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Abstract Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) is the building block of Deep Belief Nets and other deep learning tools. Fast learning and prediction are both essential for practical usage of RBM-based machine learning techniques. This paper proposes Lean Contrastive Divergence (LCD) , a modified Contrastive Divergence (CD) algorithm, to accelerate RBM learning and prediction without changing the results. LCD avoids most of the required computations with two optimization techniques. The first is called bounds-based filtering , which, through triangle inequality, replaces expensive calculations of many vector dot products with fast bounds calculations. The second is delta product , which effectively detects and avoids many repeated calculations in the core operation of RBM, Gibbs Sampling. The optimizations are applicable to both the standard contrastive divergence learning algorithm and its variations. In addition, this paper presents how to implement these optimizations effectively on massively parallel processors. Results show that the optimizations can produce several-fold (up to 3X for training and 5.3X for prediction) speedups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The water distribution models at different times and locations during the hydration process were established based on the MRI bitmap data. • In the process of hydration some of the water is consumed by the hydration reaction and some of the water oozes out. • The water in the large pores flows to the small pores under the action of hydrostatic pressure. The influence of aggregate size (AS) on the hydration of cement mortar is very important for improving the quality and stability of cement mortar. This study aims to study the effect of AS on water distribution and pore structure characteristics on the early-age hydration of cement mortar by low-field NMR technology. The hydration degree and fractal dimension of the hydration process were calculated by the T 2 spectrum. The water distribution models at different times and locations during the hydration process were established based on the MRI bitmap data. The variation law of water volume at different locations was studied. The results indicate that: In the process of hydration, some of the water is consumed by the hydration reaction, and some of the water oozes out. The water in the large pores flows to the small pores under the action of hydrostatic pressure. AS affected the uniformity of the cement mortar at the initial state, and the gradation of the sand could improve the uniformity. The smaller AS was, the more complex the pore water distribution and changed during hydration. The bleeding mass was directly proportional to the porosity and inversely proportional to the specific surface area of particles. The effect of porosity on bleeding mass was more significant than AS. Pore fractal dimension was negatively correlated with aggregate diameter. In the initial stage, when the aggregate composition became complex, the change of fractal dimension with time also became complex. The fractal dimension increased gradually with the increase of hydration time. The gel pores (G) did not have fractal characteristics from beginning to end, capillary pores (C) and transition pores (T) had fractal characteristics after a particular time of hydration reaction. Although the air-voids (A) had fractal characteristics from beginning to end, they were not continuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-component luminescence materials (Lu 0.09 Gd 0.91) 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ with response wavelengths of 980 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm were synthesized by the coprecipitation-high temperature solid-state reaction method. The optimum formula was obtained by the orthogonal experiment method. The effects of Lu3+ on crystal structure, fluorescence intensity, and temperature stability were systematically studied. The phase composition of the phosphors was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. With the increase of Lu3+ concentration, the fluorescence intensity first decreases, then increases slowly to a maximum, and finally decreases sharply. The sample exhibits characteristic emissions of red and green under three wavelengths of excitation. In addition, the up-conversion luminescence mechanisms excited at different wavelengths were discussed by means of the Intensity-Power test. Through a series of temperature spectra, it is found that the introduction of Lu3+ contributes to excellent temperature stability. Subsequently, the decay curve shows that the fluorescence lifetime of 554 nm increases first and then decreases with the increase of Lu3+ concentration, resulting from competition between γ and knr. This provides a useful idea for developing infrared detection materials with excellent temperature stability and luminescence properties. [Display omitted] • Gd 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphorse were prepared by the coprecipitation-high temperature solid-state reaction method. The composition of cations was optimized by the orthogonal experiments. • With the increase of Lu3+ concentration, the fluorescence intensity of the (Lu x Gd 1−x) 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphors first decreases, then increases slowly to a maximum, and finally decreases sharply. • With the increase of temperature, the total intensity of the (Lu 0.09 Gd 0.91) 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphors are higher than that of Gd 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphors. From 300 K to 400 K, the total