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CuGaTe2-based compounds show great promise in the application for high-temperature thermoelectric power generation; however, its wide bandgap feature poses a great challenge for enhancing thermoelectric performance via structural defects modulation and doping the system. Herein, it is discovered that the presence of GaCuantisite defects in the CuGaTe2compound promotes the formation of Cu vacancies, and vice versa, which tends to form the charge-neutral structure defects combination with one GaCuantisite defect and two Cu vacancies. The accumulation of Cu vacancies in the structure of the (Cu2Te)x(Ga2Te3)1–xcompounds evolves into twins and stacking faults. This in conjunction with GaCuantisite defects intensify the point defects phonon scattering, yielding a dramatic reduction on lattice thermal conductivity from 6.95 W m–1K–1for the pristine CuGaTe2sample to 2.98 W m–1K–1for the (Cu2Te)0.45(Ga2Te3)0.55sample at room temperature. Furthermore, the high concentration of charge-neutral defects combination narrows the band gap and increases the carrier concentration, leading to an improved power factor of 1.58 mW/mK2at 600 K for the (Cu2Te)0.49(Ga2Te3)0.51sample, which is 41% higher than for the pristine CuGaTe2sample. Consequently, the highest ZTvalue of 0.82 is achieved at 915 K for Cu0.015(Cu2Te)0.48(Ga2Te3)0.52, which represents an enhancement of about 22% over that of the pristine CuGaTe2compound.

Objective: The primary objective was to establish a radiomics model utilizing longitudinal +cross-sectional ultrasound (US) images of lymph nodes (LNs) to predict cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) following differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) surgery. Methods: A retrospective collection of 211 LNs from 211 postoperative DTC patients who underwent neck US with suspicious LN fine needle aspiration cytopathology findings at our institution was conducted between June 2021 and April 2023. Conventional US and clinicopathological information of patients were gathered. Based on the pathological results, patients were categorized into CLNM and non-CLNM groups. The database was randomly divided into a training cohort (n= 147) and a test cohort (n= 64) at a 7:3 ratio. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was applied to screen the most relevant radiomic features from the longitudinal + cross-sectional US images, and a radiomics model was constructed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess US and clinicopathological significance features. Subsequently, a combined model for predicting CLNM was constructed by integrating radiomics, conventional US, and clinicopathological features and presented as a nomogram. Results: The area under the curves (AUCs) of the longitudinal + cross-sectional radiomics models were 0.846 and 0.801 in the training and test sets, respectively, outperforming the single longitudinal and cross-sectional models (p< 0.05). In the testing cohort, the AUC of the combined model in predicting CLNM was 0.901, surpassing that of the single US model (AUC, 0.731) and radiomics model (AUC, 0.801). Conclusions: The US-based radiomics model exhibits the potential to accurately predict CLNM following DTC surgery, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Understanding mass transfer mechanisms is vital for developing new material synthesis and densification technologies. Ion transport, serving both mass and charge transfer, is essential for the rapid preparation of high-performance fast ionic conductor thermoelectric materials like Zn4Sb3and Cu2Q (Q = S, Se). In the case of dual-cation fast ion conductor materials like CuAgSe, exploring the relationship between cation transport becomes pertinent. In this study, copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) undergo a reaction in the presence of an electric field (~15 A), resulting in the formation of the CuSe compound. Subsequent to this initial reaction, a subsequent thermal environment facilitates the interaction among Cu, CuSe, and Ag2Se, culminating in the rapid formation and densification of CuAgSe (with a relative density exceeding 99%) in just 30 s. Evidently, the diffusion of copper ions substantiates a pivotal role in facilitating mass transfer. As a result, CuAg1+xSe samples with different silver contents (x= 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05) can effectively inhibit cation vacancy, and introduce highly ordered Ag nanotwins to enhance the electrical transport performance. For CuAg1.04Se, a peak ZT value of 1.0 can be achieved at 673 K, which is comparable to the literatures. This work will guide the future electric field-assisted rapid mass transfer of materials.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine neoplasms. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radioactive iodine therapy, inhibition of thyroid-stimulating hormone, and inhibition of kinase-based target therapies. These treatments induced adverse effects. Lithospermum officinale possesses antioxidant, anticancer, burn-healing, and anti-inflammatory activities, and Shikonin is the main ingredient. Antithyroid cancer studies of Shikonin discovered that it inhibited thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion by suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition; induced cell cycle arrest; induced DNA damage and apoptosis by producing excessive reactive oxygen species; upregulated Bax; increased the stability of p53; decreased the expression of Mdm2; downregulated Slug and MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14; repressed the phosphorylation of Erk and Akt; activated the p16/retinoblastoma protein pathway, leading to apoptosis; suppressed the expression of DNMT1; reduced the PTEN gene methylation; increased the expression of PTEN, leading to the inhibition of migration; increased LC3-II to induce autophagy and apoptosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma; and upregulated βII-tubulin in the cell to produce less resistance to cisplatin and paclitaxel, without cross-resistance to other anticancer agents. In vivo studies showed that it is safe in Sprague-Dawley rats, Beagle dogs, and nude mice.

ABSTRACT The post-cracking behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) are significantly influenced by the distribution of steel fibre in the concrete, while steel fibre distribution is further affected by [...]

ABSTRACT The interface transition zone (ITZ) is the weakest area in the concrete three-phase medium, which directly affects concrete strength, stiffness, and durability. Because the ITZ has small-scale characteristics, conventional [...]

