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Aim: We investigated the effect of lifespan cognitive reserve and its components on cognitive frailty among older adults. Methods: A total of 4922 participants aged =65 years were recruited in 2008 and were followed up in 2011 from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive frailty was determined through the simultaneous presence of physical frailty (pre-frailty or frailty) and mild cognitive impairment, excluding concurrent dementia. The assessment of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment was based on the Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss of weight (FRAIL) (Fatigue, Resistence, Ambulation, Illness, Loss) and Mini-Mental State Examination scale, respectively. The lifespan cognitive reserve consisted of education attainment, occupational complexity and later-life leisure activities. We used logistic regression models to estimate the risk of cognitive frailty associated with the lifespan cognitive reserve and its components. Results: A higher level of lifespan cognitive reserve, higher educational attainment or leisure activities engagement, but not occupational complexity, were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty. Furthermore, cognitive, social and physical activities were associated with lower risk of incident cognitive frailty. Conclusion: Cognitive reserve, particularly educational attainment and leisure activities, can protect from cognitive frailty. This implicates that individuals should accumulate cognitive reserve in their lifespan, and older adults should actively participate in leisure activities to prevent cognitive frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precessing vortex rope (PVR) plays a key role in inducing hydraulic resonance in Francis turbines operating at partial load, possibly degrading power plant stability and availability. Air injection into the runner cone is a suitable mitigating alternative; however, the influence mechanism of air injection on PVR remains unclear. The principal objective of this study was to establish response relationships between the characteristic parameters and air injection by the method of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) considering the fluid components of water, water vapour and air. The findings show that cavitation flow can be completely suppressed by slight air injection; however, the helical vortex structures are persisted at 1.0% and 2.0% air volume fractions, and the static pressure recovery is improved together with a slight increase in the hydraulic loss. At 3.0% air volume fraction, the vortex structure completely disappears, leaving an umbrella-shaped structure, with no pressure vibration arising in the turbine. Moreover, the physical mechanism of reducing the pressure amplitudes is clarified. This results clarify the influence mechanism of air injection on PVR, and contribute to steadily extending the flexibility of the operating range of the turbine during the engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous investigations have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to elevated serum bile acid levels, which is considered to cause liver damage. Thus, we suppose that bile acids maybe of considerable significance in inducing immune tolerance. Methods: In this investigation, we explored the functions of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor activated by bile acids, in modulating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production and toll-like receptor (TLR) expression in vitro and in vivo. Results: The results showed that FXRactivation promoted secreted and intracellular HBeAg expression in HepG2 and HEK293T cells. However, FXR antagonist Z-guggulsterone (Z-g) decreased the bile acid-mediated HBeAg production. Meanwhile, TLR2 expression significantly reduced in HepG2 cells transfected with pAAV/HBVl.2 plasmid comprising whole HBV genome and treated with bile acids, but not with mutant pAAV/HBVl.2 plasmid with defected HBeAg product. In the hydrodynamic injection HBV mouse model, the level of serum HBeAg was decreased, but intrahepatic TLR2 expression was elevated in FXR-'- mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, FXR activation inhibits TLR2-mediated innate immunity by upregulating HBeAg production. Our data indicate that a mild elevation of serum bile acids may cause immune tolerance and lead to virus persistence in HBV-infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the mediation of body esteem and social support in the relationship between attachment and general well-being in breast cancer patients. We collected data from 150 women with breast cancer and 150 healthy women. Employing bootstrap analysis with 5 000 samples using the ordinary least squares regression, we found that higher attachment avoidance was significantly associated with lower general well-being in both the breast cancer patients and healthy comparison peers. Also, body esteem and social support were significantly associated with attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance and general well-being. Furthermore, body esteem significantly mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and well-being in breast cancer patients directly through social support; while social support significantly mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance and well-being in breast cancer women directly by body esteem. Therefore, body esteem and social support played a chain intermediary role between attachment avoidance and well-being. These findings suggest a need for breast cancer support programmes for women to enhance their body esteem and sense of social support in the context of their recovery efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-healing is a bioinspired strategy to repair damaged conductors under repetitive wear and tear, thereby largely extending the life span of electronic devices. The self-healing process often demands external triggering conditions as the practical challenges for the widespread applications. Here, a compliant conductor with electrically self-healing capability is introduced by combining ultrahigh sensitivity to minor damages and reliable recovery from ultrahigh tensile deformations. Conductive features are created in a scalable and low-cost fabrication process comprising a copper layer on top of liquid metal microcapsules. The efficient rupture of microcapsules is triggered by structural damages in the copper layer under stress conditions as a result of the strong interfacial interactions. The liquid metal is selectively filled into the damaged site for the instantaneous restoration of the metallic conductivity. The unique healing mechanism is responsive to various structural degradations including microcracks under bending conditions and severe fractures upon large stretching. The compliant conductor demonstrates high conductivity of ~12,000 S/cm, ultrahigh stretchability of up to 1,200% strain, an ultralow threshold to activate the healing actions, instantaneous electrical recovery in microseconds, and exceptional electromechanical durability. Successful implementations in a light emitting diode (LED) matrix display and a multifunctional electronic patch demonstrate the practical suitability of the electrically self-healing conductor in flexible and stretchable electronics. The developments provide a promising approach to improving the self-healing capability of compliant conductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern era, college students with psychological problems have occasionally exhibited various extreme behaviors. Therefore, the psychological health education colleges and universities provide to college students needs to be enhanced. In contrast, the psychological health education provided to the subset of college students majoring in physical education is not comprehensive and in-depth. This study investigates the effect of college physical education 011 students' psychological well-being from the standpoint of ideological and political education. As the research object, college students from five institutions in a city were selected using cluster sampling. One thousand college students are surveyed to determine their mental health status. Regarding interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety symptoms, depression, paranoia, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the mental health level of the experimental group improved significantly after the experiment compared to before the investigation. In the control group, except for the significant improvement in interpersonal sensitivity, the mean value of the other factors did not change significantly. The experimental group's mental health was considerably better than that of the control group after the experiment, and there were significant