Search

Color tunable white light emitting single molecule was developed, which comprised a blue light emitting triphenylamine fluorophore and a rhodamine 6G moiety as the origin of yellow light and thus exhibited yellow, blue or white light in different excitation wavelength and different concentration of hydrogen ion. With pH value changed from 4.5 to 3.7, the formation of ring-opened rhodamine moiety resulted in the increase of fluorescence peak centered on 556 nm. At the same time, the fluorescence at the 468 nm quenched gradually and the color of the fluorescence clearly changed from blue to yellow-green, which indicated that fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) had been switched on due to spectral overlap of the emission spectrum of the donor (triphenylamine moiety) with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor (ring-opened rhodamine moiety) in compound R6GTRP. It can also emit obvious white light with CIE (0.27, 0.33) when excitation wavelength is 400 nm and –log [H+] value is 4.0. Furthermore, white light-emitting single molecule R6GTRP is low cost and can be obtained with high yield conveniently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust emission from bauxite residue (red sand) is of great concern for its dramatic occupational and environmental detriments. The utilization of lignin-based stabilizers can effectively mitigate this issue. However, few studies analyzed the effect of two lignosulfonates combination on red sand dust control. Thus, this paper investigated the relationship between crust properties and dust control performance via the synergistic application of sodium (LS-S) and calcium lignosulfonate (LS-C). Results illustrated that the synergistic application of lignosulfonates enhances the dust erosion resistance of red sand more effectively than individual application. The improvement in LS mixtures on crust thickness, unconfined compressive strength and penetration resistance is 20.45% to 145.74%, 34.91% to 123.51% and 236.10% to 522.90%, respectively, compared with individual application. The crust longevity of LS mixtures is also increased by 26.12% to 100.08%. The optimum mix ratio to achieve the best dust control performance is in accordance with the unconfined compressive strength and penetration resistance. "LS-S: LS-C = 1:3" resulted in thickest crust while "LS-S: LS-C = 2:2" achieved the best moisture retention capacity. The crust failure time of "LS-S: LS-C = 3:1" is 8.26 times longer than the control group and 1.28 to 1.52 times longer than the individual application. Penetration resistance of formed crust is more competitive in predicting the dust control performance of LS for its higher average coefficient of determination of 0.982. According to this optimized model, the maximum crust protective period 1271.35 s could be achieved by LS mixture with 70.7% LS-S at 10% concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the problem whether pyroptosis of U87-MG glioblastoma cells can result from activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) by a local anesthetic. Glioblastoma cells exposed to various concentrations of typical local anesthetic lidocaine demonstrated augmented cytosolic flux of Ca2+, while suppression of CaMKII expression with the corresponding siRNA significantly inhibited this effect in cells treated with 2 mM lidocaine. Lidocaine up-regulated the expression of mRNA caspase-3 and gasdermin GSDME proteins, whereas silencing of CaMKII gene with siRNA significantly moderated this effect. In addition, lidocaine inhibited proliferation of U87-MG cells, and this effect was prevented by silencing CaMKII gene. Thus, lidocaine activated protein kinase CaMKII, which phosphorylated TRPV1 ion channels and induced calcium overload of U87-MG glioblastoma cells, thereby provoking their pyroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pressing need in low energy spintronics is two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnets with Curie temperature above the liquid-nitrogen temperature (77 K), and sizeable magnetic anisotropy. We studied Mn3Br8 monolayer which is obtained via inducing Mn vacancy at 1/4 population in MnBr2 monolayer. Such defective configuration is designed to change the coordination structure of the Mn-d5 and achieve ferromagnetism with sizeable magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE). Our calculations show that Mn3Br8 monolayer is a ferromagnetic (FM) half-metal with Curie temperature of 130 K, large MAE of − 2.33 meV per formula unit, and atomic magnetic moment of 13/3μB for the Mn atom. Additionally, Mn3Br8 monolayer maintains to be FM under small biaxial strain, whose Curie temperature under 5% compressive strain is 160 K. Additionally, both biaxial strain and carrier doping make the MAE increases, which mainly contributed by the magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy (MCE). Our designed defective structure of MnBr2 monolayer provides a simple but effective way to achieve ferromagnetism with large MAE in 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown a good prognostic value in many different type of malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between NLR and the outcome of critically ill patients with cancer. Methods: We performed a single-institution, retrospective study of 1317 adult critically ill patients with cancer and determined the optimal cut-off for NLR by X-tile software. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probabilities of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to control confounders. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between NLR and 28-day, 6-month and 1-year all-cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier method, subgroup analysis, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were applied to assess the prognostic value of NLR. Results: The cut‐off value for NLR was 17.6. Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that high NLR (> 17.6) was independently associated with 28-day, 6-month and 1-year all-cause mortality with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.58 (1.29, 1.94), 1.51 (1.28, 1.77) and 1.45 (1.25, 1.69), respectively. The results were consistent with survival analyses (p < 0.001, log-rank test). The ROC analyses showed that the discrimination abilities of NLR were better than other blood-based biomarkers. Conclusion: NLR is a promising prognostic indicator of survival in unselected critical ill patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray computed tomography of the cladotherian Henkelotherium guimarotae from the Kimmeridgian Guimarota coal mine (Portugal) adds new information on its postcranial skeleton. Contrary to earlier description, the humerus of Henkelotherium shows a plesiomorphic cladotherian condition similar to that seen in Dryolestes leiriensis in having individual radial and ulnar condyles on the anterior aspect of the distal joint, whereas the posterior aspect appears to be trochlear. The scapula is also more plesiomorphic than previously assumed in having a laterally flared crest on the inferior margin. In this regard, it is similar to the scapula of spalacotherioid "symmetrodontans" such as Zhangheotherium but more derived than the latter, in having a larger supraspinous fossa. The hind limb is similar to that of small extant therians, which is interpreted to be assocated with an upright limb posture. The previously proposed hypothesis of an arboreal lifestyle for Henkelotherium is corroborated by a number of skeletal features such as large humeral entepicondyles, prominent digital flexor tubercles, elongated and slender tail vertebrae, as well as a high pedal phalangeal index of 153%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex oxides show extreme sensitivity to structural distortions and defects, and the intricate balance of competing interactions which emerge at atomically defined interfaces may give rise to unexpected physics. In the interfaces of non-magnetic complex oxides, one of the most intriguing properties is the emergence of magnetism which is sensitive to chemical defects. Particularly, it is unclear which defects are responsible for the emergent magnetic interfaces. Here, we show direct and clear experimental evidence, supported by theoretical explanation, that the B-site cation stoichiometry is crucial for the creation and control of magnetism at the interface between non-magnetic ABO3-perovskite oxides, LaAlO3 and SrTiO3. We find that consecutive defect formation, driven by atomic charge compensation, establishes the formation of robust perpendicular magnetic moments at the interface. Our observations propose a route to tune these emerging magnetoelectric structures, which are strongly coupled at the polar-nonpolar complex oxide interfaces. In the interfaces of non-magnetic complex oxides, it is unclear which defects are responsible for the magnetic interfaces. Here, the authors find the B-site cation stoichiometry is crucial for the creation and control of magnetism at the interface between non-magnetic ABO3-perovskite oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tea geometrid Ectropis grisescens is an important pest of tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). It feeds on the new leaves and tender stems of tea plants, causing serious damage. The green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenol (z3HOL) can effectively activate the defense of tea against E. grisescens in the laboratory. In this study, z3HOL was confirmed to activate the tea mitogen-activated protein kinase and jasmonic acid (JA) burst in the laboratory. We investigated effects of z3HOL on the defense responses of tea plants under field conditions. Our results showed that tea plants exposed to z3HOL showed higher levels of JA and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and emitted increased quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to non-exposed plants. Less E. grisescens larvae were observed in z3HOL-treated plots and less damage was found in z3HOL-treated plants than control. The number of Apanteles sp. and the parasitism of E. grisescens were also enhanced by z3HOL. These findings indicate that synthetic z3HOL can triggers tea defense responses against E. grisescens in the field, and that it could be used as a chemical elicitor to enhance biological control of tea geometrid in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the microstructure evolution of Ti-(47, 50, 54) at. pct Al alloys by combining the effects of high undercooling and large cooling rate has been investigated. The calculated undercooling and cooling rates of the three component alloy droplets increase as power functions with the decreasing