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The robust tracking control problem of the leader‐follower multiagent systems affected by asymmetric input saturation and external disturbances is addressed in this article, by following three steps. First, an radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is developed to estimate the external disturbances and supersaturation, where the supersaturation is induced by asymmetric saturation actuator. Second, combining with the developed radial basis function neural network, a reduced‐order observer‐based static protocol and a reduced‐order observer‐based adaptive one are designed for leader‐follower systems with un‐directed communication topology as well as those with directed communication topology, respectively. Third, some mild premises are given to guarantee the semiglobal robust leader‐follower consensus for the above mentioned two kinds of multiagent systems. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by several numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution control is one of the key manifestations of driving high-quality economic development. Whether different factor-biased technological progress is conducive to the reduction of environmental pollution and what role environmental regulation plays in it deserve further investigation. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this study adopted the stochastic frontier model to measure the index of biased technological progress and used the spatial Durbin model to investigate the spatial spillover effects of labor-energy-biased technological progress and capital-energy-biased technological progress on environmental pollution, as well as the moderating effect of environmental regulation. The results showed that: (J) From 2005 to 2020, China's technological progress as a whole was biased towards the use of capital, energy, and labor conservation and was shifting towards energy conservation. © Biased technological progress could directly reduce local environmental pollution and indirectly improve the environmental quality of neighboring areas, with spatial spillover effects on the impact of environmental pollution. Among them, labor-energy-biased technological progress had a significant negative impact on local environmental pollution, and capital-energy-biased technological progress had an inhibitory effect on the environmental pollution of both local and neighboring areas and could effectively improve ' local-neighboring ' environmental quality. © Environmental regulation played a significant positive moderating effect on environmental pollution in the impact of capital-energy-biased technological progress, enhanced the inhibiting effect of capital-energy-biased technological progress on the environmental pollution of local and neighboring areas, and the two showed better adaptability, inducing technological progress to be biased towards energy conservation and stimulating the development of ' local-neighboring' environmental quality. ® Biased technological progress inhibited environmental pollution in both coastal and inland areas, but the inhibition effect was better in coastal areas than inland areas. Environmental regulation in coastal areas had a stronger moderating effect on the pollution abatement effect of biased technological progress than that in inland areas, and it was easier to induce technological progress in coastal areas to favor energy conservation to reduce environmental pollution. To enhance the pollution abatement effect of biased technological progress, it is necessary to increase the research and development of green technology innovation, encourage enterprises to adopt clean technology production, formulate reasonable environmental regulation policies, pay attention to the appropriateness of the direction of technological progress, and establish a regional cooperative mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review on the performance and mechanism of different types of catalysts, including carbon-based and non-carbon-based, for selective evolving CO through the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2. • Focus on the advantages of single-atom catalysts in enhancing CO 2 conversion to CO. • Investigate the factors that influence the performance of gas-phase electrolyzer suitable for industrial-scale production. Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (ECO 2 R) is a well-established method for converting waste CO 2 gas into valuable products. Carbon monoxide (CO) is widely studied for its advantages in the electrochemical catalytic reduction of CO 2 , which is of great importance to the chemical industry. As research on the conversion of electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to CO has become more widespread, scholars have focused on basic research for industrialization. This paper summarizes the catalysts, electrolytes, and electrolyzers including membranes involved in the reaction process of electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to CO, with an emphasis on intrinsic mechanism and conversion selection properties such as Faradaic efficiency, current density, and overpotential. Catalysts are classified into two main research categories: carbon-based and non-carbon-based, encompassing various aspects such as size, morphology, grain boundary density tuning, surface modification, and metal-support interaction. Additionally, the abundance of copper metal combined with other metals as catalysts, and single-atom catalysts composed of transition metals are highlighted for their significantly different