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2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) is an excellent antioxidant that is easily oxidized to 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxyl-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadienone (BHTOOH). For the safety of BHT production and usage, it is meaningful to study the thermal stability and decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH. In this paper, the thermal decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH were compared by the mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their kinetics of thermal decomposition were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal decomposition products of BHT and BHTOOH were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results show that there was no significant change in temperature pressure when BHT was warmed up under a nitrogen atmosphere, indicating that BHT was stable within 400 K. The thermal decomposition reaction of BHTOOH was rapid with an initial reaction temperature of 375.2 K. The initial exothermic temperature (Ti) and heat release (QDSC) of DSC were 384.9 K and 865.0 J g−1, respectively. The apparent activation energies (Ea) for the thermal decomposition reactions of BHT and BHTOOH calculated by the Kissinger method were 151.8 kJ mol−1 and 66.07 kJ mol−1, respectively. The main decomposition products of BHT were isobutene and 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The thermal decomposition products of BHTOOH included BHT, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4,4′-(1,2-ethanediyl) bis [2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, etc. Based on the thermal decomposition behavior and products, the reaction pathway has been described. These results indicate that BHT is a potential thermal hazard during production, storage and application. For the safety of the chemical industry, the oxidation of BHT should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which is driven by macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and leads to elevated cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the circulation and tissues. Previous studies demonstrate that SENP3, a redox-sensitive SUMO2/3-specific protease, is strongly implicated in the development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of SENP3 in obesity-associated inflammation remains largely unknown. To better understand the effects of SENP3 on adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) activation and function within the context of obesity, we generated mice with myeloid-specific deletion of SENP3 (Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice). We found that the expression of SENP3 is dramatically increased in ATMs during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice show lower body weight gain and reduced adiposity and adipocyte size after challenged with HFD and during aging. Myeloid-specific SENP3 deletion attenuates macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and reduces serum levels of inflammatory factors during diet and age-induced obesity. Furthermore, we found that SENP3 knockout markedly inhibits cytokine release from macrophage after lipopolysaccharide and palmitic acid treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, in cultured peritoneal macrophages, SENP3 protein level is enhanced by IL-1β, in parallel with the upregulation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Moreover, we demonstrated that SENP3 modulates de-SUMO modification of YAP1 and SENP3 deletion abolishes the upregulation of YAP1 induced by IL-1β. Most importantly, SENP3 deficiency reduces YAP1 protein level in adipose tissue during obesity. Our results highlight the important role of SENP3 in ATM inflammation and diet and age-induced obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer subtype with an extremely poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate for limited-stage (LS)-SCLC cancer is 10–13%, while the rate for extensive-stage SCLC cancer is only 1–2%. Given the crucial role of the tumor stage in the disease course, a well-constructed prognostic model is warranted for patients with LS-SCLC. The LS-SCLC patients' clinical data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2018 were reviewed. A multivariable Cox regression approach was utilized to identify and integrate significant prognostic factors. Bootstrap resampling was used to validate the model internally. The Area Under Curve (AUC) and calibration curve evaluated the model's performance. A total of 5463 LS-SCLC patients' clinical data was collected from the database. Eight clinical parameters were identified as significant prognostic factors for LS-SCLC patients' OS. The predictive model achieved satisfactory discrimination capacity, with 1-, 2-, and 3-year AUC values of 0.91, 0.88, and 0.87 in the training cohort; and 0.87, 0.87, and 0.85 in the validation cohort. The calibration curve showed a good agreement with actual observations in survival rate probability. Further, substantial differences between survival curves of the different risk groups stratified by prognostic scores were observed. The nomogram was then deployed into a website server for ease of access. This study developed a nomogram and a web-based predictor for predicting the overall survival of patients with LS-SCLC, which may help physicians make personalized clinical decisions and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the oxidation characteristics of isoprene were investigated using a custom-designed mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT). The results show that isoprene is unstable and polymerization occurs under a nitrogen atmosphere. Under an oxygen atmosphere, the oxidation process of isoprene was divided into three stages: (1) isoprene reacts with oxygen to produce peroxide; (2) Peroxides produce free radicals through thermal decomposition; (3) Free radicals cause complex oxidation and thermal runaway reactions. The oxidation of isoprene conforms to the second-order reaction kinetics, and the activation energy was 86.88 kJ·mol−1. The thermal decomposition characteristics of the total oxidation product and purified peroxide mixture were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The initial exothermic temperatures Ton were 371.17 K and 365.84 K, respectively. And the decomposition heat QDSC were 816.66 J·g−1 and 991.08 J·g−1, respectively. It indicates that high concentration of isoprene peroxide has a high risk of thermal runaway. The results of thermal runaway experiment showed that the temperature and pressure of isoprene oxidation were prone to rise rapidly, which indicates that the oxidation reaction was dangerous. The reaction products of isoprene were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The main oxidation products were methyl vinyl ketone, methacrolein, 3-methylfuran, etc. The main thermal runaway products were dimethoxymethane, 2,3-pentanedione, naphthalene, etc. Based on the reaction products, the possible reaction pathway of isoprene was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The education pathways and opportunities of schoolgirls in Asia are facing different challenges. The empirical studies have implemented Information and Communication Technology-enabled