The aim of this study is to appraise the potential of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement-based grouts in simulated permafrost environments. The hydration and performance of CSA cement-based grouts cured in cold environments (10, 0, and −10 °C) are investigated using a combination of tests, including temperature recording, X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The recorded temperature shows a rapid increase in temperature at the early stage in all the samples. Meanwhile, results of the TGA and XRD tests show the generation of a significant quantity of hydration products, which indicates the rapid hydration of CSA cement-based grouts at the early stage at low temperatures. Consequently, the CSA cement-based grouts exhibit remarkably high early strength. The UCS values of the samples cured for 2 h at −10, 0, and 10 °C are 6.5, 12.0, and 12.3 MPa, respectively. The UCS of the grouts cured at −10, 0, and 10 °C increases continuously with age and ultimately reached 14.9, 19.0, and 30.6 MPa at 28 d, respectively. The findings show that the strength of grouts fabricated using CSA cement can develop rapidly in cold environments, thus rendering them promising for permafrost applications.

Background. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has increasingly been used as an adjunct treatment in neurological rehabilitation. However, how muscle activation level changes during exposure to different WBV protocols in individuals after stroke remains understudied. Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of WBV intensity on the magnitude of biceps femoris (BF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity and its interaction with exercise and with severity of motor impairment and spasticity among individuals with chronic stroke. Methods. Each of the 36 individuals with chronic stroke (mean age=57.3 years, SD=10.7) performed 8 different static exercises under 3 WBV conditions: (1) no WBV, (2) low-intensity WBV (frequency=20 Hz, amplitude=0.60 mm, peak acceleration=0.96#), and (3) high-intensity WBV (30 Hz, 0.44 mm, 1.61g). The levels of bilateral TA and BF muscle activity were recorded using surface electromyography (EMG). Results. The main effect of intensity was significant. Exposure to the low-intensity and high-intensity protocols led to a significantly greater increase in normalized BF and TA muscle electromyographic magnitude in both legs compared with no WBV. The intensity X exercise interaction also was significant, suggesting that the WBV-induced increase in EMG activity was exercise dependent. The EMG responses to WBV were similar between the paretic and nonparetic legs and were not associated with level of lower extremity motor impairment and spasticity. Limitations. Leg muscle activity was measured during static exercises only. Conclusions. Adding WBV during exercise significantly increased EMG activity in the TA and BF muscles. The EMG responses to WBV in the paretic and nonparetic legs were similar and were not related to degree of motor impairment and spasticity. The findings are useful for guiding the design of WBV training protocols for people with stroke., Stroke is a major public health issue that poses challenges to health care systems worldwide. (1) Muscle weakness is one of the most common physical poststroke impairments (2) and is [...]

Background. Although whole-body vibration (WBV) has sparked tremendous research interest in neurorehabilitation, the cardiovascular responses to WBV in people with stroke remain unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of different WBV protocols on oxygen consumption ([??][O.sub.2]), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure (BP), and rate-pressure product (RPP) during the performance of 6 different exercises among people with chronic stroke (time since onset ≥ 6 months). Design. A repeated-measures design was used. Methods. Each of the 48 participants experienced all 3 WBV protocols in separate sessions: (1) no WBV, (2) low-intensity WBV (peak acceleration=0.96 unit of gravity of Earth [g]), and (3) high-intensity WBV (1.61g). The order in which they encountered the WBV protocols was randomized, as was the order of exercises performed during each session. Oxygen consumption, HR, and RPE were measured throughout the study. Blood pressure and RPP were measured before and after each session. Results. Low-intensity and high-intensity WBV induced significantly higher [[??].sub.2] by an average of 0.69 and 0.79 mL/kg/min, respectively, compared with the control condition. These protocols also increased HR by an average of 4 bpm. The 2 WBV protocols induced higher RPE than the control condition during static standing exercise only. Although the diastolic and systolic BP and RPP were increased at the end of each exercise session, the addition of WBV had no significant effect on these variables. Limitations. The results are generalizable only to ambulatory and community-dwelling people with chronic stroke. Conclusions. Addition of high- and low-intensity WBV significantly increased the [[??].sub.2] and HR, but the increase was modest. Thus, WBV should not pose any substantial cardiovascular hazard in people with chronic stroke., Stroke is one of the most common debilitating conditions worldwide. People who survive a stroke may already have had poor cardiorespiratory health prior to the stroke event, as cardiovascular disease [...]

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a common, hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) that is attributed to the disturbance of five erythrocyte membrane proteins. HS is also common in Guangxi, China. Target region capture high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze genetic mutations found in HS patients. Pedigree analysis was also performed, in some cases, to provide an optimized approach for the etiological diagnosis of complex, hereditary hemolytic anemia. Blood samples from the probands and their families were assessed by laboratory tests, target region capture high-throughput sequencing technology, and Sanger sequencing. We detected 79 HS patients from 37 unrelated families. The mutations observed in these patients were found mainly in four HS-related genes. These included SLC4A1, which was mutated in 31.65% of patients (25/79), SPTA1(30.78% (24/79)), EPB42(6.33% (5/79)), and SPTB(5.06% (4/79)). Composite genotype was observed in 26.58% (21/79) of patients and included mutations in two or more HS-related genes or mutations in HS-related genes combined with thalassemia or G6PD deficiency. No significant differences in clinical symptoms were found among patients of various genotypes except total bilirubin. Mean reticulocyte volume (MRV) and mean sphered cell volume (MSCV) of the composite genotype were significantly different from other groups. A total of 28 mutation types were found in HS-related genes. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, we also found some cases that had been misdiagnosed. MRV and MSCV are more significant in compound mutations as sensitive determinants of HS. High-throughput sequencing technology can be used to provide a more effective etiological diagnostic method for HS, with high efficiency and specificity.

