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Background Antiplatelet therapy is recommended for patients who have experienced ischemic stroke. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of cilostazol with other antiplatelet therapies in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials published in English from May 1999 to May 2013. Clinical outcomes were compared by pooled and meta-regression analyses. Results Nine studies involving 6328 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. Stroke recurrence (including hemorrhagic and ischemic) with cilostazol use was 5.3% (157) versus 8.3% (248) in control group (risk ratio .63 [.52-.76], 95% confidence interval [CI]). Poststroke intracranial hemorrhage was .5% (16) with cilostazol versus 1.6% (46) in control group (risk ratio .36 [.21-.63], 95% CI). Poststroke extracranial bleeding complications occurred in 2.4% (66) of the patients taking cilostazol versus 3.9% (108) in control group (risk ratio .62 [.46-.83], 95% CI). No significant difference in cerebrovascular events (nonfatal stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack) was found between the cilostazol group (8.2%, 246) versus control group (12.0%, 360; risk ratio .71 [.50-1.01], 95% CI). In addition, the cilostazol therapy brought about a nonsignificant reduction of cardiac adverse events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris) comparing with control groups, with 3.8% (99) of the cilostazol group versus 4.7% (123) of control group (risk ratio, .81 [.62-1.04], 95% CI). Conclusions Cilostazol, alone or in combination with aspirin, significantly reduces stroke recurrence, poststroke intracranial hemorrhage, and extracranial bleeding in patients with a prior ischemic stroke as compared with other antiplatelet therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-free composites Nd 0.5 Sr 0.5 Fe 0.8 Cu 0.2 O 3− δ (NSFCu)– x Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 (SDC) ( x = 0–60 wt%) are investigated as IT-SOFC cathodes. The characteristic properties of cobalt-free composite cathodes comparing to cobalt-based composites are revealed. The DC conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of the composite cathodes decrease with the content of SDC x , while the polarization resistance R p shows the least value with addition of 40 wt% of SDC. The power density of the single cell with NSFCu-40% SDC composite cathode improved significantly compared with that of undoped NSFCu cathode, with peak values of 488, 623, 849 and 1052 mW cm −2 at 600, 650, 700, and 750 °C, respectively. Moreover, the performance of the composite cathode is stable within testing period of 370 h at 700 °C, indicating that the NSFCu-40% SDC is an excellent cobalt-free composite cathode applied in IT-SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Muscle atrophy poses a serious concern to patients inflicted with inflammatory diseases. There is now increasing evidence which suggests a vital role for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in muscle pathology associated with impairment of differentiation and muscle wasting. Resveratrol has been an ascribed inhibitory effect on glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy in vitro, but the influence of resveratrol on the growth of C2C12 myotubes exposed to TNF-α remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of TNF-α in the regulation of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, and the possibility to interfere with such modulations by means of resveratrol supplementation. For this purpose, C2C12 myotubes were treated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of resveratrol. Myotube treatment with TNF-α contributes to both hyperexpression of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligase MAFbx and MuRF1, and these alterations are linked to a decrease of anabolic targets (Akt, mTOR, p70S6k and 4E-BP1) and an increase of catabolic targets (FoxO1, FoxO3a, MAFbx and MuRF1). Resveratrol supplementation effectively counteracts TNF-α induced muscle protein loss and reverses declining expression of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, 4E-BP1and FoxO1, but exerts no influence of FoxO3a expression. Our study demonstrates that resveratrol can reverse the muscle cell atrophy caused by TNF-α through regulation of the Akt/mTOR/FoxO1 signaling pathways, followed by inhibition of the atrophy-related ubiquitin ligase. Our findings suggested that resveratrol could represent a possible strategy to improve muscle mass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Context: Treatment of chronic and irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) with ventral compression is challenging for surgeons. The main procedures are occipitocervical/C1-C2 fusion after transoral odontoidectomy or release of the periodontoid tissues. These surgical procedures, which are performed simultaneously or intermittently, have many disadvantages that may discount their effectiveness. Therefore, a more effective way to achieve surgical reduction and to keep solid stability with only a single procedure is needed. Purpose: We describe a technique to reduce chronic and irreducible AAD with C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw and rod system. Study Design: This was a retrospective case series. Patient Sample: Our sample comprised 26 patients (9 men and 17 women) with irreducible AAD who ranged in age from 15 to 54 years (mean, 35 years). Outcome Measures: Patients' neurologic status was evaluated with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale. Methods: Twenty-six symptomatic patients underwent posterior realignment and reduction through the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw and rod system. The proposed mechanism of reduction is that the implanted screws and rods between C1 and C2 acting as a lever system drew C1 backward and pushed C2 downward and forward after removing circumambient obstruction and scars and thoroughly releasing the facet joints. The preoperative and postoperative JOA score, the extent of reduction, and the conditions of C1-C2 bony fusion were examined. Results: No neurovascular injury occurred during surgery. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 40 months (mean 20.7 months). Radiographic evaluation showed that solid bony fusion was achieved in all patients, and that complete reduction was attained in 18 patients and partial reduction (>60% reduction) in 8 patients. The mean postoperative JOA score at last follow-up was 15.7, compared with the preoperative score of 12.1 (p<.01). Conclusions: This C1-C2 screw and rod system provides reliable stability and sufficient reduction of the anatomic malalignment at the craniovertebral junction and meanwhile retains the mobility of atlanto-occipital joints in the treatment of chronic and irreducible AAD. Sophisticated skills, thorough release of the facet joints, and intraoperative protection of the vertebral artery are key points to accomplish this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PCB 77 was the dominant congener in workplace dust. [•] Bioaccessibility of PCBs in intestine was higher than that in stomach. [•] Significant correlation was observed between K OW and bioaccessibility. [•] Bioaccessibility should be incorporated into risk assessment process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, active control of periodic impulsive noise based on an optimal repetitive control (RC) algorithm is studied. The characteristic equation of the closed-loop active noise control (ANC) system based on the RC algorithm is first obtained, and then the stability condition of the ANC system is derived. According to the stability condition, a novel optimal RC algorithm is developed for an ANC system with a non-minimum phase secondary path. Computer simulations have been carried out to suggest that the proposed algorithm is effective for attenuating periodic impulsive noise, and then the proposed algorithm has been implemented in a digital signal processor (DSP)-based experimental ANC system. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme has good performance for canceling periodic impulsive noise in a non-minimum phase ANC system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new cobalt-free perovskite oxide Pr0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ (PSFC) has been synthesized and evaluated as cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The chemical compatibility of PSFC with Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) electrolyte has be proven by XRD, and its electrical conductivity reaches the maximum value of 264.1 S cm−1 at 475 °C. Symmetrical cells with the configuration of PSFC/SDC/PSFC are used for the impedance study and the polarization resistance (Rp) of PSFC cathode is as low as 0.050 Ω cm2 at 700 °C. Single cells, consisting of Ni–YSZ/YSZ/SDC/PSFC structure, are assembled and tested from 550 °C to 800 °C with wet hydrogen (∼3% H2O) as fuel and static air as oxidant. A maximum power density of 1077 mW cm−2 is obtained at 800 °C. All the results suggest that the cobalt-free perovskite oxide PSFC is a very promising cathode material for application in IT-SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) are rare vascular tumors within the cavernous sinus. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) is less effective for large and giant CSH than for smaller ones. In one of the largest single-institution series reported thus far, we present 22 patients with large (3–4 cm-diameter, six patients) and giant (>4cm, 16 patients) CSH treated surgically between 1994 and 2011. We also review related reports published since 1999 and further compare the treatment outcomes of surgery and radiosurgery. In the present study, a modified Dolenc’s epidural approach was performed in 18 patients and the intradural approach was used in four. Gross total or near-total resection was achieved in 18 patients, subtotal resection was achieved in three patients and partial resection was achieved in one patient. Postoperative ophthalmoparesis occurred in seven patients (two improved, four unchanged to preoperative, one new deficit), and decreased visual acuity occurred in one patient. The reviewed literature and our experience suggest that surgical treatment of large and giant CSH is a reasonable option. A relatively low postoperative morbidity can be achieved with minimal disturbance of cranial nerve (CN) III, particularly with early localization and preservation of CN VI. GKS could be an adjunct treatment for residual tumor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel recyclable Pd/C catalyst mediated dehydrogenation of sterols is developed. The conversion of sterols to 1,4,6-trien-3-ones is best achieved with Pd/C as a catalyst (10%) in the presence of six equivalents of allyl diethyl phosphate (ADP) and excess amount of sodium carbonate in DMF under vigorous reflux conditions. This transformation gives 17,17-ethylenedioxyandrost-1,4,6-trien-3-one in better yield than that of DDQ oxidation and thus provides an improved synthesis of 1α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone from DHEA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, an amphiphilic polymeric prodrug Cis-3-(9H-purin-6-ylthio)-acrylic acid-graft-carboxymethyl chitosan (PTA-g-CMCS) was designed and synthesized. In aqueous solution, this grafted polymer can self-assemble into spherical micelles with a size ranging from 104 to 285nm and zeta potential ranging from −12.3 to −20.1mV. For the release study, less than 24% of 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) was released from PTA-g-CMCS1 in the media containing 2 and 100μM glutathione (GSH), whereas 37%, 54% and 75% of 6-MP was released from the media with GSH of 1, 2 and 10mM, respectively. Besides, pH and drug content of the polymeric prodrug only presented slight influence on the 6-MP release. MTT assay demonstrated that this system had higher inhibition ratio on HL-60 cells (human promyelocytic leukemia cells) in the presence of GSH and lower cytotoxicity on mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). Therefore, this nano-sized system is glutathione-dependent, and it can be employed as a potential carrier for the controlled release of 6-MP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vessel structures such as retinal vasculature are important features for computer-aided diagnosis. In this paper, a probabilistic tracking method is proposed to detect blood vessels in retinal images. During the tracking process, vessel edge points are detected iteratively using local grey level statistics and vessel''s continuity properties. At a given step, a statistic sampling scheme is adopted to select a number of vessel edge points candidates in a local studying area. Local vessel''s sectional intensity profiles are estimated by a Gaussian shaped curve. A Bayesian method with the Maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability criterion is then used to identify local vessel''s structure and find out the edge points from these candidates. Evaluation is performed on both simulated vascular and real retinal images. Different geometric shapes and noise levels are used for computer simulated images, whereas real retinal images from the REVIEW database are tested. Evaluation performance is done using the Segmentation Matching Factor (SMF) as a quality parameter. Our approach performed better when comparing it with Sun''s and Chaudhuri''s methods. ROC curves are also plotted, showing effective detection of retinal blood vessels (true positive rate) with less false detection (false positive rate) than Sun''s method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the preparation and characterization of unimorph actuators for deformable mirrors, based on Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT52) thin film. As comparison, two different designs, where the PZT layer in the unimorph actuators was driven by either interdigitated electrodes (IDT-mode) or parallel plate electrodes (d31-mode), were investigated. The actuators utilize a unimorph membrane (diaphragm) structure consisting of an active PZT piezoelectric layer and a passive SiO2/Si composite layer. To fabricate the diaphragm structures, n-type (100) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers with 1μm thermal SiO2 were used as substrates (for d31-mode actuators, the upper Si part of SOI need to be heavily doped and used as bottom electrodes simultaneously). Sol–gel derived PZT piezoelectric layers with PbTiO3 (PT) bufferlayer in total of 0.86μm were then fabricated on them, and 0.15μm Al reflective layers were deposited and patterned into top electrode geometries, subsequently. The diaphragms were released using orientation-dependent wet etching (ODE) with 5–10μm residual silicon layers. The complete unimorph actuators comprise 4×4 discrete units (4mm2 in size) with patterned PZT films for parallel plate configuration or 3×3 individual pixels (2mm in IDT diameter) with continuous PZT films in graphic region for IDT configuration. The measurement results indicated that both of the two configurations can generate considerable deflections at low voltage. The measured maximum central deflections at 15V were approximately 2.5μm and 2.8μm, respectively. The intrinsic strain conditions shaping the deflection profiles for the diaphragm actuators were also analyzed. In this paper, the behaviors of clamped parallel plate configuration without a diaphragm were also evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The concept of organ donation has gradually been accepted by people in recent years so the judicial brain death determination process becomes very important. Clinically, patients with irreversible apnoeic coma (IAC) will be considered legally as brain death