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Background: The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) is considered a crucial node in emotional and cognitive processes. Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) is a validated methodology for investigating interhemispheric coordination. This study aims to elucidate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the interhemispheric connectivity of the dmPFC in patients with depression, using VMHC as a measure of bilateral neural coordination. Methods: Thirty-three patients with depression, screened at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and thirty-five patients with depression, screened at Anhui Medical University (AHMU), were selected as the subjects of this study. VMHC was employed to investigate the effects of ECT on bilateral hemispheric functional connectivity. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and the relationships between changes in HAMD scores and VMHC values were examined. Results: Following ECT, the depressive symptoms of all participants decreased (p < 0.001). The VMHC values in the dmPFC were significantly increased in both groups after ECT (p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the increasing VMHC values in the dmPFC and the changes in HAMD scores in depressed patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results show that ECT regulates interhemispheric functional connectivity in depressed patients, and significantly increases the VMHC values in the dmPFC. Our findings may provide a useful method for optimizing the treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about the copackaging photosensitizer and PD-L1 siRNA in a nucleic acid nanogel for synergistic cancer photoimmunotherapy. It mentions that packaging multiple drugs into a nanocarrier with rational design to achieve synergistic cancer therapy remains a challenge due to the intrinsically varied pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.

The article discusses about the copackaging photosensitizer and PD-L1 siRNA in a nucleic acid nanogel for synergistic cancer photoimmunotherapy. It mentions that packaging multiple drugs into a nanocarrier with rational design to achieve synergistic cancer therapy remains a challenge due to the intrinsically varied pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.

Two queen ant specimens, one alate and one dealate, from mid-Cretaceous (Late Albian-Early Cenomanian) Burmese amber are herein reported as belonging Haidomyrmex cerberus Dlussky, 1996. This is the first discovery and documentation of an alate queen in Haidomyrmex. Compared with workers of Haidomyrmex cerberus, alate and dealate queens are larger in body size, have smaller compound eyes, a longer antennal scape, more complex mandibles, and a relatively large-sized metasoma. It is hypothesized that these differences are due to caste differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of dry-heating with pectin at different dry heating temperatures, heating times and pH on the gelatinization properties of sweet potato starch. Methods: The gelatinization properties of sweet potato starch - pectin blend were analyzed using a rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and gel texture analyzer (TPA). Results: The viscosity of the blends of sweet potato starches and pectin increased initially, and then decreased. Viscosity was highest at 120 °C, with a value of 744 cp. High viscosity values were also obtained after dry-heating for 2 and 7 h (540 cp and 639 cp, respectively). The enthalpy of the blend declined with increasing heat-treatment temperature from 3.973 J/g at 0 °C to 3.021 J/g at 150 °C. The initial (T0), peak (Tp), and terminal (Tc) gelatinization temperatures of the blends were all lower than corresponding values at 0 °C. Gelatinization enthalpy values gradually increased with increase in dryheating time and pH although they were still lower than for the control samples. In addition, as T0, Tp, and Tc values of the blend increased, the gelatinization temperature range became narrower. The hardness and viscosity of the blends increased initially, and then decreased after the dry-heat treatment. The hardness of treated samples was higher than that of control, and peaked at 130 °C, 4 h, and pH 11. The resilience of the blends attained a peak value after 2 h of dry-heat treatment at 120 °C and pH 9. Conclusion: The results show that dry-heating with pectin is an effective way of improving the gelatinization and gel properties of sweet potato starch. This finding is considered significant for the developing of new modified starch from sweet potatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a localized ultrasound-activated therapy for atherosclerosis when combined with a sonosensitizer, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), but whether it can prevent cardiac fibrosis has not been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the effects SDT on fibrogenesis in rat cardiac fibroblasts. Methods: The primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from rats, and induced to fibrogenesis with TGF-β1. With this in vitro model, we tested the preventive effects of SDT on fibrogenesis and further the underlying mechanism. Results: TGF-β1 stimulation up-regulated α-SMA and COLI/III protein levels in cardiac fibroblasts, and enhanced the progression of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. SDT inhibited the TGF-β1 mediated cell proliferation and decreased the levels of α-SMA and COLI/III by