alloy droplet diameter D. With decreasing D, the microstructure of Ti-47 at. pct Al alloy evolves from dendritic dendrites to equiaxed dendrites, and the main microstructure of Ti-50 at. pct Al alloy transforms from a lamellar microstructure to a non-lamellar microstructure, while that of Ti-54 at. pct Al alloy appears as an interweaving microstructure. The α2 phase with a superlattice structure and the α2n phase with a nonsuperlattice structure are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, and the large difference of Al contents leads to formation of the α2 phase and the α2n phase. Atomic images show that the interface of the α2n phase and γ phase is coherent. The α2n phase precipitates from the γ phase during cooling. The combined effects of high undercooling and large cooling rate suppress the transformation of the α phase to (α2 + γ) phases. The Young's modulus first increases and then decreases with decreasing D, while the nanohardness is controlled by the combined factors of the microstructure morphology, phase composition, phase ratio, and grain refinement. As for the microhardness, grain refinement dominates the hardening of the Ti-54 at. pct Al alloys, while the combined factors dominate the hardening of Ti-(47, 50) at. pct Al alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bacterial disease of sweetpotato was recently identified in Puning, Guangdong Province, China and is referred to bacterial internal browning of sweetpotato in this paper. One-third of the tubers of sweetpotato were infected in the field. These tubers in the field with bacterial inner brown displayed yellowing on the skin that turned into slightly roughened and cracked surface with progress in disease. Cross-sections of these roots revealed a yellowish brown or dark brown circle in the vascular cambium. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on different organs of two sweetpotato cultivars and revealed that the isolated bacteria are pathogenic on stems and roots. We confirmed the causal agent as Burkholderia gladioli based on biochemical and physiological characterization, carbon source utilization, and sequence analysis of partial 16S rDNA and 16S–23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. To our knowledge, it is the first report on the occurrence of B. gladioli in sweetpotato as a pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have investigated the microscopic magnetic properties of c-axis oriented hcp-CoIr soft magnetic thin films (SMTFs) by using Mössbauer spectroscopy. We have found that the deviation of magnetic moments from the film plane slowly increases with increasing film thickness due to perpendicular magnetic anisotropy coming from the film growth procedure. Our results also suggest that optimizing the growth conditions at the initial stage of the film growth should be very important to further reduce this deviation. These results will be beneficial for further improving the soft magnetic properties of these SMTFs for functional electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study is to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and osteoporosis in rural areas of China, and then explore whether this association was mediated by lipid profiles. Results showed that with the increasing of BMI, the risk of osteoporosis was reduced, and lipid profiles mediate this association. Introduction: To examine the relationship between BMI and osteoporosis, and explore whether this association was mediated by lipid profiles. Methods: A total of 8272 participants (18–79 years) were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. The bone mineral density of the calcaneus was measured using an ultrasonic bone density apparatus. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Mediation analysis using bootstrap was performed to examine the contribution of lipid profiles to BMI-related osteoporosis. Results: The crude and age-standardized prevalence of osteoporosis were 15.93% and 11.77%, respectively. The mean BMIs were 24.12 kg/m2 for participants with osteoporosis and 25.06 kg/m2 for non-osteoporosis participants (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects with obesity had a lower OR of osteoporosis (0.493 [95% CI: 0.405–0.600], Ptrend < 0.001) compared with normal-weight individuals. Mediation analysis showed that lipid profile partly mediated the relationship between BMI and osteoporosis with indirect effect OR (95% CI) of 0.985 (0.978–0.992), and the proportion explained of BMI was 15.48% for lipid profile. Conclusion: With the increasing of BMI, the risk of osteoporosis was reduced in the Chinese adult population, and lipid profiles may be a potential mediator linking reduced risk of osteoporosis. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms will facilitate developing feasible preventive and therapeutic measures for osteoporosis. Chinese clinical trial register: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the investigation of microstructure and magnetic properties of the Co72Pt28/Pt/Co81Ir19 exchange-coupled composite (ECC) media using soft-layer (SL) of Co81Ir19 with negative magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MA). Our TEM images show that the hard-layer (HL) exhibits a columnar type microstructure with well-isolated grains and the exchange-coupled SL with hcp-structure show the same texture. Strong coupling of the two layers have been evidenced by the magnetic characterization for all the studied films with Pt inter-layer thickness ranging from 0 to 2 nm. Importantly, these ECC media films have much lower coercivities and much higher thermal stabilities in the favor of high-density magnetic recording. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a quantum-dot-based multiplexed imaging system for the simultaneous monitoring of Hsf-1/Hsp70 after heat shock, and to evaluate the effects of combined thermotherapy and leucine deprivation therapy on Hsf-1 inactivation. SCC-25 cells were leucine starved for 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 days following which the cells underwent heat shock at 42°C for 30 min. At 6 h after heat shock, Hsf-1 activation and translocation to the nucleus was observed in cells that were leucine starved for 0, 1 and 2 days, and the synthesis of Hsp70 and Hsf-1 reached their maximum values and had a tendency to gather in the nucleus. However, in cells that were leucine starved for 3 and 4 days, Hsf-1 activity and Hsp70 synthesis level was dramatically decreased. Dietary restriction of leucine for at least three days could result in the inactivation of Hsf-1, leading to a reduction in Hsp70 synthesis. The combination of thermotherapy and short-term leucine deprivation therapy may become effective approach for the treatment of oral tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates delayed fracture (DF) behavior of a twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel in a neutral environment using deep-drawn cup specimens. The specimens are exposed to different corrosive environment to observe the occurrence of DF. The results reveal that the DF of TWIP steel is caused by a hydrogen-assisted transgranular stress corrosion cracking mechanism. Besides the residual stress, we demonstrate that the plastic strain plays a crucial role on the DF of TWIP steel by accelerating the crack growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effect of Al and grain size on the notch sensitivity and fracture toughness of twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels. It is evident that the notch sensitivity and fracture toughness of TWIP steels can be improved by the addition of Al and grain refinement. Furthermore, the relatively low fracture toughness and high-notched sensitivity of coarse-grained TWIP steels can be explained by a quasi-cleavage fracture mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new MOF of [Co(HCOO)2] · 0.33DMF (I) was prepared and characterized by IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1571166). Complex I exhibits a diamond framework based on Co-centered CoCo4 tetrahedral nodes, in which all metal ions have octahedral coordination geometry and all HCOO groups link the metal ions in syn-syn/anti modes. The magnetic property shows a main antiferromagnetic interaction and the ferromagnetic phase transition below 2 K. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of I for degradation of the methyl violet and Rhodamine B have been explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel lanthanide complex [La(2,5-PA)(2,5-HPA)(H2O)2]n · nH2O (I) (2,5-H2PA = 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) was synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction and structurally characterized by singlecrystal X-ray diffraction (СIF file CCDC no. 1570808). Complex I is characteristic of a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure with the La3+ ion coordinating with seven oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms to yield a slightly distorted monocapped square antiprism. The [La(2,5-PA)(2,5-HPA)(H2O)2]n layers and lattice water molecules interlink together through hydrogen bonding interactions to give a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular framework. Photoluminescence measurements under room temperature with solidstate samples show that it displays an emission in the green region of the light spectrum. Solid-state UV-Vis spectrum conducted with solid-state samples reveals the existence of a wide optical band gap of 3.57 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of Cu(NO3)2 . 3H2O with rigid ligand 4'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3,5- dicarboxylic acid (H3L) gave a new metal-organic framework of [Cu2(μ3-OH)(L)(H2O)2]n (I) (CIF file CCDC no. 1533273). Complex I has a truncated cuboctahedra that was connected by trigonal Cu3O(N4CR)3 trimers using each tetrazolate (N4CR) moiety and shows a overall 3D nnt net with (6.82)6(83)2(62.84)3 topology. The properties of gas adsorption and the degradation of the methyl violet have been examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new platinum(II) complex of [Pt(Chda)(4-MOPIP)]2Cl · HO ( I) (Chda = cyclohexanediamine; 4-MOPIP = (4-methoxy-phenyl)-imidazo[4,5-f][l,10]-phenanthroline) has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC no. 1472980), UV-Vis and fluorescent spectrum. In complex I, the platinum adopts a four-coordinated square planar geometry. The DNA-binding interaction has been investigated. The complex can bind to DNA by intercalative mode, presenting the high DNA-binding affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the ultrasonic propagation in carbon fibre reinforced plastics with complex void morphology, the