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Fly ash was modified using calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The morphology of precipitated calcium carbonate was controlled by adding different crystal-shape-forming additives. Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate, zinc chloride, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, and aluminium chloride on the crystal shape of precipitated calcium carbonate were studied. The effects of crystal-shaped additives of precipitated calcium on the whiteness of modified fly ash and hand sheets were analyzed. The results showed that the addition of ZnCl2 (0.35%) can play a role in coating fly ash well. The coating effect of the acicular, chain, and lamellar precipitated calcium carbonate on the surface of fly ash was slightly less effective than that of globular crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar epithelial cell damage is an important determinant of the severity of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). However, the molecular mechanisms of alveolar epithelial death during the development of ALI/ARDS remain unclear. In this study, we explore the role of miR-29a-3p in ALI/ARDS and its molecular mechanism. Plasma samples were collected from healthy controls and ARDS patients. Mice were intratracheally instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish acute lung injury. N6-adenosine (m6A) quantification, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, cell viability assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were performed. We found that miR-29a-3p was downregulated in plasma of ARDS patients and lung tissue of ALI model mice, and miR-29a-3p agomir injection downregulated the levels of the inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the lungs, reducing alveolar epithelial cell PANoptosis as evaluated by the downregulation of Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), caspase-3, caspase-8, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), ultimately improving lung injury in the ALI model mice. Mechanism studies demonstrated that the knockout of methyltransferase 3 (N6-adenosine-methyltransferase complex catalytic subunit) removed the m6A modification of miR-29a-3p and reduced miR-29a-3p expression. Our findings suggest that miR-29a-3p is a potential target that can be manipulated for ALI/ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new library named abess that implements a unified framework of best-subset selection for solving diverse machine learning problems, e.g., linear regression, classification, and principal component analysis. Particularly, abess certifiably gets the optimal solution within polynomial time with high probability under the linear model. Our efficient implementation allows abess to attain the solution of best-subset selection problems as fast as or even 20x faster than existing competing variable (model) selection toolboxes. Furthermore, it supports common variants like best subset of groups selection and '2 regularized best-subset selection. The core of the library is programmed in C++. For ease of use, a Python library is designed for convenient integration with scikit-learn, and it can be installed from the Python Package Index (PyPI). In addition, a user-friendly R library is available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). The source code is available at: https://github.com/abess-team/abess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article report a scalable strategy to create superelastic lamellar-structured ceramic nanofibrous aerogels (CNFAs) by combining silicon dioxide nanofibers with aluminoborosilicate matrices. It mentions that integral ceramic nature also provided the CNFAswith robust fire resistance and thermal insulation performance.

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. A previous study from our lab suggested that microRNA (miR)‑4463 may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular disease; however, the roles of oxidative stress in the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of miR‑4463 in vascular disease have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR‑4463 in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‑induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression levels of miR‑4463 in HUVECs treated with various concentrations of H2O2. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentage of apoptotic cells, and the protein expression levels of the apoptotic markers cleaved (C)‑caspase3, poly (adenosine diphosphate‑ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), B cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax) and X‑linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) were determined using western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the apoptotic rate of HUVECs was increased following treatment with H2O2 in a concentration‑dependent manner, and the expression of miR‑4463 was also upregulated in a dose‑dependent manner. Following transfection with miR‑4463 mimics, the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were increased in HUVECs, with a corresponding increase in the apoptotic rate. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of C‑caspase3, PARP1 and Bax were upregulated, whereas the levels of Bcl‑2 and XIAP were downregulated. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that the upregulation of miR‑4463 may enhance H2O2‑induced oxidative stress and promote apoptosis in HUVECs in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many exopolysaccharides from the endophytes in medicinal plants possess various potential bioactivities. Materials and Methods: The endophytic fungus JY25 was isolated from the leave of the Chinese medicinal plant Gynostemma pentaphylla and identified as Chaetomium sp. by its phylogenetic and physiological analysis. One exopolysaccharide (EPS) fraction was isolated from the fermentation broth by ethanol precipitation and purified by gel filtration chromatography on Sepharose CL-6B. The molecular characteristics were examined by GC-MS, FT-IR, and multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS). Results: The monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that the purified EPS was mainly composed of glucose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose with the molecular ratio of 78.29: 8.99: 8.64: 4.08. FT-IR spectral analysis of the purified EPS revealed prominent characteristic groups, such as carbonyl bond, pyranose ring, and so on. The weight-average molar mass and the polydispersity ratio of the EPS were revealed to be 1.961×104 g/mol and 1.838, respectively. Furthermore, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the degradation temperature of the purified EPS was 305°C. The purified EPS from the endophytic fungus Chaetomium sp. displayed antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the EPS could be used as a healthful food and material source in pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was modified by starch with the aid of sodium stearate and sodium hexametaphosphate. The GCC was encapsulated within the complex. The effect of the dosages of sodium stearate and sodium hexametaphosphate on the coating weight of modified GCC and the complex utilization rate were studied. The SEM images of modified GCC were compared with that of unmodified GCC. The results showed that the dosage of these two modifiers affected the coating weight of modified GCC and the complex utilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was modified in this work using starch, sodium stearate, and sodium hexametaphosphate. The effects of reaction temperature and the dosage of sodium hexametaphosphate on the coating weight of modified GCC and the utilization rate were considered. The strength (tensile, burst, and tear) of papers filled with modified GCC vs. unmodified GCC was compared. The research showed that lower precipitation reaction temperature was conducive to the increase of modified GCC coating weight and the complex utilization rate. A proper dosage of sodium hexametaphosphate could effectively increase the coating weight of modified GCC and the complex utilization rate. Compared with unmodified GCC filled papers, modified GCC filled papers performed better with respect to paper strength, but the optical properties (brightness and opacity) showed the opposite trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystins (MCs) are a major group of cyanotoxins with side effects in many organisms; thus, compounds in this group are recognized as potent stressors and health hazards in aquatic ecosystems. In order to assess the toxicity of MCs and detoxification mechanism of freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium nipponense, the full-length cDNAs of the glutathione S-transferase (gst) and catalase (cat) genes were isolated from the hepatopancreas. The transcription level and activity changes in the biotransformation enzyme (glutathione S-transferase (GST)) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) in the hepatopancreas of M. nipponense exposed to MC-LR (0.2, 1, 5, and 25 μg/L) for 12, 24, 72 and 96 h were analyzed. The results showed that the isolated full-length cDNAs of cat and gst genes from M. nipponense displayed a high similarity to other crustaceans, and their mRNAs were mainly expressed in the hepatopancreas. MC-LR caused significant increase of GST activity following 48–96 h (p < 0.05) and an increase in SOD activity especially in 24- and 48-h exposures. CAT activity was activated when exposed to MC-LR in 12-, 24- and 48-h exposures and then it was inhibited at 96-h exposure. There was no significant effect on GPx activity after the 12- and 24-h exposures, whereas it was significantly stimulated after the 72- and 96-h exposures (p < 0.05). The transcription was altered similarly to enzyme activity, but the transcriptional response was generally more immediate and had greater amplitude than enzymatic response, particularly for GST. All of the results suggested that MC-LR can induce antioxidative modulation variations in M. nipponense hepatopancreas in order to eliminate oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of environmental contaminants such as trace formaldehyde mostly relies on bulky and costly analytical equipment. However, a particular demand for portable, rapid, and sensitive method that can be used in resource-limited settings has received paramount concern. Towards this need, we are presenting here a rational design of colorimetric sensor strips using electrospun cellulose nanofibrous membrane-immobilized pararosaniline. Based on the specific reaction between formaldehyde and pararosaniline, the strips could undergo a distinct color transition from light pink to purple, specifically in the presence of trace-level formaldehyde over other possible interferential volatile organic compounds. Benefiting from the large specific surface area and high porosity of nanofibrous membranes, the strips achieved ultralow naked eye detection limit of 0.06 mg m-3 (below the regulatory level of 0.1 mg m-3), wide linear range from 0.12 to 6 mg m-3, and short response time (15 min) in the absence of advanced instrumentation. Additionally, the sensing responses were visualized quantitatively by HSI coordinates which are presented with lightness and chromatic values and analyzed by a principal component analysis method. Furthermore, the strips exhibited remarkably improved analytical performance compared to commercial filter paper-based ones. With its cost-effective design and portability, this sensitive and specific colorimetric strips could potentially be used for providing air contamination information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let f be a nonconstant entire function, let a be a finite nonzero complex number, and let L(f) = f(k) + ak-1f(k-1) + ... + a1f' + a0 f, where k ≥ 2 is a positive integer, aj (j = 0, 1, 2, ..., k-1) are constants. Suppose that f(z) = a ⇒ f'(z) = a, and f'(z) = a ⇒ L(f)(z) = L'(f)(z) = a. Then, if a0 ≠ 1, then either f(z) = Ae 1/1-a0 z + a or f(z) = Aez, where A is a nonzero constant; if a0 = 1, then