activating AKT/GSK3β pathway and blocking TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate an antifibrotic effect of SDT in rat cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting that SDT may intervene cardiac fibrogenesis by regulating myocardial fibrotic remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a localized ultrasound-activated therapy for atherosclerosis when combined with a sonosensitizer, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), but whether it can prevent cardiac fibrosis has not been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the effects SDT on fibrogenesis in rat cardiac fibroblasts. Methods: The primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from rats, and induced to fibrogenesis with TGF-β1. With this in vitro model, we tested the preventive effects of SDT on fibrogenesis and further the underlying mechanism. Results: TGF-β1 stimulation up-regulated α-SMA and COLI/III protein levels in cardiac fibroblasts, and enhanced the progression of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. SDT inhibited the TGF-β1 mediated cell proliferation and decreased the levels of α-SMA and COLI/III by activating AKT/GSK3β pathway and blocking TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate an antifibrotic effect of SDT in rat cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting that SDT may intervene cardiac fibrogenesis by regulating myocardial fibrotic remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we deal with the Orlicz geominimal surface area and give an integral representation by the Orlicz- Petty body. The notion of Orlicz mixed geominimal surface area will be introduced as an extension of the Orlicz geominimal surface area. Furthermore, some related inequalities are established, including Alexandrov-Fenchel type inequality, analogous cyclic inequality, Blaschke-Santaló type inequality, and affine isoperimetric inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electro-Fluidic Displays (EFD) have been demonstrated to be an attractive technology for incorporation into portable display devices. EFDs have excellent optical efficiency and fast switching enabling video content. Ensuring mechanical stability of EFD display cells is a key challenge and essential for developing large area as well as flexible displays. Although the electro-optic performance of an EFD, unlike a liquid crystal display (LCD), is insensitive to cell-gap, extreme changes in cell-gap can result in irreversible collapse of the cell. Here we use photolithography to develop spacers to prevent cell-gap collapse and provide the required mechanical stability for EFD devices. The spacer is formed directly on the cover plates (ITO/glass) after cell assembly with UV light induced phase separation polymerization in the illuminated area. Phase separation behavior between polar aqueous solution and polymer is closely related to the solubility of acrylate monomers. In this work, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as cross-linker, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and acrylic acid or acrylamide as co-monomers are investigated for fabricating the spacers. PEGDA was added to the mixtures in order to increase the mechanical strength of the spacer. The spacers showed excellent performance for cell-gap control in EFD devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring-shaped Bi2WO6@CeO2 hybrid nanoparticle aggregates are fabricated through an environmental route and subsequent facile calcinations. The synthetic parameters are regulated to control the shape of the as-prepared samples. The concentration of the cyanide ion decreased sharply from the initial 4.72 mM to 0.95 mM with the exposure time of 60 min. The intrinsic ring-shaped microstructure results in multiple reflections of light within the chamber, allowing more efficient use of the light source compared with a solid structure. The p-n junction effect can lead to enhanced charge separation and interfacial charge transfer efficiency due to the existence of an internal electric field. Therefore, it exhibits a remarkable photocatalytic detoxification of cyanide and degradation of dye under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared rabbit polyclonal antibodies against Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-encoded vcyclin (ORF 72) and detected the natural viral protein using these polyclonal antibodies. Three antigenic polypeptides of v-cyclin were designed and synthesized. A fragment of the v-cyclin gene was cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector pEF-MCS-Flag-IRES/Puro to construct a recombinant vector, pEF v-cyclin. Then, pEF v-cyclin was transfected into 293T and EA.hy926 cells to obtain v-cyclin-Flag fusion proteins. Six New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with KLH-conjugated peptides to generate polyclonal antibodies against v-cyclin. The polyclonal antibodies were then characterized by ELISA and Western blotting assays. Finally, the polyclonal antibodies against v-cyclin were used to detect natural viral protein expressed in BCBL-1, BC-3, and JSC-1 cells. The results showed that using the Flag antibody, v-cyclin-Flag fusion protein was detected in 293T and EA.hy926 cells transfected with pEF-v-cyclin. Furthermore, ELISA showed that the titer of the induced polyclonal rabbit anti-vcyclin antibodies was higher than 1:8,000. In Western blotting assays, the antibodies reacted specifically with the v-cyclin-Flag fusion protein as well as the natural viral protein. The recombinant