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Reliable disease management can guarantee healthy plant production and relies on the knowledge of pathogen prevalence. Modeling the dynamic changes in spore concentration is available for realizing this purpose. We present a novel model based on a time-series modeling machine learning method, i.e., a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, to analyze oomycete Plasmopara viticola sporangia concentration dynamics using data from a 4-year field experiment trial in North China. Principal component analysis (PCA)-based high-quality input screening and simulation result calibration were performed to ensure model performance, obtaining a high determination coefficient (0.99), a low root mean square error (0.87), and a low mean bias error (0.55), high sensitivity (91.5%), and high specificity (96.5%). The impact of the variability of relative factors on daily P. viticola sporangia concentrations was analyzed, confirming that a low daily mean air temperature restricts pathogen development even during a long period of high humidity in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Treatment of implants with peri-implantitis is often unsuccessful due to residual microbial biofilm hindering re-osseointegration. The aim of this study was to treat biofilm-grown titanium (Ti) implants with different modalities involving air abrasion (AA) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to compare the effectiveness in surface decontamination and the alteration/preservation of surface topography. Materials and methods: Saliva collected from a peri-implantitis patient was used to in vitro develop human biofilm over 35 implants with moderately rough surface. The implants were then mounted onto standardized acrylic blocks simulating peri-implantitis defects and treated with AA (erythritol powder), CAP in a liquid medium, or a combination (COM) of both modalities. The remaining biofilm was measured by crystal violet (CV). Surface features and roughness before and after treatment were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results: In the present peri-implantitis model, the human complex biofilm growth was successful as indicated by the statistical significance between the negative and positive controls. All the treatment groups resulted in a remarkable implant surface decontamination, with values very close to the negative control for AA and COM. Indeed, statistically significant differences in the comparison between the positive control vs. all the treatment groups were found. SEM analysis showed no post-treatment alterations on the implant surface in all the groups. Conclusions: Decontamination with AA delivering erythritol with or without CAP in liquid medium demonstrated compelling efficacy in the removal of biofilm from implants. All the tested treatments did not cause qualitative alterations to the Ti surface features. No specific effects of the CAP were observed, although further studies are necessary to assess its potential as monotherapy with different settings or in combination with other decontamination procedures. Clinical relevance: CAP is a promising option in the treatment of peri-implantitis because it has potential to improve the elimination of bacterial plaque from implant surfaces, in inaccessible pockets or during open-flap debridement, and should stimulate the process of the re-osseointegration of affected dental implants by not altering surface features and roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates factors that affect customer satisfaction and the degree that service with an e-smile, service quality and customer mood affect consumer satisfaction. Data from 366 valid samples were obtained using an online survey. The research model is assessed using partial least squares analysis. The results show that customer satisfaction is predicted collectively by e-smile service, service quality and customer mood. Customer satisfaction with online service is predicted primarily by service quality, followed by customer mood and service with an e-smile. The results suggest that service with an e-smile provides considerable explanatory power for service quality and customer mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effects of pioglitazone (PIO) on insulin resistance and first phase insulin secretion among obese and lean Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Sixty-eight drug-naïve patients with T2DM were treated with PIO for 16 weeks. Before and after the treatment, insulin sensitivity was evaluated by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp test. Plasma insulin levels at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min during intravenous glucose tolerance test were determined to calculate the first phase insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. Circulating adiponectin levels were quantified. RESULTS: In both the lean and the obese patients with T2DM, the reduction of HbA1c following the PIO treatment was more than 1% (P < 0.001) and glucose infusion rate, acute insulin response, glucose disposal index, and β-cell glucose sensitivity increased significantly (P < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the improvements of first phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were independently associated with the changes of HbA1c, but the change of first phase insulin secretion exhibited a higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.001) than the change of insulin sensitivity did (R2 = 0.07, P = 0.040). The PIO treatment led to a significant increase in adiponectin levels only in the obese group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A 16-week treatment of PIO significantly increased insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in the lean group as well as in the obese group among Chinese T2DM patients, demonstrating that both lean and obese diabetic adults would profit from PIO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites have superior properties of high modulus-to-weight ratio, high strength-to-weight ratio, good durability, high corrosion resistance, and low thermal expansion coefficient. These properties make them attractive in many different applications, such as aerospace, medical, transportation, and sporting goods. However, CFRP's properties of anisotropy, inhomogeneity, and abrasive properties of carbon fibers in CFRP composites generate many problems, including high cutting forces, high torque, delamination, high tool wear, decomposition of matrix material, etc., in traditional grinding processes. Surface grinding of CFRP composites using rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) is used to decrease these problems. However, there is no investigation on effects of workpiece machining orientations in such a process. This investigation, for the first time, studies effects of workpiece machining orientations and machining variables (including tool rotation speed, feedrate, and ultrasonic power) on output variables (including both cutting force in feeding direction and cutting force in axial direction, torque, and surface roughness). The results show that lower cutting forces and torque are generated by using 90° workpiece machining orientation and lower surface roughness is produced by using 0° workpiece machining orientation. The results are discussed and analyzed, and they will fill in the research gaps in RUM surface grinding of CFRP composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the OZI-allowed twobody strong decays of 3-heavy-light mesons. Experimentally the charmed D*3 (2760) and the charm-strange D*s3(2860) states with these quantum numbers have been discovered. For the bottomed B(5970) state, which was found by the CDF Collaboration recently, its quantum number has not been decided