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Garlic suffers from frequent pathogenic diseases, seriously affecting its yield and quality. Biosurfactants have been reported with high antimicrobial activity and wide antimicrobial spectrum. Biosurfactant-producing bacteria existing in garlic farmland soil are expected to be used in control of garlic diseases. In this study, strain FA1 having high yield of biosurfactants was isolated from garlic farmland soil. Combined with morphological analysis and its 16S rDNA sequences analysis, the strain FA1 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. HPLC-MS analysis showed that biosurfactants produced from P. aeruginosa FA1 were presented rhamnolipids, mainly Rha-C8-C10, Rha-Rha-C8-C10, Rha-C10-C10 and Rha-Rha-C10-C10. The proportion of mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids was about 1 : 1. P. aeruginosa FA1 can produce 7.96 g/L of rhamnolipids. The FA1 rhamnolipids can decrease the air-water surface tension to 27.5 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration of 50 mg/L. Through the agar diffusion method, P. aeruginosa FA1 exhibited high antimicrobial activity with diameters of inhibition zones larger than 20 mm to both the garlic potential pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Rhamnolipids produced from P. aeruginosa FA1 induced the potential pathogens to generate higher level of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), thus, exerting antimicrobial effects. P. aeruginosa FA1 can highly produce rhamnolipids biosurfactants and exhibit high antimicrobial effect to the garlic potential pathogens. This study verified that indigenous biosurfactant-producing bacteria from garlic farmland soil were feasible and effective to control garlic potential pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the characteristic relaxation time of free electrons in a dense plasma is crucial to our understanding of plasma equilibration and transport. However, experimental investigations of electron relaxation dynamics have been hindered by the ultrafast, sub-femtosecond timescales on which these interactions typically take place. Here, we propose a novel approach that uses x rays from a free electron laser to generate well-defined non-thermal electron distributions, which can then be tracked via emission spectroscopy from radiative recombination as they thermalize. Collisional radiative simulations reveal how this method can enable the measurement of electron relaxation timescales in situ, shedding light on the applicability and accuracy of the Coulomb logarithm framework for modeling collisions in dense plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Unusually, there are still certain characteristics of the changing-look (CL) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that remain undetected. Consequently, the trigger mechanism behind the CL phenomenon observed in partial AGNs remains unknown. Aims. We explore the light curve and spectral energy distribution (SED) of the CL blazar OQ 334 as obtained by Fermi-LAT. Methods. By examining the variability of the equivalent width (EW), we categorise the Fermi-LAT light curves of OQ 334 during the epoch of MJD 54628−58677 into seven distinct epochs, including the flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) state, the transition state, and the BL Lac state. We obtained both a Fermi-LAT SED and a multi-wavelength SED for each of these distinct epochs. Results. The source exhibits a transformation from a quiescent state to a highly active state, as evidenced by the variability of the EW. The multi-wavelength SEDs display a prominent external Compton characteristic, even though the Fermi-LAT SED reveals both a FSRQ and a BL Lac state across the seven different epochs. To gain further insights, we employed a leptonic model that takes into account the soft photon fields originating from both synchrotron radiation and the external environment. By simulating the multi-wavelength SEDs for each epoch, we uncover the following results. Firstly, the energy density of the external photon fields evolves in an oscillatory manner over the seven different epochs. Also, the energy density of the external photon fields in the BL Lac state is lower than that in the FSRQ state. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the CL blazar represents a unique phase in the blazar sequence. Considering that the energy density of the external photon fields is proportional to the accretion rate, we propose that evidence for the interconversion of advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF) discs and standard Shakura–Sunyaev discs (SSDs), – as variations in accretion modes in the CL blazar – can be obtained through observations by Fermi-LAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarker potential of TIMP-2 in septic-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Healthy male rats (n=56, age 8-10 weeks, body weight 250-300 g) were randomized into 3 groups: controls (intact rats, n=6), sham-operated (SO, n=24), and sepsis model (cecum ligation and perforation, CLP, n=24). Thirty minutes before and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery, blood samples were collected to measure serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and TIMP-2 and the kidneys were isolated for histopathological analysis and Western blotting. The key sepsis-related genes were screened through bioinformatics analysis. In 24 and 48 h after surgery, 2 rats in the SO group reached the diagnostic criteria of AKI (increased levels of serum creatinine and BUN). In the CLP group, serum creatinine in 6 h after the surgery was slightly higher than 30 min before the surgery, but this change did not meet the diagnostic criteria for AKI. In the CLP group, BUN was normal 6 h after the surgery, but increased after 12 h. In more than 50% rats of the CLP group, serum creatinine and BUN significantly increased 12 h after operation, so this can be diagnosed as AKI. In rats of the CLP group, plasma TIMP-2 was elevated 6 h after surgery and increased with time, suggesting that plasma TIMP-2 can be used as an early marker of AKI. Histological examination of the kidneys in this group revealed destruction of the renal tubular structure, swelling of renal tubular epithelium, the disappearance of brush edge and collapse of necrotic epithelial cells, etc., and the degree of damage increased with time. Immunohistochemistry showed that TIMP-2 was expressed in rats of the CLP group at all terms of the experiment. The expression of TIMP-2 and pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, IL-1β, caspase-1, and GSDMD) in the CLP group was higher than in the SO group (p<0.05) and increased with time, suggesting that pyroptosis is involved in AKI. Thus, plasma TIMP-2 is sensitive indicator for the early detection of kidney injury and can be used as an early biomarker of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrathin (subwavelength) hierarchy multi-slit metamaterial with