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Garnet electrolyte-based solid-state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs) are attractive owing to their high energy density and high safety. However, garnet electrolytes are sensitive to humid air, forming Li2CO3-rich contaminants on the surface that trigger a high kinetic barrier and premature battery failure. Herein, a straightforward “waste-to-treasure” strategy is proposed to transform Li2CO3 on a Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) surface into LiF by solvent-free trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-induced interfacial engineering. The as-formed LiF interfacial layer with electronically insulating nature effectively improves the interface wettability between the Li anode and LLZTO, reduces the interface resistance and produces a symmetric cell with an ultralong-lifespan of up to 10 000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the SLMB paired with the LiFePO4 cathode delivers a high capacity of 155.6 mA h g−1 at 0.5C and retains 78% of the initial capacity after 900 cycles. This study offers a facile strategy to overcome the limitations associated with surface impurities, addresses critical interface issues, and accelerates the practical application of garnet-type solid-state electrolytes in high-performance SLMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the micro wind-hydrogen coupled system, aiming to improve the power tracking capability of micro wind farms, the regulation capability of hydrogen storage systems, and to mitigate the volatility of wind power generation. A predictive control strategy for the micro wind-hydrogen coupled system is proposed based on the ultra-short-term wind power prediction, the hydrogen storage state division interval, and the daily scheduled output of wind power generation. The control strategy maximizes the power tracking capability, the regulation capability of the hydrogen storage system, and the fluctuation of the joint output of the wind-hydrogen coupled system as the objective functions, and adaptively optimizes the control coefficients of the hydrogen storage interval and the output parameters of the system by the combined sigmoid function and particle swarm algorithm (sigmoid-PSO). Compared with the real-time control strategy, the proposed predictive control strategy can significantly improve the output tracking capability of the wind-hydrogen coupling system, minimize the gap between the actual output and the predicted output, significantly enhance the regulation capability of the hydrogen storage system, and mitigate the power output fluctuation of the wind-hydrogen integrated system, which has a broad practical application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylanase plays a key role in degrading plant cell wall during pathogenic fungi infection. Here, we identified a xylanase gene, VmXyl2 from the transcriptome of Valsa mali and examined its function. VmXyl2 has highly elevated transcript levels during the infection process of V. mali, with 15.02-fold increase. Deletion mutants of the gene were generated to investigate the necessity of VmXyl2 in the development and pathogenicity of V. mali. The VmXyl2 deletion mutant considerably reduced the virulence of V. mali in apple leaves and in twigs, accompanied by 41.22% decrease in xylanase activity. In addition, we found that VmXyl2 induces plant cell necrosis regardless of its xylanase activity, whereas promoting the infection of V. mali in apple tissues. The cell death-inducing activity of VmXyl2 dependent on BRI1-associated kinase-1 (BAK1) but not Suppressor of BIR1-1 (SOBIR1). Furthermore, VmXyl2 interacts with Mp2 in vivo, a receptor-like kinase with leucine-rich repeat. The results offer valuable insights into the roles of VmXyl2 in the pathogenicity of V. mali during its infection of apple trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the clinical characteristics of pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and perinatal outcomes with or without preeclampsia (PE) and to factors that are potentially associated with the onset of PE. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study of pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS from January 2017 to December 2021. Eligible patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of preeclampsia: a PE group and a non-PE group. Demographics, clinical characteristics, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and potential factors linked to disease recurrence were analyzed. Results: In total, 616 patients were enrolled and respectively classified into the PE group (n = 51) and the non-PE group (n = 565). The incidence of PE in pregnant women with PCOS was 8.28%; this was significantly higher than that in non-PCOS pregnant women (3.22%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis of the predictive factors for PE in women with PCOS revealed that the combination of maternal hyperandrogenism, a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 24 kg/m², and a family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) exhibited the steepest receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve value at 0.797 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.733-0.862]. Conclusions: Patients with PCOS have a higher incidence of PE. We identified a series of significant and independent factors associated with PE in PCOS: maternal hyperandrogenism, a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 24 kg/m², and a family history of CVD and ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sterile paper-plastic barrier system for packaging sterilized medical equipment is studied, the main factors affecting its breakdown are revealed, and the inhalation rate during the pressure sterilization is experimentally analyzed. The results offer a new window of opportunity for a stricter risk-analysis and a robust strategy for the pressure sterilization, and this paper can be served as an example of strict clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical method has been used to analyze the flow field related to a NACA 0015 airfoil with and without a flap and assess the influence of the flap height and angle on the surface pressure coefficient, lift coefficient, and drag coefficient. The numerical results demonstrate that the flap can effectively improve the lift coefficient of the airfoil; however, at small attack angles, its influence is significantly reduced. When the angle of attack exceeds the critical stall angle and the flap height is 1.5% of the chord length, the influence of the flap becomes very evident. As the flap height increases, the starting point of the separation vortex gradually moves forward and generates a larger wake vortex. Optimal aerodynamic characteristics