L(f) = f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-radiation induced random walk error (RWE) of interferometer fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) is presented in this paper. Testing was performed at the components and system level with an expanded version of a closed-loop operational fiber optic gyroscope. Primary concerns include attenuation to total dose, angle random walk, and bias stability degradation as a function of dose. Closed-loop transient noise results are evaluated based on radiation test of the 400 m fiber coil. Based on the test result, a random walk coefficient (RWC) prediction model in radiation environment, which is obtained by embedding polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber loss expression into the RWC model, was built following a power law of dose. An IFOG RWC in space radiation environment was predicted from radiation dose rate by the prediction model. The RWC of the IFOG is limited by the detector thermal noise above 1 kGy radiation and the RWC prediction model is verified by radiation experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to evaluate the vulnerability of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) in radiation environment, radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) characteristics of a pure-silica-core PCF with high content of hydroxyl was examined using a 60Co radiation source. Its dose dependent RIA profile at 1310nm was measured and compared with Ge-doped single mode fiber (SMF). Beyond our expectation, PCF showed significantly higher RIA and its recovery was also slower. To interpret the non-ideal RIA characteristics of PCF, hypotheses involving nonbridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHC) or near-infrared absorption (NIR) defect were given and the contribution of PCF''s unique fabrication technology to these color centers’ high infrared absorption was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Salmonella enterica is a facultative intracellular pathogen that replicates within a membrane-bound compartment termed Salmonella containing vacuole (SCV). The biogenesis of SCV requires Salmonella type III protein secretion/translocation system and their effector proteins which are translocated into host cells to exploit the vesicle trafficking pathways. SseF is one of these effectors required for SCV formation and Intracellular Salmonella replication through unknown mechanisms. Results: In an attempt to identify host proteins that interact with SseF, we conduct a yeast two-hybrid screening of human cell cDNA library using SseF as the bait. We identified that TIP60, an acetyltransferase, interacts with SseF. We showed that the TIP60 acetylation activity was increased in the presence of SseF, and TIP60 was upregulated upon Salmonella infection. In addition, TIP60 is required for efficient intracellular Salmonella replication in macrophages. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that Salmonella may use SseF to exploit the host TIP60 acetyltransferase activity to promote efficient Salmonella replication inside host cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates an improved magnetic protein microsphere-aided sandwich fluoroimmunoassay for the analysis of myoglobin and heart-type Fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), early protein markers associated with acute myocardial infarction. In preparation for the assay we constructed superparamagnetic human serum albumin (HSA)/λ-Fe2O3 microspheres, and grafted capture antibodies (monoclonal antimyoglobin 7C3 and anti-H-FABP 10E1) onto the protein microspheres using the avidin-biotin system. Then the antibody-carrying microspheres were used in a sequential sandwich fluoroimmunoassay along with detection antibodies (Alexa fluor594-labeled antimyoglobin 4E2 and FITC-labeled anti-H-FABP 9F3). The magnetic HSA/λ-Fe2O3 microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Fluorescence images of the post-immunoassay microspheres recorded using an inverted fluorescence microscope showed that the average fluorescence intensity was correlated with the concentration of cardiac markers, in agreement with the results obtained by an F-4500 FL spectrophotometer; this indicated that the fluoroimmunoassay could be used to semiquantitatively detect both myoglobin and H-FABP. The detection limit was 10 ng/mL for myoglobin and 1 ng/mL for H-FABP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in genomewide association analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), because traditional linkage studies are not as powerful in identifying genes for common, complex diseases. Tests for linkage disequilibrium have been developed for binary and quantitative traits. However, since many human conditions and diseases are measured in an ordinal scale, methods need to be developed to investigate the association of genes and ordinal traits. Thus, in the current report we propose and derive a score test statistic that identifies genes that are associated with ordinal traits when gametic disequilibrium between a marker and trait loci exists. Through simulation, the performance of this new test is examined for both ordinal traits and quantitative traits. The proposed statistic not only accommodates and is more powerful for ordinal traits, but also has similar power to that of existing tests when the trait is quantitative. Therefore, our proposed statistic has the potential to serve as a unified approach to identifying genes that are associated with any trait, regardless of how the trait is measured. We further demonstrated the advantage of our test by revealing a significant association (P=0.00067) between alcohol dependence and a SNP in the growth-associated protein 43. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the simple linear regression model. The Theil-Sen estimator is a point estimator of the slope parameter in the model and has many nice properties, most of which are established by Sen. Thus, it is introduced in several classical textbooks on non-parametric statistics. Sen also gave a proof that the Theil-Sen estimator is unbiased under the assumption that the error distribution is continuous. The statement is incorrect. We construct several counterexamples. Furthermore, we show that the continuity assumption on the error distribution is not important to unbiasedness. In particular, if the sample size n = 2 or 3, then the Theil-Sen estimator is unbiased. Moreover, if either the error distribution or the covariates have certain symmetry, then the Theil-Sen estimator is also unbiased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes chemiluminescence emitted by Mn[sub 2+]-activated ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) while catalyzing oxygenation. Attempt to clarify the source of the emission; Use of dual detectors capturing radiation over a wide range of visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths; Survey of visible and IR emissions.