yet and we assume it is a 3-meson in this paper. The theoretical prediction for the strong decays of bottom-strange state B*s3 is also given. The relativistic wave functions of 3-heavy mesons are constructed and their numerical values are obtained by solving the corresponding Bethe-Salpeter equation with instantaneous approximation. The transition matrix is calculated by using the PCAC and low energy theorem, following which the decay widths are obtained. For D*3 (2760) and D*s3(2860), the total strong decay widths are 72.6 and 47.6 MeV, respectively. For B* 3 with M = 5978 MeV and B*s3 with M = 6178 MeV, their strong decay widths are 22.9 and 40.8 MeV, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new mesons X(3940) and X(4160) have been found by Belle Collaboration in the processes e+e-→J/ψD(∗)D¯(∗)e+e-→J/ψD(∗)D¯(∗). Considering X(3940) and X(4160) as ηc(3S)ηc(3S) and ηc(4S)ηc(4S) states, the two-body open charm OZI-allowed strong decay of ηc(3S)ηc(3S) and ηc(4S)ηc(4S) are studied by the improved Bethe-Salpeter method combined with the 3P03P0 model. The strong decay width of ηc(3S)ηc(3S) is Γηc(3S)=(33.5+18.4-15.3)Γηc(3S)=(33.5-15.3+18.4) MeV, which is close to the result of X(3940); therefore, ηc(3S)ηc(3S) is a good candidate of X(3940). The strong decay width of ηc(4S)ηc(4S) is Γηc(4S)=(69.9+22.4-21.1)Γηc(4S)=(69.9-21.1+22.4) MeV, considering the errors of the results, it is close to the lower limit of X(4160). But the ratio of the decay width Γ(DD¯*)Γ(D*D¯*)Γ(DD*)Γ(D*D¯*) of ηc(4S)ηc(4S) is larger than the experimental data of X(4160). According to the above analysis, ηc(4S)ηc(4S) is not the candidate of X(4160), and more investigations of X(4160) is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported a redox-sensitive red fluorescent protein, rxRFP1, which is one of the first genetically encoded red-fluorescent probes for general redox states in living cells. As individual cellular compartments have different basal redox potentials, we hereby describe a group of rxRFP1 mutants, showing different midpoint redox potentials for detection of redox dynamics in various subcellular domains, such as mitochondria, the cell nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When these redox probes were expressed and subcellularly localized in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 T cells, they responded to membrane-permeable oxidants and reductants. In addition, a mitochondrially localized rxRFP1 mutant, Mito-rxRFP1.1, was used to detect mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin-a widely used cancer chemotherapy drug. Our work has expanded the fluorescent protein toolkit with new research tools for studying compartmentalized redox dynamics and oxidative stress under various pathophysiological conditions. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, microwave plasma was used to treat the surface of Pinus yunnanensis wood under the conditions of 220 V of input voltage, 20 μA of filament current, 8.8 mW of output power, 11 mW of reflected power, 2450 MHz of frequency, and 700 Pa of vacuum. The microwave plasma presented very significant treatment effects on the treated surface, even under weak treatment conditions, for example long treatment distance of 120 mm and short treatment time of 60 s. The treated surface showed better surface wettability, and the contact angles on the treated surface measured from deionized water, glycerin, and diiodomethane decreased sharply, even decreased to 0°. The treated surface also presented higher surface free energy, for example, 61.4-62.8 mJ m, being greatly improved by microwave plasma compared to that of untreated surface of 46.5 mJ m. The bond strength of the treated surface was 7.34 MPa, about 16 % higher than 6.31 MPa for untreated surface. The best treatment effect was obtained for the treatment distance of 120 mm and treatment time of 60-300 s. This technique might be widely used in wood modification and wood processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pericarp browning is a critical problem resulting in reduced commercial value and shelf life of longan fruit. Results: Two non-protein amino acids, α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and ß-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB) at 100 and 1 mM were applied to longan fruit prior to storage for up to 8 days at 25 °C respectively. Contents of the major Five phenolics (gallic acid, catechin, corilagin, epicatechin and gallocatechin gallate) were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Physiological properties related to pericarp browning of longan fruit were investigated during storage. Respiration rate, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were down-regulated by AIB or BAIB treatments, with significantly lower pericarp browning index and higher proportion of edible fruit than the control. Moreover, exogenous application of AIB and BAIB maintained higher contents of catechin, corilagin, epicatechin and gallocatechin gallate, but lower content of gallic acid compared to the control in the pericarp of longan fruit during storage, which was associated with the oxidation of browning substrate. Conclusions: Pericarp browning was inhibited and storage life of longan fruit was extended effectively by AIB and BAIB treatments with AIB treatment being more significant than BAIB. The findings may provide a new strategy for controlling pericarp browning of harvested longan fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we prepared high-performance printable, stretchable electrical conductor from waterborne polyurethane and micro-silver flakes. The solidification and thermal degradation were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis methods. The electrical conductor achieved solidification by volatilizing and removing the free water. The thermal degradation mainly happened in the range of 250-450 °C caused by the pyrolysis of the polymeric matrix of polyurethane. The pyrolysis kinetic equations were obtained using the kinetic methods, e.g., d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe for the polyurethane, d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe, d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe, and d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe for the electrical conductor containing 80, 85, and 90 % mass percentage of micro-silver flakes, where α was the fractional extent conversion at a given time t (or a given temperature T). Their overall order of reaction was 0.91, 0.95, 0.83, and 0.87, respectively, less than 1, demonstrating the thermal degradation was a single, simple reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important application of fluorescent proteins is to derive genetically encoded fluorescent probes that can actively respond to cellular dynamics such as pH change, redox signaling, calcium oscillation, enzyme activities, and membrane potential. Despite the large diverse group of fluorescent-protein-based probes, a few basic principles have been established and are shared by most of these probes. In this article, the focus is on these general principles and strategies that guide the development of fluorescent-protein-based probes. A few examples are provided in each category to illustrate the corresponding principles. Since these principles are quite straightforward, others may adapt them to create fluorescent probes for their own interest. Hopefully, the development of the ever-growing family of fluorescent-protein-based probes will no longer be limited to a small number of laboratories specialized in senor development, leading to the situation that biological studies will be bettered assisted by genetically encoded sensors. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the electrically conductive adhesives were fabricated using vinyl ester resin and micro silver flakes, and then a high-intensity pulsed light was introduced to cure the adhesives under an ambient atmosphere at room temperature. The thermal degradation kinetics of photonically cured products was studied using the Friedman method and deduced by assuming a variable activation energy ( E). The value of E spanned from 110 to 233 kJ mol, which first increased, then decreased, and finally increased again as the thermal degradation proceeded. The kinetic equation of thermal degradation was obtained as d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe with E( α) = 961.73 α − 1453.9 α + 669.79 α + 79.859, α ∈ (0, 1), where α was the fractional extent conversion at a given time (or given temperature). The overall order of reaction was 4.07 and >1, demonstrating that the thermal degradation was complex. With the Friedman method, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the thermal degradation kinetics of photonically cured electrically conductive adhesives has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmon-driven surface catalytic (PDSC) reaction in Ag/Au nanoparticle monomer or dimer-film gaps are experimentally and theoretically investigated, using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and finite element method. The variation of SERS spectra in different nano gaps of nanoparticle-film systems indicated the PDSC reaction was largely depended on the number of nanoparticles. The higher Raman intensity of p,p'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) in dimer-film nanogap was because effective coupling of induced image charge on metal film in hybridized plasmonic gap mode, which was confirmed by the electric field distribution. Furthermore, the influence of material and wavelength was also studied to obtain the optimal experimental condition for best surface catalysis in hybridized plasmonic gap mode. Our studies in this common configuration of plasmonic nanostructure are of great significance not only in the field of catalysis on metal surface but also in other surface plasmon fields such as senor, photon detection, water splitting, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide (NMA) and vinyl acetate (VAc) were used in order to prepare secondary emulsions; additionally urea was then introduced into the polymerization to form ternary emulsions, adjusting different proportions of the three components. Compared to pure polyvinyl acetate, these two emulsion types presented shorter curing time, improved water resistance, and higher bond strength; this is based on the crosslinking ability introduced by the NMA, enabling such a partial crosslinking already during the polymerization process and during storage. The viscosity, solid content, storage stability, curing and drying behavior, water resistance, delamination time, and bond strength were influenced by the proportions of NMA and urea in the two systems. Urea had a positive effect on the wet bond strength, but a negative effect on the dry bond strength. The proportion of NMA and of urea during the polymerization preferably was 1-2 % based on VAc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we fabricated electrically conductive adhesives using vinyl ester resin and micro silver flakes, and then cured the adhesives by heat without any catalysts or initiators. The curing temperature was above 200 °C, and the curing time about 30 min. Under these heat curing conditions, the double bonds in the adhesives reached a high conversion ( α) around 98.88 % calculated from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The curing kinetics of heat curing products was studied using Ozawa method and deduced by assuming a constant activation energy ( E). The curing kinetic equation was obtained as d α/d t = e(1 − α) αe with E = 94.32 kJ mol. The heat curing followed the shrinking core model from the resin-particle system. The data calculated from the kinetic equation agreed well with the experimental data, showing that the Ozawa method could evaluate the curing kinetics effectively. Furthermore, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the curing kinetics of heat curing electrically conductive adhesives has been achieved with this Ozawa method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we prepared exfoliated nanocomposites from polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and organic montmorillonite (OMMT) through different synthesis processes. OMMT was exfoliated into layers or sheets of nanoparticles. They dispersed in PVAc matrix randomly. The synthesis processes influenced the dispersion and apparent viscosity significantly. PVAc and PVAc-OMMT both were pseudo-plastic Non-Newtonian fluids and had the normal stress effect (or Weissenberg effect) from pole-climbing phenomenon. By analyzing the apparent viscosity using power-law function equation, Newtonian fluid flow equation, and Cross-Williamson model viscous equation, the synthesis processes and OMMT had a combined effect on the rheology of PVAc and PVAc-OMMT. With the change of synthesis processes and the increase of OMMT content in synthesis system, the calculated molecular weight of PVAc-OMMT increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetostriction of ferromagnetic materials describes the change of their shape or dimension in response to the reorientation of magnetization under the influence of external magnetic field. Fe100-xGax binary alloys (Galfenol) have large magnetostriction and excellent ductility; and they are very promising rare-earth free materials for applications in sensors, actuators, energy-harvesters and spintronic devices. Here we report results of large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations for Galfenol, especially regarding the mechanism that leads to the sudden drop of tetragonal magnetostriction at x ~ 19, a long-standing puzzle for the community. Based on rigid band analysis, we propose possible ways to further optimize the performance of Galfenol for device applications. For example, we found that the substitution of a small amount of Cu for Ga (1.6%) in certain configuration may double the magnetostriction of Galfenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an exfoliated montmorillonite was prepared through click chemistry from a singly azido-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane derivative and a montmorillonite intercalated with propargyldimethylstearylammonium bromide. This exfoliated montmorillonite was then introduced into a benzoxazine matrix-prepared from paraformaldehyde, aniline, and phenol-to form polymer/exfoliated clay nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the pyrolysis kinetics had a close relationship with the structure of montmorillonite, the assembly process, the anchoring effect, the compatibility of the polymer and intercalator, and the char yield. The polymer/exfoliated clay nanocomposites had a same mechanism function, and the kinetic compensation effect equations revealed the pyrolysis essences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of steels were designed on the basis of GX40CrNiSi25-12 austenitic heat resistant steel by adding different Mn contents (2wt.%, 6wt.%, and 12wt.