differences in interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibody-based therapies that inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine signalling are commonly used in dermatology. Paradoxically, these biological agents may induce or exacerbate paradoxical reactions. Recently, it has been reported that the treatment of eczema with dupilumab can lead to the development of psoriasiform eruptions, which we called psoriasiform paradoxical reactions (P-PRs). Conversely, cases of eczematous paradoxical reactions (E-PRs) have also been described in patients with psoriasis treated with biologics. To summarise the case characteristics and disease features of phenotypic transition between psoriasis and eczematoid dermatitis, and to explore the mechanism or connection related to biological agents or patients' genetic characteristics, a systematic review was conducted for P-PRs in atopic dermatitis and E-PRs in patients with psoriasis treated with corresponding biological agents, respectively. We identified a series of P-PRs in 42 atopic dermatitis cases treated with dupilumab. The time to onset of P-PRs typically ranged from weeks to months, with a mean latency period of 22.65 weeks. Almost all patients presented with new-onset P-PRs. Simultaneously, we reviewed 22 articles reporting 51 patients with psoriasis with biological agent-induced E-PRs, which occurred on average at 24.47 weeks, 72.55% of them induced by IL-17A inhibitors. 48.98% (24/49) of cases reported a positive personal history of atopy, which may suggest an increased risk of biological agent-induced paradoxical eruptions. Overall, the improvement or resolution upon discontinuation of the inciting biologics was relatively common, and further studies are needed to estimate the real prevalence and unveil the pathophysiological mechanisms of these paradoxical events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramuscular lipid deposition is important for meat quality improvement. microRNAs and their target mRNAs provide a new approach for studying the mechanism of fat deposition. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-130b duplex (miR-130b-5p, miR-130b-3p) and its target gene KLF3 in regulating goat intramuscular adipocyte differentiation. Goat intramuscular preadipocytes were isolated from 7-d-old male Jianzhou big-ear goats and identified by Oil red O staining after differentiation induction. miR-130b-5p and miR-130b-3p mimics or inhibitors and their corresponding controls were transfected into goat intramuscular preadipocytes, respectively, and differentiation was induced by 50μM oleic acid for 48 h. Oil red O and Bodipy staining indicated that both miR-130b-5p and miR-130b-3p can reduce lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content (P < 0.01). Differentiation markers C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, PPARγ, pref1, fatty acids synthesis markers ACC, FASN, DGAT1, DGAT2, AGPAT6, TIP47, GPAM, ADRP, AP2, SREBP1, and TG markers LPL, ATGL, HSL were assessed by qPCR. All the markers measured were downregulated by miR-130b-5p and miR-130b-3p analog (P < 0.01), suggesting that miR-130b inhibits goat intramuscular adipocyte adipogenic differentiation, fatty acids synthesis, and lipid lipolysis. To examine the mechanism of miR-130b duplex inhibition of lipid deposition, TargetScan, miRDB, and starBase were used to predict the potential targets, KLF3 was found to be the only one intersection. Furthermore, the 3ʹUTR of KLF3 was cloned, qPCR analysis and dual luciferase activity assay showed that both miR-130b-5p and miR-130b-3p could directly regulate KLF3 expression (P < 0.01). In addition, overexpression and interference of KLF3 were conducted, it was found that KLF3 positively regulated lipid droplets accumulation by Oil red O, Bodipy staining, and TG content detection (P < 0.01). Quantitative PCR result indicated that KLF3 overexpression promoted lipid droplets accumulation relative genes C/EBPβ, PPARγ, pref1, ACC, FASN, DGAT1, DGAT2, AGPAT6, TIP47, GPAM, ADRP, SREBP1, LPL, and ATGL expression (P < 0.01). Downregulation of KLF3 inhibited the expression of genes such as C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, PPARγ, pref1, TIP47, GPAM, ADRP, AP2, LPL, and ATGL expression (P < 0.01). Taken together, these results indicate that miR-130b duplex could directly inhibit KLF3 expression, then attenuated adipogenic and TG synthesis genes expression, thus leading to its anti-adipogenic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an ultra-broadband high temporal contrast infrared laser source based on cascaded optical parametric amplification, hollow-core fiber (HCF) and second harmonic generation processes. In this setup, the spectrum of an approximately 1.8 µm laser pulse has near 1 µm full bandwidth by employing an argon gas-filled HCF. Subsequently, after frequency doubling with cascaded crystals and dispersion compensation by a fused silica wedge pair, 9.6 fs (~3 cycles) and 150 µJ pulses centered at 910 nm with full bandwidth of over 300 nm can be generated. The energy stability of the output laser pulse is excellent with 0.8% (root mean square) over 20 min, and the temporal contrast is >1012 at -10 ps before the main pulse. The excellent temporal and spatial characteristics and stability make this laser able to be used as a good seed source for ultra-intense and ultrafast laser systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal contrast directly affects the interaction between ultraintense and ultrashort pulse lasers with matter. Seed laser sources with broad bandwidth and high temporal contrast are significant for overall temporal contrast enhancement. The technique of cascaded nonlinear processes with optical parametric amplification and second-harmonic generation is demonstrated for high temporal contrast seed source generation. Within 40 ps before the main pulse, the temporal contrast reaches over 1011. The pulse energy and duration of the high-contrast pulse are 112 µJ and 70 fs, respectively. Considering its high beam quality and stability, this laser source can serve as a high-quality seed for Nd:glass-based ultraintense and ultrashort pulse laser facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes to some Golgi subfamily member proteins are reported to be involved in tumor metastasis. However, the functional role and potential mechanism of the Golgi A8 family member B (GOLGA8B) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unknown. In the present study, GOLGA8B expression was detected using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vivo animal experiments and in vitro functional assays were performed to explore the function of GOLGA8B in LUSC. Luciferase assays were performed to investigate the underlying targets of GOLGA8B in LUSC. GOLGA8B was shown to be highly expressed in LUSC metastasis tissue, and significantly associated with the distant metastasis-free survival of LUSC patients. Loss-of-function assays indicated that silencing GOLGA8B suppressed LUSC cell tumorigenesis in vivo and weakened in vitro invasion and migration. GOLGA8B silencing-induced inhibition of invasion and migration was associated with the inactivation of STAT3 signaling. Importantly, these results showed that the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) was markedly higher in the GOLGA8B silencing group than in the control vector group. GOLGA8B expression was positively associated with p-STAT3 expression in LUSC tissue. Study findings revealed a novel mechanism by which GOLGA8B promotes tumor metastasis in LUSC cells and suggests that this protein could be a promising target for antitumor metastasis therapy in LUSC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutral point clamped (NPC) three-level grid-tied converter is the key equipment connecting renewable energy and power grids. The current sensor fault caused by harsh environment may lead to the split of renewable energy. The existing sensor fault-tolerant methods will reduce the modulation ratio index of the converter system. To ensure continuous operation of the converter system and improve the modulation index, a model predictive control method based on reconstructed current is proposed in this paper. According to the relationship between fault phase current and a voltage vector, the original voltage vector is combined and classified. To maintain the stable operation of the converter and improve the utilization rate of DC voltage, two kinds of fault phase current are reconstructed with DC current, normal phase current and predicted current, respectively. Based on reconstructed three-phase current, a current predictive control model is designed, and a model predictive control method is proposed. The proposed method selects the optimal voltage vector with the cost function and reduces time delay with the current reconstruction sector. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed strategy can keep the NPC converter running stably with one AC sensor, and the modulation index is increased from 57.7% to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the characteristics and subtypes of depressive symptoms and explore the relationship between depressive subtypes and age among Chinese female breast cancer patients. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 566 breast cancer patients were recruited from three tertiary comprehensive hospital in Shandong Province, China through convenient sampling from April 2013 to June 2019. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data analyses included descriptive analyses, latent class analysis. Results: There were significant differences in specific depressive symptoms by age group, but no significant difference in total scores on PHQ-9. The depressive subtypes were severe (Class 4), relatively severe (Class 3; with lower psychomotor agitation/retardation and suicidal ideation), moderate (Class 2; with higher psychomotor agitation/retardation and suicidal ideation), and mild depressive symptoms (Class 1). The distribution of depression subtypes is different in various age groups. In the 45--59 age groups, severe symptoms subtype showed the highest ratios (i.e. 50.3%). Conclusion: This is the first study that analyses depressive symptom characteristics and identifies depressive subtypes in Chinese women with breast cancer across ages to explore symptom heterogeneity. Our findings can contribute to identifying the mechanisms behind these relationships and developing targeted interventions for patients with specific depressive subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important renal complications associated with diabetes, and the mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. To date, few studies have shown the antioxidant effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on hyperglycemia-induced renal injury. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced oxidative stress in diabetic rat kidneys. In this study, we established a vitamin D-deficient spontaneous diabetes model: 5–6 wk of age Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were treated with or without 1,25(OH)2D3 for 7 wk, age-matched Zucker lean rats served as control. Results showed that ZDF rats treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 had decreased body mass, food intake, water intake, and urine volume. 1,25(OH)2D3 ameliorated urine glucose, blood glucose and abnormal glucose tolerance. Additionally, 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly lowered microalbuminuria, decreased the glomerular basement membrane thickness, and in some degree inhibited glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and tubular dilatation. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D3 attenuated renal oxidative damage, as reflected by the levels of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, 4-hydroxynonenal, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and reactive oxygen species production, and notably inhibited poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), activated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and decreased the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). Of interest, the abovementioned proteins could be involved in the antioxidant mechanism of 1,25(OH)2D3 in diabetic rat kidneys. Our study showed that oxidative stress might be a major contributor to DN pathogenesis and uncovered the antioxidant role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in diabetic nephropathy that was associated with the PARP1/SIRT1/ NOX4 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs), also called ribosomal peptide natural products (RPNPs), form a growing superfamily of natural products that are produced by many different organisms and particularly by bacteria. They are derived from precursor polypeptides whose modification by various dedicated enzymes helps to establish a vast array of chemical motifs. RiPPs have attracted much interest as a source of potential therapeutic agents, and in particular as alternatives to conventional antibiotics to address the bacterial resistance crisis. However, their ecological roles in nature are poorly understood and explored. The present review describes major RiPP actors in competition within microbial communities, the main ecological and physiological functions currently evidenced for RiPPs, and the microbial ecosystems that are the sites for these functions. We envision that the study of RiPPs may lead to discoveries of new biological functions and highlight that a better knowledge of how bacterial RiPPs mediate inter-/intraspecies and interkingdom interactions will hold promise for devising alternative strategies in antibiotic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. A retrospective observational study. Objective. To assess whether the six-minute walk test (6MWT) can predict cardiopulmonary function in children with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) as an alternative to the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Summary of Background Data. Cardiopulmonary functional impairment in the setting of IS is a common health problem. A simple and convenient assessment method is needed. Materials and Methods. We recruited 65 children (eight male, 57 female) aged 10.70 to 14.84 years old with IS. Radiographic characteristics of the cohort were measured, including Risser's sign and Cobb angle. We measured cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance using both the 6MWT and CPET and their corresponding indicators, including six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between 6MWT indicators and IS parameters. Linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between 6MWT and CPET response indicators. Results. Over a third of the cohort (35.4%) had a Risser's sign grade of 0, with 21.5% in grade 2 and 3, respectively. The cohort's mean Cobb angle was 26.02°. 6MWD was significantly positively correlated with Risser's sign (R= 0.258; P=0.038) and change in respiratory rate positively correlated with vertebral rotation (R=0.264; P= 0.034). 6MWD positively correlated with peak VO2, peak VO2/heart rate (HR), and metabolic equivalents, and negatively correlated with the ventilation equivalent of the carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2 slope) (P< 0.05). These four CPET indicators were found to be predicted from 6MWD in the linear regression model (P< 0.05). Conclusions. CPET response indicators, especially peak VO2, can be predicted using 6MWD, among other factors. The 6MWT can therefore be used to rapidly and efficiently predict the cardiorespiratory tolerance of children with IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Prediction models for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) need to be proven effective in the target population before they can be applied to population-based endoscopic screening to improve costeffectiveness. We have systematically reviewed ESCC prediction models applicable to the general population and performed external validation and head-to-head comparisons in a large multicenter prospective cohort including 5 high-risk areas of China (Fei Cheng, Lin Zhou, Ci Xian, Yang Zhong, and Yan Ting). METHODS: Models were identified through a systematic review and validated in a large population-based multicenter prospective cohort that included 89,753 participants aged 40--69 years who underwent their first endoscopic examination between April 2017 and March 2021 and were followed up until December 31, 2022. Model performance in external validation was estimated based on discrimination and calibration. Discrimination was assessed by C-statistic (concordance statistic), and calibration was assessed by calibration plot and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS: The systematic review identified 15 prediction models that predicted severe dysplasia and above lesion (SDA) or ESCC in the general population, of which 11 models (4 SDA and 7 ESCC) were externally validated. The C-statistics ranged from 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.66--0.69) to 0.70 (0.68--0.71) of the SDA models, and the highest was achieved by Liu et al (2020) and Liu et al (2022). The C-statistics ranged from 0.51 (0.48--0.54) to 0.74 (0.71--0.77), and Han et al (2023) had the best discrimination of the ESCC models. Most models were well calibrated after recalibration because the calibration plots coincided with the x 5 y line. DISCUSSION: Several prediction models showed moderate performance in external validation, and the prediction models may be useful in screening for ESCC. Further research is needed on model optimization, generalization, implementation, and health economic evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the perfect conductivity problem of composite material, the gradient of solutions can be arbitrarily large when two inclusions are located very close to each other. To characterize the singular behavior of the gradient in the narrow region between two inclusions, we capture the leading term of the gradient and give a fairly sharp description of such asymptotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and arterial stiffness and provide a predictive index for diagnosing atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We enrolled patients with ACST who were confirmed by coronary angiography. Data were collected by questionnaire and blood indexes. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using BP-203RPE III network arteriosclerosis detection equipment. Correlation analysis of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and baPWV was performed, and multivariate line regression analysis was conducted to explore the relevant factors for baPWV. A total of 210 patients were included in the final analyses according to the inclusion criteria. Patients with a high baPWV had a lower lymphocyte count than those with a low baPWV (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.004). The NLRs of the low and high bvPWV groups were 3.1± 1.5 and 4.0± 2.1, respectively; no significant difference was observed. The results suggest that there is a positive relationship between baPWV and NLR (r = 0.403, P = 0.005) and neutrophils (r = 0.319, P = 0.016). Multivariate line regression suggested that NLR was positively associated with baPWV (B = 0.372, P = 0.000). The present results indicate that NLR is independently associated with arterial stiffness in patients with ACS. NLR, an inexpensive, easily measurable, widely available biomarker, could be an additional tool for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted comprehensive analyses to assess the diagnostic ability of miRNA-451 in cancers. A systematic online search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, China's national knowledge infrastructure, and VIP databases from inception to July 31, 2017. The bivariate random effect model was used for calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under cure (AUC). The whole pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (0.77-0.90) and 0.85 (0.78-0.90) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CI), respectively. The pooled AUC was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.89-0.94). Positive likelihood ratio was 5.57 (95%CI: 3.74-8.31), negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95%CI: 0.11-0.28), and diagnostic odds ratio was 31.33 (95%CI: 15.19-64.61). Among Asian population, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77-0.91) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.78-0.91), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.87 (95%CI: 3.78-9.12) and 0.17 (95%CI: 0.11-0.28). The diagnostic odds ratio and AUC were 34.31 (15.51-75.91) and 0.92 (0.89-0.94). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and AUC for digestive system cancer were 0.83, 0.88, 6.87, 0.20, 35.13, and 0.92, respectively. The other cancers were 0.87, 0.81, 4.55, 0.16, 28.51, and 0.90, respectively. For sample source, the results still remain consistent. Our results indicated miRNA-451 has a moderate diagnostic ability for cancers, and could be a potential early screening biomarker, and considered as an adjuvant diagnostic index when being combined with other clinical examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim was to explore the nutrient status of tobacco-planting soil, and find out the fertilization strategy for flue-cured tobacco. [Method] The nutrient contents in 142 soil samples from 7 tobacco planting counties in Fu Zhou city were determined and evaluated. [Result] The organic matter content was on the high side, and most soil was acid soil. The soil had abundant total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potaasium, moderate available nitrogen and available phosphorus, low available potaasium, high water soluble chlorine, low soil cation exchange capacity and rich effective zinc, but effective boron was famine. [Conclusion] The meta-acid soil should be conducted with pH adjustment, and rational nitrogen, phosphorus and potaasium application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter introduces an efficient bundle adjustment (BA) method based on the sparse Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (sparse BFGS, sBFGS) solution, which efficiently estimates camera poses and 3-D points. The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) solution, which is widely applied in BA problems, requires more linear equation solution and more iterations. A gain matrix calculated using both the Jacobian matrix and residual vector replaces the simple diagonal matrix of the LM solution, which results in a better estimation of the descent direction and step size when finding a path to a local minimum in a sparse BFGS solution. Four datasets were verified, and the results demonstrate that the proposed method requires fewer linear equation solutions to converge to a minimum compared with that of the LM-based BA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disperse Red 60 simulated polyester alcoholysis liquid decoloration by electro-Fenton with Fe3O4 catalyst was studied. The influences of the main operating parameters such as catalyst dosage (0.3-0.9 g/L), current density (60-120 mA/cm2) and pH (1-7) were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken surface statistical design (BBD). In optimal conditions, the initial concentration of 25 mg/L disperse red polyester alcoholysis liquid was catalyzed by 0.6 g/L Fe3O4, and the decoloration efficiency was 97.18% with the current density of 90 mA/cm2 and initial pH of 4.6. There was a relative error of 1.18% with the predicted model when the predictive value was 98.25% under the same conditions. In addition, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the degradation mechanism during decoloration. The intermediates were identified and the proposed degradation pathways were investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a flowering evergreen plant in Eastern Africa and Southwestern Arabia. Consumption of Khat has been associated with the development of oral cancer, but its mechanism of action on the molecular level remains unclear. The present study demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of khat extracts on the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Trypan blue exclusion assays, flow cytometry, fluorescent and electron microscopy, as well as western blotting were used to analyze the effects of Khat on the cell viability of breast cancer cells, expression of apoptotic-associated proteins and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results of the present study demonstrated that treatment with 400 μg/ml khat was able to induce cell death in breast cancers, with an increase in the protein expression of apoptosis regulator Bax and a decrease in the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2, along with a decrease in ROS levels in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression of activated c-Jun N-terminal and extracellular regulated protein kinases was increased in khat-treated cells compared with untreated cells. Mitochondria participated in cell apoptosis through the release of apoptogenic proteins to the cytosol and the generation of excess reactive oxygen species. The results of the present study suggest that khat induces MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis via MAPK activation and mitochondrial-mediated death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We demonstrate the protective effects of the siRNA-mediated inhibition of the interleukin-28 receptor alpha (IL28RA) subunit on cardiomyocytes in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and explore the associated mechanism. Methods: After designing and synthesizing three pairs of siRNA that effectively reduced IL28RA gene expression in vitro (siRNA-6158, siRNA-6160, and siRNA-6162), primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were transfected using a liposome transfection method. Six groups were included based on the siRNA that was used and the treatment simulating reperfusion injury: control group, H/R group, H/R+negative control group, H/R+siRNA-6158 group, H/R+siRNA-6160 group, and H/R+siRNA-6162 group. Cell survival and apoptosis rates were measured along with lactate dehydrogenase levels in the cell culture supernatant. Protein levels of IL28RA, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic subunit gamma (PI3KCG), Bcl-2, Bax, and β-actin were also measured. Results: The H/R+siRNA-6158 and