catalytic behaviors and recent key advancements. For industrial-scale production, we present the types of electrolytes suitable for large-scale CO manufacturing and the structure of the electrolyzer. Finally, we provide a brief review of the future direction of CO 2 electrolysis for real-world CO production, focusing on catalyst optimization, technological breakthroughs, electrolyzer design as well as working conditions, membrane innovations, and energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Application of the sepsis resuscitation bundle is limited by clinician knowledge, skills, and experience. We used the adjusted first-hour basic care tasks in pediatric patients in three tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China.Objective: The aim of this study is to survey the compliance of the adjusted tasks and to evaluate in situ simulation team training on improving the compliance.Methods: A prospective observational study was performed with the survey checklists from May 2011 to January 2012 in three pediatric intensive care units. A simulated case scenario was administered to the practitioners in one hospital.Results: Seventy-three patients were enrolled, including 47 patients in one simulation hospital (SH) and 26 patients in two nonsimulation hospitals (NSH). The total compliance of the tasks was 47.9% (35/73). The compliance in the SH was significantly higher compared to that in the NSHs (61.7% [29/47] vs. 23.1% [6/26], p < 0.01). Compared to the SH, the main problems in the NSH were giving intravenous or intraosseous fluid resuscitation in a longer time (35.3 min vs. 19.9 min, p = 0.000), a smaller percentage of measurement of accurate urine output (38.5% vs. 68.1%, p = 0.027), delivering high-flow oxygen (73.1% vs. 93.6%, p = 0.028), and measurement of lactate (69.2% vs. 100%, p = 0.000).Conclusions: In situ simulation team training is an effective method of teaching the tasks of septic shock care to clinicians and nurses on the front line and of improving the compliance of the tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The content of salt ions in the solution were analyzed by conductivity. • Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to measure the lean and rich phase products in each stage of the reactions quickly and efficiently. • Absorption (313 K) and desorption (383 K and 393 K) performances of blend amines/n-propanol/H 2 O biphasic absorbents were analyzed. • Species distributions, phase migration factors (R 1, t and R 2, t) and a phase migration mechanism of biphasic absorbents were clarified. The presence of a small amount of water has a significant effect on amine/alcohol absorbents. In this study, the absorption performance of polyamines DETA, TETA, and TEPA in aqueous and n -propanol solutions at 313 K were investigated, and TETA was selected as the amine to blend with DEEA to investigate the phase separation behavior in water-lean solvents. The influence of amine concentration and water content on the absorption–desorption loading, reaction rate, CO 2 cycle capacity, and mass fraction of the CO 2 -rich phase were discussed. The regenerated products obtained from 1 TETA/4 DEEA/H 2 O (1T4D-H 2 O) and 1 TETA/4 DEEA/ n -propanol/12 H 2 O (1T4DnP-12H) at 383 and 393 K were compared and analyzed. The CO 2 -rich phase capacity of 1T4DnP-12H was highest at 3.37 mol CO 2 kg−1 solution. The pH value, conductivity, and ATR-FTIR spectra of the process products of 1T4DnP-12H were measured, analyzed, and compared with the results obtained using 13C NMR by other researchers. In addition to n -propanol, H 2 O, and DEEA/DEEAH+, a small amount of carbamate products was detected in the lean phase by ATR-FTIR analysis. The main components without regeneration in 1T4DnP-12H solution at 393 K were carbamates. In 1T4D-H 2 O and 1T4DnP-12H regenerated solutions, stratification occurred and the upper phases were mainly DEEA. The phase migration factors of DEEA (R 1, t) and n -propanol (R 2, t) were also defined, and the phase separation and species migration mechanisms of TETA/DEEA/ n -propanol/H 2 O solutions were explored from the perspective of molecular structure. Quantitative analysis of the phase-migration factors showed that n -propanol underwent more migration between the two phases than DEEA. Absorption and desorption mechanisms have also been proposed for the TETA/DEEA/ n -propanol/H 2 O/CO 2 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukemia cell lines are of great value in leukemia research. In this study, we established and described the biological characteristics of a rare atypical chronic myeloid (aCML) leukemia cell line (NT-1). Mononuclear cells were isolated from the bone marrow of a patient with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph − /bcr − /abl − ), and were passaged by liquid culture. Cells were maintained without any cytokines for over 1 year, and named NT-1. This cell line was extensively characterized using morphological assays, flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, clonogenic culture, quantitative fluorescent PCR, short tandem repeating sequence PCR (STR-PCR) and array-CGH. Its tumorigenic capacity was also examined in nude mice. The NT-1 cell line had morphological features of chronic myeloid leukemia and major myeloid markers (CD13, CD33, CD11b). Additionally, NT-1 expressed progenitor cells and natural killer cell-related antigens such as CD34, CD117, CD56. Cytogenetic analysis initially demonstrated two abnormalities: 47, xx, +8 and 47, xx, +8 accompanied by t(5;12)(q31;p13) translocation. The one-year passage process did not alter