USA, Hungary, and Japan). Twenty-two ISSR primers were used to generate 207 bands, of which 82 (39.61 %) were polymorphic. The highest genetic diversity was observed in the Yangtze River population, whereas the lowest diversity was found in the Tone River population (Japan). Compared with colonized populations, the native populations possess approximately twice as much genetic diversity. The AMOVA analysis showed a relatively high level of genetic variation within populations. Significant genetic differences were revealed both among the native populations and between pooled native and colonized populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. Circulating bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in neovascularization. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the reduction in circulating EPCs in a mouse model of diabetes induced by streptozotocin. 2. Compared with non-diabetic controls, diabetic mice had reduced circulating EPCs (0.59 ± 0.11 vs 0.94 ± 0.21%, respectively; P < 0.01) and increased plasma endothelial microparticles (18 642 ± 6809 vs 5692 ± 1862/mL, respectively; P < 0.01). In a mouse bone marrow (BM) transplantation model, increased adhesion of transplanted BM cells to aortas of diabetic mice was observed compared with control (900 ± 194 vs 431 ± 109 cells/mm2, respectively; P < 0.01). 3. Following hindlimb ischaemia, diabetic mice exhibited suppressed EPC mobilization, a reduction in the expected increase in capillary density and suppressed restoration of transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the ischaemic tissue. Diabetic mice also showed impaired ischaemia-induced upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and interleukin-1β, an exaggerated increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and a suppressed increase in tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. On multivariate analysis, VEGF expression was the only independent factor related to circulating EPC count. 4. In conclusion, the data indicate that the decrease in basal circulating EPCs in diabetes may be attributable, in part, to consumptive loss of EPCs due to increased endothelial damage. Impairment of ischaemia-induced EPC mobilization in the diabetic mouse model is associated with altered HIF-1α/VEGF and MMP/TIMP regulation and represents a novel mechanism underlying defective postischaemic neovascularization in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore cerebral structural and functional changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with or without dysphagia compared with healthy adults. In total, five ALS patients with dysphagia, five ALS patients without dysphagia and 10 healthy controls were evaluated using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) and event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while laryngeal swallow-related movements were recorded. The fMRI data were analysed using the general linear model to gain the differential statistical map (two-sample t-test) for each group. Maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated within the masks that corresponded to the different statistical functional maps of intergroup comparisons. During the voluntary saliva swallowing, prominent activation of foci corresponded to the primary sensorimotor (SM) cortex in both ALS and controls, while decreased activation of the SM cortex was observed in ALS patients with dysphagia. DTI analysis revealed that FA was significantly reduced and MD was typically increased in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, thalamus, and anterior cingulate gyrus, as well as in the insula of ALS patients compared with controls. However, in ALS patients with dysphagia, FA and MD were more sensitive to these changes than ALS patients without dysphagia. This study highlights the potential of DTI and fMRI for monitoring structural degeneration and functional changes in patients with ALS. This study is the first to demonstrate that cerebral activation map changes correspond to distribution patterns of diffusion abnormalities. Combined non-invasive neuroimaging techniques may be useful tools to assess prognosis and study rehabilitation strategies for dysphagic ALS patients, especially for patients who are MRI-negative by conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Arabidopsis thaliana, six genes encode acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) that show conservation of an acyl-CoA-binding domain. These ACBPs display varying affinities for acyl-CoA esters, suggesting of different cellular roles. We have recently reported that three members (ACBP4, ACBP5 and ACBP6) are subcellularly localized to the cytosol by biochemical fractionation, confocal microscopy of transgenic Arabidopsis expressing autofluorescence-tagged fusions and immuno-electron microscopy using ACBP-specific antibodies. In this study, we observed by Northern blot analysis that ACBP4 and ACBP5 mRNAs in rosettes were up-regulated by light and dampened-off in darkness, mimicking FAD7 which encodes omega-3-fatty acid desaturase, an enzyme involved in plastidial lipid metabolism. Results from in vitro binding assays indicate that recombinant ACBP4 and ACBP5 proteins bind [14C]oleoyl-CoA esters better than recombinant ACBP6, suggesting that light-regulated ACBP4 and ACBP5 encode cytosolic ACBPs that are potential candidates for the intracellular transport of oleoyl-CoA ester exported from the chloroplast to the endoplasmic reticulum for the biosynthesis of non-plastidial membrane lipids. Nonetheless, His-tagged ACBP4 and ACBP5 resemble ACBP6 in their ability to bind phosphatidylcholine suggesting that all three ACBPs are available for the intracellular transfer of