Search

Background. CEACAM1 has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in a variety of tumors, and modulation of CEACAM1-related signaling pathways has been suggested as a novel approach for cancer immunotherapy in recent years. However, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unclear. Methods. The relationship between CEACAM1 and ccRCC was demonstrated based on data from TCGA, GEO, and HPA databases. And the relationship between clinicopathological features and CEACAM1 expression was also assessed. Survival curve analysis was performed to analyze the prognostic relationship between CEACAM1 expression and ccRCC. Protein interaction network analysis was used to analyze the relationship between CEACAM1 and microenvironment-related proteins. In addition, the immunomodulatory role of CEACAM1 in ccRCC was assessed by analyzing CEACAM1 and immune cell infiltration. Results. The expression of CEACAM1 was lower in ccRCC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, and its expression level was negatively correlated with tumor size status (P < 0.001), metastasis status (P = 0.009), pathological stage (P = 0.002), gender (P < 0.001), histological grade (P < 0.001), and primary therapy outcome (P = 0.045) of ccRCC. Survival curve analysis showed that ccRCC patients with lower CEACAM1 expression exhibited shorter overall survival (P < 0.001), and CEACAM1 interacted with microenvironmental molecules such as fibronectin and integrins. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis showed that CEACAM1 expression correlated with CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration in ccRCC. Conclusions. CEACAM1 expression correlates with progression, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in ccRCC patients, and it may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study is aimed at investigating the association between the twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure variability monitoring (ABPM) and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) burden in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods. 115 AIS patients with demographics, vascular risk factors, 24 h ABPM, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively enrolled. 3.0 T MRI was used to assess cSVD burden by combining four MRI markers including white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), perivascular spaces (PVS), and lacunes. Correlation analysis was conducted to detect whether ABPM was associated with cSVD burden in AIS patients. Results. 115 AIS patients with mean age 68.77 ± 10.26 years and 75.7% male were enrolled in this study. 112 AIS patients (97.4%) had at least one cSVD marker. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that hypertension was positively correlated with cSVD burden (ρ = 0.21 , P = 0.07). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was negatively correlated with cSVD burden (ρ = − 0.21 , P = 0.02). Blood pressure variability such as 24 h mean SBP (ρ = 0.23 , P = 0.01), day mean SBP (ρ = 0.23 , P = 0.01), and night mean SBP (ρ = 0.20 , P = 0.04) was positively correlated with higher cSVD burden. Ordinal logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher 24 h SBP SD and day mean SBP were independent risk factors for cSVD after controlling for other confounders. Conclusions. Higher BPV was significantly related to total cSVD burden in AIS patients. 24 h SBP SD and day mean SBP were independent risk factors for cSVD burden in AIS patients but not DBP or DBP variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) is one of universal phenomena in breast cancer (BC) patients, and it causes difficulties in evaluating the actual menopausal status which is important for the oncologists to choose appropriate treatment. Currently, serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are the most commonly used clinical parameters for the assessment of menopausal status in BC patients. However, the optimal cut-off points of serum E2 and FSH have little been explored in southern Chinese population. Objective. This study is aimed to determine the optimal cut-off values of the serum E2 and FSH levels for evaluating the menopausal status of BC patients in a southern Chinese population. Methods. A retrospective analysis was done among a total of 206 patients with BC from a southern Chinese area. The data of serum E2, FSH, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were collected and analyzed for the comparison purpose. The receiver-operating curve (ROC) was generated to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the three biomarkers in discriminating the menopausal status of BC patients. The optimal cut-off values were determined according to the Youden index and then compared with the recommended reference values by the Chinese Anti-cancer Association (CACA) and those recommended by the manufacturers. Results. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of E2, FSH, and LH were 0.846 (95% CI: 0.790-0.903), 0.781 (95% CI: 0.714-0.847) and 0.608 (95% CI: 0.526-0.690), respectively. The optimal cut-off values were 130.0 pg/mL for E2, 23.325 IU/L for FSH, and 11.625 IU/L for LH with a maximum of the Youden index. When E2, FSH, and LH were used in combination for ROC analysis, the AUC increased to 0.847 (95% CI: 0.790-0.904), which was higher than that of any other biomarker alone. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of E2 and FSH were 91.6% and 73.70% and 94.4% and 58.6%, respectively, in comparison with 85.0% and 75.80% and 76.6% and 65.7% according to the CACA-recommended cut-off points, or 92.5% and 68.7% and 96.3% and 53.5% according to the manufacturer recommended cut-off points. Conclusion. Considering the sensitivity and specificity of serum E2 and FSH for assessing the menopausal status, the optimal cut-off values determined in the present study were similar to the manufacturer's recommendations, but obviously superior to the cut-off points suggested by CACA. These cut-off points calculated in this study seem to be valuable in southern Chinese population and might be used by clinicians to make a correct medical decision for BC patients who would benefit from endocrine therapy of aromatase inhibitor (AI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study investigated the efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite- (nHA-) coated biological prosthesis combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in hemi hip replacement of femoral neck fracture (FNF) in the elderly. Methods. From September 2018 to September 2021, 102 elderly patients with FNF treated in our hospital were chosen and divided into two groups according to different intervention methods. Fifty-one patients in the bone cement group were treated with bone cement prosthesis, and the rest 51 patients in the observation group were treated with nHA biological prosthesis combined with PRP in hemi hip replacement. In order to explore the osteogenic effect of nHA and PRP, osteoblasts were cultured. Results. It was found that nHA and PRP could both effectively promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and improve their mineralization ability, especially when used in combination. In the course of clinical therapy, we found that the use of biological prosthesis combined with PRP could effectively reduce the level of serum procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide (PICP) and better improve the levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and bone Gla protein (BGP), so as to reduce the bone conversion rate and promote the formation of new bone around the prosthesis. In addition, no significant difference was found in intraoperative bleeding, operation time, hospital stay, 48 h drainage volume, partial weight-bearing time, and complete weight-bearing time between two groups. Otherwise, the use of biological prosthesis could effectively avoid the occurrence of adverse reactions such as bone cement crisis and fracture around femoral prosthesis, so as to better restore the hip function and improve patients' life quality. Conclusions. Therefore, in hemi hip replacement of FNF in the elderly, nHA biological prosthesis combined with PRP can effectively promote the formation of new bone around the prosthesis stem, so as to obtain good initial stability, enable patients to carry out early weight-bearing exercise, and effectively avoid adverse reactions caused by bone cement prosthesis, thus improving patients' hip function and life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to pay attention to the protection of the third tier industrial heritage, this paper puts forward the protection measures of combining