H/R+siRNA-6160 groups had significantly higher survival rates and increased PI3KCG-to-β-actin and Bcl-2-to-Bax ratios than the the H/R and H/R+negative control groups (p<0.05). The H/R+siRNA-6158 and H/R+siRNA-6160 groups also exhibited reduced rates of apoptosis and reduced IL28RA-to-β-actin ratios (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed among the H/R+siRNA-6162, H/R, and H/R+negative control groups. Conclusion: IL28RA siRNA-6158 and -6160 were able to protect cardiomyocytes from H/R injury by inhibiting apoptosis. This strategy of inhibiting IL28RA gene expression may reduce reperfusion injury in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the changes in the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in serum of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and to compare with the values of CRP in combination with PCT in the diagnosis and treatment of infective exacerbation of COPD. Methods: One hundred and sixty-four patients who developed acute exacerbation of COPD and admitted to the Binzhou People's Hospital from March 2014 to December 2015 were selected. They were divided into an infection group (N=98) and a non-infection group (N=66) according to bacterial culture results of sputum and lung computer tomography (CT) examination results. Moreover, 50 healthy people were selected as a normal control group. The levels of PCT and CRP of the three groups were determined respectively; patients in the infection group and non-infection group were determined again after administration of antibacterial drugs for a period of time. The results were all recorded. Results: The levels of PCT and CRP of the infection group were significantly higher than those of the non-infection group and the normal control group before treatment, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). The levels of PCT and CRP were (1.97±0.13) μg/L and (7.34±2.66) mg/L respectively in the infection group after treatment, which was much lower than the levels before treatment (P<0.05). The level of PCT of the infection group was remarkably higher than that of the non-infection group after treatment (P<0.05), but the difference of CRP level between the infection group and non-infection group had no statistical significance (P>0.05). The specificity and sensitivity of diagnosing COPD in combination with bacterial infection with PCT or CRP were lower than those of PCT in combination with CRP. Conclusion: Levels of CRP in combination with PCT is a reliable index for determining the existence of bacterial infection, which is of great clinical guidance significance to the treatment and prognosis assessment of AECOPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials: We performed a meta-analysis of relevant published clinical studies. An electronic search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MSC-based therapy in knee OA. The visual analogue scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne algofunctional indices (Lequesne), Lysholm knee scale (Lysholm), Tegner activity scale (Tegner) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results: Eleven eligible trials with 582 knee OA patients were included in the present meta-analysis. We demonstrated that MSC treatment could significantly decrease VAS and increase IKDC scoresafter a 24-month follow-up compared with controls (P<0.05). MSC therapy also showed significant decreases in WOMAC and Lequesne scores after the 12-month follow-up (P<0.01). Analysis of Lysholm (24-month) and Tegner (12- and 24-month) scores also demonstrated favorable results for MSC treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Overall, MSC transplantation treatment was shown to be safe and has great potential as an efficacious clinical therapy for patients with knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, rape stalk was modified with citric acid (CA) to prepare copper ion biosorbent. The modified rape stalk (MRS) was characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), zeta potential, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of various parameters like initial Cu2+concentration, contact time, initial pH, and temperature on adsorption capacity were studied. The adsorption capacity of MRS at 298 K was 69.84 mg/g, far higher than 18.24 mg/g for native rape stalk (NRS). The adsorption mechanism was also evaluated in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics. The adsorption equilibrium data was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. Thermodynamic study showed spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The ion exchange of the adsorption mechanism was affirmed. MRS could be a potentially low-cost and green adsorbent for removal of Cu2+from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Jingjiang Three Outlets (JTO) are thewater-sediment connecting channels between the Yangtze River and theDongting Lake. The discharge diversion of the JTO plays a dominant role in the flood control of the middle-lower Yangtze River, Dongting Lake evolution, and ecological environment. After the operation of the Three Gorges Dam(TGD), the river channels downstreamexperienced dramatic channel changes. To study the influences of the channel change on the discharge diversion, the authors analyzed the channel changes by water level-discharge rating curves and cross-sectional channel profiles in 1980-2014. Hence, changes in the water level with the same discharge and the decline of discharge diversion at the JTO were noted. Channel incision caused the water level with the same discharge to greatly decrease in the upper Jingjiang River. The water level with the same discharge significantly increased at the JTO as a result of the channel deposition. The channel changes contributed approximately 37.74%and 76.36%, respectively, to the amount and ratio of discharge diversion decreases after the TGD operation. The channel changes serve as the primary factor in facilitating the decrease in the discharge diversion ratio, but not the main factor for the decreased amount of the discharge diversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide fundamental thermodynamic data for the crystallization separation of succinic acid and adipic acid from mixed dibasic acid, the solubilities of succinic acid in various mass fractions of the adipic acid + glutaric acid + acetone mixture and adipic acid in various mass fractions of the succinic acid + glutaric acid + acetone mixture were measured by the dynamic method at a temperature range of 277.85-327.95 K under atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the solubility of succinic acid in acetone increased with increasing mass fraction of adipic acid and glutaric acid in the mixed solvent at the same temperature. Similarly, the solubility of adipic acid in acetone increased with increasing mass fraction of succinic acid and glutaric acid in the mixed solvent at the same temperature. The ideal solution equation, Apelblat equation, λh equation, and nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) equation were applied to correlate the experimental solubility data, which were all in good agreement with the four equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most serious soil-borne disease of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in China. In this study, 89 strains were collected in 2012 to 2014 from across the four major tobacco-growing areas in China. The strains were identified as phylotype I by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and further divided into seven sequevars based on polymorphisms in the endoglucanase (egl) gene. Among the seven sequevars, four (15, 17, 34, and 44) have been previously described as pathogens of tobacco and two (13 and 14), which are reported here on tobacco, were previously found only on other plants. In addition, a new sequevar named 54 was identified. Strains from tobacco from different regions showed different levels of genetic diversity based on partial egl gene sequences. The farther north the distribution, the lower the gene diversity found. Pathogenicity of 27 representative strains was assessed by inoculation onto three tobacco cultivars of varying susceptibility. Through cluster analysis of area under the disease progress curve values, the 27 strains were classified into different pathotypes based on virulence; however, no obvious associations were found between sequevar and pathotype. These results will assist in determining geographical distribution of strains, and provide the foundation for breeding and integrated management programs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating scientific fundamentals via engineering through a design-based methodology has proven to be highly effective for STEM education. Engineering design can be instantiated for learning as they involve mental and physical stimulation