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Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new treatment—conditioned medium from human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC-CM)—on corneal recovery after alkali burns in a rabbit model. Methods: The corneal alkali burn rabbit model was established and treated with OASC-CM, conditioned medium from human abdominal subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells (ABASC-CM), and fresh control culture medium (con-CM) three times a day for 7 days, respectively. Subsequently, the treatment effects were evaluated and compared through clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and cytokine evaluations. Results: Clinically, OASC-CM alleviated corneal opacity and edema and promoted recovery of corneal epithelium defect. Histologically and immunohistochemically, OASC-CM inhibited neovascularization, conjunctivalization, and immuno-inflammatory reaction, while promoting corneal regeneration and rearrangement. Increased secretion of interleukin-10 and inhibited protein levels of cluster of differentiation 45, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed in the alkali-burned cornea after OASC-CM treatment, which might be the relevant molecular mechanism. Conclusions: OASC-CM showed significant effects on the recovery of rabbit corneal alkali burns and eliminated immunological and ethical limitations, representing a new option for corneal wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the representation of ocean convection in the Labrador Sea in seven Earth System Models (ESMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and 6 datasets. The relative role of the oceanic and atmospheric biases in the subpolar North Atlantic gyre are explored using regional ocean simulations where the atmospheric forcing or the ocean initial and boundary conditions are replaced by reanalysis data in the absence of interactive air-sea coupling. Commonalities and differences among model behaviors are discussed with the objective of finding a pathway forward to improve the representation of the ocean mean state and variability in a region of fundamental importance for climate variability and change. Results highlight that an improved representation of ocean stratification in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre is urgently needed to constrain future climate change projections. While improving the ocean model resolution in the North Atlantic alone may contribute a better representation of both boundary currents and propagation of heat and freshwater anomalies into the Labrador Sea, it may not be sufficient. Addressing the atmospheric heat flux bias with better resolution in the atmosphere and land topography may allow for deep convection to occur in the Labrador Sea in some of the models that miss it entirely, but the greatest priority remains improving the representation of ocean stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean circulation is modulated by meandering currents and eddies. Forecasting their evolution is a key target of operational models, but their forecast skill remains limited. We propose a machine learning approach that improves the output of an ocean circulation model by learning and predicting its systematic biases. This method can be applied a priori to any region, and is tested in the Gulf of Mexico, where the Loop Current (LC) and the large anticyclonic eddies that detach from it are major forecasting targets. The LC dynamics are recurrent and lie on a low‐dimensional dynamical attractor. Building upon the information gained analyzing this low dimensional attractor, we improve the representation of sea surface anomalies in model outputs through information from satellite altimeter data using a Sequence‐to‐Sequence model, which is a special class of Recurrent Neural Network. Building upon the HYCOM‐NCODA analysis system, we deliver a correction to the forecast at the observation resolution. For at least 15 days the proposed method learns to forecast the systematic bias in the HYCOM‐NCODA, outperforming persistence, and improving the forecast. This data‐driven approach is fast and can be implemented as an added step to any dynamical hindcasting or forecasting model. It offers an interesting avenue for further developing hybrid modeling tools. In these tools, fundamental physical conservations are preserved through the integration of partial differential equations which obey them. In addition, the method highlights specific deficiencies of the hindcast system that deserve further investigation in the future. Plain Language Summary: Predicting the evolution of ocean circulation using a physically constrained models is critical for weather forecasting and for quantifying nutrient transport and water mass exchanges, but models are far from perfect. We propose a generalized data‐driven method to improve a circulation model performance by identifying and predicting its systematic biases, and we test it in the Gulf of Mexico. We use a recurrent neural network to improve and predict the evolution of sea surface anomalies over 7–15 days using information obtained from satellite altimetry data. The results show that our proposed data‐driven method is fast and accurate and can be easily implemented as an additional step to other dynamic models, providing an interesting avenue for further development of hybrid forecasting tools. Key Points: Machine learning tools are used to improve model predictive skill using observationally based data setsOur method has great potential to extend the current prediction length from about 7 days to 11–15 days without significantly compromising accuracy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fat grafts are increasingly applied in augmenting soft tissue defects and correcting static wrinkles, but the outcome is always unpredictable because of high absorption rate. Perilipin1 (Plin1) and perilipin2 (Plin2), two perilipin family proteins on lipid droplets in adipocytes, are reported to be used as biomarkers to evaluate adipocyte regeneration in vivo. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of glabellar wrinkle correction with autologous fat grafting and to observe human adipose regeneration in a nude mouse model. Patients/Methods: Ten patients with 16 moderate or severe glabellar wrinkles underwent wrinkle correction by subcutaneously injecting autologous lipoaspirates obtained from the abdomen. The injection dose was 0.05 ml per 5 mm. The aspirated adipose tissue (0.05 ml) was also injected under the scalps of nude mice. Fat grafts were explanted at 3, 7, 15, 30, and 120 days after transplantation and the dynamic cellular changes were evaluated by HE staining and immunostaining of Plin1 and Plin2. Results: Among the sixteen wrinkle lines, thirteen were obviously improved 4 months after procedure. Eight of the ten patients were satisfied with their wrinkle correction effects. The fat grafts demonstrated a continuous changing process from degeneration to regeneration in the mouse model without significant absorption and necrosis. It was Plin1, not Plin2 that was expressed in mature adipocytes. After transplantation, Plin1 expression was lost in dead fat cells while Plin2 expression was activated in newly regenerated adipocytes. After 120 days, all the surviving adipocytes were negative for Plin2 but positive for Plin1 again. Conclusions: Micro‐volume fat transplantation was an easy and safe method to improve glabellum wrinkle lines, and the regenerative process of human adipose tissue could be verified in the mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global ocean/atmosphere circulation models (GCMs) allow us to better understand and predict the behavior of the ocean and atmosphere at large spatial and temporal scales; however, they may be unsuited for regional studies due to their low spatial resolution. We have developed a method for downscaling GCMs data using an artificial neural network to reconstruct high spatial resolution regional fields. We use these downscaled fields to force a regional ocean model and examine the efficacy of the method and results. The new downscaling method combines the multivariate empirical orthogonal function (EOF) with a convolutional neural network. Utilizing an EOF decomposition of high-resolution observations and/or regional model output, we train the neural network so that it will produce high-resolution fields based on the low-resolution GCM input. We apply this method to downscale GCM near-surface wind vectors in the region of the Hawaiian Islands and force a regional ocean simulation with the downscaled winds. We compare this to a simulation directly forced by the GCM winds. The results show that the ocean simulation forced by the downscaled GCM winds demonstrates a significant improvement in capturing the ocean dynamics: increasing wind energy input from the shear regions around the islands, while decreasing it in the lee of islands. In addition, the downscaled wind transfers twice as much energy to the deep ocean as the GCM wind. • A downscaling method using machine learning to map regional dynamics from GCM fields. • Method reproduces regional wind patterns around Hawaiian regions from coarse GCM wind. • Forcing the ocean model with these reproduced winds produces expected ocean dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an electrochemical proximity assay (ECPA)-coupled highly nonenzymatic amplifying strategy with electron mediator collected by a host-guest interaction was proposed for total protein of N. bombycis (TP N.b) detection. Antibody-dsDNA-gold nanoparticles functional Fe 3 O 4 probe (termed as Ab-dsDNA-Au@Fe 3 O 4 NPs), in which the Ab-dsDNA composed by adenine rich ssDNA (A 1 ) and Ab labeled capture ssDNA 1 (Ab-S 1 ), was first incubated with target TP N.b and another Ab labeled capture ssDNA 2 (Ab-S 2 ) to perform the proximity immunoreaction. Satisfyingly, the immunoreaction could not only produce sandwich immunocomplex with the proximity hybridization of S 1 and S 2 , but also exposed the trigger ssDNA A 1 to in situ form substantial methylene blue (MB) intercalated DNA concatamers via hybrid chain reaction (HCR). To further realize the nonenzymatic amplification, the MB intercalated in DNA concatemers was released into solution by duplex specific nuclease (DSN) and subsequently collected by prepared cucurbit(7)-uril (CB[7])/Au@Fe 3 O 4 NPs/GCE via host-guest interaction, which thus produced a significantly amplified signal for quantitative detection of target. Since the catalyst Fe 3 O 4 NPs on electrode surface could directly electrocatalyze the reduction of coimmobilized MB, the proposed system possessed superior advantages compared with that of traditionally enzymatic systems, which not only simplified the operation process, decreased measurement error but also improved catalytic efficiency and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain optimal juice-making methods, three pretreatment methods were selected to evaluate their effects on the quality characteristics of jujube juices before and after lactic acid bacteria fermentation. As a result, significant differences between all detected indicators were observed in fermented and unfermented jujube juices following different pretreatment methods. Jujube juices pretreated with hot water soaking (HS) had better color and higher levels of total sugar, reducing sugar and free amino acids than those pretreated with boiling water steeping (BS) and steam steaming (SS). Remarkably, similar tendencies were also found in the corresponding fermented jujube juices. In contrast, higher levels of total acids were found in all-jujube juices pretreated with BS. After lactic acid bacteria fermentation, however, all of the fermented jujube juices pretreated by the HS method displayed the highest total acid levels. As the major volatile components, the total levels of acids in the HS treatment were also significantly higher than those in the other two pretreatments. Sensory evaluation revealed that the fermented jujube juices after BS treatments showed relatively high acceptability among the panelists. These findings demonstrated valuable direction in improving the product quality of fermented jujube juice. • Jujube juice with three kinds of pretreatment methods was significantly different. • Boiling water steeping pretreated juice showed higher contents of total acids. • Hot water soaking pretreated juice showed the highest volatile acids contents. • Six volatiles were distinguished as the most important key aroma compounds. • Boiling water steeping pretreated fermented juice exhibited a higher acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lifetime failure data usually presents a bathtub-shaped failure rate, and random failure phase dominates its life cycle. Relatively large errors always existed when single distribution model is used for analysis and modelling. Therefore, a bathtub-shaped reliability model based on piecewise intensity function was proposed for repairable system. Parameter estimation was studied by using maximum likelihood method in conjunction with two-stage Weibull process interval estimation and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm. The proposed model and estimation approach fit the failure rate under bathtub curve very well, adequately reflect the duration of random failure phase, and guarantee the feasibility of quantitative analysis. Moreover, the estimated critical point of bathtub curve could be calculated. At last, the proposed model was applied in the reliability analysis of a repairable Computer Numerical Control system, and the validity of the proposed model and its parameter estimation method were verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang, T.; Liu, G.; Gao, L.; Zhu, L.; Fu, Q., and Li, D., 2016. Biological and nutrient responses to a typhoon in the Yangtze estuary and the adjacent sea. Typhoon Haikui passed through the Yangtze River estuary and the adjacent sea during the summer of 2012. Three field surveys were conducted before and after the passage of this typhoon. The effects of Haikui