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Crabs in mangroves could enhance the transfer of organic carbon (OC) from leaf litter to soils, whose variation with the difference in crab size is, however, not well known. A 32-day laboratory feeding experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different sizes of the crabs Parasesarma plicatum foraging on leaf litter of Kandelia obovata on OC accumulation in mangrove soils. Mean rates of soil OC accumulation due to leaf foraging by large, medium, and small crabs were 21.11, 16.11, and 0.77 mg C ind−1 d−1, corresponding to the rates of OC removal from leaf litter of 62.60%, 51.37%, and 2.19%, respectively. Large and medium crabs ingested larger amounts of leaf litter, and soil OC accumulation rates resulting from leaf foraging by large and medium crabs were approximately 8 times higher than those by leaf litter decomposition and triple those by non-leaf foraging. Small crabs ingested the smallest amount of leaf litter, which was almost used for their growth and metabolism. These results underline the key ecological roles of leaf foraging by crabs, especially those with large and medium sizes, in OC accumulation in mangrove soils, which is conducive to estimating carbon sequestration in mangrove soils. • We divided the herbivorous crabs into large, medium and small sizes. • Large and medium crabs significantly increased soil OC accumulation. • Small crabs had little impact on soil OC accumulation. • The transformation rate of leaf litter decay to soil OC was 6.63%. • The transformation rates of large, medium and small crabs to soil OC were 62.60%, 51.37% and 2.19%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Source apportionment studies have been performed on online receptor datasets in recent years (called online source apportionment), including mass spectra and online chemical dataset. Single particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS), an important online technique, has the ability to analyze mass spectrum (MS) and particular size information of a single particle in real time. Clustering methods have been widely applied to MS dataset to investigate the sources of particles, although the receptor models are the common tools to probe the particle sources based on the receptor dataset. This work developed a new method (SPAMS-RM) that employed the receptor model (RM) on an MS dataset from SPAMS to identify particle sources. Particles were measured by SPAMS from July 14 to August 15, 2015, at an urban site in Tianjin, China. Multilinear Engine-2 (ME2) and adaptive resonance theory-based neural networks-2a (ART-2a) were separately used to analyze the single particle MS dataset. This work also evaluated the performance of SPAMS-RM method. Concentrations of chemical components of PM 2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm) and gaseous pollutants were measured by independent online instruments (1 h resolution). Source apportionment was separately conducted using two receptor models, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and ME2, based on the 1 h resolution chemical dataset. This method was called online chemical source apportionment (OCSA-RM). ART-2a obtained 19 clusters that merged into five major classes: carbon species, rich-K, sea salt, crustal dust, and industrial metals. SPAMS-RM identified eight sources by interpreting the MS characteristic of factors and investigating the relationship of the temporal trends of factor contributions, chemical species, gaseous pollutants, and particle clusters. OCSA-ME2 and OCSA-PMF both identified seven factors. Source apportionment results between SPAMS-RM and OCSA-ME2/PMF were compared. Each method identified coal combustion, biomass burning, sea salt, nitrate source, sulfate source, vehicle emission, and crustal dust. The SPAMS-RM results showed that nitrate source was the most significant contributor (34%) to the PM followed by sulfate source (17%), coal combustion (14%), crustal dust (11%), vehicle emission (10%), biomass burning-OCEC (7%), and industrial activities & sea salt (4%). Some differences between SPAMS-RM and OCSA-ME2/PMF results existed and might be due to chemical analysis methods and sampling methods. ME2 was used for the first time to identify the PM sources based on the MS dataset from SPAMS and demonstrated its capability when coupled with MS dataset from SPAMS to apportion the source of PM. Highlights • A new method that employed ME2 on SPAMS dataset was developed to infer PM sources. • PMF and ME2 were employed on the 1 h resolution chemical dataset. • ART-2a was employed on the SPAMS dataset to qualitatively identify the PM sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to examine grouped and right-censored (GRC) counts of adolescent marijuana use and estimate its temporal trajectories and sociodemographic disparities over almost half a century. After compiling 46 waves of nationally representative data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study from 1976 to 2021 (sample size = 491,348), we utilized an innovative modified Poisson (mixture) approach to analyze past-year marijuana use quantified by GRC counts. The overall reduction in incidence rates of marijuana use was attributable to an almost 40% reduction in the risk of marijuana use (with the proportion of at-risk adolescents at 51.36% in 1979 and 31.53% in 2021). Despite substantial changes over the study period, the recent incidence rates for at-risk individuals were similar to those in the early 1980s. Living in an intact family was a protective factor against adolescent marijuana use over time. The incidence rates of marijuana use among at-risk students, especially those from disadvantaged families, remained high over the study period. The modified Poisson (mixture) approach serves as the preferred tool for modeling GRC responses. It is essential to distinguish among risk, at-risk incidence, and overall incidence when assessing substance use and other risky behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of processing tomato industry in China is short and the major variety being used in production to date is still Riegel 87-5, a variety released in 1996. To investigate the genetic and fruit trait differences between Chinese elite lines/varieties and American varieties, 51 including 24 recently developed Chinese elite lines, four Chinese varieties, and 23 American varieties were subjected to genotypic analysis using 547 InDel markers. The range of Nei’s genetic distance was wider in Chinese elite lines (0.209–0.383) than in Chinese varieties (0.126–0.214) and American varieties (0.223–0.342). Cluster analysis indicated that the 51 varieties/lines could be classified into three groups without specific relationship between group and country. This was further supported by population structure analysis using the software STRUCTURE2.3.4. Fruit traits were collected from 51 tomato varieties/lines grown in 2013 and 2014. The average soluble solid content was lower, while the average fruit weight was larger, and the average color was relatively poorer in both Chinese elite lines and varieties than in the American varieties. However, some elite lines such as 9508-h and their progenies had relatively good fruit traits, and thus could be superior sources for processing tomato improvement. The experience of developing processing tomato industry in China could be of value to countries with similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tedizolid (TZD) is an oxazolidinone anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) drug. Linezolid (LZD), another oxazolidinone, has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. TZD has been shown to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect in a murine model of hematogenous pulmonary infection. In this study, we further investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of TZDs using a carrageenan-induced rat footpad edema model. TZD was administered at 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg to the carrageenan-induced rat footpad edema model, and the edema rate was measured over time up to 9 h later. The area under the time curve of the edema rate profile (AUC edema0→9) decreased in a TZD dose-dependent manner. In addition, the correlation between AUC edema0→9 and the area under the time curve of free TZD plasma concentration (f AUC blood) obtained from the pharmacokinetic study of TZD in the carrageenan-induced rat