expression vector pEF-v-cyclin was constructed successfully, and the polyclonal antibodies prepared can be used for various biological tests including ELISA and Western blotting assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous assemblies of the model peptides at interfaces have been achieved and observed with scanning tunneling microscopy. The dependence of the observed brightness in STM images is analyzed, and the correlation with the peptide residues is proposed. We have also investigated the conformational dynamics of the peptide assemblies adsorbed on a graphene sheet by performing all-atom molecular dynamic simulations in water at 300 K. The simulation results of the two peptide assemblies on graphite surfaces show that R4G4H8 and F4G4H8 peptide assemblies are mostly in ß-sheet structure, and the interaction energy of the four different residues with graphite surfaces follows the order of Phe > His > Arg > Gly, consistent with their brightness contrasts in STM images. The insight on the distribution of residue moieties in the peptide assemblies could provide beneficial venues for studying peptide-based interfacial processes such as site-specific interactions between molecular species with peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the breeding ecology of the Twite in a meadow environment at 4,300 meters (m) elevation in northern Tibet during 2004-2007. It mentions that Twite laid eggs between late May and mid-August in response to ripeness of seed food. It notes that incubation by the female only lasted 12.2 days and provisioning of chicks in the nest was continued by both parents for 14.7 days. It describes the period when males performed courtship feeding. It cites that breeding success was 64% and compared to their lowland counterparts, Tibetan Twite produced smaller clutches and larger eggs.

Automated negotiation provides a means for resolving differences among interacting agents. For negotiation with complete information, this paper provides mathematical proofs to show that an agent's optimal strategy can be computed using its opponent's reserve price (RP) and deadline. The impetus of this work is using the synergy of Bayesian learning (BL) and genetic algorithm (GA) to determine an agent's optimal strategy in negotiation (N) with incomplete information. BLGAN adopts: 1) BL and a deadline-estimation process for estimating an opponent's RP and deadline and 2) GA for generating a proposal at each negotiation round. Learning the RP and deadline of an opponent enables the GA in BLGAN to reduce the size of its search space (SP) by adaptively focusing its search on a specific region in the space of all possible proposals. SP is dynamically defined as a region around an agent's proposal P at each negotiation round. P is generated using the agent's optimal strategy determined using its estimations of its opponent's RP and deadline. Hence, the GA in BLGAN is more likely to generate proposals that are closer to the proposal generated by the optimal strategy. Using GA to search around a proposal generated by its current strategy, an agent in BLGAN compensates for possible errors in estimating its opponent's RP and deadline. Empirical results show that agents adopting BLGAN reached agreements successfully, and achieved: 1) higher utilities and better combined negotiation outcomes (CNOs) than agents that only adopt GA to generate their proposals, 2) higher utilities than agents that adopt BL to learn only RP, and 3) higher utilities and better CNOs than agents that do not learn their opponents' RPs and deadlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic welding has become a key joining approach in batteries and energy vehicles. This work reports the optimization in static property and stability of self-piercing riveting joints which is becoming the most versatile way to join microstructures. Tool heads of three different knurling profiles (e.g., A, B, and C) are used to perform ultrasonic composite with riveting. Based on tensile-shear tests, SEM, EDS, XRD, and Vickers microhardness analysis were conducted to investigate the comparative study of the fracture morphology, element distribution, phase structure, and hardness. The results indicated that all three types of knurling generate solid phase welding at the sheet joints. Thus, it improved the forming quality and mechanical properties of self-piercing riveting joints. The C-shaped welding tool head has advantageous effect on optimizing the mechanical properties of joints. Further, it enhanced the average peak load by 25.6%, the average failure displacement by 31.1%, and the average energy absorption by 88.8%. The microscopic results showed that a large amount of oxides are precipitated at the edge of welding joints when the B-shape knurling tool is used. The distribution of the hardness value of joints horizontal line is "M" shape. Besides, the coarse grains in the joint area and the interplanar space increase significantly after ultrasonic welding which softens the sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the synthesis of cobalt silicate novel hierarchical hollow spheres via a facile hydrothermal method is presented. With a unique hollow structure, the Co2SiO4 provides a large surface area, which can shorten the lithium ions diffusion length and effectively accommodate the volumetic variation during the lithiation/de-lithiation process. Serving as an anode material in lithium-ion battery application, the Co2SiO4 electrode demonstrates a high reversible specific capacity (first-cycle charge capacity of 948.6 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), a cycling durability (specific capacity of 791.