the karyotype. NT-1 cells maintained the same morphology, immunophenotyping and cytogenetic features as primary leukemia cells, which was strongly supported by STR-PCR results. Neither Epstein–Barr virus nor mycoplasma was detected in the NT-1 line. In addition, NT-1 cells showed high tumorigenic capacity in nude mice. NT-1 is a new atypical chronic myeloid leukemia cell line with the +8 and t(5,12) translocation, and exhibits high tumorigenicity in nude mice. This new cell line provides a useful tool for the study of leukemogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To compare the efficacy and the adverse effects of levofloxacin-containing triple therapy, standard sequential therapy, and levofloxacin-containing sequential therapy as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Methods Three hundred and forty-five naive H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive levofloxacin-containing 7-day triple therapy (Levo triple, i.e., esomeprazole, 20 mg, twice daily, amoxicillin, 1 g, twice daily, and levofloxacin, 500 mg, once daily for 7 days, n = 114), standard sequential therapy ( SST-10, 5-day esomeprazole, 20 mg, twice daily and amoxicillin, 1 g, twice daily followed by 5-day esomeprazole, 20 mg, twice daily, clarithromycin, 500 mg, twice daily and tinidazole, 500 mg, twice daily for 5 days, n = 115) or levofloxacin-containing sequential therapy (Levo- ST-10, 5-day esomeprazole, 20 mg, twice daily and amoxicillin, 1 g, twice daily for 5 days followed by 5-day esomeprazole, 20 mg, twice daily, levofloxacin, 500 mg, once daily and tinidazole, 500 mg, twice daily, n = 116). Eradication was confirmed by a 13C-urea breath test 4 weeks after completion of treatment. Results Intention to treat ( ITT) eradication rates were 78.1% (95% CI: 69.4, 85.3%), 78.3% (95% CI: 69.6, 85.4%), and 82.8% (95% CI: 74.6, 89.1%) for Levo triple, SST-10, Levo- ST-10, respectively ( p = .599). Per protocol ( PP) eradication rates were 80.9% (95% CI: 72.3, 87.8%), 82.6% (95% CI: 74.1, 89.2%), and 86.5% (95% CI: 78.7, 92.2%), respectively, for the three therapies ( p = .513). Overall, 3.8% experienced mild to moderate adverse events; the rates were 1.75, 4.35, and 5.17%, respectively, in the three groups ( p = .325). Conclusions Standard sequential therapy and 7-day levofloxacin triple therapy produced unacceptably therapeutic efficacy in China. Only levofloxacin-containing sequential therapy achieved borderline acceptable result. None of the regimens tested reliably achieved 90% or greater therapeutic efficacy in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and antagonized by type 1 interferons, including IFN-α/β. On engaging their respective receptors (VEGFR2 and IFNAR), both stimuli activate protein kinase D2 (PKD2) and type 1 IFNs require PKD2 activation and recruitment to IFNAR1 to promote the phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination, down-regulation, and degradation of the cognate receptor chain, IFNAR1. Data reveal that PKD2 activity is dispensable for VEGF-stimulated down-regulation of VEGFR2. Remarkably, VEGF treatment promotes the recruitment of PKD2 to IFNAR1 as well as ensuing phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of IFNAR1. In cells exposed to VEGF, phosphorylation-dependent degradation of IFNAR1 leads to an inhibition of type 1 IFN signaling and is required for efficient VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis. Importance of this mechanism for proangiogenic or antiangiogenic responses in cells exposed to counteracting stimuli and the potential medical significance of this regulation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of the IFNAR1 chain of type I interferon (IFN) receptor is a robust and specific mechanism that limits the magnitude and duration of IFNα/β signaling. Besides the ligand-inducible IFNAR1 degradation, the existence of an "inside-out" signaling that accelerates IFNAR1 turnover in the cells undergoing the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activated unfolded protein responses has been recently described. The latter pathway does not require either presence of ligands (IFNα/β) or catalytic activity of Janus kinases (JAK). Instead, this pathway relies on activation of the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and ensuing specific priming phosphorylation of IFNAR1. Here, we describe studies that identify the stress activated p38 protein kinase as an important regulator of IFNAR1 that acts downstream of PERK. Results of the experiments using pharmacologic p38 kinase inhibitors, RNA interference approach, and cells from p38α knock-out mice suggest that p38 kinase activity is required for priming phosphorylation of IFNAR1 in cells undergoing unfolded protein response. We further demonstrate an important role of p38 kinase in the ligand-independent stimulation of IFNAR1 ubiquitination and degradation and ensuing attenuation of IFNα/β signaling and anti-viral defenses. We discuss the distinct importance of p38 kinase in regulating the overall responses to type I IFN in cells that have been already exposed to IFNα/β versus those cells that are yet to encounter these cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ability to sense pathogens by a number of specialized cell types including the dendritic cells plays a central role in host's defenses. Activation of these cells through the stimulation of the pathogen-recognition receptors induces the production of a number of cytokines including Type I interferons (IFNs) that mediate the diverse mechanisms of innate immunity. Type I IFNs interact with the Type I