learning to expand such pathways and opportunities and promote education inclusiveness and equity. Through the Gender Analysis Framework, this review paper focuses on exploring and discussing how ICT-enabled learning may expand schoolgirls' education pathways and opportunities in Asia for inclusive and equitable education. This review covers 30 studies that adopted ICT-enabled learning, synthesizes, and presents four key ICT-enabled learning approaches: Emerging technologies-enabled learning, Digital game-based learning, Mobile-enabled learning, and Computer-assisted learning. Our result discusses about how different approaches in this review (in)directly impact on schoolgirls' access to assets, their practice and participation in learning activities, belief and perception of their own and other stakeholders', and how policies accommodate these approaches. The review further suggests several guidelines to develop an inclusive learning environment enabled by ICT to education pathways and opportunities of schoolgirls, thereby enhancing education inclusiveness and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction process of gaseous 1,3-butadiene following ultraviolet irradiation at the temperature range from 298 to 323 K under nitrogen atmosphere was monitored by UV–vis spectrophotometry. A gaseous mini-reactor was used as a reaction vessel and could be directly monitored in a UV–vis spectrophotometer. We investigated the reactivity and kinetics of 1,3-butadiene under non-UV and UV irradiation to evaluate its photochemical stability. A second-order kinetic model with 50.48 kJ·mol–1 activation energy fitted the reaction data for non-UV irradiation, whereas a first-order kinetic model was appropriate in the case of UV irradiation with activation energies of 19.92–43.65 kJ mol–1. This indicates that ultraviolet light could accelerate the photolysis reaction rate of 1,3-butadiene. In addition, the reaction products were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the reaction pathways were identified. The photolysis of 1,3-butadiene gave rise to various volatile products by cleavage and rearrangement of single C–C bonds. The differences between dimerization and dissociation of 1,3-butadiene under ultraviolet irradiation were elucidated by combining experimental and theoretical methods. The present findings provide fundamental insight into the photochemistry of 1,3-butadiene compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was defined as a species of beta coronavirus causing atypical respiratory disease in humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented health and economic crisis worldwide. Little is known about the specifics of its influence on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence and mortality in PLWHA co-infected with COVID-19. Methods: The databases PUBMED, EMBASE, BioRxiv, and medRxiv were searched up to 9 March 2021 to explore the prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19 in PLWHA. Cohort studies and case series meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Results: We identified 14 eligible studies, 9 of which were cohort and 5 were case series. A total of 203,761 patients with COVID-19 were identified (7718 PLWHA vs. 196,043 non-PLWHA). Meta-analyses estimated the prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19 in PLWHA was 0.774% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00393–0.01517] and 8.814% (95% CI 0.05766–0.13245) respectively. COVID-19 co-infected PLWHA do not seem to be associated with higher mortality, as compared to non-PLWHA [relative risk (RR) 0.96 (95% CI 0.88–1.06)]. The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, RR 5.2 (95% CI 4.25–6.36), hypertension and chronic cardiac disease, RR 4.2 (95% CI 1.09–16.10), and chronic kidney disease, RR 8.43 (95% CI 5.49–12.93) were associated with an increased mortality in COVID-19 co-infected PLWHA. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19 in PLWHA were 0.774% and 8.814%, respectively. Since most of the included studies used unmatched populations, comparisons between PLWHA and non-PLWHA should be interpreted with caution. Further investigations are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between cluster of differentiation 4 cell count, HIV viral load, antiretroviral therapy, and COVID-19 related prognosis in PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Block encryption is a fundamental cryptographic primitive in modern cryptography. However, it is impossible for block encryption to achieve the same security as one-time pad. Quantum mechanics has changed the modern cryptography, and lots of researches have shown that quantum cryptography can outperform the limitation of traditional cryptography. This article proposes a new constructive mode for private quantum encryption, named EHE , which is a very simple method to construct quantum encryption from classical primitive. Based on EHE mode, we construct a quantum block encryption scheme from pseudorandom functions. If the pseudorandom functions are standard secure, our scheme is indistinguishable encryption under chosen plaintext attack. If the pseudorandom functions are permutation on the key space, our scheme can achieve the same security as quantum one-time pad, and the secret key can be securely reused for exponential times if the receiver sends a confirmation after every round of "encryption–decryption." Thus, our scheme can be viewed as a positive answer to the open problem in quantum cryptography "how to unconditionally reuse or recycle the whole key of private-key quantum encryption." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum homomorphic encryption (QHE) is an important cryptographic technology for delegated quantum computation. It enables remote server to perform quantum computation on encrypted data, and the specific algorithm performed by Server is unnecessarily known by Client. Quantum fully homomorphic encryption (QFHE) is a QHE that satisfies both compactness and F -homomorphism (homomorphic for any quantum circuits). However, Yu et al. (Phys Rev A 90:050303, 2014) proved a negative result: Assume interaction is not allowed, it is impossible to construct perfectly secure QFHE scheme. So this article focuses on non-interactive and perfectly secure QHE scheme with loose requirement, e.g., quasi-compactness. This article defines encrypted gate, which is denoted by E G [ U ] : | α ⟩ → (a , b) , E n c a , b (U | α ⟩) . We present a gate-teleportation-based two-party computation scheme for EG[U], where one party gives arbitrary quantum state | α ⟩ as input and obtains the encrypted U-computing result E n c a , b (U | α ⟩) , and the other party obtains the random bits a, b. Based on E G [ P x ] (x ∈ { 0 , 1 }) , we propose a method to remove the P-error generated in the homomorphic evaluation of T / T † -gate. Using this method, we design two non-interactive and perfectly secure QHE schemes named GT and VGT. Both of them are F -homomorphic and quasi-compact (the decryption complexity depends on the T / T † -gate complexity). Assume F -homomorphism, non-interaction and perfect security are necessary properties, the quasi-compactness is proved to be bounded by Ω (M) , where M is the total number of T / T † -gates in the evaluated circuit. We prove VGT is M-quasi-compact