and develop practical skills especially in solving problems. Lego bricks, as a set of toys based on design technique, are in line with the cognitive characteristics of students and provide a good game-based learning tool for engineering education. Many studies have incorporated Lego to investigate students' scientific attitudes, science inquiry skills, and problem-solving strategies, yet few address the effects of engineering design-based learning on pupils' problem-solving abilities. Therefore, this paper conducted an experiment and included control group to examine how fourth-grade students' science performance and problem-solving abilities change over the engineering design-based science learning by using Lego bricks. Results indicate that: (1) pupils' science performance significantly improved on both the control and the experimental groups, (2) pupils' gains of problem-solving ability in the experimental group were significantly improved, and (3) the males made a significant progress in problem-solving ability than the females in the experimental group. The key findings, possible reasons behind them, and potential benefits in the context of learning are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation has been implicated in cancer development and progression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether pre-operative systemic inflammatory markers can predict outcomes in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: Relevant literature was mainly identified using Pubmed, EMBASE and CNKI. Patients' clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), disease/relapse free survival (DFS/RFS) with high-level CRP or neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were extracted. The statistics extracted from Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank p value were calculated with methods developed by Parmar, Williamson, and Tierney; multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis data were used directly in STATA 10.0. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were calculated to evaluate the prognostic role of these systemic inflammatory markers (CRP/NLR). RESULTS: After full text review, 11 articles containing 1809 patients were identified as eligible articles. The meta-analysis for survival outcome showed significant prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers including CRP and NLR in preoperative blood. The combined HRs (95% CI) for five year overall survival (OS) and disease/recurrence free survival (DFS/RFS) were 2.54 [2.04, 3.16] and 2.28 [1.72, 3.04]. Specifically, higher NLR was associated with decreased 5-year OS (HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.24 to 11.37) and 3 year RFS/DFS (HR 2.43, 95% CI 0.84 to 7.05). Besides, the pooled HR showed a higher risk of 5-year disease progression (HR 2.55, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.08, I² = 52%) and lower 5-year OS (HR 2.50, 95% CI 2.00 to 3.12, I² = 0%) in sarcoma patients with high CRP level. We then grouped the meta-analysis by patient source (Asian and non-Asian), tumor stage (I/II or III/IV) and grade (high or low), respectively. All the subgroup analysis showed significant prognostic role in survival condition. The CRP/NLR levels are also found closely related with patient age, tumor stage and size. CONCLUSION: Higher level of pre-operative CRP and NLR demonstrated a significantly higher risk of recurrence and overall decreased survival rates in sarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most abundant microRNA (miRNA) in the liver, miR-122 plays important roles in the growth and development of liver, lipid metabolism, and liver diseases. Vanin 1 (VNN1) plays an important role in hepatic lipid metabolism, and VNN1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases caused by overactivated gluconeogenesis. In our previous RNA-seq study, we found the expression of VNN1 increased significantly when the expression of miR-122 (gga-miR-122-5p) was knocked down in primary chicken hepatocytes. In this study, we verified this result by real-time qRT-PCR, and we also found that the chicken VNN1 was highly expressed in the liver. By bioinformatics analyses, we found the 3'UTR of VNN1 contained sequences completely complementary to the nucleotides 1 to 8 of miR-122. Co-transfection and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that overexpression of miR-122 decreased the expression of luciferase reporter gene linked to the 3'UTR of chicken VNN1 in the Chinese hamster ovary cells (P < 0.01), and the decrease was further demonstrated to be dependent on the predicted miR-122 binding sites by site mutation analyses. These results further support miR-122 as a negative regulator of VNN1 expression in chicken hepatocytes. Overall, this study suggests that miR-122 might play an important role in lipid metabolism in the chicken liver by negatively regulating the expression of the VNN1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the harmful effect of fluoride (F) and the alleviating role of chitosan on the development of skeletal fluorosis, we focused on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (StrACP) activities, and the gene expression levels of collagen type-1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2), which are fundamental to osteoblast commitment and differentiation. Sixty-eight healthy, 28-day-old, Kunming male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups and administrated sodium fluoride (NaF, 45 mg/ L) and/or chitosan (5%) in their drinking water and diet, respectively. After 100 days, compared to the control group, the ALP activity was significantly (p<0.01) increased in the F-exposed group, while the StrACP activity was decreased (p<0.05). Real-time PCR was used to quantify the gene expression levels of BMP-2 and COL1A1. In contrast to the controls, the gene expressions of both BMP-2 and COL1A1 were significantly reduced by exposure to F (p<0.05). The results in the F+chitosan group showed that chitosan could weaken the gene inhibition of BMP-2 and COL1A1 induced by the excessive F. The findings suggest that F changed the gene related to bone formation. In turn, chitosan alleviated, to a certain extent, the F-induced damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance quality, physical properties, chemical components and sensory quality of 69 flue-cured tobacco leaf samples from 6 counties of Fuzhou City in 2013 were analyzed and evaluated, and were compared with those in southeast area of China. The results showed that the flue-cured tobacco leaves in Fuzhou in 2013 had better hygroscopicity, toughness and filling ability, as well as suitable dragging force. However, some of the tobacco leaves were slightly thin, and had relatively high stem ratio. The tobacco leaves in Fuzhou had higher potassium content, lower starch content, and higher potassium to chlorine ratio. The middle tobacco leaves had better coordination of chemical components and general sensory quality (medium to medium-super level). Most upper and middle flue-cured tobacco leaf samples had medium-super aroma quality, relatively sufficient aroma quantity, and relatively concentrated smoke; while the lower flue-cured tobacco leaves had little aroma quantity and insufficient smoke. The appearance quality score of lower tobacco leaf samples in Fuzhou in 2013 was slightly lower than that in southeastand whole China. The scores of maturity and leaf structure of middle tobacco leaves in Fuzhou were equivalent to those in southeast China and the national averages. The upper leaves in Fuzhou obtained an equivalent score in oil content and slightly lower scores in other indexes as compared with those in southeast China. The middle-lower tobacco leaves in Fuzhou had better hygroscopicity and toughness compared with those in southeastand whole China. The total alkaloid content per plant andreducing sugar content and potassium content in the middle and lower parts were higher than those in southeast and whole China. However, the scores of coordination of chemical components of lower and upper tobacco leaves in Fuzhou were slightly lower than those in southeast and whole China. The sensory quality of the 3 parts of tobacco leaves in Fuzhou were similar to that in southeast and whole China, but the score of consistency of upper tobacco leaves in Fuzhou was slightly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim was to study the growth and quality characteristics of sun-cured tobacco Kadsura Coccinea in Guangchang County and give full play to its advantages. [Method] The research took tobacco varieties including Tiechi in Yiqian, Mushao in Yangxi Tiechi in Chishui, and Liuye in Toupo as test materials to explore development process, quality characteristics and economic traits of different varieties. [Result] The variety of Tiechi in Yiqian had medium growht, moderate growth periods, and the best economic benefits. Total content of aroma matter was the highest in the varieties of Tiechi in Yiqian. Also it had more content of products of browning reaction and products degraded by cembranoids. Besides, volume and quality of aroma were higher, as well as the score of sensory quality. [Conclusion] Comprehensive comparisons suggested that the variety of Tiechi in Yiqian was superior to others at tobacco-growing, economic benefits and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high morbidity and mortality in pigeons caused by pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) highlights the need for new insights into the host immune response and novel treatment approaches. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are key components of the innate immune system. In this study, three novel avian β-defensins (AvBDs 2, 7, and 10) were characterized in pigeons and shown to possess direct antiviral activity against PPMV-1 in vitro. In addition, we evaluated the mRNA expression of these AvBDs and other immune-related genes in tissues of 2-month-old infected pigeons at 3 and 7 days postinfection. We observed that the expression of AvBD2 in the cecal tonsil, lungs, and proventriculus, as well as the expression of AvBD10 in the spleen, lungs, proventriculus, and kidneys, was upregulated in infected pigeons. Similarly, the expression of both Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and TLR7 was increased in the spleen, trachea, and proventriculus, while TLR15 expression was increased only in the lungs of infected pigeons. In addition, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was upregulated in the spleen, the bursa of Fabricius, the trachea, and the proventriculus of infected pigeons. Furthermore, we observed a high correlation between the expression of AvBD2 and the expression of either TLR7 or TLR15, as well as between AvBD10 expression and either TLR3 or TLR7 expression in respective tissues. The results suggest that PPMV-1 infection can induce innate host responses characterized by the activation of TLRs, particularly TLR3 and TLR7, AvBDs (2 and 10), and iNOS in pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technique is currently one of the most important tools for collecting elevation points with a high density in the context of digital elevation model (DEME) construction. However, the high density data always leads to serious time and memory consumption problems in data processing. In this paper, we have developed a thin plate spline (TPS)-based feature-preserving (TPS-F) method for LiDAR-derived ground data reduction by selecting a certain amount of significant terrain points and by extracting geomorphological features from the raw dataset to maintain the accuracy of constructed DEMs as high as possible, while maximally keeping terrain features. We employed four study sites with different topographies (i.e., flat, undulating, hilly and mountainous terrains) to analyze the performance of TPS-F for LiDAR data reduction in the context of DEME construction. These results were compared with those of the TPS-based algorithm without features (TPS-W) and two classical data selection methods including maximum z-tolerance (Max-Z) and the random method. Results show that irrespective of terrain characteristic, the two versions of TPS-based approaches (i.e., TPS-F and TPS-W) are always more accurate than the classical methods in terms of error range and root means square error. Moreover, in terms of streamline matching rate (SMR), TPS-F has a better ability of preserving geomorphological features, especially for the mountainous terrain. For example, the average SMR of TPS-F is 89.2% in the mountainous area, while those of TPS-W, max-Z and the random method are 56.6%, 34.7% and 35.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is recognized as a disease biomarker to reflect the existence of various cancers and tumors in the human body. Sensitive detection of CEA in body fluid is valuable for clinical diagnosis and treatment assessment of cancers. Herein, we present a new approach for ultrasensitive determination of CEA in human serum based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)32+. In this surface-enhanced ECL (SEECL) sensing scheme, Ru(bpy)32+-doped SiO2 nanoparticles (Ru@SiO2) act as ECL luminophores, and AuNPs are used as LSPR source to enhance the ECL signal. Two different kinds of aptamers specific to CEA are modified on the surface of Ru@SiO2 and AuNPs, respectively. In the presence of CEA, a multilayer of Ru@SiO2-AuNPs nanoarchitectures would be formed. Our investigation reveals that die ECL signal of Ru@SiO2 can be effectively enhanced by AuNPs. One layer of Ru@SiO2-AuNPs nanoarchitectures would generate about 3-fold ECL enhancement compared with the ECL of die nanoarchitectures without the presence of AuNPs. As much as 30-fold ECL enhancement could be obtained by a multilayer of Ru@SiO2-AuNPs nanoarchitectures. Under the optimal conditions, a detection limit of 1.52 × 10-6 ng/mL of CEA in human serum was achieved. To the best of our knowledge, CEA assays with such a low LOD have never been reported for an ECL sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene transcription is a stochastic process in single cells, in which genes transit randomly between active and inactive states. Transcription of many inducible genes is also tightly regulated: It is often stimulated by extracellular signals, activated through signal transduction pathways and later repressed by negative regulations. In this work, we study the nonlinear dynamics of the mean transcription level of inducible genes modulated by the interplay of the intrinsic transcriptional randomness and the repression by negative regulations. In our model, we integrate negative regulations into gene activation process, and make the conventional assumption on the production and degradation of transcripts. We show that, whether or not the basal transcription is temporarily terminated when cells are stimulated, the mean transcription level grows in the typical up and down pattern commonly observed in immune response genes. With the help of numerical simulations, we clarify the delicate impact of the system parameters on the transcription dynamics, and demonstrate how our model generates the distinct temporal gene-induction patterns in mouse fibroblasts discerned in recent experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The new glioma cell line SHG-139 was established and its phenotype, tumorigenicity, pathological characteristics, derived stem cells SHG139S were studied. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess expressions in the patient and mouse tumor tissues, SHG-139 and SHG-139S. Primary SHG-139 culture was performed, cell proliferation, cell cycle and genetic characteristics were assessed. MiRNA (Micro RNA) and LncRNA (Long non-coding RNA) microarray was performed. Results: We found that the glioma tissue was positive for A2B5 (Glial precursors ganglioside), GFAP (Glial fibril l ary acidic protein), S-100 (Acid calcium bingding protein), VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor), VEGFR (Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) and negative for Ki-67 (Nuclcar-associated antigen). SHG-139 proliferated significantly within 24h; its total number of chromosomes was 68; ratios of SHG-139 and SHG-139S cells in G1 phase were highest. SHG-139 cells were positive for A2B5, GalC (Galactocerebrosides), GFAP, S-100 and Vimentin, while SHG-139S cells were positive for A2B5, Nestin, and NG2 (Neuron-glia antigen2), and negative for Vimentin and IDHR132H (Isocitrate dehydrogenase); cells rarely stained for CD133 (Cluster of differentiation 133). SHG-139 intracranial xenografts expressed GFAP, but no overt oligodendroglioma was observed. In SHG-139S xenografts, GFAP and S-100 were expressed, while CD133 was not detected; a few A2B5+ cells were found at tumor edges, and typical oligodendroglioma were obtained. In addition, SHG-139S xenograft tumors were more aggressive than those of SHG-139. Anti-mouse CD31 (Cluster of differentiation31) staining revealed murine vessels at the border between xenograft tumor and normal brain tissue; Anti-human CD34 (Cluster of differentiation34) staining was negative. Biochip technology of SHG139S showed several miRNA and lncRNA were differently expressed in SHG139and SHG139S. Conclusions: SHG-139 was an astroglioma cell line which yielded stem cells SHG-139S. SHG-139S cells constituted an A2B5+/CD133-GSC subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a continuation of our earlier work "[Jin, T., Y. Y. Li and J. Xiong. "On a fractional Nirenberg problem, part I: blow up analysis and compactness of solutions." J. Eur. Math. Soc., to appear]", where compactness results were given on a fractional Nirenberg problem. We