IFN receptor, composed of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 chains, to mount the host defense responses. However, at the same time, Type I IFNs elicit potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects that could be detrimental for IFN-producing cells. Here, we report that the activation of p38 kinase in response to pathogen-recognition receptors stimulation results in a series of phosphorylation events within the IFNAR1 chain of the Type I IFN receptor. This phosphorylation promotes IFNAR1 ubiquitination and accelerates the proteolytic turnover of this receptor leading to an attenuation of Type I IFN signaling and the protection of activated dendritic cells from the cytotoxic effects of autocrine or paracrine Type I IFN. In this paper we discuss a potential role of this mechanism in regulating the processes of innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Previous studies have shown that cMaf-inducing protein (CMIP) promotes tumorigenesis and progression, however, the role of CMIP in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. Methods. In this study, the Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan–Meier Plotter database were used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of CMIP in LUAD. Then, the expression levels of CMIP in LUAD tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The lentiviral vector was used to establish a stable transfected cell line, and the transfection efficiency was detected by qRT-PCR. MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay were used to evaluate the function of CMIP in LUAD. In addition, the effect of CMIP on the MAPK/ERK pathway in LUAD cells was analyzed by western blot. Results. The expression level of CMIP was significantly increased in LUAD cell and tissue samples, and the high expression of CMIP was associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in LUAD patients. In vitro experiments showed that CMIP overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. CMIP knockout significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells. In addition, it was observed that the expression levels of the MAPK/ERK pathway-related proteins were significantly increased in CMIP-overexpressed A549 cells, and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while U0126 could significantly reverse the activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway by CMIP overexpression, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Conclusion. Our study shows that CMIP, as an oncogene, is associated with poor patient prognosis, and may promote the proliferation and metastasis of LUAD by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Therefore, CMIP may be a new potential therapeutic target for LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In-situ chemical vapor deposition process is coupled into coal pyrolysis process. • Coal pyrolysis gas converts to solid carbon at the same time of reducing coal tar. • The obtained solid carbon (NPCR) shows multiple structural merits. • NPCR exhibits excellent Na+ storage performance. Pyrolysis is the primary step for many coal conversion and utilization technologies such as combustion, gasification, activation and cascade utilization. To increase the utilization value of coal pyrolysis gas, this study explores an efficient solution by in-situ conversion of pyrolysis gas into a new type of nanoporous carbon rods, which deliver an excellent performances as a sodium ion battery anode. The conversion was achieved by an MgO-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, in which abundant small organic gases (i.e., CH 4 and C 2 ~ C 3) and volatile molecules condensable at ambient temperature during bituminous coal pyrolysis could be effectively catalytically deposited onto MgO template and further converted to solid carbon under high temperatures. A series of characterizations of solid, liquid and gaseous products obtained with or without MgO-assisted CVD demonstrated the successful conversion of pyrolysis gas into functional solid carbon while reducing the yield of undesired coal tar. The obtained nanoporous carbon rods (NPCR-850) inherited the rod-like morphology of MgO templates and showed multiple structural merits, including a hierarchical pore configuration with abundant mesopores, good structural stability, and a low oxygen content. When employed as an anode for sodium ion storage, NPCR-850 anodes could maintain a high reversible capacity of 181 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles, corresponding to an outstanding capacity retention of 90%. This study proves the feasibility of the conversion of pyrolysis gas to high-value solid carbon materials and provides a facile pathway to synthesis nanoporous carbon rods for electrochemical Na+ storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The island sign is a novel imaging predictor for early hematoma growth, implying multifocal active bleeding. The prognostic value of the island sign for long-term outcome in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains unrevealed. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between the island land and long-term prognosis in patients with ICH. Methods Both clinical characteristics and radiologic parameters were retrospectively obtained from electronic medical records. According to the initial and follow-up computed tomography scans of patients, hematoma expansion and the island sign were determined independently with 2 experienced physicians. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations of hematoma expansion, 1-year poor outcome, and 1-year death on other clinical variables. Results A total of 322 patients were included, and 126 of them presented with early hematoma expansion, with 81 exhibiting the island sign. There were 116 patients who died, and 157 patients with ICH had poor outcome at the first year after onset. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, hematoma size, and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage and island sign were strongly associated with long-term poor outcomes. Conclusions The island sign is an easy-to-use and novel imaging marker which predicts both early hematoma expansion and long-term poor prognosis. Highlights • This is the first study focusing on the associations between the island sign and long-term prognosis of all types of ICH. • The island sign, a novel imaging feature, was reported in a relatively large number of patients with ICH. • This study also reported the predictors for early hematoma expansion and long-term prognosis in patients with ICH. • This is the first report demonstrating the contributing factors for the island sign. • The possible explanations for the aforementioned associations were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The prognostic value of admission serum glucose for early hematoma growth in patients with intracranial hemorrhage remains controversial. Island sign is a novel imaging predictor for early hematoma growth, implying multifocal active bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential associations between hyperglycemia and early hematoma expansion in patients with intracranial hemorrhage with or without island sign. Patients and Methods Clinical characteristics and radiologic parameters were retrospectively obtained from the electronic medical record. Admission blood glucose was measured within 24 hours from disease onset. Hematoma expansion and island sign were estimated by 2 experienced reviewers from initial and follow-up computed tomography scans. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations of hematoma expansion and island sign on other clinical variables. Results In total, 187 patients were enrolled in current study; 61 patients were presented to have early hematoma expansion, whereas 32 exhibited island sign. The average blood glucose level was 7.64 mmol/L among all patients. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the time from ictus to initial computed tomography scan, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, hematoma volume, island sign, and hyperglycemia were associated with hematoma expansion, whereas only admission serum glucose and hematoma size were associated with island sign. Conclusions Admission serum glucose is associated with hematoma growth and prevalence of island sign, respectively. These results indicated that elevated blood glucose level plays a pathological role in active bleeding. Further studies concerning exact molecular signal pathway are urgently required. Highlights • This is the first study focusing on the association between blood glucose and island sign in patients with spontaneous ICH. • We also report the relationship between serum glucose level and hematoma expansion. • The comparison of predictive power of island sign and blood glucose for early hematoma growth is assessed. • In addition, the possible underlying mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha interferon (IFN-α) controls homeostasis of hematopoietic stem cells, regulates antiviral resistance, inhibits angiogenesis, and suppresses tumor growth. This cytokine is often used to treat cancers and chronic viral infections. The extent of cellular responses to IFN-α is limited by the IFN-induced ubiquitination and degradation of the IFN-α/β receptor chain 1 (IFNAR1) chain of the cognate receptor. IFNAR1 ubiquitination is facilitated by the βTrcp E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recruited to IFNAR1 upon its degron phosphorylation, which is induced by the ligand. Here we report identification of protein kinase D2 (PKD2) as a kinase that mediates the ligand-inducible phosphorylation of IFNAR1 degron and enables binding of βTrcp to the receptor. Treatment of cells with IFN-α induces catalytic activity of PKD2 and stimulates its interaction with IFNAR1. Expression and kinase activity of PKD2 are required for the ligand-inducible stimulation of IFNAR1 ubiquitination and endocytosis and for accelerated proteolytic turnover of IFNAR1. Furthermore, inhibition or knockdown of PKD2 robustly augments intracellular signaling induced by IFN-α and increases the efficacy of its antiviral effects. The mechanisms of the ligand-inducible elimination of IFNAR1 are discussed, along with the potential medical significance of this regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess circulating iron is stored in the liver, and requires reduction of non-Tf-bound iron (NTBI) and transferrin (Tf) iron at the plasma membrane and endosomes, respectively, by ferrireductase (FR) proteins for transport across biological membranes through divalent metal transporters. Here, we report that prion protein (PrP C ), a ubiquitously expressed glycoprotein most abundant on neuronal cells, functions as a FR partner for divalent-metal transporter-1 (DMT1) and ZIP14. Thus, absence of PrP C in PrP-knock-out (PrP –/– ) mice resulted in markedly reduced liver iron stores, a deficiency that was not corrected by chronic or acute administration of iron by the oral or intraperitoneal routes. Likewise, preferential radiolabeling of circulating NTBI with 59 Fe revealed significantly reduced uptake and storage