simultaneous negative effective density and negative compressibility is proposed to absorb sound over a wide frequency range. Different from conventional acoustic metamaterials having only negative real parts of acoustic parameters, the imaginary parts of effective density and compressibility are both negative for the proposed metamaterial, which result in superior viscous and thermal dissipation of sound energy. By combining the slit theory of sound absorption with the double porosity theory for porous media, a theoretical model is developed to investigate the sound absorption performance of the metamaterial. To verify the model, a finite element model is established to calculate the effective density, compressibility, and sound absorption of the metamaterial. It is theoretically and numerically confirmed that, upon introducing micro-slits into the meso-slits matrix, the multi-slit metamaterial possesses indeed negative imaginary parts of effective density and compressibility. The influence of micro-slits on the acoustical performance of the metamaterial is analyzed in the context of its specific surface area and static flow resistivity. This work shows great potential of multi-slit metamaterials in noise control applications that require both small volume and small weight of sound-absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrathin (subwavelength) hierarchy multi-slit metamaterial with simultaneous negative effective density and negative compressibility is proposed to absorb sound over a wide frequency range. Different from conventional acoustic metamaterials having only negative real parts of acoustic parameters, the imaginary parts of effective density and compressibility are both negative for the proposed metamaterial, which result in superior viscous and thermal dissipation of sound energy. By combining the slit theory of sound absorption with the double porosity theory for porous media, a theoretical model is developed to investigate the sound absorption performance of the metamaterial. To verify the model, a finite element model is established to calculate the effective density, compressibility, and sound absorption of the metamaterial. It is theoretically and numerically confirmed that, upon introducing micro-slits into the meso-slits matrix, the multi-slit metamaterial possesses indeed negative imaginary parts of effective density and compressibility. The influence of micro-slits on the acoustical performance of the metamaterial is analyzed in the context of its specific surface area and static flow resistivity. This work shows great potential of multi-slit metamaterials in noise control applications that require both small volume and small weight of sound-absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the photon storage and current oscillation characteristics of a quantum effect photodetector and studies the high-sensitivity characteristics of the detector based on device model. The photodetector adopts AlAs/GaAs/AlAs double-barrier structure, and there is an InAs quantum dots and In0.15Ga0.85 As quantum well in the GaAs wide well. In the bias voltage range of −1.5 ∼ 1 V, the dark current is about 0.1 pA, when the device is biased at −1.15 V, and the dark current of the device is 4.86 × 10−15 A. Under 632.8 nm laser irradiation, when the optical power is 0.01 pW, the current responsivity is 5.69 × 107 A/W, which has a large photoconductive gain. After the readout circuit and the photodetector are docked and packaged, it is found that the response voltage has a linear relationship with the integration time and the irradiation power. Based on the 1 × 64 quantum dots photodetector array and readout circuit, a miniature quantum dots spectrometer was developed and the high-sensitivity characteristics of the photodetector were verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel trienone curcumin analogues 1, based on Claisen–Schmidt condensations of cinnamaldehyde, arylaldehyde, and acetone, is prepared and the crystal structure of 1a is determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 18.120(5) Å, b = 14.624(4) Å, c = 5.8926(16) Å, β = 97.686(3)°, Z = 4, V = 1547.3(7) Å3, Dc = 1.265 mg/m3, μ = 0.243 mm–1, F(000) = 616, final R = 0.0449 and wR = 0.1109 for 2156 observed reflections (I > 2σ(I)). In addition, molecular docking of compounds 1a, 1d and IKKβ protein are performed in CDOCKER of Discovery Studio 4.5 and the three-dimensional crystal structures of the cancer factor-human kinase-β enzyme IKKβ (PDB: 4KIK) are obtained. Furthermore, the antitumor activities of 1a and 1d are evaluated by the CCK-8 assay against human cancer cell line A549 in vitro, indicating that the small molecules have a moderate antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the photon storage and current oscillation characteristics of a quantum effect photodetector and studies the high-sensitivity characteristics of the detector based on device model. The photodetector adopts AlAs/GaAs/AlAs double-barrier structure, and there is an InAs quantum dots and In0.15Ga0.85 As quantum well in the GaAs wide well. In the bias voltage range of −1.5 ∼ 1 V, the dark current is about 0.1 pA, when the device is biased at −1.15 V, and the dark current of the device is 4.86 × 10−15 A. Under 632.8 nm laser irradiation, when the optical power is 0.01 pW, the current responsivity is 5.69 × 107 A/W, which has a large photoconductive gain. After the readout circuit and the photodetector are docked and packaged, it is found that the response voltage has a linear relationship with the integration time and the irradiation power. Based on the 1 × 64 quantum dots photodetector array and readout circuit, a miniature quantum dots spectrometer was developed and the high-sensitivity characteristics of the photodetector were verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the ability of detailed routine ultrasound examination, performed without knowledge of maternal serology and fetal status, with that of targeted prenatal imaging performed in prenatal diagnostic units in cases of known fetal infection to identify cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected fetuses that will develop long-term sequelae.Methods: All prenatal imaging reports were collected for 255 children with congenital CMV in a registered cohort between 2013 and 2017 (NCT01923636). All women had undergone detailed routine fetal ultrasound examination at 20-24 and 30-34 weeks as part of routine antenatal care. All cases of known fetal CMV infection had also undergone targeted prenatal ultrasound examination. Postnatal structured follow-up for up to 48 months of age involved clinical, audiological and neurological assessment, including Brunet-Lezine scoring. Long-term sequelae (> 12 months) were considered to be mild in cases with isolated unilateral hearing loss and/or vestibular disorders, and severe in cases with bilateral hearing loss and/or neurological sequelae. All imaging reports were analyzed retrospectively with the knowledge of congenital CMV infection, searching for reference to findings that were, or could have been, related to fetal infection. Findings were analyzed in relation to whether the cases were diagnosed with CMV in utero or only postnatally.Results: There were 237 children with complete follow-up data (> 12 months), for a median of 24 (range, 12-48) months. Of these, 30% (71/237) were diagnosed with CMV prenatally and 70% (166/237) were diagnosed within 3 weeks after birth. 