%). Thermodynamic calculation, microstructure characterization and mechanical property tests were conducted to investigate the effect of Mn addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the austenitic heat resistant steel. Results show that the matrix structure in all the three types of steels at room temperature is completely austenite. Carbides NbC and M23C6 precipitate at grain boundaries of austenite matrix. With the increase of Mn content, the number of carbides increases and their distribution becomes more uniform. With the Mn content increases from 1.99% to 12.06%, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation increase by 14.6%, 8.0% and 46.3%, respectively. The improvement of the mechanical properties of austenitic steels can be explained by utilizing classic theories of alloy strengthening, including solid solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and grain refinement. The increase in alloy strength can be attributed to solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening caused by the addition of Mn. The improvement of the plasticity of austenitic steels can be explained from two aspects: grain refinement and homogenization of precipitated phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an exfoliated montmorillonite was introduced into a benzoxazine matrix-prepared from paraformaldehyde, aniline, and phenol-to form polymer/exfoliated clay nanocomposites. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements revealed the structures and thermal and mechanical properties of these polybenzoxazine/clay nanocomposites; the montmorillonite was exfoliated into nanoparticles (single sheets or layers) that were dispersed in the polybenzoxazine matrix. The incorporation of the exfoliated montmorillonite improved the polymer's glass transition and thermal decomposition temperatures, mechanical properties, and surface hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High formaldehyde emission and poor water resistance are two main disadvantages of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin. For that reason, a novel polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) type emulsion curing agent was developed in this paper. PVAc type emulsions, including PVAc, the co-polymer of PVAc and N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide (PVAc-NMA), and the ternary co-polymer of PVAc, NMA, and urea (PVAc-NMA-urea), were the main components. Water, aluminum chloride, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, polypropylene glycol, silicone oil, and urea were the other components. Under heating, aluminum chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate often underwent thermal decomposition and hydrolysis in solution, produce free acid to cure UF resin, so the curing agent could enhance the curing rate, and then shorten the curing time. In this curing agent, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and urea worked as formaldehyde removers and reacted with free formaldehyde in UF resin, thus the formaldehyde emission exuded from the plywood could be effectively limited and reduced. The bonding strength of plywood was not improved very much, especially the dry bonding strength, but the wet bonding strength was little enhanced for the active hydroxymethyl group contained in PVAc-NMA and PVAc-NMA-urea underwent a self-cross-linking reaction to improve the bonding strength and adhesion force to the bonded substrate. More importantly, the results from the industrial production experiments were shown to be very good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information used to build proteins is stored in the genetic material of every organism. In nature, ribosomes use 20 native amino acids to synthesize proteins in most circumstances. However, laboratory efforts to expand the genetic repertoire of living cells and organisms have successfully encoded more than 80 nonnative amino acids in E. coli, yeast, and other eukaryotic systems. The selectivity, fidelity, and site-specificity provided by the technology have enabled unprecedented flexibility in manipulating protein sequences and functions in cells. Various biophysical probes can be chemically conjugated or directly incorporated at specific residues in proteins, and corresponding analytical techniques can then be used to answer diverse biological questions. This review summarizes the methodology of genetic code expansion and its recent progress, and discusses the applications of commonly used analytical methods. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new in situ seed baiting method using seed packets to assess germination of orchid species within soil provides a means of locating, collecting, and identifying specific fungi that are involved in the lifecycle of orchids in the wild and investigating their relationship with the orchids under natural field conditions. Two isolates (SHH44, SHH53) originating from the seedlings found in the seeds packets in situ were demonstrated to support seed germination and seedling development (in vitro) of two endangered Chinese endemic herbs, Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium nobile (Orchidaceae). Advanced protocorm development (Stage 3 and greater) in this study of these species of Dendrobium only occurred under the 12/12 h L/D photo-period indicated that illumination may play an important role in seedling recruitment of terrestrial orchid species in their natural environment. The information provided in this study may prove invaluable in the conservation of D. officinale and D. nobile and congener species in China, especially given their rare status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine in the hippocampus can exert its effect on both synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and extrasynaptic functional glycine receptors (GlyRs) via distinct binding sites. Previous studies have reported that glycine induces long-term potentiation (LTP) through the activation of synaptic NMDARs. However, little is known about the potential role of the activated GlyRs that are largely located in extrasynaptic regions. We report here that relatively high levels of glycine achieved either by exogenous glycine application or by the elevation of endogenous glycine accumulation with an antagonist of the glycine transporter induced long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The co-application of glycine with the selective GlyR antagonist strychnine changed glycine-induced LTD (Gly-LTD) to LTP. Blocking the postsynaptic GlyR-gated net chloride flux by manipulating intracellular chloride concentrations failed to elicit any changes in EPSCs. These results suggest that GlyRs are involved in Gly-LTD. Furthermore, this new form of chemical LTD was accompanied by the internalization of postsynaptic AMPA receptors and required the activation of NMDARs. Therefore, our present findings reveal an important function of GlyR activation and modulation in gating the direction of synaptic plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various lithographic approaches have been developed to generate patterns on flat and non-flat surfaces. However, it still remains a challenge to produce patterns on irregular surfaces, such as on the curved tip of a glass micropipette. To overcome this challenge, we have developed two new approaches in this work, and explored the possibility of applying them to generate Au microlines on the outer surfaces of glass micropipettes. A glass micropipette includes a straight tube and a curved tip. In either approach, the outer surface of the glass micropipette was first thermally coated with a thin Au film. A photoresist (PR)-coated membrane was then pushed against this glass micropipette when the PR was still wet. During the contact, part of the PR was transferred from the membrane to the micropipette. After the membrane was removed, a continuous PR line was left on the outer surface of the glass micropipette. This line extended from the straight tube to the end of the curved tip. Another PR line was further generated on the other side of this micropipette using the same process. Finally, after the Au film was etched using the two PR lines as the masking patterns, followed by the removal of the PR using acetone, two Au lines were generated on the outer surface of the glass micropipette. The two approaches mainly differed in the ways of pressing the PR-coated membrane against the