of NTBI by the liver of PrP –/– mice relative to matched PrP +/+ controls. However, uptake, storage, and utilization of ferritin-bound iron that does not require reduction for uptake were increased in PrP –/– mice, indicating a compensatory response to the iron deficiency. Expression of exogenous PrP C in HepG2 cells increased uptake and storage of ferric iron (Fe 3+ ), not ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ), from the medium, supporting the function of PrP C as a plasma membrane FR. Coexpression of PrP C with ZIP14 and DMT1 in HepG2 cells increased uptake of Fe 3+ significantly, and surprisingly, increased the ratio of N-terminally truncated PrP C forms lacking the FR domain relative to full-length PrP C . Together, these observations indicate that PrP C promotes, and possibly regulates, the uptake of NTBI through DMT1 and Zip14 via its FR activity. Implications of these observations for neuronal iron homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Safe disposal of hazardous waste is becoming generally more important as industrial production increases. The pyrolysis characteristics and gas evolution of mixtures of several wastes are discussed in this paper. Experiments are described for various heating rates, particle sizes and final temperatures using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results indicate that there are three stages in the pyrolysis process. The composition of evolved gas includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane, nitric oxide, hydrocyanic acid and a number of other light alkanes. Gas evolution temperatures and gas generation rates were significantly influenced by the factors identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background The inflammatory response plays a vital role in the pathologic mechanism of intracerebral hemorrhage. It recently has been reported that neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could represent a novel composite inflammatory marker for predicting the prognosis of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). However, in considering the effects of surgical evacuation on the initiation of inflammatory responses, the relationship between NLR and functional outcome of patients with ICH after surgical treatment is still controversial. Here, we aimed to assess the predictive value of admission NLR and other available laboratory parameters for 90-day outcome of patients with ICH undergoing neurosurgical treatment. Methods In total, 104 patients with acute ICH admitted to West China Hospital from October 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. Admission absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and white blood count were extracted from electronic medical records of patents with ICH. The associations between outcome and laboratory biomarkers were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The comparison of predictive power of independent predictors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Results In total, 59 patients with ICH who underwent surgical treatment exhibited unfavorable outcomes, which was associated with greater admission NLR (odds ratio [OR] 0.692, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.518–0.925, P = 0.01; OR 1.148, 95% CI 1.078–1.222, P < 0.01; OR 1.215, 95% CI 1.015–1.454, P = 0.03), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, and larger hematoma. NLR showed the best predictive power by comparing with other laboratorial variables (area under the curve 0.668, 95% CI 0.569–0.757, P < 0.01) and also was found to linearly correlate with Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission, hematoma volume, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, and hydrocephalus. Meanwhile, the best predictive cutoff point of 6.46 for NLR also was identified. Conclusions Other than the association of prognosis of patients with ICH, NLR exhibited potential independent predictive ability for 90-day functional outcomes of patients with ICH after surgery. Highlights • We focus on the association between NLR and functional outcome in surgical patients with spontaneous ICH. • We report the contributing factors of NLR and independent predictors for functional outcome of patients undergoing surgery. • The predictive power of NLR for functional outcome was assessed and the possible underlying mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical structures of six coal samples with different ranks were semi-quantitatively characterized by a series of original infrared structural parameters, and the pyrolysis reactivity of the samples were quantitatively characterized by a comprehensive devolatilization index. A correlation was established between the infrared structural parameters and pyrolysis reactivity. The results show that the infrared structural parameter method presented in this paper can reveal the distribution characteristic of chemical bonds in coal effectively. The total content of oxygen-containing functional groups, C H groups and the inorganic mineral can be satisfactorily characterized by infrared structural parameter, I a3 , I b4 and I d3 respectively. The length of aliphatic side chains or bridge bonds undergoes a Stable-Increased-Decreased process. Good positive correlation was established between the comprehensive infrared structural parameter S and the pyrolysis reactivity, which was proved effective to predict the pyrolysis reactivity of coal over various ranks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The chromosome 22q11.2 region microduplication has been described in patients with variable