intensity of the Gd 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphors changes irregularly. • With the increase of Lu3+ concentration, The lifetime of the (Lu x Gd 1−x) 2 O 2 S: Er3+, Yb3+ phosphors increases first and then decreases, which is similar to the observed trend of luminescence intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How protein signaling networks respond to different input strengths is an important but poorly understood problem in cell biology. For example, RhoA can promote focal adhesion (FA) growth or disassembly, but how RhoA activity mediates these opposite outcomes is not clear. Here, we develop a photoswitchable RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), psRhoGEF, to precisely control endogenous RhoA activity. Using this optical tool, we discover that peak FA disassembly selectively occurs upon activation of RhoA to submaximal levels. We also find that Src activation at FAs selectively occurs upon submaximal RhoA activation, identifying Src as an amplitude-dependent RhoA effector. Finally, a pharmacological Src inhibitor reverses the direction of the FA response to RhoA activation from disassembly to growth, demonstrating that Src functions to suppress FA growth upon RhoA activation. Thus, rheostatic control of RhoA activation by psRhoGEF reveals that cells can use signal amplitude to produce multiple responses to a single biochemical signal. [Display omitted] • A photoswitchable RhoA GEF enables rheostatic control of endogenous RhoA activity • Submaximal levels of RhoA activity preferentially induce focal adhesion disassembly • Src functions as an amplitude-dependent RhoA effector for focal adhesion disassembly • Amplitude modulation of a single signal can produce distinct cell shape outcomes Ju et al. develop photoswitchable RhoA GEF that enables rheostatic control of endogenous RhoA activity. Fine modulation of RhoA signal amplitude reveals that submaximal levels of RhoA activity preferentially induce focal adhesion disassembly through selective activation of Src kinase, suggesting that amplitude of a single signal can produce distinct cell outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the long-term dynamic healing process of outer retinal changes for 1 year in patients who underwent a standard vitrectomy procedure for idiopathic macular hole (MH) repair. Design: Retrospective, consecutive, observational case series. Methods: Data were collected on 60 eyes of 56 patients (30 women, 26 men) that underwent successful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic MH from January 2011 to December 2012. The age distribution ranged from 56 to 85 years (mean: 64 years). Forty eyes underwent combined phacoemulsification, PPV, ILM peeling, and intraocular lens implantation; 20 preoperative pseudophakic eyes underwent PPV and ILM peeling only. The main outcome measures included logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular microstructures determined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography performed pre- and postoperatively during follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: One month after surgery, 24 eyes (40%) showed normal external limiting membrane (ELM), 36 eyes (60%) showed normal ELM at 3 months, and 54 eyes (90%) showed normal ELM 12 months after surgery. Six eyes (10%) revealed a continuous ellipsoid zone (EZ) at 1 month, 18 eyes (30%) at 3 months, and 48 eyes (80%) at 12 months postoperatively. There were no eyes with a disrupted ELM in the presence of an intact EZ line. The eyes with intact ELM and/or intact EZ line showed better BCVA than eyes with defects in ELM or EZ line. On the contrary, glial cell presentation is significantly associated with worse postoperative BCVA. However, the presence of foveal cystoid change is not significantly associated with postoperative BCVA. Conclusions: The ELM and EZ line at the fovea recovered and the presence of glial cells and cystoid space resolved gradually after surgery. The postoperative visual acuity was correlated with resolved glial cells and a restored ELM and EZ line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The PDMS/MMT-CTAB-HEP films were prepared by solution intercalation technique. [•] The mechanical properties of PDMS/2wt% MMT-CTAB-HEP films were increased. [•] The PDMS/2wt% MMT-CTAB-HEP film showed excellent hemocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to prepare chlorhexidine acetate (CA)/montmorillonite intercalation composites and its antibacterial potential was evaluated with pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The CA/MMT was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CA was successfully intercalated into the interlayer of MMT and in vitro release properties of the intercalated CA have been investigated in phosphate buffered saline media (pH 7.4) at 37±0.5°C. At drug release study, CA showed initial burst effect for 24h and then continuously released for 72h. Their antibacterial activity was assayed by the inhibitory zone method. The CA/MMT was tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The CA/MMT strongly inhibited the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the most fatal subtype of stroke, has no disease-modifying treatment. Da-cheng-qi decoction (DCQ), composed of rhubarb, is one of the most commonly used Chinese traditional decoctions in ICH treatment. But the mechanism is not clear. Emodin is an active compound found in rhubarb.Purpose: To study the protective effects of DCQ on ICH and its possible mechanisms of action.Methods: The ICH model was reproduced by injecting collagenase-VII into the left caudate putamen (CPu) of rats. DCQ and emodin were