footpad edema model was examined. f AUC blood and AUC edema0→9 showed a good negative correlation. These results indicate that TZD suppresses carrageenan-induced footpad edema and that TZD exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in a plasma concentration-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Perovskite bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) layer, which is widely recognized as a multiferroic material, was prepared on a c-axis-oriented strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) layer by magnetron sputtering to form a BiFeO3/SrFe12O19 bilayer. Direct observations of the magnetic and electric domains originating from the magnetism coincident with the ferroelectricity of BiFeO3 in the bilayer were achieved through magnetic force microscopy and electrostatic force microscopy, respectively. Simultaneous existence of magnetic and electric domains was observed in the BiFeO3 phase. A pinning effect of BiFeO3 in relation to SrFe12O19 was suggested from the magnetic hysteresis curves, although BiFeO3 layer exhibits a small magnetization. By applying a magnetic field to the BiFeO3/SrFe12O19 bilayer, the electric domains in the BiFeO3 layer sensitively respond, which implies that ferroelectric polarization in BiFeO3 layer can be magnetically controlled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Oxytocin is associated with social interaction, trust, and affectivity. Affective temperaments are traits based on Kraepelin''s typological definition of the “fundamental states” of manic-depressive illness. These states can be measured by the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A). The objective of this study is to assess the association between oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms and affective temperaments. Methods: Participants consisted of 493 genetically unrelated, non-clinical Japanese subjects (307 males and 186 females). The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to screen and exclude those who had a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Fifteen OXTR tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using TaqMan® or direct sequencing. The Haploview 4.1. software determined the haplotype block structure. Haplotype-based quantitative trait association analysis with Bonferroni correction using PLINK 1.06 software was used to assess the association between haplotypes and the following affective temperaments: depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable, and anxious. Results: Two haplotype blocks were identified on the OXTR. The depressive temperament was significantly associated with the most frequent haplotype GGGTGTC (rs11131149/rs2243370/rs2243369/rs13316193/rs2254298/rs2268493/rs2268491) (corrected P <0.05). Limitations: This study consisted of participants from a corporation and the effect sizes were small. Conclusions: The findings suggest that an OXTR haplotype is associated with a discrete depressive temperament. Clarification of the biological basis of this temperamental trait may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of depressive disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Much of the skeleton of sharks, skate and rays (Elasmobranchii) is characterized by a tessellated structure, composed of a shell of small, mineralized plates (tesserae) joined by intertesseral ligaments overlaying a soft cartilage core. Although tessellated cartilage is a defining feature of this group of fishes and has been maintained for millions of years, the significance of this skeletal tissue type — particularly from a mechanical perspective — is unknown. A cross-sectional model, based on empirical material property and morphological data, was developed in the present work to analyze the function of intertesseral joints in regulating the stress distribution within the skeletal tissue during bending. The results indicate that this structure distributes more stress to the tesserae loaded in compression when compared to those loaded in tension. A functional bias towards compression has also been observed for bone, but with the formation of microcracks in the region under greatest tension. The present model demonstrates how functional compression bias can also be achieved in tessellated cartilage structures but in the absence of microcracking. This behavior provides possible advantages including increasing the resistance to fatigue damage as well as mitigating the risk of tearing under excessive bending loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sm–Co and Nd–Fe-B thin films have been prepared by sputtering. Particular efforts are concentrated on the perpendicular texture growth of the films. The Sm–Co and Nd–Fe–B thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be prepared on Cu and W underlayer, respectively. Those underlayers play an important role to prevent oxidation and improve crystal lattice orientation. Perpendicular coercivity and remanent squareness ratio are higher than 10kOe and almost 1.0, respectively, in both films prepared under optimum conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A novel multi-stage fusion framework is proposed, achieving fusion through progressive learning of mappings. • Novel encoder-decoder architectures denoted as FSFR and SLNet are proposed to enhance the network's learning performance. • A multi-information supervision guidance mechanism has been designed to enable adjustments to fusion effects. • Detailed experiments verified the framework's robustness and excellent performance. The fusion of infrared and visible images aims to synthesize an image that combines the advantageous characteristics of both image sources. Nevertheless, existing image fusion algorithms often struggle to extract relevant feature information from the source images and find it challenging to balance the significance of different modality information within the source images. This leads to suboptimal fusion results and inadequately serve advanced downstream visual tasks. In order to confront this challenge, a novel image fusion algorithm, denoted as Multiple Information Supervised Progressive Fusion Network (MISP-Fuse), has been proposed. Specifically, MISP-Fuse employs an innovative and robust multi-stage encoder-decoder network called Full Scale Feature Residual network (FSFR) to extract spatial context and detailed feature information corresponding to infrared and visible images. Within this encoder-decoder network, source image feature information is progressively extracted at different stages, which are recombined at multiple scales and distilled for crucial information. Finally, the fusion image is generated through a spatial localization module named as Spatial Localization Network (SLNet). MISP-Fuse incorporates a multi-information supervision mechanism to establish a linkage between different modality information in the infrared and visible source images. It ensures that the resulting fused image not only aligns with human visual perception but also effectively serves advanced downstream visual tasks. The comparative experiments utilizing diverse image fusion benchmark datasets has been conducted. In comparison to other algorithms, MISP-Fuse demonstrated significant enhancements in comprehensive image fusion metrics, including Average Gradient (AG), Sum of Correlated Differences (SCD), and Correlation Coefficient (CC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pt, Pd, and Pt–Pd alloy underlayers were used to deposit c-axis oriented barium ferrite (BaM) thin films by a facing target sputtering system. All of the BaM thin films grown on these three underlayers show c-axis orientation normal to the film plane. But the grain size of BaM layer is strongly manipulated by the underlayer grain size. It is found that Pt–Pd alloy underlayer is effective to achieve c-axis oriented barium ferrite films with small grain size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A model based on pretreatment combined with convolution neural network was proposed. • Compared with others, the prediction accuracy of SG-PaBATunNet model increased by 38.4%, 39.6%, 60.1%, 58.0% on wheat protein. • The quantitative non-destructive analysis model of protein in wheat shows good prediction accuracy, generalization performance and stability. With the increasing demand for wheat, the detection of wheat quality has become imperative. Protein content is an important indicator for wheat quality. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) quantitative non-destructive testing technology has gained widespread application in agricultural field with the development of science and chemometrics technology. In this study, NIRS system was employed to measure the spectra of wheat, and the original spectra were pretreated using Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG) pretreatment method. Subsequently, the NIRS prediction model of protein in wheat that using SG combined with parallel convolutional neural network (PaBATunNet) was established. PaBATunNet was composed of a one-dimensional convolutional layer, a parallel convolution module (Module), a flattening layer, four fully connected layers and a parameter regulator (PR). Module was made up of five submodules and a Concatenate function. The multidimensional features of the spectra were extracted by five submodules and spliced by Concatenate function. SG pretreatment combined with PaBATunNet (SG-PaBATunNet) was compared with commonly modeling methods, such as SG-partial least squares (SG-PLS), SG-principal component regression (SG-PCR), SG-support vector machine (SG-SVM) and SG-back propagation neural network (SG-BP). The results demonstrated that the modeling accuracy and prediction accuracy of SG-PaBATunNet were improved by 26.7%, 23.9%, 45.6%, 44.2%, and 38.4%, 39.6%, 60.1%, 58.0%, when compared with SG-PLS, SG-PCR, SG-SVM and SG-BP. The problems of low prediction accuracy and poor generalization ability with commonly modeling methods were effectively addressed by SG-PaBATunNet. This study provides an essential theoretical foundation for developing a fast, nondestructive and high-precision NIRS quantitative analysis model of protein in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel quantitative non-destructive analysis model base on convolutional neural network including parallel network module (PaBATunNet) is originally proposed. • Compared with different modeling methods, the prediction accuracy of D1-PaBATunNet model increases by 34.17% to 90.29%, 61.78% to 65.04%, 44.75% to 50.50% on beer, milk, and grain, respectively. • The quantitative non-destructive analysis model shows good prediction accuracy, generalization performance and stability. With the advancement of near infrared spectroscopy and deep learning technology, nondestructive quantitative testing plays a crucial role in various fields such as agriculture, petrochemicals, medicine, food, and forage. Currently, a high precision prediction model combined with spectral pretreatment is gaining popularity. In this paper, a quantitative analysis model of convolutional neural network including parallel network module (PaBATunNet) was proposed. PaBATunNet was composed of a one-dimensional convolutional layer, a parallel convolution module, a flattening layer, four fully connected layers and a parameter regulator (PR). The parallel convolution module was made up of five submodules and a Concatenate function. The linear and nonlinear multidimensional features of the spectra were extracted by five submodules and spliced by Concatenate function. The prediction accuracy of PaBATunNet was improved by optimizing the model parameters through the PR. Moreover, eight spectral pretreatment methods combined with PaBATunNet were tested on public datasets of beer, milk, and grain. The results indicated that the prediction accuracy of PaBATunNet with different spectral pretreatment increased by 4.83% to 28.40% on beer, 7.09% to 27.99% on milk and 4.96% to 25.31% on grain, compared to the PaBATunNet with original spectral. Among all models, the first derivative (D1) PaBATunNet (D1-PaBATunNet) performed the best. Compared with D1 partial least squares (D1-PLS), the prediction accuracy of D1-PaBATunNet increased by 34.89%, 65.04%, and 48.26% on beer, milk, and grain, respectively. Compared with D1 principal component regression (D1-PCR), the prediction accuracy increased by 34.17%, 63.98%, and 48.08% on beer, milk, and grain, respectively. Compared with D1 support vector machine (D1-SVM), the prediction accuracy increased by 39.29%, 61.78%, and 50.50% on beer, milk, and grain, respectively. Compared with D1 back propagation neural network (D1-BP), the prediction accuracy increased by 90.29%, 63.72%, and 44.75% on beer, milk, and grain, respectively. The problems of low prediction accuracy, poor stability, poor generalization ability and high risk of overfitting have been solved by D1-PaBATunNet. This study establishes an essential theoretical foundation for building a fast, nondestructive and high-precision quantitative analysis model of near infrared spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel process to prepare hexagonal ferrite films with dot arrays has been proposed. Two immiscible elements, Al and Si, were first deposited onto a Si (111) substrate at various temperatures. The microstructure of this kind of film depends on the concentration and deposition temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that structures with Al dot arrays, in the size range of 30–50nm, embedded into an amorphous Si matrix can be obtained by precise control of the sputtering conditions. Amorphous Ba–Fe–O films were deposited onto the dot array films at room temperature and then annealed to crystallize in part. Experimental results indicate that amorphous Ba–Fe–O films on Al dots can be crystallized by flash annealing the samples at 700°C for 60s. However, those on the amorphous Si keep the amorphous state. A structure with magnetic dot arrays embedded into a nonmagnetic matrix has been achieved by this process. The magnetic properties of the samples have been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: BaFe12− x (Mn0.5Cu0.5Zr) x /2O19 hexaferrites with x=1, 2 and 3 were prepared by sol–gel process. The ferrite powders possess hexagonal shape and are well separated from one another. The powders of these ferrites were mixed with polyvinylchloride (PVC) plasticizer to be converted into a microwave absorbing composite ferrite with a thickness of 1.8mm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ac susceptometer, vibrating sample magnetometer and vector network analyzer were used to analyze its structure, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties. The results showed that magnetoplumbite structures for all samples were formed. The sample with higher magnetic susceptibility and coercivity exhibits a larger microwave absorbing ability. Also the present investigation demonstrates that a microwave absorber using BaFe12− x (Mn0.5Cu0.5Zr) x /2O19 (x=2 and 3)/PVC with a matching thickness of 1.8mm can be fabricated for applications over 15GHz, with reflection loss more than −25dB for specific frequencies, by controlling the molar ratio of the substituted ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: FePt films were prepared by RF sputtering using Ne, Ar, and Kr as sputtering gas. The effects of sputtering gas on the microstructure and magnetic properties were studied. Both magnetic and crystallographic properties show that Kr gas promotes the formation of L10 phase. The films prepared by using Ar and Ne gas have random orientation, whereas the films prepared by using Kr gas show preferential c-axis perpendicular to the film plane orientation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Patterned magnetic media have been considered as one of the promising candidates for future ultra-high-density magnetic recording. In this paper, a new kind of patterned medium based on hexagonal ferrite have been studied. We have successfully fabricated strontium ferrite dot arrays by electron beam lithography. Their magnetic properties are evaluated by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The results show the dot arrays have perpendicular anisotropy. Dots with the lateral size larger than 500nm show multidomain magnetization configuration in the initial magnetization state. However, with dot size decreased to 500nm, all the dots have single-domain configuration both in the initial magnetization state and remanent magnetization state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new technique, which utilizes the interlayer diffusion, for preparation of self-assembled nanodot magnetic structures has been proposed. L10-phase Pt/FeCu and Pt/FeAg films have been successfully synthesized by this technique. Both the coercivity of Pt/FeCu and Pt/FeAg films exhibited, respectively 4.1 and 8.0kOe in perpendicular