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is the second-largest family in plants, where it plays essential roles in development, and the responses to multiple abiotic and biotic stressors. However, little information is available about this gene family in Prunus mume, which is widely cultivated in East Asia as an ornamental fruit tree. Here, 100 PmbHLH genes were identified, and their evolution and functions were explored in P. mume for the first time. The PmbHLH genes were classified into 21 subfamilies. The chromosomal distribution, physicochemical properties, bHLH domain, conserved motif, and intron/exon compositions were also analyzed. Furthermore, the evolutionary pattern, divergence time of the PmbHLH family, and genetic relationships among P. mume, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Prunus persica and Fragaria vesca of Rosaceae were explored. The functional prediction analysis of these PmbHLHs indicated that their functions varied, and included participating in the formation of organs and tissues, responding to stress, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of hormones and other secondary metabolites. Interestingly, expression analyses of PmbHLHs also revealed diverse expression patterns. Most of the PmbHLH genes were highly expressed in roots and stems, and a few were highly expressed in leaves, buds, and fruits, indicating tissue expression specificity. Eight PmbHLH genes, which were upregulated during low-temperature stress, may have critical roles in the response to cold stress. Ten PmbHLH s were differentially expressed between weeping and upright branches in a P. mume F 1 population. These results shed light on the structure and evolution of the PmbHLH gene family, and lay a foundation for further functional studies of the bHLH genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash was modified using calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The effects of reaction temperature, the rate of carbon dioxide, and the concentration of calcium hydroxide on the crystal shape of precipitated calcium carbonate coated on the surface of fly ash were studied. The effects of the crystal shape of precipitated calcium carbonate on the whiteness of modified fly ash were analyzed. The research showed that the crystal shape of precipitated calcium carbonate was lamellar when the reaction temperature, the rate of carbon dioxide, and the concentration of calcium hydroxide were 20 °C, 0.2 L/min, 20%, respectively, which was conducive to the higher whiteness of modified fly ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is one of the key environmental factors for insects to survive. Artificial light sources different from natural environmental light can cause light stress in insects. Yellow and green light stress can interfere with the diurnal rhythm of nocturnal moths and their mating, oviposition, and adult longevity. The scarabaeid beetles Anomala corpulenta Motschulsky and Holotrichia parallela Motschulsky are widely distributed, and they are very harmful underground pests. In order to clarify the effects of light stress on their behaviors, individuals of both species were exposed to yellow light (565-585 nm) and green light (525-545 nm), with different light intensity gradients of yellow light in a laboratory setting. The short-term light stress treatment of A. corpulenta and H. parallela was carried out at night. The number of beetles emerging per half an hour was recorded, and mating pairs and feeding activity in 24 h were counted. The results showed that yellow and green light stress significantly changed the rhythm and reduced the rate of beetle emergence in the two beetle species investigated. Also, the peak emergence activity was delayed and the feeding and mating activities were significantly reduced. When treated with different intensities of yellow light, it was found that the rate of emergence of A. corpulenta under 10 lx was close to the control groups. The rate of emergence in H. parallela was significantly lower than the control groups before 0:00, in the 60 lx and 110 lx treatment groups, but after 0:00, the emergence rate of H. parallela was significantly higher in the 60 lx and 110 lx treatment groups than other treatments. However, the emergence rhythms in the three light intensity treatment groups are basically the same as in the control groups. The feeding amount and mating beetles in the three light intensity treatment groups were significantly lower than in the control groups. There were no significant differences in the three treatments. The results show that light stress above 10 lx significantly interferes with the behavioral activities of the two beetle species, investigated. This study provides a new approach for a light control technology for nocturnal beetle pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: The development of next generation sequencing technology provides an efficient and powerful approach to rare variant detection. To identify genetic variations, the essential question is how to quantity the sequencing error rate in the data. Because of the advantage of easy implementation and the ability to integrate data from different sources, the empirical Bayes method is