Search

Objectives: Most human in‐vivo placental imaging techniques are unable to distinguish and characterize various placental compartments, such as the intervillous space (IVS), placental vessels (PV) and placental tissue (PT), limiting their specificity. We describe a method that employs T2* and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to differentiate automatically placental compartments, quantify their oxygenation properties and identify placental lesions (PL) in vivo. We also investigate the association between placental oxygenation patterns and fetal brain oxygenation. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted between 2018 and 2021 in which dual‐contrast clinical MRI data (T2* and diffusion‐weighted MRI) were acquired from patients between 20 and 38 weeks' gestation. We trained a fuzzy clustering method to analyze T2* and diffusion‐weighted MRI data and assign placental voxels to one of four clusters, based on their distinct imaging domain features. The new method divided automatically the placenta into IVS, PV, PT and PL compartments and characterized their oxygenation changes throughout pregnancy. Results: A total of 27 patients were recruited, of whom five developed pregnancy complications. Total placental oxygenation level and T2* did not demonstrate a statistically significant temporal correlation with gestational age (GA) (R2 = 0.060, P = 0.27). In contrast, the oxygenation level reflected by T2* values in the placental IVS (R2 = 0.51, P = 0.0002) and PV (R2 = 0.76, P = 1.1 × 10−7) decreased significantly with advancing GA. Oxygenation levels in the PT did not show any temporal change during pregnancy (R2 = 0.00044, P = 0.93). A strong spatial‐dependent correlation between PV oxygenation level and GA was observed. The strongest negative correlation between PV oxygenation and GA (R2 = 0.73, P = 4.5 × 10−7) was found at the fetal‐vessel‐dominated region close to the chorionic plate. The location and extent of the placental abnormality were automatically delineated and quantified in the five women with clinically confirmed placental pathology. Compared to the averaged total placental oxygenation, placental IVS oxygenation level best reflected fetal brain oxygenation level during fetal development. Conclusion: Based on clinically feasible dual‐MRI, our method enables accurate spatiotemporal quantification of placental compartment and fetal brain oxygenation across different GAs. This information should improve our knowledge of human placenta development and its relationship with normal and abnormal pregnancy. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of mesh is controversial in the treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse.Objectives: To systematically review the outcomes of sacrocolpopexy compared with transvaginal mesh surgery and to provide evidence-based suggestions.Search Strategy: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched on 21 November 2018.Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials and prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included.Data Collection and Analysis: Data were extracted by one reviewer and examined by a second reviewer for accuracy. Odds ratios and 95% CI were calculated using random-effects models.Main Results: Twenty comparative studies were included. The meta-analysis was performed with subgroups. The summary odds ratios of the randomised controlled group were 1.84 (95% CI 0.79-4.29, I2  = 75%) for anatomical success, 1.41 (95% CI 0.47-4.24, I2  = 38%) for subjective success, 0.42 (95% CI 0.18-0.98, I2  = 0%) for mesh complications, 0.61 (95% CI 0.20-1.91, I2  = 0%) for prolapse reoperation and 0.44 (95% CI 0.23-0.88, I2  = 0%) for de novo dyspareunia. The mean differences were 0.77 (95% CI 0.31-1.23, I2  = 66%) for total vaginal length and -1.28 (95% CI -2.00 to -0.55, I2  = 66%) for point C after surgery.Conclusions: Very-low-quality evidence indicated that the anatomical and subjective success rates of sacrocolpopexy were similar to those of transvaginal mesh surgery; sacrocolpopexy might be more beneficial than transvaginal mesh surgery in terms of mesh-related complication rates, prolapse recurrence and de novo dyspareunia. However, additional high-quality randomised trials with long-term follow-up durations are needed.Tweetable Abstract: Sacrocolpopexy is beneficial after surgical anatomical changes and has decreased rates of mesh-related complications and dyspareunia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: High‐resolution imaging is an important issue in various fields of scientific researches and engineering applications. Pseudothermal ghost imaging is one of the subfields of quantum imaging, providing new capabilities beyond conventional imaging methods. Also, it can provide a new viewpoint of imaging physical mechanisms. In this review, we explain the major ideas of pseudothermal ghost imaging, restricting the very important case of high‐resolution imaging. We analyse the strategies which can significantly improve the image quality in pseudothermal ghost imaging. It may apply for merging it with common optical imaging methods in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) or X‐ray spectral regime for driving the applications to a wider audience in bioscience and nano‐physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum ultraviolet beamline BL03U with a photon energy range from 7 eV upwards has been constructed at the 3.5 GeV Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Equipped with an APPLE‐Knot undulator, this beamline is dedicated to angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy. An energy‐resolving power of higher than 4.6 × 104 has been achieved in the photon energy range 21.6–48 eV, which is almost the same as the theoretical estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway is responsible for the synthesis of different backbones for terpenoids; (E)‐β‐farnesene (EβF), a sesquiterpene, is the major component of aphid alarm pheromone. Our previous studies eliminated the possibility of host plants and endosymbionts as the sources of EβF, and we thus speculate that the terpenoid pathway might affect the biosynthesis of EβF in aphids. First, the transcriptional responses of four genes encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) and decaprenyl diphosphate synthase in the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii to simulated stimulation were analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR, showing an immediate decrease in the transcript abundances of the four genes. Next, RNA‐interference‐mediated gene knockdown was performed, indicating that fpps knockdown caused a significant cost in terms of body size and fecundity. Finally, an association analysis of gene knockdown with the amount of EβF was conducted, revealing that the concentration of EβF per milligram of aphid was drastically decreased in response to fpps knockdown, whereas ggpps knockdown significantly raised the concentration of EβF. Our data support a peculiar mode of biosynthesis and storage of the aphid alarm pheromone that relies directly on the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway in the aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with functions in insect fecundity promises to provide novel insight into genetic mechanisms of adaptation and to aid in effective control of insect populations. We previously identified several SNPs within the vitellogenin (Vg) promoter region between a high‐fecundity population (HFP) and a low‐fecundity population (LFP) of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Here, we found that an A‐to‐T (HFP allele to LFP allele) transversion at nucleotide −953 upstream of Vg in a Nilaparvata lugens GATA‐1 (Nl GATA) binding motif is associated with the level of Vg transcription. We also characterized Nl GATA‐1, containing a double CX2CX17CX2C zinc finger, which has been implicated in the activation of Vg gene expression. Knockdown of the NlGATA‐1 gene results in a reduced basal level of expression of the Vg gene and fewer offspring of N. lugens in vivo, whereas overexpression of