72.5% (29/40) of children with long-term sequelae, including 74% (14/19) with severe long-term sequelae, were not identified in the prenatal period. Among those diagnosed prenatally, the sensitivity of prenatal imaging for predicting long-term sequelae and severe long-term sequelae was 91% and 100%, respectively, while, in the group diagnosed only postnatally, non-specific infection-related ultrasound findings had been reported without raising suspicion in 48% of cases with long-term sequelae and 64% of those with severe long-term sequelae.Conclusions: Routine detailed ultrasound examination in pregnancy is not an appropriate screening tool for congenital CMV infection that leads to long-term sequelae, in contrast with the high performance of targeted prenatal imaging in known cases of fetal infection. The non-specific nature of ultrasound features of CMV and their evolution, and a lack of awareness of caregivers about congenital CMV, are likely explanations. Awareness of the sonologist regarding congenital CMV and knowledge of the maternal serological status in the first trimester seem key to the performance of prenatal ultrasound. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to calibrate the error model coefficients of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the precision centrifuge accurately, the error sources of the precision centrifuge are analyzed first. Combined with the error models of the inertial instruments (liquid floated gyroscope and quartz accelerometer) in the platform inertial navigation system, the calibration model of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the centrifuge, i.e., the state equation and observation equation, is deduced. The Euler angles of the platform, the error model coefficients of the inertial instruments, the installation errors of the instruments, and especially the centrifuge errors are taken as the state variables of the system, and the outputs of the accelerometers, and the Euler angles of the platform are taken as the observation variables. Then, the calibration scheme of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the centrifuge is designed, and the corresponding simulation analysis is carried out. The error model coefficients of the instruments are estimated by the extended Kalman filter. The influence of centrifuge errors on the calibration results is analyzed, which verified that the proposed method can effectively eliminate the influence. Thereby, the calibration accuracy of the inertial navigation platform system is improved, especially high-order error coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory dysfunction caused by high spinal cord injury is fatal damage. Three treatment methods commonly used in the clinic, diaphragm pacing, mechanical ventilation, and respiratory muscle training, were chosen to explain the respiratory function reconstruction of spinal cord injury. The characteristics, research status, advantages, and disadvantages of these three treatment methods are reviewed. Diaphragm pacing technology has attracted much attention due to its price-friendly, efficient, and closer to physiological respiration. Therefore, the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of the stimulation waveform of diaphragm pacing and the mathematical correspondence between stimulation parameters (pulse interval, inspiratory time, etc.) and tidal volume. Meanwhile, it also briefly introduces that for patients with SCI with poor diaphragm pacing, intercostal muscle pacing can be used as the second option to restore respiratory function. Also, the development of electronic technology has promoted the emergence of closed-loop diaphragm pacing technology. Finally, we propose that the method of respiratory function reconstruction after spinal cord injury should pay more attention to physiology and the safety of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serrated flow has been observed during non monotonic tensile tests of an Al-Cu aluminium alloy in the naturally aged state. The associated propagative localisation bands were observed by digital image correlation (DIC). In particular, the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect and also Lüders bands were observed in interrupted tests during which the specimen was held for a length of time and also in tests with partial unloading followed by a holding time. Increasing strain rate jumps also triggered the PLC effect. These observations indicate the existence of the PLC effect in this material which was formerly considered insensitive to it at room temperature under monotonic loading conditions. There is no evidence of PLC serrations during constant strain rate tests. A strain ageing finite element model is used that captures the experimentally found PLC triggering effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: This study aimed to strengthen the reducing equivalent generation in Klebsiella pneumoniae for improving 1,3‐propanediol (PDO) production. Methods and Results: Disruption of the arcA gene activated the transcription levels of the TCA cycle genes and thus increased the NADH/NAD+ ratio by 54·2%, leading to the improved PDO titre and yield per cell from 16·1 g l−1 and 4·0 g gDCW−1 to 18·8 g l−1 and 6·4 g gDCW−1 respectively. Further ldhA gene deletion eliminated lactate accumulation and promoted the PDO titre to 19·9 g l−1. Finally, the glucose effect was weakened by deleting the crr gene to enhance the co‐utilization of glucose and glycerol, resulting in the increased PDO production to 23·8 g l−1 with the glycerol conversion rate of 59·5%. The PDO titre in bioreactor was promoted from 61·2 to 78·1 g l−1. Conclusions: Deletions of the arcA and the crr genes showed positive effects on the TCA cycle activity and the co‐utilization of glucose and glycerol, leading to the strengthened reducing equivalent generation and the improved PDO titre by 47·8% in shaker. The PDO titre in the bioreactor was enhanced to 78·1 g l−1. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provided novel information on generating reducing equivalent for the PDO biosynthesis by strengthening the TCA cycle and weakening the glucose effect in K. pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report primary and secondary nanoscale phase separation in Cu 46 Zr 46 Al 8 (at.