the third tier industrial heritage with tourism based on the concept of urban image. The tourism value of the tertiary industrial heritage is evaluated by using the comprehensive evaluation method. Through the analysis of the tourism value evaluation system combining the three-level industrial heritage and rural tourism in a certain city, the following conclusions are drawn. In the comprehensive evaluation layer, the value of the third tier industrial heritage accounts for the largest weight of 0.5581, indicating that the third tier industrial heritage resources occupy an important position in the third tier industrial heritage tourism value system. Tourism development conditions also account for a large proportion, which explains that while adhering to the principle of third tier industrial heritage protection, we should pay attention to the consideration of tourism development conditions. It once again emphasizes the importance of the third tier industrial heritage for the development of industrial heritage tourism and the significance of the protection of the third tier industrial heritage for tourism development. In the three-level evaluation layer of industrial heritage and rural tourism, the historical and cultural value and social and cultural value have the largest weight. They are the leading factor of the combined value of tertiary industrial heritage and rural tourism. Historical and cultural value is one of the important meanings of three-level industrial heritage protection and also the essence of the combined development of third-level industrial heritage tourism and rural tourism. Social value determines the recognition of tourists and people to participate in the development of tourism. In the evaluation layer of tourism development conditions, the development potential is particularly prominent. The development potential is the characteristic of the third tier industrial heritage tourism of a city. The development of the third tier industrial heritage tourism of a city must be combined with the local characteristics to highlight the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the effect of rural tourism development, this study combines multiobjective planning and intelligent optimization algorithms to analyze the development mode of rural tourism and further deals with the problem of multisensor target tracking under unknown input interference conditions by designing a tourism network consensus algorithm. The algorithm adopts a distributed multisensor fusion structure combined with consensus estimation, and each sensor first performs two-level information filtering estimation and unknown input parameter estimation locally. The experimental research results show that the rural tourism development model based on multiobjective planning and intelligent optimization algorithm proposed in this study can play an important role in the development of rural tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gear meshing noise generated by the helicopter main reducer is one of the important sources of noise in the helicopter cabin. By improving the isolation performance of the struts supporting reducer to the gear meshing vibration, the purpose of reducing the gear meshing noise in the helicopter cabin can be achieved. Piezoelectric stack periodic strut (PSPS) composed of piezoelectric stacks and passive materials periodically arranged is an original type of strut with active and passive hybrid isolation characteristics. Piezoelectric stacks and passive materials form a periodic structure, which makes PSPS have a unique stopband characteristic. The propagation of elastic waves in the stopband frequency range is attenuated, which can improve the broadband passive vibration isolation capability of the PSPS; The piezoelectric stacks can adjust the elastic wave propagation in the PSPS and improve the single-frequency or multifrequency active isolation performance of the PSPS. Since the driving voltage and current range of the piezoelectric stacks significantly affect the isolation performance of the PSPS, this article focuses on the relationship between the isolation performance of the PSPS and the voltage and current required by the piezoelectric stacks. Firstly, based on the passive material periodic structure transfer matrix model, the driving voltage and current of the piezoelectric stacks are introduced into the model, and a PSPS electromechanical coupling model based on the transfer matrix form is established. Secondly, the correctness of the model is verified by the finite element software. Based on the model, the design process of PSPS parameters is proposed. The optimal isolation performance of PSPS is predicted under the limitation of maximum driving voltage and current. The effects of damping loss factor, exciting force, period number and passive material on the requirements of electrical parameters for active control are studied. A three-period PSPS strut composed of piezoelectric stack actuator and PV strut is used for experimental research, and the matching of electrical parameters of this PSPS in the test is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumors have been widely spread in online social networks and they become a major concern in modern society. This paper is devoted to the design of a cost-effective rumor-containing scheme in online social networks through an optimal control approach. First, a new individual-based rumor spreading model is proposed, and the model considers the influence of the external environment on rumor spreading for the first time. Second, the cost-effectiveness is recommended to balance the loss caused by rumors against the cost of a rumor-containing scheme. On this basis, we reduce the original problem to an optimal control model. Next, we prove that this model is solvable, and we present the optimality system for the model. Finally, we show that the resulting rumor-containing scheme is cost-effective through extensive computer experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumors have been widely spread in online social networks and they become a major concern in modern society. This paper is devoted to the design of a cost-effective rumor-containing scheme in online social networks through an optimal control approach. First, a new individual-based rumor spreading model is proposed, and the model considers the influence of the external environment on rumor spreading for the first time. Second, the cost-effectiveness is recommended to balance the loss caused by rumors against the cost of a rumor-containing scheme. On this basis, we reduce the original problem to an optimal control model. Next, we prove that this model is solvable, and we present the optimality system for the model. Finally, we show that the resulting rumor-containing scheme is cost-effective through extensive computer experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aero‐engine compressor is seriously threatened by the ingestion of liquid water. This article aims to deeply study the influences of different water contents and droplet diameters on the unsteady performance and thermodynamic parameters of compressor through frequency spectrum analysis. The accuracy of numerical calculation for compressor performance is verified by experimental data. Results show that the compression performance will be reduced and the unsteady fluctuations inside compressor will be aggravated after water ingestion. For some important parameters, such as mass flow rate, total pressure and temperature ratio, as well as efficiency, their main frequencies are changed from the original blade passing frequency to the rotor passing frequency (RPF), and their amplitudes are also significantly amplified. The working point of compressor will experience the nonoptimal state with large amplitude and period for a long time, which is not conducive to the stable operation of the compressor. Moreover, within the range of 2% to 8% water contents and 50 to 150 μm droplet diameters, the fluctuation amplitude is correspondingly exacerbated with the increase of water content or droplet size, but its main frequency is maintained at RPF. Particularly, the tip clearance is the most sensitive region affected by water ingestion where the fluctuations of static pressure and temperature are the largest. The point that water content has a greater influence on the performance fluctuation of compressor is also confirmed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fox–Fordyce disease (FFD) is a rare pruritic dermatosis whose etiology has not been fully explored. It is mostly seen in women and presents as pruritic follicular papules at the apocrine (gland‐bearing) regions, including the axilla, groins, perineum, and areola mammae, as well as the umbilicus. Treatment for FFD is extremely challenging in that there is no curative treatment for it. We report the case of a 26‐year‐old woman who was refractory to many treatments but who responded to calcipotriol betamethasone with rapid remission of her symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the impact of highway traffic accidents on surrounding road networks, accident influence area should be determined reasonably. According to the relationship between vehicle bypass decision-making index and threshold under accident condition, the vehicles' route choice behavior at upstream of the accident spot can be divided into two types: bypass and nonbypass. Under nonbypass condition, the method of using traffic wave theory was put forward to determine the upstream influence area. Under bypass condition, the total number of bypass vehicles is determined based on bypass decision-making index being greater than bypass threshold. Assignment algorithms based on routes were proposed. Using improved Logit model to get the selection probability and the traffic flow of each route, then traffic flow of surrounding links could be obtained. At last, the road network influenced by the accident could be determined by comparing with the level of service of each link under normal condition. The paper takes Beijing-Kunming highway as an example, and the results show that the road network formed by the influenced links was highway traffic accident influence area. Comparing with the actual survey results, correctness of the calculation method is verified. Therefore, the analytical method based on bypass decision-making is applicable to determining highway accident influence area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two origin-destination flow estimation models using sampled GPS positions of probe vehicles and link flow counts. The first model, named as SPP model (scaled probe OD as prior OD), uses scaled probe vehicle OD matrix as prior OD matrix and applies conventional generalized least squares (GLS) framework to conduct OD correction using link counts; the second model, PRA model (probe ratio assignment), is an extension of SPP in which the observed link probe ratios are also included as additional information in the OD estimation process. For both models, the study explored a new way to construct assignment matrices directly from sampled probe trajectories to avoid sophisticated traffic assignment process. Then, for performance evaluation, a comprehensive numerical experiment was conducted using simulation dataset. The results showed that when the distribution of probe vehicle ratios is homogeneous among different OD pairs, both proposed models achieved similar degree of improvement compared with the prior OD pattern. However, under the case that the distribution of probe vehicle ratios is heterogeneous across different OD pairs, PRA model achieved more significant reduction on OD flow estimations compared with SPP model. Grounded on both theoretical derivations and empirical tests, the study provided in-depth discussions regarding the strengths and challenges of probe vehicle based OD estimation models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green clustering implementation is proposed to be as the first method in the framework of an energy-efficient strategy for centralized enterprise high-density WLANs. Traditionally, to maintain the network coverage, all of the APs within the WLAN have to be powered on. Nevertheless, the new algorithm can power off a large proportion of APs while the coverage is maintained as the always-on counterpart. The proposed algorithm is composed of two parallel and concurrent procedures, which are the faster procedure based on K-means and the more accurate procedure based on Dynamic Population Size Multiple Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (DPS-MOPSO). To implement green clustering efficiently and accurately, dynamic population size and mutational operators are introduced as complements for the classical MOPSO. In addition to the function of AP selection, the new green clustering algorithm has another new function as the reference and guidance for AP deployment. This paper also presents simulations in scenarios modeled with ray-tracing method and FDTD technique, and the results show that about 67% up to 90% of energy consumption can be saved while the original network coverage is maintained during periods when few users are online or when the traffic load is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the hierarchical interactive lasso penalized logistic regression using the coordinate descent algorithm based on the hierarchy theory and variables interactions. We define the interaction model based on the geometric algebra and hierarchical constraint conditions and then use the coordinate descent algorithm to solve for the coefficients of the hierarchical interactive lasso model. We provide the results of some experiments based on UCI datasets, Madelon datasets from NIPS2003, and daily activities of the elder. The experimental results show that the variable interactions and hierarchy contribute significantly to the classification. The hierarchical interactive lasso has the advantages of the lasso and interactive lasso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Security and privacy have been important issues in VANETs. Anonymity is an effective way to achieve privacy protection, and it sometimes requires to be disclosed for determining traffic liability. In most pseudonym schemes, an authority is aware of a vehicle's secret, and its compromise will result in the leakage of a large amount of privacy information. So, we propose a distributed traceable pseudonym management scheme in VANETs. In the scheme, a blind signature method is adopted to achieve strict separation of issuance and tracking. The distributed tracking protocol is proposed to enhance the robustness for tracking, which is based on the improved scheme for shared generation of RSA keys. An efficient pseudonymous authentication mechanism is proposed to reduce the communication overhead. Compared with other related proposals, our scheme is unforgeability, especially against authority forge attacks, and has better robustness. Moreover, the performance analysis shows that it is efficient in VANETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve contradictions between real-time applications of wireless sensor networks and limited energy of nodes, Cross-Layer Power Control Algorithm (CLPCA) is proposed in this paper. Moreover, Power-Control-Based Real-Time Routing Protocol (PCBRRP) is designed capable with CLPCA. In this protocol, the transmission power of the node is adjusted dynamically to increase the energy efficiency The next hop node is selected via the link quality of the communication and the residual energy of every node. Simulation results show that the energy consumption of the network is reduced while real-time end-to-end data transmission is guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tian et al. (2007) introduced a so-called hidden sensitivity model for evaluating the association of two sensitive questions with binary outcomes. However, in practice, we sometimes need to assess the association between one sensitive binary variable (e.g., whether or not a drug user, the number of sex partner being ≤1 or >1, and so on) and one nonsensitive binary variable (e.g., good or poor health status, with or without cervical cancer, and so on). To address this issue, by sufficiently utilizing the information contained in the non-sensitive binary variable, in this paper, we propose a new survey scheme, called combination questionnaire design/model, which consists of a main questionnaire and a supplemental questionnaire. The introduction of the supplemental questionnaire which is indeed a design of direct questioning can effectively reduce the noncompliance behavior since more respondents will not be faced with the sensitive question. Likelihood-based inferences including maximum likelihood estimates via the expectation-maximization algorithm, asymptotic confidence intervals, and bootstrap confidence intervals of parameters of interest are derived. A likelihood ratio test is provided to test the association between the two binary random variables. Bayesian inferences are also discussed. Simulation studies are performed, and a cervical cancer data set in Atlanta is used to illustrate the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a (computer aided design) CAD variational geometry approach for the high-order dimension synthesis of one-DoF