phosphatidylcholine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Changes in the transit time of a short electrical pulse propagating through a coplanar transmission line (CTL) are used to sense protein interactions at an aqueous–solid interface. The effective permittivity of the CTL is lowered as a result of protein binding at the interface. This decrease is sensed by the relative decrease in propagation transit time of a baseband picosecond electrical pulse through the probe. It is shown that the microwave probe is sensitive to protein binding at a liquid–solid interface and can be used for measuring dissociation constants in the nM range. In comparison with previous microwave sensors, this sensor is relatively insensitive to temperature fluctuations. It has the capability of operating in non-optical environments such as porous capillaries, capillaries filled with separation media, or opaque substrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fragment of the membrane protein M gene with high conservation and specificity of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was chosen to be the target region, according to which six special primers were designed successfully. Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was applied to detect the PRRSV by incubation at 65° for only 45 min with the ladder-like pattern of bands from 182 bp on the agarose gel, and the product specificity was confirmed by RsaI. The result of RT-LAMP could also be visualized directly with the naked eye by adding the intercalating dye Picogreen®. The RT-LAMP was identified to detect only the PRRSV in all viruses tested, which demonstrated the high specificity. By using various sample dilutions as templates, the sensitivity of RT-LAMP was found to be 100-fold higher than that of RT-PCR and could be comparable to the fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. A comparison was obtained by the RT-LAMP and PCR assays using 20 clinical samples. Finally, a rapid, convenient and reliable PRRSV detection system was developed using the RT-LAMP. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) exhibit impaired function in the context of diabetes, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accumulate in diabetes, may contribute to this. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which AGEs impair late EPC function. EPCs from human umbilical cord blood were isolated, and incubated with AGE-modified albumin (AGE-albumin) at different concentrations found physiologically in plasma. Apoptosis, migration, and tube formation assays were used to evaluate EPC function including capacity for vasculogenesis, and expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined. Anti-RAGE antibody was used to block RAGE function. AGE-albumin concentration-dependently enhanced apoptosis and depressed migration and tube formation, but did not affect proliferation, of late EPCs. High AGE-albumin increased RAGE mRNA and protein expression, and decreased Akt and COX-2 protein expression, whilst having no effect on eNOS mRNA or protein in these cells. These effects were inhibited by co-incubation with anti-RAGE antibody. These results suggest that RAGE mediates the AGE-induced impairment of late EPC function, through down-regulation of Akt and COX-2 in these cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The performance of one-dimensional (1D) coupled cavities photonic crystal (PC) filters has been analyzed by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. It is shown that the addition of tapered Bragg mirrors at each side of the cavities, to create near-Gaussian field profiles for the cavity modes, results in the prediction of near flat-top passband filters with high out-of-band rejection ratio and near unity transmission. The tapered structures suppress the vertical radiation loss to allow optimization of the number of mirror periods for the best filter response whilst guaranteeing high transmission. A critical coupling condition (k =2L out/L in =1) for flat-top responses in doubly coupled cavities filters is proposed in the tapered structures. An optimized filter for 100GHz optical communication system are demonstrated with 1dB bandwidth of 0.17nm, roll-off of 0.6dB/GHz, out-of-band signal rejection of 33dB and transmission of 95%. Further improvement of roll-off and out-of-band rejection is demonstrated in a triply coupled cavities filter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genome comparison has shed light on many fields of both basic and applied research, including the study of species phylogeny. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) belongs to Cyprinidae, the largest freshwater fish family; but which subfamily it belongs to remains a controversial issue. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of grass carp was determined and phylogenetic analyses of all mitochondrial protein-coding genes and a nuclear gene (RAG 2) were conducted to explore the evolutionary relationship of grass carp with other cyprinid species. The mitogenome of grass carp is 16,609 bp in length. As with most other vertebrates, it contains the same gene order and an identical number of genes or regions, including 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and one putative control region. Phylogenetic analyses using two different datasets (mitochondrial and nuclear) and three different computational algorithms (Bayesian, MP and ML) all revealed two distinct groups with high statistical support, indicating that Cyprininae and Leuciscinae are two separate, valid subfamilies. Importantly, our phylogenetic result provides strong molecular evidence in support of the placement of Ctenopharyngodon in Leuciscinae rather than in Cyprininae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Effective