%) bulk metallic glass (BMG) achieved by altering the casting temperature. The BMG rods were cast by using the melting currents of 160 A and 220 A which provide, respectively, higher and lower cooling rates. The transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that the higher cooling rate conditions brings a primary phase separation of nanoscale Cu-rich amorphous regions which are evenly dispersed in the Cu-depleted amorphous matrix phase. However, lower cooling rates results in a bimodal microstructure comprising coarsened primary-separated nanograins and very fine secondary-separated nanograins throughout the amorphous matrix containing nanocrystals of smaller than 5 nm in size. This unique microstructure developed under lower cooling rates gives lower relaxation enthalpy, higher short-range ordering, and enhanced strain-hardening. Our study emphasizes the significant role of casting temperature on controlling the morphology of nanoscale phase separation in BMGs. • The effects of quenching conditions on the phase separation of Cu 46 Zr 46 Al 8 (at.%) BMG rods were studied. • Higher melt temperature (lower cooling rate) decreases relaxation and crystallization enthalpies. • Primary and secondary phase separation was observed at lower cooling rate conditions. • The underlying mechanism for the observed phase separations was delineated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal energy storage (TES) using a phase change material (PCM) has been proposed as a supplemental cooling system to improve the performance of power plant air-cooled condensers (ACCs). In this proposed system, frozen PCM would remove heat from plant's condensing steam during the day, which would melt the PCM. The PCM would be frozen at night as its stored heat is rejected to the cooler atmosphere. Calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2 · 6H2O) is an attractive material to serve as a PCM in this innovative system due to its appropriate melting temperature, low price, and relatively high latent heat of fusion. The corrosion of container materials is a major challenge in using CaCl2 · 6H2O. Any material used needs to survive constant exposure to the salt for several years to ensure a long operational life for the system. In this study, the corrosion behavior of four metals in contact with CaCl2 · 6H2O was experimentally investigated. Three different temperature conditions and two pH level conditions were considered under static metal exposure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxins produced by Rhizoctonia solani are important causal agents of rice sheath blight. Effective detection of such toxins could improve the determination of the virulence of this agronomically important fungal pathogen. As such, the objective of the current study was to investigate the use of a variety of plant species [annual sowthistle ( Sonchus oleraceus L.), Chinese cabbage ( Brassica chinensis), spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L. var. sativa), long leaf lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort) and tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum)] for qualitative detection of R. solani crude toxins (RHCT) to replace the current rice leaf sheath based assay. This is constrained as rice plant takes long time to grow before the leaf sheath can be harvested From the initial screen, it was found that detached lettuce leaves provided the best alternative to rice material. Quantitative determination of RHCT activity by the phosphorus extravasation method was then performed on both rice ( Oryza sativa L.) and lettuce. The results demonstrated that the detached lettuce leaves had the advantages of fast onset of symptoms, high sensitivity and non-perishability after inoculation. The quantity of phosphorus exosmosis observed in both lettuce leaves and rice leaf sheaths were significantly positively correlated. These data indicate that lettuce leaves can be used as a substitute material for rice leaf sheaths, with which to study the RHCT both qualitatively and quantitatively. The current study provides a new way to qualitatively and quantitatively detect RHCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The Asian citrus psyllid ( ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama transmits the bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las), which causes citrus huanglongbing ( HLB) disease. Although many studies have been conducted on the biology of ACP on different host plants, few have taken the plant, Las bacteria and the vector insect within one context to evaluate the effects of Las on the fitness of ACP under field conditions. Understanding the relationship between Las and ACP is critical for both ACP and HLB disease management. Methods and Results We estimated the development and survival of ACP immatures, the longevity and fecundity of ACP female adults in four treatments (Las-positive or -negative ACP on Las-infected and -free citrus plants). Las-positive ACP immatures developed significantly faster on Las-infected citrus than those on Las-free plants. The fecundity and longevity of Las-positive female adults were also greater, or longer on Las-infected citrus shoots, whereas the survival of Las-positive immatures was significantly lower on Las-infected citrus shoots, compared to those that developed on Las-free plants. Similarly, the intrinsic rate of population increase ( rm) was highest (0·1404) when Las-positive ACP fed on Las-infected citrus shoots and the lowest (0·1328) when the Las-negative ACP fed on Las-free citrus shoots. Conclusions Both the Las infection in ACP and citrus plants had obvious effects on the biology of ACP. When compared to the Las infection in ACP insects, the Las infection in citrus shoots had a more significant effect on the fitness of ACP. Significance and Impact of the Study To efficiently prevent the occurrence and spread of HLB disease, it is critical to understand the ecological basis of vector outbreaks and disease incidence, especially under field conditions. Thus, this study has increased our understanding of the epidemiology of HLB transmitted by psyllids in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural 3 (NS3) protease inhibitor (PI) combined with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PR) has been approved for chronic HCV genotype (GT) 1b infection, a reliable and clinically useful predictor combining with serum HCV RNA to predict early virologic response, breakthrough, and relapse is important during HCV antiviral treatment. We evaluated the role of HCV NS3 antigen (HCV NS3Ag) on the prediction of virologic response in patients with HCV GT1b during PR or PR/simeprevir (triple) therapy. Three hundred patients were recruited, and HCV RNA and HCV NS3Ag were tested at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72. NS3Ag and HCV RNA were significantly related (r = 0.67) in the whole patient selection. The kinetic pattern of HCV RNA and HCV NS3Ag during triple treatment was similar. HCV NS3Ag levels in the triple group closely followed those of HCV RNA; the r values were 0.756 (baseline), 0.837 (2 weeks), 0.989 (4 weeks), and 0.993 (12 weeks), respectively. For patients treated with PR, the positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) for viral