and reaches the optimal bound. According to our QHE schemes, the decryption would be inefficient when the evaluated circuit contains exponential number of T / T † -gates. Thus, our schemes are suitable for homomorphic evaluation of any quantum circuit with low T / T † -gate complexity, such as any polynomial-size quantum circuit or any quantum circuit with polynomial number of T / T † -gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by a mixture of small airway disease and lung tissue parenchymal destruction. Abnormal inflammatory responses to cigarette smoking and other noxious particles are generally thought to be responsible for causing of COPD. Since airway inflammation is a key factor in COPD progress, it is crucial to unravel its underlying molecular mechanisms. Unbiased analysis of genome-wide gene expression profiles in lung small airway epithelial cells provides a powerful tool to investigate this.Methods: Gene expression data of GSE611906, GSE20257, GSE8545 were downloaded from GEO database. All 288 lung small airway samples in these cohorts, including donors with (n = 61) and without (n = 227) COPD, were chosen for differential gene expression analysis. The gene ontology (GO) function, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses, gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed. Subsequently, the analyses of IL1B expression level, the Pearson correlation between IL1B and several COPD biomarkers were performed using other cohorts to validate our main findings.Results: With a change ≥ twofold and P value < 0.05 cutoff, we found 38 genes were up-regulated and 114 genes were down-regulated in patients with COPD compared with health controls, while using cutoff fold change 1.5 and P value < 0.05, there were 318 genes up-regulated and 333 genes down-regulated. Among the most up-regulated genes were IL1B, CCL2, CCL23, and CXCL14, all implicated in inflammation triggering. GO, KEGG and WGCNA analysis all disclosed IL1B was highly correlated to COPD disease trait. The expression profile of IL1B was further validated using independent cohorts from COPD airway epithelium, lung tissue, sputum, and blood. We demonstrated higher IL1B gene expression in COPD small airway epithelial cells, but not in COPD lung tissue, sputum, and blood. Strong co-expression of IL1B with COPD biomarkers, such as DUOX2, MMP12, CCL2, and CXCL14, were validated in silico analysis. Finally, PPI network analysis using enriched data showed IL1B, CCL2, CCL7 and BMP7 were in the same hub node with high degrees.Conclusions: We identified IL1B was significantly up-regulated in COPD small airway epithelial cells and propose IL1B as a novel player in airway inflammation in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the use of non-stationary covariance functions with compact support to estimate and simulate a random function. Based on the kernel convolution theory, the functions are derived by convolving hyperspheres in $$\mathbb{R}^n$$ followed by a Radon transform. The order of the Radon transform controls the differentiability of the covariance functions. By varying spatially the hyperspheres radius one defines non-stationary isotropic versions of the spherical, the cubic and the penta-spherical models. Closed-form expressions for the non-stationary covariances are derived for the isotropic spherical, cubic, and penta-spherical models. Simulation of the different non-stationary models is easily obtained by weighted average of independent standard Gaussian variates in both the isotropic and the anisotropic case. The non-stationary spherical covariance model is applied to estimate the overburden thickness over an area composed of two different geological domains. The results are compared to the estimation with a single stationary model and the estimation with two stationary models, one for each geological domain. It is shown that the non-stationary model enables a reduction of the mean square error and a more realistic transition between the two geological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully homomorphic encryption enables arbitrary computation on encrypted data without decrypting the data. Here it is studied in the context of quantum information processing. Based on universal quantum circuit, we present a quantum fully homomorphic encryption (QFHE) scheme, which permits arbitrary quantum transformation on any encrypted data. The QFHE scheme is proved to be perfectly secure. In the scheme, the decryption key is different from the encryption key; however, the encryption key cannot be revealed. Moreover, the evaluation algorithm of the scheme is independent of the encryption key, so it is suitable for delegated quantum computing between two parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative impaired sleep quality and pain are associated with adverse outcomes. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has shown promising results in enhancing sleep quality and alleviating neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-guided SGB on postoperative sleep quality and pain in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: This study is a parallel-group randomized controlled clinical trial with two groups: SGB and control. Fifty female patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided single-injection SGB (SGB group) or just an ultrasound scan (control group). All participants were blinded to the group assignment. The primary outcome was postoperative sleep quality, assessed by the St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire and actigraphy 2 days postoperatively. The secondary outcome was postoperative pain, measured by the visual analog scale. Results: A total of 48 patients completed the study, with 23 patients in the control group and 25 in the SGB group. The postoperative St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the SGB group than in the control group on 1 day postoperative (30.88 ± 2.44 versus 27.35 ± 4.12 points, P = 0.001). The SGB also increased the total sleep time and sleep efficiency (main actigraphy indicators) during the first two postoperative nights. Compared with the control group, preoperative SGB reduced postoperative pain and the incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema (20% versus 52.2%, P = 0.02, odds ratio 0.229, 95% confidence interval 0.064–0.821). There were no adverse events related to SGB. Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound-guided SGB improves postoperative sleep quality and analgesia in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. SGB may be a safe and practical treatment to enhance the postoperative quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046620, principal investigator: Kai Zeng, date of registration: 23 May 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of overburden sediment thickness is important in hydrogeology, geotechnics and geophysics. Usually, thickness is known precisely at a few sparse borehole data. To improve precision of estimation, one useful complementary information is the known position of outcrops. One intuitive approach is to code the outcrops as zero thickness data. A problem with this approach is that the outcrops are preferentially observed compared to other thickness information. This introduces a strong bias in the thickness estimation that kriging is not able to remove. We consider a new approach to incorporate point or surface outcrop information based on the use of a non-stationary covariance model in kriging. The non-stationary model is defined so as to restrict the distance of influence of the outcrops. Within this distance of influence, covariance parameters are assumed simple regular functions of the distance to the nearest outcrop. Outside the distance of influence of the outcrops, the thickness covariance is assumed stationary. The distance of influence is obtained thru a cross-validation. Compared to kriging based on a stationary model with or without zero thickness at outcrop locations, the non-stationary model provides more precise estimation, especially at points close to an outcrop. Moreover, the thickness map obtained with the non-stationary covariance model is more realistic since it forces the estimates to zero close to outcrops without the bias incurred when outcrops are simply treated as zero thickness in a stationary model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4.3 (400.0 mg) which was purified by Sephadex LH-20 (MeOH-H SB 2 sb O, 5:5) and semipreparative HPLC (CH SB 3 sb CN-H SB 2 sb O, 11:9). SP 1 sp H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl SB 3 sb , , ppm, J/Hz): 7.06 (2H, d, J = 8.4, H-2', 6'), 6.85 (2H, d, J = 8.4, H-3', 5'), 6.48 (1H, d, J = 11.6, H-20), 5.88 (1H, ddd, J = 15.0, 9.9, 2.2, H-13), 5.60 (1H, d, J = 11.6, H-19), 5.21 (1H, ddd, J = 15.0, 10.9, 3.8, H-14), 4.38 (1H, br.s, H-7), 3.77 (3H, s, 4'-OCH SB 3 sb ), 3.70 (1H, m, H-3), 2.99 (1H, dd, J = 5.2, 2.6, H-4), 2.93 (1H, ddd, J = 11.6, 6.8, 2.2, H-16), 2.83 (1H, dd, J = 13.7, 4.6, H-10a), 2.65 (1H, d, J = 4.6, H-10b), 2.62 (1H, overlapped, H-15a), 2.60 (1H, overlapped, H-8), 2.27 (1H, dd, J = 7.4, 5.2, H-5), 2.14 (1H, m, H-15b), 1.47 (3H, s, H-23), 1.25 (3H, s, H-12), 1.15 (3H, d, J = 6.8, H-22), 1.08 (3H, d, J = 7.4, H-11). SP 1 sp H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d SB 6 sb , , ppm): 9.19 (1H, s, 2-NH), 8.08 (1H, s, 4'-OH), 6.95 (2H, d, J = 8.4, H-2', 6'), 6.67 (2H, d, J = 8.4, H-3', 5'), 6.33 (1H, d, J = 12.7, H-20), 5.60 (1H, overlapped, H-19), 5.57 (1H, overlapped, H-13), 5.33 (1H, ddd, J = 15.2, 10.8, 4.3, H-14), 5.26 (1H, d, J = 2.2, H-7), 4.03 (1H, q, J = 7.1, H-3), 3.32 (1H, m, H-18), 2.93 (1H, m, H-4), 2.88 (1H, d, J = 9.2, H-8), 2.74 (2H, m, H-10), 2.71 (1H, m, H-16), 2.68 (1H, m, H-5), 2.46 (1H, m, H-15a), 2.03 (1H, m, H-15b), 1.67 (3H, s, H-12), 1.16 (3H, d, J = 6.9, H-22), 1.11 (3H, d, J = 6.8, H-23), 0.70 (3H, d, J = 7.2, H-11). [Extracted from the article]

As a typical category of two-photon absorption molecules, solvent effects on dynamical properties of porphyrin were studied for picosecond pulse trains in this work. The pulse train contains 20 subpulses of 70 picoseconds width at 532 nanometers, separated by 13 nanoseconds. According to the molecular energy level distributing, porphyrin was simplified as a generalized five-level model during the nonlinear optical process, and the two-step TPA is the main absorption tunnel. In the theoretical simulation, we used Crank–Nicholson numerical method to solve entangled equations of two-dimensional paraxial field and the rate equations. Interacting with picosecond pulse trains, meso-tetrakis (methylpyridiniumyl) porphyrin (TMPyP) in aqueous and in several organic solvents shows excellent optical limiting behaviors. Besides water, negatively charged sodium dodecylsulfate, protonic methyl, ethyl and propyl alcohols and aprotic acetonitrile were considered as the solvents. Our results show that TMPyP in water has the lowest energy transmittance, which is mainly due to the formatted hydrogen bonds of nitrogen atom in TMPyP to water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ballscrew is a precision mechanical component used to convert rotational motion to linear motion in the precision linear stage. The precision measuring system for the screw's cumulative-lead error is already well known. Up to now, however, there is no suitable measuring equipment for internal cumulative-lead error of the nut. For a matching pair, it is not reasonable to understand the quality of only one piece. This paper presents a developed automatic cumulative-lead error measuring system for ballscrew nuts. The nut is clamped by a rotational stage, in which the moving angle is detected by a rotary encoder. The probing ball is inserted into the nut and remains in contact with the thread groove of the nut. The probe arm is mounted on a linear slide so that when rotating the nut, the probing ball will be pushed by the groove wall and moved axially. A high-resolution diffraction scale is employed to detect the linear movement of the probe to nanometer resolution. Combining the angular and linear motions, the cumulative-lead error of the nut can be realized. In practice, however, the nut will cause typical spindle errors during rotating, including axial slip, radial run out, and tilt motions. These errors have to be compensated in order to guarantee the accuracy of measurement results. A multi-sensor error compensation system is thus developed. Experimental results show the applicability of this developed measuring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the pathophysiology of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a cohort of 1164 Han Chinese subjects with LHON were screened for ND1 G3460A mutation. A total of 295 subjects from 16 Han Chinese families carrying the G3460A mutation underwent a clinical and genetic evaluation and molecular analysis of mitochondrial (mt)DNA. The incidence of G3460A mutation was 1.4% in this cohort of Chinese subjects with LHON. Twenty-seven (20 males/7 females) of 109 matrilineal relatives among 10 Chinese pedigrees carrying this mutation exhibited a wide range of severity and age-at-onset in visual impairment. Penetrances of optic neuropathy ranged from 7.1% to 50%, with the average of 24.5%. The age-at-onset of 27 affected matrilineal relatives varied from 10 to 40 years, with the average of 22 years. Molecular analysis identified the homoplasmic G3460A mutation and distinct sets of variants belonging to eight haplogroups. Haplogroup M with G3460A mutation was of higher frequency than those in controls. The penetrances of visual loss in families carrying mitochondrial DNA haplogroups A, B and M were higher than those in other families. Furthermore, haplogroup-specific variants tRNASer(AGY) A12223G, tRNAThr G15927A and tRNAGlu A14693G may enhance the penetrance of visual loss in these families. The G3460A mutation occurred through recurrent origins and founder events in Chinese population. Mitochondrial modifiers may modulate the penetrance and expressivity of optic neuropathy among Chinese pedigrees carrying the G3460A mutation. Thus, our findings may provide new insights into the understanding of pathophysiology and valuable information on the management of LHON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose some data have been encrypted, can you compute with the data without decrypting them? This problem has been studied as homomorphic encryption and blind computing. We consider this problem in the context of quantum information processing, and present the definitions of quantum homomorphic encryption (QHE) and quantum fully