are obtained for 1.5% (of the chord length) flap height and a 45° flap angle; in this case, the separation vortex is effectively reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the behavior of lithium-ion battery electrolytes during thermal runaway is essential for designing safer batteries. However, current reports on electrolyte decomposition behaviors often focus on reactions with electrode materials. Herein we use quantum chemical calculations to develop a model for the thermal decomposition mechanism of electrolytes under both electrolyte and ambient atmosphere conditions. The thermal stability is found to be associated with the dielectric constants of electrolyte constituents. Within the electrolyte, the solvation effects between molecules increase electrolyte stability, making thermal decomposition a more difficult process. Furthermore, Li+is observed to facilitate electrolyte thermal decomposition, as the energy required for the thermal decomposition reactions of molecules decreases when they are bonded with Li+. It is hoped that this study will offer a theoretical basis for understanding the complex reactions occurring during thermal runaway events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the impact of the trailing-edge wear on the vibrational behavior of wind-turbine blades, unworn blades and trailing-edge worn blades have been assessed through relevant modal tests. According to these experiments, the natural frequencies of trailing-edge worn blades -1, -2, and -3 increase the most in the second to fourth order, the fifth order increases in the middle, and the first order increases the least. The damping ratio data indicate that, in general, the first five-order damping ratios of trailing-edge worn blades -1 and trailing-edge worn blades -2 are reduced, and the first five-order damping ratios of trailing-edge worn blades -3 are slightly improved. The mode shape diagram shows that the trailing-edge worn blades -1 and -2 have a large swing in the tip and the blade, whereas the second- and third-order vibration shapes of the trailing edge-worn blade -3 tend to be improved. Overall, all these results reveal that the blade's mass and the wear area are the main factors affecting the vibration characteristics of wind turbine blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the vibration and aerodynamic noise of wind turbines, a new design is proposed relying on a blade with a bifurcated apex or tip. The performances of this wind turbine wheel are tested at the entrance of a DC (directaction) wind tunnel for different blade tip angles and varying centrifugal force and aerodynamic loads. The test results indicate that the bifurcated apex can reduce the vibration acceleration amplitude and the vibration frequency of the wind wheel. At the same time, the bifurcated apex can lower the maximum sound pressure level corresponding to the rotating fundamental frequency of the wind wheel. According to all these findings, the tip angle of the bifurcated apex is the main factor enhancing the effect of the modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between inflammatory biomarkers and individual delirium symptoms remains controversial in observational studies. We investigated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and the risk of developing delirium. Methods: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed. Genetic instruments associated with peripheral tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor alpha (sIL-6Rα), and soluble gp130 were identified in three different large summary genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted in the European population. Summary-level statistics for delirium not induced by alcohol and other psychoactive substances were obtained from the FinnGen consortium(2,612 cases and 325,306 controls). The estimated causal effects were performed using instruments' variants at the genome-wide significant level (P < 5e-8 and P < 5e-6), applying a linkage disequilibrium clumping approach with a threshold of r² < 0.001 for each of the exposures. Reverse causation was also performed. The inverse-variance weightedmethod (IVW), MR-Eggermethod, weightedmedianmethod, MR-Egger regression, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum were used for MR analyses. Results: At the genome-wide significant level (P < 5e-8, r² < 0.001), genetically predicted sIL-6Rα was significantly associated with a decreased risk of delirium with less than three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all three GWAS data sources (ORWaldratio = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79-0.96, PWaldratio = 0.0016; ORIVW = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97, PIVW = 0.008; ORIVW = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.96, PIVW = 0.004). The causal relationship between sIL-6Rα and delirium became non-significant when a more liberal threshold of P of < 5e-6 was applied (all PIVW > 0.05). At the two genome-wide significance levels (P < 5e-8 and P < 5e-6), we found no evidence for the causal effects of peripheral TNF-α, CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and soluble gp130 on delirium (all P > 0.05). The MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO results indicated that no SNP had possible pleiotropy (all P > 0.05). Regarding the reverse, no evidence for an effect of deliriumon these inflammatory biomarkers could be found (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this MR analysis did not support that peripheral TNF-α, CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, sIL-6Rα, soluble gp130, and IL-8 were causally associated with delirium. More research is needed to explore the role of inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a potentially valuable resource and a significant environmental pollutant. Unfortunately, most of the LiPF6 in a spent LIB is difficult to extract because the electrolyte is strongly adsorbed by the cathode, anode, and separator. Storing extracted electrolyte is also challenging because it contains LiPF6, which promotes the decomposition of the solvent. Here we show that electrolytes in spent LIBs can be collected by a less polar solvent dimethyl carbonate (DMC) wash, and LiPF6 can be concentrated by simple aqueous extraction by lowering ethylene carbonate (EC) content in the recycled electrolyte. Due to the similar dielectric constant of EC and water, reducing the content of EC in LIB electrolytes, or even eliminating it, facilitates the separation of water and electrolyte, thus enabling the lithium salts in the electrolyte to be separated from the organic solvent. The lithium salt extracting efficiency achieved in this way can be as high as 99.8%, and fluorine and phosphorus of LiPF6 can be fixed in the form of stable metal fluoride and phosphate by hydrothermal method. The same strategy can be used in industrial waste electrolyte recycling by diluting the waste with DMC and extracting the resulting solution with water. This work thus reveals a new route for waste electrolyte treatment and will also support the development of advanced EC-free electrolytes for high-performance, safe, and easily recyclable LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple ring rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea is an important disease that leads to severe quality deterioration and yield loss at pre-harvest and postharvest stages. Therefore, it is urgent to develop safe and efficient measures to control this disease. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biocontrol features of Pseudomonas syringae B-1 against B. dothidea and explore its mechanism of action utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays. The results showed that P. syringae B-1 strongly reduced the incidence of apple ring rot and lesion diameter by 41.2 and 90.2%, respectively, in comparison to the control fruit. In addition, the control efficiency of strain B-1 against B. dothidea infection depended on its concentration and the interval time. P. syringae B-1 cells showed higher inhibitory activities than its culture filtrates on the mycelial growth and spore germination of B. dothidea. Moreover, P. syringae B-1 treatment alleviated electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 accumulation in B. dothidea-infected apple fruit by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, including peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase. We also found that strain B-1 treatment enhanced four defense-related enzyme activities and stimulated the accumulation of three disease-resistant substances including phenolics, lignin, and salicylic acid (SA) in apple fruit. In addition, strain B-1 triggered the upregulated expression of defense-related genes such as PR genes (PR1, PR5, GLU, and CHI) and two genes involved in the biosynthesis of SA (SID2 and PAD4) to promote the resistance potential in apple fruit. Hence, our results suggest that P. syringae B-1 is a promising strategy against B. dothidea, mainly through reducing oxidative damage, activating defense-related enzymes, accumulating disease-resistant substances, and triggering the expression of resistance-correlated genes in apple fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postnatal growth failure (PGF) can impact the short- and long-term health outcomes in preterm infants. However, PGF rates vary according to the way it is defined and the growth chart used to monitor the postnatal growth. Fenton-2013 growth charts which suggest following intrauterine fetal growth compared to INTERGROWTH-21st, one specifically constructed for monitoring preterm extrauterine growth. Objective Exploratory study to determine the PGF definition at first per oral (PO) that is most predictive of adverse oral feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants. Methods Prospectively collected data of preterm infants 24–32 weeks gestation, who were started on cue-based oral feeds at ≤34 weeks gestation were reviewed. Anthropometric data at first PO (weight, length, and head circumference) were compared according to Fenton and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts. PGF was defined either as <10th percentile, Z-score change (ZSC) of ≥–1.5 from birth, or ZSC of ≥–2.0. Top-quartile (Q4) of feeding-related outcomes (days from first PO to full PO, post-menstrual age at full PO, days from first PO to discharge, and length of hospital stay) was considered as adverse outcome. Results Of the 125 infants included, the median birth gestation and weight were 29.4 weeks and 1235 g, respectively. Incidence of appropriate, small, and large for gestational age was similar at birth by both growth charts. ZSC −1.5 for weight by Fenton was significantly higher at first PO vs. INTERGROWTH-21st (p=.02), while percentile <10th and ZSC −2.0 rates were similar. The PGF definition based on individual anthropometrics at first PO that has the best area under the curve (AUC) for adverse feeding-related outcomes was used to create a combined PGF definition for each growth chart. The AUC for the combined PGF for the Fenton and INTERGROWTH-21st was similar (p>.05) and both have moderate sensitivity and negative predictive value, but have low specificity, positive predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio for adverse feeding-related outcomes. Conclusions The tested definitions of PGF at first PO have only small to moderate predictive ability for adverse feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a vascular bacteria pathogen causing black rot in cabbage. Here, the resistance mechanisms of cabbage against Xcc infection were explored by integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Pathogen perception, hormone metabolisms, sugar metabolisms, and phenylpropanoid metabolisms in cabbage were systemically re-programmed at both transcriptional and metabolic levels after Xcc infection. Notably, the salicylic acid (SA) metabolism pathway was highly enriched in resistant lines following Xcc infection, indicating that the SA metabolism pathway may positively regulate the resistance of Xcc. Moreover, we also validated our hypothesis by showing that the flavonoid pathway metabolites chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid could effectively inhibit the growth of Xcc. These findings provide valuable insights and resource datasets for further exploring Xcc–cabbage interactions and help uncover molecular breeding targets for black rot-resistant varieties in cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of thismeta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of more intensive exercise training on the functional ability of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials on exercise training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were retrieved fromPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and other databases, and meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed effectmodel or randomeffectmodel. Sensitivity analysis was used as a means to study heterogeneity. Results: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 330 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were included in this study. The results showed that there was statistical significance in the influence of more intensive exercise training on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale in the short term (0-4 months) and the medium term (5-8 months) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the effect of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised in the short term (0-4 months) or long term (9-12 