effective mathematical model needs to be established. The current models are oversimplified on void morphology, leading to the significant inconsistency of theoretical calculation with experimental results. In view of the problem, a real morphology void model (RMVM) was established with the idea of image-based modeling. The void morphology was extracted by digital image processing technology, and the material properties were assigned subsequently. As a result of the complex and random void morphology in RMVMs, a non-unique corresponding relationship was verified between porosity P and ultrasonic attenuation coefficient α. In the scatterplot of simulation, about 66 percent of points were plotted within the ±10% error band of fitting line, while almost all the data located at the ±20% error zone. The simulation results showed good consistency with experiments, and it proved the validity of RMVM. The investigation provides a novel model to explore the ultrasonic scattering mechanism for the composite materials containing random voids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review on the resistance spot welding (RSW) of Al/Al alloys, Al alloys/steel, Al/Mg alloys, and Al/Ti alloys, with focus on structure, properties, and performance relationships. It also includes weld bonding, effect of welding parameters on joint quality, main metallurgical defects in Al spot welds, and electrode degradation. The high contact resistance, induced by the presence of oxide layer on the surface of Al alloys, and the need for application of high welding current during RSW of Al alloys result in rapid electrode tip wear and inconsistency in weld quality. Studies have shown that cleaning the oxide layer, sliding of a few microns between sheets, enhancing the electrode force, and the application of a low-current pre-heating can significantly reduce the contact resistance and improve joint quality. For Al/steel dissimilar RSW, the technique of resistance element welding, the use of optimized electrode morphology, the technique of RSW with cover plates, and the use of interlayers such as Al-Mg, AlSi12, and AlCu28 alloys were found to suppress the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds (IMC) and improve the joint quality. The employment of pure Ni foil, Au-coated Ni foil, Sn-coated steel, and Zn-coated steel interlayers was also found to restrict the formation of brittle IMCs during RSW of Al/Mg alloys. Furthermore, the techniques of RSW with cover plates and RSW under the influence of electromagnetic stirring effect were found to improve the weldability of Al/Ti dissimilar alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth mechanism of primary and eutectic TiB particles in a hypereutectic steel matrix composite (SMC) has been investigated by combining microstructure and crystallographic analysis in the present work. It is found that the TiB particles in the as-cast microstructure have complex morphologies including two kinds of primary particles and several categories of eutectic particles. Twin-induced dendritic growth of primary TiB particles and epitaxial growth of eutectic fibers are found in the present SMC by detailed crystallography analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the crystallographic features strongly affect the solidification process and the final microstructures. Finally, several alloying strategies are proposed to control the solidification microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribbing disease, or multiple diaphyseal sclerosis, is a rare diaphyseal sclerosis of unknown etiology. Patients with this pathology usually present with asymmetric pain limited to the lower extremities. Though all efforts are made to relieve the progressive pain associated with Ribbing disease, no medical or surgical treatments have been established yet. In this case report, we followed up a Ribbing case with sclerotic bone fenestration for 5 years. The radiological changes and the clinical effects are described, and the different Ribbing treatments are then briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a decoupling algorithm for reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) with high performance in terms of efficiency and convergence, which provides an effective tool for reliability design of many complex structures. The algorithm proceeds by performing a shifting vector calculation and then solving a deterministic design optimization in each step, and eventually converges to the optimal solution. An incremental shifting strategy is proposed to ensure stable convergence in the iteration process. In each step, the shifting vector preserves the information from the previous step, and only an adjustment is made for it through a shifting vector increment. A computation method is given for the shifting vector increment, avoiding solving an optimization problem during the reliability analysis and thus greatly reducing the computational cost of the iteration process. Six numerical examples and two engineering applications are presented to validate the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CFETR (China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor) is a test reactor which shall be constructed by National Integration Design Group for Magnetic Confinement Fusion Reactor of China. The reactor has the equivalent scale compared with