response were 96.31 % and 67.19 %, respectively, at week 4 by using the decrease of NS3Ag (dHCV NS3Ag) combined with HCV RNA. At week 12, the PPV was similar at 94.16 %, while the NPV reached 87.26 %. The PPV and NPV for the prediction of relapse and breakthrough were 90.6 % and 76.7 %, respectively. HCV NS3Ag is a valuable marker and could be a supplementary predictor of HCV RNA for the prediction of antiviral response, breakthrough, or relapse during HCV antiviral treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Young ischaemic stroke patients often suffer from cognitive impairment after stroke. However, the risk factors of cognitive impairment are still unclear. This study examined the impact of vascular risk factors ( VRFs) on cognitive impairment in first-ever young ischaemic stroke patients. Methods Subjects were divided into low (0-1 VRF, n = 27), medium (2-3 VRFs, n = 45) and high-risk (≥4 VRFs, n = 12) groups according to their number of VRFs. The following VRFs were collected: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, atrial fibrillation, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia. A battery of cognitive assessments was executed 2 weeks after stroke. Differences of cognitive performances between groups were compared. The correlation between VRFs and cognitive function was investigated with an emphasis on discovering the main VRFs. Results Eighty-four patients were enrolled in this study eventually. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group had significantly worse performance in most of the cognitive domains. VRFs had a correlation with general cognition, executive function, attention and verbal fluency. After adjusting the covariates, VRFs showed a linear correlation with global cognitive function ( R = 0.640, P = 0.000), verbal fluency ( R = 0.372, P = 0.000), delayed memory ( R = 0.327, P = 0.002), visual attention ( R = 0.290, P = 0.007) and executive function ( R = 0.266, P = 0.015). Amongst all the VRFs, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia were the main influencing VRFs. Conclusion Vascular risk factors aggravate cognitive impairment after young ischaemic stroke. Effective management of VRFs in young adults is urgent and this may reduce the cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation instigated by interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells is central to the development and pathogenesis of several human autoimmune diseases and animal models of autoimmunity. The expansion of IL-17-producing cells from healthy donors is reportedly promoted by mesenchymal stem cells derived from fetal bone marrow. In the present study, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were examined for their effects on lymphocytes from healthy donors and from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Significantly higher levels of IL-17 were produced when CD4+ T cells from healthy donors were co-cultured with hUC-MSCs than those that were cultured alone. Blocking experiments identified that this effect might be mediated partially through prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL-1β, without IL-23 involvement. We then co-cultured hUC-MSCs with human CD4+ T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Ex-vivo inductions of IL-17 by hUC-MSCs in stimulated lymphocytes were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy donors. This effect was not observed for IL-23. Taken together, our results represent that hUC-MSCs can promote the IL-17 production from CD4+ T cells in both healthy donor and SLE patients. PGE2 and IL-1β might also be partially involved in the promotive effect of hUC-MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to hydrogen production using an integrated pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process is described. The aqueous stream generated during pyrolysis of switchgrass was used as a substrate for hydrogen production in a microbial electrolysis cell, achieving a maximum hydrogen production rate of 4.3 L H 2 /L anode-day at a loading of 10 g COD/L-anode-day. Hydrogen yields ranged from 50 ± 3.2% to 76 ± 0.5% while anode Coulombic efficiency ranged from 54 ± 6.5% to 96 ± 0.21%, respectively. Significant conversion of furfural, organic acids and phenolic molecules was observed under both batch and continuous conditions. The electrical and overall energy efficiency ranged from 149–175% and 48–63%, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the pyrolysis–microbial electrolysis process as a sustainable and efficient route for production of renewable hydrogen with significant implications for hydrocarbon production from biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-chemical regulation technology uses three common chemical preparations, i.e., polyacrylamide (PAM), superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and fulvic acid (FA), applied in agricultural production to regulate the use of water and fertilizer in a soil-crop system. The goal of this technology is to increase the efficiency of water and fertilizer utilization for crops and improve crop yield, which is constructively significant to agriculture in the arid lands of northern China. In this article, a local crop of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) in the dry farmland in northern China was selected as the research subject. Nine types of combined application modes using PAM, SAP, and FA and twenty types of combined application modes using SAP and FA were designed to study the effect of multi-chemical regulation technology on soil water, fertilizer usage, and crop yield. The duration of the field experiment was three years (i.e., 2012 to 2014), and the experiment assessed the overall effects of multi-chemical regulation technology. The results showed that the treatment groups exhibited significant effects on the water and fertilizer content in the soil and on the crop yield compared to the control group that received no chemical preparations. Applications using a combination of SAP and FA produced the highest yield increase in the rainfed maize field and effectively reduced the amount of irrigation and fertilizer needed to produce the crop. Based on the developed regression model, a combination of 93.38 kg km-2 SAP, 23.03 kg km-2 FA, and 376.88 kg km-2 fertilizer was expected to produce the highest maize yield (i.e., 1.36 kg m-2); this optimal configuration was verified with a field verification test (RMSE = 0.03). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetics of reaction and catalyst deactivation were determined based on the dehydrogenation ofC10−C13heavy paraffins to the corresponding mono-olefins, and Powell method was used to optimize the parameters. Activation energy and pre-exponential factor presented linear relationship with carbon number. The results showed that dehydrogenation became easier with the increase of carbon number of heavy paraffin and the deactivation of catalyst became slower with the increase of LHSV and pressure. The validation of kinetic model showed it was in good accordance with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) has emerged as an important pathogen that affects humans and animals, including aquatic species. In August 2011, a severe infectious disease affecting rabbits, which caused 42% mortality, occurred in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China. The main clinical signs included acute respiratory distress syndrome, fever, paddling and convulsions. A Gram-positive, chain-forming coccus was isolated from the primary organs and tissues of diseased rabbits and then identified as S. agalactiae by morphology, biochemical and physiological characteristics, 16 S r DNA and gyr B gene sequences analysis. All isolates of S. agalactiae showed a similar antibiotic susceptibility, which were sensitive to florfenicol, ampicillin,gentamicin and norfloxacin, as well as being resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin and tetracycline. To our knowledge, this is the first report on S. agalactiae natural infection in domestic rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites under consideration consist of a poroelastic matrix in which poroelastic inclusions are embedded via a poroelastic transition layer of small uniform thickness. A prototype of such poroelastic composites is concrete in which aggregates are often bonded to a cement paste through an interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In this work, the poroelastic transition layer is replaced by an interface of zero thickness described by the poroelastic coherent imperfect interface model. According to this model, the displacement and pore pressure are continuous across the interface but the traction and normal fluid flux suffer interfacial jumps. The main objective of this work is to propose an efficient numerical solution to the problem of poroelastic composites with coherent imperfect interface under the regime of undrained saturation. To this end, the weak formulations are first established for the relevant boundary value problems of linear poroelasticity and fluid transport. The extended finite element method (XFEM) and level-set method (LSM) are then used to elaborate a numerical procedure. The accuracy and convergence rate of this procedure are analyzed with the aid of a benchmark problem whose analytical exact solution is derived. The numerical procedure proposed turns out to be efficient in capturing the interfacial discontinuities and computing the elastic and transport fields, and can be applied, for example, to solving the important problem of homogenizing poroelastic composites with coherent imperfect interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two low power‐delay‐product (PDP) dynamic CMOS circuit design techniques are proposed. The techniques can simply modify existing dynamic CMOS designs to improve dynamic circuit delay and PDP. Conventional benchmark circuits and the modified circuits using the proposed techniques are implemented in 90 nm CMOS technology with a 1.2 V power supply. Simulation results indicate that the proposed techniques can improve circuit PDP by 19.2 and 61.9% in two non‐inverted dynamic benchmarks, respectively, and 6.2 and 33.72% in two inverted dynamic benchmarks, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comparative study for the electrochemical insertion of different cations into a nanostructured vanadium oxide material. The oxide is hydrothemally synthesized and electrically characterized by variable temperature measurements. The electrochemical reactions are performed in aqueous chloride solutions of lithium, sodium, potassium, and ammonium, and the electrochemical behavior of various cycles are correlated with visual changes in the vanadium oxide nanosheets as observed by scanning electron microscopy. We note an increase in the specific charge per cycle in the cases of sodium and ammonium ions only, correlated with minimal physical changes to the nanosheets. The differing behavior of the various ions has implications for their use in electrical energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large magnetic modulation, accompanied by stable bipolar resistive switching (RS) behavior, was observed in a Mn:ZnO film by applying a reversible electric field. A significant enhancement of the ferromagnetism of the film, to about five times larger than that in the initial (as-grown) state (IS), was obtained by switching the film into the low resistance state. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated the existence of abundant oxygen vacancies in the IS of the film. We suggest that this electric field-induced magnetic switching effect originates with the migration and redistribution of oxygen vacancies during RS. Our work indicates that electric switching is an effective and simple method to increase the ferromagnetism of diluted magnetic oxide films. This provides a promising direction for research in spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to effectively increase coal rate, replacement ratio of coal, and reduce the cost in a blast furnace, the injecting properties of a certain rank of coals, such as anthracite, meager-lean coal, bituminous coal, and their blends, have been evaluated one by one in this article. The results show that anthracite, meager-lean coal, and bituminous coal have different characteristics. The injecting properties, such as igniting point, explosivity, grindability, combustion characteristic, reactivity, etc., can be optimized to some extent with the different mixing proportion of the studied coals. Among them, combustion characteristic and reactivity are of vital importance because they are closely related to burning ratio. According to proper matching and integrated evaluation, the reasonable ratio of anthracite, meager-lean coal, and bituminous coal is chosen for improving coal rate in a blast furnace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To utilized a bridged-ligand of 1,8-naphthalate dianion (NAPH) as building block by self-assembly technology, a new binuclear copper(II) compound [Cu(μ-NAPH)(DMF)(HO)] ( I) has been constructed and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex I crystallizes in monoclinic, space group C2/ c, with a = 17.822(9), b = 9.964(5), c = 23.194(11) Å and β = 102.385(5)°. Magnetic measurements confirm that I presents a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the paramagnetic ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Interaction forces between an air bubble and a spherical particle of moderate and tuneable surface charge density and hydrophobicity in aqueous solutions were measured using atomic force microscopy. Bitumen coated silica spheres were used as model particles of tuneable charge density and hydrophobicity due to pH-dependent ionisation of carboxylic acids at bitumen–water interfaces. The measured force profiles showed a long-range repulsion prior to jump into contact, indicating the rupture of intervening liquid film between the bitumen