extraction of useful resources from high-salinity textile wastewater is a critical pathway for sustainable wastewater management. In this study, an integrated loose nanofiltration-electrodialysis process was explored for simultaneous recovery of dyes, NaCl and pure water from high-salinity textile wastewater, thus closing the material loop and minimizing waste emission. Specifically, a loose nanofiltration membrane (molecular weight cutoff of ~800 Da) was proposed to fractionate the dye and NaCl in the high-salinity textile wastewater. Through a nanofiltration-diafiltration unit, including a pre-concentration stage and a constant-volume diafiltration stage, the dye could be recovered from the high-salinity textile wastewater, being enriched at a factor of ~9.0, i.e., from 2.01 to 17.9 g·L−1 with 98.4% purity. Assisted with the subsequent implementation of electrodialysis, the NaCl concentrate and pure water were effectively reclaimed from the salt-containing permeate coming from the loose nanofiltration-diafiltration. Simultaneously, the produced pure water was further recycled to the nanofiltration-diafiltration unit. This study shows the potential of the integration of loose nanofiltation-diafiltration with electrodialysis for sufficient resource extraction from high-salinity textile wastewater. [Display omitted] • Integration of loose nanofiltration (NF) with electrodialysis is proposed for textile wastewater treatment. • Loose NF-diafiltration enriches the dye from 2.01 to 17.9 g·L−1 with a purity of 98.4%. • 99.94% of salt is removed by loose NF-diafiltration with 7 diavolumes. • Subsequent electrodialysis effectively recovers water and salt from NF-diafiltration permeate. • No significant fouling of ion exchange membranes is observed in electrodialysis performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metal-organic coordination complex coating effectively tailors surface property of nanofiltration membrane. • The nanofiltration membrane yields a molecular weight cutoff of 297 Da after 15-s coating. • The coated nanofiltration membrane shows impressive fractionation of humic substances and salts. • Nanofiltration-diafiltration can enrich and purify humic substances from landfill leachate concentrate. Sustainable treatment of the highly saline landfill leachate concentrate for application as green fertilizer calls for effective fractionation of the existing humic substances and inorganic salts; advanced selective nanofiltration membranes are proposed for this. One-step, rapid assembly of a tannic acid-Fe3+ coordination complex is a promising strategy to endow the membranes with an enhanced nanofiltration performance. In this study, a robust and homogeneous tannic acid-Fe3+ coordination complex layer was effectively coated onto the surface of a loose nanofiltration substrate in an extremely short time (15 s). After the coating of the tannic acid-Fe3+ coordination complex layer, the nanofiltration membrane showed a significantly reduced molecule weight cutoff (i.e., reduction from 601 to 279 Da) and thus enhanced selectivity towards humic substances. Specifically, the rejection to humic substances of the coated nanofiltration membrane increased from 95.31±0.54% to 99.32±0.18% with negligible rise in salt rejection, demonstrating an enhanced fractionation efficacy for humic substances and salts. Assisted by a diafiltration operation with the coated nanofiltration membrane, humic substances in the landfill leachate concentrate were effectively purified and extracted with 96.60% recovery. Particularly, the humic substances were linearly enriched by ca. 7.8 folds (i.e., from 1837 to 13970 mg·L−1) with a purity of 98.91% for potential application as liquid fertilizer. The one-step rapid tannic acid-Fe3+ coordination complex coating exhibits an impressive efficacy to engineer advanced nanofiltration membranes that could be applied at a large scale for sustainable resource extraction from landfill leachate concentrate. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-dissolved organic matter (DOM) drives the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in agroecosystems. Despite many studies on DOM dynamics, hardly any attention has been directed toward DOM quality, particularly DOM composition. The aim of this study was to elucidate how C and N management practices alter soil water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) in a loess soil agroecosystem. Field experiments were conducted with a winter wheat monoculture. Three N fertilization rates (0, 120, and 240 kg ha−1 year−1) were applied for 17 years (2002–2019), combined with five C practices (zero, low, and high rates of sheep manure or wheat straw) for three years (2016–2019). The results reveal that soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC) concentrations in the topsoil (0–20 cm) were increased by organic amendments considerably but were not affected by N fertilization. The fluorescence excitation–emission matrix spectra (EEM) of WEOM were resolved to two humic-like components (C1 and C2) and two soluble microbial byproduct-like components (C3 and C4). The proportions of C1 and C2 were increased, while the proportion of C3 was decreased by both C and N management practices. In conclusion, organic amendments increased both WEOM quality and its proportion of humic-like components, whereas N fertilization increased the proportion of humic-like components without variations of WEOM quality in the topsoil of loess soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human ADAM15 is unique among the A disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAM) family because of the integrin binding motif Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) within