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An improved apparatus for measuring freezing points has been developed. Compared to the traditional Beckmann freezing point instrument, the improved one overcame prior difficulties with solidification of liquid and made the solid-liquid equilibrium reversible with heat compensation from a heating tube. The reliability and accuracy were carefully examined by determining the freezing point of the solvent and solution, as well as calculating the molar mass of the solute. It was found that the molar mass was in good agreement with the literature data. Thus, this improved device can effectively and successfully be used in undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells secrete osteoclastogenic factors that promote osteolytic lesions; however, the identity of these factors is largely unknown. Here, we performed a screen of human myeloma cells to identify pro-osteoclastogenic agents that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for ameliorating MM-associated bone disease. We found that myeloma cells express high levels of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-13 and determined that MMP-13 directly enhances osteoclast multinucleation and bone-resorptive activity by triggering upregulation of the cell fusogen DC-STAMP. Moreover, this effect was independent of the proteolytic activity of the enzyme. Further, in mouse xenograft models, silencing MMP-13 expression in myeloma cells inhibited the development of osteolytic lesions. In patient cohorts, MMP-13 expression was localized to BM-associated myeloma cells, while elevated MMP-13 serum levels were able to correctly predict the presence of active bone disease. Together, these data demonstrate that MMP-13 is critical for the development of osteolytic lesions in MM and that targeting the MMP-13 protein — rather than its catalytic activity — constitutes a potential approach to mitigating bone disease in affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let T be a formation and for a group G, we define F(G) be the intersection of the normalizers of the jF-residuals of all subgroups of G. Similar to the ascending center series, set F0(G) = 1 and define Fi+l(G)/Fi(G) = F(G/FZ(G)) for i > 1. By F8(G) denote the terminal term of the ascending series. In this paper, we give some applications on the subgroup F8(G) when F is the class of all abelian groups or the class of all nilpotent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the following concept is introduced: A subgroup H of G is said to be X-ss-permutable in G if there is a nonempty subset X of G and H is X-permutable with all Sylow subgroups of some supplement T of H to G. In this paper, groups with certain X-ss-permutable subgroups of prime power order are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a finite group. By using the concept of strong θ-completions for maximal subgroups of G, we obtain in this paper some new conditions under which G is solvable or supersolvable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subgroup H of the finite group G is said to be quasinormally (resp. S-quasinormally) embedded in G if for every Sylow subgroup P of H, there is a quasinormal (resp. S-quasinormal) subgroup K in G such that P is also a Sylow subgroup of K. Groups with certain quasinormally (resp. S-quasinormally) embedded subgroups of prime-power order are studied. For example, if a group G has a normal subgroup H such that G/ H ∈ ℱ and such that for each Sylow subgroup P of H, every member in some ℳ d( P) is quasinormally embedded in G, then G ∈ ℱ: here ℳ d( P) is a set of maximal subgroups of P with intersection the Frattini subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subgroup H of G is said to be self-conjugate-permutable if HHx = HxH implies Hx = H. A finite group G is called PSC-group if every cyclic subgroup of group G of prime order or order 4 is self-conjugate-permutable. In the paper, first we give the structure of finite group G, all of whose maximal subgroups are PSC-groups. Then we also classified that finite group G all of whose second maximal subgroups are PSC-groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a group H we denote by δ( H) the number of conjugacy classes of non-cyclic subgroups. Groups all of whose soluble subgroups H satisfy δ( H) ≤ 2 are classified. It is also shown that the derived length and Fitting length of a soluble group G are bounded by functions of δ( G). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a given maximal subgroup M of a finite group G, a subgroup C of G is said to be a completion of M in G if C is not contained in M while every G-invariant proper subgroup of C is contained in M. An s-completion C of M is a completion of M satisfying the following condition: either C = G or there exists a subgroup D of G, which is not a completion of M such that D contains C as a maximal subgroup. In this paper, the finite supersolvable groups are characterized by using s-completions of solvable maximal subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a finite group and p an odd prime. Let $\Psi_p^{\star}(G)$ be the set of proper subgroups M of G with |G:M| not a prime power and |G:M|p=1. In this paper, we investigate the structure of G if every member of $\Psi_p^{\star}(G)$ is nilpotent. In particular, a new characterization of PSL(2,7) is obtained. The proof of the theorem depends on the classification of finite simple groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a finite group. A subgroup H is called c-supplemented in G if there exists a subgroup K of G such that HK = G and H ∩ K ≤ HG, where HG =: CoreG(H) = ∩g∈GHg. We obtain some results on the relationship between the c-supplemented condition of minimal subgroup of G and the structure of G. Some previously known results on c-normal subgroups and complemented subgroups are generalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the nonlinear geometric theory of extensible rods, an exact mathematical model of thermal post-buckling behavior of uniformly heated elastic rods with axially immovable ends is developed, in which the arc length s(x) of axial line and the longitudinal displacement u(x) are taken as the basic unknown functions. This is a two point boundary value problem of first order ordinary differential equations with strong nonlinearity. By using shooting method and analytical continuation, the nonlinear boundary value problems are numerically solved. The thermal post-buckled states of the rods with transversely simply supported and clamped ends are obtained respectively and the corresponding numerical data tables and characteristic curves are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of Interferon-γ Receptor (IFNGR) or Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling in donor cells has been shown to result in reduced acute GVHD induction. In this study, we unexpectedly observed increased activation and expansion of donor lymphocytes in both lymphohematopoietic organs and GVHD target tissues of IFNGR/STAT1-deficient recipient mice, leading to rapid mortality following the induction of GVHD. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-matured bone marrow-derived Ifngr1-/-/Stat1-/- dendritic cells (BMDCs) were more potent allogeneic stimulators and expressed increased levels of MHC II and costimulatory molecules. Similar effects were observed in human APCs with knockdown of Stat1 by CRISPR/Cas9 and treatment with a JAK1/2 inhibitor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the absence of IFNGR/STAT1 signaling in hematopoietic APCs impaired the presentation of exogenous antigens while promoting the presentation of endogenous antigens. In contrast, the indirect presentation of host antigens to donor lymphocytes was defective in IFNGR/STAT1-deficient donor-derived APCs in fully donor chimeric mice. The differential effects of IFNGR/STAT1 signaling on endogenous and exogenous antigen presentation could provide further insight into the roles of the IFN-γ/STAT1 signal pathway in the pathogenesis of GVHD, organ rejection, and autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a group G, by ...(G) we denote the number of conjugate classes of the non-cyclic subgroups of G. In this paper, the groups G with ...(G) = 3 are classified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic scars (HS) are skin disorders which occur after wounding and thermal injury. Our previous studies have suggested that secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) is involved in HS formation and that the suppression of SFRP2 promotes apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs). However, the mechanisms have not been clarified. Previous studies revealed that Slug expression inhibits cell apoptosis, in vitro and in vivo, and SFRP2 regulates the expression of Slug in cervical cancer cells. In the present study, we quantified differential expression levels of expression of SFRP2 and Slug in HS and normal skin tissues by immunohistochemistry, both of which have important anti-apoptosis roles. Furthermore, a short hairpin RNA approach was adopted to investigate the potential function of SFRP2 and Slug in HSFB apoptosis. Cell apoptosis was detected using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and Caspase-3 activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. This study demonstrates that SFRP2 expression, as well as Slug, is dramatically up-regulated in HS relative to normal skin tissues, and the Slug expression is positively correlated with SFRP2. Slug expression was down-regulated in SFRP2-deficient cells, and the down-regulation of Slug expression increased sensitivity to apoptosis which was induced through a caspase- 3-dependent pathway. The infected cells with reduced levels of Slug were tested for the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax and PUMA) which were previously identified as Slug targets. Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in Slug-deficient cells. In conclusion, SFRP2 appears to interact with Slug to affect the apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subgroup H of a group G is said to be a CAP*-subgroup of a group G if, for any non-Frattini chief factor K / L of G, we have H K = H L or H ∩ K = H ∩ L. In this paper, some new characterizations for finite solvable groups are obtained based on the assumption that some subgroups are CAP*-subgroups of G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection present as mild to moderate type. • Pregnant women have clinical courses and outcomes that are comparable with reproductive-aged non-pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. • No evidence supports vertical transmission of COVID-19, including vaginal delivery. This study aimed to compare clinical courses and outcomes between pregnant and reproductive-aged non-pregnant women with COVID-19, and to assess the vertical transmission potential of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Medical records of pregnant and reproductive-aged non-pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 from January 15 to March 15, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of disease, virus clearance time, and length of hospital stay were measured as the primary objective, while the vertical transmission potential of COVID-19 was also assessed. Eighty-two patients (28 pregnant women, 54 reproductive-aged non-pregnant women) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in this study. Univariate regression indicated no association between pregnancy and severity of disease (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.08–5.15; p = 0.76), virus clearance time (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.65–2.01; p = 0.62), and length of hospital stay (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.66–1.84; p = 0.71). Of the pregnant women, 22 delivered 23 live births, either by cesarean section (17, 60.7%) or vaginal delivery (5, 17.9%), and no neonate was infected with SARS-CoV-2. Pregnant women have comparable clinical courses and outcomes with reproductive-aged non-pregnant women when infected with SARS-CoV-2. No evidence supported vertical transmission of COVID-19 in the late stage of pregnancy, including vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional therapies fail to cure most glioblastoma patients and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, highlighting need for new therapeutic approaches. The natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) are highly expressed in glioblastomas and are considered promising targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NKG2D-expressing CAR-T cells on glioblastomas and glioblastoma stem cells. Methods: The expression of NKG2DLs was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. NKG2D-BBz CAR, containing the extracellular domain of NKG2D, was constructed and