Background. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has gained increasing popularity in rehabilitation. Recent studies have investigated the application of WBV in individuals with chronic illnesses, including stroke. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare WBV exercise with the same exercise condition without WBV and with other types of physical exercise in enhancing body functions and structures, activity, and participation in individuals with stroke and examine its safety. Data Source. Electronic searches were conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Science Citation Index. Study Selection. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of WBV among individuals with stroke were identified by 2 independent researchers. Ten articles (9 studies, totaling 333 study participants) satisfied the selection criteria and were included in this review. Data Extraction. The methodological quality was rated using the PEDro scale. The results were extracted by 2 independent researchers and confirmed with the principal investigator. Data Synthesis. Only 2 RCTs were considered as demonstrating level 1 evidence (PEDro score >6 and sample size >50). Two RCTs examined the effects of a single WBV session, and 7 RCTs examined the effects of WBV programs spanning 3 to 12 weeks. No consistent benefits on bone turnover, leg motor function, balance, mobility, sensation, fall rate, activities of daily living, or societal participation were found, regardless of the nature of the comparison group. Adverse events were minor. Limitations. A broad approach was used, with stroke as an inclusion criterion for review. No solid evidence was found concerning the effects of WBV on subgroups of people with specific stroke-related deficits due to the heterogeneity of patient groups. Conclusions. Based on the review, there is insufficient evidence to support clinical use of WBV in enhancing body functions and structures, activity, and participation after stroke., In the past decade, whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy has gained increasing popularity in rehabilitation of different patient populations. The use of local muscle vibration has long been used in physical [...]

Background:This study aims to assess the prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width–to–platelet ratio (RPR) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Methods:The data collected from 540 ARDS patients from 2001 to 2012 were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III Database. The 28-day all-cause mortality risk was considered as the primary outcome parameter, and the secondary outcomes were 60- and 90-day all-cause mortality. The association between RPR (≥0.19 vs. <0.19) and mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models, and potential nonlinear associations were assessed by restricted cubic spline regression analysis. Results:The 28-day all-cause mortality was 22.4%. Among the 121 deaths, 92 (20.0%) presented with an RPR <0.19, and 29 patients had RPR ≥0.19 (P< 0.001). The 60- and 90-day all-cause mortality was 27% and 28.7%, respectively. After adjusting for the relevant factors in the multivariate model, RPR ≥0.19 was independently correlated with the 28-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–5.15; P= 0.002). There was no nonlinear relationship between RPR and the risk of 28-day all-cause mortality (Pfor overall association <0.001, Pfor nonlinear = 0.635). Similar results were observed for both the pneumonia and nonpneumonia subgroups and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions:The data promote the use of RPR as a valuable prognostic indicator for ARDS patients.

Background. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a new balance assessment, but its psychometric properties have not been specifically tested in individuals with stroke. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Mini-BESTest and its accuracy in categorizing people with stroke based on fall history. Design. An observational measurement study with a test-retest design was conducted. Methods. One hundred six people with chronic stroke were recruited. Intrarater reliability was evaluated by repeating the Mini-BESTest within 10 days by the same rater. The Mini-BESTest was administered by 2 independent raters to establish interrater reliability. Validity was assessed by correlating Mini-BESTest scores with scores of other balance measures (Berg Balance Scale, one-leg-standing, Functional Reach Test, and Timed 'Up & Go' Test) in the stroke group and by comparing Mini- BESTest scores between the stroke group and 48 control participants, and between fallers (≥ 1 falls in the previous 12 months, n=25) and nonfallers (n=81) in the stroke group. Results. The Mini-BESTest had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =.89 -.94), intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [3,1]=.97), and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1] =.96). The minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval was 3.0 points. The Mini-BESTest was strongly correlated with other balance measures. Significant differences in Mini-BESTest total scores were found between the stroke and control groups and between fallers and nonfallers in the stroke group. In terms of floor and ceiling effects, the Mini-BESTest was significantly less skewed than other balance measures, except for one-leg-standing on the nonparetic side. The Berg Balance Scale showed significantly better ability to identify fallers (positive likelihood ratio=2.6) than the Mini-BESTest (positive likelihood ratio = 1.8). Limitations. The results are generalizable only to people with mild to moderate chronic stroke. Conclusions. The Mini-BESTest is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating balance in people with chronic stroke., Stroke is a major cause of disability and global disease burden. (1) Dysfunction in balance control is one of the most common physical impairments observed after stroke. (2,3) Compromised balance [...]