direction. Pt/Fe and Pt/FeAg films show positive values, while Pt/FeCu shows negative value in δm plot. The results indicate that the exchange coupling between the grains has been decoupled in the self-assembled nanodot structure in Pt/FeCu film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: TiN thin film is prepared by DC reactive sputtering in Ar+N2 atmosphere and its suitability as underlayer and overlayer for TbFeCo perpendicular recording media as well as its effect on the magnetic properties of the latter have been studied. Only 5nm TiN overlayer and 20nm under layer can successfully protect the TbFeCo film from oxidation. Initially the coercivity is increased sharply from about 2 to 6kOe for an increase of underlayer thickness to 60nm then the increasing rate of coercivity becomes very slow. The saturation magnetization remains almost constant with the underlayer thickness. The remanent squareness ratio remains constant at 1.0 with the underlayer thickness up to 60nm then decreases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thrombocytopenia is a disease in which the number of platelets in the peripheral blood decreases. It can be caused by multiple genetic factors, and numerous challenges are associated with its treatment. In this study, the effects of alnustone on megakaryocytes and platelets were investigated, with the aim of developing a new therapeutic approach for thrombocytopenia. Random forest algorithm was used to establish a drug screening model, and alnustone was identified as a natural active compound that could promote megakaryocyte differentiation. The effect of alnustone on megakaryocyte activity was determined using cell counting kit-8. The effect of alnustone on megakaryocyte differentiation was determined using flow cytometry, Giemsa staining, and phalloidin staining. A mouse model of thrombocytopenia was established by exposing mice to X-rays at 4 Gy and was used to test the bioactivity of alnustone in vivo. The effect of alnustone on platelet production was determined using zebrafish. Network pharmacology was used to predict targets and signaling pathways. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining determined the expression levels of proteins. Alnustone promoted the differentiation and maturation of megakaryocytes in vitro and restored platelet production in thrombocytopenic mice and zebrafish. Network pharmacology and western blotting showed that alnustone promoted the expression of interleukin-17A and enhanced its interaction with its receptor, and thereby regulated downstream MEK/ERK signaling and promoted megakaryocyte differentiation. Alnustone can promote megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production via the interleukin-17A/interleukin-17A receptor/Src/RAC1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and thus provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. The graphical abstract illustrates the virtual screening process of alnustone, the potential mechanism of promoting megakaryocyte differentiation, and the role of alnustone in enhancing platelet production in thrombocytopenic mice and zebrafish. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital data, generated by corporate and individual users, is growing day by day due to a vast range of digital applications. Magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) currently fulfill the demand for storage space, required by this data growth. Although flash memory devices are replacing HDDs in applications like mobile phones, laptops, and desktops, HDDs cover the majority of digital data stored in the cloud and servers. Since the capacity growth of HDDs is slowing down, it is essential to look for a potential alternative. One such alternative is domain wall (DW) memory, where magnetic domains in the form of two-dimensional or three-dimensional wires are used to store the information. DW memory (DWM) devices should satisfy the four basic operations, such as writing (nucleating domains or inserting DWs in memory element), storing (stabilizing DWs), shifting (moving DWs), and reading (reading magnetization direction). An external magnetic field or spin-transfer torque can be used to write the information. Spin–orbit torque or electric field may be used for shifting the DWs. The information can be read using tunneling magnetoresistance. The domains may be stored along the tracks using artificial pinning potentials. The absence of moving parts makes the DWM consume less power as compared to HDDs, and be more robust. The potential to stack many layers to store information in three dimensions makes them potentially a large storage capacity device. In addition to memory, DW devices also offer a route for making synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing. Despite these potential advantages of DWM, significant advances in research are needed before DWM could become commercially viable. One of the major challenges associated with DWM is DW dynamics. Many problems, such as controlled DW motion, the stability of domains, reducing the dimensions of the DW devices are still to be addressed. Artificial pinning sites fabricated through either geometrical or non-geometrical methods have been proposed for controlling DW motion. This review paper presents a survey of the investigations carried out so far and the future perspective of such devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza A virus (IAV) is a ubiquitous and continuously evolving respiratory pathogen. The intranasal vaccination mimicking natural infections is an attractive strategy for controlling IAVs. Multiepitope vaccines accurately targeting multiple conserved domains have the potential to broaden the protective scope of current seasonal influenza vaccines and reduce the risk of generating escape mutants. Here, multiple linear epitopes from the matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e) and the hemagglutinin stem domain (HA2) are fused with the Helicobacter pylori ferritin, a self-assembled nanocarrier and mucosal adjuvant, to develop a multiepitope nanovaccine. Through intranasal delivery, the prokaryotically expressed multiepitope nanovaccine elicits long-lasting mucosal immunity, broad humoral immunity, and robust cellular immunity without any adjuvants, and confers complete protection against H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes of IAV in mice. Importantly, this intranasal multiepitope nanovaccine triggers memory B-cell responses, resulting in secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels persisting for more than five months post-immunization. Therefore, this intranasal ferritin–based multiepitope nanovaccine represents a promising approach to combating respiratory pathogens. [Display omitted] • Developed an intranasal multiepitope influenza nanovaccine using the Helicobacter pylori ferritin nanoplatform. • The Helicobacter pylori ferritin is a safe and effective mucosal adjuvant. • Insertion of up to 170 amino acids does not affect the self-assembly ability of ferritin in Escherichia coli. • Mucosal immunity induced by the multiepitope nanovaccine lasts for 6 months. • The intranasal nanovaccine represents a compelling strategy against respiratory pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Strontium ferrite (SrM) thin films were prepared by dc magnetron sputtering system on thermally oxidized silicon wafer (SiO2/Si), single-crystal sapphire with (00l) orientation and single-crystal MgO with (111) orientation and the effect of Au and Pt underlayers on morphology and magnetic properties was studied. Experimental results revealed that with the application of underlayers, the crystallization temperature of SrM was reduced. Strontium ferrite thin films with uniaxial anisotropy were formed on all substrate specimens. Comparison of the results obtained on all thin films indicated that the maximum saturation magnetization and coercivity in the perpendicular direction were 0.377T and 0.382MAm−1, respectively, for thin films with Au underlayer and SiO2/Si substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Strontium ferrite (SrM) thin films were deposited on thermally oxidized silicon wafer with Au underlayer. Gold underlayers were prepared at various substrate temperatures by using a magnetron sputtering system. C-axis oriented SrM perpendicular films and preferred (111) orientation of underlayer have confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. The intensity of (111) diffraction line for Au and that of (00 l) diffraction line for strontium ferrite decrease with increase in substrate temperature (T u) The maximum coercivity and remanent squareness ratio in perpendicular direction, at T u of 500°C, are 5.4kOe and 0.68, respectively. The strength of the intergranular interaction of SrM magnetic particles is described by the parameter Δm. The SrM/Au films prepared at T u above 100°C have smaller Δm peak values than that for SrM/Au films prepared at T u of room temperature. This behavior is related to low magnetostatic coupling between the magnetic particles separated by the non-magnetic amorphous phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strontium ferrite (SrM) thin films on Au nano-dots were deposited on single-crystal sapphire with (00 l) orientation (Al2O3 (00 l)), single crystal MgO with (111) orientation (MgO (111)) and Corning glass by employing dc magnetron sputtering system. In order to improve the crystalline orientation for Au nano-dots, an attempt to use the single crystal as the substrate has been carried out. The effects of the substrates and underlayer on grain orientation, magnetic properties, and microstructure of SrM thin films were studied. The SrM grows with its c-axis oriented perpendicularly to the film. The maximum of coercivity and remanent squareness ratio in perpendicular direction for single crystal Al2O3 (00 l) substrate is 3.0kOe and 0.51, respectively. It is found that the magnetic interaction between SrM grains deposited on Au nano-dots is less than that for the continuous film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strontium ferrite (SrM) thin films deposited on thermally oxidized silicon wafer (SiO2/Si) and single crystal sapphire with (00 l) orientation (Al2O3(00 l)) substrate using Pt underlayer were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering system. It was found that the intensity of (111) line for Pt and that of (00 l) diffraction line for SrM increases with increasing substrate temperature, Tu . The c-axis dispersion angle, Δθ 50, of SrM(008) depends on that of Pt underlayer. Both dispersion angle of Pt(111) and SrM(008) decrease with increasing temperature. It was observed that the saturation magnetization of SrM/Pt deposited on SiO2/Si is higher than that of Al2O3 substrate. The coercivity and remanent squareness ratio in perpendicular direction are higher than that in in-plane direction. The maximum of coercivity in perpendicular direction of SrM/Pt films deposited on single crystal Al2O3 is about 4.2kOe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strontium ferrite SrFe12O19 (SrM) thick films have been synthesized using a spinning coating sol–gel process. The coating sol was formed from SrFe12O19 powders dispersed in the strontium ferrite raw sol. XRD, TEM, SEM, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and ac susceptometer were employed to evaluate the structure, composition and magnetic properties of SrFe12O19 thick films. The results indicated that a uniform and crack-free coating of Strontium ferrite with ∼15μm thickness can be produced with a good deal of consistency. The magnetization hysteresis loops were almost the same for magnetic fields both applied in parallel and perpendicular. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Leflunomide could be a therapeutic candidate for MG treatment. • The germinal center response in EAMG rats was reduced by leflunomide. • Leflunomide rebuilds the balance of CD4+ Th cells by suppressing Th1 cells and promoting Treg cells. • Leflunomide inhibits Tfh cells through the IL-21/STAT3 pathway. Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA) as well as multiple sclerosis. However, its role in myasthenia gravis (MG) has not yet been clearly explored. Here, we investigated the effect of leflunomide on experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that leflunomide alleviated the severity of EAMG associated with reduced serum total anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) IgG levels. During the development of EAMG, the increase of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) 1, Tfh 17 cells and decrease of follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) were reversely altered after leflunomide administration. Our work further found that leflunomide might inhibit Tfh cells through the IL-21/STAT3 pathway to reduce the secretion of antibodies by B cells. In addition, leflunomide rebuilt the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets. These results suggested that leflunomide ameliorated EAMG severity by regulating humoral immune responses and Th cell profiles thereby providing a novel effective treatment strategy for MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) has a negative impact on animal health. A modified chitosan-gentamicin conjugate (CS-GT) was prepared to investigate its potential protective effects and mechanism of action on heat stress-induced intestinal mucosa injury in IPEC-J2 cells and mouse 3D intestinal organs in a mouse model. CS-GT significantly (P < 0.01) reversed the decline in transmembrane resistance and increased the FITC-dextran permeability of the IPEC-J2 monolayer fusion epithelium caused by heat stress. Heat stress decreased the expression of the tight binding proteins occludin, claudin1, and claudin2. However, pretreatment with CS-GT significantly increased (P < 0.01) the expression of these tight binding proteins. Mechanistically, CS-GT inhibited the activation of the TLR4/STAT6/MYLK signaling pathway induced by heat stress. Molecular docking showed that CS-GT can bind effectively with TLR4. In conclusion, CS-GT alleviates heat stress-induced intestinal mucosal damage both in vitro and in vivo. This effect is mediated, at least partly, by the inhibition of the TLR4/STAT6/MYLK signaling pathway and upregulation of tight junction proteins. These findings suggest that CS-GT may have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of heat stress-related intestinal injury. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a risk factor for cardiac surgery, but there is limited study on the prognosis value and the impact for valve function of MAC based on computed tomography (CT) diagnosis after myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (OHCM). Consecutive OHCM patients underwent septal myectomy were compared according to the existence of MAC and its severity in preoperative CT scans. The survival data were evaluated and compared by Kaplan Meier analysis and log rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of MAC on endpoint events. From the entire cohort of 1035 patients, 10.8% had MAC. In multivariate regression, female (OR = 2.23), age (OR = 1.07), aortic annular calcification (OR = 2.52), aortic calcification (OR = 2.56), systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) (OR = 0.42), mitral valve thickening (OR = 2.13), and tricuspid regurgitation (OR = 3.12) were independent predictors of MAC. All-cause mortality (3.57% vs. 1.08%, p = 0.031), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (23.32% vs. 13.65%, p = 0.014), recurrent MR > 2+ (8.04% vs. 2.49%, p = 0.001) and NYHA III-IV (11.61% vs. 5.53%, p = 0.012) were more frequent in OHCM patients with MAC after myectomy. MAC was discovered to be an independent predictor of postoperative recurrent MR > 2+ after other risk factors were taken into account (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.08–5.67, p = 0.0329). Moderate-to-severe MAC was an independent risk factor (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.09–3.75, p = 0.0244) for long-term major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). MAC was detected in one-tenth of OHCM patients in preoperative CT scanning and is mainly associated with aging and atherosclerosis. OHCM patients with MAC had a worse prognosis and more recurrent mitral valve regurgitation than those without MAC after septal myectomy. • The incidence of mitral annulus calcification in patients who had septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was 10.8% in this large-scale CT diagnostic research. • There were the following baseline predictors of mitral annulus calcification: female, older age, aortic annular calcification, aortic calcification, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, mitral valve thickening, and preoperative tricuspid regurgitation. • In long-term follow-up, patients with mitral annulus calcification have a worse prognosis. Moderate-to-severe MAC was the risk factor for MACCE, and MAC was the risk factor of recurrent mitral regurgitation. • To reduce the risk posed by operating on calcified annulus, we used multiple surgical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because exclusive use of echinocandins can induce the drug-resistant strains, appropriate use of azoles and polyenes is still necessary in the treatment of candidemia. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials regarding the efficacy and safety of azole and polyene antifungals in the treatment of candidemia. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were used as reference databases, and papers published up to June 10, 2019 were searched. The search results were carefully scrutinized, duplicate references were removed, and the study was ultimately carried out using three reports. Among azole antifungals, fluconazole and voriconazole were extracted, however; only conventional amphotericin B (AMPH-B) was extracted among polyene antifungals. Treatment successes with the use of azoles and AMPH-B were compared, and findings showed that AMPH-B was significantly superior (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–1.00, p = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in mortality (RR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.72–1.07, p = 0.19). Analysis of adverse events showed that renal disorders were significantly less common with azoles than with AMPH-B (RR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10–0.68, p = 0.006). In conclusion, AMPH-B were superior to azoles in terms of efficacy, but had a risk of causing renal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinocandins are frequent use antifungals in the treatment of invasive candidiasis, and it is important to update information on their efficacy and safety for optimal antifungal drug treatment. The aim of this study is to clarify whether echinocandins are superior to non-echinocandins for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. We conducted a meta-analysis of RCTs of echinocandins and non-echinocandins for adult invasive candidiasis. The MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases before June 2019 were used. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method random-effects model. We identified 14,846 articles and screened, and five studies were included meta-analysis. The treatment success ratio for echinocandins was significantly higher than that for non-echinocandins (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.22, p = 0.0003). In regard to adverse events, there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups. A subgroup analysis showed that the treatment success ratio for echinocandins was significantly higher than that for azoles (RR = 1.20, 1.08–1.34, p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed between echinocandins and polyenes. In safety analysis, the incidence ratio of electrolyte disorder (RR = 0.50, 0.33–0.76, p = 0.001), renal disorder (RR = 0.19, 0.09–0.40, p < 0.0001), and fever (RR = 0.46, 0.23–0.93, p = 0.03) were significantly lower in patients receiving echinocandins than in those receiving polyenes. This meta-analysis based on RCTs was first to show that use of echinocandins was associated with improved clinical success. Echinocandins may be useful as a first-line drug for invasive candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Spintronic devices based on domain wall (DW) devices have attracted great interest. • Domain wall racetrack memory has the potential for high-density storage. • Precise control of domain wall motion is a challenge. • We have studied the use of nanoscale compositional variation to pin the domain walls. • To achieve nanoscale compositional mixing, Cr crossbars were used. • Moreoever, we have carried out a novel minor loop investigation of magnetoresistance. • Minor loop study has provided a better understanding of the underlying physics. Abstract Magnetic domain wall memory technology, wherein the information is stored in magnetic domains of multiple magnetic nanowires, is a potential concept proposed to store the large amount of digital data in the near future, which is generated due to the widespread use of social media and computing devices. However, one of the technological challenges which remains to be solved in domain wall memory is the controllable pinning of the domain walls at the nanometer scale. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to stabilize domain walls with nanoscale modification of magnetic properties by using thermal diffusion of elements from crossbar configuration. We have inspected and evaluated the magnetic properties of the nanowires using Kerr microscopy. The pinning field induced by Cr diffusion of our Ni 80 Fe 20 nanowire was estimated to be about 8 kA/m as determined from minor loop (magnetoresistance vs. magnetic field) measurements. The proposed concept can potentially be used in future domain wall memory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Prepared Nd-Fe-B films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at lower temperature. • Improved magnetic anisotropy and c-axis orientation by Tb additions. • Demonstrated correlations between as-deposited amorphous crystallized films. • Revealed the origination of crystallographic properties of annealed Nd-Fe-B films. Abstract Nd-Fe-B films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are important for various applications. Most common process to prepare Nd-Fe-B thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is the heteroepitaxy process. Here, Nd-Fe-B thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy were prepared by a two-step process. Amorphous and magnetically soft thin films were first deposited. Crystallized, magnetic hard thin films were obtained by rapid thermal annealing of the as-deposited films. A clear correlation between perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of annealed state and the domain configuration in the as-deposited state was noticed. Films prepared without substrate heating, with additions of Tb show perpendicular coercivity which is larger than 24 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PTPN11 oncogene encodes the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, which, through its role in multiple signaling pathways, promotes the progression of hematological malignancies and other cancers. Here, we employ high-throughput screening to discover a lead chemical scaffold, the benzothiazolopyrimidones, that allosterically inhibits this oncogenic phosphatase by simultaneously engaging the C-SH2 and PTP domains. We improved our lead to generate an analogue that better suppresses SHP2 activity in vitro. Suppression of Erk phopsphorylation by the lead compound is also consistent with SHP2 inhibition in AML cells. Our findings provide an alternative starting point for therapeutic intervention and will catalyze investigations into the relationship between SHP2 conformational regulation, activity, and disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the good stability and high mobility, magnetic skyrmions are considered for information carriers in future racetrack memory and spintronic devices. Here, we study the effect of the barrier at the edges on the dynamics of skyrmions in the Co/Pt bilayer racetrack, where the barrier is induced by a higher perpendicular magnetic anisotropy due to the hard magnetic material attached to the racetrack edges. In particular, we study the dynamics of skyrmions in the racetrack with a rectangular notch on one side of the boundary barrier. We systematically investigate the effect of the boundary barrier on the longitudinal velocity of the skyrmion. Compared with the model with no boundary force, it is found that when the repulsive effect of the boundary barrier just overcomes the Magnus force, the longitudinal velocity of the skyrmion can be increased significantly. We also find that a rectangular notch at the edge can be used to enrich the dynamics of the skyrmion. Based on the dynamic behaviors of skyrmions, we realize the skyrmion-based logic AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR gates and the diode in the same racetrack. In particular, the logic NOT, NAND and NOR gates are implemented in a reconfigurable way. Our results may be helpful for understanding the dynamics of skyrmions and may contribute to the design