based on a judicial process, but this process can only be applied to people who had already signed the letter of consent to organ donation. The main idea behind the proposed model is to find out an easier way to diagnose the prognosis of patients with severe head injury, and offer the medical staffs more information to determine brain death. Therefore, the technique of ensembled neural networks (ENN) based on multi-layer perceptron (MLP) network has been applied to construct the prediction model of brain death index (BDI). Ten different signals were chosen to be the input data. Using these ten parameters, medical doctors depend on their experience to score the BDI hourly values. The BDI values from medical doctors become the training target of the ANN training process and the standard index of testing process. Moreover, in order to compare the differences between doctors’ and the network''s rankings for the input data, the ranking of order of precedence of each input signal is analyzed via sensitivity analysis. The results show that the 4 layers network with validation has better performance than 3 layers. For sensitivity analysis, most of the input variables’ ranking from trained model were similar to the ranking of the medical doctors except RR/RR(Set) this parameter and 4 other parameters (PS-R, PR-R, PS-L, and PR-L) are difficult to rank, even medical doctors cannot decide the ranking accurately. Using the best topology structure of MLP 10-10-5-1, the ensemble neural network could effectively predict the BDI with small errors (i.e. training error=0.219087; validation error=0.370485; testing error=0.280515). In conclusion, this model can provide medical staffs a reference index to evaluate the status of IAC and brain death patients. However, more clinical data are still needed, perhaps to refine the weights of EANN, and certainly to see how widely the model is applicable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The semi-arid temperate steppe in northern central China is one of the main areas influenced by frequent dust and sand storms, and is at the same time a primary source of dust from deteriorated grasslands; thus, the sediment grain size distribution of inland lakes in this region can be a particularly useful indicator of palaeoenvrionmental change. The local pattern of grain size suggests that aeolian activity is the most important agent for sedimentation in the lake center in this region, as strong northwesterly winds prevail for most of the year and the surface runoff is very weak. Meanwhile, the regional pattern of topsoil grain size and its close association with mean annual precipitation (MAP) allows the establishment of a statistical model for palaeo-moisture reconstruction from sediment grain size. In this study, we reconstructed a humidity time series based on the sediment grain size sequence from Anguli Nuur Lake on the southern Inner Mongolian Plateau in China and found that it coincides very closely with the C/N ratio (carbon to nitrogen ratio) and other humidity indices revealed in previous studies of this temperate steppe region and from the δ 18O values of stalagmite calcite in southern, monsoon-dominated China. This close relationship suggests that climate change in the semi-arid areas of Asia is strongly influenced by the Pacific summer monsoon and that it is reasonable to use sediment grain size as an indicator of humidity variability in the semi-arid steppe region. The reconstructed humidity increased during the early Holocene, and generally humid conditions lasted from about 10,400 until 7000yr BP. The period from around 7000 to 5200yr BP was a transition phase from humid to semi-arid conditions, and the monsoon intensity of that time may have been at the threshold for a semi-arid vegetation ecosystem. Finally, since approximately 5200yr BP to present, the climate has become more arid, with corresponding vegetation deterioration and strong aeolian activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effect of preparation method for Pr0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ (PSCF) on its electrochemical performance was investigated. Powder samples were synthesized by hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and EDTA–citric acid (EC) techniques, respectively. The particles synthesized by HMTA were smaller than those prepared by EC method as proved by TEM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy illuminated that more oxygen sites including oxygen vacancy on the surface of HMTA-derived PSCF exist than that of EC-derived PSCF. The area specific resistance (ASR) value of HMTA-derived PSCF cathode was as low as 0.454Ωcm2 at 600°C, whereas the ASR value of EC-derived PSCF was 0.641Ωcm2. The results in the present study demonstrated the advantages of the HMTA method in the synthesis of highly catalytic active PSCF oxide powder for SOFCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic study and evaluation were performed on the effect of scandium doping at the B site of Pr0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (PSCF) on key material properties as cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC). The doped products Pr0.6Sr0.4(Co0.2Fe0.8)(1−x)Sc x O3−δ (PSCFS x , x=0.0–0.2) retained perovskite structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and their particles were smaller than the non-doped materials as evidenced by TEM. The electrical conductivity (EC) of PSCFS x decreased with increasing Sc3+ content, but EC values were still larger than 100 S cm−1 in temperature range of 300–800 °C as x ≤ 0.1. The thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) of PSCFS x were observed to generally decrease with increasing x especially at lower temperature range of 50–600 °C. In addition, the AC impedance revealed better electrochemical performance of PSCFS x cathode as x ≤ 0.1 than that of the undoped sample PSCF. Therefore, PSCFS x (x ≤ 0.1) shows some potential as cathode electrode for IT-SOFC. The function of Sc3+ dopant was tentatively elucidated and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sediment sequence from Anguli Nuur Lake (41°18′–24′N, 114°20′–27′E) located at the forest–steppe ecotone in the southern Inner Mongolia Plateau of China was selected to reconstruct the Holocene history of vegetation development and to determine the primary driver of forest dynamics. The shifting of vegetation zones was reconstructed by pollen-vegetation zone discriminant functions established by contemporary distribution of surface pollen in a transect along both precipitation and vegetation gradients in northern China. Pollen indicators for human disturbance were selected by comparison with a sediment sequence from West Liao River basin which is also located in the forest–steppe ecotone but is abundant in archeological sites. Changes of coarse sand percentage show great consistency with changes of regional humidity index, suggesting a prominent role of climate in soil erosion. The discriminant functions showed that long-term replacement of the forest zone by steppe zone commenced at 2.1kaBP. Pollen percentages also show that climate drying since 5.0kaBP first led to replacement of broadleaf forest by pine forest due to soil coarsening. Further recession of pine forest from this region since 2.1kaBP was primarily driven by climate deterioration, because no pollen indicator of human disturbance was recognized. The study also suggests an earlier arrival but later recession of pine forest in the study region, implying pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) migrated from the south, and migration of pine forest in the current steppe region was driven by the Pacific monsoon movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to the characteristics of distributed industrial control process, we analyzed the feasibility and necessity that multi-agent technology was applied to industrial complicated control