homomorphic encryption (QFHE). Then, based on quantum one-time pad (QOTP), we construct a symmetric QFHE scheme, where the evaluate algorithm depends on the secret key. This scheme permits any unitary transformation on any $$n$$ -qubit state that has been encrypted. Compared with classical homomorphic encryption, the QFHE scheme has perfect security. Finally, we also construct a QOTP-based symmetric QHE scheme, where the evaluate algorithm is independent of the secret key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous enzymatic conversion of d-galactose to d-tagatose with an immobilized thermostable l-arabinose isomerase in packed-bed reactor and a novel method for d-tagatose purification were studied. l-arabinose isomerase from Thermoanaerobacter mathranii (TMAI) was recombinantly overexpressed and immobilized in calcium alginate. The effects of pH and temperature on d-tagatose production reaction catalyzed by free and immobilized TMAI were investigated. The optimal condition for free enzyme was pH 8.0, 60°C, 5 mM MnCl. However, that for immobilized enzyme was pH 7.5, 75°C, 5 mM MnCl. In addition, the catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme at high temperature and low pH was significantly improved compared with free enzyme. The optimum reaction yield with immobilized TMAI increased by four percentage points to 43.9% compared with that of free TMAI. The highest productivity of 10 g/L h was achieved with the yield of 23.3%. Continuous production was performed at 70°C; after 168 h, the reaction yield was still above 30%. The resultant syrup was then incubated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae L1 cells. The selective degradation of d-galactose was achieved, obtaining d-tagatose with the purity above 95%. The established production and separation methods further potentiate the industrial production of d-tagatose via bioconversion and biopurification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n immunosensor was prepared for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibody. The enzyme was assembled onto MWCNTs templates using the layer-by-layer technique and then conjugated to carcinoembryonic secondary antibodies (Ab) as the enzyme label. The resulting assembly results in a largely amplified sensitivity. The response is linear in the range of 0.05 to 45 ng mL, with a detection limit of 16.0 pg mL. The immunosensor possesses good stability and good reproducibility. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless sensor networks are often deployed in hostile and unattended environments. The nodes will be failure by fault, intrusion, and the battery exhaustion. Node-failure tolerance is an acceptable method to improve the networks' lifetime. Then two key problems for topology control are presented: first, how to get a node-failure topology when there is intrusion from the nodes of hostile enemies? second, how to sustain this node-failure topology with all deployed nodes being exhausted ultimately? We propose a novel approach for topology control and prove that it is node-failure tolerant. The approach contains three phases: topology discovery, topology update, and topology regeneration. A tricolor-based method is proposed to build architecture with high tolerance ability and some security protocols are employed to preclude the hostile nodes in discovery phase. In update and regeneration phases, the newly deployed nodes are regarded as renewable resource to fill in the consumed energy, enhance the debased node-failure tolerance ability, and prolong network lifetime, and a security protocol with forward and backward secrecy is devised to adapt the topology changed by node failure and node joining. Some attributes of the presented method are shown by simulations, and differences are given by comparison with related work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneity that occurs in the tumor spectrum and latency in Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) patients with inherited mutations in p53 suggest risk modifiers at loci other than the major gene. We developed a mouse model to investigate these risk modifiers. Inbred CE/J mice, which succumb to multiple types of tumors similar to those found in LFS, were crossed with the p53-null 129/Sv (129-Trp53tm1Tyj) mouse. In this cross, we uncovered evidence for a genetic modifier of p53, mop1, based on an unexpected mix of genotypes in the F2 progeny from Mendelian expectations. A model in which a recessive CE/J allele in combination with p53 heterozygosity or homozygosity results in lethality most closely fits the data. Using simple-sequence length polymorphism analysis of the entire genome, we identified a putative chromosomal region for this modifier of p53 on mouse chromosome 11 centromeric to p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report on the isolation and anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds. Compound B 6 b showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC SB 50 sb value of 23.24 ± 1.3 M (indomethacin IC SB 50 sb 33.50 ± 1.13 M), the other compounds showed no obvious anti-inflammatory activity ( B 1-5 b , IC SB 50 sb > 50 M). Among them, compound B 4 b was isolated from genus I Xylaria i firstly I , i and the other compounds were isolated from I Xylaria grammica i for the first time. Graph All compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory activities [[4], [20]]. [Extracted from the article]

Rationale: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate neuroplasticity-related proteins and are implicated in methamphetamine (METH) addiction. RhoA is a small Rho GTPase that regulates synaptic plasticity and addictive behaviors. Nevertheless, the functional relationship between RhoA and upstream miRNAs of METH addiction remains unclear. Objective: To explore the molecular biology and epigenetic mechanisms of the miR-31-3p/RhoA pathway in METH addiction. Methods: RhoA protein and its potential upstream regulator, miR-31-3p, were detected. A dual luciferase reporter was employed to determine whether RhoA constituted a specific target of miR-31-3p. Following adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated knockdown or overexpression of miR-31-3p or RhoA in the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP), mice were subjected to conditioned place preference (CPP) to investigate the effects of miR-31-3p and RhoA on METH-induced addictive behaviors. Results: RhoA protein was significantly decreased in the dHIP of CPP mice with a concomitant increase in miR-31-3p. RhoA was identified as a direct target of miR-31-3p. Knockdown of miR-31-3p in the dHIP was associated with increased RhoA protein and attenuation of METH-induced CPP. Conversely, overexpression of miR-31-3p was associated with decreased RhoA protein and enhancement of METH effects. Similarly, knockdown of RhoA in the dHIP enhanced METH-induced CPP, whereas RhoA overexpression attenuated the effects of METH. Parallel experiments using sucrose preference revealed that the effects of miR-31-3p/RhoA pathway modulation were specific to METH. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the miR-31-3p/RhoA pathway in the dHIP modulates METH-induced CPP in mice. Our results highlight the potential role of epigenetics represented by non-coding RNAs in the treatment of METH addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial remodeling and dysfunction are commonly observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aerobic exercise can partly alleviate diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction through its antioxidant actions. MOTS-c is a potential exercise mimic. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MOTS-c on improving diabetic heart function and its mechanism and to identify whether MOTS-c improved antioxidant defenses due to aerobic exercise. Herein, we established a rat model of T2DM induced by high-fat diet combined with a low-dose streptozotocin injection. Interventions were performed using intraperitoneal injections of MOTS-c (i.p. 0.5 mg/kg/day, 7 days/week) or aerobic exercise training (treadmill, 20 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week) for 8 weeks. Myocardial ultrastructure was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), myocardial lipid peroxidation levels (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels were assessed using colorimetric methods, and molecular analyses including MOTS-c, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)and phospho-AMPK (p-AMPK) were examined using Western blot. The results showed that MOTS-c, with or without exercise, reduced myocardial ultrastructural damage and improved glucolipid metabolism and cardiac function in T2DM. Furthermore, MOTS-c increased antioxidant markers such as SOD, CAT, and the protein expression of myocardial MOTS-c, Keap1, Nrf2, and p-AMPK. MOTS-c with exercise treatment reduced myocardial MDA and increased p-AMPK significantly comparing to only exercise or MOTS-c alone. Our findings suggest that MOTS-c may be a helpful supplement for overcoming exercise insufficiency and improving myocardial structure and function in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial damage repair disorder is the main reason of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and thin endometrium (TA), which is caused by curettage or infection. Exosomal miRNAs derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) were reported to play an important role in damage repair disorder, including endometrial fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hucMSCs-derived exosomal microRNA-202-3p (miR-202-3p) in endometrial damage repair. We established rat endometrial injury model according to curettage to mimic women curettage abortion operation. The miRNA array analysis indicated that miR-202-3p was increased and matrix metallopeptidase 11 (MMP11) was decreased in the exosomes-treated rat uterine tissues. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that MMP11 is the target gene of miR-202-3p. We observed that the mRNA and protein of MMP11 were significantly decreased in exosome treatment group on day 3, and the components of extracellular matrix (ECM) COL1A1, COL3A1, COLVI and fibronectin (FN) protein were increased. And we found that when the injured human stromal cells were treated with miR-202-3p overexpression exosomes, the COLVI and FN were also upregulated in protein and mRNA expression level. For the first time MMP11 was proved to be the target gene of miR-202-3p by dual luciferase reporter system. At last, we found the state of stromal cells was better in miR-202-3p overexpression exosomes group compared to exosomes group, and miR-202-3p overexpression exosomes markedly upregulated the FN and collagen on day 3 after endometrial injury. We thought that miR-202-3p overexpression exosomes promoted endometrial repair by regulating ECM remodeling in early repair of damaged endometrium. Taken together, these experimental findings may provide a theoretical basis for understanding endometrial repair and an insight into the clinical treatment for IUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Chemistry of Natural Compounds journal, explores the use of the OSMAC strategy to enhance the diversity and yield of bioactive compounds from the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. GDG-102. The fungus was cultivated in a rice medium with monosodium glutamate, resulting in the isolation of nine compounds with antibacterial properties against various bacteria. The article also presents crystal data for one of the compounds, (αR)-3-chloro-α,4-dihydroxybenzeneacetamide, for the first time. The text provides detailed information about the chemical properties of these compounds, including their molecular formulas, physical characteristics, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The research received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China. [Extracted from the article]

Secondary metabolites from the genus I Metarhizium i yielded several bioactive compounds, such as metarhiziumoids A and B showed glycosidase inhibitory activity [[3]], omalvin A displayed antibacterial activity [[4]], and destruxin A exhibited phytotoxic activity [[5]]. I Metarhizium marquandii i is an endophytic fungus isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant I Sophora tonkinensis i (Leguminosae) I . i In our ongoing search for biologically active compounds from fungi [[6]-[9]], the metabolites of I M. marquandii i were investigated. At the concentration of 100 g/mL, compound B 2 b showed antifungal activity to all five fungi. Graph Compounds B 1-5 b were evaluated for their antifungal activities against five phytopathogenic fungi, I Alternaria alternaria i , I Alternaria cabbage i , I Cochliobolus miyabeanus i , I Colletotrichum capsici i , I Ceratocystis paradoxa i , using a modified version of the 2-fold serial dilutions method [[15]]. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Increasing evidences have revealed the anti-cancer effect of disulfiram. Current disulfiram-based cancer therapies still have limitations, such as poor tumor-targeting ability and insufficient studies on anti-tumor mechanisms. Methods: In the present study, tumor-targeting liposomes were prepared as drug carriers to increase retention of disulfiram in tumor cells. Then, anti-tumor efficacy of liposomes and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in in vitro, in vivo, and transcriptomic level. Results: The results showed that disulfiram enhanced sensitivity of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells to doxorubicin by 15–27-fold, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as caspase-dependent apoptosis. Inhibition of tumor migration and invasion by doxorubicin were further enhanced by disulfiram. In vivo study showed that disulfiram additive doxorubicin liposomes had better performance in suppressing tumor growth than single doxorubicin liposomes. Gene expression profiling found that cellular components destruction, cell stress, check point regulation, and immunoregulation were the main anti-tumor mechanisms of disulfiram. More importantly, disulfiram possessed a great potential to be a protein ubiquitination and murine double minute 4 (MDM4) targeting compound. Conclusions: Due to its low price and good safety, it is worth to repurposing disulfiram as a chemotherapeutic drug. Furthermore, MDM4 may act as a biomarker for observation the clinical effect of disulfiram-based treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the development and challenges of forensic medicine in Africa, comparing