of non-volatile spintronic devices with integrated multiple functions and ultra-low energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• JAK2 inhibitors could be a therapeutic candidate for MG treatment. • JAK2 inhibitors rebuilds the balance of CD4+ Th cells by suppressing Th17 cells and promoting Treg cells. • JAK2 inhibitors balances Th17/Treg cells via regulating the JAK2/STAT3-AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. An imbalance in Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cells is the major pathogenic mechanism underlying myasthenia gravis (MG). JAK2 inhibitors selectively inhibit JAK2 and reduce inflammatory responses. However, there have been no studies examining the therapeutic effects of JAK2 inhibitors in the context of MG. Here, an experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) rat model was established to explore the therapeutic effect of JAK2 inhibitors on EAMG rats immunized with the AChR α-subunit (97–116 peptide). A JAK2 inhibitor was administered to EAMG rats both in vivo and in vitro. The following experimental methods were used to evaluate the effects of JAK2 inhibitors. The behavioral scores and body weights of the rats were assessed on alternate days. Serum anti-AChR (97–116) IgG and cytokine levels were detected using ELISA. CD4+ T cell subsets and related transcription factors in mononuclear cells were detected using flow cytometry and qPCR, respectively. The expression levels of protein molecules in the signaling pathway were detected by western blotting, and the neuromuscular junctions were observed using immunofluorescence. The results revealed that JAK2 inhibitors could regulate Th17/Treg balance in vivo and in vitro. JAK2 inhibitors reduced the immune response in EAMG rats (including reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and postsynaptic membrane complement deposition), improved clinical symptoms, and increased AChR aggregation in the postsynaptic membrane. Meanwhile, this study demonstrated that JAK2 inhibitor treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 and AKT/mTOR pathways and decreased the expression level of the IL-23 receptor. This study reveals that there is crosstalk between the JAK2/STAT3 and AKT/mTOR pathways in EAMG rats. JAK2 inhibitors can ameliorate EAMG by regulating Th17/Treg balance by inhibiting both signaling pathways. Our study provides new potential therapeutic targets for MG immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current scenario, crop productivity is being challenged by decreasing soil fertility. To cope up with this problem, different beneficial microbes are explored to increase the crop productivity with value additions. In this study, Brassica napus L., an important agricultural economic oilseed crop with rich source of nutritive qualities, was interacted with Piriformospora indica , a unique root colonizing fungus with wide host range and multifunctional aspects. The fungus-treated plants showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters with plant biomass, lodging-resistance, early bolting and flowering, oil yield and quality. Nutritional analysis revealed that plants treated by P. indica had reduced erucic acid and glucosinolates contents, and increased the accumulation of N, Ca, Mg, P, K, S, B, Fe and Zn elements. Low erucic acid and glucosinolates contents are important parameters for high quality oil, because oils high in erucic acid and glucosinolates are considered undesirable for human nutrition. Furthermore, the expression profiles of two encoding enzyme genes, Bn-FAE1 and BnECR , which are responsible for regulating erucic acid biosynthesis, were down-regulated at mid- and late- life stages during seeds development in colonized plants. These results demonstrated that P. indica played an important role in enhancing plant growth, rapeseed yield and quality improvement of B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism underlying the intestinal transport of COS is not well understood. Here, transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed to identify potential critical molecules involved in COS transport. Enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes in the duodenum of the COS-treated mice were mainly enriched in transmembrane and immune function. In particular, B2 m, Itgb2, and Slc9a1 were upregulated. The Slc9a1 inhibitor decreased the transport efficiency of COS both in MODE-K cells (in vitro) and in mice (in vivo). The transport of FITC-COS in Slc9a1-overexpressing MODE-K cells was significantly higher than that in empty vector-transfected cells (P < 0.01). Molecular docking analysis revealed the possibility of stable binding between COS and Slc9a1 through hydrogen bonding. This finding indicates that Slc9a1 plays a crucial role in COS transport in mice. This provides valuable insights for improving the absorption efficiency of COS as a drug adjuvant. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystal diamond (SCD) is a prominent semiconductor material due to its superior mechanical and physical properties. From the viewpoint of practical application, a low vacuum or atmospheric environment are preferred. Here we systematically investigated the effect of ambient gas pressure on the quality-factor (Q-factor) of SCD micro cantilevers, and analyzed the disparate energy dissipation mechanisms. The Q-factor around 7500 was found to be almost stable for ambient pressure <10 Pa, then decreased sharply by about three orders of magnitude with the pressure increasing up to 105 Pa gradually. The ambient pressure ranging from 10−3 to 105 Pa can be defined as intrinsic, molecular, and viscous regimes by Knudsen number. We found that the Q-factors of the SCD cantilevers can be well described by the analytical models corresponding to the three regimes. The air pressure induced damping was investigated for single-crystal diamond micro cantilevers from high vacuum to atmosphere pressure by measuring the quality factors of the resonators. Three different energy loss mechanisms were identified corresponding to the intrinsic, molecular, and viscous regimes. [Display omitted] • Single-crystal diamond micro cantilevers are fabricated by smart-cut method. • The gas damping is investigated as a functional of pressure from 10-3 Pa to 105Pa for different diamond cantilevers. • The Q-factors of the cantilevers under variational pressures satisfied well with the analytical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS)-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis may play a pivotal role in intestinal barrier dysfunction in animals. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which HS induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells is still poorly understood. Herein, a eukaryotic expression vector for an HSP70 gene was constructed and transfected into intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Afterward, functional proteomics approaches followed by liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to identify interacting proteins. Analysis of HSP70 transfected IPEC-J2 cells revealed 246 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and functional annotation indicated that most DEPs were primarily related to ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and apoptosis. Furtherly, the apoptosis rate and expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins in HSP70 transfected IPEC-J2 cells were detected, we found that the expression of caspase-3, PARP, and Bax were increased, but Bcl-2 were decreased in transfected cells. Lastly, an in vitro and in vivo heat stress model were established to explore the role of HSP70 in intestinal epithelia cell apoptosis. The results of in vitrol study showed that HS-induced cellular apoptosis and increases of caspase-3, PARP, and Bax, but decreased of Bcl-2 in IPEC-J2 cells. In vivo study, the cell apoptosis were induced significantly in the duodenum, cecum, and colon of heat stressed pigs, and upregulation of HSP70 was also detected in colon tissues. Therefore, it has been shown that HSP70 plays a crucial role in heat stress-induced apoptosis and may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of epithelial cell apoptosis induced by heat stress in pigs. • The overexpression of HSP70 activated the signaling pathways of cell adhesion, molecule response, and cell apoptosis. • The expression of pro-apoptotic proteins increased and the anti-apoptotic proteins decreased in HSP70-overexpressed cells. • Heat stress induced intestinal epithelia cell apoptosis was related to increase of HSP70 in pigs. • This study provide a new insights into the molecular mechanisms of epithelial cell apoptosis induced by heat stress in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The immune regulation of chitosan oligosaccharide has been explored through TMT-based proteomic analysis of intestinal mucosa. • The expression of related molecular genes was verified by ELISA, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. • COS was primarily distributed in the stomach, duodenum, and kidney in early stage after exposure. • Oral administration of COS can significantly enhance mucosal immunity by activating the sIgA secretion pathway in mice. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) plays a vital role in improving the host system and mucosal immune function. So far, the impact of COS on mucosal immune response in the early stage of oral administration is not well understood. Herein, the distribution of COS after oral gavage and the protein expression changes related to innate immune by tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis were investigated. The results revealed that COS was mainly distributed in the stomach, duodenum, and kidney and increased the number of monocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. A total of 21,677 proteins and 7,483 protein groups were identified. Among them, 338 significant differentially expressed proteins were screened, including 205 upregulated and 133 downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the intestinal immune network for the IgA production pathway was activated, pIgR, MHCI, MHCII, Itgb2, Itgb7, and B2m were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of the above molecular genes was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. We found that the expressions of IgA, MHCII, TGF-β1, IL-6, and pIgR were significantly increased (P < 0.05) 1 h after exposure to COS. The protein and mRNA expression of pIgR and MHCI were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 0.5 h, while the AID protein level was significantly increased (P < 0.05) 1.5 h after COS exposure. The expression of MHCII and H2-Q10 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by 1 h and 2 h post-exposure to COS. In conclusion, oral administration of COS can significantly enhance intestinal mucosal immunity in mice by activating the SIgA secretion pathway. These results suggest that COS can be used as an oral vaccine or drug adjuvant for small intestinal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanoporous composite oxides Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6–Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SFM–SDC) have been prepared by a facile one-step method as cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The SFM–SDC composite materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS results exhibit that SFM–SDC40 (wt% 60:40) cathode has encouraging electrochemical performance with low polarization resistance (R p) on YSZ (Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2) electrolyte. Subsequently, bi-layer cathodes SDC/SFM–SDC are fabricated, and excellent electrochemical performance of such composite cathodes are observed. We demonstrate that the SDC interlayer significantly decreases the R p of cathode and accelerates the charge transfer process. As a result, the R p of the SDC/SFM–SDC40 bi-layer cathodes is almost 50% less than that of SFM–SDC40 cathode on YSZ electrolyte at 800 °C, and R p is only 0.11 Ω cm2. Compared with single cells without an interlayer, the anode-supported single cells with SDC interlayer exhibit enhancement in overall power performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Co2+ substituted lithium ferrite. [•] Structure changes from order to disorder. [•] Coercivity increased with Co2+ substitution. [•] Blocking temperature increased whereas Curie temperature decreased with Co2+ substitution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Panic disorder (PD) is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder with genetic components underlying in its etiology. The Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) gene has been reported to be associated with several psychiatric disorders. Several studies indicated that PDE4B may be involved in the regulation of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we investigate the association of PDE4B with PD in the Japanese population. Methods: We genotyped 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PDE4B in 231 PD cases (85 males and 146 females) and 407 controls (162 males and 245 females). Differences in the genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies between the two groups were compared. Results: We found a significant association between PDE4B and PD in the haplotype analysis (haplotype C-T-T-A, permutation P =0.031, OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.30–2.51). Sex-specific analyses demonstrated that PDE4B was associated with PD in females in the allele/genotype and haplotype analyses (rs10454453, allele P =0.042, genotype P =0.0034; haplotype C-T-T-A, permutation P =0.028). Conclusion: Our results suggest that PDE4B may play a role in the pathophysiology of PD in the Japanese population. Replication studies using larger samples will be needed for more reliable conclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin affects social cognition and behavior mediated by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in amygdala in humans as well as in experimental animals. Genetic studies have revealed a link between the OXTR gene and the susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), especially in the social dysfunctional feature of ASD. Methods: We examined the relationship between amygdala volume measured with manual tracing methodology and seven single nucleotide polymorphisms and one haplotype-block in OXTR, which were previously reported to be associated with ASD, in 208 socially intact Japanese adults with no neuropsychiatric history or current diagnosis. Results: The rs2254298A allele of OXTR was significantly associated with larger bilateral amygdala volume. The rs2254298A allele effect on amygdala volume varied in proportion to the dose of this allele. The larger the number of rs2254298A alleles an individual had, the larger their amygdala volume. Such an association was not observed with hippocampal volume or with global brain volumes, including whole gray, white matter, and cerebrospinal-fluid space. Furthermore, two three–single nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes, including rs2254298G allele, showed significant associations with the smaller bilateral amygdala volume. Conclusions: The present results suggest that OXTR might be associated with the susceptibility to ASD, especially in its aspects of social interaction and communication mediated by a modulation of amygdala development, one of the most distributed brain regions with high density of OXTR. Furthermore, amygdala volume measured with magnetic resonance imaging could be a useful intermediate phenotype to uncover the complex link between OXTR and social dysfunction in ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study Cu x Mg0.5−x Zn0.5Fe2O4 (x=0–0.5) nanoparticles and thin films were prepared by sol–gel processing. The morphologies of nanoparticles were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) was employed to determine the site preference of the constitutive elements. Magnetic dynamics of the nanoparticles was studied by the measurement of AC magnetic susceptibility versus temperature at different frequencies. The phenomenological Néel–Brown and Vogel–Fulcher models were employed to distinguish between interacting or non-interacting system. Results exhibited that there is strong interaction between fine particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the thin films indicate the formation of single-phase cubic spinel structure. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was employed to evaluate the surface morphologies of the prepared thin films. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was employed to probe magnetic properties of samples. It was found that with an increase in the amount of copper, the saturation of magnetization and initial permeability increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]