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1), and a good rate capability (specific capacity of 349.4 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). The results indicate that the cobalt silicate hierarchical hollow sphere holds the potential applications in energy storage electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to serve as potential biomarkers in bladder cancer and play important roles in cancer progression. This study aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-205-3p in bladder cancer. We showed that miR-205-3p was significantly down-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-205-3p inhibited bladder cancer progression in vitro. Then we confirmed that GLO1, a downstream target of miR-205-3p, mediated the effect of miR-205-3p on bladder cancer cells. In addition, we found that miR-205-3p inhibits P38/ERK activation through repressing GLO1. Eventually, we confirmed that miR-205-3p inhibits the occurrence and progress of bladder cancer by targeting GLO1 in vivo by nude mouse tumorigenesis and immunohistochemistry. In a word, miR-205-3p inhibits proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells by activating the GLO1 mediated P38/ERK signaling pathway and that may be a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the sensing mechanism of a new fluoride chemosensor 12-([tert-butyldiphenylsilyl] oxy)-8a,13a-dihydro-7H-benzo[de]benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]-isoquinolin-7-one (abbreviated as D2) is investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. The theoretical electronic spectra (vertical excitation energies and fluorescence peak) reproduced previous experimental results (D. Li et al., Spectrochim. Acta A Mol. Biomol. Spectrosc. 2017, 185, 173), which confirms the rationality of the theoretical level used in this work. The constructed potential energy curve of the desilylation process suggests that the low barrier could be responsible for the rapid response to fluoride anions. Analyses of the binding energies show that only fluoride anion can be detected by D2 chemosensor in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). In view of the excitation process, the strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process of the S0 ! S1 transition explains the red shift of the absorption peak of the D2 sensor with the addition of fluoride anions. This work not only presents a straightforward sensing mechanism of sensing of the fluoride anion by the D2 chemosensor but should also play an important role in the synthesis and design of fluorescent sensors in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation that develops with the release of chemokines and cytokines during acute kidney injury (AKI) has been shown to participate in functional renal recovery. Although a major research focus has been on the role of macrophages, the family of CX-C motif chemokines that promote neutrophil adherence and activation also increases with kidney ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study tested the hypothesis that intravenous delivery of endothelial cells (ECs) that overexpress (C-X-C motif) chemokine receptors 1 and 2 (CXCR1 and CXCR2, respectively) improves outcomes in kidney I/R injury. Overexpression of CXCR1/2 enhanced homing of endothelial cells to I/R-injured kidneys and limited interstitial fibrosis, capillary rarefaction, and tissue injury biomarkers (serum creatinine concentration and urinary kidney injury molecule-1) following AKI and also reduced expression of P-selectin and the rodent (C-X-C motif) chemokine cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-2b as well as the number of myeloperoxidase-positive cells in the postischemic kidney. The serum chemokine/cytokine profile, including CINC-1, showed similar reductions. These findings were not observed in rats given endothelial cells transduced with an empty adenoviral vector (null-ECs) or a vehicle alone. These data indicate that extrarenal endothelial cells that overexpress CXCR1 and CXCR2, but not null-ECs or vehicle alone, reduce I/R kidney injury and preserve kidney function in a rat model of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: (-)-Epicatechin (EPI) is a crucial substance involved in the protective effects of flavanol-rich foods. Previous studies have indicated EPI has a cardioprotective effect, but the molecular mechanisms in inhibition of cardiac fibrosis are unclear. Objective: We evaluated the effect of EPI in preventing cardiac fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanism related to the SIRT1-SUMO1/AKT/GSK3b pathway. Materials and methods: Cardiac fibrosis mice model was established with transaortic constriction (TAC). Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly separated into 4 groups. Mice received 1mg/kg/day of EPI or vehicle orally for 4 weeks. The acutely isolated cardiac fibroblasts were induced to myofibroblasts with 1 mM angiotensin II (Ang II). The cardiac function was measured with the ultrasonic instrument. Histological analysis of mice's hearts was determined with H&E or Masson method. The protein level of fibrosis markers, SUMOylation of SIRT1, and AKT/GSK3b pathway were quantified by immunofluorescence and western blot. Results: EPI treatment (1 mg/kg/day) could reverse the TAC-induced decline in LVEF (TAC, 61.28% ± 1.33% vs. TAC þ EPI, 74.00% ± 1.64%), LVFS (TAC, 28.16% ± 0.89% vs. TAC + EPI, 37.18% ± 1.29%). Meantime, we found that 10 mM EPI blocks Ang II-induced transformation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The underlying mechanism of EPI-inhibited myofibroblasts transformation involves activation of SUMOylation of SIRT1 through SP1. Furthermore, SUMOylation of SIRT1 inhibited Ang II-induced fibrogenic effect via the AKT/GSK3b pathway. Conclusion: EPI plays a protective effect on cardiac fibrosis by regulating the SUMO1-dependent modulation of SIRT1, which provides a theoretical basis for use in clinical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By coating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) relief structures with a layer of opaque metal such as gold, the incident light is strictly allowed to pass through the nanoscopic apertures at the sidewalls of PDMS reliefs to expose underlying photoresist at nanoscale regions, thus producing subwavelength nanopatterns covering centimeter-scale areas. It was found that the sidewalls were a little oblique, which was the key to form the nanoscale apertures. Two-sided and one-sided subwavelength apertures can be constructed by employing vertical and oblique metal evaporation directions, respectively. Consequently, two-line and one-line subwavelength nanopatterns with programmable feature shapes, sizes, and periodicities could be produced using the obtained photomasks. The smallest aperture size and line width of 80 nm were achieved. In contrast to the generation of raised positive photoresist nanopatterns in phase shifting photolithography, the recessed positive photoresist nanopatterns produced in this study provide a convenient route to transfer the resist nanopatterns to metal nanopatterns. This nanolithography methodology possesses the distinctive advantages of simplicity, low cost, high throughput, and nanoscale feature size and shape controllability, making it a potent nanofabrication technique to enable functional nanostructures for various potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pericardial patches are commonly used in vascular surgery to close arteriotomies. The mechanism of early healing after patch implantation is still not well defined. We used a rat aortic patch model to assess pericardial patch healing and examined Ephrin-B2, a marker of arterial identity, expression within the post-implantation patch. We also determined whether endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are associated with early patch healing in the arterial environment. Methods: Wistar rats (200-250 grams) underwent infrarenal aortic arteriotomy and then closure via bovine or porcine pericardial patch angioplasty. Control groups included subcutaneously implanted patches. Patches were harvested at 0- 30 days and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blot as well as quantitative PCR. Results: Prior to implantation, pericardial patches are largely composed of collagen and are acellular. Following arterial implantation, increasing numbers of CD68-positive cells as well as Ephrin-B2 and CD34 dual-positive cells are found within both bovine and porcine pericardial patches, whereas the infiltrating cells are negative for vWF and αactin. Porcine patches have a luminal monolayer of cells at day 7, compared to bovine patches that have fewer luminal cells. Subcutaneously implanted patches do not attract Ephrin-B2/CD34-positive cells. By day 30, both bovine and porcine pericardial patches develop a neointima that contains Ephrin-B2, CD34, and VEGFR2-positive cells. Conclusion: Both CD68-positive and Ephrin-B2 and CD34 dual-positive cells infiltrate the pericardial patch early after implantation. Arteriotomy closure via pericardial patch angioplasty shows patch adaptation to the arterial environment that may involve a foreign body response as well as localization of EPC. Arterial remodeling of pericardial patches support endothelialization and may represent a paradigm of healing of scaffolds used for tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has reignited global interest in animal coronaviruses and their potential for human transmission. While bats are thought to be the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV and SARSCoV-2, the widespread human coronavirus OC43 is thought to have originated in rodents. Here, we sampled 297 rodents and shrews, representing eight species, from three municipalities of southern China. We report coronavirus prevalences of 23.3% and 0.7% in Guangzhou and Guilin, respectively, with samples from urban areas having significantly higher coronavirus prevalences than those from rural areas. We obtained three coronavirus genome sequences from Rattus norvegicus, including a Betacoronavirus (rat coronavirus [RCoV] GCCDC3), an Alphacoronavirus (RCoV-GCCDC5), and a novel Betacoronavirus (RCoVGCCDC4). Recombination analysis suggests that there was a potential recombination event involving RCoV-GCCDC4, murine hepatitis virus (MHV), and Longquan Rl rat coronavirus (LRLV). Furthermore, we uncovered a polybasic cleavage site, RARR, in the spike (S) protein of RCoV-GCCDC4, which is dominant in RCoV. These findings provide further information on the potential for interspecies transmission of coronaviruses and demonstrate the value of a One Health approach to virus discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare disorder characterized by eczema, recurrent infections of the skin and lungs, typically with Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and certain viruses, and elevated levels of serum IgE. Other clinical manifestations include