in this area on nutrient levels and biological production were studied by combining model data and several satellite observations. During the typhoon's passage, the water column was affected mainly by vertical mixing, which was caused by the strong wind. As the wind subsided, terrestrial runoff and offshore water intrusion became more important for changing the physical and chemical parameters. The Yangtze Diluted Water extended into the upper layer by 4 days after Haikui's landfall, largely because of the heavy typhoon-associated precipitation and considerably increased surface concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, silicate, and phosphate (by 53%, 27%, and 97%, respectively). Meanwhile, the strong onshore wind induced a strong intrusion of high-salinity offshore water in the bottom layer, and this process somewhat decreased the bottom nutrient concentrations (except for phosphate) after the typhoon. The changes in nutrient concentrations in the middle layer were quite complex because of the multiple effects of the processes described above. The increased nutrient concentrations, particularly those of phosphate, greatly promoted the growth of the upper phytoplankton in the offshore areas, although the phytoplankton biomass was found to decline rapidly a few days after the typhoon had passed. The results of this study suggest that Haikui had a profound influence on water circulation and on the chemical and biological responses in the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs of 19–25 nt, play an important roles in the pathological processes of tumorigenesis. The object of this study was to study the expression and function of miR-203 and to found its target gene in osteosarcoma. In our study, we found the expression level of miR-203 was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. In addition, overexpression of miR-203 inhibited the osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration and inhibited Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial reversion Transition (MErT). Moreover, we identified RAB22A as a direct target of miR-203 and RAB22A overexpression blocks the roles of miR-203 in osteosarcoma cell. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RAB22A expression was upregulated in human osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. Take together, our results demonstrated that miR-203 act as a tumor suppressor miRNA through regulating RAB22A expression and suggested its involvement in osteosarcoma progression and carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A DNA-based biosensor was reported for detection of silver ions (Ag+) by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− as redox probe and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) induced hemin/G-quadruplex nanowire as enhanced label. In the present of target Ag+, Ag+ interacted with cytosine-cytosine (CC) mismatch to form the stable CAg+C complex with the aim of immobilizing the primer DNA on electrode, which thus triggered the HCR to form inert hemin/G-quadruplex nanowire with an amplified EIS signal. As a result, the DNA biosensor showed a high sensitivity with the concentration range spanning from 0.1 nM to 100 µM and a detection limit of 0.05 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel sensitive sandwich-type pseudobienzyme aptasensor was developed by dendrimer functionalized reduced graphene oxide (PAMMA-rGO) as nanocarrier and hemin/G-quadruplex as NADH oxidase and HRP-mimicking DNAzyme. Greatly enhanced sensitivity for the target thrombin was achieved by using a dual signal amplification strategy: first, the PAMMA-rGO not only constructed an effective platform for anchoring larger amounts of electron mediator thionine (TH) and hemin/G-quadruplex bioelectrocatalytic complex with high stability and bioactivity but also accelerated the electron transfer process assisted by the conductive rGO with amplified electrochemical signal output. Second, the hemin/G-quadruplex simultaneously acting as an NADH oxidase and HRP-mimicking DNAzyme for constructing pseudobienzyme amplifying system could in situ biocatalyze formation of H2O2 with high local concentrations and low transfer loss that lead to obvious signal enhancements. On the basis of the dual signal amplification strategy of PAMMA-rGO and the pseudobienzyme amplifying, the developed aptasensor could respond to 0.1pM thrombin with a linear calibration range from 0.0002 to 30.0nM. Compared with protein enzymes assisted bienzyme aptasensor, this new aptasensor avoided the fussy labeling process and the spatial distribution of each sequentially acting enzyme, which provided ideal candidate for the development of sensitive and simple bioanalytical platform. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs) based therapies for the repair and regeneration of various tissues have been widely investigated recently because of their multilineage potential and self-renewal capability. Our previous study demonstrated that autologous ASCs loaded onto natural coral scaffolds could repair cranial critical-sized defects (CSDs) in a canine model. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of allogeneic ASCs could heal the same defect without the use of immunosuppressive therapy. The pedigree mismatch, mixed lymphocyte reaction assays (MLRs) and allogeneic skin graft experiments were performed to confirm unrelated ASC donors and recipients. A total of 12 adult Beagle dogs were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. Bilateral cranial CSDs were created in each animal. The right-side defect was treated with allogeneic ASCs delivered onto a coral scaffold, and the left defect was either filled with an autologous ASC/coral composite (Group 1, n = 5) or with one coral scaffold alone (Group 2, n = 5). The systematic immune response and bone healing were evaluated postoperatively. The results showed that allogeneic ASC transplantation did not induce a systemic immune response by the hosts, and allogeneic ASCs could repair the cranial CSDs in an analogous way to that of the autologous cells. Moreover, both the green fluorescently labeled allogeneic and autologous ASCs were detected within the lacunae of newly formed bone in the defect site at 24 weeks, illustrating that the grafted ASCs contributed directly to bone regeneration in vivo. Thus, we concluded that allogeneic ASCs have the capacity to regenerate bone within craniofacial defects, providing an alternative source of seed cells for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The osteogenic capacity of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, cell labeling and storage are becoming necessary for researching the potential therapeutic use of UCB-MSCs for bone tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cryopreservation on the osteogenic differentiation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-marked UCB-MSCs in vitro. MSCs were isolated from full-term human UCB, expanded, transfected with the GFP gene, and then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 