Background:Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a marker of injury and disease as it is expressed extensively in numerous cell types and tissues. Moreover it is released during tissue breakdown, and is elevated in cancerous tissues. However, the clinical significance and prognostic value of LDH as a tumor marker have been subject to considerable discussion.Objective:In this study, clinical serum LDH data from patients with cervical cancer (CC), CC microarray data, and RNA-seq data were integrated to assess the expression of LDH in CC.Methods:A total of 204 patients with newly diagnosed CC and 204 age-matched healthy controls were included to evaluate serum LDH levels in CC and non-cancer samples. External microarrays and RNA-seq datasets were collected for the differential expression analysis of LDH in CC and non-cancer tissue samples. Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the prognostic value of LDH for CC were plotted for RNA-seq data. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for the genes co-expressed with LDH.Results:The data from our in-house clinical cases as well as the data extracted from microarrays and RNA-seq databases demonstrated significant overexpression of LDH in CC samples. Elevated LDH expression levels were associated with poor overall survival in CC patients. The genes co-expressed with LDH were significantly correlated with the biological processes and pathways, associated with nuclear division, the condensed chromosome, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and the cell cycle.Conclusion:In conclusion, LDH upregulation might serve as a therapeutic and prognostic biomarker for CC.

Improving glucose sensitivity remains an unmet medical need in treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dorzagliatin is a dual-acting, orally bioavailable glucokinase activator that enhances glucokinase activity in a glucose-dependent manner, improves glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and demonstrates effects on glycemic control in patients with T2D. We report the findings of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dorzagliatin in patients with T2D. Eligible drug-naïve patients with T2D (n= 463) were randomly assigned to the dorzagliatin or placebo group at a ratio of 2:1 for 24 weeks of double-blind treatment, followed by 28 weeks of open-label treatment with dorzagliatin for all patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24. Safety was assessed throughout the trial. At week 24, the least-squares mean change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline (95% confidence interval) was −1.07% (−1.19%, −0.95%) in the dorzagliatin group and −0.50% (−0.68%, −0.32%) in the placebo group (estimated treatment difference, −0.57%; 95% confidence interval: −0.79%, −0.36%; P< 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups. There were no severe hypoglycemia events or drug-related serious adverse events in the dorzagliatin group. In summary, dorzagliatin improved glycemic control in drug-naïve patients with T2D and showed a good tolerability and safety profile.

ABSTRACTDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of vision loss in working and elderly populations. long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) MEG3 is thought to have some effect on DR, but the exact mechanism remains to be clarified. The expression levels of lncRNA MEG3, miR-6720-5p, and cytochrome B5 reductase 2 (CYB5R2) in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), transwell migration, and tube formation assays were used to determine the cell viability, migration, and tube formation ability of hRMECs, respectively. The interaction of MEG3, miR-6720-5p, and CYB5R2 was detected and explored by a luciferase assay. The expression of MEG3 and CYB5R2 was upregulated and that of miR-6720-5p was downregulated in patients with DR and hRMECs treated with high glucose. Knocking down MEG3 or CYB5R2 promoted proliferation, migration, and neovascularization in hRMECs. The intervention of miR-6720-5p reversed the effect of MEG3 knockdown on hRMEC function, and this effect was eliminated by silencing CYB5R2. Therefore, MEG3 acted as a sponge to suppress miR-6720-5p and regulate the expression of CYB5R2, thereby inhibiting DR neovascularization.

In this work, we report on the preparation and characterization of the planar and ridge optical waveguides in the Er^3+-doped germanate glass by combining hydrogen ion implantation and precise diamond blade dicing. The nuclear energy loss and the implantation depth were calculated by the SRIM 2013 software. The refractive index profile was obtained by the reflectivity calculation method. The dark-mode spectrum and the near-field intensity distribution were measured by the prism coupling system and end-face coupling technique, respectively. This work has important reference significance for the development of Er^3+-doped germanate glass active devices in the optical communication field.

We described an iron(III) and BF3·OEt2-promoted oxygen transfer reaction of N-aryl-α,β-unsaturated nitrones to prepare various N,O-difluoroboron β-ketoiminates in good yields ranging from 24% to 87%. Control experiments revealed that the enaminone was the vital intermediate for the formation of N,O-difluoroboron β-ketoiminates, and iron(III) combined with BF3·OEt2played as cocatalyst to promote the oxygen transfer reaction through intramolecular cyclization and N–O bond cleavage. More importantly, an estrone-derived N,O-difluoroboron β-ketoiminate was easily prepared in 40% yield from estrone in four steps.

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are common attendees of the intensive care unit (ICU). Early assessment of the prognosis for critically ill patients with AUD is conducive for formulating comprehensive treatment measures and improving survival rates. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for 28‐day mortality in critically ill patients with AUD. 2,884 patients with AUD were recruited retrospectively. Data from the MIMIC‐III database were collected and analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of RDW. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models were used to evaluate prognostic factors. Of the 2,884 patients, there were 344 nonsurvivors (11.9%). The nonsurvivors had a higher RDW than the survivors (p< 0.001). According to ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve predicted by RDW for 28‐day mortality was 0.728 (95% CI, 0.700 to 0.755) and the optimal cutoff value was 15.45% (sensitivity: 67.2%; specificity: 67.3%). Length of stay in ICU, length of stay in hospital, in‐hospital mortality, and 28‐day mortality in patients with an RDW > 15.45% were significantly higher than in those with an RDW ≤ 15.45% (p< 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that an RDW > 15.45% was an independent prognostic indicator for 28‐day mortality in critically ill patients with AUD (HR = 1.964, 95% CI: 1.429 to 2.698). High RDW was associated with increased short‐term mortality risks in critically ill patients with AUD.