its disintegrin domain. Integrin α5β1 has been reported to bind to ADAM15 in an RGD-dependent manner, but the biological significance of the interaction between ADAM15 and α5β1 is unknown. To characterize the effects of ADAM15 on α5β1-mediated cell adhesion and migration and elucidate the potential mechanism, CHO cells which express endogenous integrin α5β1 were transfected with human ADAM15 cDNA. ADAM15 overexpression led to enhanced cell adhesion and decreased migration on fibronectin, which were suppressed by down-regulation of integrin α5. Overexpression of ADAM15 not only increased the cell surface expression of integrin α5 but also resulted in a more clustered staining of α5 on cell surface, while the β1 subunit remained unchanged. Unexpectedly, results from immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence indicated that ADAM15 and α5β1 integrin did not interact directly in CHO cells. We found that ADAM15 expression decreased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2. Consistently, down-regulation of Erk1/2 phosphorylation by MEK inhibitor PD98059 or siRNA against Erk1/2 enhanced the expression of α5 on cell surface. By using a B16F10 pulmonary metastasis model, we revealed that overexpression of ADAM15 significantly reduced the number of metastatic nodules on the lung. Taken together, this study reveals for the first time that ADAM15 could drive α5 integrin expression on cell surface via down-regulation of phosphorylated Erk1/2. This presents a novel mechanism by which ADAM15 regulates cell-matrix adhesion and migration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sepsis and septic shock are the main cause of mortality in intensive care units. The prevention and treatment of sepsis remains a significant challenge worldwide. The endothelial cell barrier plays a critical role in the development of sepsis. Aminophylline, a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been demonstrated to reduce endothelial cell permeability. However, little is known regarding the role of aminophylline in regulating vascular permeability during sepsis, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, the Slit2/Robo4 signaling pathway, the downstream protein, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and endothelial cell permeability were investigated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model. It was indicated that, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), LPS downregulated Slit2, Robo4 and VE-cadherin protein expression levels and, as expected, increased endothelial cell permeability in vitro during inflammation. After administration of aminophylline, the protein expression levels of Slit2, Robo4 and VE-cadherin were upregulated and endothelial cell permeability was significantly improved. These results suggested that the permeability of endothelial cells could be mediated by VE-cadherin via the Slit2/Robo4 signaling pathway. Aminophylline reduced endothelial permeability in a LPS-induced inflammation model. Therefore, aminophylline may represent a promising candidate for modulating vascular permeability induced by inflammation or sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), as one of the major pathogens of paediatric respiratory disease, has been widely spread in the population in recent years. As the basis of virus antigenicity, antigenic epitopes are essential to monitoring the transformation of virus antigenicity. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the antigenic epitopes of EV-D68. In this study, a bioinformatics-based prediction algorithm for human enteroviruses was used to predict the conformational epitopes of EV-D68. The prediction results showed that the conformational epitopes of EV-D68 were clustered into three sites: site 1, site 2, and site 3. Site 1 was located in the "north rim" region of the canyon near the fivefold axis; site 2 was located in the "puff" region near the twofold axis; and site 3 consisted of two parts, one in the "knob" region on the south rim of the canyon and the other in the threefold axis region. The predicted epitopes overlapped highly with the binding regions of four reported monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), indicating that the predictions were highly reliable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that amino acid mutations in the epitopes of the VP1 BC loop, DE loop, C-terminus, and VP2 EF loop played a crucial role in the evolutionary divergence of EV-D68 clades/subclades and epidemics. This finding indicated that the VP1 BC loop, DE loop, C-terminus, and VP2 EF loop were the most important epitopes of EV-D68. Research on the epitopes of EV-D68 will contribute to outbreak surveillance and to the development of diagnostic reagents and recombinant vaccines. • A bioinformatics-based prediction algorithm for conformational epitopes was developed. • The conformational epitopes of EV-D68 were clustered into three sites. • The epitopes of the VP1 BC loop, DE loop, C-terminus, and the VP2 EF loop were important. • These epitopes played a crucial role in the evolutionary divergence of EV-D68 clades and epidemics. • These findings will contribute to outbreak surveillance and the development of diagnostic reagents and recombinant vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to tumorigenesis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and peripheral vascular disease; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathological effects remain elusive. In this study, we investigated arsenic-induced alteration of focal adhesion protein complexes in normal, primary vascular smooth muscle cells. We demonstrate that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic (50 ppb As3+) can alter focal