process. A multi-agent system architecture on the basis of industrial process and cooperation control of the system were described as well. Strip hot rolling process is a typical distributed control problem we met in metallurgy. We proposed a multi-agent structure of hot rolling process from the view of synthesized control. The composition and relationship of every function module was described in detail. The cooperation control process of the main device was described in detail. The cooperation control process of flatness and gauge was analyzed in the article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cervical stab wounds with a thoracic-inlet esophageal injury are extremely rare. A 30-year-old man presented with dysphagia and stridor. He had attempted suicide by stabbing his neck with a screwdriver followed by jumping from a building 10 days previously, when a cervical tracheal injury was found and surgically repaired. Physical examination was unremarkable. Lateral cervical radiography revealed an air-fluid level within an extensive retropharyngeal pocket. Follow-up radiography showed that the retropharyngeal lesion had shrunk spontaneously. Contrast esophagography demonstrated an extravasation at the thoracic inlet. The patient underwent surgical exploration of the esophagus via a lower neck incision. A thoracic-inlet esophageal slit was found and primary repair was performed. He resumed oral intake uneventfully on the 8th postoperative day. This was a rare case of esophageal injury secondary to cervical stabbing wounds, presenting with delayed occurrence and spontaneously shrunken retroesophageal pocket. Esophageal perforation can be easily missed if tracheal lesion is found. Both bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy are mandatory. In patients highly suspected to have esophageal injury but with a negative esophagoscopy result, contrast esophagography is indicated and can decrease the incidence of false-negative results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the past 5 years cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management has become mainstream in the treatment of severe head injuries. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons guidelines (2000) suggest that CPP should be maintained at least 70 mmHg; however, there is still debate about optimal CPP level. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three widely used therapies: intracranial pressure (ICP)-targeted therapy, CPP-targeted therapy with CPP > 70 mmHg, and modified CPP-targeted therapy with CPP > 60 mmHg. The clinical procedures, complications, and patient outcomes are compared. Data including patient age, sex, initial Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), ICP, CPP, fluid status, amount of mannitol and vasopressor used, daily intake and output, complications, and clinical results were collected from 213 patients with severe head injuries over a 12-year period. Patients were categorized into three groups (ICP, CPP, modified CPP [mCPP]) according to treatment protocol used. Retrospective data collection was by chart review. The mortality rate was 28.6%, 14.3%, and 13.5% in groups ICP, CPP, and mCPP, respectively. Highest intake/output ratio, amount of vasopressor used, and pulmonary complication rates were seen in group CPP patients. Group mCPP patients showed the best clinical outcome and lowest complication rate. Though CPP-targeted therapy is the most recommended therapeutic protocol, our data showed that the outcome is as good in the mCPP-targeted group with CPP > 60 mmHg as in the CPP-targeted group, but complications are fewer in the mCPP group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the past 5 years, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management has become the standard in the treatment of severe head injuries. Guidelines published in 2000 suggest that CPP should be at least 70mmHg; however, there is still debate about the optimal CPP. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these three widely used therapies: (i) intracranial pressure (ICP) targeted; (ii) CPP-targeted with CPP >70mmHg; and (iii) modified CPP-targeted (mCPP) therapy with CPP >60mmHg. The clinical procedures, complications and outcomes of patients in the different groups were compared. Data, including patient age, sex, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, ICP, CPP, fluid status, amount of mannitol and vasopressor used, daily fluid intake and output, complications and clinical results, were collected from 213 patients with severe head injuries over a 12-year period. Patients were categorized into three groups (ICP, CPP, mCPP) according to the treatment protocol used. Retrospective data collection was performed by chart review. The mortality rate was 28.6%, 14.3% and 13.5% in the ICP, CPP, and mCPP groups, respectively. Highest intake/output ratio, amount of vasopressor used and pulmonary complications were seen in the CPP patients. The mCPP patients showed the best clinical outcome and lowest complication rate. Although CPP-targeted therapy is the most recommended therapeutic protocol, our data show that patients treated with modified CPP-target therapy with CPP >60mmHg have better clinical outcomes and fewer complications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stimulated by the pursuit of small and portable electronic devices, film supercapacitors have gradually developed. Due to the advantages of composition design and controllable performance, high entropy materials have shown excellent capacitive performance in electrochemical energy storage. Therefore, in this work, five transition metal elements Fe, Co, Cr, Mn and Ni were selected with different potential windows, and the (FeCoCrMnNi)C thin films with wide potential windows were successfully deposited on titanium and graphite substrates by using magnetron sputtering technology. The body centered cubic structured (FeCoCrMnNi)C films all have crystal orientation, showing irregular particle morphology, and the optimal orientation makes them eventually grow into morphologies similar to those of the substrates. The layered structure of the (FeCoCrMnNi)C film deposited on graphite substrate for 10 min is the most conducive to the storage of pseudocapacitance. We also found that (FeCoCrMnNi)C powder has better electrochemical properties than (FeCoCrMnNi)C film in the two low-dimensional states of the (FeCoCrMnNi)C, which is of great significance for exploring the development direction of supercapacitor electrode materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difunctional devices have great potential in the application of many areas, they can perform two functions simultaneously, and structural difunctional supercapacitor is one of them. The difunctional supercapacitor can carry out bearing capacity and storge electric energy, but it's difficult to keep the balance between bearing capacity and energy storage capacity. In this work, the montmorillonite based geopolymer has a compressive strength of 31.6 MPa after curing for 28 days, and a compressive strength of 30.5 MPa after repolymerization. We use the geopolymer as the framework, and inject 0.5 M Na 2 SO 4 into the geopolymer to prepared a structural electrolyte. Then, the structural electrolyte membrane, electrodeposited MnO 2 , and an activated carbon are assembled into a difunctional supercapacitor. The maximum specific capacity reaches 2216.7 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 under 15 MPa, achieving a good balance between compressive strength and energy storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, alumina foam ceramics (AFC) were prepared by foaming method, and AFC/salt composite phase change materials were prepared by melt infiltration method using AFC as skeleton materials. The results showed that AFC had good chemical compatibility with Na 2 SO 4 and NaCl. The salt contents of AFC/Na 2 SO 