4weeks. After thawing, cell surface antigen markers and osteogenic potential were analyzed, and the luminescence of these cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrate that cryopreservation has no effect on the cell phenotype, GFP expression or osteogenic differentiation of UCB-MSCs, showing that cryopreserved GFP-labeled UCB-MSCs might be applied for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A long-chain surfactant, enzoylbenzyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-octadecylammonium bromide (BDOB) with a benzophenone group, was synthesized to modify the montmorillonites (MMT) for the preparation of nanocomposites via photo-induced polymerization. The BDOB-modified MMT was characterized by the fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the results of XRD indicated that the intercalated structures of BDOB-modified MMT was obtained. The conversion of the bisphenol A epoxy diacrylate (EA) was quantified by the FTIR, and the results indicated that conversion increased with an increase in the amount of BDOB-modified MMT. The morphologies of the UV-cured EA/MMT nanocomposites prepared from this organically modified MMT were studied by means of XRD and TEM, and the results showed that all the samples contained an intercalated structure with partial exfoliated structure. The results of TGA and mechanical properties also indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of UV-cured nanocomposites were significantly enhanced due to the presence of the long chain surfactant organically modified MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and thus the potential therapeutic use to tissue-engineer bone, so a reliable method for cell storage is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine whether a simple method of cryopreservation with 10% Me2SO as a protectant had an effect on proliferation potential and osteogenic differentiation of ASCs isolated from fresh human adipose tissue. ASCs were harvested from 6 human lipoaspirates and each was halved for either cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 2 weeks or for control culture. Cells from the second-passage were plated at a density of 5000cells/well in 24-well plates and cultured with or without osteogenic media for 14 days. Cell surface antigens were used to identify the cryopreserved ASCs by flow cytometry. The proliferation rate of both populations was evaluated using a cell DNA assay. To detect osteogenic differentiation of both the cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved populations, determination of osteoblastic protein production (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and excellular matrix calcification (calcium content) was applied. The expression of osteoblastic-associated genes was also analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. These results demonstrate that cryopreservation has no effect on the phenotype, proliferation or osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs, showing cryopreserved human ASCs might be applied for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become the main cell source for bone tissue engineering. It has been reported that cryopreserved human MSCs can maintain their potential for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. There are, however, no reports on osteogenesis with cryopreserved human MSCs in vivo. The aim of this study was to determine whether cryopreservation had an effect on the proliferation capability and osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs on scaffolds in vitro and in vivo. MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow, cultured in vitro until passage 2, and then frozen and stored at −196°C in liquid nitrogen with 10% Me2SO as cryoprotectant for 24h. The cryopreserved MSCs were then thawed rapidly, seeded onto partially demineralized bone matrix (pDBM) scaffolds and cultured in osteogenic media containing 10mM sodium β-glycerophosphate, 50μM l-ascorbic acid, and 10nM dexamethasone. Non-cryopreserved MSCs seeded onto the pDBM scaffolds were used as control groups. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) observation, DNA content assays, and measurements of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) content were applied, and the results showed that the proliferation potential and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs on pDBM in vitro were not affected by cryopreservation. After 2 weeks of subculture, the MSCs/pDBM composites were subcutaneously implanted into the athymic mice. The constructs were harvested at 4 and 8 weeks postimplantation, and histological examination showed tissue-engineered bone formation in the pDBM pores in both groups. Based on these results, it can be concluded that cryopreservation allows human MSCs to be available for potential therapeutic use to tissue-engineer bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Field investigation and tests were carried out at new IRJ and damaged IRJ. • A 3D coupling model of heavy haul train-IRJ was established under different concave depths. • Obtain the displacement distribution of different states at IRJs under the dynamic train load. • Reveal the impact modes caused by different states of IRJs. Insulated rail joints (IRJs) are widely used in heavy-haul lines, owing to they are safety critical components of track circuit. However, the IRJs breaks the continuity of the rail, making rail more vulnerable to damage under the long-term wheel-rail interaction. In order to study the performance of IRJs, field investigation and tests were carried out at new IRJ and damaged IRJ. At the same time, a 3D coupling model of heavy haul train-IRJ was established for the further analysis. The result shows that in regards to rail-surface regularity, the new IRJ and the damaged IRJ exhibits convex joint and concave joint respectively. IRJs will gradually turn to concave and dipped in the vicinity of end-post under long-term wheel-rail impact. Since there is a vertical rail displacement difference on both sides of the end-post between the two IRJs, causing the wheel-rail interaction has two different impact modes, of which one is downward height difference impact and the other is upward height difference impact. In normal speed, the impact caused by the damaged IRJ is larger than the new IRJ does and it leads to a severer damage to the whole track. The displacement of sleeper at the damaged IRJ is 7.6 times larger than at the new IRJ due to the void between the sleeper and the ballast. The transfer function of displacement from rail to sleeper at the new IRJ is between 0 and 0.4, while the damaged IRJ is between 0.42 and 6.1. The transfer function can be used as a vital index to evaluate the IRJ service state. With the increase of speed, the displacement of rail and sleeper at the two IRJs increases correspondingly. For the sake of decreasing the occurrence of fatigue damage and plastic deformation of rail and plate as much as possible, the maximum depth of concave should be reined within 0.55 