adhesion protein co-association leading to activation of downstream pathways. Co-associated proteins were identified and quantitated via co-immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot analysis followed by scanning densitometry. Activation of MAPK pathways in total cell lysates was evaluated using phosphor-specific antibodies. In our model, arsenic treatment caused a sustained increase in FAK–src association and activation, and induced the formation of unique signaling complexes (beginning after 3-hour As3+ exposure and continuing throughout the 12-hour time course studied). The effects of these alterations were manifested as chronic stimulation of downstream PAK, ERK and JNK pathways. Past studies have demonstrated that these pathways are involved in cellular survival, growth, proliferation, and migration in VSMCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The rheological characteristics and volume flow rates (up to the second order) of shear-thinning fluids inside the transversely corrugated microannuli were obtained by using the verified fluid model and boundary perturbation method. Our results show that the temperature as well as wavy-roughness could influence the transport of the shear-thinning fluids significantly. Meanwhile, the phase shift between the outer and inner walls of microannuli could tune the transport of shear-thinning fluids significantly when the wavy-roughness (of the microannuli) is larger enough and the external forcing is small. Our results could be applied to the flow control in biofluidics and microfluidics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along much of the world's coastline, coastal barriers serve as the first line of defense against oceanic and meteorological forces. Extreme storms cause large morphological changes on coastal barriers through high sediment transport rates, which may degrade their defensive capabilities. The understanding of morphological impacts is therefore important for coastal resiliency, but is often challenged by site-specific characteristics, such as land cover and sediment availability, and their poorly understood impacts on the governing physical processes. The Caminada Headlands, Louisiana, USA presents unique considerations for morphodynamic modeling with regard to its low-lying topography, variable land cover, nearshore muddy substrate and sand deficiency. This study investigates the effects of land cover and limited sediment supply on low-lying barrier island morphology under storm conditions by using physics-based numerical models. A high-resolution, local-scale sediment transport/morphodynamic model (XBeach) of the Caminada Headlands is verified for Hurricane Gustav's (2008) impact using pre- and post-storm LIDAR surveys. When accurate input data are used to create physics-based numerical models these tools are robust in hindcasting storm impacts and provide a wealth of information as to the governing processes, which is otherwise difficult to obtain observationally. The simulation results show that a short-duration overwash regime dominates the morphological change in this low-lying barrier and is influenced by backbarrier wetland deterioration. The morphological response to overwash is modulated by backbarrier land cover and topography, as reduced accommodation space limits landward transport during the subsequent inundation regime. An intact backbarrier marsh reduces landward washover sediment transport distances and promotes deposition at supratidal elevations. In light of these findings, simultaneous restoration/creation of backbarrier wetlands in conjunction with subaerial beach renourishment may be an effective form of increasing the resiliency of low-lying barriers subject to frequent overwashing. • A basin-scale hydrodynamic-wave and local-scale sediment transport model constructed for barrier washover simulations. • A hindcast of Hurricane Gustav's (2008) hydrodynamics and morphological impact to Louisiana verified with multiple data. • A relationship between storm-driven washover sediment transport and backbarrier wetland land cover/topography investigated. • Limited nearshore sand sediment supply influences the accuracy of storm-driven washover sediment transport modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) associated with thin corpus callosum is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an abnormally thin corpus callosum, normal motor development, slowly progressive spastic paraparesis and cognitive deterioration. To investigate and localize abnormalities in the brains of two Chinese patients with HSP-TCC, with mutations in the spatacsin gene. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to determine the mean diffusion (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the brains of the patients in comparison to 20 healthy subjects. Voxel-based analysis (VBA) of both the diffusion and anisotropy values were performed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Significant changes with MD increase and FA reduction were found in the already known lesions including the corpus callosum, cerebellum and thalamus. In addition, changes were also found in regions that appear to be normal in conventional MRI, such as the brain stem, internal capsule, cingulum and subcortical white matter including superior longitudinal fascicle and inferior longitudinal fascicle. Neither increase in FA nor reduction in MD was detected in the brain. Our study provides clear in vivo MR imaging evidence of a more widespread brain involvement of HSP-TCC. MD is more sensitive than FA in detecting lesions in thalamus and subcortical white matter, suggesting that MD may be a better marker of the disease progression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]