popularly employed to estimate the sequencing error rate for SNP detection. Results: We propose a novel statistical model to fit the observed non-reference allele frequency data, and utilize the empirical Bayes method for both genotyping and SNP detection, where an ECM algorithm is implemented to estimate the model parameters. The performance of our proposed method is investigated via simulations and real data analysis. It is shown that our method makes less genotype-call errors, and with the parameter estimates from the ECM algorithm, it attains high detection power with FDR being well controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orange wheat blossom midge Sitodiplosis mosellana Ge' hin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an economically important pest, has caused serious yield losses in most wheat-growing areas worldwide in the past half-century. A high-quality chromosome-level genome for S. mosellana was assembled using PacBio long read, Illumina short read, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The final genome assembly was 180.69Mb, with contig and scaffold N50 sizes of 998.71 kb and 44.56Mb, respectively. Hi-C scaffolding reliably anchored 4 pseudochromosomes, accounting for 99.67% of the assembled genome. In total, 12,269 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 91% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that S. mosellana and its close relative, the swede midge Contarinia nasturtii, diverged about 32.7 MYA. The S. mosellana genome showed high chromosomal synteny with the genome of Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae. The key gene families involved in the detoxification of plant secondary chemistry were analyzed. The highquality S. mosellana genome data will provide an invaluable resource for research in a broad range of areas, including the biology, ecology, genetics, and evolution of midges, as well as insect-plant interactions and coevolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many genetics studies, especially in the investigation of mental illness and behavioral disorders, it is common for researchers to collect multiple phenotypes to characterize the complex disease of interest. It may be advantageous to analyze those phenotypic measurements simultaneously if they share a similar genetic mechanism. In this study, we present a nonparametric approach to studying multiple traits together rather than examining each trait separately. Through simulation we compared the nominal Type I error and power of our proposed test to an existing test, that is, a generalized family-based association test. The empirical results suggest that our proposed approach is superior to the existing test in the analysis of ordinal traits. The advantage is demonstrated on a dataset concerning alcohol dependence. In this application, the use of our methods enhanced the signal of the association test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are conventional antibiotic alternatives due to their broadspectrum antimicrobial activities and special mechanisms of action against pathogens. The antifungal peptide CGA-N12 was originally derived from human chromogranin A (CGA) and consists of the 65th to 76th amino acids of the CGA N-terminal region. In the present study, we found that CGA-N12 had fungicidal activity and exhibited timedependent inhibition activity against Candida tropicalis. CGA-N12 entered the cells to exert its antagonist activity. The internalization of CGA-N12 was energy-dependent and accompanied by actin cytoskeleton-, clathrin-, sulfate proteoglycan-, endosome-, and lipid-depleting agent-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, the CGA-N12 internalization pathway was related to the peptide concentration. The effects of CGA-N12 on the cell membrane were investigated. CGA-N12 at a low concentration less than 4 × MIC100 did not destroy the cell membrane. While with increasing concentration, the damage to the cell membrane caused by CGA-N12 became more serious. At concentrations greater than 4 × MIC100, CGA-N12 destroyed the cell membrane integrity. Therefore, the membrane activity of CGA-N12 is concentration dependant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States has the highest numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. The early hot spot states were New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The workforce in these states was required to work from home except for essential services. It was necessary to evaluate an appropriate date for resumption of business since the premature reopening of the economy would lead to a broader spread of COVID-19, while the opposite situation would cause greater loss of economy. To reflect the real-time risk of the spread of COVID-19, it was crucial to evaluate the population of infected individuals before or never being confirmed due to the pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmissions of COVID-19. To this end, we proposed an epidemic model and applied it to evaluate the real-time risk of epidemic for the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. We used California as the benchmark state because California began a phased reopening on May 8, 2020. The dates on which the estimated numbers of unidentified infectious individuals per 100,000 for states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut were close to those in California on May 8, 2020, were June 1, 22, and 22, 2020, respectively. By the practice in California, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut might consider reopening their business. Meanwhile, according to our simulation models, to prevent resurgence of infections after reopening the economy, it would be crucial to maintain sufficient measures to limit the social distance after the resumption of businesses. This precaution turned out to be critical as the situation in California quickly deteriorated after our analysis was completed and its interventions after the reopening of business were not as effective as those in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CGA-N9 is a peptide derived from the N-terminus of human chromogranin A comprising amino acids 47-55. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays showed that CGA-N9 had antimicrobial activity and exhibited time-dependent inhibition activity against Candida tropicalis, with high safety in human red blood cells (HRBCs) and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3). According to the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, CGA-N9 accumulated in cells without destroying the integrity of the cell membrane; the peptide was initially localized to the cell membrane and subsequently internalized into the cytosol. An investigation of the cellular internalization mechanism revealed that most CGA-N9 molecules entered the yeast cells, even at 4°C and in the presence of sodium azide (NaN3), both of which block all energy-dependent transport mechanisms. In addition, peptide internalization was affected by the endocytic inhibitors 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA), cytochalasin D (CyD) and heparin; chlorpromazine (CPZ) also had some effect on CGAN9 internalization. Similar results were obtained in the MIC assays, whereby the anticandidal activity of CGA-N9 was blocked to different degrees in the presence of EIPA, CyD, heparin or CPZ. Therefore, most CGA-N9 passes through the C. tropicalis cell membrane via direct cell penetration, whereas the remainder enters through macropinocytosis and sulfate proteoglycan-mediated endocytosis, with a slight contribution from clathrinmediated endocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the whiteness of fly ash, fly ash was prepared using calcium hydroxide, water, and carbon dioxide as the reaction system to coat calcium carbonate crystals on the surface of the fly ash. This study investigated the effect of the calcium hydroxide content and stirring rate on the crystallization of the calcium carbonate on the fly ash surface. The results showed that the calcium carbonate nanoparticles prepared with a 7% calcium hydroxide concentration and stirring rate of 500 rpm were coated on the surface of the fly ash, and the whiteness of the modified fly ash reached a maximum of 59.7% ISO. The microscopic process of heterogeneous nucleation of calcium carbonate and the LaMer model were explored to explain the influence of the precursor reactant concentration and stirring rate on the nucleation and growth of the crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized the uniform core-shell microstructured compounds with hexagonal phase NaYF4:Er/Yb microrods as the core and hexagonal phase NaLnF4 (NaYbF4, NaLuF4:Yb/Tm, NaYF4:Yb/Er, NaYF4:Eu) as the shell based on the hydrothermal reaction. These microscale core-shell structures provided a platform for the spatially confining optical process while possessing high luminescence efficiency. The thickness of the shell could be controlled by adjusting the amounts of shell precursor, which significantly affected the intensity of the shell dopant ions emission and the emission color of core-shell upconversion luminescence (UCL). The uniform NaYF4@NaLnF4 (Ln = Y, Lu, Yb) microrods, with a series of rare-earth ions doped into the core and shell layer at various doping concentrations, achieved color-tuning of the upconversion (UC) emission and dual-mode emission at the single-microcrystal level, thus allowing the efficient utilization of core-shell microcrystals in the photonics and security labeling. This study suggests a new class of luminescent materials in the microscopic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine-X-cysteine ligand 8 (CXCL8) was originally discovered as a proinflammatory chemokine. Recently, CXCL8 has been shown to act as an oncogene in several types of human cancers. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of CXCL8 in cervical cancer is poorly understood. In our study, we found that CXCL8 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal cervical tissues in microarray datasets (GSE9750 and GSE7803). CXCL8 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines compared with normal cervical tissues and cervical epithelial cell lines. CXCL8 protein expression was significantly correlated with clinical stage, distant metastasis, histological type, and histological grade. CXCL8 high expression was a poor independent prognostic parameter for cervical cancer patients. In conclusion, CXCL8 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, and correlated with malignant status and prognosis in cervical cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medusozoans utilize explosively discharging penetrant nematocysts to inject venom into prey. These venoms are composed of highly complex proteins and peptides with extensive bioactivities, as observed in vitro. Diverse enzymatic toxins have been putatively identified in the venom of jellyfish, Nemopilema nomurai and Cyanea nozakii, through examination of their proteomes and transcriptomes. However, functional examination of putative enzymatic components identified in proteomic approaches to elucidate potential bioactivities is critically needed. Methods: In this study, enzymatic toxins were functionally identified using a combined approach consisting of in gel zymography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The potential roles of metalloproteinases and lipases in hemolytic activity were explored using specific inhibitors. Results: Zymography indicated that nematocyst venom possessed protease-, lipase- and hyaluronidase-class activities. Further, proteomic approaches using LC-MS/MS indicated sequence homology of proteolytic bands observed in zymography to extant zinc metalloproteinase-disintegrins and astacin metalloproteinases. Moreover, pre-incubation of the metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat with N. nomurai nematocyst venom resulted in an approximate 62% reduction of hemolysis compared to venom exposed sheep erythrocytes, suggesting that metalloproteinases contribute to hemolytic activity. Additionally, species within the molecular mass range of 14-18 kDa exhibited both egg yolk and