characteristic facies (prominent forehead, broad nasal bridge and facial asymmetry), chronic eczematous dermatitis, retained primary dentition, recurrent pathological fractures, hyper-extensibility and scoliosis. The central nervous system (CNS) involvement in HIES has been rarely reported. Here we presented a case of HIES with rare associations of epilepsy in a young patient to raise awareness for this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign giant renal schwannoma is rarely found and the diagnosis difficulty only depends on physical and imagological examination. Pathological examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis of renal schwannoma. Nephrectomy and tumorectomy are primary treatments for renal schwannoma. Although most of the reported patients present satisfactory outcome, however, there is still not sufficient evidence to reveal the biological characteristics and post-operation recurrence rate of renal schwannoma. Herein, we report a rare case of giant and complicated renal schwannoma. A 56-years-old female patient was admitted to the urology department due to left lower back pain for approximately 5 days. No positive signs and other special abnormalities were found. CT scan presented a soft tissue tumor with inhomogeneous enhanced in the renal hilum. Surgery was performed to excise the tumor and left renal. Renal schwannoma was confirmed by pathological examination. At the 6-month follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was found. Our present report could provide more material for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reductase domains of neuronal NOS, endothelial NOS and two constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) share higher sequence similarity (>60%). In order to evaluate the role of ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) module in adjusting NOS catalytic activities, chimeras were by interchanging the FNR-like module between endothelial NOS and neuronal NOS in the present study. The assays of steady-state enzymatic activities for cytochrome c and ferricyanide reduction, NO synthesis and NADPH oxidation were performed spectrophotometrically. The two NOS FNR modules transferred their ferricyanide reductase character to the chimera enzymes. Results showed that the FNR module was important in adjusting electrons flow through the reductase domain and out of the FMN module. Results indicated that the FNR module was critical in controlling the electron transfer capacities of the FMN module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biomimetic nanogel with tumor microenvironment responsive property is developed for the combinatorial antitumor effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Nanogels are formulated with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin acrylate and two opposite charged chitosan derivatives for entrapping anticancer drug paclitaxel and precisely controlling the pH responsive capability, respectively. The nanogel supported erythrocyte membrane can achieve "nanosponge" property for delivering immunotherapeutic agent interleukin-2 without reducing the bioactivity. By responsively releasing drugs in tumor microenvironment, the nanogels significantly enhanced antitumor activity with improved drug penetration, induction of calreticulin exposure, and increased antitumor immunity. The tumor microenvironment is remodeled by the combination of these drugs in low dosage, as evidenced by the promoted infiltration of immune effector cells and reduction of immunosuppressive factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the promotion of lithium-oxygen batteries available for practical applications, the development of advanced cathode catalysts with low-cost, high activity, and stable structural properties is demanded. Such development is rooted on certain intelligent catalyst-electrode design that fundamentally facilitates electronic and ionic transport and improves oxygen diffusivity in a porous environment. Here we design a biphasic nitrogen-doped cobalt@graphene multiple-capsule heterostructure, combined with a flexible, stable porous electrode architecture, and apply it as promising cathodes for lithium-oxygen cells. The biphasic nitrogen-doping feature improves the electric conductivity and catalytic activity; the multiple-nanocapsule configuration makes high/uniform electroactive zones possible; furthermore, the colander-like porous electrode facilitates the oxygen diffusion, catalytic reaction, and stable deposition of discharge products. As a result, the electrode exhibits much improved electrocatalytic properties associated with unique morphologies of electrochemically grown lithium peroxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrialization of electrofluidic devices requires both high performance coating laminates and efficient material utilization on large area substrates. Here we show that screen printing can be effectively used to provide homogeneous pin-hole free patterned amorphous fluoropolymer dielectric layers to provide both the insulating and fluidic reversibility required for devices. Subsequently, we over-coat photoresist using slit coating on this normally extremely hydrophobic layer. In this way, we are able to pattern the photoresist by conventional lithography to provide the chemical contrast required for liquids dosing by self-assembly and highly-reversible electrofluidic switching. Materials, interfacial chemistry, and processing all contribute to the provision of the required engineered substrate