curved tip of the micropipette. In the first approach, a clip was applied for this purpose, while in the second approach a nitrogen flux was employed to make the membrane have intimate contact with the curved tip. To date, we have successfully fabricated Au lines on glass micropipettes of tip sizes down to 35 and 5 μm, respectively, using the two approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the novel role of lipocalin 2 and its concernment with human nonmetastatic clone 23 type 1 (nm23-H1) and p53 in cervical carcinogenesis, SiHa cervical cancer cells were knocked down for nm23-H and lipocalin 2 or overexpressed by lipocalin 2 genes. We found that the overexpression of lipocalin 2 or knockdown of nm23-H1 genes increased the proliferation of SiHa cancer cells, while knocking down of lipocalin 2 decreased the proliferation of SiHa. Furthermore, knockdown of nm23-H1 or overexpression of lipocalin 2 was associated with reduced expression of p53 and its downstream gene p21. Using tissue microarrays, lipocalin 2 immunoreactivity was significantly elevated in cancer tissues as compared with it in high- or low-grade dysplasia or normal tissues. Serum secreted form lipocalin 2 from patients with cervical cancer increased in comparison with normal controls. Conclusively, secreted form lipocalin 2 reflects its implication in cervical cancer tissues and may be utilized as an adjuvant biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a versatile detail editing approach for triangular meshes based on filtering the Laplacian coordinates. More specifically, we first compute the Laplacian coordinates of the mesh vertices, then filter the Laplacian coordinates, and finally reconstruct the mesh from the filtered Laplacian coordinates by solving a linear least square system. The proposed detail editing method includes not only feature preserving smoothing but also enhancing. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows interactive editing of some user-specified frequencies and regions. Experimental results demonstrate that our method is much more versatile and faster than the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation of firebrands from a wildland fire and their distribution downwind are studied using an analytical approach. The processes considered include emission of firebrands, wind-driven transport and the associated spot ignition. Emission of the firebrands from a fire front is treated as a stochastic process reflecting the interaction between gas flow plume and the burning fuel debris formed, with the emission rate being dominated by the rate of fuel consumption, emission factor and a function of firebrand sizes. Analogous to the random distribution of non-burning windborne particles, the transient distribution of firebrands downwind is described by a statistical pattern of Rayleigh form. Number and mass of firebrands landed downwind within the maximum travel distance are then determined by integration over the entire impact period during fire spread and burning-out processes. Application of the model to the bushfire occurred in Canberra, Australia in 2003 indicates that this model provides reasonable prediction in the distribution of firebrands downwind, and quantitatively exhibits the role of ember attack in massive destruction of houses at urban interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) refer to the bacteria beneficial to plants, and they may affect the growth and development of plants directly or indirectly. This article studied the activities of nitrogen fixation and colonization of a strain of PGPB, Klebsiella pneumoniae NG14, which was isolated from the rice root surface. The results showed that NG14 harbouring the nifH gene had nitrogenase activity, N-fixing activity, and was able to colonize on the root surface and within the cavity of root vascular tissues of rice. Using proteomics technology to study the differences and changes of membrane proteins (MP) of NG14 bacterial biofilm in non-biological surface, 28 proteins showing significant differences before and after the formation of bacterial biofilm have been identified, in which the precursors of membrane pore protein OmpC relevant to osmotic stress resistance was up-regulated. This study would have positive significance on further understanding of the direct and indirect promotion effects of PGPB and related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measured strains in the continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) cannot simply be used to calculate the concrete stresses by multiplying the elastic modulus of concrete, because the measured strains include both the stress dependent and independent strains. The setting temperature of concrete and the measured strain at this temperature should be used to calculate the temperature difference and the strain increment. The early-age strains in the concrete and steel of CRCP were measured in this paper. The measured concrete strains include the total strain, the stress independent strain and the initial strain at setting temperature. These measured values can be used not only to accurately calculate the stresses in concrete and steel but also to determine the accurate boundary conditions in the numerical modeling of CRCP subject to environmental loading. On the boundary conditions used in analysis of the early-age CRCP under environmental loading, epoxy coated steel is not completely bonded with concrete. Additionally, the perfectly free or restrained boundary condition across cracking is not true, and the longitudinal steel strains across cracking will help develop the proper boundary condition across cracking. The calculated stress was verified from the comparison between the calculated stress at the instant of cracking and the measured tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas putida KT2442 has been a well-studied producer of medium-chain-length (mcl) polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers containing C6 ~ C14 monomer units. A mutant was constructed from P. putida KT2442 by deleting its phaG gene encoding R-3-hydroxyacyl-ACP-CoA transacylase and several other β-oxidation related genes including fadB, fadA, fadB2x, and fadAx. This mutant termed P. putida KTHH03 synthesized mcl homopolymers including poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHHx) and poly(3-hydroxyheptanoate) (PHHp), together with a near homopolymer poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate- co-2 mol% 3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHO*) in presence of hexanoate, heptanoate, and octanoate, respectively. When deleted with its mcl PHA synthase genes phaC1 and phaC2, the recombinant mutant termed P. putida KTHH08 harboring pZWJ4-31 containing PHA synthesis operon phaPCJ from Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 accumulated homopolymer poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV) when valerate was used as carbon source. The phaC deleted recombinant mutant termed P. putida KTHH06 harboring pBHH01 holding PHA synthase PhbC from Ralstonia eutropha produced homopolymers poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) using γ-butyrolactone was added as precursor. All the homopolymers were physically characterized. Their weight average molecular weights ranged from 1.8 × 10 to 1.6 × 10, their thermal stability changed with side chain lengths. The derivatives of P. putida KT2442 have been developed into a platform for production of various PHA homopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary copper(I) 3,5-dibutyl triazolate has been prepared from 3,5-dibutyl triazole and Cu(NO) under hydrothermal condition. This complex crystallizes in tetragonal I4/ a with a = b = 17.622(3) Å, c = 15.842(3) Å and exhibits a 3D structure of either four-connected lvt or three-connected lvt-a topology. Graphical Abstract: Binary copper(I) 3,5-dibutyl triazolate exhibits a 3D structure of either four-connected lvt or three-connected lvt-a topology.