months) (P ≥ 0.05). In the medium term (5-8 months), there was statistical significance (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Forced vital capacity (FVC%) in the short term (0-4 months) (P > 0.05). Conclusion: More intensive exercise training may slow the decline in functional score of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, and more studies should be carried out in the future to verify the effect of more intensive exercise training in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopia is a significant global health issue, and its exact causes are still not fully understood, leaving a lack of effective and propaqable treatment options. The prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents in China remains high, posing challenges for prevention and control efforts. According to the " theory of imbalance of essence and tendon", an imbalance in the essential elements and tendons can impede the passage of eye essence and blood, resulting in delayed expansion and contraction of the eye meridians and tendons, leading to blurred vision. Modern research indicates that during the development of myopia, there are notable changes in the microstructure, activation range, and signaling of various brain regions, providing a biological basis for the " brain-eye" mechanism. Moreover, abnormal activity in the brain nucleus contributes to alterations in choroid blood flow and the impairment of eye muscle regulation, thereby accelerating the progression of myopia, this phenomenon represents the manifestation of the brain-eye imbalance. Consequently, strategies for myopia prevention and control should prioritize nourishing kidney essence, replenishing brain marrow, promoting liver and blood health, and softening the meridians. These measures aim to optimize the functioning of the brain and eyes, maintain the flexibility of eye tendons, enhance eye regulation, sustain the strength of eye tendons, and delay the advancement of eye axis growth and myopia. By enriching the scientific understanding of the appropriate application of traditional Chinese medicine techniques to prevent and control myopia through the brain, this research provides valuable insights for future explorations in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease characterized by multiple autoantibodies, resulting in multiple organ and tissue damages. These pathogenic autoantibodies produced by B cells are closely correlated with follicular helper T (Tfh) cell subsets that play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The aim of the present study was to study the phenotype and role of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell subsets and associated B cell subpopulations in active and inactive SLE patients. Methods: Thirty SLE outpatients and 24 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. The frequency of cTfh cell and B cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the plasma levels of eight cytokines were determined by flow cytometry, and plasma IL-21 levels were measured by ELISA. Meanwhile, we used MRL/lpr mice as the model of SLE to research the alterations of Tfh cells in the thymus and spleen of mice. Results: Frequencies of CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-effector cTfh cells, PD1+cTfh, PD1+ICOS+cTfh, PD1+cTfh1, PD1+cTfh2, PD1+cTfh17, and PD1+ICOS+cTfh1 cells as well as plasmablasts showed significant differences among HC, active and inactive SLE patients. Moreover, cytokines typically associated with cTfh cells, including IL-6 and IL-21, were elevated in active SLE patients compared to inactive SLE patients and HCs. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between PD1+ICOS+ cTfh or PD1+ICOS+ cTfh1 cell frequencies and plasmablasts or IL-21 levels, as well as between plasmablasts. We also found PD1+ICOS+ Tfh cells expansion in both thymus and spleen of MRL/lpr mice, accompanied by increased frequencies in B cells and plasmablasts, meanwhile, cTfh1which expressing IFN-g was increased in the peripheral blood of MRL/lpr mice. Conclusion: Tfh cell subsets and plasmablasts may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of SLE and may provide potential targets for therapeutic interventions for SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent years have witnessed a gradual increase in the number of female methamphetamine users. Meanwhile, female methamphetamine users are more likely to have psychological problems than male methamphetamine users. The association between diet and psychological problems have been found among nonmethamphetamine user. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary intake frequency and psychological problems in female methamphetamine users. Materials and Methods: A total of 109 female methamphetamine users, collected from a Compulsory Isolated Drug Rehabilitation Centre in northern China, participated in the study. All participants completed the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) questionnaire to assess psychological status. The relation of dietary intake frequency with the SCL-90 score was tested in partial correlation analysis. Multivariable regression models were used to calculate odds ratios to evaluate the association of dietary intake frequency with psychological problems. Results: Of the current female methamphetamine population, 33 participants were diagnosed with psychological problems using SCL-90. In the terms of dietary intake frequency, the frequency of nut intake in the psychiatric symptom group was significantly lower than that in the asymptomatic group. However, there was no difference in the frequency of other food intakes between the two groups. The frequency of nut intake was negatively correlated with the total score of SCL-90 and 8 different symptom clusters of psychopathologies on SCL-90. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the increased frequency of nut intake was associated with a lower risk of psychological problems. Conclusion: In the female methamphetamine population, increasing the frequency of nut intake may reduce the risk of psychological problems for female methamphetamine users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the imbalance of neurogenic factor (NGF) and its precursor (pro-NGF) mediates structural and functional impairment of retinal neurovascular unit (RNVU) that plays a role in retinal degenerative diseases. Methods: A literature search of electronic databases was performed. Results: The pro-apoptotic effect of pro-NGF and the pro-growth effect of NGF are essential for the pathological and physiological activities of RNVU. Studies show that NGF-based treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy, has achieved remarkable efficacy. Conclusions: RNVU plays a complex and multifaceted role in retinal degenerative diseases. The exploration of the differential signaling expression of proNGF-NGF homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, and the corresponding pathological processes induced by its regulation, has prompted us to focus on earlier retinal neuroprotective therapeutic strategies to prevent retinal degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A SiGeSn/GeSn/SiGeSn single quantum well structure featuring type-I band alignment was comprehensively characterized. Three pump lasers with different penetration depths and photon energies were used to pinpoint the optical transition characteristics of the sample. The carrier generation, redistribution, and recombination under each pumping condition were analyzed in detail. By comparing the temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of the GeSn quantum well with that of SiGeSn and GeSn thin film samples possessing similar Si and Sn compositions, the optical transition mechanism was clearly identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess efficacy of portal vein stent (PVS) insertion and endovascular iodine-125 (125I) seed-strip implantation, followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with sorafenib (PVS-125I TACE-S) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated type II or type III portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed on 53 consecutive patients with HCC and type II or type III PVTT, from May 2014 to July 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups, including group A with 28 patients treated with PVS-125I TACE-S, and group B with 25 patients treated with TACE-S. Primary end-point was overall survival (OS), while secondary endpoints were hepatic function and disease control rate (DCR). Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score approach was used for evaluating liver function. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. Results: No pre-operative differences were found in ALBI scores between group A and group B (-2.57 ±0.42 vs. -2.61 ±0.38, p = 0.724), or in these scores at 1 month post-operatively (-2.62 ±0.46 vs. -2.20 ±0.59, p = 0.666). However, these scores were significantly different at 3 (-2.17 ±0.59 vs. -1.69 ±0.48, p = 0.007) and 6 (-2.28 ±1.23 vs. -1.47 ±0.31, p = 0.044) months post-operatively. In addition, group A exhibited higher DCR (71.4% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.043) after 6 months of treatment and extended OS duration (11.4 vs. 7.7 months, p = 0.007). A stratified analysis revealed that OS in patients with type II PVTT did not differ significantly (10.4 vs. 10.7 months, p = 0.689), but OS with type III varied significantly (11.5 vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size > 10 cm (p = 0.002) and multiple tumors (p = 0.022) were independent predictors for poor prognosis, whereas PVS-125I TACE-S was predictor for favorable patient's prognosis (p = 0.040). Conclusions: PVS-125I TACE-S represents a potentially viable strategy for improving hepatic functionality, DCR, and OS in HCC with type III PVTT compared with TACE-S alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent characteristics of GeSn light-emitting diodes with Sn composition up to 9.2% have been systematically studied. Such diodes were based on Ge/GeSn/Ge double heterostructures (DHS) that were grown directly on a Si substrate via a chemical vapor deposition system. Both photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra have been characterized at temperatures from 300 to 77K. Based on our theoretical calculation, all GeSn alloys in this study are indirect bandgap materials. However, due to the small energy separation between direct and indirect bandgap, and the fact that radiative recombination rate greater than non-radiative, the emissions are mainly from the direct Γ-valley to valence band transitions. The electroluminescence emissions under current injection levels from 102 to 357 A/cm2 were investigated at 300 K. The monotonic increase of the integrated electroluminescence intensity was observed for each sample. Moreover, the electronic band structures of the DHS were discussed. Despite the indirect GeSn bandgap owing to the compressive strain, type-I band alignment was achieved with the barrier heights ranging from 11 to 47 meV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption coefficient and refractive index of Ge1-xSnx alloys (x from 0% to 10%) were characterized for the wavelength range from 1500 to 2500 nm via spectroscopic ellipsometry at room temperature. By applying physical models to fit the obtained data, two empirical formulae with extracted constants and coefficients were developed: (1) Absorption coefficient. The absorption regarding Urbach tail, indirect and direct bandgap transitions were comprehensively taken into account; (2) refractive index. The Sellmeier coefficients associated with dispersion relationship were extracted. In these formulae, the Sn composition and strain percentage were the input parameters, by inputting which the spectral absorption coefficient and spectral refractive index can be obtained. Since the absorption coefficient is key information to determine the performance of the photodetectors including operation wavelength range, responsivity, and specific detectivity, and the refractive index is very useful for the design of the anti-reflection coating for photodetectors and the layer structure for waveguides, the developed formulae could simplify the optoelectronic device design process due to their parameter-based expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of root exudate addition on Fe(II) oxidation, nitrate degradation, and heavy metal removal by Clostridium sp. strain PXL2 were studied. The root exudate addition could increase the average oxidation rate of Fe(II) from 0.52 to 0.68 mM Fe(II)/d. The removal rate of nitrate, arsenic, and mercury could be increased from 54% to 95%, 84% to 99%, and 60% to 86%, respectively. The complexation of Fe(III) with the root exudates was analyzed by quenching titration. The results showed that there was a complexation of root exudates with Fe(III). This complexation resulted in increased precipitation of iron oxides and further promoted the removal of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) combined with iodine- 125 (125I) stranded seeds for the treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction (MBO). Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed on 58 consecutive MBO patients. Twenty patients underwent PTBD combined with 125I stranded seeds (group A). Thirty-eight patients underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (group B). Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels were compared preoperatively, 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months post-operatively. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared at preoperative and 3-month post-operative stages. The time free from biliary obstruction and survival times were compared. Results: The differences in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels between the two groups were not significant preoperatively (p = 0.857, p = 0.719, and p = 0.870), and 1-week post-operatively (p = 0.259, p = 0.395, and p = 0.145). However, 1-month (p = 0.012, p = 0.005, and p = 0.049) and 3-months post-operatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001), group A was lower than group B. Differences in CA19-9, CA125, and CEA levels between the two groups were not significant preoperatively (p = 0.229, p = 0.116, and p = 0.273) and 3-months post-operatively (p = 0.159, p = 0.342, and p = 0.306). The median biliary obstruction free time was 7.0 months for group A and 5.0 months for group B (p < 0.001). The median survival time was 9.0 months for group A and 6.0 months for group B (p = 0.001). Conclusions: PTBD combined with 125I stranded seeds seem to reduce bilirubin levels and prevents biliary obstruction, promoting survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valsa mali, a parasitic fungus, is a destructive pathogen of apple tree that causes heavy economic losses in China. The pathogen secretes various cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that degrade plant cell-wall components, and thus facilitate its entry into host cells. Therefore, functional analysis of the genes encoding CWDEs is necessary to understand virulence of V. mali toward apple tree. Here, we identified and cloned an endo-β-1,4-xylanase gene, VmXyl1 in V. mali. The full-length cDNA of VmXyl1 is 1626 bp containing 50- and 30-non-coding regions, as well an open reading frame of 1320 bp that encodes a protein with a calculated molecular mass and an isoelectric point of 43.8 kDa and 4.4, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequences showed significant homology to a family GH10 of glycosyl hydrolases. The apple branch extract and beechwood xylan, but not glucose, induced the expression of VmXyl1. Furthermore, VmXyl1 had high expression levels in the apple tree bark during the pathogen infection. The deletion of VmXyl1 did not affect mycelia growth; however, it significantly reduced pycnidia formation in V. mali. The deletion strains showed a reduced virulence toward apple leaves and twigs. Moreover, the mutant strains had reduced endo-β-1,4-xylanase activity and growth when cultured using beechwood xylan as the only carbon source. Reintroducing wild-type VmXyl1 into the mutant strains rescued the defect phenotype. We conclude that VmXyl1 determines the virulence of V. mali toward apple tree. These results provide valuable insight into the plant-pathogen molecular interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Great efforts have been devoted so far to combine nano-magnetic hyperthermia and nano-photothermal therapy to achieve encouraging additive therapeutic performance in vitro and in vivo with limitation to direct intratumoral injection and no guidance of multimodality molecular imaging. In this study, a novel multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform (MNP@PES-Cy7/2-DG) consisting of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PES), Cyanine7 (Cy7), and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG)-polyethylene glycol is developed. They are then applied to combined photo-magnetic hyperthermia therapy under intravenous administration that is simultaneously guided by trimodality molecular imaging. Remarkably, nanoparticles are found aggregated mainly in the cytoplasm of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, and exhibit stealth-like behavior with a long second-phase blood circulation half-life of 20.38 ± 4.18 h. Under the guidance of photoacoustic/near-infrared fluorescence/magnetic resonance trimodality imaging, tumors can be completely eliminated under intracellular photomagnetic hyperthermia therapy with additive therapeutic effect due to precise hyperthermia. This study may promote a further exploration of such a platform for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning PEO solution with a mixed solvent of ethanol and deionized water. The results show that the mixed solvent system has noteworthy influences on structures and properties of electrospun PEO nanofibers, including molecular chain orientation, crystallinity degree, surface morphology, fiber diameter, diameter distribution, spinnability, and productivity. With increasing ethanol content in the mixed solvent, wrinkly morphologies appear on the surface of PEO nanofibers due to a high evaporation rate of ethanol during electrospinning process. The dielectric constant, dipole moment, conductivity, density, boiling point, and solubility parameter of the mixed solvent become lower with the ethanol content increasing. Besides, the hydrogen-bonding interactions between PEO and solvents become weaker. As a result, PEO nanofibers with larger diameters, lower molecular chain orientation, and crystallinity degree are obtained. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45787. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilute GeSn films have been grown at the temperatures below 400 °C in a cold-walled ultrahigh vacuum chemical-vapor-deposition chamber. Diluted tin-tetrachloride (SnCl4) with a flow rate of 0.02 sccm was used as Sn precursor while the flow rate of Ge precursor germane was 10 sccm. For comparison, the Ge films were grown under the same conditions except only the precursor germane was used. Material growth study revealed the linear growth rates for both films and increased nucleation times at lower temperatures. Material and optical characterizations showed that the GeSn films featured longer nucleation times, higher growth rates, and higher crystal quality compared to those of Ge films grown at the same conditions. The growth mechanism investigation suggested that GeSn growth using SnCl4 is an exothermic chemical reaction which could lead to the improved material quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integration of HR-HPV genome into host DNA is regarded as a key step for the development of cervical cancer. However, HR-HPV genome indeed exists as episome except for integrant. It may be alternative mechanisms in episome-associated carcinogenesis, although, by which HPV 16 episome induces cervical carcinogenesis is unclear now.Methods: Ninety-three invasive cervical cancer tissues with HPV16 positive were collected. Viral physical status was calculated from comparing E2 to E6-copies and detection of viral load was made with realtime-PCR using copy numbers of E6. HPV16 E6 mRNA transcript levels were measured by realtime-PCR. The methylation frequency