NlGATA‐1 in cells increased Vg promoter activity. Moreover, upon cotransfection with Nl GATA‐1 expression vector, the luciferase activities of Vg reporter vectors with the A allele were significantly higher than those with the T allele. These findings support a mechanism in which a SNP within the promoter of Vg is associated with the level of Vg transcription by altering the binding activity of Nl GATA‐1 and subsequently affecting fecundity in N. lugens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pre‐treated maize stalk could be used for animal feed due to the improved digestibility. Steam explosion (SE) and solid‐state fermentation (SSF) are two methods in maize stalk pre‐treatment. To evaluate the effect of combination of SE and SSF on the maize stalk pre‐treatment, the maize stalk was treated with steam explosion and microbial fermentation with Penicillium decumbens and Phanerochate chrysporium in this study. The steam explosion severity (logR0) affected component of the corn stover and then affected the SSF. The highest weight loss of substrate (23.20%), protein (12.71%) and cellulase filter paper activity (FPA) (7.42IU/g) could be obtained at logR0 = 3.64 and the IVDMD of SE‐SSF‐treated straw could reach 75.8%. The SE‐SSF pre‐treatment method could improve the utilization of straw as animal feed and overcome the shortage of feed source in animal husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine the overall survival differences for the following neoadjuvant therapy modalities - no therapy, chemotherapy alone, radiation alone and chemoradiation - in a large cohort of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Method Adults with clinical Stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma were selected from the National Cancer Database and grouped by type of neoadjuvant therapy received: no therapy, chemotherapy only, radiotherapy only or chemoradiation. Multivariable regression methods were used to compare adjusted differences in perioperative outcomes and overall survival. Results Among 32 978 patients included, 9714 (29.5%) received no neoadjuvant therapy, 890 (2.7%) chemotherapy only, 1170 (3.5%) radiotherapy only and 21 204 (64.3%) chemoradiation. Compared with no therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone were not associated with any adjusted differences in surgical margin positivity, permanent colostomy rate or overall survival (all P > 0.05). With adjustment, neoadjuvant chemoradiation vs no therapy was associated with a lower likelihood of surgical margin positivity ( OR 0.74, P < 0.001), decreased rate of permanent colostomy ( OR 0.77, P < 0.001) and overall survival [hazard ratio ( HR) 0.79, P < 0.001]. When compared with chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone, chemoradiation remained associated with improved overall survival ( vs chemotherapy alone HR 0.83, P = 0.04; vs radiotherapy alone HR 0.83, P < 0.019). Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemoradiation, not chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone, is important for sphincter preservation, R0 resection and survival for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Despite this finding, one-third of patients in the United States with locally advanced rectal cancer fail to receive stage-appropriate chemoradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of new technology encouraged exploration of the effectiveness and difference of collaborative learning in blended learning environments. This study investigated the social interactive network of students, level of knowledge building and perception level on usefulness in online and mobile collaborative learning environments in higher education. WeChat, which is a mobile synchronous communication tool, and modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle) were used as mobile and online collaborative learning settings. Seventy-eight college students majoring in information engineering participated in the experiment. The following findings were revealed by combining methods of social network analysis, content analysis and questionnaire survey: (1) the collaborative social networks generated in this study showed that students had tighter interaction relationships in Moodle than in WeChat; (2) deeper level of knowledge building in collaboration and interaction through Moodle than WeChat was observed; and (3) Moodle got higher perception level than WeChat because of its usefulness for collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses to stocking density (SD), dietary biotin concentration and litter condition were evaluated on 2016 Ross 308 male broilers in the fattening period (day 22-day 42). The birds were placed in 48 pens with either dry or wet litter to simulate the final stocking density of 30 kg (12 broilers/m2; normal stocking density, NSD) and 40 kg (16 broilers/m2; high stocking density, HSD) of body weight (BW)/m2 floor space. A corn-soybean meal-based diet was supplemented with biotin to provide a normal (NB; 155 μg/kg) or high (HB, 1521 μg/kg) level of dietary biotin. There were six repetitions per treatment. The inappropriate moisture content of litter associated with HSD was avoided (p < 0.05) by good management (SD difference: dry litter, 6.65% vs. wet litter, 13.23%; 42 days), which made it advantageous (p < 0.01) for footpad (SD difference: dry litter, 0.118 vs. wet litter, 0.312; weekly average value) and hock health (SD difference: dry litter, 0.090 vs. wet litter, 0.303; weekly average value) of HSD birds, but not (p > 0.05) for growth and processing yield. In HSD, the biotin effect (gains, FCR) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in NSD. The similar response of HSD birds to supplemental biotin was observed (p < 0.05) for lesion scores of footpad and hock in particularly finishing chickens, and a significant interaction (p < 0.01) among stocking density, biotin supplementation and litter condition existed from 35 to 42 days of age. Taken together, increasing dietary biotin improves the performance and well-being of broiler chickens stocked at high densities in litter-independent and litter-dependent manners respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the distribution of bi-conical reflectance of particulate surfaces with different particle sizes by multi-angular reflectance. Two types of particulate samples (called desert and cultivated soil) were sieved to a particle size range of 0.15-0.9 mm. The reflectance factors were measured at 570 or 330 different viewing positions for each illumination angle (45° and 60°). The reflectance was strongly non-Lambertian for all samples, but with markedly different patterns for the two types of particulate surface. Particle size was correlated with the bi-conical reflectance factor ( BCRF) and anisotropic reflectance factor ( ARF), respectively. The results showed a strong relation between BCRF and particle size in all viewing directions, except for the backward scattering direction, with an average R2 value of 0.9. The use of ARF improved the relation with particle size more in the backward scattering direction in the principal plane than with BCRF ( R2 = 0.7 for BCRF; R2 = 0.91 for ARF). However, the strong relation between the ARF and particle size was limited in the forward and backward scattering directions, with an average R2 value of 0.86. The results showed the considerable potential of multi-angular reflectance for quantitative evaluation of the particle size of particulate surfaces. This approach appears to provide a promising empirical and theoretical basis for the future retrieval of soil particle size. Highlights: The aim is to estimate the particle size from the reflectance of soil samples., Analysis of the relation between particle size and reflectance with multi-angular data., There was a strong relation between reflectance and particle size in 2π space., Multi-angular reflectance has the potential to evaluate quantitatively the particle size of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims Body surface area is important in determining the severity of psoriasis. However, objective, reliable, and