phenotypes. Here we present a 3-month-old girl with both 22q11.2 microduplication and 19p13.12–13.13 deletion. The presence of both genomic imbalances in one patient has not been previously reported in literature. Methods: A routine G-banding karyotype analysis was performed using peripheral lymphocytes. Chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) was done using Affymetrix CytoScan™ HD array. Results: The result of karyotyping showed that the patient is 46,XX,t(12;19)(q24.3;p13.1), but CMA detected a 2.8Mb microduplication within the region 22q11.2 (chr22: 18,648,866–21,465,659) and a 1.2Mb deletion on the chromosome 19at band p13.12–p13.13 (chr19: 13,107,938–14,337,347) in her genome, while no abnormalities were identified on 12q24.3. The 3-month-old girl presented with microcephaly, cleft palate, low set and retroverted ears, and facial dysmorphism which consisted of the following: a long narrow face, widely spaced eyes, downslanting palpebral fissures, broad nasal base, short philtrum, thin upper lip, and micro/retrognathia. She also had a congenital right pulmonary artery sling and tracheal stenosis and suffered from significant hypotonia and partial bilateral mixed hearing loss. Conclusions: We report a case of 22q11.2 duplication syndrome with 19p13.12–13.13 deletion. Synergistic effect from the two genomic imbalances is likely responsible for the complicated clinical features observed in this patient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To investigate the association between use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and Helicobacter pylori infection, interactive effect of H. pylori infection and NSAID use on the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on PUD development. Material and Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in EMBASE and PubMed for relevant articles published in English between January 1989 and August 2010, with the following MeSH and/or key words: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, peptic ulcer disease or PUD, and randomized-control study or clinical trial. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager 4.2.2. Results: In the analysis of five studies, the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 74.5% and 71.1% in NSAID users and non-NSAID users, respectively, (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.35-1.20, p = .170). In the analysis of nine studies, the pooled prevalence of PUD in NSAID users was 31.2% and 17.9% in the presence and absence of H. pylori infection, respectively, (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.26-7.55, p = .010). Moreover, in the analysis of seven studies, PUD developed in 6.4% and 11.8% of NSAID users with and without eradication therapy, respectively (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36-0.74, p < .001). The preventive effect of the eradication therapy was further revealed in NSAID-naive users (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.49, p < .0001) and in the Asian population (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-0.56, p < .001). Conclusion: NSAID use is not associated with H. pylori infection in patients with PUD. PUD is more common in H. pylori positive than in negative NSAID users. Moreover, H. pylori eradication therapy reduces PUD incidence in NSAID users, especially in naive users and in the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experiments were performed in an entrained-flow reactor to better understand the processes involved in biomass air gasification. Effects of the reaction temperatures (700°C, 800°C, 900°C and 1000°C), residence time and the equivalence ratio in the range of 0.22–0.34 on the gasification process were investigated. The behavior of biomass gasification was discussed in terms of composition of produced gas. Four parameters, i.e. the low heating value, fuel gas production, carbon conversion and cold gas efficiency were used to evaluate the gasification. The results show that CO, CO2 and H2 are the main gasification products, while hydrocarbons (CH4 and C2H4) are the minor ones. With the increase of the reaction temperature, the concentration of CO decreases, while the concentrations of CO2 and H2 increase. The concentrations of CH4 and C2H4 reach their maximum value when the reaction temperature is 800°C. The optimal reaction temperature is considered to be 800°C and the optimal equivalence ratio is 0.28 in that the low heating value of the produced gas, carbon conversion and cold gas efficiency achieve their maximum values. The kinetic parameters of sawdust air gasification are calculated basing on the Arrhenius correlation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxidative mechanisms during nuclear sclerosis of the lens are poorly understood, in particular metal-catalyzed oxidation. The lysyl oxidation product adipic semialdehyde (allysine, ALL) and its oxidized end-product 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) were determined as a function of age and presence of diabetes. Surprisingly, whereas both ALL and 2-AAA increased with age and strongly correlated with cataract grade and protein absorbance at 350 nm, only ALL formation but not 2-AAA was increased by diabetes. To clarify the mechanism of oxidation, rabbit lenses were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for 48 h, and proteins were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for ALL, 2-AAA, and multiple glycation products. Upon exposure to HBO, rabbit lenses were swollen, and nuclei were yellow. Protein-bound ALL increased 8-fold in the nuclear protein fractions