Heterozygous inactivating mutations in the GCK gene cause the familial, mild fasting hyperglycaemia named MODY2. Many patients with MODY2 in Asia have delayed timely treatment because they did not receive the correct diagnosis. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and GCK mutations in Asian MODY2.We have collected 110 Asian patients with MODY2 from the PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang with the following search terms: ‘maturity-onset diabetes of the young’ OR ‘MODY’ OR ‘maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2’ OR ‘MODY2’ OR ‘GCK-DM’ OR ‘GCK-MODY’. Both mutations of GCK and clinical characteristics of MODY2 were analyzed.There were 96 different mutations that occurred in coding regions and non-coding regions. Exon 5 and 7 were the most common location in coding regions and missense was the primary mutation type. The proportion of probands younger than 25 was 81.8%, and 81.4% of the probands had family history of hyperglycaemia. Ninety percent and 93% of Asian MODY2 probands exhibited mild elevation in FPG (5.4–8.3 mmol/L) and HbA1c (5.6–7.6%), respectively.In most Asian patients, MODY2 occurred due to GCK mutation in coding regions, and exon 5 and 7 were the most common locations. FPG, HbA1c, and familial diabetes were important reference indicators for diagnosing MODY2. Altogether, the study indicates that for the young onset of diabetes with mild elevated blood glucose and HbA1c and family history of hyperglycaemia, molecular genetic testing is suggested in order to differentiate MODY2 from other types of diabetes earlier.

Proximal renal tubular damage is a critical process underlying diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Our previous study shows that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) reduces the apoptosis of renal tubular cells in DKD rats. But its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study we investigated the protective effects of PGE1 in DKD rats and high glucose (HG, 30 mM)-treated HK-2 proximal tubular cells. Four weeks after uninephrectomized streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were established, the DKD rats were administered PGE1 (10 µg· kg−1· d−1, iv.) for 10 consecutive days. We showed that PGE1 administration did not change blood glucose levels, but alleviated diabetic kidney injury in the DKD rats, evidenced by markedly reduced proteinuria and renal tubular apoptosis. In the in vitro experiments, PGE1 (0.1–100 µM) significantly enhanced HG-reduced HK-2 cell viability. In HG-treated HK-2 cells, PGE1 (10 µM) significantly suppressed the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the mitochondrial apoptosis-related protein expressions such as Bim, Bax, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3; similar changes were also observed in the kidney of PGE1-treated DKD rats. By using two pharmacological tools-JNK activator anisomycin (AM) and JNK inhibitor SP600125, we revealed that PGE1 blocked HG-triggered activation of JNK/Bim pathway in HK-2 cells; JNK was an upstream regulator of Bim. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the nephroprotective effects of PGE1 against apoptosis of proximal renal tubule in DKD rats via suppressing JNK-related Bim signaling pathway.

The work reports on the preparation and optical characterization of 75P2O5-15B2O3-9Al2O3-Bi2O3glass by using the melt-quenching method and absorption spectroscopy, respectively. Further, 0.4-MeV proton implantation of a fluence of 8.0 × 1016ions/cm2was carried out on this glassy sample and it was tested as a waveguide at a wavelength of 632.8 nm for the first time to our knowledge. The m-line curves of the waveguide were measured before and after successive annealing treatments. The formation theory of the planar waveguides is discussed through simulations of the energy loss distribution and analysis of the reconstructed refractive index profile. The results should be useful in the design and fabrication of bismuth-doped phosphate glass and its use in integrated photonics devices.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is an important disease of hospitalized elderly patients, who often have electrolyte imbalances. This study was performed to analyze total serum calcium levels in elderly patients with AECOPD and identify the correlation between hypocalcemia and AECOPD.Methods: 153 elderly patients with AECOPD served as the observation group, and 115 healthy elderly people undergoing physical examinations served as the control group. Differences in the corrected serum calcium, albumin (ALB), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were analyzed between the observation and control groups before and after treatment. The incidence of hypocalcemia was compared among patients at different ages and with different pulmonary function classifications before treatment. The relationship between hypocalcemia and respiratory infection was analyzed. Differences in the pretreatment NLR, ALB, logarithm of the serum C-reactive protein level (LogCRP), and hospital stay were compared between patients with and without hypocalcemia.Results: The corrected serum calcium level (P< 0.001), NLR (P= 0.001) and albumin level (P< 0.001) were significantly different among the pretreatment group, post-treatment group, and control group. The serum calcium level, LogCRP, and NLR were significantly lower after than before treatment (P< 0.05). Significant differences in the incidence of hypocalcemia were found among patients of different ages (P= 0.002). The respiratory infection rate (P< 0.001), hospital stay (P< 0.001), NLR (P= 0.007), and LogCRP (P< 0.001) was higher in patients with than without hypocalcemia. However, the albumin level was lower in patients with than without hypocalcemia (P< 0.001).Conclusions: In elderly patients with AECOPD, hypocalcemia may be related to the disease progression, respiratory infection rate, and hospital stay of patients with AECOPD.