practical method is still in need for this purpose. We performed a computer image analysis ( CIA) of psoriatic area using the image J freeware to determine whether this method could be used for objective evaluation of psoriatic area. Methods Fifteen psoriasis patients were randomized to be treated with adalimumab or placebo in a clinical trial. At each visit, the psoriasis area of each body site was estimated by two physicians (E-method), and standard photographs were taken. The psoriasis area in the pictures was assessed with CIA using semi-automatic threshold selection (T-method), or manual selection (M-method, gold standard). The results assessed by the three methods were analyzed with reliability and affecting factors evaluated. Results Both T- and E-method correlated strongly with M-method, and T-method had a slightly stronger correlation with M-method. Both T- and E-methods had a good consistency between the evaluators. All the three methods were able to detect the change in the psoriatic area after treatment, while the E-method tends to overestimate. Conclusion The CIA with image J freeware is reliable and practicable in quantitatively assessing the lesional of psoriasis area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of main length ratios associated with morphological traits in Paralichthys olivaceus. At 180, 240 and 360 days of age, body length ( L1), head length ( L2), body depth ( L3), caudal peduncle depth ( L4) and caudal-peduncle length ( L5) were observed in 4757-5224 individuals from 52 full-sib families. Based on these observed traits, the main length-ratio traits including L3: L1, L2: L1, L5: L1 and L4: L3 were constructed. Three single-trait animal models were used to examine the phenotypic variation of length-ratio traits and were compared using the likelihood ratio test. As a result, the optimal model for all the analysed traits was determined as the model with the fixed, additive genetic and full-sib family effects. Using the optimal model, animal model analysis for single trait showed that heritabilities were estimated to be low, ranging from 0·122 to 0·276. The estimates for all length-ratio traits decreased while the days of age increased except for L3: L1. Multivariate animal model analysis indicated that within and among days of age, genetic correlations between length-ratio traits were different in the direction and magnitude. Genetic parameter estimation of main length ratios would be helpful for genetic improvement of body shape in P. olivaceus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the kinetics of GSK3β and p- GSK3β (Ser 9) expression in experimentally induced rat periapical lesions and to explore their possible functions in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions. Methodology Periapical lesions were established in Wistar rats by occlusal pulp exposure in mandibular first molar teeth. The animals were killed on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Micro-computed tomographic, histological and enzyme histochemical analyses were performed to detect the progression of periapical lesions. Immunohistochemistry, double-dye immunofluorescence and Western blot were performed to determine the expression of GSK3β and p- GSK3β (Ser 9) in periapical tissues. Results From day 0 to day 28, the lesion volume and area gradually expanded, and the GSK3β-positive cells gradually ascended. A few p- GSK3β (Ser 9)-positive cells and osteoclasts appeared on day 7 and then climaxed on day 14. The numbers then simultaneously decreased from day 21 to day 28. Western blot analysis revealed that p- GSK3β (Ser 9) and GSK3β proteins were expressed at all time-points. The positive cells and protein expression ratio of p- GSK3β (Ser 9) against GSK3β increased from day 0 to day 14 and then decreased from day 14 to day 28. Finally, double-dye immunofluorescence assay revealed that p- GSK3β (Ser 9)-positive and RANKL-positive cells were co-localized around periapical lesions on days 14 and 28. Conclusions GSK3β and p- GSK3β (Ser 9) can be observed and may be involved in alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory response in periapical lesions, as well as associated with periapical lesion pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most traditional skin histological analysis methods are based on the light microscopy images, which can only provide limited information and low contrast results for pathology evaluation. Molecular hyperspectral imaging technology can provide both spatial and spectral information of skin sections, which is a new method for histological skin analysis. Methods: The molecular hyperspectral imaging system was developed by coupling an acousto-optic tunable filters adapter to microscopy and the molecular hyperspectral images were analyzed by home-written software with image processing algorithms. Then, the histological structures in skin sections were investigated in several locations to evaluate the potential application of the molecular hyperspectral imaging technique to dermatology. Results: Molecular hyperspectral images of skin sections were obtained. Single-band images, false color images, virtual 3D surface view images, and color-coded spectral clustering results were produced to highlight the skin structures for histological evaluation. Conclusion: Unlike traditional histological analysis with light microscopy, the molecular hyperspectral imaging technology can enhance the visualization of skin structures using their spectral signatures and their gray values. This technology has potential for the diagnosis and histopathologic characterization of different kind of skin cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alternative to achieve fast transient response while inherently managing the in‐rush current during DC/DC switching converter start‐up is proposed. An AC coupled feedback (ACCF) is introduced using a capacitor multiplier from the output of the converter to the output of the error amplifier. With this additional feedback, the transient response, which used to be limited by the compensator mid‐band gain has been significantly improved. Meanwhile, the ACCF circuit can help to control the converter output ramping speed during power‐up, thus eliminating the bulky soft‐start circuit. The simplified circuit design means the new controller can be realised by a tiny on‐chip circuit, thereby minimising the footprint and the cost. A buck converter with the proposed technique is designed using 0.18 μm CMOS process and simulated across different process corners. Simulation shows that the output voltage increases linearly with the designed slope despite the variations of the input voltage, inductor or output capacitor values. An excellent load transient response of 0.021 mV/mA is achieved for a load current variation from 50 μA to 1 A in 1 μs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the expression of CX3 CL1 and its receptor, CX3 CR1, in the development of periapical lesions induced in rats and explore the possible role of these substances in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions. Methodology Periapical lesions in mandibular first molar teeth were established in 30 rats following pulp exposure to the oral environment. The animals were killed 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after lesion induction. The development of periapical lesions was investigated by histological and enzyme histochemical examination. The distributions of CX3 CL1 and CX3 CR1 in the periapical tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Osteoclasts and CX3 CL1-positive cells were counted in each specimen. The data were then analysed by one-way anova using the SPSS 13.0 statistical package. Results The lesions expanded from days 0 to 14 and stabilized thereafter. Where expansion of the periapical lesion was most evident, numerous CX3 CL1-positive cells were observed around the apical foramen and adjacent periapical areas. From days 21 to 42, subjacent connective tissues presented intense CX3 CL1 immunostaining in inflammatory cells with different morphologies, such as round, oval and