mechanisms based on the given velocity/acceleration of a moving platform along a prescribed trajectory. The objective of this approach is to determine the reasonable dimensions of the mechanisms when given the velocity or/and the acceleration of the moving platform along a prescribed trajectory. First, some concepts and mathematical foundations are explained for constructing the velocity/acceleration simulation mechanism of a general mechanism. Second, the inverse velocity/acceleration simulation mechanisms of the planar/spatial four-bar mechanisms with one-DoF are constructed by the CAD variational geometry. Third, when given the position and the velocity/acceleration of the coupler along a prescribed trajectory, all the reasonable dimensions of the planar/spatial four-bar mechanisms are solved from their simulation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotide sugars, the activated forms of monosaccharides, are important intermediates of carbohydrate metabolism in all organisms. Here, we describe a method for the detection and quantification of UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose in maize in order to compare their metabolism in both wild-type and mutated plants. Triple quadrupole operating in a multiple reaction monitoring mode was used to quantify nucleotide sugars. The limits of detection for UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose were 0.50 and 0.70 ng·mL−1, respectively. The recoveries of the method ranged from 98.3% to 103.6% with the relative standard deviations less than 6.3%. To prove the applicability of this method, we analyzed several sets of maize extracts obtained from different cultivars grown under standardized greenhouse conditions. All the results demonstrated the suitability of the developed method to quantify UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose in maize extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key idea discussed in this paper is to reconstruct an image from overlapped projections so that the data acquisition process can be shortened while the image quality remains essentially uncompromised. To perform image reconstruction from overlapped projections, the conventional reconstruction approach (e.g., filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithms) cannot be directly used because of two problems. First, overlapped projections represent an imaging system in terms of summed exponentials, which cannot be transformed into a linear form. Second, the overlapped measurement carries less information than the traditional line integrals. To meet these challenges, we propose a compressive sensing-(CS-) based iterative algorithm for reconstruction from overlapped data. This algorithm starts with a good initial guess, relies on adaptive linearization, and minimizes the total variation (TV). Then, we demonstrated the feasibility of this algorithm in numerical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The bulk Mg‐M (M = Nickel [Ni], cerium [Ce], and Lanthanum [La]) alloys are successfully ameliorated by high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) to modify the hydrolysis H2 generation performance in simulated seawater solution (3.5 wt% NaCl). The H2 generation kinetics, rate‐limiting steps, thermodynamics and the hydrolysis mechanism are investigated by combining the fitting results of the hydrolysis curves and microstructures information. The results indicate that the as‐cast Mg25Ni possesses higher generation capacity and faster initial rate. The capacities of as‐cast Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys at 48°C within 180 minutes are 760 mL g−1, 725 mL g−1, and 525 mL g−1. The hydrolysis H2 generation apparent activation energies of the as‐cast Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys are 30.92, 17.05, and 28.04 kJ·mol−1, respectively. The HEBM technique can elevate the hydrolysis performance of Mg‐M alloys. And the highest H2 producing capacity as high as 589 mL g−1 is obtained by HEBM Mg30La alloy at 48°C within 30 minutes. The hydrolysis apparent activation energies Ea are 9.57, 14.65, and 23.88 kJ/mol for HEBM Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys. The initial rate and the final yield of H2 generation for Mg‐based alloys are affected by the activity of matrix alloy, microstructure, particle size, surface state, and many other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The bulk Mg‐M (M = Nickel [Ni], cerium [Ce], and Lanthanum [La]) alloys are successfully ameliorated by high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) to modify the hydrolysis H2 generation performance in simulated seawater solution (3.5 wt% NaCl). The H2 generation kinetics, rate‐limiting steps, thermodynamics and the hydrolysis mechanism are investigated by combining the fitting results of the hydrolysis curves and microstructures information. The results indicate that the as‐cast Mg25Ni possesses higher generation capacity and faster initial rate. The capacities of as‐cast Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys at 48°C within 180 minutes are 760 mL g−1, 725 mL g−1, and 525 mL g−1. The hydrolysis H2 generation apparent activation energies of the as‐cast Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys are 30.92, 17.05, and 28.04 kJ·mol−1, respectively. The HEBM technique can elevate the hydrolysis performance of Mg‐M alloys. And the highest H2 producing capacity as high as 589 mL g−1 is obtained by HEBM Mg30La alloy at 48°C within 30 minutes. The hydrolysis apparent activation energies Ea are 9.57, 14.65, and 23.88 kJ/mol for HEBM Mg25Ni, Mg30Ce, and Mg30La alloys. The initial rate and the final yield of H2 generation for Mg‐based alloys are affected by the activity of matrix alloy, microstructure, particle size, surface state, and many other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanhuang Xiexin Decoction (SXD) is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to elucidate the specific analysis mechanisms of SXD for T2DM, the method of network pharmacology was applied to this article. First, the effective ingredients of SXD were obtained and their targets were identified based on the TCMSP database. The T2DM-related targets screened from the GEO database were also collected by comparing the differential expressed genes between T2DM patients and healthy individuals. Then, the common targets in SXD-treated T2DM were obtained by intersecting the putative targets of SXD and the differential expressed genes of T2DM. And the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the above common targets to screen key genes through protein interactions. Meanwhile, these common targets were used for GO and KEGG analyses to further elucidate how they exert antidiabetic effects. Finally, a gene pathway network was established to capture the core one in common targets enriched in the major pathways to further illustrate the role of specific genes. Based on the data obtained, a total of 67 active compounds and 906 targets of SXD were identified. Four thousand one hundred and seventy-six differentially expressed genes with a P value < 0.005 and ∣ log 2 fold change ∣ > 0.5 were determined between T2DM patients and control groups. After further screening, thirty-seven common targets related to T2DM in SXD were finally identified. Through protein interactions, the top 5 genes (YWHAZ, HNRNPA1, HSPA8, HSP90AA1, and HSPA5) were identified. It was found that the functional annotations of target genes were associated with oxygen levels, protein kinase regulator, mitochondria, and so on. The top 20 pathways including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cancers, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway were significantly enriched. CDKN1A was shown to be the core gene in the gene-pathway network, and other several genes such as CCND1, ERBB2, RAF1, EGF, and VEGFA were the key genes for SXD against T2DM. Based on the network pharmacology approach, we identified key genes and pathways related to the prognosis and pathogenesis of T2DM and also provided a feasible method for further studying the chemical basis and pharmacology of SXD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective cancer therapy is one of the biggest global challenges. Conventional cancer therapies have been at the forefront of combating cancers, but more evidence showed considerable side effects, limiting their use. There are various new therapies in development, but combined approaches for treating cancer are much expected. Natural herbs had been traditionally in use for cancer therapy in most parts of the world. In this review, we have examined ten commonly used Chinese herbs that have, for