To investigate the difference in the efficacy among dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in Chinese adults with newly diagnosed diabetes.In a multicenter, randomized study, we enrolled adults who were either treatment naive or off prior anti-hyperglycemic therapy for at least 3 months. Eligible patients had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations of 6.5–9.5%. Three hundred patients had been randomly allocated to sitagliptin 100 mg, once daily; vildagliptin 50 mg, twice daily and saxagliptin 5 mg, once daily for 12 weeks. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at week 12. This study was completed and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT 01703637.Totally 277 patients were enrolled in the final analysis, and 93 patients received sitagliptin, 94 received vildagliptin and 90 received saxagliptin. Compared with baseline, adjusted mean differences in change from baseline HbA1c at week 12 were −0.50% (95% CI: −0.20 to −0.90), −0.65% (95% CI: −0.40 to −1.40), −0.70 (95% CI: −0.50 to −1.00) for sitagliptin, vildagliptin and saxagliptin group, respectively. The overall HbA1c-lowering effect was similar for all three selected DPP-4 inhibitors after adjustment for age and baseline HbA1c. Notably, in secondary outcome analysis, patients in vildagliptin group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels, compared with participants in sitagliptin and saxagliptin groups. No significant between-group difference was shown in adverse events (AE).The overall HbA1c-lowering effect and incidence of AE were similar for sitagliptin, vildagliptin and saxagliptin in Chinese adults with newly diagnosed diabetes.

The cause of drawing fracture of SWRH82B wire rods was analyzed by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive spectrometer and electron probe micro-analyzer - wavelength dispersive spectrometer. A multivariate diffusion model was established in Thermo-Cale, and the effects of temperature and time on diffusion behavior of alloys were studied. Results show that cementite network and martensite in the center area of rod is main cause of tensile fracture. There is serious segregation of chromium and manganese in the central area. The CCT curve moves to right, and critical cooling rate of martensite decreases. With high cooling rate, time for eutectoid transition is insufficient, and martensite transformation occurs in segregation band. The segregation of phosphorus further worsen the brittleness of steel. With increase of heating temperature and duration of heating time, segregation in final product is reduced, and content of cementite network and martensite decreases. When the temperature is maintained at 1050 °C for 600 s, there is no segregation of phosphorus and carbon. The diffusion of chromium is even when temperature is maintained at 1150 °C for 5400 s, and an even diffusion of manganese is obtained when temperature is maintained at 1200 °C for 3000 s. In stelmor air cooling process, the key point is keeping cooling rate low to extend holding time, and to optimize microstructure and properties.

Gear steel is a ferritic steel. In the rolling process, the ideal structure is ferrite + pearlite, and bainite or martensite is not expected. However, due to the high alloy content, the hardenability is good, and the bainite or martensite structure is very likely to be generated upon cooling after rolling. In this paper, phase transformation rules during continuous cooling of 20CrMnTi with and without deformation were studied to guide the avoidance of the appearance of bainite or martensite in steel. A combined method of dilatometry and metallography was adopted in the experiments, and the dilatometer DIL805A and thermo-simulation Gleeble3500 were used. Both dynamic and static continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were drawn by using the software Origin. The causes of those changes in starting temperature, finishing temperature, starting time and transformation duration in ferrite-pearlite phase transformation were analyzed, and the change in Vickers hardness of samples with different cooling rate was discussed. The results indicate that with different cooling rate, there are three phase transformation zones: ferrite-pearlite, bainite and martensite. Deformation of austenite accelerates the occurrence of transformation obviously and moves CCT curve to left and up direction. When the cooling rate is lower than 1 °C/s, the phases in samples are mainly ferrite and pearlite, which is the ideal microstructure of experimental steel. As the cooling rate increases, starting temperature of ferrite transformation in steel decreases, starting time reduces, transformation duration gradually decreases, and the Vickers hardness of samples increases. Under the cooling rate of 0.5 °C/s, ferrite transformation in deformed sample starts at 751.67 °C, ferrite-pearlite phase transformation lasts 167.9 s, and Vickers hardness of sample is 183.4 HV.

Aurantio-obtusin is a natural effective compound isolated from Semen Cassiae, which possesses hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects. Although its hypotensive effect have been clarified, mechanisms Aurantio-obtusin relaxes systemic arteries remain unclear. This study was to investigate effects and mechanisms of Aurantio-obtusin on isolated mesenteric arteries (MAs). We examined MAs relaxation induced by Aurantio-obtusin on rat isolated MAs, expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and protein kinase B (AKT), and nitric oxide (NO) production in bovine artery endothelial cells (BAECs). Findings showed Aurantio-obtusin elicited dose-dependent vasorelaxation with phenylephrine (PE) precontracted rat MA rings (diameter: 200–300 μm), which can be diminished by denudation of endothelium and inhibition of eNOS activity, while having no effect on rat isolated pulmonary artery (PA) rings. Aurantio-obtusin increased NO production by promoting phosphorylations of eNOS at Ser-1177 and Thr-495 in endothelial cells. Aurantio-obtusin also promoted phosphorylations of Akt at Ser-473. PI3K inhibitor LY290042 could diminish vasorelaxation induced by Aurantio-obtusin. Moreover Aurantio-obtusin also elicited dose-dependent vasorelaxation effect with PE precontracted MA rings (diameter: 100–150 μm). Therefore, vasorelaxation induced by Aurantio-obtusin was dependent on endothelium integrity and NO production, which mediated by endothelial PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Results suggest Aurantio-obtusin may offer therapeutic effects in hypertension, as a new potential vasodilator.

The essence of virtual enterprise partner selection in agile manufacturing is optimization problem. Aiming at the optimization selection feature of virtual enterprise manufacturing partner, a qualitative and quantitative combination method is proposed to solve the problem of partner selection by combination of AHP-FUZZY and genetic algorithm. At last, a practical example will be used to demonstrate.