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational and modeling studies have elucidated the influential role played by the southern and northern extratropical Pacific (SEP and NEP) forcing in shaping dynamics of tropical Pacific climate variability. However, the relative importance of the NEP and SEP and the timescale on which they impact the tropics remain unclear. Using a linear inverse model (LIM) that selectively incorporates or excludes tropical‐extratropical coupling, we find a reduction in tropical interannual variability (∼40%) and low‐frequency (sub‐decadal to decadal) variability in the southeastern tropical Pacific region (∼70%) in the absence of SEP. Conversely, the absence of NEP yields no significant impact on tropical interannual variability but markedly diminishes low‐frequency variability in the central tropical Pacific region (∼70%). LIM and statistic diagnostics on CMIP6 models show the low‐frequency to total variability ratio in the tropical Pacific depending on their NEP and SEP representation. Models with more (less) low‐frequency power tend to show stronger NEP (SEP) dynamics. Plain Language Summary: The tropical Pacific climate variability exerts a strong impact on global climate, regional weather, and marine ecosystems. The tropical and extratropical Pacific are closely coupled with each other through oceanic and atmospheric processes. Previous studies have shown that the southern and northern extratropical Pacific (SEP and NEP) forcing greatly impact the tropical Pacific climate variability. To understand and predict tropical Pacific variability, it is necessary to study the relative importance and the timescale on which the SEP and NEP exert their influence. In this study, we use an empirical dynamical model to exclude the impacts of SEP or NEP on the tropical Pacific based on the observational data. We find that the absence of SEP leads to a significant reduction of interannual variance (∼40%) and the low‐frequency (sub‐decadal to decadal) variance in the southeastern tropical Pacific region (∼70%), while the absence of the NEP does not change the interannual variance but significantly reduces the low‐frequency variance in the central tropical Pacific region (∼70%). In observations, the ratio of low‐frequency to total tropical variability is 0.36, while CMIP6 models exhibit a wider range, with enhanced low (high) frequency power associated with stronger NEP (SEP) dynamics. Key Points: The SEP dynamics contribute ∼40% of the tropical interannual variance and ∼70% of the southeastern tropical low‐frequency varianceThe NEP dynamics do not impact the tropical interannual variance but lead to ∼70% of the central tropical low‐frequency variabilityCMIP6 models show stronger NEP (SEP) dynamics tend to manifest ENSO with more (less) low‐frequency (>6 years) power [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deepwater corals are found on hard grounds of the continental shelf and slope of all ocean basins, where they enhance the abundance and biodiversity of invertebrates and fishes. Despite their essential role in deep-sea ecosystems, the knowledge of the factors that promote or impede connectivity among discrete coral communities remains elusive. Logistical challenges prevent a direct quantification of the essential factors affecting connectivity, such as timing of spawning, time spent in the water column, and settlement behavior, as well as the details of the physical environment and its variability. This study argues that an integrated framework including population genetic approaches and physical models of the ocean circulation with larval particle tracking capabilities can enhance our understanding. Genetic approaches allow determination of general time-integrated patterns of dispersal distance and direction in virtually any species, while transport models can refine understanding of the processes behind the observed dispersal patterns. Here, this integrated approach is applied towards investigating the connectivity of a deepwater coral, Callogorgia delta , along the upper continental slope of the northern Gulf of Mexico. The circulation in the basin is simulated by a regional ocean model at 1 km horizontal resolution, which is sufficiently detailed to allow for the generation and evolution of submesoscale eddies and vorticity filaments, and for a reliable representation of major bathymetric features. Building upon data from four sites spanning about 250 km of distance and 400 m of depth, it is concluded that depth differences on scales of tens to at most few hundreds of meters are sufficient to limit C. delta connectivity among sites. This result has important implications in the development of restoration and preservation strategies of deepwater corals in the Gulf of Mexico and calls for carefully accounting for the depth dimension in these efforts. • Deepwater coral connectivity is logistically hard to quantify. • Genetic approaches help determining time-integrated patterns of dispersal distance/direction. • Transport models can refine understanding of the processes behind observed patterns. • An integrated framework (population genetic + modeling) enhances understanding. • In the Gulf of Mexico deepwater coral, C. Delta , shows depth separation due to limited transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of the computer numerical control (CNC) system affects its processing performance and is a major concern in the manufacturing industry today. However, existing reliability models to assess the reliability of the CNC system often exhibit relatively large errors due to inadequate treatment of small samples. In order to get around the constraint of limited lifetime failure data and take full advantage of existing reliability parameters in traditional reliability models, a multisource information fusion-based reliability model grounded on Bayesian inference is proposed to deal with the small sample size. The prior distributions are derived by using the probability encoding method and conjugate distribution based on the idea of multisource information fusion. Then, using the Jensen–Shannon divergence (JSD) to measure the similarity between prior information and field observation data, a constrained optimization problem is established to determine the respective weight of prior information and field observation data. Finally, by conducting the reliability analysis of repairable CNC systems, the validity of the proposed model and its prior distribution derivation method are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of wet dressing with 50% magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4) solution on decreasing eyelid swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty. Fifty-eight patients (23 male and 35 female) who underwent bilateral blepharoplasty were enrolled in our randomized clinical trial. One side of the periorbital area (upper and lower eyelids) per patient received a wet dressing with 50% MgSO 4 solution randomly, and the other side was cooled with an ice pack from the first postoperative day for two consecutive