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability analysis of a Ka-band gyrotron traveling-wave tube amplifier (gyro-TWT) operating in the circular TE mode at the fundamental cyclotron harmonic is presented. The small signal linear theory is used to analyze the amplification of operation mode and oscillation of parasitic modes. The optimum dielectric parameters including loss layer thickness and permittivity are given. Propagation loss of operation mode is 3 dB/cm with the thickness of loss layer d = 0.7 mm and relative permittivity ξ″ = 11−6j, and propagation loss per unit length of parasitic modes TE, TE, TE at each oscillation frequency (24.85 GHz, 27.85 GHz, 61.2 GHz) is 2.5 dB/cm, 6 dB/cm, 7.5 dB/cm, respectively, sufficient to suppress oscillations of operation and parasitic modes. Taking advantage of the optimized parameters of loaded dielectric, a high gain scheme has been demonstrated in a 34-GHz, TE-mode gyro-TWT, producing 160 kW saturated output power at 40 dB stable gain and 22.8% efficiency with a 3-dB bandwidth of 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider functions $${u\in W^{m,1}(0,1)}$$ where m ≥ 2 and u(0) = Du(0) = · · · = D u(0) = 0. Although it is not true in general that $${\frac{D^ju(x)}{x^{m-j}} \in L^1(0,1)}$$ for $${j\in \{0,1,\ldots,m-1\}}$$, we prove that $${\frac{D^ju(x)}{x^{m-j-k}} \in W^{k,1}(0,1)}$$ if k ≥ 1 and 1 ≤ j + k ≤ m, with j, k integers. Furthermore, we have the following Hardy type inequality, where the constant is optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a solution to support parametric design modification in a virtual reality (VR) environment. It builds upon a novel computer-aided design (CAD) and VR integration framework, namely, CAD-linked virtual reality environment. With this framework, semantic information in CAD models, such as constraints, design features, and parametric settings can be automatically extracted during the creation of VR environment and be integrated into the virtual assembly (VA) models. Moreover, the persistent naming mechanism originating from feature-based modeling technology is introduced into the CAD-VR integration, based on which a persistent linkage between VA models and their CAD counterparts can be established. Users are able to visualize design features and to access the associated parametric info in VR environment and also to change the parametric settings online whenever necessary. The modified parametric settings are then sent back to the linked CAD models so that parts can be re-evaluated. The modified CAD part can then be reloaded into the VA model under an automated mechanism. Such communications between CAD and VR applications are supported in a live mode utilizing the COM interfaces provided by CAD server. With this solution, a quick return loop from VR to CAD is achieved. Therefore, it provides the possibility to support quick design change review and 'what-if' evaluations for applications such as collaborative system design and immersive project review in VR. This constitutes the major contribution of the work to product development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in promoter of human nonmetastatic clone 23 type 1 (nm23-H1) may affect their binding with transcription factors and affect promoter activity as well as gene transcription. Therefore, we investigated the impact of the nm23-H1 gene polymorphisms on the neoplastic lesions of uterine cervix in mid-Taiwan women (women who live in the central area of Taiwan). We expected that women with different genotypes in nm23-H1 polymorphisms, such as rs34214448, rs 16949649, or rs2302254, may have different incidences of cervical neoplasia. Materials and Methods: In total, 366 blood samples were collected from 244 healthy women and 122 patients with cervical neoplasia to analyze 3 nm23-H1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs34214448, rs 16949649, and rs2302254). Results: The heterozygous genotypes, TG in rs34214448 or TC in rs 16949649, were differentially distributed between patients with cervical neoplasia and normal women (Hommel adjusted P =.0440 and .0435, respectively) as compared to their homozygotes. Moreover, compared to those with wild-type homozygotes and heterozygotes, women with variant homozygotes TT in rs34214448 or CC in rs 16949649 exert different distributions between patients with cervical neoplasia and normal women (P = .058 and .058). Interestingly, we found the genotype distribution of rs34214448 has significant association with that of rs 16949649 with high consistency. Conclusions: Mid-Taiwan women with the polymorphic heterozygotes TG in rs34214448 or TC in rs 16949649 of human nonmetastatic clone 23 type 1 promoter have the tendency to develop cervical neoplasia while compared to their homozygous counterparts. However, women with variant homozygotes TT in rs34214448 or CC in rs 16949649 exhibit less tendency as compared to those with wild-type homozygotes and heterozygotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous broadleaf plantations are increasingly developing as a prospective silvicultural management approach for substituting in place of large pure conifer plantations in subtropical China. However, little information is known about the effects of tree species conversion on soil-atmosphere greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges. Four adjacent monospecific plantations were selected in subtropical China to examine the effects of tree species on soil-atmosphere exchanges of NO, CH and CO. One coniferous plantation was composed of Pinus massoniana (PM), and the three broadleaf plantations were Castanopsis hystrix (CH), Michelia macclurei (MM) and Mytilaria laosensis (ML). We found that mean soil NO and CO emissions in the PM plantation were 4.34 μg N m h and 43.25 mg C m h, respectively, lower than those in the broadleaf plantations (>5.25 μg N m h and >56.38 mg C m h). The PM plantation soil had higher mean CH uptake (39.03 μg C m h) than the broadleaf plantation soils (<32.67 μg C m h). Variations in soil NO emissions among tree species could be primarily explained by the differences in litter C:N ratio and soil total N stock. Differences in soil CH uptake among tree species could be mostly attributed to the differences in mean soil CO flux and water filled pore space (WFPS). Litter C:N ratio could largely account for variations in soil CO emissions among tree species. This study confirms that there is no GHG benefit of converting PM plantation to broadleaf plantations in subtropical China. Therefore, the future strategy of tree species selection for substituting in place of large coniferous plantations in subtropical China needs to consider the potential effects of tree species on soil-atmosphere GHG exchanges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the processes of leaf litter and fine root decomposition has been a major research focus, while how the correlation between leaf litter and fine root decomposition is unclear. We studied the in situ decomposition and N dynamics of leaf litter and fine root of four subtropical tree species ( Pinus massoniana, Castanopsis hystrix, Michelia macclurei and Mytilaria laosensis) to determine whether leaf litter and fine root decomposition is correlated across species as well as which factors influence decomposition above versus below ground. Decomposition rate of leaf litter was related to that of fine root across species. The strong correlation between leaf litter and fine root decomposition rates arose largely for several reasons. First, soil moisture had the similar influences on both leaf litter and fine root decomposition rates. Second, traits (i.e., initial Ca concentration) important to both leaf litter and fine root decomposition rates showed significant similarity among species. Third, initial P, N and aromatic C concentrations, and C/N ratio were uniquely important for fine root decomposition rate, while no unique traits for leaf litter decomposition rate. This also could account for the strong correlation between leaf litter and fine root decomposition rates. Our study suggests that among these subtropical trees, species effects on in situ decomposition rates of leaf litter and fine root are very similar. Thus, species differences in decomposition rates may be as large as they would be if faster decomposition of leaf litter was correlated with faster decomposition of fine root. N immobilization rate of leaf litter was unrelated to that of fine root across species. Our results help explain some important mechanisms by which tree species influence litter in situ decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social stress has been linked to several neuropsychiatric diseases, including depression, which is a debilitating disease that has genetic, environmental, and epigenetic underpinnings. This study examined the effects of repeated social defeat on both depressive-like behaviors and histone acetylation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal prefrontal cortex of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Subjects were exposed to four consecutive social defeats. Depressive-like behaviors were assayed in the sucrose preference, forced swim, contextual fear, and social approach and avoidance tests. Histone H3 and H4 acetylation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex were examined by Western blots under basal conditions and at several time points. We also investigated the potential involvement of N-methyl- d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) by injecting respective antagonists prior to each social defeat and examining their effect on histone acetylation in the hippocampus. Social defeat resulted in behavioral changes in the forced swim, social avoidance, and contextual fear tests nearly 6 weeks after defeat, with no change in sucrose preference. Additionally, histone H3 acetylation was increased in the hippocampus 30 min following the last defeat and was not blocked by antagonism of either NMDA or GR receptors. There were no changes in histone H4 acetylation. These results indicate that social defeat induces several long-lasting depressive-like behaviors in rats and induces a significant, short-lived increase in H3 acetylation in the hippocampus, although the underlying mechanism behind this change warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize seeds are an important source of food, animal feed, and industrial raw materials. To understand global gene expression and regulation during maize seed development, a normalized cDNA library, covering most of the developmental stages of maize seeds, was constructed. Sequencing analysis of 10,848 randomly selected clones identified 6,630 unique ESTs. Among them, 57 putative transcription factors (TFs) were identified. The TFs belong to seven different super-families, specifically 17 Zinc-finger, 13 bZIP, 8 bHLH, 6 MADS, 7 MYB, 3 Homedomain, and 3 AP2/EREBP. The spatial and temporal expression of the TFs was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR with representative tissue types and seeds at different developmental stages, revealing their diverse expression patterns and expression levels. One-third (19) of the maize TFs was found their putative orthologs in Arabidopsis. Similar expression patterns were observed in both maize and Arabidopsis for the majority of orthologous pairs (15 out of 19), suggesting their conserved functions during seed development. In conclusion, the systematic analysis of maize seed TFs has provided valuable insight into transcriptional regulation during maize seed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of the life expectancy of a patient with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains difficult. The aims of the study were to construct a new staging scheme for patients with unresectable HCC and to compare the discriminatory ability of the staging scheme with the Okuda and CLIP score and TNM staging system in a cohort of patients with unresectable HCC. A retrospective analysis of unresectable HCC cases from 1999 to 2003 was performed. The Cox model was used for multivariate analyses. The final model was derived from 10 randomly chosen training samples and the prognostic validity of the new staging scheme was assessed on the corresponding testing samples. Moreover, 54 cases with unresectable HCC were enrolled and prospectively followed up. The new staging, named the China integrated score (CIS), Okuda, TNM and CLIP systems were determined for each case. Comparisons of the survival rate between each stage were performed to evaluate their discriminatory ability. A simple scoring system was constructed, assigning linear scores (0/1/2) to the three covariates (TNM, α-fetoprotein and Child–Pugh) of the final model. The CIS system was more discriminant than the Okuda or TNM staging system, as confirmed by the Kaplan–Meier comparison of survival curves and by the Cox’s regression analysis, with a median survival rate of 9.0, 2.3, 2.1 and 0.6 months in patients with CIS 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The CIS system was performed as well as the CLIP score. The new staging system, accounting for both liver function and tumor characteristics, can accurately identify patients with different prognoses, particularly in the advanced phases of HCC. It should be useful as the only tool that can be applied for patients with unresectable HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal was to compare the expression of plasma monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and the gene polymorphism in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and healthy controls. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction--restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were, respectively, used to measure the plasma MCP-1 level and MCP-1 polymorphism in 70 healthy controls and in 64 patients with PID before and after they received routine treatment protocols. We found plasma MCP-1 was significantly elevated in patients with PID compared to that in normal controls and decreased significantly compared to that in patients with PID after they received treatment. The increased expression of plasma MCP-1 was significantly correlated with the cell counts of white blood cells (WBCs) in blood and the level of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) of patients with PID before they received treatment. There was no association between MCP-1 -- 2518G/A SNP and its gene expression levels and PID susceptibility. Elevated plasma MCP-1 could be a biological marker for the diagnosis and to be a new strategy for target therapy of pelvic inflammatory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that large-diameter myelinated muscle afferents contribute to the pathophysiology of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The ischemic compression blockage (ICB) of large-diameter myelinated muscle afferents was obtained with a 7-cm-wide tourniquet applied around the upper arm proximal to the brachioradialis muscle in 20 healthy subjects. This study consisted of two randomized sessions with an interval of 1 week in between each session. In one session, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure threshold for eliciting referred pain (PTRP) were measured at an MTrP region in the brachioradialis muscle in one forearm. In another session, PPT was measured at a non-MTrP region in the brachioradialis muscle of the contralateral forearm at the time