centuries, shown effectiveness in treating cancers. They demonstrated the abilities to promote the apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibit their metastasis, activate the patient's anticancer immunity, and synergistically increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy when used in combination. Clinical experiences had proved that these herbs and their bioactive compounds were effective against a plethora of cancers through a variety of mechanisms, effectively improving patients' quality of life without significant side effects. These advantages indicate that there are huge potentials in the development of Chinese herbs into cancer medicine as part of a promising, holistic cancer treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important clay mineral, montmorillonite (MMT) plays a pivotal role in various fields. Water has significant effects on the organification process of MMT, which is associated with the adsorption of organic matter onto MMT with different water contents. In this study, the influence of external water content on the organic intercalation of MMT and its mechanism are discussed from both experimental and simulation results. These results reveal that as the external water content increases, the interlayer spacing of organic MMT increases first and then decreases, while the degree of organification becomes increasingly stronger. Although the interlayer spacing of the organic MMT is the largest when the external water amount is relatively small (e.g., 10%), the molecular arrangement is disorderly and uneven, resulting in a low degree of organification. Increasing the external water content results in a more regular molecular arrangement, more compact intermolecular agglomerates, and a higher degree of order. Therefore, the addition of water plays a crucial role in the organification process of MMT, and the appropriate manufacturing technology should be selected according to the application field. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the preparation of organic MMT and also offer insight into the mechanism of organic intercalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the concrete-filled steel tube structure has been widely used in various practical projects. Due to the low tensile strength of the core concrete of round steel tube concrete (CFST) specimens, the axial tensile performance of CFST specimens is far from superior to its compressive performance. However, in practical projects, the concrete-filled steel tube members bearing tensile load often appear. In order to study the axial tensile properties of CFST specimens, the axial tensile tests of 5 CFST specimens and 1 pure steel tube specimen were carried out with steel tube diameter and concrete strength as variation parameters. The results show that the bearing capacity of CFST specimens is increased by 7.5%–16.3% compared with that of pure steel tube specimens with the same cross-sectional area, mainly because the core concrete limits the circumferential shrinkage of the outer steel tube. The larger the cross-sectional area of CFST specimens is, the higher the bearing capacity is. In this paper, the stress-strain relationship and the overall failure mode of CFST members under tensile force are studied, and the deformation characteristics and stress of steel pipe and core concrete are analyzed, which is expected to provide a reference for the application of CFST specimens in practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hepatocytes are two attractive sources of cell-based therapies for acute liver failure (ALF). The cotransplantation of hepatocytes with MSCs can improve the therapeutic performance for the treatment of ALF. However, the therapeutic potential of conditioned medium (CM) derived from MSCs cocultured with hepatocytes (MSC-H-CM) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of MSC-H-CM on damaged hepatocytes in vitro and on D-galactosamine-induced ALF in vivo. D-Galactosamine-treated L02 cells cultured in MSC-H-CM exhibited higher of cell viability and total protein synthesis than L02 cells cultured in MSC-CM, CM derived from hepatocytes (H-CM), MSC-CM + H-CM, or with nonconditioned medium (NCM). Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were lower in the supernatant of damaged L02 cells cultured in MSC-H-CM than in that of L02 cells cultured in other types of CM. The lowest percentage of apoptotic cells was observed after the MSC-H-CM treatment. When CM was injected into the tail vein of rats with ALF, MSC-H-CM was the most successful at preventing the release of liver injury biomarkers and in promoting the recovery of liver structure. The greatest survival rate 7 days after the first treatment was observed in the MSC-H-CM-treated rats. Our results reveal that the delivery of MSC-H-CM could be a novel strategy for integrating the therapeutic potentials of hepatocytes and MSCs for the treatment of ALF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metasurface-based low-profile crossed dipole antenna with wide circularly polarized bandwidth for 2.45 GHz ISM band wireless communications is proposed and fabricated in this article. Consisting of four slit-loaded rectangular patches, the double-sided printing crossed dipoles are fed by a pair of vacant-quarter printed rings which circularly polarized (CP) radiation could be generated. With slits loaded, by properly combining the fundamental mode of the two inverted L-shaped dipole, the slot mode and extra resonance generated by the AMC surface, a wideband circularly polarized operation can be obtained. After optimization, the final design with an overall size of 0.44λ0 × 0.44λ0 × 0.1448λ0 at 2.4 GHz had measured a 31.6% (2-2.75 GHz) impedance bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidths of measured were 23.2% (2.1-2.65 GHz), respectively. In addition, the antenna performed a small gain variation (7.0-7.5 dBic) and a front-to-back ratio (FBR) of over 25 dB across the whole CP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband circularly polarized printed antenna is proposed and fabricated, which employs monofilar spiral stubs and a slit in the asymmetrical ground plane which are fed by an inverted L-shaped microstrip feedline. The CP operation is realized by embedding an inverted-L shaped strip and modified ground plane and can be markedly improved by loading monofilar spiral stubs asymmetrically connected at the edge of the ground plane. After optimization, the measured results of the finally structure demonstrate that a 10-dB bandwidth of 67.6% from 4.6 to 9.3 GHz and a 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth (ARBW) for circular polarization (CP) of 60.1% from 5 to 9.3 GHz could be achieved which could completely cover the WLAN (5.725-5.85 GHz) band. Therefore, the proposed antenna is suitable for circular polarization applications in C band. To explain the mechanism of broadband circular polarization operation, the analysis of magnetic fields distributions and a parametric study of the design are given. Compared to other recent works, a simpler structure, wider axial ratio and impedance bandwidths and a more compact size are the key features of the proposed antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband circularly polarized printed antenna is proposed and fabricated, which employs monofilar spiral stubs and a slit in the asymmetrical ground plane which is fed by an asymmetrical microstrip feedline using a via. The CP operation is realized by embedding an inverted-L shaped strip and a modified ground plane and can be markedly improved by loading monofilar spiral stubs connected to the asymmetric feedline by means of a via. A parametric study of the key parameters is made and the mechanism for circular polarization is described. After optimization, the impedance bandwidth is approximately 3.6 GHz (4.4-8 GHz) and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is approximately 3.3 GHz (4.7-8 GHz), which represent fractional bandwidths of approximately 58.1% and 52%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed antenna is suitable for circular polarization applications in C (4-8 GHz) band. Compared with other recent works, the simpler structure, wider axial ratio, impedance bandwidths, and more compact size are the key features of the proposed antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is a chronic treatment‐resistant autoimmune disorder characterized by circumscribed depigmented maculae. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib combined with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy for refractory nonsegmental vitiligo. Fifteen patients with nonsegmental vitiligo resistant to conventional therapies were administered oral tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily plus topical halometasone cream, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, or pimecrolimus cream twice daily and NB‐UVB three times per week for 16 weeks. The control group comprised 19 patients with nonsegmental vitiligo treated with topical drugs plus NB‐UVB same as the combination group. Treatment efficacy was measured by the percentage of repigmentation of vitiligo lesions at 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th week after beginning treatment. From 8th week, the repigmentation level was significantly higher in the combination group than in the controls. From fourth week, the response rate was significantly higher in the combination group than in the controls. Only one patient in the combination group reported mild pain in the hand and foot joints, but the pain subsided with cessation of therapy. No other severe adverse effects occurred. So, tofacitinib in combination with NB‐UVB phototherapy may be an effective and safe alternative modality for refractory vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture pretreatment on the inflammatory response and expression levels of LC3-II/I and Beclin 1 using a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC, n = 6), LSP modeling group (LM, n = 6), and electroacupuncture group (EA, n = 6). Rats in the EA group received electroacupuncture pretreatment at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Chize (LU5) points for five days (30 min each time daily, frequency; 3 Hz/15 Hz, intensity; 1 mA). Rats in the EA and LM groups were then injected with 5 mg/kg LPS (Beijing, Solarbio Company, concentration; 5 mg/mL) through the tail vein, while those in the NC group were injected with 5 mg/kg saline. The animals were sacrificed six hours after LPS or saline injection through cervical vertebrae by dislocation under deep anesthesia. Orbital blood was collected for the analysis of serum inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The lower left lung was excised, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and subjected to histopathological analysis. The mRNA and protein expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 II/I in the lower right lung tissues were detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. The results showed that lung injury score was significantly higher in the LM group than that of the NC group (P < 0.01) and EA group (P < 0.01). The IL-1β contents were significantly decreased in the EA group (P < 0.01) than in the LM group. In contrast, the GF-β contents were increased in the EA group significantly when compared with the LM group (P < 0.01). RT-qPCR and Western blot detection showed that the relative gene expression of LC3‐II/I and Beclin 1 was significantly lower in the EA group than in the LM group (P < 0.01). However, the relative protein expression level of LC3‐II/I and Beclin 1 was slightly lower in the EA group than the in LM group (P > 0.05). These results show that electroacupuncture pretreatment reduces the inflammatory response in ALI and can protect lung tissue by inhibiting the gene and protein expression levels of LC3‐II/I and Beclin 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel dual-band, dual-circularly polarized antenna is proposed and fabricated. The proposed antenna consists of an asymmetric U-shaped slot and an inverted L-shaped slot which are designed to excite two orthogonal E vectors with equal amplitude and 90° phase difference (PD), in addition, fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) Furthermore, a left-hand circular polarization in the direction of z > 0 and a right-hand circular polarization instead of the opposite direction both at the lower and upper bands are exhibited by the radiations of the antenna. Good agreement is achieved between the measurement and simulation, which indicates that a 10-dB bandwidth of 38.75% from 2.56 to 3.8 GHz and 21.8% from 10.01 to 12.53 GHz, while a 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 13.4% from 2.77 to 3.2 GHz and 9.23% from 10.25 to 11.25 GHz at two operation bands, respectively, are covered in the designed antenna. To explain the mechanism of dual-band dual-circular polarization, the analysis of magnetic fields distributions and a parametric study of the design are given. Meanwhile, compared to other recent works, a single layer structure, wider axial ratio and impedance bandwidths and a more compact size are the key features of the proposed antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin E-mediated type 2 inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is mainly driven by type 2 helper T cells (Th2) and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). CD226 is a costimulatory molecule associated with inflammatory response and is mainly expressed on T cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes. This study is aimed at elucidating the role of CD226 in allergic inflammatory responses in murine AR using global and CD4+ T cell-specific Cd226 knockout (KO) mice. AR nasal symptoms were assessed based on the frequency of nose rubbing and sneezing. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining and quantitative real-time PCR methods were used to determine eosinophils, goblet cells, and ILC2-associated mRNA levels in the nasal tissues of mice. CD226 levels on ILC2s were detected using flow cytometry, and an immunofluorescence double staining assay was employed to determine the number of ILC2s in the nasal mucosa. The results showed that global Cd226 KO mice, but not CD4+ T cell-specific Cd226 KO mice, exhibited attenuated AR nasal symptoms. Eosinophil recruitment, goblet cell proliferation, and Th2-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced, which resulted in the alleviation of allergic and inflammatory responses. ILC2s in the murine nasal mucosa expressed higher levels of CD226 after ovalbumin stimulation, and CD226 deficiency led to a reduction in the proportion of nasal ILC2s and ILC2-related inflammatory gene expression. Hence, the effect of CD226 on the AR mouse model may involve the regulation of ILC2 function rather than CD4+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is overexpressed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was designed to investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-21 on cell proliferation in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of RA. FLS were primary-cultured from a rat RA model. RA-FLS and normal FLS were infected with lentivirus (anti-miR-21 or pro-miR-21) for overexpression or downregulation of miR-21, respectively. The effects of miR-21 overexpression or inhibition on nucleoprotein NF-κB levels and FLS cell proliferation were evaluated by western blotting and MTT assays. The effects of an inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear translocation (BAY 11-7082) were also evaluated. The results showed that the levels of miR-21 and nucleoprotein NF-κB were increased in FLS of RA model rats compared to the control group. Downregulation of miR-21 in RA FLS led to a significant decrease in nucleoprotein NF-κB levels and cell proliferation rates compared to the antinegative control (NC) group. However, miR-21 overexpression in normal FLS resulted in a significant increase of nucleoprotein NF-κB levels and cell proliferation rates compared to the pro-NC group. The effects of miR-21 overexpression were reversed by BAY 11-7082. We concluded that upregulated miR-21 in FLS in RA model rats may promote cell proliferation by facilitating NF-κB nuclear translocation, thus affecting the NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the fast developing of mobile terminals, positioning techniques based on fingerprinting method draw attention from many researchers even world famous companies. To conquer some shortcomings of the existing fingerprinting systems and further improve the system performance, on the one hand, in the paper, we propose a coarse positioning method based on random forest, which is able to customize several subregions, and classify test point to the region with an outstanding accuracy compared with some typical clustering algorithms. On the other hand, through the mathematical analysis in engineering, the proposed kernel principal component analysis algorithm is applied for radio map processing, which may provide better robustness and adaptability compared with linear feature extraction methods and manifold learning technique. We build both theoretical model and real environment for verifying the feasibility and reliability. The experimental results