it to developed countries. It addresses limited resources, funding, and a shortage of trained professionals. The growth of forensic investigation capabilities and the challenges of funding and technology access are discussed. Training and education have improved, but disparities remain. Partnerships with developed countries and international organizations are crucial to bridge the gap. A comprehensive legal framework is important, but disparities exist among African countries. Harmonizing forensic laws would enhance cooperation. The role of forensic medicine in the criminal justice system is examined, emphasizing the need to build trust in forensic evidence. International collaboration and capacity building are key to advancing forensic medicine in Africa. Investments in infrastructure, funding, training, and legal frameworks are required. By leveraging partnerships, Africa can develop its forensic medicine capabilities for a fair and effective criminal justice system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESP18 (Regulated endocrine-specific protein, 18 kDa) was first identified as a dopaminergic drugs-regulated intermediate pituitary transcript. RESP18 protein is a unique endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein. Its functions in the brain especially in the nervous system disorders remain unknown. ER stress (ERS) has been proved to be one of the important pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we explored the association of RESP18 and ERS in cell models of PD. Dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion (MPP), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and rotenone evoked dramatic MN9D cell death. The transcriptional expressions of RESP18 and two ERS markers-binding immunoglobulin protein/glucose-regulated protein 78 (BiP/GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) manifested differential changes in MN9D cells treated with MPP, 6-OHDA, and rotenone. The RESP18 protein levels increased in MPP and 6-OHDA-treated cells, but did not change in the cells treated with rotenone, while the protein levels of ER molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 kDa beta member 1/glucose-regulated protein 94 (HSP90B1/GRP94) and BiP in the cells were up-regulated by MPP and 6-OHDA, respectively. Salubrinal, an ERS inhibitor, significantly reduced MPP and 6-OHDA-induced cell death. Moreover, ERS inducer-thapsigargin and tunicamycin, decreased the expression of RESP18, which is different from the changes of BiP, GRP94, and CHOP. Silencing RESP18 expression with Lenti-shRNA alleviated MPP-induced cell death, while over-expression of RESP18 resulted in aggravated cell death induced by MPP and 6-OHDA. Taken together, our results suggest that RESP18 is involved in the cytotoxicity of dopaminergic neurotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac remodeling is a physiological adaptation to aerobic exercise and which is characterized by increases in ventricular volume and the number of cardiomyocytes. The mitochondrial derived peptide MOTS-c functions as an important regulator in physical capacity and performance. Exercise elevates levels of endogenous MOTS-c in circulation and in myocardium, while MOTS-c can significantly enhance exercise capacity. However, the effects of aerobic exercise combined with MOTS-c on cardiac structure and function are unclear. We used pressure–volume conductance catheter technique to examine cardiac function in exercised rats with and without treatment with MOTS-c. Surprisingly, MOTS-c improved myocardial mechanical efficiency, enhanced cardiac systolic function, and had a tendency to improve the diastolic function. The findings suggest that using exercise supplements could be used to modulate the cardiovascular benefits of athletic training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk of diabetes remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the association between eGFR based on creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys), or a combination of both (eGFRcr-cys) and new-onset diabetes, using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative cohort study. Methods: A total of 4,775 participants with pertinent measurements and without diabetes at baseline from CHARLS were included in the final analysis. The eGFR was calculated by creatinine, cystatin C or a combination of both using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations. The study outcome was new-onset diabetes, defined as physician-diagnosed diabetes or use of glucose-lowering drugs during follow-up, or fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, random glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL, or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at the exit visit. Results: The mean age of the study population was 59.6 years. The mean values for the eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and eGFRcr-cys were 92.4, 78.9 and 85.9 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. Over 4 years of follow-up, 612 (12.8%) participants experienced diabetes. Participants with lower eGFRcr-cys (< 60 mL/min/1.73m2) had a significantly higher risk of new-onset diabetes (adjusted OR, 1.46; 95%CI: 1.02, 2.09), compared to those with eGFRcr-cys ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2. However, there was no significant association between eGFRcr (< 60 vs. ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2; adjusted OR, 1.27; 95%CI: 0.75, 2.17) or eGFRcys (adjusted OR, 1.04; 95%CI: 0.80, 1.36) and new-onset diabetes. Conclusions: Lower eGFRcr-cys (< 60 mL/min/1.73m2), but not eGFRcr or eGFRcys, was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) is an important task in forensic pathology. However, a reliable means of determining the PMI between 24 h and approximately 7 days after death has not yet been established. A previous study demonstrated that subunit A of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A-A) is a promising candidate to estimate the PMI during the first 96 h. However, more detailed work is still needed to investigate PP2A's function in PMI estimation. PP2A is a serine/threonine phosphatase consisting of three subunits (PP2A-A, PP2A-B, and PP2A-C), and its activation is reflected by Tyr-307 phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit (P-PP2A-C). In this study, we speculated that the other two subunits of PP2A and the activation of PP2A may play different roles in estimating the PMI. For this purpose, mice were euthanized and stored at different temperatures (4, 15, and 25 °C). At each temperature, the musculus vastus lateralis was collected at different time points (0, 24, 48, and 96 h) to investigate the degradation of PP2A-B, PP2A-C, and P-PP2A-C (Tyr-307). Homocysteine (Hcy) was used to establish a hyperhomocysteinemia animal model to explore the effects of plasma Hcy on PMI estimation. The data showed not only that PP2A-C was more stable than PP2A-B, but also that it was not affected by homocysteine (Hcy). These characteristics make PP2A-C a promising candidate for short-term (24 h to 48 h) PMI estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is tremendous interest in the development of surface coatings for outdoor applications that are self-cleaning with strong antibacterial properties. Herein, aniline was polymerized