prove two existence results stated there. We also obtain a fractional Aubin inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote-sensing-derived elevation data sets often suffer from noise and outliers due to various reasons, such as the physical limitations of sensors, multiple reflectance, occlusions and low contrast of texture. Outliers generally have a seriously negative effect on DEM construction. Some interpolation methods like ordinary kriging (OK) are capable of smoothing noise inherent in sample points, but are sensitive to outliers. In this paper, a robust algorithm of multiquadric method (MQ) based on an Improved Huber loss function (MQ-IH) has been developed to decrease the impact of outliers on DEM construction. Theoretically, the improved Huber loss function is null for outliers, quadratic for small errors, and linear for others. Simulated data sets drawn from a mathematical surface with different error distributions were employed to analyze the robustness of MQ-IH. Results indicate that MQ-IH obtains a good balance between efficiency and robustness. Namely, the performance of MQ-IH is comparative to those of the classical MQ and MQ based on the Classical Huber loss function (MQ-CH) when sample points follow a normal distribution, and the former outperforms the latter two when sample points are subject to outliers. For example, for the Cauchy error distribution with the location parameter of 0 and scale parameter of 1, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of MQ-CH and the classical MQ are 0.3916 and 1.4591, respectively, whereas that of MQ-IH is 0.3698. The performance of MQ-IH is further evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analysis through a real-world example of DEM construction with the stereo-images-derived elevation points. Results demonstrate that compared with the classical interpolation methods, including natural neighbor (NN), OK and ANUDEM (a program that calculates regular grid digital elevation models (DEMs) with sensible shape and drainage structure from arbitrarily large topographic data sets), and two versions of MQ, including the classical MQ and MQ-CH, MQ-IH has a better ability of maximally reducing the impact of outliers, while faithfully preserving terrain features. Theoretically, MQ-IH is not a promising interpolation method, and some side effects can be found from its simulation results. For example, the contours of MQ-IH are coarser than ANUDEM in some locations of the real-world study site, and its hill shade may not strictly agree with the real-world surface at rough terrain. Furthermore, the computing cost of MQ-IH is much bigger than that of the classical interpolation methods. However, compared with the classical interpolation methods, MQ-IH has significant potential for interpolating remote-sensing-derived elevation data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of structural domain boundaries in a rock mass is an essential step for rock engineering design, because mechanical and hydraulic properties vary from one domain to another. A new method in which structural domain boundaries were determined by comparing the number of joint poles occurring in corresponding sectors on stereonets was proposed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon rank sum nonparametric tests were used to evaluate the homogeneity of the structural populations collected from four adjacent adits at the Songta dam site. Based on a significance level of 0.05, the structural domain boundaries in the rock mass of the study area were determined. A major advantage of the new method is that it provides a quantitative, standard scale to evaluate the homogeneity of structural populations without the knowledge about joint sets. It can produce more reliable evaluation results attributed to using different statistical tests. In addition, it is applicable to structural populations with small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are lacking on the temperature changes of food during transport without the use of refrigerated trucks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of several insulated and noninsulated containers with or without frozen gel packs to keep perishable and refrigerated foods within the temperature safe zone in relationship to duration of transport. The study was designed to duplicate the practices exhibited by customers purchasing perishable food products from a cash-and-carry business. Approximately 40 perishable food items were evaluated. Four types of containers were tested: a mylar foil bag, a commercial insulated bag, a generic insulated bag, and a commercial insulated blanket. Mixed foods were placed into these containers with or without frozen gel packs, transported in unrefrigerated vehicles, and monitored for 4 h for temperature changes. Two environmental temperatures, room temperature of 21.1°C and a stress temperature of 37.8°C, were evaluated. The internal temperature and surface temperature of the food products in these containers increased slowly but remained well below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code requirements. The various containers were similar in their ability to retain coolness. The presence of frozen gel packs dramatically enhanced the cold-holding capacity of the containers. The temperature of foods increased more rapidly when stressed in a heated environment. The containers tested used with the frozen gel packs can keep the surface and internal temperatures of various perishable foods (starting at 4.4°C or less) within the Food Code recommendation of under 21.1°C for 4 h. Cash-and-carry businesses should strongly encourage their retail customers to utilize these containers with frozen gel packs to safely transport perishable foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of single-component Ce3+, Li+, Mn2+ ions codoped color-tunable CaSr2Al2O6 phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction, and the photoluminescence properties as well as the energy transfer mechanism from Ce3+ to Mn2+ ions have been investigated in detail. The Ce3+ activated phosphors have strong absorption in the range of 250-420 nm and can give a blue emission centered at about 460 nm. When Mn2+ ions are codoped, the emission of CaSr2Al2O6:Ce3+, Li+, Mn2+ phosphors can be tuned from blue to red through adjusting the doping concentration of the Mn2+ ions, under the irradiation of 358 nm. When the concentration of Mn2+ is increased to 0.02, a warm-white light can be obtained with good CIE coordinates of (0.388, 0.323) and a low CCT of 3284 K. The energy transfer mechanism from the Ce3+ to Mn2+ ions is demonstrated to be a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction based on the analysis of the decay curves of the phosphors. The thermal quenching stability was also investigated. The results indicate that CaSr2Al2O6:Ce3+, Li+, Mn2+ samples might have potential applications in w-LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone methylation status in different lysine residues has an important role in transcription regulation. The effect of H4K20 monomethylation (H4K20me1) on androgen receptor (AR)-mediated gene transcription remains unclear. Here we show that AR agonist stimulates the enrichment of H4K20me1 and SET8 at the promoter of AR target gene PSA in an AR dependent manner. Furthermore, SET8 is crucial for the transcription activation of PSA. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrate that SET8 interacts with AR. Therefore, we conclude that SET8 is involved in AR-mediated transcription activation, possibly through its interaction with AR and H4K20me1 modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove some results on the existence and compactness of solutions of a fractional Nirenberg problem. The crucial ingredients of our proofs are the understanding of the blow up profiles and a Liouville theorem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the theory of generalized thermoelastic diffusion, a two-dimensional generalized electromagnetothermoelastic problem with diffusion for a rotating half-space is investigated. The rotating half-space is placed in an external magnetic field with constant intensity and its bounding surface is subjected to a thermal shock and a chemical potential shock. The problem is formulated based on finite element method and the derived finite element equations are solved directly in time domain. The nondimensional temperature, displacement, stress, chemical potential, concentration, and induced magnetic field are obtained and illustrated graphically. The results show that all the considered variables have a nonzero value only in a bounded region and vanish identically outside this region, which fully demonstrates the nature of the finite speeds of thermoelastic wave and diffusive wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]