ITER, but has the complementary function to ITER. CFETR is a demonstration of long pulse or steady state operation with duty cycle time is not less than 0.3-0.5 and the full cycle of tritium self-sustained with TBR is not less than 1.2. The magnets design of CFETR is based on the ITER magnet technology. Electromagnetic parameters analysis is one of the most important tasks for the magnets design in fusion device. These parameters can be used to verify the feasibility of physics and engineering conceptual design. This paper provides the electromagnetic parameters of the CFETR magnet system, and all these parameters meet the physics and engineering requirements which shows that the design of CFETR magnets system is reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the trafficability of semi-track air-cushion vehicle (STACV), a prototype is manufactured and a heirarchy controller is designed. The control objectives are, 1) to minimize the total power consumption; 2) to follow the driver's commands and maintain the body attitude; 3) to assign and realize the generalized forces. The controller is proposed by using carefully designed controller configuration, neural network, Model Predictive Control (MPC) method, hybrid generalized extremal optimization (HGEO), etc. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified by experiments under two typical operation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tobacco etch virus is difficult (TEV) mainly because of the lack of resistant tobacco varieties. In this study, the resistance to CMV and TEV of 22 tobacco cultivars, grown under both greenhouse and field conditions, was evaluated from 2007 to 2012. The genetic relationships among these cultivars were also assessed using ISSR methods. Based on the disease index and DAS-ELISA results, one cultivar (Coker86) was characterized as resistant to CMV, and one cultivar (Shuangkang70) was characterized as resistant to TEV. A total of 145 repeatable amplified bands were generated with six ISSR primers, of which 139 were polymorphic. The tobacco cultivars were grouped into five major clusters according to phylogenetic analysis; the similarity coefficient between cultivars ranged from 0.476 to 0.855. This study provides an overall assessment of tobacco cultivars and the results should prove useful for both the control of tobacco virus diseases at present and the improvement of tobacco varieties in future breeding projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with numerous encouraging reports of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, there have been fewer reports on the role of PKP in the treatment of nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Even less is known about the use of PKP in treating nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with severe spinal stenosis. We reported an 87-year-old man presented with half a year back pain and numbness of both legs after back sprain 6 months ago. Nonunion of L3 with severe spinal stenosis was recognized in the preoperative films. Bone mineral analysis showed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of −4.7. He refused to receive the decompression surgery. As a result, PKP was introduced to him as an alternative option. The patient experienced complete pain relief after PKP without any complication. Meanwhile, it was an interesting finding that numbness of both legs disappeared. After 12 months follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic. This case illustrated that PKP could be considered as one of the options for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with severe spinal stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to design ballistic capture orbits in the real Solar System model is presented, so extending previous works using the planar restricted three-body problem. In this generalization a number of issues arise, which are treated in the present work. These involve reformulating the notion of stability in three-dimensions, managing a multi-dimensional space of initial conditions, and implementing a restricted $$n$$ -body model with accurate planetary ephemerides. Initial conditions are categorized into four subsets according to the orbits they generate in forward and backward time. These are labelled weakly stable, unstable, crash, and acrobatic, and their manipulation allows us to derive orbits with prescribed behavior. A post-capture stability index is formulated to extract the ideal orbits, which are those of practical interest. Study cases analyze ballistic capture about Mercury, Europa, and the Earth. These simulations show the effectiveness of the developed method in finding solutions matching mission requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cardiokymograph system is introduced. The new system features a capacitance transducer with increased sensitivity and can be used in multichannel measurements. The novelty of this technique is the injection of a current into the patient coupled with the use of a capacitive displacement transducer and the possibility of multichannel monitoring. It provides for the possibility of removing breath noise when some signal processing technique, such as adaptive filtering, is used. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate clinical significance and pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]