show that the proposed indoor positioning system could achieve 99% coarse locating accuracy and enhance 15% fine positioning accuracy on average in a strong noisy environment compared with some typical fingerprinting based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) and its receptor (PD-1) are key molecules for immunoregulation and immunotherapy. PD-L1 binding PD-1 is an effective way to regulate T or B cell immunity in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, we overexpressed PD-L1 by constructing a recombinant of PD-L1-lentiviral vector, which was subsequently used to transfect mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MBMMSCs) and significantly suppressed the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1j mice. In addition, PD-L1-transfected MBMMSCs (PD-L1-MBMMSCs) ameliorated joint damage, reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited T and B cell activation. Furthermore, PD-L1-MBMMSCs decreased the number of dendritic cells and increased the numbers of regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells in joints of CIA mice. In conclusion, our results provided a potential therapeutic strategy for RA treatment with PD-L1-MBMMSC-targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A severe haze pollution incident caused by unfavorable weather conditions and a northern air mass occurred in eastern, northern, northwestern, and southwestern China from January 15 to January 22, 2018. To comparatively analyze variations in PM2.5 pollution, hourly monitoring data and 24 h meteorological data were collected. Air quality observations revealed large spatiotemporal variation in PM2.5 concentrations in Handan, Zhengzhou, Xi'an, Yuncheng, Chengdu, Xiangyang, and Jinan. The daily mean PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 111.35 to 227.23 μg·m−³, with concentration being highest in Zhengzhou. Hourly mean PM2.5 concentration presented multiple U-shaped curves, with higher values at night and lower values during the day. The ratios of PM2.5 to PM10 were large in target cities and the results of multiscale geographic weighted regression model (MGWR) and Pearson correlation coefficients showed that PM2.5 had a significant positive or negative correlation with PM10, CO, NO2, and SO2. The concentration of PM2.5 was closely related to the combustion of fossil fuels and other organic compounds, indicating the large contribution of secondary aerosols to PM2.5 concentrations. The analysis of meteorological conditions showed that low temperature, low wind speed, and high relative humidity could aggravate the accumulation of regional pollutants in winter. Northwestern trajectory clusters were predominant contributions except in Jinan, and the highest PM2.5 concentrations in target cities were associated with short trajectory clusters in winter. The potential sources calculated by Weight Potential Source Contribution Function (WPSCF) and Weight Concentration-Weighted Trajectory (WCWT) models were similar and the highest values of the WPSCF (>0.5) and the WCWT (>100 μg·m−³) were mainly distributed in densely populated, industrial, arid, and semiarid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root cause behind the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is cigarette smoke that induces the inflammation of the lung tissue and alveolar destruction. Long-term cigarette smoking can lead to deterioration in lung parenchymal function and cause structural changes in the lung, further resulting in pulmonary fibrosis. Rhodiola rosea L., a traditional medicinal perennial herb, is well known for its numerous pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antifatigue, antidepressive, and antifibrotic properties. Here, we evaluated the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the Rhodiola rosea L. (RRL) macroporous resin extract on COPD caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cigarette smoke (CS) in rats. The RRL significantly improved the pathological structure of the lung tissue. Additionally, RRL decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells and, subsequently, oxidative stress. Furthermore, the RNAseq assay indicated that RRL attenuated the CS and LPS-induced COPD via anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic activities. Western blot analysis substantiated that the RRL resulted in upregulated levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 as well as downregulated levels of IκBα, NF-κB p65, α-SMA, and TGF-β1. Interestingly, the RRL could protect rats from CS and LPS-induced COPD by inhibiting the ERK1/2 and Smad3 signaling pathways and apoptosis. Thus, the RRL could attenuate CS and LPS-induced COPD through inflammation inhibition and antioxidant and antifibrosis pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality control of Saussurea involucrata has been greatly improved by macroscopic and microscopic identification and chemical profiling described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia since 2005. However, these methods have their own limitations, e.g., their dependence on personal experience and expertise, and it is a huge challenge to identify closely related species that share similar or identical morphological characteristics and chemical profiles. A novel and generally accepted identification strategy is urgently needed as a complement to regulations for protecting the public health interests. In this work, a comprehensive chromatographic fingerprint method was developed and tested on 43 samples from four haplotypes of S. involucrata according to DNA barcoding. Three common patterns consisting of 20, 14, and 7 common peaks were generated by frequency filters of median, upper quartile, and 100%, respectively. Based on two formerly screened patterns, S. involucrata can be effectively identified from its five easily confused snow lotus species, including the most closely related plant (S. orgaadayi) in the orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models. The model is supported by good R and Q coefficients. In addition, different haplotypes of S. involucrata can be discriminated in the OPLS-DA model using the 20 common peaks. Among them, peaks 9, 11, 16 (zaluzanin C), and 18 (dehydrocostus lactone) have been identified as fingerprint markers of S. involucrata via S-plots and VIP values (>1). Additionally, peaks 19 and 20 were identified as linolenic acid and linoleic acid with anti-inflammatory activity, and they were isolated from the herb for the first time. Collectively, the chromatographic fingerprint of S. involucrata can be an effective and integrated method for the identification of authentic herbs from adulterant species or related plants, and discrimination of its different haplotypes provides an objective and reliable tool for quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LL-37, also called cathelicidin, is an important part of the human immune system, which can resist various pathogens. A plethora of experiments have demonstrated that it has the multifunctional effects of immune regulation, in addition to antimicrobial activity. Recently, there have been increasing interest in its immune function. It was found that LL-37 can have two distinct functions in different tissues and different microenvironments. Thus, it is necessary to investigate LL-37 immune functions from the two sides of the same coin. On the one side, LL-37 promotes inflammation and immune response and exerts its anti-infective and antitumor effects; on the other side, it has the ability to inhibit inflammation and promote carcinogenesis. This review presents a brief summary of its expression, structure, and immunomodulatory effects as well as brief discussions on the role of this small peptide as a key factor in the development and treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LL-37, also called cathelicidin, is an important part of the human immune system, which can resist various pathogens. A plethora of experiments have demonstrated that it has the multifunctional effects of immune regulation, in addition to antimicrobial activity. Recently, there have been increasing interest in its immune function. It was found that LL-37 can have two distinct functions in different tissues and different microenvironments. Thus, it is necessary to investigate LL-37 immune functions from the two sides of the same coin. On the one side, LL-37 promotes inflammation and immune response and exerts its anti-infective and antitumor effects; on the other side, it has the ability to inhibit inflammation and promote carcinogenesis. This review presents a brief summary of its expression, structure, and immunomodulatory