days (30 minutes per time and twice a day). The eyelid edema and ecchymosis were evaluated and classified using respective graded scales. Degrees of eyelid edema were similar after surgery in both groups (p > 0.05) and were significantly decreased with time. Compared with the cooled ones, less swelling was observed in the eyelids treated by MgSO 4 wet compress on postoperative day 5 (p < 0.01). Both the incidence and area of ecchymosis were lower in the MgSO 4 group than those in the cooling group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, the majority of patients (39/58, 67.2%) indicated a preference for MgSO 4 wet dressing over ice cooling. MgSO 4 wet dressing can be conveniently applied to alleviate eyelid swelling and reduce recovery time after blepharoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Defined as a contour line from the hairline, the zygomatic arch, to the ramus and gonial angle area of the mandible, posterior facial frame (PFF) is an important aesthetic units of the face. With the development of hyaluronic acid fillers and the improvement of injection techniques, minimally invasive injection has become one of the first options to improve PFF. However, effective and systematic injection methods to improve PFF are rarely reported in the literature. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 200 patients treated with area four technique for PFF. According to the clinical manifestations, PFF was divided into four types, and the injection strategies of the different types were described. GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) at 1 month and 3 months by patients after treatment was evaluated as primary end point. Nine‐item aesthetic assessment scores reviewed by two independent observers with experience were performed. Results: GAIS showed that patients' profile was remarkably improved for 90% of total number of subjects. Before and 3 months after treatment, the assessed scores of the lateral cheek lifting (3.17 ± 0.21 vs. 2.56 ± 0.31) and PFF (3.78 ± 0.56 vs. 2.19 ± 0.48) were statistically significant reduced (p < 0.01). The jawline contouring scale (2.32 ± 0.45 vs. 1.23 ± 0.31) and the lateral cheek fullness scale (3.01 ± 0.23 vs. 2.09 ± 0.17) showed a statistically moderate decrease (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Area four technique provides a safe and convenient method for classifying and treating patients with insufficent PFF, which makes up for the multisite systematic injection of the face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of multipotent adipose-derived stem cells isolated from human orbital fat (OF) tissue has shown great therapeutic potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. But the use of stem cells for therapeutic applications is influenced by their proliferative and differentiation potentials, which may be affected by the age of the donor. So far there is little knowledge about the effects of donor age on the biological properties of human orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs). The intraorbital fat protrusion in the lower eyelids occurs as an aging process, and the protruded fat is routinely removed during aesthetic surgeries. Based on the ease of OF harvest and the availability of OASCs, we investigated in this study the relationship between age and the differentiation and proliferation potentials of human OASCs. Human orbital adipose samples were harvested from young (with normal lower eyelid appearance) and old donors (having protruded fat pads in the lower eyelids). The morphological properties of orbital adipocytes were assessed and the fat cell size displayed a decreasing trend with advancing age. OASCs were isolated from the fat samples, expanded in vitro and cultured under appropriate inducive conditions. Compared to the young cells, although no difference was found in the cell yield and phenotype expression, aged OASCs showed fewer progenitor cell numbers, reduced proliferative rates, increased senescent features and decreased differentiation potentials towards adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Our data suggested that using autologous OASCs from elderly patients for potential therapeutic purposes might be restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We presented an ultrasensitive detection system for small molecule ochratoxin A. [•] The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was employed here. [•] The LAMP amplicons were readout by an electrochemiluminescence detection system. [•] The quantitative analysis of OTA depended on the increase of ECL intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An ultrasensitive detection system for Hg2+ detection was presented. [•] The autonomously assembled hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme nanowires were employed. [•] The DNAzyme simultaneously served as an NADH oxidase and HRP-mimicking DNAzyme. [•] The DNAzyme nanowires served as carrier for loading substantial redox probe Thi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cryopreservation of tissue engineered products by maintaining their structure and function is a prerequisite for large-scale clinical applications. In this study, we examined the feasibility of cryopreservation of tissue engineered bone (TEB) composed of osteo-induced canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (cBMSCs) and partially demineralized bone matrix (pDBM) scaffold by vitrification. A novel vitreous solution named as VS442 containing 40% dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO), 40% EuroCollins (EC) solution and 20% basic culture medium (BCM) was developed. After being cultured in vitro for 8days, cell/scaffold complex in VS442 was subjected to vitreous preservation for 7days and 3months, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cBMSCs in TEB after vitreous cryopreservation were examined with parallel comparisons being made with those cryopreserved in VS55 vitreous solution. Compared with that cryopreserved in VS55, cell viability and subsequent proliferative ability of TEB in VS442 after being rewarmed were significantly higher as detected by live/dead staining and DNA assay. The level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and osteocalcin (OCN) deposition in VS442 preserved TEB was also higher than those in the VS55 group since 3days post-rewarm. Both cell viability and osteogenic capability of the VS55 group were found to be declined to a negligible level within 15days post-rewarm. Furthermore, it was observed that extending the preservation of TEB in VS442 to 3months did not render any significant effect on its survival and osteogenic potential. Thus, the newly developed VS442 vitreous solution was demonstrated to be more efficient in maintaining cellular viability and osteogenic function for vitreous cryopreservation of TEB over VS55. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was designed to explore the feasibility of using cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-1 (CDMP1) induced dermal fibroblasts (DFs) as seed cells and polyglycolide (PGA) as scaffold for fibrocartilage engineering. DFs isolated from canine were expanded and seeded on PGA scaffold to fabricate cell/scaffold constructs which were cultured with or without CDMP1. Proliferation and differentiation of DFs in different constructs were determined by DNA assay and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. Histological and immunohistochemical staining of the constructs after being in vitro cultured for 4 and 6 weeks were carried out to observe the fibrocartilage formation condition. The fibrocartilage-specific gene expression by cells in the constructs was analyzed by real-time PCR. It was shown that in the presence of CDMP1 the proliferation and GAG synthesis of DFs were significantly enhanced compared to those without CDMP1. Fibrocartilage-like tissue was formed in the CDMP1 induced construct after being cultured for 4 weeks, and it became more matured at 6 weeks as stronger staining for GAG and higher gene expression of collagen type II was observed. Since only weak staining for GAG and collagen type II was observed for the construct engineered without CDMP1, the induction effect on the fibrocartilage engineering can be ascertained when using DFs as seed cells. Furthermore, the potential of using DFs as seed cells to engineer fibrocartilage is substantiated and further study on using the engineered tissue to repair fibrocartilage defects is currently ongoing in our group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Injectable, biodegradable hydrogel composites of crosslinked oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF) and gelatin microparticles (MPs) were utilized to fabricate a bilayered osteochondral construct consisting of a chondrogenic layer and an osteogenic layer, and to investigate the differentiation of rabbit marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) encapsulated in both layers in vitro. The results showed that MSCs in the chondrogenic layer were able to undergo chondrogenic differentiation, especially in the presence of TGF-β1-loaded MPs. In the osteogenic layer, cells maintained their osteoblastic phenotype. Although calcium deposition in the osteogenic layer was limited, cells in the osteogenic layer significantly enhanced chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs in the chondrogenic layer. The greatest effect was observed when MSCs were encapsulated with TGF-β1-loaded MPs and cultured with osteogenic cells in the bilayered constructs. Overall, this study demonstrates the fabrication of bilayered hydrogel composites that mimic the structure and function of osteochondral tissue, along with the application of these composites as cell and growth factor carriers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) with osteogenic differentiation potential have been documented as an alternative cell source for bone regeneration. However, most of previous in vivo studies were carried out on small animals along with relatively short-term follow-up. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using ASCs and coral scaffolds to repair a cranial bone defect in a canine model, and followed up the outcome for up to 6 month. Autologous ASCs isolated from canine subcutaneous fat were expanded, osteogenically induced, and seeded on coral scaffolds. Bilateral full-thickness defects (20mm×20mm) of parietal bone were created. The defects were either repaired with ASC-coral constructs (experimental group) or with coral alone (control group). Three-dimensional CT scan showed that new bones were formed in the experimental group at 12 weeks post-implantation, while coral scaffolds were partially degraded in the control group. By radiographic analysis at 24 weeks post-transplantation, it was shown that an average of 84.19±6.45% of each defect volume had been repaired in experimental side, while the control side had only 25.04±18.82% of its volume filled. Histological examination revealed that the defect was repaired by typical bone tissue in experimental side, while only minimal bone formation with fibrous connection was observed in the control group. The successful repair of critical-sized bone defects via the current approach substantiates the potentiality of using ASCs with coral scaffolds for bone regeneration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The triaxial test was conducted for the polyurethane-stabilized ballast using DEM. • Obtain the shear strength parameters of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast. • Reveal the influence of frequencies and amplitudes of train loads. A series of triaxial tests were conducted using the discrete element method to investigate the shear strength and deformation of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast with different dosages of polyurethane binder. The results show: The shear strength and Poisson's ratio of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast increase with the dosage of polyurethane binder. The cohesion and internal friction angle of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast improve linearly with the increase of the polyurethane dosage. The deformation of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast also increases with the loading frequency while the deformation almost keeps stable after 40 Hz. The deformation of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast increases with the loading amplitude. The plastic collapse of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast with a lower polyurethane dosage occurs under a higher loading amplitude. Compared with the loading frequency, the loading amplitude has a more significant effect on the deformation of the polyurethane-stabilized ballast. The hoop effect exists in the polyurethane-stabilized ballast and the lateral expansion is constrained. The hoop effect is strengthened with the increase of the polyurethane dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we synthesized a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) decorated C 60 (CMP@C 60) with high photoelectric conversion efficiency, in which continuously repeated donor-acceptor (D-A) π electron unit within one molecule of CMP on C 60 could not only effectively increase the mobility of photogenerated carriers with improved electron transmission, but also constitute the cascade energy band matching with reduced electron-hole recombination. Based on the high-performance of CMP@C 60 for producing exciting initial photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal, a sensitive signal-off sensing platform was designed for lead ion (Pb2+) assay by coupling with quencher methylene blue (MB) interacting on efficient long tailed Y-triangular DNA structure (LYTD). The proposed LYTD with a tripod structure could generate six long tails in situ on its side at the same time via a simple hybridization chain reaction (HCR), providing notably grooves on electrode to accommodate quencher MB to significantly depress the signal for sensitive detection of Pb2+. As a result, the proposed PEC biosensor revealed