of HPV16 promoter was detected by PCR and pyrosequencing.Results: In 93 samples, 21.5% (20/93) presented purely integrated viral genome, 53.8% (50/93) mixed viral genome, and 24.7% (23/93) purely episomal viral genome. Mean E6 expression in samples with purely episomal viral genomes was 7.13-fold higher than that with purely integrated viral genomes. Meanwhile, viral load in samples with purely episomal viral genomes was 4.53-fold higher than that with purely integrated viral genomes. E6 mRNA expression increased with the viral load in purely episomal cases. There were no differences of mean methylation frequency between purely episomal and integrated virus and among five CpG positions of HPV16 promoter for all samples. And there also was no correlation between E6 mRNA expression and methylation of HPV16 promoter among all samples with purely HPV16 episomal virus.Conclusions: HPV16 with the purely episomal viral genomes exists in a definite proportion of invasive cervical cancer, and episomal HPV16 also overexpresses E6 mRNA, probably through a high level of viral load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the demonstration of optically pumped GeSn edge-emitting lasers grown on Si substrates. The whole device structures were grown by an industry standard chemical vapor deposition reactor using the low cost commercially available precursors SnCl4 and GeH4 in a single run epitaxy process. Temperature-dependent characteristics of laser-output versus pumping-laser-input showed lasing operation up to 110 K. The 10K lasing threshold and wavelength were measured as 68 kW/cm2 and 2476 nm, respectively. Lasing characteristic temperature (T0) was extracted as 65 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key limitation in modern biology is the ability to rapidly identify genes underlying newly identified complex phenotypes. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have become an increasingly important approach for dissecting natural variation by associating phenotypes with genotypes at a genome wide level. Recent work is showing that the Arabidopsis thaliana defense metabolite, allyl glucosinolate (GSL), may provide direct feedback regulation, linking defense metabolism outputs to the growth, and defense responses of the plant. However, there is still a need to identify genes that underlie this process. To start developing a deeper understanding of the mechanism(s) that modulate the ability of exogenous allyl GSL to alter growth and defense, we measured changes in plant biomass and defense metabolites in a collection of natural 96 A. thaliana accessions fed with 50 µM of allyl GSL. Exogenous allyl GSL was introduced exclusively to the roots and the compound transported to the leaf leading to a wide range of heritable effects upon plant biomass and endogenous GSL accumulation. Using natural variation we conducted GWAS to identify a number of new genes which potentially control allyl responses in various plant processes. This is one of the first instances in which this approach has been successfully utilized to begin dissecting a novel phenotype to the underlying molecular/polygenic basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to develop a nursing information system (NIS), enhance the visibility of patient risk, and identify challenges and facilitators to adoption of the NIS risk assessment system for nurse leaders. Methods: This article describes the function of a nursing risk assessment information system, and the results of a survey on the risk assessment system. Results: The results suggested that quality of information processing in nursing significantly improved patient safety. Nurses surveyed demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction, with saving time and improving safety. Conclusions: The nursing document information system described was introduced to improve patient safety and decrease risk. The application of the system has greatly enhanced the efficiency of nursing work, and guides the nurses to make an accurate, comprehensive and objective assessment of patient information, contributing significantly to further improvement in care standards and care decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucosinolates (GSLs) play an important role in plants as direct mediators of biotic and abiotic stress responses. Recent work is beginning to show that the GSLs can also inducing complex defense and growth networks. However, the physiological significance of these GSL-induced responses and the molecular mechanisms by which GSLs are sensed and/or modulate these responses are not understood. To identify these potential mechanisms within the plant and how they may relate to the endogenous GSLs, we tested the regulatory effect of exogenous allyl GSL application on growth and defense metabolism across sample of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. We found that application of exogenous allyl GSL had the ability to initiate changes in plant biomass and accumulation of defense metabolites that genetically varied across accessions. This growth effect was related to the allyl GSL side-chain structure. Utilizing this natural variation and mutants in genes within the GSL pathway we could show that the link between allyl GSL and altered growth responses are dependent upon the function of known genes controlling the aliphatic GSL pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of depression increases annually but the pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the expression and interaction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in chronic stress-induced depressive rats. A total of 20 adult healthy Sprague Dawley rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into the control and experimental depression groups. The depression model was established with a chronic stress method, and the success of model construction was assessed through weigh measurements and the sugar consumption and open-field tests. The expression of TNF-α and VEGF was detected using the reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the weight of the rats in the experimental group was found to be reduced (P<0.05). The open-field test showed significant differences in the horizontal and vertical motion of the rats between the two groups, and the rats in the experimental group exhibited a significantly reduced ability to adapt to a new environment (P<0.05). Furthermore, the sensitivity of the rats in the experimental group to reward stimulation was decreased. The relative mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and VEGF in the hippocampus of the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression of VEGF and TNF-α was reduced in the experimental group. Neurons of the experimental group exhibited reduced immunohistochemical staining