4 and AFC/NaCl were 37.8 wt% and 31.7 wt%, respectively, with compressive strength of 100.1 MPa and 72.8 MPa, thermal conductivity of 5.53 W/m·K and 6.40 W/m·K, and energy density of 1129 J/g and 1019 J/g, respectively. Due to the better wettability, AFC and Na 2 SO 4 form a chimeric structure, which has better binding and bonding strength, and is not prone to molten salt leakage. AFC/ Na 2 SO 4 is expected to be applied to industrial waste heat recovery and solar thermal power generation with periodic temperature changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 /Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 – x wt% NbF 5 (x = 0, 2, 4) alloys were synthetized via vacuum induction smelting and high energy ball milling. The different NbF 5 catalytic effects and mechanisms on microstructure, hydriding/dehydriding kinetics of Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 /Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 alloys were discussed in detail. The results prove that NbF 5 promotes the formation of cracks and pulverization on the alloy particles and to producing more numbers of grain boundaries, amorphous-nanocrystalline and dislocations which are beneficial for H 2 diffusion. The dehydrogenation activation energies are reduced to 82.367 and 87.076 from 109.830 and 116.767 kJ/mol respectively for Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 and Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 by 4 wt% NbF 5. NbF 5 decomposes in Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 system, but not in Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 system. The stable MgZn 2 and transformation between Mg 2 Cu and MgCu 2 may explain the decomposition of NbF 5 in Mg-Cu-Ni systems. NbF 5 can ameliorate the hydriding/dehydriding kinetics of Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 and Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 systems significantly. NbF 5 does not change the thermodynamic properties of Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 /Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 alloys. • NbF 5 decomposes in Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 system, but not in Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 system. • The stable MgZn 2 and transformation between Mg 2 Cu and MgCu 2 may explain the decomposition of NbF 5 in Mg-Cu-Ni systems. • NbF 5 can ameliorate the hydriding/dehydriding kinetics of Mg 85 Zn 5 Ni 10 and Mg 85 Cu 5 Ni 10 systems significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured WO 3 films prepared by an industry compatible method with large surface area and strong adhesive force to the substrate are highly desired for electrochromic (EC) applications. Here, we report the preparation of a kind of WO 3 nanoisland films on indium-doped tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates by Ag-induced reactive sputtering deposition combined with a post-etching treatment. Our study demonstrates that compared with the bare WO 3 film, the nanoisland film exhibits apparently enhanced EC performance, including high luminous transmittance (92.8%) in a bleached state, high luminous coloration efficiency (126.4 cm2/C), relatively fast color-switching time (7.1 s for coloring and 12.1 s for bleaching), decent long-term cycling stability (2000 cycles) and improved self-bleaching ability. Electrochemical kinetics analysis indicates that such enhanced EC performance relies on large lithium-ion diffusion coefficient (2.37 × 10−10 cm2/s), a good ability of charge storage (10.82 mF/cm2), and low charge-transfer resistance (196 Ω) of the nanoisland microstructure. The results shed light on exploring a novel method to prepare high EC performance WO 3 film. Image 1 • WO 3 nanoisland films can be fabricated by Ag-induced magnetron sputter deposition combined with a post-etching treatment, which significantly increases the contact interface between the electrolyte and materials. • The special nanostructure promotes the electrochromic performance eminently: higher optical transmittance (92.8%), coloration efficiency (126.4 cm2/C) and fast response time (7.1 s for coloring and 12.1 s for bleaching). • The electrochemical performance was analyzed to explain the internal cause relying on large ion diffusion coefficient (2.37 × 10−10 cm2/s), good charge storage (10.82 mF/cm2), and low charge-transfer resistance (196 Ω). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The rough-type Brucella is cytotoxic for macrophage dependent on T4SS. • Secretion activity of T4SS is necessary for rough Brucella -induced macrophage death. • The 15 T4SS effectors have no role in cytotoxicity of rough- Brucella infection. • Macrophage death was independent of Txnip- and Caspase 2- mediated signal pathway. Brucella is a facultative intracellular bacterium, dividing into smooth- and rough-type Brucella. Smooth-type Brucella can dissociate into rough mutants with cytotoxicity for macrophages during infection, which is critical for Brucella egress and dissemination. However, the mechanism of cytotoxicity infected by rough Brucella is incomplete. In this study, we verified that a rough-type Brucella (RB14 strain) was cytotoxic for macrophages dependent on Type IV secretion system (T4SS). Two specific T4SS VirB4 and VirB11 mutants were constructed, which affect the secretion of T4SS effectors, but not the expression of T4SS components. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that RB14- induced macrophages death depends on T4SS secretion activity. In a further study, 15 reported T4SS effectors were evaluated in inducing macrophage death using over-expression and transfection methods, the results showed that 15 recombinant strains with over-expression of respective effector were not cytotoxicity. In addition, 10 effectors transfected individually, or co-transfected with five effectors barely induced macrophage death, suggesting that all 15 effectors were not associated with macrophage death. Besides, we also evaluated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Txnip- or Caspase-2 roles in RB14-induced macrophages death. The results showed that inhibition of ER stress, Caspase or Caspase-2 activation was not associated with RB14-infected macrophages death. The casp2 and txnip knockout cells also showed death when infected by the RB14 strain. In all, the RB14-induced macrophage death depends on the secretion activity of T4SS, but not on ER stress, Txnip- or Caspase-2 signal pathway. This study provides a deep insight for rough Brucella -induced macrophage death, which favors for elucidating Brucella infection lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this work, we firstly found the Shp2 expression in BMSCs was higher in B-ALL patients than in normal donors, especially in relapsed B-ALL patients. • We firstly found Shp2 activation in bone marrow microenvironment upregulated PI3K/AKT phosphorylation to increase VCAM-1 expression. • Shp2 activation in bone marrow microenvironment induced VCR resistance in CCRF-SB cells via VCAM-1/VLA-1 signaling between BMSCs and leukemia cells. • These provided a basis for the study on the effect of Shp2 activity on leukemia cells in the BM microenvironment. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is immune to the chemotherapy-induced apoptosis as a result of the protection of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). However, the precise underlying mechanism of such protection remains unclear so far. In this experiment, protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2), which was encoded by the PTPN11 gene, was highly expressed in BMSCs of the newly diagnosed and the recurrent B-ALL patients. The plasmid-induced (including Shp2 E76K) Shp2 activation in BMSCs (Shp2-activated BMSCs) markedly increased the BMSCs-mediated resistance of leukemia cells both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, studies in vitro suggested that, the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) was markedly up-regulated in Shp2-activated BMSCs, and VCAM-1 expression in BMSCs of B-ALL patients was negatively correlated with Shp2 expression. Down-regulation of VCAM-1 in BMSCs using siRNA reversed the resistance of CCRF-SB cells mediated by the Shp2-activated BMSCs. As for the molecular mechanism, the PI3K/AKT pathway mediated the regulation of VCAM-1 by Shp2. Blocking the very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) by antibodies in CCRF-SB cells dramatically reversed the resistance of CCRF-SB cells mediated by the Shp2-activated BMSCs, and decreased the adhesion effects of both CCRF-SB cells and BMSCs. In conclusion, Shp2 activation in BMSCs up-regulates VCAM-1 expression through increasing the PI3K/AKT phosphorylation level, and targeting the VCAM-1/VLA-4 signaling may serve as a clinically relevant mechanism to overcome the BMSCs-mediated chemoresistance of B-ALL cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ulva prolifera showed different antioxidative defense response exposed to high or low-temperature stimulus. • Superoxide dismutase kept at higher levels, while catalase and L- ascorbate peroxidase expression fluctuated under high temperature stimulus. • The tolerance mechanism of Ulva prolifera exposed to low-temperature stimulus was not correlated with antioxidative response. Because marine organisms have evolved to adapt to a wide variety of environmental factors on varying temporal and spatial scales, the antioxidative metabolic pathway are different. The aim of this study was to investigate the different antioxidative response of Ulva Prolifera (U. prolifera) that have been exposed to high temperature (UpHT) or low-temperature (UpLT) stresses. The results of our study suggested that mainly UpHT and not UpLT increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and L-ascorbate peroxidase (APX) more than those in the medium-temperature (UpMT) controls. In addition, biological index analyses indicated that both SOD and CAT activities increased after culturing for 48 h. The chlorophyll levels increased to the highest point after culturing for 4 d in the UpHT group but remained unchanged in the UpLT group. In addition, peroxide (H 2 O 2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased under UpHT but remained unchanged under UpLT stimuli. We suggest that our findings have significantly improved our understanding of the different molecular mechanisms involved in the tolerance of algae to UpHT or UpLT stimulus, which might explain the seasonal blooms of U. prolifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The material basis of vigorous metabolic, which is related to U. prolifera blooms was revealed in this manuscript. • The findings help us understand the metabolic mechanisms in U. prolifera underlying the adaption to marine environment. • The outbreak of floating U. prolifera about the metabolic activities was analyzed from a new perspective. Ulva prolifera is the main alga resulting in "green tides", which have occurred continually every summer in the Yellow Sea (YS) since 2007. The "green tide" disaster has caused negative impacts on both the economy and environment. The mainstream view is that the floating U. prolifera in the YS derives from attached U. prolifera of Pyropia aquaculture rafts on the Subei Shoal. In this study, we used the Illumina sequencing platform to compare the transcriptional profiles of floating U. prolifera and attached U. prolifera samples collected at the same time. A total of 278.1 million clean reads with 57.7 % GC content and 37,181 unigenes were generated from six libraries. A total of 21,475 genes were differentially expressed between the floating and attached U. prolifera samples. The expression profiles of 33 genes, which are related to the main metabolism in U. prolifera, were detected in the two samples of U. prolifera through FPKM and qRT-PCR analyses. The results showed that the expression levels of 26 of the 33 genes we studied in floating U. prolifera were higher than the levels in attached U. prolifera. This indicates that the main metabolic activities are more vigorous in floating U. prolifera than in attached U. prolifera. This finding furthers our understanding of metabolic mechanisms in U. prolifera with regard to the adaption to the marine environment and reveals the material basis of vigorous metabolic activity, which is related to U. prolifera blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel MOFs were synthesized as Fenton-like catalysts to degrade Rhodamine B with high efficiency, stability and recyclability. [Display omitted] • Three novel MOFs were synthesized with good stability and recyclability as Fenton-like catalysts. • 1–3 can photocatalytic degrade Rhodamine B with high efficiency. • The Fenton-like photocatalytic degradation mechanism of 1–3 was explored. Three novel metal organic frameworks (MOFs) including {[Zn 3 (nip) 3 (TPPA) 3 ]·3 DMF·H 2 O} n (1), [Co(NH 2 -bdc)(TPPA)(H 2 O)] n (2) and [Cd 2 (NH 2 -bdc) 2 (TPPA) 2 ] n (3) (TPPA = tri(4-pyridylphenyl)amine, H 2 -nip = 5-Nitroisophthalic acid, NH 2 -bdc = 2-Aminoterephthalic acid) were successfully prepared under hydrothermal conditions. X-ray single crystal analyses revealed that MOFs 1 – 3 possess 3D architecture. Impressively, all of them can function as a highly photocatalyst for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under low-energy irradiation of a 150 W Xenon lamp. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance is significantly improved after the addition of H 2 O 2 , which could be attributed to their high efficiencies in generating OH and O 2 − radicals. In addition, MOFs 1–3 showed very stable activity in the degradation of RhB, and showed no significant loss of activity after three consecutive uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress plays an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms by which chronic physiological stress and perceived stress relate to the clinical features of schizophrenia may differ. We aimed to elucidate the relationships among chronic physiological stress indexed by allostatic load (AL), perceived stress, and clinical symptoms in individuals with first-episode schizophrenia (FES). Individuals with FES (n = 90, mean age = 28.26years old, 49%female) and healthy controls (111, 28.88, 51%) were recruited. We collected data of 13 biological indicators to calculate the AL index, assessed subjective stress with the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), and compared AL and perceived stress between groups. Patients with FES were also evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). Individuals with FES had higher AL and PSS score than healthy controls. There were no significant correlations between AL and PSS score in either patients or controls. Among individuals with FES, the AL index was associated with the severity of positive symptoms, while the PSS score was positively associated with CDSS score. Both elevated AL and PSS were correlated with the occurrence of schizophrenia. Physiological stress, as reflected by AL, may be more related to positive symptoms, while perceived stress appear to be associated with depressive symptoms in individuals with FES. Longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the relationships between interventions for different stressor types and specific clinical outcomes in FES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most effective devices to reduce particulate emission from diesel engines, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been widely used. However, long-term use of the DPF can cause a large amount of ash to deposit in it, which can significantly affect its performance. In this study, a burner was utilized to deposit ash, derived from four different lubricating oil additives (zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (Zn-based), calcium