and bubble surfaces. The long-range repulsive force increased with increasing pH. The measured force profiles were analysed by adopting the model originally developed by White and co-workers to account for deformation and change in shape of bubbles before rupture of the intervening liquid film. Satisfactory agreement between the theory and measured force profiles was obtained, showing the suitability of the model to describe the measured interaction forces. The model was then used to study the physical parameters on the particle–bubble interaction forces prior to three phase contact line (TPCL) formation. The hydrophobic decay length, surface potential and size of bubble and probe particles, and ionic strength of the medium (KCl concentration) were found to have a strong influence on the predicted force profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New oxamido-bridged binuclear Cu-Cu complexes, [Cu(Oxen)Cu(Bipy)](ClO) ( I) and [Cu(Oxen)Cu(4,4′-Bipy)(HO)](ClO) ( II) (Oxen is N,N′-bis(2-aminoethyl)oxamide dianion, Bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-Bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been constructed and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In these two complexes, each Cu ion is located in a slightly distorted square-pyramidal environment. Complex I is extended to two-dimensional by face-to-face π-π-stacking with a distance of 3.648 II is raised to one-dimensional by face-to-face π-π-stacking and intermolecular H-bonding interaction with distances of 3.651 and 2.767 I is also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bimetallic CrYb coordination compound containing a 3 d-4 f heterometallic CrYb cationic cluster has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystal structure was determined by X-ray analysis. Results denote that the complex consists of an original [CrYb] moiety with a trigonal-bipyramidal topology of the [CrYb(μ-OOCCH)(μ-OH)(HO)] core, an isolated [Cr(CN)] anion, and four molecular neutral 4,4′-bipyridene (Bipy) ligands, namely, [CrYb(μ-OOCCH)(μ-OH)(HO)][Cr(CN)] · 4Bipy · 13HO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel N-planar Cu(II) macrocyclic fragment, namely, [CuL](ClO) (I) (L = 4-methyl-1,3,6,8,11,14-hexaazatricyclo[12.2.1.1)octadecane has been prepared from a simple template condensation reaction and structurally characterized for the first time. The complex of I crystallizes in the monoclinic system of space group P2/ c with unit cell parameters: a = 17.124(10), b = 9.255(5), c = 14.053(8) Å and β = 111.262(7)°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding of Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) to its cognate receptors ErbB-3 and -4 mediates intercellular and intracellular communication. In vitro, this interaction has been shown to control prolactin (PRL) secretion from pituitary tumour cells. However, Nrg1/ErbB signalling and its function in vivo are not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that type I and III Nrg1 isoforms were expressed in the rat anterior pituitary. We observed that Nrg1 positive gonadotrophs can form contacts with lactotrophs, which are positive for ErbB-3 receptor. In addition, we show that gonadotroph cell-derived Nrg1 regulates the secretion of an 18 kDa form of PRL from pituitary lactosomatotroph GH3 cells in vitro. The results obtained strongly suggest that gonadotrophs are the major source of Nrg1 in the normal anterior pituitary and that Nrg1 may function as a paracrine/juxtacrine regulator of PRL secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Mo-Eu bimetallic chain, {[Eu(Phen)(DMF)][Mo(CN)] · i-CHOH · 3HO} ( I) (DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide; Phen = phenanthroline), has been constructed by the reaction of [Mo(CN)] with Eu and phenanthroline in mixed solvent DMF/ i-CHOH. Complex I is confirmed as a chain structure by X-ray structural analysis. The neighboring chains interact with each other by one type of face-to-face π...π stack with the distance of 3.5522(10) Å. Thus complex I has been extended to a 2D networ k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

novel Mn mixed salt, {[( n-Bu4N)(ClO)][MnO(Tacn)](ClO)} · 2HO ( I) and its analogue [MnO(Tacn)](ClO) · 2HO ( II) (Tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), have been constructed and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The [MnO] core of these two complexes presents an adamantine-like skeleton. Each Mn atom of both complexes is coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of Tacn and connects other Mn atoms through a single-oxo bridge in an octahedral environment. Two complexes crystallize in monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/ c with a = 24.296(11) Å, b = 10.986(5) Å, c = 32.746(15) Å, β = 101.975(6)°, Z = 8 for I and space group P2/ n with a = 21.141(10), b = 11.306(5), c = 21.576(10) Å, β = 111.155(5)°, Z = 4 for II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By fitting the revised Hipparcos intermediate astrometric data (HIAD), we obtain the photocentric orbital solutions of some single-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB1s) in the 9th Catalogue of Orbits of Spectroscopic Binaries (SB9). For SB1s with relatively small magnitude difference between the two components, we find that the primary orbit is not a good approximation of the photocentric orbit in their orbit determination and suggest that future spectroscopic observations and advanced spectral separation techniques should be applied to these systems. In order to facilitate these future observations, we also estimate the full orbital solutions and provide the observational ephemerides. As an example, we give the result for HIP 113860. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress-magnetism effect is a fundamental principle in metal magnetic memory testing technology, which is also a key issue in the life assessment of ferromagnetic materials. Curves of magnetising status versus stress in different environmental magnetic fields were studied for 20# steel ferromagnetic specimens. It was found that influences of the environmental magnetic field on the stress-magnetism effect were very obvious. It shows that testing and estimating of metal magnetic memory testing technology is related to the geomagnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) stimulates the expression of pro-fibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) during the course of renal disease. Because sphingosine kinase-1 (SK-1) activity is also upregulated by TGF-beta, we studied its effect on CTGF expression and on the development of renal fibrosis. When TGF-beta2 was added to an immortalized human podocyte cell line we found that it activated the promoter of SK-1, resulting in upregulation of its mRNA and protein expression. Further, depletion of SK-1 by small interfering RNA or its pharmacological inhibition led to accelerated CTGF expression in the podocytes. Over-expression of SK-1 reduced CTGF induction, an