Numerical simulation technology not only could effectively predict the defects on the forming product, such as wrinkle , rupturing, but also could display the stress, strain distribution and forming pressure. The numerical simulation was completed by DYNAFORM solfware, and the result of numerical was using to conduct the double-wall air compressor forming parts forming process inspection and forming mold design optimization.

Springback in the sheet metal stamping technology is a hot research subject in the sheet metal forming field. This article takes the semi-circular arc stamping parts as the objects of research. It aims at improving precision of the flanging forming parts and decreasing the bending springback. It analyzes the forming technology and deformation characteristics of flanging forming theoretically. Besides, it adopts the numerical simulation method to carry out research on the key factors influencing the forming process of semi-circular arc stamping parts (flanging and then bending) and the springback deformation, in order to find out the optimum production process scheme for semi-circular arc stamping parts.

A successful design which used FPGA to do Positive/Zero/Negative Justification for adapting E1 (2.048Mbit/s) to SDH C-12 is presented. Gray code is adopted to realize the sampling of write pointer in reading clock domain and induct frequency doubling technology to deduct/insert reading clock, and a positioning counting device is set to complete the positioning insert of specified bytes. Asynchronous FIFO and Ping-Pong operation technique are both adopted. The design realizes stimulation, placement and routing under Quartus II 9.0 circumstances. It is a reusable hardware module which increases performance when compared to existing solutions.

Aiming at the calculation problem of sheet metal structure workpiece, this paper comes up with a CAGD graphical method based on the graphics software MasterCAM, so as to simplify the traditional lofting job and promote the efficiency. The expanded graph is precise enough to avoid the extra machining. Since the graphical method is endowed with great universality and pragmatic value, it can be widely used in engineering applications.

Adopt a fuzzy PID control algorithm in order to solve the control difficulty which caused by the uncertainty lag of temperature control in chemical reaction kettle. The algorithm is realized by utilizing PLC system function. The system takes full advantage of the features of PLC control system, such as flexibility, reliability, and strong capacity of resisting disturbance. Field application result shows that the system eliminates the impact of time-varying delay on control function well. It has good robustness.

The article comes up with a design method of remote temperature detection system which uses GSM SMS module and C8051F020 MCU as core components. Temperature acquisition chip adopts single intelligent temperature sensor DS18B20. Through GSM network, it transfers the temperature value to the main controlling center or operator’s mobile phone. It can realize loop detection of temperature data at multiple points. This system has the many features, such as high integration level, strong controlling function, wide application range, etc. It has certain practical application value.

The physic-chemical characteristics of spherical and coarse magnesium particles were determined. The rheological properties of Mg/HTPB mixtures were investigated. The burning rate performance and mechanical properties of fuel rich propellant were evaluated. The results show that the spherical magnesium particles could be dispersed in the HTPB binder with lower viscosity and yield stress than those of the coarse ones. The burning rate and pressure exponent of propellant with spherical particles increased compared with the coarse ones, and the percent elongation is much higher than that of coarse one, whereas, the tensile strength shows reverse.

In order to improve product manufacturing efficiency and quality, the paper brings up a method of building automatic programming template for the parts in same category with the help of an excellent programming platform --Unigraphics NX. It relieves automatic programming staff from repetitive work and improves the product manufacturing efficiency. The actual application result indicates that the method has certain practicality. Meanwhile, it also provides general design method for these similar parts.

Product design requires a large amount of standard parts, But standard parts sort is various, In order to avoid duplication of work and Improve the efficiency of design, The establishment of standard parts library is very necessary, it Can reduce the repeated work and the cost. Using the expression and the function of part family, In the basis of searching a lot of material at home and abroad about establishment of standard parts library, combining with knowledge reuse technology, Based on the structural characteristics of the hex nut and assembly requirements, to standard parts matching, parameter-driven, fast assembly in-depth study, establish the standard parts library using parametric feature-based modeling approach, and provide fast assembly tool set, achieving standard parts intelligent assembly.

It analyzes in detail the influence factor of voltage of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) when load changes sudden by the lumped modeling developed. The partial pressure of hydrogen and oxygen can be expressed using the ideal gas law equation, and ohmic loss, activation loss and concentration losses are accounted, it is assumed that both operating factor of hydrogen and mixture ratio of hydrogen and oxygen are constant. Based on the above, the dynamic lumped model of PEMFC is proposed. The correctness of model is verified by comparing the experiment data with simulation result of model. The research about lumped model has important significance to the research of the distributed generation network in various performances.

For the requirement of online ultrasonic inspection for welding belt on pipeline, and the influence of its surface contour error (roundness) on stabilization of the clearance between the probe and the work pieces, a novel self-adaptive contacting ultrasonic scanner is advanced, which makes the ultrasonic wave transmit into the rotational part along with the normal direction of the detecting surface so as to realize online ultrasonic flaw-detection on pipelines. Based on those works, a software system is also developed, which realizes the requirement of online ultrasonic flaw detection process. The practical application proves the developed system can promote both the inspection quality and the efficiency of .welding belt on pipeline.