in situ with silver–N-doped TiO2 composites to fabricate PANI–Ag–N–TiO2 nanocomposites, which were then mixed with an acrylic resin to form coatings on type 316L stainless steel. Under UV–Vis light illumination, the PANI–Ag–N–TiO2 coatings delivered a stable photocathodic potential of − 0.79 V, a much larger negative potential than was realized using PANI–N–TiO2 (− 0.55 V) or PANI–TiO2 (− 0.40 V) coatings. The addition of Ag nanoparticles thus greatly enhanced the photo-cathodic response. Antimicrobial experiments demonstrated that the PANI–Ag–N–TiO2 coating offers good antibacterial activity (> 95% inhibition) against E. coli under UV–Vis light irradiation for 30 min, due to the generation of hydrogen peroxide or other reactive oxygen species capable of damaging the membrane of E. coli cells. Results suggest that PANI–Ag–N–TiO2 composite coatings offer good antifouling performance in marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activities, selectivities, and stabilities of nanoparticles in heterogeneous reactions are size-dependent. In order to investigate the influencing laws of particle size and temperature on kinetic parameters in heterogeneous reactions, cubic nano-CuO particles of four different sizes in the range of 40-120 nm have been controllably synthesized. In situ microcalorimetry has been used to attain thermodynamic data on the reaction of CuO with aqueous HNO and, combined with thermodynamic principles and kinetic transition-state theory, the relevant reaction kinetic parameters have been evaluated. The size dependences of the kinetic parameters are discussed in terms of the established kinetic model and the experimental results. It was found that the reaction rate constants increased with decreasing particle size. Accordingly, the apparent activation energy, pre-exponential factor, activation enthalpy, activation entropy, and activation Gibbs energy decreased with decreasing particle size. The reaction rate constants and activation Gibbs energies increased with increasing temperature. Moreover, the logarithms of the apparent activation energies, pre-exponential factors, and rate constants were found to be linearly related to the reciprocal of particle size, consistent with the kinetic models. The influence of particle size on these reaction kinetic parameters may be explained as follows: the apparent activation energy is affected by the partial molar enthalpy, the pre-exponential factor is affected by the partial molar entropy, and the reaction rate constant is affected by the partial molar Gibbs energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible logic has attracted much attention in recent years especially when the calculation with minimum energy consumption is considered. This paper presents two novel approaches for designing reversible 4-bit comparator based on parity-preserving gates, which can detect any fault that affects no more than a single logic signal. In order to construct the comparator, three variable EX-OR gate (TVG), comparator gate (CPG), four variable EX-OR gate block (FVGB) and comparator gate block (CPGB) are designed, and they are parity-preserving and reversible. Their quantum equivalent implementations are also proposed. The design of two comparator circuits is completed by using existing reversible gates and the above new reversible circuits. All these comparators have been modeled and verified in Verilog hardware description language (Verilog HDL). The Quartus II simulation results indicate that their circuits' logic structures are correct. The comparative results are presented in terms of quantum cost, delay and garbage outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S100A8 and S100A9 play important roles in immune and inflammatory disorders. The role of the two proteins in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains unknown. Fifty-seven diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients, 31 limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) patients were recruited in the present study. The expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in plasma was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the mRNA levels in peripheral blood were assessed using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR. The expression and distribution of S100A8, S100A9, and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), in skin tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The plasma concentrations of S100A8 and S100A9 were significantly higher in dcSSc patients than in normal controls and lcSSc patients. Both S100A8 and S100A9 levels were significantly increased in dcSSc patients with lung or kidney involvement. Increased plasma levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in dcSSc patients were associated with several autoantibodies. Transcription levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in peripheral blood were found elevated in both dcSSc and lcSSc patients than normal controls. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher S100A8 and S100A9 expression in sclerotic skin than in normal skin. The number of S100A8, S100A9, or RAGE positive fibroblasts was also significantly increased. Highly elevated expression of both S100A8 and S100A9 was found in dcSSc patients. There was close correlation with disease severity and serological abnormalities, suggesting that the two proteins may play important roles in the development of systemic sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, electromagnetic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ γ-FeO (PEDOT/ γ-FeO) micro-bowls, 1-2 μm in diameter, were prepared by a simple environment-friendly process. In this method, the aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) instead of any organic solvent was used. FeCl acted as a source of Fe for the formation of γ-FeO and as an oxidant for the polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). The bowl-shaped morphology of PEDOT/ γ-FeO composites was strongly influenced by the concentration of CTAB, FeCl, ammonia solution and the reaction temperature. The saturation magnetization of PEDOT/ γ-FeO micro-bowls increased with the increase of FeCl concentration and reached 6.20 Am/kg at the FeCl concentration of 0.30 mol/L. The conductivity of the PEDOT/ γ-FeO composites was in the range of 101 S/cm. The electrical and magnetic sources of PEDOT/ γ-FeO micro-bowls were confirmed by SEM-EDX, TEM, XRD and XPS spectra. And the possible formation mechanism of PEDOT// γ-FeO was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design and fabrication of superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer based on ultra-thin superconducting NbN films. The high quality films were epitaxially grown on high resistance Si substrates. The device was fabricated by magnetron sputtering, electron beam lithography (EBL), reactive ion etching (RIE), lithography, and so on. The device's resistance-temperature (R-T) curves and current-voltage (I-V) curves were studied. The results of THz response of the device are presented. V-factor technique was used to measure the device's noise temperature. When the device was irradiated with a laser radiation of 2.5 THz, the obtained lowest noise temperature of the device was 2213 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]