of pre-compression, 20 min following compression, and 10 min after decompression. The results showed that ICB, which mainly blocks large-diameter myelinated muscle afferents, was associated with an increase in PPT and PTRP (all P < 0.001) at MTrP regions but not at non-MTrP regions. These results suggest that large-diameter muscle afferents may be involved in pain and mechanical hyperalgesia at MTrPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new VEGF receptor fusion protein FP3 was shown to have promising antitumor potency better than Bevacizumab. Characterization of its immune response is essential to the safe and effective administration in clinical trials. In this study, both BIACORE and ELISA assays were employed to assess pre-clinical immunogenicity of FP3 in monkeys. Serum samples from 20 rhesus monkeys were analyzed for the generation of anti-FP3 antibody after intravenous administration of three doses of FP3 ( n = 6 per group) or buffer control ( n = 2). Sera samples were obtained at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks after the first administration. It showed BIACORE presented linear correlation with the dilution of anti-FP3 antibody and the results of ELISA. Two weeks after the initial FP3 injection, anti-FP3 antibody was detected in about 20% FP3-treated monkeys. The ratio of positive samples and the titer of antibody increased along with the FP3-treatment time. Six weeks following FP3 injection almost all the samples were anti-FP3 antibody positive. Moreover, the titer of anti-FP3 antibody but not the ratio of positive samples was also enhanced when the dose of FP3 was elevated. Furthermore, the immunoglobulin types and subclasses of anti-FP3 antibody serum components were mainly identified as IgG1 and IgG4, not IgM. Serum antibodies are characterized that they could not block FP3 binding to VEGF and were non-neutralizing. Our data implied that proteins with full human sequences may also have the potential to induce immune response in rhesus monkeys, and BIACORE could be an effective approach to detect the immunogenicity of protein therapeutics in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous TiO2 with anatase crystalline structure (MTiO2/CAS) has been synthesized by using chrome azurol S (CAS, 2″,6″-dichloro-3,3′-dimethyl-4′-hydroxy-3″-sulfofuchson-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid) as template. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, diffuse reflectance UV–visible and FT-IR spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that MTiO2/CAS had substantial photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylthionine chloride, rhodamine B, gentian violet, safranin T, methyl violet, and fuchsine basic whereas Degussa P25 (P25) had negligible photodegradation yield (<6%) under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocal differences have been observed widely for given traits in fish breeding programs, but maternal and paternal effects and heritable extranuclear genetic effects have often been omitted in the evaluation of genetic variance. In this study, we have applied a mixed genetic model to conduct a complete diallel cross using three varieties of red common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.), namely, C. carpio. var. singuonensis, C. carpio var. wuyuanensis and C. carpio var. color. Parental and direct (additive and dominance) genetic effects for growth-related traits at 8 and 20 months post-hatch were analyzed. At 8 months post-hatch, only significant additive and dominance variances were observed, while maternal and paternal variances were low and non-significant in the traits evaluated: body weight, total length, standard length, pre-dorsal height, pre-dorsal width, caudal peduncle length, and caudal peduncle height. At 20 months post-hatch, with the exception of significant additive and/or dominance variances, maternal variances were significant for the traits of body weight, pre-dorsal height, pre-dorsal width, and caudal peduncle height, and the paternal variance was significant only for total length. The maternal effects in the common carp had greater genetic influence on offspring than the paternal effects. Female C. carpio var. wuyuanensis were more suitable as brooders than males, but both female and male C. carpio var. color can be used as brooders according to breeding programs of improved traits. Cyprinus carpio var. singuonensis was the worst brooder of the three varieties of common carp evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly porous materials generally consisting of two building elements: inorganic coupling units and organic linkers. These frameworks offer an enormous porosity, which can be used to store large amounts of gases and, as demonstrated in more recent applications, makes these compounds suitable for drug release. The huge sizes of the pores inside MOFs, however, also give rise to a fundamental complication, namely the formation of sublattices occupying the same space. This interpenetration greatly reduces the pore size and thus the available space within the MOF structure. We demonstrate here that the formation of the second, interpenetrated framework can be suppressed by using liquid-phase epitaxy on an organic template. This success demonstrates the potential of the step-by-step method to synthesize new classes of MOFs not accessible by conventional solvothermal methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms of K transport in the mammalian connecting tubule (CNT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD), both nephron segments responsible for the regulation of renal K secretion. Aldosterone and dietary K intake are two of the most important factors regulating K secretion in the CNT and CCD. Recently, angiotensin II (AngII) has also been shown to play a role in the regulation of K secretion. In addition, genetic and molecular biological approaches have further identified new mechanisms by which aldosterone and dietary K intake regulate K transport. Thus, the interaction between serum-glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) and with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) plays a significant role in mediating the effect of aldosterone on ROMK (Kir1.1), an important apical K channel modulating K secretion. Recent evidence suggests that WNK1, mitogen-activated protein kinases such as P38, ERK, and Src family protein tyrosine kinase are involved in mediating the effect of low K intake on apical K secretory channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays an important role in immune tolerance. In some malignancies, the evidences were given to show that overexpression of IDO was related to poor prognosis of cancer patients. In this study, we investigated IDO expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and 138 primary HCC clinical surgical specimens, and correlation of IDO expression with clinical outcomes and prognosis of HCC patients. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that in vitro IDO expression in HCC cell lines and non-cancerous liver cell line were dependent on IFN-γ. Immunohistochemical detection revealed that IDO was overexpressed in 49 of 138 (35.5%) tumor resection samples, whereas 89 of 138 (64.5%) cases showed weak immunostaining. IDO overexpression was significantly correlated with high metastasis rates ( P = 0.049). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that overexpression of IDO resulted in significantly poor prognosis ( P = 0.017, log-rank test). Multivariate Cox’s analysis showed that IDO expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of HCC patients ( P = 0.010). Our data indicated that IDO may be a novel favorable prognostic indicator and candidate adjuvant therapeutic target for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]