sulfonate (Ca-based), magnesium sulfonate (Mg-based), and composite), into four DPFs with the same specification. The four ash-loaded DPFs and a fresh ashless DPF were subsequently tested for active regeneration on an engine bench at the same soot load. The temperature and particulate emission characteristics of the DPFs were measured using thermocouples and a particulate analyzer. The peak regeneration temperature of ash-loaded DPFs moved forward when compared to the fresh DPF, and the peak regeneration temperature of Mg-based DPF reached 694 °C and moved forward to the axial position of 71.5 mm. A low temperature zone appeared at the rear end of edge channels, forming a large temperature gradient up to 75.5 °C/cm. The emission of nucleation-mode particulates at each DPF outlet increased to different degrees during active regeneration, especially for the Zn-based DPF, whose particulate concentration even approached 108 #/cm3. The X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) images of ash-loaded DPFs showed that the distribution of ash in each DPF was quite different, and ash plugs or bridges appeared in the middle and front of some channels, forming a strong blocking effect. It is due to the presence of ash that the soot deposition position moved forward and the wall-flow velocity rose, which increased the local soot density, causing the peak regeneration temperature to rise and move forward. The increase in wall-flow velocity reduced the diffusion filtration efficiency of ash-loaded DPFs, so escaped particulates that were broken up from soot agglomerate burning increased. • Effect of ash derived from lubricant oil additives on DPF were studied. • The peak regeneration temperature of ash-loaded DPFs moved forward. • Abnormal ash deposition resulted in increased particulate emission during active regeneration. • Middle-channel ash plug/bridge is one of the main reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the usefulness of 3-dimensional (3D) printed models as an aid for the treatment of complex CVJ anomalies. 3D printed models were fabricated for 21 patients with complex CVJ anomalies, including vertebral artery anomaly, thin C2 pedicle, vertical atlantoaxial facet joint, or rotational dislocation combined with atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination. Preoperative planning, surgical simulation, and intraoperative reference were achieved using the 3D model during the surgical treatment. The usefulness of 3D printed models, and postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. Direct posterior reduction and atlantoaxial fixation were achieved in 19 patients. Transoral odontoidectomy followed by posterior fixation was implemented for 2 patients with vertical facet joint and rotational dislocation. All screws were safely inserted with no complication, and 90% patients achieved a >60% reduction of both horizontal and vertical dislocation. Clinical symptoms improved in all patients, with the averaged Japanese Orthopedic Association scores increasing from 11.14 to 14.43 (P < 0.01). The patient-specific 3D printed model would be an effective tool for evaluation of the reducibility of the atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination, decision making in choosing the optimal surgical approach and way of fixation, and precise placement of the screw while protecting the vertebral artery and spinal cord. The risk of neurovascular injury was minimized, and encouraging outcomes were achieved with the aid of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occipitalization of the atlas (OA) is always associated with multiplanar dislocation and olisthy of the C1 over C2 facets, which may change the anatomical relationship between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the atlas. The purpose of this current study is to identify the location of the ICA relative to the anterior aspect of the atlas in patients with OA and define the clinical implications for screw placement. We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomography angiography data of 86 patients with OA and 86 control subjects. Several parameters were also measured to quantitatively evaluate the mutual relationship. In the OA group, 25.6% of ICAs were located in area 3 and 74.4% in area 2, whereas the percentages were 57.4% and 42.6%, respectively, in the control group. There were 73 (42.4%) ICAs in which the shortest distance between the dorsal surface of the ICA and the ventral cortex of the atlas was less than 4 mm in the OA group and only 50 (29.1%) in the control group. The ideal angulation of C1 screw trajectory was about 5 degrees more medial in the OA group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The risk of ICA injury is much higher in OA patients than in non-OA patients during the C1 screw placement. A mean medial angulation about 20 degrees will permit a long and safe screw purchase, but should be individualized. We recommend careful preoperative computed tomography angiography evaluation in all patients before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occipitalization of the atlas (OA) often is associated with atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination. The purpose of this study is to determine the biomechanical difference between normal and OA conditions in the craniovertebral junction and to further explore the rationale for development of atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination using the finite element model (FEM). A ligamentous, nonlinear, sliding-contact, 3-dimensional FEM of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex was generated. Validation of the model was accomplished by comparing kinematic predictions with experimental data. We defined the atlantooccipital joint as a tie contact to simulate the OA deformity. The range of motion and the value of the maximum Von Mises stress were compared between the intact and OA models. We found all of the predicted data in the intact FEM fell within 1 standard deviation of the cadaver data for all 6 loadings. The OA simulation significantly reduced the overall range of motion of the occipitoatlantoaxial complex at all loadings. The maximum Von Mises stress was predicted to increase at the transverse ligament and the superior articular facet of the axis for all the flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation loadings. The OA could result in hypermobility of the atlantoaxial segment and cause overstress in the transverse ligament and the lateral atlantoaxial joints. These changes explain the pathogenesis of atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination associated with OA. Follow-up should be scheduled regularly due to the nature of the dynamic development of atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The valuation of patent technology is a research hotspot in the area of intellectual property. How to objectively value a patent is still a thorny issue, especially in industries with long industry chains like the petroleum industry. This paper combines with the technical characteristics of the petroleum industry, builds up a set of patent value evaluation systems including the index system, the calculation of indicator weights, the determination of scoring criteria, and the expert score calculation innovatively. The model constructed based on the Value Capture Theory effectively combines the cost method and the benefit method in traditional assessment methods, avoiding the problem of obtaining the patent transaction data that market method required. The calculating process which adopts triangle fuzzy matrix increases the objectivity of the evaluation process. Different criteria for eight different fields of petroleum are applied in this paper, which make each specific patent evaluation model suitable for the petroleum industry. In addition, the process of evaluation becomes relatively