properties. Coating homogeneity as characterized by metrology and device performance data are used to validate the methodology, which is well-suited for transfer to high volume production in existing LCD cell-making facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extractions of 4-Hydroxpyridine (4HP) from aqueous solutions using Di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as extradant in 1-octanol and kerosene were studied. The factors that affected the distribution coefficient (D), such as equilibrium pH, the concentration of D2EHPA, and the type of diluents were discussed. The interaction mechanism between 4HP and D2EHPA was validated by infrared spectroscopic analysis. D increased with the increase of the concentration of D2EHPA and peak values appeared at equilibrium pH = 3.6-5.0. D in the polar diluent (1-octanol) was much higher than those in the non-polar diluent (kerosene). The extraction reaction was found to be a proton-transfer process and D2EHPA mainly reacted through its -OH with -N- of 4HP. The apparent reactive extraction equilibrium constants K11 and K12 were obtained by fitting the experimental data of extraction equilibrium. By comparing calculated D values from the proposed model with the experimental ones, the accuracy of the proposed model was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 3, 3' diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural phytochemical, has shown inhibitory effects on the growth and migration of a variety of cancer cells; however, whether DIM has similar effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of DIM on the proliferation and migration of cultured VSMCs and neointima formation in a carotid injury model, as well as the related cell signaling mechanisms. Methodology/Principal Findings: DIM dose-dependently inhibited the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation of VSMCs without cell cytotoxicity. This inhibition was caused by a G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest demonstrated by fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis. We also showed that DIM-induced growth inhibition was associated with the inhibition of the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 as well as an increase in p27Kip1 levels in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, DIM was also found to modulate migration of VSMCs and smooth muscle-specific contractile marker expression. Mechanistically, DIM negatively modulated PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of PDGFrecptorb (PDGF-Rβ) and the activities of downstream signaling molecules including Akt/glycogen synthase kinase(GSK)3β, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Our in vivo studies using a mouse carotid arterial injury model revealed that treatment with 150 mg/kg DIM resulted in significant reduction of the neointima/media ratio and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, without affecting apoptosis of vascular cells and reendothelialization. Infiltration of inflammatory cells was also inhibited by DIM administration. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that DIM can suppress the phenotypic modulation of VSMCs and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury. These beneficial effects on VSMCs were at least partly mediated by the inhibition of PDGFRβ and the activities of downstream signaling pathways. The results suggest that DIM has the potential to be a candidate for the prevention of restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection was necessary but not sufficient for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) development without other cofactors. Previously, we identified that both human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) Tat and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) were important cofactors reactivating KSHV from latency. Here, we further investigated the potential of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) to influence KSHV replication and examined the role of Tat in this procedure. We demonstrated that HSV-2 was a potentially important factor in the pathogenesis of KS, as determined by production of lytic phase mRNA transcripts, viral proteins and infectious viral particles in BCBL-1 cells. These results were further confirmed by an RNA interference experiment using small interfering RNA targeting KSHV Rta and a luciferase reporter assay testing Rta promoter-driven luciferase activity. Mechanistic studies showed that HSV-2 infection activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkB) signaling pathway. Inhibition of NF-κB pathway enhanced HSV-2-mediated KSHV activation, whereas activation of NFκB pathway suppressed KSHV replication in HSV-2-infected BCBL-1 cells. Additionally, ectopic expression of Tat enhanced HSV-2-induced KSHV replication. These novel findings suggest a role of HSV-2 in the pathogenesis of KS and provide the first laboratory evidence that Tat may participate HSV-2-mediated KSHV activation, implying the complicated pathogenesis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS (AIDS-KS) patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare three-dimensional organic–inorganic compound based on the Anderson-type polyoxometalate anion, [Na4(H2O)14Cu(PDA)2]H[Al(OH)6Mo6O18]·5H2O (H2PDA = pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid) (1) has been synthesized, in which each Anderson polyoxoanion [Al(OH)6Mo6O18]3−acts as a decadentate ligand, connecting four tetrameric [Na4(H2O)14]4+clusters and two [Cu(PDA)2]2−coordination