effects as well as brief discussions on the role of this small peptide as a key factor in the development and treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses remain the key environmental issues that reduce plant development and therefore affect crop production. Transcription factors, such as the GRAS family, are involved in various functions of abiotic stresses and plant growth. The GRAS family of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), SlGRAS7, is described in this study. We produced overexpressing SlGARS7 plants to learn more about the GRAS transcription factors. Plants overexpressing SlGARS7 (SlGRAS7-OE) showed multiple phenotypes related to many behaviors, including plant height, root and shoot length, and flowering time. We observed that many genes in the SlGRAS7-OE seedlings that are associated with auxin and gibberellin (GA) are downregulated and have altered sensitivity to GA3/IAA. SlGRAS7 was upregulated during abiotic stresses following treatment with sodium chloride (NaCl) and D-mannitol in the wild-type (WT) tomato. Tomato plants overexpressing SlGRAS7 showed more resistance to drought and salt stress comparison with WT. Our study of SlGRAS7 in tomato demonstrates how GRAS showed an integrative role, improving resistance to abiotic stresses and enhancing gibberellin/auxin signaling through reproductive as well as vegetative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cervical dystonia (CD) is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary head and neck movements and postures. Reports on microstructural and functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions not limited to the basal ganglia have been increasing in patients with CD. However, the neural bases of CD are unclear. This study is aimed at identifying cerebral functional abnormalities in CD by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods. Using rs-fMRI data, voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) and degree centrality were used to compare the alterations of the rs-functional connectivity (FC) between 19 patients with CD and 21 healthy controls. Regions showing abnormal FCs from two measurements were the regions of interest for correlation analyses. Results. Compared with healthy controls, patients with CD exhibited significantly decreased VMHC in the supplementary motor area (SMA), precuneus (PCu)/postcentral gyrus, and superior medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Significantly increased degree centrality in the right PCu and decreased degree centrality in the right lentiform nucleus and left ventral MPFC were observed in the patient group compared with the control group. Further correlation analyses showed that the VMHC values in the SMA were negatively correlated with dystonia severity. Conclusion. Local abnormalities and interhemispheric interaction deficits in the sensorimotor network (SMA, postcentral gyrus, and PCu), default mode network (MPFC and PCu), and basal ganglia may be the key characteristics in the pathogenesis mechanism of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different from traditional solid dispersion (SD) for improving the dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs, the upgraded 4th SD was developed to furnish a drug sustained-release profile. In this work, two different kinds of 4th SDs were fabricated using two electrospinning processes. One is a ternary SD (nanofibers F2) that consisted of ethyl cellulose (EC), polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG), and tamoxifen citrate (TAM) from a modified coaxial process, and the other is a binary SD (nanofibers F1) which is comprised of EC and TAM from a single-fluid blending process. Scanning electronic microscopic observations demonstrated that F2 (330±50 nm) showed a better quality than F1 (870±230 nm) in terms of size and size distribution although both of them had a smooth surface morphology and a cross section. X-ray diffraction patterns verified that both SDs were amorphous nanocomposites owing to the favorable secondary interactions among these components, as suggested from the results of FTIR. In vitro dissolution experiments indicated that F2 could furnish an improved drug sustained-release characteristics compared to F1, exhausting all the contained TAM and having weaker leveling-off late release. The molecular behaviors of drug sustained-release from the binary 4th SD were suggested. The protocols reported here paved an alternative way for developing novel functional nanomaterials for effective delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the role of miRNAs in regulating the molecular mechanisms responsive to drought stress was studied in Paulownia “yuza 1.” Two small RNA libraries and two degradome libraries were, respectively, constructed and sequenced in order to detect miRNAs and their target genes associated with drought stress. A total of 107 miRNAs and 42 putative target genes were identified in this study. Among them, 77 miRNAs were differentially expressed between drought-treated Paulownia “yuza 1” and the control (60 downregulated and 17 upregulated). The predicted target genes were annotated using the GO, KEGG, and Nr databases. According to the functional classification of the target genes, Paulownia “yuza 1” may respond to drought stress via plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and osmotic adjustment. Furthermore, the expression levels of seven miRNAs (ptf-miR157b, ptf-miR159b, ptf-miR398a, ptf-miR9726a, ptf-M2153, ptf-M2218, and ptf-M24a) and their corresponding target genes were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. The results provide relevant information for understanding the molecular mechanism of Paulownia resistance to drought and reference data for researching drought resistance of other trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of meteorological observation technology, satellite data have found increasingly wide use in the numerical weather prediction field. However, there are various observational biases in satellite data, including a random bias brought about by complex weather systems and a systematic bias caused by the instrument itself, which greatly influence the quality of satellite data. A gradient information assimilation method is proposed in this paper to eliminate systematic bias. This method uses a gradient operator for gradient transformation between the model variable and observation variable and reaches the objective of eliminating systematic bias. An ideal experiment of variational data assimilation is conducted using the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) data, indicating that only assimilating gradient information can eliminate the smooth systematic bias in observation data. Then, a numerical simulation of tropical cyclone (TC) Megi and data assimilation experiment are conducted using the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) and WRF Data Assimilation (WRFDA) model as well as the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data. The results show that the method of gradient information assimilation can improve the accuracy of TC tracks forecast and is also applicable for dealing with unreliable satellite data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs have been applied for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment; however, patients having anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) do not benefit from these drugs. The meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the relationship between ADAb positive (ADAb+) and anti-TNF response in RA patients. Methods. Observational studies comparing different clinical response between ADAb+ and ADAb negative groups were included. Odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as effect size. Subgroup analyses stratified by TNF inhibitor types and assay methods for ADAb detection were performed. Results. Totally, 10 eligible studies containing 1806 subjects were included. ADAb+ was significantly associated with reduced anti-TNF response to RA at all the time points after follow-up (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis also supported this significant association (P<0.05), except for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) group at 3 months, infliximab (INF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) groups at 6 months, and Immunological Multi-Parameter Chip Technology (IMPACT) group at 12 months. Conclusion. ADAb+ was significantly associated with reduced clinical response in RA patients, and other alternatives should be considered in RA patients presenting ADAb+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]