delivered into T cells by lentiviral particles. In vitro cytotoxicity of the CAR-T cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Release of cytokine, perforin and granzyme B was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The therapeutic efficacy of NKG2D-BBz CAR-T cells in vivo was evaluated using subcutaneous tumor models. The safety of the CAR was analyzed by investigating the effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and karyotype. Results: Our data confirmed the high expression of NKG2DLs in human glioblastoma cells, cancer stem cells, and tumor samples. Further, the NKG2D-BBz CAR-T cells efficiently lysed glioblastoma cells and cancer stem cells in vitro and produced high levels of cytokines, perforin, and granzyme B. The CAR-T cells markedly eliminated xenograft tumors in vivo and did not exhibit significant treatment-related toxicity in the treated mice. The CAR expression also did not exert any obvious effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and genomic stability. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that NKG2D CAR-T cells targeted glioblastoma cells and cancer stem cells in an NKG2D-dependent manner, supporting the use of CAR-T therapy in glioblastoma therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To design and characterize a novel 3-D photo-initiated small intestinal sub-mucosal (SIS) hydrogel for use as a scaffold. Methods: Two concentrations of hydrogel were used: 10 mg/mL SIS gel (designated as 1 % hydrogel) and 20 mg/mL SIS gel (designated as 2 % hydrogel). Cross-sections of the hydrogels were examined by scanning electron microscope. In vitro cell culture was carried out on the hydrogels, and cell count was obtained on each hydrogel at different time points. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess in vivo biodegradability of the gels, as well as tissue regeneration. Results: The 1 % hydrogel possessed a larger pore size (143 ± 22 µm) than the 2 % hydrogel (113 ± 17 µm) and showed significantly higher biodegradation rate (22.79 ± 2.47 % of gel left on day 5) than 2% hydrogel (35.37 ± 4.51 % of gel left on day 5) (p < 0.05). However, results from cell culture showed that the 2 % hydrogel had better biocompatibility than 1 % hydrogel. In vivo data revealed that the gels supported cell growth (cell count on days 3 and 5 were 48.33 ± 17.61 and 105.67 ± 21.36, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that SIS hydrogels have a high potential for application in tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and the proteasome pathway are both involved in activating themechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Because mTOR signaling is required for initiation of messenger RNA translation, we hypothesized that cotargeting the PI3K and proteasome pathways might synergistically inhibit translation of c-Myc. We found that a novel PI3K δ isoform inhibitor TGR-1202, but not the approved PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib, was highly synergistic with the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib in lymphoma, leukemia, and myelomacell linesandprimarylymphomaandleukemiacells. TGR-1202 and carfilzomib (TC) synergistically inhibited phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-bindingprotein 1 (4E-BP1), leadingto suppressionof c-Myc translationandsilencing of c-Myc-dependent transcription. The synergistic cytotoxicity of TC was rescued by overexpression of eIF4E or c-Myc. TGR-1202, but not other PI3Kδ inhibitors, inhibited casein kinase-1 ε (CK1ε). Targeting CK1ε using a selective chemical inhibitor or short hairpin RNA complements the effects of idelalisib, as a single agent or in combination with carfilzomib, in repressing phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and the protein level of c-Myc. These results suggest that TGR-1202 is a dual PI3Kδ/CK1ε inhibitor, which may in part explain the clinical activity of TGR-1202 in aggressive lymphoma not found with idelalisib. Targeting CK1ε should become an integral part of therapeutic strategies targeting translation of oncogenes such as c-Myc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of hypertrophic scar formation are not fully understood. We previously screened the differentially expressed genes of human hypertrophic scar tissue and identified P311 gene as upregulated. As the activities of P311 in human fibroblast function are unknown, we examined the distribution of it and the effects of forced expression or silencing of expression of P311. P311 expression was detected in fibroblast-like cells from the hypertrophic scar of burn injury patients but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, epidermal cells or normal skin dermal cells. Transfection of fibroblasts with P311 gene stimulated the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1 and α1(I) collagen (COL1A1), and enhanced the contraction of fibroblast populated collagen lattices (FPCL). In contrast, interference of fibroblast P311 gene expression decreased the TGF-β1 mRNA expression and reduced the contraction of fibroblasts in FPCL. These results suggest that P311 may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar via induction of a myofibroblastic phenotype and of functions such as TGF-β1 expression. P311 could be a novel target for the control of hypertrophic scar development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A congenital lower lip nevus is common, but a lower lip length lesion of more than 40% is hard to excise simply, without any distortion. We designed a lower lip bilateral advanced skin flap to restore the wound surface after completely and successfully removing the nevus. Case presentation: A 13-year-old Mongolian girl was referred to us with a giant congenital lower lip nevus. The lesion covered nearly half of her lower lip. We designed a lower lip bilateral advanced skin flap to restore the wound surface, after completely removing the nevus without advanced repair. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates a case of a lower lip length defect of more than 40%, repaired by direct closure without dysfunction. It was a successful attempt that minimized the subsequent scar and dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the research paper titled,"Coordination of the canonical and noncanonical IKK/NF-kB signaling pathways in the Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Taxmediated tumorigenesis," is presented.