fibroblastic. The number of CX3 CL1-positive cells increased from days 7 to 28, but decreased on day 42 post-operation. Double immunofluorescence staining showed CX3 CL1- and CX3 CR1-positive cells around periapical lesions surrounding the apical foramen. Most CX3 CL1-positive cells were mononuclear in nature, which suggests the presence of macrophages, infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes, and overlapped with CX3 CR1-positive cells. Conclusions CX3 CL1 and CX3 CR1 are related to the development of periapical lesions. The chemokine and its receptor may be involved in the progression of tissue destruction, including bone resorption, during periapical inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The singularity of quantum correlation has been widely regarded as a valuable indicator for quantum phase transition (QPT) in low-dimensional quantum systems. In this paper, in a two-leg spin ladder with ring exchange, the critical points of the system cannot be detected by analyzing the singularity of the quantum discord (a kind of quantum correlation). Instead, the discord exhibits a novel odd-even effect in the symmetry-breaking (SB) regions, which can be used to detect the two critical points between the SB regions and the non-SB regions. The underlying mechanism of the odd-even effect is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum phase crossover in a spin ladder model with four-spin exchange is investigated. Previous studies show that the crossover cannot be detected by the singularity or finite-size analysis of ground-state observables for finite ladders. In this work, we find that the first-excited-state fidelity shows a sudden drop exactly at the crossover point, regardless of the length of the ladder. It suggests that the excited-state fidelity for finite systems is very effective in detecting the crossover in infinite systems. The underlying mechanism is understood through the analysis of re-construction of the low-lying energy levels of the systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2011) , 328-334 The aim of this study was to assess the expression levels of two proteins, such as PRDX6 and cyclophilin A (CypA), and to evaluate their relationship with clinicopathologic features and survival in tongue squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs). An immunohistochemical study was performed comprising a total of 42 tissue samples of patients suffering from TSCCs as well as 10 corresponding adjacent normal tissues. After detection of PRDX6 and CypA, their expression levels were semiquantitatively evaluated and correlated with clinicopathologic variables. Both PRDX6 and CypA expressions were significantly higher in tissue samples of TSCCs compared with the 10 corresponding adjacent normal tissues ( < 0.01). A statistically significant correlation in TSCCs regarding the expression of PRDX6 and CypA was revealed ( P = 0.005), and the lymphadenectasis was correlated with PRDX6 ( P < 0.05). Results of a multivariate analysis revealed age, CypA expression, cervical lymph node metastases, and tongue cancer differentiation to be independent prognostic variables in respect of the overall survival rate ( P < 0.05). It could be detected that PRDX6 and CypA are associated with tumorigenesis in TSCCs. High levels of CypA expression may predict reduced survival time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early secretory antigen target 6 (ESAT-6) is a dominant target for cell-mediated immunity in the early phase of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with TB, causing T-cell proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, which has been considered to be a protective antigen that can be used for future vaccine development. Ag85A is the most essential component for bacterial survival within macrophages and has been used in numerous vaccine preparations, which can induce strong cellular immune responses. In this study, we constructed a new recombinant bacilli Calmette -Guérin (BCG) strain (rBCG-AE) that could express fusion protein Ag85A-ESAT-6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and evaluated its immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. There was no evidence for increased virulence of this rBCG. Our experiments illustrated that the rBCG-AE was able to induce higher titer of antibody and elicit more long-lasting and stronger Th1 type cellular immune responses than the parental BCG strain, or rBCG-A (expressing Ag85A) strain, or rBCG-E (expressing ESAT-6) strain, which are characterized by the strong antibody response, the proliferation rate of splenocytes, the ratio of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells stimulated by tuberculin-purified protein derivative and elevated levels of IFN-γ in antigen-stimulated splenocyte cultures. The results show that rBCG-AE is an improved TB vaccine for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a well-dispersed γ-Y2Si2O7 ethanol-based suspension with 30 vol% solid loading was prepared by adding 1 dwb% polyethylene imine dispersant, which allows feeble magnetic γ-Y2Si2O7 particles with anisotropic magnetic susceptibility to rotate in a 12 T strong magnetic field during slip casting, resulting in the development of a strong texture in green bodies. Pressureless sintering gives rise to more pronounced grain growth in the textured sample than in the untextured sample prepared without the magnetic field due to the rapid migration of the grain boundaries of the well-oriented grains, which was revealed by constant-heating-rate sintering kinetics. It was found that the use of two-step sintering is very efficient not only for inhibiting the grain growth but also for enhancing the texture. This implies that controlled grain growth is crucial for enhancing texture development in γ-Y2Si2O7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The elderly obese are at increased risk of mortality and morbidity of many obesity-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity in older rural Chinese. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004–2005, which undertook multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample in Fuxin county, Liaoning province, China. A total of 6643 elderly persons with age ≥60 years was examined. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification and Chinese criteria, respectively. Results: Overall, using World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.8 and 1.7%, respectively. Using Chinese criteria, the corresponding figures were 21.2 and 4.0%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that women, Mongolian nationality, high levels of education and current drinking status were risk factors for overweight or obese participants. Increasing age, high levels of physical activity and current smoking status were shown as protective factors. A positive association was also observed between body mass index and female sex, Mongolian nationality, education levels and current drinking status. However, there was an inverse association between body mass index and age, physical activity levels and current smoking status. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of obesity was low, the prevalence of overweight was relatively high in older rural Chinese, especially in female adults. Unfavourable lifestyles, gender, age, ethnicity, education levels and physical activity were associated with the prevalence of these health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two piggyBac-like elements (PLEs) were identified in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, and were designated as HaPLE1 and HaPLE2. HaPLE1 is flanked by 16 bp inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and the duplicated TTAA tetranucleotide, and contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1794 bp with the presumed DDD domain, indicating that this element may be an active autonomously mobile element. HaPLE2 was found with the same ITRs, but lacks the majority of an ORF-encoding transposase. Thus, this element was thought to be a non-autonomous element. Transposable element displays and distribution of the two PLEs in individuals from three different H.  armigera populations suggest that transmobilization of HaPLE2 by the transposase of HaPLE1 may be likely, and mobilization of HaPLE1 might occur not only within the same individual, but also among different individuals. In addition, horizontal transfer was probably involved in the evolution of PLEs between H.  armigera and Trichoplusia ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and its relation to apolipoprotein E (apoE) ℇ4 allele in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thirty MCI and 30 controls were assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cambridge Cognitive Examination-Chinese version (CAMCOG-C), and then insonated in the anterior (ACA), middle (MCA) and basilar (BA) cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Compared with controls, MCI showed significant decreases in the mean ( Vm), systolic ( Vs) and diastolic ( Vd) CBFV, bilaterally in MCA and ACA ( P < 0.05–0.001), but not in BA. Compared with 17 apoE ℇ4 allele non-carriers, 13 carriers in MCI showed significant CBFV decreases, bilaterally in MCA ( P < 0.05–0.001). Our findings, the decreased CBFV in apoE ℇ4 allele carriers with MCI, suggest that a large sample and longitudinal study in CBFV and cognitive changes may have the implications on early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenocarpy (seedless fruit) has potential for increasing yield in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus var. sativus L.). To determine the inheritance of parthenocarpy in gynoecious cucumber, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2 generations derived from crossing two non-parthenocarpic gynoecious inbred lines [Gy8 (P2; processing type) and ‘Marketmore 80’ (P2; MM, fresh market type)] with a highly parthenocarpic inbred line [2A (P1; processing type)] were evaluated for fruit number in a greenhouse at Arlington, Wisc. in 1999 (designated 2A × Gy8 1999) and in the open-field at Hancock, Wisc. in 2000 (designated 2A × Gy8 2000 and 2A × MM 2000). There were significant location and location × generation interaction effects, and therefore generation means analyses were conducted separately for each location. The minimum numbers of effective factors controlling parthenocarpy were estimated to be at least one (2A × Gy8 1999), two (2A × Gy8 2000) and four (2A × MM 2000). Results suggest that selection for parthenocarpy for multiple hand harvest operations will likely be more effective than that for once-over machine harvest operations. However, the selection efficiency will likely vary across different populations and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenocarpy (seedless fruit) is an economically important yield-related trait in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2x = 14). However, the genomic locations of factors controlling parthenocarpic fruit development in this species are not known. Therefore, an F2 : 3 mating design was utilized to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for parthenocarpy using a narrow cross employing two gynoecious, indeterminate and normal leaf lines [2A (parthenocarpic) and Gy8 (non-parthenocarpic)]. QTL detection was performed employing 2A- and Gy8-coupling phase data using the parthenocarpic yield of 126 F3 families grown at two locations at Hancock, WI in 2000. The QTLs detected in this study were compared with the map locations of QTLs conditioning first-harvest yield of seeded cucumber characterized in a previous study. There were 10 QTLs for parthenocarpy detected defining four genomic regions, in which three QTLs also mapped to the same genomic regions as QTLs detected for fruit yield at first-harvest as reported in a previous study. The eight fluorescence amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers linked to parthenocarpy through QTL mapping defined herein (four each in linkage groups 1 and 4) are candidates for use in marker-assisted selection programmes where breeding for increased levels of parthenocarpy is an objective in the elite-processing cucumber populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated previously that the monoclonal antibody 9B9 to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which accumulates very selectively into the rat lung after systemic injection, is a powerful tool for immunotargeting of therapeutic agents or genes to the rat lung vascular bed. Bearing in mind a high research and therapeutic potential of lung targeting via ACE, we obtained a new set of rat monoclonal antibodies to different epitopes of mouse ACE in order to expand this approach to mice. Nine new monoclonal antibodies, recognizing epitopes on the N- and C-domains of catalytically active mouse ACE, were obtained and examined for their efficacy to bind ACE both in vitro and in vivo. This set of monoclonal antibodies was proved to be useful for ACE quantification (by flow cytometry and cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) on the surface of different mouse ACE-expressing cells: endothelial cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and spermatozoa. Moreover, gene delivery into mouse ACE-expressing cells using adenoviruses increased 40-fold after redirecting of these viruses to ACE (by coating these viruses with anti-ACE monoclonal antibodies). Radiolabelled (I125) monoclonal antibodies specifically accumulated in the mouse lung after systemic injection. Monoclonal antibodies 3G8.17, 4B10.5 and 4B10.17 demonstrated the highest level of lung uptake, 40-50% of injected dose, and high selectivity of lung uptake. Influence of monoclonal antibodies on ACE shedding was negligible, except monoclonal antibody 1D10.11. None of the tested monoclonal antibodies inhibited ACE activity in vitro. In conclusion, a new set of rat monoclonal antibodies to mouse ACE was obtained suitable to study ACE biology in mice and for ACE expression quantification on mouse cells in particular. These monoclonal antibodies also demonstrated highly efficient and selective lung accumulation and thus has the potential for targeting drugs/genes to the pulmonary vasculature in different mouse models of human lung diseases, including numerous knockout models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General field theory treatment of quasioptical Faraday rotator for use as either an isolator or circulator is presented. The use of matrix methods in conjunction with Fourier-transformation techniques greatly facilitates the formation of the boundary-value problem, and provides a closed-form representation of the electromagnetic field over the anisotropic region. Numerical results are presented and compared with those in Reference [2], and they agree with experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dielectric hybrid-mode horn has been analyzed theoretically. The horn can support a balanced hybrid HE mode. The fields under the balanced hybrid condition have been expressed, By optimizing the structure parameters, the fraction of the power radiated into the fundamental Gaussian mode can reach about 98% over a wide frequency range in 3-ram band. Drawbacks are the effects of dielectric losses. Thus the new horn represents all attractive alternative to the corrugated horn for forming the Gaussian beam in millimeter-wave band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among water use efficiency (WUE), productivity and carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) in white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings was investigated. Sixteen hundred seedlings representing 10 controlled crosses were planted in the field in individual buried sand-filled cylinders. The soil water content in the cylinders was measured using time domain reflectometry over two growing seasons and seedling water use deters mined by water balance, Two watering treatments were imposed: irrigation and dry land. There was significant (1.6-2.0%o) genetic variation in needle δ13 C. Ranking of crosses in terms of δ13C was generally maintained over watering treatments and there was not a significant genetic versus environmental