erythrocyte lytic activities in gel overlay assays. Conclusion: For the first time, our findings demonstrate the contribution of jellyfish venom metalloproteinase and suggest the involvement of lipase species to hemolytic activity. Investigations of this relationship will facilitate a better understanding of the constituents and toxicity of jellyfish venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As co-catalyst materials, metal nanoparticles (NPs) play crucial roles in heterogeneous photocatalysis. The photocatalytic performance strongly relies on the physical properties (i.e., composition, microstructure, and surface impurities) of the metal NPs. Here we report a convenient chemical vapour impregnation (CVI) approach for the deposition of monometallic-, alloyed, and core-shell structured metal co-catalysts onto the TiO2 photocatalyst. The as-synthesised metal NPs are highly dispersed on the support and show narrow size distributions, which suit photocatalysis applications. More importantly, the surfaces of the as-synthesised metal NPs are free of protecting ligands, enabling the photocatalysts to be ready to use without further treatment. The effect of the metal identity, the alloy chemical composition, and the microstructure on the photocatalytic performance has been investigated for hydrogen production and phenol decomposition. Whilst the photocatalytic H2 production performance can be greatly enhanced by using the core-shell structured co-catalyst (Pdshell-Aucore and Ptshell-Aucore), the Ptshell-Aucore modified TiO2 yields enhanced quantum efficiency but a reduced effective decomposition of phenol to CO2 compared to that of the monometallic counterparts. We consider the CVI approach provides a feasible and elegant process for the decoration of photocatalyst materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the host-guest interactions between azobenzenes and cyclodextrins, a new strategy for the preparation of a dually functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surface was investigated using surface--initiated atom--transfer radical polymerization (SI--ATRP) and click chemistry. The PDMS substrates were first oxidized in a H2SO4/H2O2 solution to transform the surface Si-CH3 groups into Si-OH groups. Then, the SI--ATRP initiator 3--(2--bromoisobutyramido)propyl(trime--thoxy)silane was grafted onto the substrates through a silanization reaction. Sequentially, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) units were introduced onto the PDMS-Br surfaces via SI--ATRP reaction using oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. Afterward, the bromide groups on the surface were converted to azido groups via nucleophilic substitution reaction with NaN3. Finally, the azido--grafted PDMS surfaces were subjected to a click reaction with alkynyl and PEG--modified β--cyclodextrins, resulting in the grafting of cyclodextrins onto the PDMS surfaces. The composition and chemical state of the modified surfaces were characterized via X--ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the stability and dynamic characteristics of the cyclodextrin--modified PDMS substrates were investigated via attenuated total reflection--Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and temporal contact angle experiments. The surface morphology of the modified PDMS surfaces was characterized through imaging using a multimode atomic force microscope. A protein adsorption assay using Alexa Fluor594--labeled bovine serum albumin, Alexa Fluor594--labeled chicken egg albumin, and FITC--labeled lysozyme shows that the prepared PDMS surfaces possess good protein--repelling properties. On--surface studies on the interactions between azobenzenes and the cyclodextrin--modified surfaces reveal that the reversible binding of azobenzene to the cyclodextrin--modified PDMS surfaces and its subsequent release can be reversibly controlled using UV irradiation. Sandwich fluoroimmunoassay of the cardiac markers myoglobin and fatty acid--binding protein demonstrates that the cyclodextrin--modified PDMS surfaces can be repeatedly utilized in disease biomarker analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current clinical assessments of residual renal function (RRF) for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients usually require 24 h of urine collection, which is sometimes difficult for patients and contributes to random errors. Objective. Our study aims to investigate whether serum cystatin C (CysC) can serve as a better marker of RRF than serum creatinine (Cr) in CAPD and to develop a formula to estimate RRF with CysC levels. Methods: One hundred and sixty CAPD patients from a single dialysis unit were randomly divided into modeling (n(1) = 120) and validation (n(2) = 40) groups. RRF was assessed as the average of the renal clearances of urea and creatinine. We then derived RRF formulas based on the CysC and Cr levels from the modeling group and validated them by comparison with a published CysC-based equation and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Results: CysC levels were inversely related to RRF, Kt/V(urea) and total weekly Ccr but were unrelated to age, gender, body mass index, diabetes or peritoneal clearance. The RRF formulas derived from CysC and Cr were (sinh(ln(6.736-0.566 CysC)))(2) and (sinh(ln(6.097-0.265 Cr)))(2), respectively. When applied to the validation group, the estimated RRF based on CysC (2.8 ± 1.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) was similar to that of on Cr (2.8 ± 1.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and the measured RRF (2.9 ± 1.