versus controls. A dramatic increase in methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone and carboxyethyl-lysine but no increase of 2-AAA occurred, suggesting more drastic conditions are needed to oxidize ALL into 2-AAA. Indeed the latter formed only upon depletion of glutathione and was catalyzed by H2O2. Neither carboxymethyl-lysine nor glyoxal hydroimidazolone, two markers of glyco-/lipoxidation, nor markers of lenticular glycemia (fructose-lysine, glucospane) were elevated by HBO, excluding significant lipid peroxidation and glucose involvement. The findings strongly implicate dicarbonyl/metal catalyzed oxidation of lysine to allysine, whereby low GSH combined with ascorbate-derived H2O2 likely contributes toward 2-AAA formation, since virtually no 2-AAA formed in the presence of methylglyoxal instead of ascorbate. An important translational conclusion is that chelating agents might help delay nuclear sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experiments were performed in an entrained flow reactor to better understand the characteristics of biomass gasification. Rice husk was used in this study. Effects of the gasification temperature (700, 800, 900 and 1000°C) and the equivalence ratio in the range of 0.22∼0.34 on the biomass gasification and the axial gas distribution in the reactor were studied. The results showed that reactions of CnHm were less important in the gasification process except cracking reactions which occurred at higher temperature. In the oxidization zone, reactions between char and oxygen had a more prevailing role. The optimal gasification temperature of the rice husk could be above 900°C, and the optimal value of ER was 0.25. The gasification process was finished in 1.42s when the gasification temperature was above 800°C. A first order kinetic model was developed for describing rice husk air gasification characteristics and the relevant kinetic parameters were determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of coals and biomass was studied using thermogravimetric analysis with the distributed activation energy model. The integral method resulted in Datong bituminous coal conversions of 3–73% at activation energies of 100–486kJ/mol. The corresponding frequency factors were e19.5–e59.0 s−1. Jindongnan lean coal conversions were 8–52% at activation energies of 100–462kJ/mol. Their corresponding frequency factors were e13.0–e55.8 s−1. The conversion of corn-stalk skins were 1–84% at activation energies of 62–169kJ/mol with frequency factors of e10.8–e26.5 s−1. Datong bituminous coal, Jindongnan lean coal and corn-stalk skins had approximate Gaussian distribution functions with linear ln k 0 to E relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To develop early diagnostic reagents, effective vaccines, and even drugs against SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the human single fold single-chain antibody fragments, (scFv) libraries I+J (Tomlinson I+J) were used to identify novel scFvs, which can specifically bind to SARS-CoV. Interestingly, two scFvs (B5 and B9) exhibited higher binding specificity to SARS-CoV with the OD450 value 0.608 and 0.545, respectively, and their coding sequences shared the identical sequence composed of VH gene (351bp) and VL gene (327bp), so the two scFvs were uniformly named as SA59B and chosen for further analysis. SA59B scFv was expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli HB2151 and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The soluble 30kDa SA59B scFv-antibody was verified in SDS–PAGE and Western-blot. The purified SA59B scFv-antibody was labeled with HRP by the glutaraldehyde method, and the concentration of HRP and SA59B scFv-antibody in the SA59B-HRP solution reached 2.4 and 2.28mg/ml, respectively. Then, the binding ability of SA59B-HRP to SARS-CoV was evaluated by ELISA with S/N of 11.6, indicating higher binding specificity between them. Finally, both the SA59B sequence specificity and its application for diagnosis, prophylaxis or therapy of SARS were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous studies indicated that both inflammatory responses and hyperglycemia are involved in the similar pathophysiological mechanisms after onset of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However the relationship between hyperglycemia and inflammation remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the associations of hyperglycemia with inflammation and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with ICH. Patients with acute ICH were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical characteristics and imaging features were obtained. The associations between outcome and laboratory biomarkers were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Spearman analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to estimate the association of NLR and serum glucose. 175 patients were enrolled. Poor outcome occurred in 86 patients at 30 days. Elevated blood glucose level (BGL) and NLR were strongly associated with outcome in patients with ICH. Moreover, combined NLR-BGL exhibited a better predictive accuracy compared with the peripheral leukocyte counts. Furthermore, there was a robust association between BGL and NLR. We first demonstrated both of NLR and BGL were independently associated with each other. Our results indicate that inflammatory responses and the pathological process of hyperglycemia may influence each other by several complex pathological mechanisms and have a mutual promoting effect to secondary brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]