effect mediated by intracellular sphingosine-1-phosphate. In vivo, SK-1 expression was also increased in the podocytes of kidney sections of patients with diabetic nephropathy when compared to normal sections of kidney obtained from patients with renal cancer. Similarly, in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy, SK-1 and CTGF were upregulated in podocytes. In SK-1 deficient mice, exacerbation of disease was detected by increased albuminuria and CTGF expression when compared to wild-type mice. Thus, SK-1 activity has a protective role in the fibrotic process and its deletion or inhibition aggravates fibrotic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of DC current sensor for 10 000 A, which integrates the advantages of DC measurement devices based on the open-loop and closed-loop principle, is presented. One magnetic core carrying two windings is designed as a magnetic potential self-balance loop. In order to detect and compensate the remaining ampere-turns except magnetic potential self-balanced, two feedback compensation detection magnetic cores are designed as a feedback compensation loop. Its operation principle and characteristics, including stability, error analysis and dynamic response, are analysed in detail. Finally, its validity is verified by experiment and the results show that the measuring accuracy of the proposed DC sensor can be enhanced up to 0.13% whereas the accuracy of a conventional DC sensor is only 0.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new combinatorial technique has been developed for the parallel synthesis of multi-component solid-state inorganic materials. As an example to illustrate the utility of this new method, a phase relationship investigation for the ternary system Fe2O3–TiO2–Al2O3, is presented with a much wider composition range in comparison with the previous investigations by conventional means. The combinatorial composition spreading in a ternary system was realized by three combined triangular pyramid-shaped layers produced by the injection moulding technique in the final shape of a triangular prism, followed by a subsequent dividing and mixing process. The consistency of the phase relationship analyzed by XRD with the previous reports proved the reliability of the new combinatorial strategy. The samples were also characterized by SEM and ICP-AES. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A US patent was issued to a commercial dishwashing detergent composition in which soluble zinc serves as an anti-corrosion agent. Since the detergents are used in a down-the-drain fashion, some of the detergents are discharged as wastewater and treated in publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). A risk assessment was previously conducted which focused on the nitrification processes in US POTWs. As a conservative pollutant, zinc removed from wastewater during treatment is transferred to sludges and at sufficiently high concentrations may inhibit the sludge treatment processes. In the present assessment, a probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to quantitatively determine the risk of zinc in the detergents to the anaerobic digestion processes in US POTWs. The procedure for POTW local limit development designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was used as a reference when conducting the risk assessment. The assessment took into account the background zinc concentrations in POTW influents and was conducted at different market penetration rates (MPRs) for the US market of detergents based on the patented formula. Several factors were present that contributed to the conservativeness of the assessment. Results indicate that zinc in detergents does not present a significant risk to the anaerobic digestion processes in POTWs at a MPR up to 10%, with a probability of anaerobic digestion inhibition of below 1%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The search time of Encarsia bimaculata Heraty et Polaszek was examined and recorded by using filter paper discs in Petri dish arenas impregnated with Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) honeydew or its component carbohydrates. Our data show that E. bimaculata used honeydew as a contact kairomone to locate its host. Females responded quantitatively to the honeydew and the search time in the treated patches increased. This increase was concentration-dependent with regard to the amount of honeydew applied, but it levelled off 0.05 g/ml onwards. The response of E. bimaculata to honeydew decreased with increasing time after application and was significantly reduced 8 days after treatment. The parasitoid females were also arrested in patches treated with glucose, fructose, trehalulose and trehalose; trehalose elicited the highest response in the parasitoids. However, sucrose and low concentrations of melezitose did not elicit a significant effect. Glucose, sucrose, fructose, trehalose and trehalulose increased the longevity of the parasitoid females by a factor of 8.4, 8.1, 6.3, 6.1 and 4.2, respectively. Melezitose and 0.15 g/ml natural honeydew, however, had no effect on parasitoid lifespan. The effects of aqueous spray of honeydew sugars on egg to adult survivorship and parasitization of B. tabaci by E. bimaculata significantly differed when compared with controls only in cases where mixtures of glucose + fructose and trehalose and fructose + trehalose were applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, ceramic injection moulding was used to fabricate SiC preform for pressureless infiltration. The influence of various binder compositions consisting of paraffin wax (PW), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and stearic acid (SA) on the characteristics of injection moulded SiC feedstocks has been investigated over the 150–180°C temperature range and the 4–1259 s-1 shear range. The results show that all the feed stocks exhibit pseudoplastic flow behaviour. Compared with 65PW–15HDPE–5SA or 65PW–15PP–5SA, the wax based binder of multi polymer components (65PW–15HDPE–15PP–5SA) is a more suitable binder for SiC ceramic injection moulding due to its good comprehensive rheology and pyrolytic properties. Over a range of temperatures and shear rates, the feedstock made of 65PW–15PP–5SA binder has the lowest viscosity than the other two, which can be attributed to the low molecule weight of PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the spin oscillations of a quantum dot (QD) embedded in a superconducting ring. The dot is characterized by the Coulomb interaction and the gate voltage. The pairing potential is considered in the superconducting ring. We found that the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations depend sensitively on the pairing potential of superconducting lead, the coupling strength between the dot and superconducting lead. We also show that the magnetic moment on the dot can be controlled by changing the pairing potential of superconducting lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]