interaction. There was a positive correlation between δ13C and both intrinsic and long-term WUE (more positive δ13C with increased WUE) and between δ13C and productivity, suggesting a correlation due to variation in photosynthetic capacity. Root to shoot ratios did not increase in water-stressed plants, indicating that responses to drought were primarily at the level of gas exchange, rather than through morphological changes. Our results indicate that it should be possible to use δ13C as a surrogate for WUE and to select white spruce genotypes for high WUE without compromising yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmetics have a long history in China, but their origins remain unclear. Cosmetic industry potentially originated in the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 bce), but little is known about the early manufacture and use of cosmetics. The Liujiawa site, located on the southern edge of the Loess Plateau in northern China, was the late capital of the ancient Rui state in the early to mid‐Spring and Autumn Period. During the excavation, a sealed small and exquisite container with suspected cosmetic use was unearthed from tomb M49 belonging to a male associated with the aristocratic class. We report in this paper the multidisciplinary application of ATR‐FTIR, XRD, SEM, stable isotope analysis, GC‐MS and GC‐C‐IRMS analysis of the residue inside the container, demonstrating that the residue, which was made of ruminant adipose fat mixed with monohydrocalcite from cave moonmilk, was likely used as cosmetic face cream by the nobleman of the Rui state. This study provides an early example of cosmetic production in China, and, together with the prevalence of similar cosmetic containers during this period, it suggests the rise of an incipient cosmetics industry. Furthermore, the exploitation of moonmilk, a special stalactite in some limestone caves, reflects the link between early Taoist School and cosmetic production encouraged by the aristocratic class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents finite-element analysis of footwear and ground interaction. The issue of footwear and ground interaction investigated in this study can be classified as a traditional stability problem. Elastic perfectly plastic theory was adopted in this study and the Drucker-Prager (DP) material model was chosen to model the soil properties. The commercially available ANSYS finite-element program was used to perform analyses on five different tread patterns. The geometrical models were based upon the coordinates of real military boots. The modelling process included geometrical shape construction, mesh generation and application of boundary conditions and loading.

W-band dual-frequency circulators have been developed. The dual-frequency circulator resulting from a dual higher-order mode is used as stared in [3, 4]. The calculated properties of the dual modes, especially the mode-change frequency point between the dual higher-order modes, have been verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alternative to achieve fast transient response while inherently managing the in-rush current during DC/DC switching converter start-up is proposed. An AC coupled feedback (ACCF) is introduced using a capacitor multiplier from the output of the converter to the output of the error amplifier. With this additional feedback, the transient response, which used to be limited by the compensator mid-band gain has been significantly improved. Meanwhile, the ACCF circuit can help to control the converter output ramping speed during power-up, thus eliminating the bulky soft-start circuit. The simplified circuit design means the new controller can be realised by a tiny onchip circuit, thereby minimising the footprint and the cost. A buck converter with the proposed technique is designed using 0.18 μm CMOS process and simulated across different process corners. Simulation shows that the output voltage increases linearly with the designed slope despite the variations of the input voltage, inductor or output capacitor values. An excellent load transient response of 0.021 mV/ mA is achieved for a load current variation from 50 μA to 1 A in 1 μs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the stress distribution and tooth displacement of a maxillary central incisor with various apical root resection lengths and occlusal relationships using finite element (FE) analysis. Methodology: A maxillary central incisor was scanned by micro‐CT. First, the FE intact incisor model with dentine, enamel, pulp and root surrounded by alveolar bone and periodontal ligament was designed based on the micro‐CT image data. Then, six FE models with varying lengths of apical root resection were established to simulate the clinical treatment and reveal the clinically applicable limit of apical root resection during endodontic microsurgery. For each model under different loading conditions, the maximum von Mises stress (σ max) at the root apex, root cervix, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament and the maximum tooth displacement (ΔR max) were calculated and compared. Results: In a normal occlusion, more than 6 mm of root resection resulted in a marked increase in the ΔR max values (>10%) and σ max values of alveolar bone (>50%); the stress levels at the root apex increased dramatically when the apical root was resected more than 7 mm. With increased overjet, apical root resection did not change the stress level markedly until it reached 8 mm, but the ΔR max increased markedly (>10%) if the root was resected more than 5 mm. With deep overbites, the σ max increased significantly (>50%) when the root was resected more than 4 mm whilst the ΔR max decreased. With increased overjet and deep overbite, more than 6 mm of resection resulted in a substantial σ max increase (>50%) of alveolar bone and the ΔR max increased markedly (>10%) when the root was resected 8 mm. Additionally, the σ max and the ΔR max values were greater with increased overjet and lower with deep overbites. Conclusions: Using FE analysis, apical root resection of more than 6 mm resulted in a marked increase of stress distribution and tooth displacement in normal and increased overjet with deep overbite occlusal relationships. In increased overjets or deep overbites, more than 5 mm or 4 mm, respectively, stress distribution and tooth displacement increased markedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upregulation of co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints hampers the immune response toward tumor cells and facilitates the tumor cells ability to evade immunosurveillance. Specific inhibitory immune checkpoint delivers inhibitory signals to T cells using multiple mechanisms. More in‐depth understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints could be exploited for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. In this review, we summarize the expression and the mechanism of partial co‐inhibitory immune checkpoint signals and discuss targeting co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints as an immunotherapeutic target for cancer therapy. This review may provide a better understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints and could promote applications of immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To assess the association between attenuated heart rate recovery, a non-invasive measure of autonomic dysfunction, and risk of diabetes in the general population. Methods Databases were searched for cohort studies up to May 2017 that reported the association of heart rate recovery with the risk of diabetes. The overall hazard ratios for slowest vs fastest heart rate recovery (the referent) and for every 10-beats-per-min decrement in heart rate recovery were calculated using a random effects meta-analysis model. Results Four cohort studies with 430 incident cases of diabetes among a total of 9113 participants during a mean follow-up period of 8.1 years were included. Results showed that the slowest heart rate recovery was associated with a higher risk of diabetes (hazard ratio 