compared with neurons from the normal hippocampus in the control group. In conclusion, the present study investigated the association between the occurrence of depression and TNF-α and VEGF at the mRNA and protein levels using RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and animal behavior experiments. The results provide a fundamental basis for follow-up clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problems of abnormal larger, abnormal lower or even negative of target yield and fertilizing amount recommended by part of non-typical fertilizer effect equations using agricultural experiments and statistical analysis software, Yangzhou analyzer (2.2), regression analysis of Excel, which objected to local actual production, the study adopted the principle and method of basic knowledge and the frequency of using probability theory, and carried out statistical analysis on the rape field fertilizer experiment data by frequency analysis method, the rape yield after optimizing fertilizing amount was 1 732.4 kg/hm2, the ranges of N, P and K optimal combinations were: N=210.36-149.64 kg/hm2, P2O5=81.89-58.11 kg/hm2, K2O=81.89-58.11 kg/hm2, which was consistent with local actual production. This study was based on frequency analysis, using weighted average method to determine the production combinations of different yield objectives, hereinto, the combinations with high yield, high frequency of occurrence (dependable crop) and fertilizer-saving were viewed as the optimizing production measures, and they had the merits of increasing fertilization decision-making information, reducing or avoiding the risk of small probability event. The results of this study can solve the problem of abnormal values fertilizing amount and target yield recommended by non-typical fertilizer effect function, which did not accord with local actual production, caused by Yangzhou analyzer (2.2), regression analysis of Excel, and DPS statistical analysis software. For the fertilizer effect function equation established by regression analysis which did not reach significance level using variance analysis, whether the method can be adapted to for carrying out fertilization decision-making, recommending optimization combinations of N, P and K fertilizers and yield under optimized fertilizing amount should be further researched in future working practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of plant metabolic diversity is largely driven by gene duplication and ensuing sub-functionalization and/or neo-functionalization to generate new enzymatic activities. However, it is not clear whether the transcription factors (TFs) regulating these new enzyme encoding genes were required to co-evolve with these genes in a similar fashion or if these new genes can be captured by existing conserved TFs to provide the appropriate expression pattern. In this study, we found two conserved TFs, MYB115, and MYB118, co-expressed with the key enzyme encoding genes in the newly evolved benzoyloxy glucosinolate (GLS) pathway. These TFs interacted with the promoters of the GLS biosynthetic genes and negatively influenced their expression. Similarly, the GLS profiles of these two TFs knockouts showed that they influenced the aliphatic GLS accumulation within seed, leaf and flower, while they mainly expressed in seeds. Further studies indicated that they are functionally redundant and epistatically interact to control the transcription of GLS genes. Complementation study confirmed their roles in regulating the aliphatic GLS biosynthesis. These results suggest that the newly evolved enzyme encoding genes for novel metabolites can be regulated by conserved TFs, which helps to improve our model for newly evolved genes regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The modular body structure of plants enables detached plant organs, such as postharvest fruits and vegetables, to maintain active responsiveness to environmental stimuli, including daily cycles of light and darkness. Twenty-four hour light/darkness cycles entrain plant circadian clock rhythms, which provide advantage to plants. Here, we tested whether green leafy vegetables gain longevity advantage by being stored under light/dark cycles designed to maintain biological rhythms. Results: Light/dark cycles during postharvest storage improved several aspects of plant tissue performance comparable to that provided by refrigeration. Tissue integrity, green coloration, and chlorophyll content were generally enhanced by cycling of light and darkness compared to constant light or darkness during storage. In addition, the levels of the phytonutrient glucosinolates in kale and cabbage remained at higher levels over time when the leaf tissue was stored under light/dark cycles. Conclusions: Maintenance of the daily cycling of light and dark periods during postharvest storage may slow the decline of plant tissues, such as green leafy vegetables, improving not only appearance but also the health value of the crops through the maintenance of chlorophyll and phytochemical content after harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about the contribution of environmental heterogeneity in the maintenance of glucosinolates (GSL) variations in Arabidopsis thaliana. Heterogeneous selective forces are generated with shifting biotic pressures, which can maintain standing natural variation within a species. It was observed that variation in naturally polymorphic GSL genes, affected the fitness in each of our environments.

A key unanswered question in plant biology is how a plant regulates metabolism to maximize performance across an array of biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. In this study, we addressed the potential breadth of transcriptional regulation that can alter accumulation of the defensive glucosinolate metabolites in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A systematic yeast one-hybrid study was used to identify hundreds of unique potential regulatory interactions with a nearly complete complement of 21 promoters for the aliphatic glucosinolate pathway. Conducting high-throughput phenotypic validation, we showed that >75% of tested transcription factor (TF) mutants significantly altered the accumulation of the defensive glucosinolates. These glucosinolate phenotypes were conditional upon the environment and tissue type, suggesting that these TFs may allow the plant to tune its defenses to the local environment. Furthermore, the pattern of TF/promoter interactions could partially explain mutant phenotypes. This work shows that defense chemistry within Arabidopsis has a highly intricate transcriptional regulatory system that may allow for the optimization of defense metabolite accumulation across a broad array of environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]