used to treat the ICH rats for 7 days. Behavior tests, proteomic analysis, morphological studies, and western blotting were performed.Results: The neurological deficits in the ICH rats recovered with DCQ and emodin on the 14th day after ICH. The proteomics data revealed that DCQ significantly corrected the pathological signals in the CPu and hippocampus after ICH. The numbers of amoebic microglia in the CPu and M2 microglia in both CPu and hippocampus were significantly increased after DCQ and emodin treatment. The increase in GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor (NR2B) and postsynaptic density protein-95, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signals in the CPu, and secondary neurodegeneration (SND) in the hippocampus were significantly recovered in DCQ-treated rats. Inhibition of MAPK p38 (p38) in the hippocampus was observed after DCQ and emodin treatment.Conclusion: The protective effects of DCQ on ICH were confirmed in this study, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of MAPK and activation of M2 microglia. These results are beneficial to the development of ICH therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crotonase superfamily members exhibit great catalytic diversity towards various acyl-CoA substrates. A common CoA moiety binding pattern is usually observed in this family, understanding the substrate-binding mechanism would facilitate the rational engineering of crotonases for improved properties. We applied X-ray crystallography to investigate a putative enoyl-CoA hydratase/isomerase OdaA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thermal shift assay (TSA) were performed to explore the binding of OdaA with CoA thioester substrates. Furthermore, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the dynamics of its CoA-binding site. We solved the crystal structures of the apo and CoA-bound OdaA. Thermal shift assay (TSA) showed that CoA thioester substrates bind to OdaA with a different degree. MD simulations demonstrated that the C-terminal alpha helix underwent a structural transition and a hinge region would associate with this conformational change. TSA in combination with MD simulations elucidate that the dynamics of C-terminal alpha helix in CoA-binding, and a hinge region play an important role in conformational change. Those results help to extend our knowledge about the nature of crotonases and would be informative for future mechanistic studies and industry applications. Unlabelled Image • Crystal structures of OdaA in apo-form and CoA-bound form are solved. • OdaA has different binding affinities for CoA derivatives. • Dynamics simulations using the crystallographic structures were performed. • Dynamics of the C-terminal region of OdaA is crucial for substrate coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized by acetyl chloride to form carboxylated graphene oxide (GO-COOH). GO-COOH decorated with La particles with diameters between 0.2 and 1μm was prepared by the sonication of a LaCl3 aqueous solution with GO-COOH. The La-decorated GO-COOH was characterized by FT-IR, TGA and TEM, and its antibacterial properties were characterized by bacteria growth kinetics. Results showed that the La3+ ions were coordinated on edges and corrugated parts of the GO-COOH by physical and chemical bonding. The La-decorated GO-COOH had a good inhibitory efficiency of 96.4% on the Escherichia coli when its concentration was 0.5mg/mL. It also had inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The better antibacterial effect of the La-decorated GO-COOH than the corresponding La-decorated GO was ascribed to the higher amount of La particles incorporated on the GO-COOH. [New Carbon Materials 2012;27(5):385–92] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A knowledge of permeability evolution with stress is important for the enhancement of coalbed methane production. In this study, a series of compaction-permeability tests with in-situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement were conducted by using a designed NMR testing system equipped with a loading device. Based on the NMR results, the permeability variation mechanism is investigated during the complete stress-strain process. The stress damage and its influence on permeability are analyzed. Experimental results illustrate that the permeability curve shows a slow decrease first, followed by a stable change, then a slow increase, and finally a sharp rise during the complete stress-strain process. Permeability evolution is closely related to coal pores. Adsorption pores have little contribution to the coal permeability while seepage pores contribute over 99% to the permeability. The permeability growth is found to lag behind the coal pores growth due to the poor connection of new pores. With the increase of damage, coal permeability increases nonlinearly. A power function can be used to describe the relationship for the tested samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The absorptivity of the proposed original absorber can achieve 90% in a wide bandwidth from 2.41 GHz to 18 GHz at normal incidence. • This original design is further extended to enhance absorption performance and angular stability, the absorptivity of over 90% can be achieved from 0.6 to 18 GHz in transverse magnetic (TM)-incident cases even if the incident angle goes up to 60°, corresponding to a relative bandwidth of 153%. • The proposed absorber has the largest relative bandwidth with better angular stability as compared to the previously reported wideband absorbers. In this work, two ultra-wideband microwave absorbers are proposed. The absorptivity of the proposed original absorber