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). The CysC formula showed a small bias, with the best 30 and 50% accuracy and had a larger area under the curve and higher sensitivity and specificity when compared to the Cr formula and other formulas. Conclusion: Serum CysC may be a good marker for the estimation of RRF in CAPD patients. The derived CysC formula may be used to reliably estimate RRF in CAPD patients without the need for collection of 24 h urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because there is no effective antibiotic to eradicate Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm infections that lead to the failure of medical device implantations, the development of anti-biofilmvaccines is necessary. Biofilmformation by S. epidermidis requires accumulation-associated protein (Aap) that contains sequence repeats known as G5 domains, which are responsible for the Zn2+-dependent dimerization of Aap to mediate intercellular adhesion. Antibodies against Aap have been reported to inhibit biofilm accumulation. In the present study, three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the Aap C-terminal single B-repeat construct followed by the 79-aa half repeat (AapBrpt1.5) were generated. MAb18B6 inhibited biofilm formation by S. epidermidis RP62A to 60% of the maximum, while MAb25C11 and MAb20B9 enhanced biofilm accumulation. All three MAbs aggregated the planktonic bacteria to form visible cell clusters. Epitope mapping revealed that the epitope of MAb18B6, which recognizes an identical area within AapBrpt constructs from S. epidermidis RP62A, was not shared by MAb25C11 and MAb20B9. Furthermore, all three MAbs were found to affect both Aap expression and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS, including extracellular DNA and PIA) biosynthesis in S. epidermidis and enhance the cell accumulation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of staphylococcal biofilm formation and will help to develop epitope-peptide vaccines against staphylococcal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuvans are mainly distributed in Siberia (the Republic of Tuva), Mongolia, and China. The genetic origin of Chinese Tuvans remains controversial. The Tuvans in China were classified as Mongolians in the early 1950s by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, but they defined themselves as a separate group. To resolve this dispute and determine their genetic relationships with the peoples in Central Asia, we randomly selected 150 male subjects from the Tuvans in the Altai region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Fourteen Y chromosomal markers were genotyped using the RFLP method or direct sequencing. These haplogroup data were combined with public data for 15 populations in South Siberia and Central Asia. Tuvans in both China and the Republic of Tuva had the highest frequencies of haplogroups K-M9 and Q-M242. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the Tuvans in China were of a distinct cluster, separated from their neighbors, the Mongolians and Kazakhs, which finding was consistent with the Analysis of Molecular Variances. Further population tree analysis revealed that Tuvans were on a far-separated cluster from their neighbors. Based on these results, we propose that the Tuvans (in both China and the Republic of Tuva) constitute a group distinct from Mongolians and from other Central Asia populations. However, the genetic results might be the consequence of some evolutionary forces like genetic drift and founder effect, and do not necessarily reflect their ultimate origin. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian cells from both sexes typically contain one active X chromosome but two sets of autosomes. It has previously been hypothesized that X-linked genes are expressed at twice the level of autosomal genes per active allele to balance the gene dose between the X chromosome and autosomes (termed 'Ohno's hypothesis'). This hypothesis was supported by the observation that microarray-based gene expression levels were indistinguishable between one X chromosome and two autosomes (the X to two autosomes ratio (X:AA) ∼1). Here we show that RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is more sensitive than microarray and that RNA-Seq data reveal an X:AA ratio of ∼0.5 in human and mouse. In Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites, the X:AA ratio reduces progressively from ∼1 in larvae to ∼0.5 in adults. Proteomic data are consistent with the RNA-Seq results and further suggest the lack of X upregulation at the protein level. Together, our findings reject Ohno's hypothesis, necessitating a major revision of the current model of dosage compensation in the evolution of sex chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved approach for the surface modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl β-1,3-dextran (CMD), and alginic acid (AA) was investigated. The PDMS substrates were first oxidized in a H2SO4/H2O2 solution to transform the Si-CH3 groups on their surfaces into Si-OH groups. Then methacrylate groups were grafted onto the substrates through a silanization reaction using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate. Sequentially, cysteamine was conjugated onto the silanized surfaces by the reaction between the thiol and methacrylate groups under 254 nm UV exposure. Afterward, the amino-terminated PDMS substrates were sequentially reacted with CMC, CMD, and AA in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide and 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide, resulting in the grafting of polysaccharides onto PDMS surfaces. The composition and chemical state of the modified surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the stability and dynamic characteristics of the polysaccharide-grafted PDMS substrates were investigated by XPS and temporal contact angle experiments. A protein adsorption assay using bovine serum albumin (BSA), chicken egg albumin, lysozyme, and RNase-A showed that the introduction of CMD and AA can reduce the adsorption of negatively charged BSA and chicken egg albumin, but increase the adsorption of the positively charged lysozyme and RNase-A. However, CMC-modified PDMS surfaces showed protein-repelling properties, regardless of whether the protein was positively or negatively charged. A cell culture and migration study of glioma C6, MKN-45, MCF-7, and HepG-2 cells revealed that the polysaccharide-modified PDMS greatly improved the cytocompatibility of native PDMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]