1.66, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.38) vs the fastest heart rate recovery, and the hazard ratio of risk of diabetes for every 10-beats-per-min decrement in heart rate recovery was 1.29 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.48). No significant interaction effect was observed regarding the efficacy of 1-min and 2-min heart rate recovery in predicting risk of diabetes (both Pfor interaction >0.60); however, a linear dose-response relationship existed for overall studies and for studies using 1-min heart rate recovery as the exposure (both P >0.60 for non-linearity). Conclusions Attenuated heart rate recovery is associated with an increased risk of diabetes in a dose-dependent manner, and measurement of heart rate recovery is worth recommending as part of diabetes risk assessment in clinical routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system can be damaged by chronic stress. However, for this process, the involved molecular alterations and their regulatory roles played in immunosuppression still remain unclear. This study was aimed to identify the differences in serum protein expressions that are closely associated with the effect of chronic stress on immune function. Serum protein levels of rats in control group and chronic stress group were measured by iTRAQ analysis. Subsequently, among the 121 differentially expressed proteins screened between the two groups, 46 proteins were upregulated (>1.5-fold, P < 0.05), while 75 proteins were downregulated (<0.67-fold, P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were in relation with the metabolic, cellular, response stimulus and immune system processes. The significantly differential expression of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, catalase and peroxiredoxin-1 were picked out for reconfirmation by ELISA analysis. The results were consistent with those obtained by iTRAQ. What is more, the roles of above-mentioned four proteins, apolipoprotein B-100 and heat-shock protein 90 in immunosuppression induced by chronic stress were discussed. Taken together, these findings may provide a new insight into better understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression induced by chronic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 52 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is composed of three independent commentaries about the state of Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles (Goldman, et al., 2021b, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021EO153180) in Earth and Space Science Informatics (ESSI) and includes discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them. Each commentary focuses on a different topic: (Section 2) Global collaboration, cyberinfrastructure, and data sharing; (Section 3) Machine learning for multiscale modeling; (Section 4) Aerial and satellite remote sensing for advancing Earth system model development by integrating field and ancillary data. ESSI addresses data management practices, computation and analysis, and hardware and software infrastructure. Our role in ICON science therefore involves collaborative work to assess, design, implement, and promote practices and tools that enable effective data management, discovery, integration, and reuse for interdisciplinary work in Earth and space science disciplines. Networks of diverse people with expertise across Earth, space, and data science disciplines are essential for efficient and ethical exchanges of findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) research products and practices. Our challenge is then to coordinate the development of standards, curation practices, and tools that enable integrating and reusing multiple data types, software, multi‐scale models, and machine learning approaches across disciplines in a way that is as open and/or FAIR as ethically possible. This is a major endeavor that could greatly increase the pace and potential of interdisciplinary scientific discovery. Plain Language Summary: We present commentaries on the state of "Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) principles" in Earth and Space Science Informatics. ICON principles are meant to improve the research experience for all. Ultimately, data standardized according to community conventions and formats lead to more effective and efficient collaboration, data discovery, integration, and analyses. Data standards, tools, and machine learning developed using ICON principles enhance our understanding of Earth processes. Using ICON principles improves model results and efficacy, fosters interdisciplinary research, and provides a framework by which non‐experts can confidently contribute volunteered data and findings. Standardized data also provides reliable common resources to help train and benchmark machine learning algorithms. When networked communities work together to standardize and share data openly, the resulting web of research products is more readily findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Ongoing support is crucial to develop and sustain the people, systems, and tools necessary to embrace ICON principles in Earth and Space Science Informatics now and in the future. Key Points: Networks across communities, with Coordinated data and information modeling practices, improve scientific outcomes for all involvedIntegrated, Coordinated, and Open data requires sustainable support to create and maintain infrastructure for interdisciplinary NetworksIntegrated and Coordinated use of data in machine learning calls for Open benchmark datasets shared across Networks for improved outcomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault slip rates are critical to quantify continental deformation. Those along the Karakax fault (northwestern Altyn Tagh Fault: ATF) have been debated, even though it is one of Tibet's most outstanding active faults. At Taersa, using LiDAR measurements of terrace and fan riser offsets (∼6 to ∼500 m) and 10Be/26Al dating of alluvial surfaces (<210 ka), we obtain a late Quaternary slip rate of ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr. This doubles the ∼2.6 ± 0.5 mm/yr rate time span found to the east and west. We interpret the ∼150 km‐long, free‐faced rupture along the fault to be that of the M ∼ 7.6 event felt in Hotan in 1882. Characteristic slip (∼6 m) during four large earthquakes since ∼10 ka implies a ∼2500 ± 500 years return time. A ∼3 mm/yr rate is consistent with the ∼80 km offset of the Karakax river since uplift of the West Kunlun range and sediment deposition in the Tarim foreland accelerated, ∼24 Ma ago. The faster slip rate (∼10.5 mm/yr) on the central ATF matches the sum of those along the reactivated West Tibetan terrane boundaries (Karakax and Longmu‐Gozha Co faults) at the Uzatagh triple junction (∼36°N, 83°E). The abrupt termination and altitude drop of the Karakorum range where the Longmu Co and Karakorum faults meet (Angmong junction), also reflect triple junction kinematics. Such localized changes account for the rise of the Karakorum and West Kunlun ranges and support lithospheric block tectonics rather than diffusely distributed deformation. Plain Language Summary: How the Tibetan plateau rose to ∼4500 m and deforms today remain outstanding questions. Tibet's northern edge follows the ∼2000 km‐long ATF, whose westernmost branch is the Karakax fault. Despite the spectacular escarpments and offsets observed along that fault, its slip rate, critical to quantify continental deformation, has remained controversial. Here, we corroborate that, for the last ∼210,000 years, that rate has been ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr, based on high‐resolution topography and dating of left‐laterally offset fluvial surfaces. The ∼80 km offset of the Karakax river implies that this rate may have remained constant since the rise of the Kunlun range above the Tarim basin started ∼24 Ma ago. The sharp fault trace reflects the exceptional preservation, since ∼10,000 years ago, of four M ∼ 7.6 earthquake ruptures (the last in 1882), each with ∼6 m of slip (∼2500 years return time). Fault slip rates, GPS vectors and mountain altitudes across western Tibet reflect block motions and triple junction kinematics rather than continuum deformation. Specifically, localized velocity changes appear to account for the rise of the West Kunlun and Karakorum ranges. Our results bridge the gaps between present and long‐term geological history, and broad‐scale geodesy and local field evidence. Key Points: The ∼400 km‐long, left‐lateral Karakax fault (western Altyn Tagh fault) slip rate has been ∼2.