can achieve 90% in a wide bandwidth from 2.41 GHz to 18 GHz at normal incidence. This design has been extended to enhance absorption performance and angular stability by respectively incorporating a high-dielectric substrate and adding metal vias. As a result, the absorptivity of over 90% can be achieved from 0.6 to 18 GHz in transverse magnetic (TM)-incident cases even if the incident angle goes up to 60°, which realizes a relative bandwidth of 153%. While in the transverse electrical (TE) polarization, the absorption of the new absorber performs better than the original one in the entire operational bandwidth. A prototype of the proposed absorber is fabricated and measured, good agreement is obtained between measured and simulated results, indicating the usability of our design in practical electromagnetic wave absorbing scenes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pore evolution in coal during loading was investigated based on NMR measurement. • Characteristics of T 2 distribution and pores in coals were analyzed during loading. • NMR fractal dimensions of stress-damaged coal were measured. In this paper, triaxial compression tests on coals with real-time T 2 and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image measurement are performed by using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) testing system equipped with a loading device. Pore and fracture development in coal under stress conditions are investigated based on NMR and fractal theory. The results show that the accumulation of NMR signal intensity as well as sample porosity decrease slightly at first, then increase slowly, and finally increase rapidly during the deformation of coal. The measured T 2 distributions indicate that stress damage mainly induces the generation of mesopores and macropores (or micro-fractures). A new method for estimating crack-initiation stresses is proposed based on the evolution of T 2 curve. By using this method, we estimate the crack-initiation stress of the tested coal samples, which is 34.6%, 32.2%, and 30.1% of its corresponding peak strength, respectively. Fractal dimensions of seepage pores show significant fractal characteristics, while fractal characteristics of adsorption pores are not obvious. The evolution of fractal dimension D T of the total pores with stress is similar to the changing trend of porosity. But the fractal dimension of D S shows a negative correlation with the stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllite is in a loose accumulation state after weathering, and there is a lack of suitable slag dump sites. The engineering properties of strongly weathered phyllite with poor strength and water stability can be improved by microbiological modification so that it is suitable for roadbed filling. This paper uses microorganisms to improve the strongly weathered phyllite filler, which does not conform to the hydrophysical properties of highway roadbed filler and studies the effects of different gelling fluids on the improvement. The spontaneous imbibition experiment is carried out on the modified sample to analyze the change rule of pore structure with time. The capillary water migration of the three sample groups is studied by using the nuclear magnetic resonance technique and finite element software. The results show that the carbonates produced by different gelling liquids have different particle encapsulation properties. After the calcium acetate improvement, the crystal content of calcium carbonate reached 20.5%. The pore ratio and equivalent average pore size of the three groups of samples increased with increasing spontaneous imbibition time. The fractal dimension of capillary pores is inversely proportional to the proportion of capillary pores. The capillary water absorption coefficient of the modified sample is 0.01. Both laboratory tests and numerical simulation results show that the improvement effect of calcium acetate is superior to that of the other two gelling liquids. The research results provide a reference for predicting the distribution of groundwater movement in strongly weathered phyllite modified by microorganisms as roadbed fillers. • The carbonates produced by different gelling liquids have different particle encapsulation properties. • The improvement effect of calcium acetate is superior to that of the other two gelling liquids. • Strongly weathered phyllite can be improved by microbiological modification so that it is suitable for roadbed filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cell adhesion is of utmost importance for normal development and cellular functions. ICAM-5 (intercellular adhesion molecule-5, telencephalin) is a member of the ICAM-family of adhesion proteins. These proteins bind to leukocyte β2-integrins (CD11/CD18), but ICAM-5 is exceptional in several ways. It is solely expressed in the mammalian forebrain, appears at the time of birth, and is located in the soma and dendrites of neurons. It is structurally more complex than the others, and also shows homophilic adhesion. Recent studies show that it is important for the regulation of immunological activity in the brain and for the development of neuronal synapses and signal transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, a study of Lecithin–heparin intercalated in montmorillonite was performed in order to synthesize an antithrombogenic hybrid. The hybrid of montmorillonite (Mt)/Lecithin–heparin (LEC-HEP) was synthesized by the intercalation method under mechanical stirring. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and C, H, and N elemental analyses, zeta potentials, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The d 001 -value was increased by LEC-HEP intercalation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also confirmed the intercalation of Lecithin–heparin into Mt interlayer space. In vitro release study of the antithrombogenic drug–Mt intercalates in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) media at 37 °C was investigated. The heparin showed an initial burst effect for 24 h and then continuously released for 30 d. In-vitro blood compatibility of the Mt/LEC-HEP was carried out via hemolysis assay. The Mt/LEC-HEP exhibited hemolysis below 5% which is permissible for biomaterials. These modified materials have the potential for being used as blood contact materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-component fluoride nanocrystal Pb x Na y-n Li n Y z F 2x+y+3z+3m : Er3+ m with a response in the 1.5 μm band was synthesized by the low temperature combustion synthesis method. • When the concentration of Li+ ion is 2.07 mol%, the up-conversion luminescence intensity is obviously improved. • The hypothetical physical mechanism model for the luminescence intensity of Li+ ion enhanced materials was confirmed. • Innovatively established a dual-fuel system, and systematically analyzed the heat release characteristics of each fuel system, and prepared nanocrystals with high luminous intensity and fine particles. A 1.5 μm multi-component fluoride nanocrystal Pb x Na y-n Li n Y z F 2x+y+3z+3m : Er3+ m was synthesized by the low temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method. On the basis of the orthogonal experiment and optimization experiment, Li+ ion was introduced into the matrix and the dual-fuel system was established, and the up-conversion luminescence intensity was enhanced by changing the matrix composition and improving the process methods. The results show that when the concentration of Li+ ion is 2.07 mol%, the fuel consumption in the dual-fuel system is 2.2 stoi., 0.7 stoi., the up-conversion luminescence intensity is obviously improved. The structure and morphology of samples were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a schematic model of physical mechanism for the luminescence intensity of Li+ ion enhanced materials was confirmed. The exothermic characteristics of the dual-fuel system were analyzed by the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA). The influence of the introduction of Li+ ion and the dual-fuel system on the luminescence intensity was discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The research on the micro-damage evolution and macro-mechanical property of preloading sandstone after high temperature treatment is helpful to guide the engineering design and monitoring. • The NMR technology and X-ray diffraction are used to research the pore structure and mineral component of the preloading sandstone after heating treatment. • The damage effect caused by high temperatures is systematically discussed based on the damage law of the micropores and mechanical properties of preloaded sandstone. Sandstone is an important natural building material. Due to blasting, excavation disturbance and other geological disasters, the rock usually continue to work with initial damage in engineering projects. Moreover, geological high temperatures and sudden fire have a significant influence on the internal structure and mechanical stability of sandstone containing initial damage. Therefore, to study the micro-damage evolution and macro-mechanical properties of the preloaded sandstone after thermal treatment, the mechanical testing system (DSZ-1000) was used to carry out the uniaxial cyclic loading–unloading test with different stress amplitudes. Three kinds of sandstone with different initial damage were formed, and then heated at different temperatures (25 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C). Based on macroscopic mechanics and deformation analysis, the microstructure evolution of the sample was analyzed by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It is found that the preloading and high-temperature lead to mechanical properties degradation and the change of microstructure, and the energy dissipation increases with the rise in stress amplitude during cyclic loading and unloading. Meanwhile, the coupled mechanical-thermal treatment can promote significantly the development of the pore and crack of sandstone relative to the single treated method of the cyclic preloading or high-temperature. Moreover, based on the comprehensive analysis of mechanical parameters, T 2 spectrum, NMR imaging, X-ray diffraction patterns and porosity, the macroscopic mechanical and microscopic damage evolution laws of the preloaded sandstone under high temperatures were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three heterocyclic hypervalent organoantimony chlorides RN(CH2C6H4)2SbCl (2a R = t-Bu, 2b R = Cy, 2c R = Ph) and their chalcogenide derivatives [RN(CH2C6H4)2Sb]2O (3a R = t-Bu, 3b R = Cy, 3c R = Ph) were synthesized and characterized by techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. It is found that the anti-proliferative activity detected over these compounds can be attributed to the coordination bond between the antimony and nitrogen atoms of these compounds. Moreover, a preliminary study on mechanistic action suggests that the inhibition effect is ascribable to cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Tidal waves and vehicle loadings effect loaded above pile foundations of bridges is represented the complicated stress load scheme in coastal areas. • The physical and mechanical characteristics of rock-concrete specimens under complicated stress paths are studied. • The failure mode of rock-concrete