This paper describes a secure multicast infrastructure for large-scale group communication in mobile Internet and proposes a key management protocol based on it. The hierarchical infrastructure logically divides the key management domain into several smaller administratively scoped areas with a key server associated with each area respectively. All the key servers located in every area participate in a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) as trusted entities known by the subgroup members. Therefore, it is efficient to minimise the re-keying overhead implemented in the mobile host tier and simplify the re-keying relationships between the distributed key servers.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a key participant in the reverse transport of cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver. To understand further the role that CETP gene plays in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD), the promoter region, all 16 exons and adjacent intronic regions of CETP gene were screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 203 CHD patients and 209 healthy volunteers by the combination of PCR, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), molecular cloning, and DNA sequencing. A novel missense mutation in the CETP gene was identified. This mutation (L(296)Q) was caused by a T-to-A conversion at codon 296 of exon 10 which resulted in the replacing of the codon for leucine (CTG) with the codon for glutamine (CAG). Further studies found that there was a significant increase in the mutant allele frequency in the CHD patients compared with that in the controls (0.160 vs. 0.091,cgr;(2) = 9.014, P = 0.003), and the odds ratio to develop CHD was 1.83 for the (296)Q allele carriers vs. (296)LL homozygotes. Statistical analyses also demonstrated that the mutant (296)Q allele carrier patients displayed significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations than noncarrier patients. All these results suggest that the Q(296) mutation in CETP gene was closely related to CHD, and the identification of new mutations in the CETP gene will afford the opportunity to investigate the relationship between CETP gene and CHD.

Background. Neck pain is common and can have a significant impact on patients’ physical functionality, mobility, and quality of life (QOL). In clinical practice, traditional Chinese mind and body exercise (TCMBE) is a combination of different types of exercise based on traditional Chinese medicine, including qigong, tai chi, the 12-words-for-life-nurturing exercise, and so on, and many studies have found that it is safe and effective at helping patients with neck pain. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TCMBE on pain intensity, functional mobility, and QOL in individuals with neck pain. Methods. The PubMed, MEDLINE, PEDro, and Embase databases were systematically searched for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of TCMBE on pain intensity, functional mobility, and QOL in individuals with neck pain were included. Screening, data extraction, and literature quality assessments were performed independently by two reviewers. RevMan5.4 software was used for data analysis. Results. Six studies with 716 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control groups, TCMBE had no therapeutic advantage in improving pain intensity (visual analogue scale: mean difference (MD) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): −7.70 to 11.46, and P = 0.70); functional mobility (neck disability index: MD = 0.15, 95% CI: −6.37 to 6.66, and P = 0.96; neck pain and disability scale: MD = 1.31, 95% CI: −4.10 to 6.71, and P = 0.64); or 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores for physical function (MD = 5.58, 95% CI: −8.03 to 19.18, and P = 0.42), general health (MD = 1.87, 95% CI: −4.99 to 8.72, and P = 0.59), body pain (MD = 2.26, 95% CI: −3.80 to 8.32, and P = 0.46), vitality (MD = 6.24, 95% CI: −1.49 to 13.98, and P = 0.11), social function (MD = 8.06, 95% CI: −4.85 to 20.98, and P = 0.22), role physical (MD = –1.46, 95% CI: −8.54 to 5.62, and P = 0.69), or role emotional (MD = 6.5, 95% CI: −3.45 to 16.45, and P = 0.2). However, TCMBE was less effective at improving mental health results based on the SF-36 survey (MD = 3.37, 95% CI: 0.5 to 6.24, and P = 0.02). Conclusions. Based on the meta-analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support the clinical use of TCMBE in improving pain intensity and enhancing functional mobility and QOL in individuals with neck pain.

A novel approach was developed to quantitatively examine land subsidence. It combines a new geophysical (NG) prospecting and the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology to explore uneven development of land subsidence in Beijing, China. We derived land subsidence spatial information over 4 years (from November 2014 to July 2018) based on Sentinel‐1 satellite imagery and the small‐baseline InSAR (SBAS‐InSAR) method. Also, profile data were acquired using seismic frequency resonance (SFR) approach in a few settlement areas. We developed a geological model based on boreholes and SFR data. Thus, we can quantitively study the driving forces of a typical uneven land subsidence. We found that faults are controlling spatial developments of land subsidence in Beijing. The subsidence rates have different values along the same fault. Also, we revealed the contributions of compressible layers to the formation of uneven land subsidence. Due to long‐term exploitation of groundwater, severe land subsidence has occurred in Beijing, China. Land subsidence is a complex geological hazard caused by multiple driving forces, including groundwater pumping, dynamic loads, and mining. Understanding the mechanisms causing land subsidence has a great significance to sustainable development of regional economy. We innovatively combine seismic frequency resonance (SFR) and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technologies to quantitatively explore the mechanisms responsible for uneven subsidence in Beijing. We used radar images from November 2014 to July 2018 and adopted the small baseline InSAR (SBAS‐InSAR) method to monitor the land surface displacements of the Beijing Plain. Also, formation density information in typical areas were acquired using the SFR approach. Then, we used the hydrogeological data to understand the geophysical information of the profile. By combing these new data, we can quantitively examine the driving forces of a typical uneven land subsidence. We found that faults are controlling the spatial development of land subsidence. In addition, we discovered the distribution of compressible layers and characteristics of faults. Our research provides a widely applicable method to study the mechanisms of land subsidence. We present a novel approach to deeply explore land subsidence developmentMultiple faults are controlling the uneven development of land subsidenceSeismic frequency resonance interpretations reveal the contributions of compressible layers in land subsidence

Parasite-associated colitis is quite rare in clinical practice of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Here we reported an intestinal giardiasis case that has been diagnosed with UC. Further examination of stool revealed cysts of Giardia. This case completely responded to Albendazole. Giardiasis should be included for the differential diagnosis of UC.