excellent analysis capability with a low detection limit of 0.3 fM (S/N = 3). Additionally, it also showed satisfactory stability in the detection of tap water samples, lake water samples and clinical serum samples, manifesting great application prospect in the areas of environmental pollutant detection. [Display omitted] • CMP@C 60 with high photoelectric conversion efficiency could generate an extremely high initial photocurrent for signal-off. • The novel LYTD DNA structure provided a stable backbone with six long tails to load massive MB for signal quenching. • The PEC biosensor manifested great application prospect in the areas of environmental pollutant detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A novel signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on an ideal photoelectric material PTCA. • For the first time, MB embedded 3D DNA networks acted as sensitizer to effectively increase the photocurrent of PTCA. • The proposed PEC biosensor exhibited a high sensitivity to Pb2+ with a detection limit of 0.03 pM as well as highly selective. Abstract It is of great significance to explore reliable and sensitive methods for the trace detection of lead ions (Pb2+), which may cause serious adverse effect to human health. Herein, we proposed a methylene blue (MB) sensitized signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor with 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) film as photoelectric material for highly sensitive Pb2+ detection. First, PTCA was modified on the electrode surface, manifesting wonderful film-forming property and acquiring a satisfactory initial PEC signal. Afterward, Pb2+-dependent DNAzyme modified on electrode was cleaved by target Pb2+, followed by hybridizing MB assembled 3D DNA networks with the exposed Pb2+ catalytic strand. Significantly, in the presence of sensitizer MB, the PEC signal of PTCA was extraordinarily increased and the designed biosensor performed a high sensitivity with a detection limit down to 0.03 pM. Therefore, with enzyme-free assembly of MB embedded 3D DNA networks, this dye-sensitized strategy exhibited effective and uncomplicated amplification technology for Pb2+ detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current study was designed to observe chondrogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) on fibrous polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold stabilized with polylactic acid (PLA), and to further explore the feasibility of using the resulting cell/scaffold constructs to repair full thickness articular cartilage defects in non-weight bearing area in porcine model within a follow-up of 6 months. Autologous ASCs isolated from subcutaneous fat were expanded and seeded on the scaffold to fabricate ASCs/PGA constructs. Chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs in the constructs under chondrogenic induction was monitored with time by measuring the expression of collagen type II (COL II) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). The constructs after being in vitro induced for 2 weeks were implanted to repair full thickness articular cartilage defects (8mm in diameter, deep to subchondral bone) in femur trochlea (the experimental group), while scaffold alone was implanted to serve as the control. Histologically, the generated neo-cartilage integrated well with its surrounding normal cartilage and subchondral bone in the defects of experimental group at 3 months post-implantation, whereas only fibrous tissue was filled in the defects of control group. Immunohistochemical and toluidine blue staining confirmed the similar distribution of COL II and GAG in the regenerated cartilage as the normal one. A vivid remolding process with post-operation time was also witnessed in the neo-cartilage as its compressive moduli increased significantly from 50.55% of the normal cartilage at 3 months to 88.05% at 6 months. The successful repair thus substantiates the potentiality of using chondrogenic induced ASCs and PGA/PLA scaffold for cartilage regeneration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the in vitro effects of akermanite, a new kind of Ca-, Mg-, Si-containing bioceramic, on the attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). Parallel comparison of the cellular behaviors of hASCs on the akermanite was made with those on beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and fluorescent DiO labeling were carried out to reveal the attachment and growth of hASCs on the two ceramic surfaces, while the quantitative assay of cell proliferation with time was detected by DNA assay. Osteogenic differentiation of hASCs cultured on the akermanite and β-TCP was assayed by ALP expression and osteocalcin (OCN) deposition, which was further confirmed by Real-time PCR analysis for markers of osteogenic differentiation. It was shown that hASCs attached and spread well on the akermanite as those on β-TCP, and similar proliferation behaviors of hASCs were observed on the two ceramics. Both of them exhibited good compatibility to hASCs with only minor cytotoxicity as compared with the tissue culture plates. Interestingly, the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs could be enhanced on the akermanite compared with that on the β-TCP when the culture time was extended to ∼10 days. Thus, it can be ascertained that akermanite ceramics may serve as a potential scaffold for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polymer composites with favorable dielectric properties and energy density are eager for energy storage application in electrical and electronic industry. Among various high-dielectric fillers, inorganic nanowires with high aspect ratio exhibit an excellent ability to enhance permittivity and energy storage density of polymers. Herein, we report ordered orientation of surface modified silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs) in epoxy resin via bar coating method. The relationship of ordered orientation and aspect ratio of SiCNWs with permittivity, breakdown strength, and energy density of the polymer composites was investigated. Owing to the ordered orientation of SiCNWs and their enhanced compatibility with epoxy resin, the prepared SiCNWs/epoxy resin composite possesses an enhanced permittivity (16.79), low dielectric loss (0.05), and a high energy density (29.5 × 10−3 J/cm3 under 200 kV/cm). Finite element simulation demonstrates that the ordered orientation of SiCNWs in epoxy resin not only attenuates the electric intensity but also prolongs the breakdown pathway. This work paves a new approach to preparation of polymer composites with enhanced permittivity and energy density in energy storage application. Image 1 • Ordered orientation of modified silicon carbide nanowires in epoxy resin via bar coating method. • Ordered silicon carbide nanowires enhance the permittivity of epoxy resin. • Ordered silicon carbide nanowires enhance the energy storage density of epoxy resin. • Finite element simulation confirms the role of ordered orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]