specimens gradually translates mainly shear failure from slipping failure with the decrease of roughness. • The changes in the roughness of rock-concrete specimens leading to the irreversible strain of rock-concrete combined body produce differences. Tidal waves and vehicle loadings forming a complex stress condition in coastal regions have a significant effect on the stability of engineering structures. It is therefore necessary to understand the physical and mechanical behaviors for rock-concrete combined structures under complex stress conditions for realizing the safe design of structures. Therefore, the complex stress condition tests of rock-concrete samples of varying roughness are performed in this study. The stress–strain curves of the rock-concrete samples show that hysteresis occurred under complex stress conditions. As the confining pressure increases, the hysteresis loop area increases. Furthermore, the elastic modulus increases accordingly as the roughness increases. The lateral deformation ratio (κ) of the loaded rock-concrete sample increases as the number of cycles increases, but decreases as the height of roughness increases. The Mohr-Coulomb (M−C) criterion and the Hoek-Brown (H-B) criterion are used to fit the testing data and for discussion. The H-B strength criterion is suitable for describing the strength characteristics of the rock-concrete combined body under complex stress conditions. Ultimately, with the increasing axial loading and decreasing confining loading, the relative slipping on the adjacent triangle rock base and concrete resulted in the occurrence of the tensile crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Small cell lung cancer is commonly regarded as an old age related disease. Although the brain is a common site of metastasis for this type of lung cancer, the first manifestation is rarely shown from the metastasis site. In this paper, we report a rare case of 19-year-old female patient with small cell lung cancer whose initial presentation was a solitary brain metastasis. The patient was admitted to our hospital for the recurrence of brain tumor, and the histological diagnosis after operation showed small cell lung cancer. Three months later, she suffered from dry cough and was diagnosed as small cell lung cancer by trans-bronchial biopsy. Due to the identical cell types and immunohistochemical phenotypes, the brain tumor was retrospectively diagnosed as metastasis of small lung cancer by two neurological pathologists. She is the youngest female with brain metastasis as the first manifestation of small cell lung cancer reported so far internationally as to our knowledge. Second-hand smoking was possibly one of the risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Morinda officinalis How (Rubiaceae) is widely used for medicinal purposes in China, Korea and Japan. Polysaccharides have also been determined and recently were shown to have protective effect against bone loss. A large number of polysaccharides present in the M. officinalis were successively extracted with hot water after preliminary treatments. The UV scan was used to analyse quality and purity of the polysaccharides from M. officinalis (MOP). Result indicated that had a better purity and quality and was free of proteins. HPLC showed that MOP mainly consisted of glucose (retention time, 8.691) and fructose (retention time, 9.245) with a molar ratio of 1.29:2.71. On the basis of analysis of chemical components, antioxidant activity of MOP was evaluated. The obtained results showed that MOP supplementation resulted in (a) increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and (b) decreased MDA level in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ScPrx1 is a yeast mitochondrial 1-Cys peroxiredoxins (Prx), a type of Prx enzyme which require thiol-containing reducing agents to resolve its peroxidatic cysteine. ScPrx1 plays important role in protection against oxidative stress. Mitochondrial thioredoxin ScTrx3 and glutathione have been reported to be the physiological electron donor for ScPrx1. However, the mechanism underlying their actions, especially the substrate recognition of ScPrx1 requires additional elucidation. METHODS : The structure of ScPrx1 was obtained through crystallization experiments. The oligomeric state of ScPrx1 was monitored by Blue-Native PAGE. Mutations were generated by the QuikChange PCR-based method. The ScPrx1 activity assay was carried out by measuring the change of 340 nm absorption of the NADPH oxidation. ScPrx1 exist as a homodimer in solution. The structure adopts a typical Prx-fold core which is preceded by an N-terminal β-hairpin and has a C-terminal extension. Mutations (Glu94Ala, Arg198Ala and Trp126) close to the active site could enhance the catalytic efficiency of ScPrx1 while His83Ala and mutations on α4-β6 region exhibited reduced activity. The biochemical data also show that the deletion or mutations on ScPrx1 C-terminal have 2–4.56 fold increased activity. We inferred that conformational changes of ScPrx1 C-terminal segment were important for its reaction, and the α4-β6 loop regions around the ScPrx1 active sites were important for the catalytic function of ScPrx1. Collectively, these structural features provides a basis for understanding the diverse reductant species usage in different 1-Cys Prxs. • High resolution (1.53 Å) crystal structure of yeast 1-Cys Peroxiredoxin was determined. • C-terminal truncated ScPrx1 exhibited enhanced thioredoxin peroxidase activity. • The conformational deformations of active sites and C-terminal region are essential for the the substrate recognition in ScPrx1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]