simple and easy to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many individuals who die by suicide or attempt suicide have no pre-existing psychiatric record. In these cases determination of the presence of mental illness at the time of the suicidal act depends on diagnostic interviews with different informants, but the reliability of such interviews is unknown. To address this issue, the current study from northern China conducted independent diagnostic interviews (by different psychiatrists) with a co-resident family member and another associate of 151 suicide decedents, with 120 individuals who attempted suicide, and with two proxy informants for each suicide attempter. In the suicide decedent group, 56% of interviews with family members and 50% with other associates resulted in one or more psychiatric diagnosis; the concordance (kappa) of these two respondents for the presence of any current psychiatric disorder, any mood disorder and any other psychiatric disorder were 0.35, 0.32 and 0.41, respectively. In the suicide attempt group, 47% of interviewers with suicide attempters, 31% with family members, and 15% with other associates resulted in a psychiatric diagnosis; the concordance for any current psychiatric disorder, any mood disorder and any other psychiatric disorder between the interview with the suicide attempter and the combined result of the two separate proxy informant interviews were 0.31, 0.34 and 0.39, respectively. We conclude that the concordance of the presence and type of psychiatric diagnosis of individuals with suicidal behavior based on independent structured interviews by psychiatrists with different informants is low to fair and that using multiple informants will increase the identification of psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total nitrate in atmospheric particulates (p-NO 3 -) has long been regarded as purely secondary NO 3 − (s-NO 3 -), and its oxygen isotope (Δ17O values) has been used to differentiate relative contributions between the OH radical (OH·) and ozone (O 3) oxidization pathways to the s-NO 3 - formation. Recently, combustion-related sources were found emitting primary NO 3 − (c-NO 3 -) directly, but its influences on O isotopic signatures and the pathway differentiation of s-NO 3 - remain unclear. Here, we measured Δ17O in the NO 3 − from burning five biomass materials in northern China (bb-NO 3 -). The uniform Δ17O bb-NO3- values of 0‰ verified that the bb-NO 3 - was a primary source and differed in O sources from s-NO 3 -. By combining Δ17O values and emission amounts of c-NO 3 - with Δ17O values and deposition amounts of p-NO 3 - in China, we found that the c-NO 3 - contributed 6 ± 8% to the p-NO 3 - and neglecting the c-NO 3 - had underestimated Δ17O s – NO3- by 1.7 ± 0.2‰ at site level. When using Δ17O p-NO3- values to differentiate the pathway contributions, the fractional contributions of the OH· and O 3 pathways to the s-NO 3 - would be overestimated and underestimated by 14 ± 11% and 14 ± 12%, respectively. These results clarified the influences of the c-NO 3 - on both Δ17O signals and pathway differentiation of s-NO 3 -, which should be considered in tracing atmospheric NO 3 − sources and processes. [Display omitted] • NO 3 − directly emitted from the biomass burning had no 17O anomaly. • Neglecting the c-NO 3 - had underestimated 17O anomaly of purely secondary NO 3 −. • Neglecting c-NO 3 - overestimated the contribution of the OH· pathway by 14 ± 11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A redox reversible composite anode with Fe-Ni alloy nanoparticles in situ growth on SrLaFeO 4 -type and LaFeO 3 -type oxide substrates has been prepared for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) by reducing perovskite precursor La 0.4 Sr 0.6 Fe 0.75 Ni 0.1 Nb 0.15 O 3-δ (LSFNNb) in wet H 2 at 900 °C for 1 h. The anode has shown an excellent electrochemical catalytic activity for oxidation of hydrogen with much smaller E a (25.1 ∼ 68.9 kJ mol −1 ) than the value (>160 kJ mol −1 ) at Ni-YSZ anode. A scandium stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte supported SOFC with the anode achieves maximum power densities of 0.71, 0.52, 0.35, and 0.21 W cm −2 at 800, 750, 700 and 650 °C, respectively in wet H 2 (3% H 2 O), and the corresponding R p of 0.16, 0.21, 0.35, and 0.60 Ω cm 2 under OCV. Moreover, the single cell shows stable power output during ∼105 h operation at 800 °C under 0.7 V in wet H 2 after a initial degradation, indicating that R-LSFNNb is an excellent candidate as anode of IT-SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the outcomes of definitive external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) plus image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) unsuitable for surgery. A total of 50 patients with inoperable EC were included. The patients received EBRT in a median dose of 45 Gy to the pelvis over 5 weeks. Thereafter, the patients received brachytherapy using tandem and ovoid applicators. High-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and gross tumor volume in brachytherapy (GTVp) were defined by the assistance of patients' pre-IGBT magnetic resonance imaging. The medical records of the 50 patients were analyzed. The main causes of inoperability were anesthesia contraindications, namely medical comorbidities and obesity. The median cumulative D90s (the minimum dose delivered to 90% of the volume) in EQD2 (equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions) to the HR-CTV and GTVp were 72.9 Gy10 (range, 64.9 to 80.3) and 166.2 Gy10 (range, 123.0 to 189.8), respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 27 months, 8 of the patients died of cancer. The 2-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 75% and 83%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of pelvic and distant failure were 4% (n = 2) and 16% (n = 8), respectively. Gastrointestinal complications of grade 2 or above were noted in 2 patients (4%), and a grade 2 genitourinary complication was noted in one. For patients with inoperable EC, EBRT followed by IGBT is an effective approach for achieving high local control without a high risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesarean section defect had been found to be one of the causes of prolonged bleeding in women with previous cesarean delivery. Lin’s hysteroscopy (TCR)-metroplasty method had focused on 4 predisposed anatomical defects, which ensured correction of the cesarean section defect. With this simple procedure, the patients had greatly improved their quality of life, as well as discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Circulating levels of inflammatory and prothrombotic factors are elevated in the metabolic syndrome (MS) and linked with the occurrence of cardiovascular events. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between inflammatory and prothrombotic markers and the MS in elderly institutionalized residents. A total of 326 non-diabetic residents of Chuang-Hua Veterans Care Home (age: 79.9±4.1 years; 100% males) were enrolled. MS was diagnosed according to the AHA/NHLBI Scientific Statement criteria. Body fat percentage was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), were determined using ELISA. Elderly residents with the MS had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures (both p < 0.001) and higher HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), hsCRP (p = 0.008), and PAI-1 levels (p < 0.001) than those without the MS. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, PAI-1 was an independent risk factor for the MS. Of the MS components, elderly residents with higher waist circumferences and higher levels of plasma fasting glucose, and triglyceride (TG), and lower levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) had higher PAI-1 levels than those without the above components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]