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr for ∼210 kaFour M ∼ 7.6 earthquakes (150 km rupture length; 2.5 ka return time) have offset Holocene terraces (6, 12, 18, and 24 m characteristic slip)Block tectonics and triple junction kinematics account for 24 Ma deformation of west Tibet and rise of ≥8000 m‐high Karakorum range [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A MoSi2 coating and a B-modified MoSi2 coating were prepared on pure Mo by halide activated pack cementation (HAPC) method. The B-modified MoSi2 coating consisted of a thick MoSi2 outer layer with MoB precipitates distributed in its inner part, a Mo5Si3 second layer, a MoB third layer, and aMo2B inner layer. Both coatings were oxidized isothermally at 873, 1523, and 1773 K. It was found that pest oxidation did not occur in both coatings at 873 K for full cover scales could form on their surfaces after 100 h oxidation. During oxidation, B atoms in the B-modified MoSi2 coating diffused outward to the coating surface and oxidized to low viscose B2O3, which promoted the formation of full cover scale and significantly reduced the volatilization of MoO3 at 1523 K, while that effect was negligible at 1773 K for silica had good fluidity at such a high temperature. It was alsofound that the MoB layer of the B-modified MoSi2 coating retarded the inward diffusion of Si from MoSi2 to the substrate, which could increase the coating oxidation-resistant lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Progressive β-cell dysfunction hinders the maintenance of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, but comparative data on β-cell-protective therapies are lacking in the early stage of type 2 diabetes. Here we evaluated the comparative glycaemic efficacy and impact on β-cell function of three antihyperglycaemic agents that have a β-cell-protective effect, exenatide, insulin and pioglitazone, in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. Design and methods In this 48-week, multicentre, parallel-group study, 416 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned 1 : 1 : 1 to receive exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone. The primary end-point was the change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline. Secondary end-points included effects on weight, blood pressure, lipid profiles and β-cell function assessed by homeostasis model assessment, fasting proinsulin:insulin ( PI/I), disposition index ( DI) and acute insulin response ( AIR). Results At week 48, mean [95% confidence interval ( CI)] HbA1c changes from baseline were −1.8% (−1.55% to −2.05%) with exenatide, −1.7% (−1.52% to −1.96%) with insulin and −1.5% (−1.23% to −1.71%) with pioglitazone. Treatment differences were −0.20% (95% CI −0.46% to 0.06%) for exenatide versus insulin ( P = 0.185), and −0.37% (95% CI −0.63% to −0.12%) for exenatide versus pioglitazone ( P = 0.002). Significant improvements from baseline in AIR, PI/I and DI were observed with all treatments, with the greatest improvements in DI, as well as weight, blood pressure and lipid profile, observed with exenatide. Conclusions All three agents showed efficacy regarding glycaemic control and metabolic benefits; however, exenatide showed the greatest efficacy. β-cell function improved in all treatment groups; hence, early initiation of β-cell-protective therapy may halt the decline in β-cell function in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Progressive [beta]-cell dysfunction hinders the maintenance of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, but comparative data on [beta]-cell-protective therapies are lacking in the early stage of type 2 diabetes. Here we evaluated the comparative glycaemic efficacy and impact on [beta]-cell function of three antihyperglycaemic agents that have a [beta]-cell-protective effect, exenatide, insulin and pioglitazone, in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this 48-week, multicentre, parallel-group study, 416 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned 1 : 1 : 1 to receive exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone. The primary end-point was the change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline. Secondary end-points included effects on weight, blood pressure, lipid profiles and [beta]-cell function assessed by homeostasis model assessment, fasting proinsulin:insulin (PI/I), disposition index (DI) and acute insulin response (AIR). RESULTS: At week 48, mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] HbA1c changes from baseline were -1.8% (-1.55% to -2.05%) with exenatide, -1.7% (-1.52% to -1.96%) with insulin and -1.5% (-1.23% to -1.71%) with pioglitazone. Treatment differences were -0.20% (95% CI -0.46% to 0.06%) for exenatide versus insulin (P = 0.185), and -0.37% (95% CI -0.63% to -0.12%) for exenatide versus pioglitazone (P = 0.002). Significant improvements from baseline in AIR, PI/I and DI were observed with all treatments, with the greatest improvements in DI, as well as weight, blood pressure and lipid profile, observed with exenatide. CONCLUSIONS: All three agents showed efficacy regarding glycaemic control and metabolic benefits; however, exenatide showed the greatest efficacy. [beta]-cell function improved in all treatment groups; hence, early initiation of [beta]-cell-protective therapy may halt the decline in [beta]-cell function in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Assessment of fetal myocardial dynamics by using myocardial tissue Doppler velocity gradient," by B. W. Zhao and colleagues is presented.

Zhang C, Huang W, Sun Z, Hou B. A comparison of two gutta-percha master points consisting of different phases in filling of artificial lateral canals and depressions in the apical region of root canals when using a warm vertical compaction technique. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 1041-1046, 2011. Abstract Aim Two types of gutta-percha master points consisting of different phases of the material were compared during the filling of lateral canals and depressions in the apical region of root canals when using warm vertical compaction (WVC). Methodology Two split-tooth models were constructed one with lateral canals 1, 2 and 3 mm from the working length (WL) and another with depressions 1 and 3 mm from the WL. For each model, canal filling was performed with either alpha-phase or beta-phase gutta-percha. The gutta-percha was condensed with a System B plugger placed 7, 5 or 3 mm from the WL. The mean depth of gutta-percha penetration into the lateral canals and the percentage of depression area covered by gutta-percha were measured. A two-factor analysis of variance and a Student-Newman-Keuls test ( P < 0.05) were used to compare the two gutta-percha and three plugger insertion depths. Results At the 1-2 mm apical levels, alpha-phase gutta-percha and deeper plugger depth elicited better flow into canals and depressions ( P < 0.01). At the 3 mm apical level, the alpha-phase and beta-phase gutta-percha penetrated to the same extent with 3- and 5-mm plugger insertions ( P > 0.05); however, with the 7-mm plugger insertion, the alpha-phase gutta-percha flowed significantly more deeply than the beta-phase gutta-percha ( P < 0.01). At the 2-3 mm apical levels, the 3 and 5 mm plugger depths elicited similar flow ( P > 0.05); both elicited significantly better flow than the 7 mm plugger depth ( P < 0.01). Conclusion The alpha-phase gutta-percha with deep plugger insertion during warm vertical compaction using a System B heat source moved singificantly more into lateral canals and depressions than the beta-phase gutta-percha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]