ions through terminal oxygen atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying microbial pathogens with zoonotic potential in wild-living primates can be important to human health, as evidenced by human immunodeficiency viruses types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and Ebola virus. Simian foamy viruses (SFVs) are ancient retroviruses that infect Old and New World monkeys and apes. Although not known to cause disease, these viruses are of public health interest because they have the potential to infect humans and thus provide a more general indication of zoonotic exposure risks. Surprisingly, no information exists concerning the prevalence, geographic distribution, and genetic diversity of SFVs in wild-living monkeys and apes. Here, we report the first comprehensive survey of SFVcpz infection in free-ranging chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) using newly developed, fecal-based assays. Chimpanzee fecal samples (n = 724) were collected at 25 field sites throughout equatorial Africa and tested for SFVcpzspecific antibodies (n = 706) or viral nucleic acids (n = 392). SFVcpz infection was documented at all field sites, with prevalence rates ranging from 44% to 100%. In two habituated communities, adult chimpanzees had significantly higher SFVcpz infection rates than infants and juveniles, indicating predominantly horizontal rather than vertical transmission routes. Some chimpanzees were co-infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpz); however, there was no evidence that SFVcpz and SIVcpz were epidemiologically linked. SFVcpz nucleic acids were recovered from 177 fecal samples, all of which contained SFVcpz RNA and not DNA. Phylogenetic analysis of partial gag (616 bp), pol-RT (717 bp), and pol-IN (425 bp) sequences identified a diverse group of viruses, which could be subdivided into four distinct SFVcpz lineages according to their chimpanzee subspecies of origin. Within these lineages, there was evidence of frequent superinfection and viral recombination. One chimpanzee was infected by a foamy virus from a Cercopithecus monkey species, indicating cross-species transmission of SFVs in the wild. These data indicate that SFVcpz (i) is widely distributed among all chimpanzee subspecies; (ii) is shed in fecal samples as viral RNA; (iii) is transmitted predominantly by horizontal routes; (iv) is prone to superinfection and recombination; (v) has co-evolved with its natural host; and (vi) represents a sensitive marker of population structure that may be useful for chimpanzee taxonomy and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrowetting on dielectric devices uses a conducting (water) and insulating (oil) liquid phase in conjunction on a dielectric layer. In these devices, the wetting properties of the liquid phases can be manipulated by applying an electric field. The electric field can rupture the initially flat oil film and promotes further dewetting of the oil. Here, we investigate a problem in the operation of electrowetting on dielectric caused by a finite conductivity of the oil. In particular, we find that the voltage at which the oil film ruptures is sensitive to the application of relatively low DC voltages prior to switching. Here, we systematically investigate this dependence using controlled driving schemes. The mechanism behind these history effects point to charge transport processes in the dielectric and the oil, which can be modeled and characterized by a decay time. To quantify the effects the typical response timescales have been measured with a high-speed video camera. The results have been reproduced in simulations. In addition, a simplified yet accurate equivalent circuit model is developed to analyze larger data sets more conveniently. The experimental data support the hypothesis that each pixel can be characterized by a single decay time. We studied an ensemble of pixels and found that they showed a rather broad distribution of decay times with an average value of about 440 ms. This decay time can be interpreted as a discharge timescale of the oil, not to be confused with discharge of the entire system which is generally much faster (<1 ms). Through the equivalent circuit model, we also found that variations in the fluoropolymer (FP) conductivity cannot explain the distribution of decay times, while variations in oil conductivity can. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal-nitrogen/carbon (M-N/C, M = Fe, Co) catalysts are synthesized using environmentally friendly histidine-tag-rich elastin protein beads, metal sulfate and water soluble carbon nanotubes followed by post-annealing and acid leaching processes. The obtained catalysts are used as cathode materials in lithium-O2 batteries. It has been discovered that during discharge, Li2O2 nanoparticles first nucleate and grow around the bead-decorated CNT regions (M-N/C centres) and coat on the catalysts at a high degree of discharge. The Fe-N/C catalyst-based cathodes deliver a capacity of 12 441 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. When they were cycled at a limited capacity of 800 mAh g−1 at current densities of 200 or 400 mA g−1, these cathodes showed stable charge voltages of ∼3.65 or 3.90 V, corresponding to energy efficiencies of ∼71.2 or 65.1%, respectively. These results are considerably superior to those of the cathodes based on bare annealed CNTs, which prove that the Fe-N/C catalysts developed here are promising for use in non-aqueous lithium-O2 battery cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]