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In this research, the nonlinear vibration behavior of axially functionally graded (AFG) nano-scale truncated conical tubes (with non-uniform cross-section), including the porosity, is presented for the first time based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the von-Kármán's nonlinear strain-displacement and nonlinear nonlocal boundary conditions. The effect of being at the tapered nanosize model is supposedly based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory using the Hamilton principle to extract the equation of motions and nonlinear time-dependent nonlocal boundary conditions. The material properties and thickness of nano-tube are varying along the length of tubes. The generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is utilized with the iteration method to solve the complicated nonlinear equations. The numerical results in tabular and graphical styles present for various nonlinear amplitudes, the AFG power indexes, the rate of the cross-section change, the porosity parameter, and the nonlocal gradient strain parameter for both simply supported, fully clamped, and simply supported-clamped boundary conditions in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was previously hypothesized that the cross-education of strength is asymmetrical, where a greater transfer of strength is observed from the dominant to the non-dominant limb. The purpose of this study was to examine if the magnitude of cross-education of strength differed between dominant and non-dominant limbs following unilateral high-load resistance training. One hundred and twenty-two participants were randomized to one of the three groups: 1) training on the dominant arm (D-Only), 2) training on the non-dominant arm (ND-Only) and 3) a time-matched non-exercise control (Control). The training groups completed 6 weeks (18 sessions) of unilateral elbow flexion exercise. Each training session started with one-repetition maximum (1RM) training (≤ five attempts), followed by four sets of high-load exercise (i.e. 8–12RM). Strength changes of the untrained arm were compared between groups. Changes in the strength of the untrained arm were greater in D-Only (1.5 kg) and ND-Only (1.3 kg) compared to Control (−0.2 kg), without differences between D-Only and ND-Only. Unilateral resistance training increased strength in the opposite untrained arm, and the magnitude of this effect was similar regardless of which arm was trained. However, there is still considerable uncertainty on this topic and additional research is warranted to confirm the current findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a working environment, the supporting structure usually suffers from asymmetric exterior loads with some finite elevation angles, leading to an asymmetric and irregular structure when applying traditional topology methods. To solve this problem, in this article, a weighted topology optimization method based on a shape feature function is presented, with an innovative concept of shape feature control function, which is employed to reshape the stiffness distribution and make the optimized structure symmetric for the manufacturing process. Topology optimization is also performed under fixed connection constraints. By introducing both the shape control and electromagnetic characteristics functions into the topological design domain, a relatively symmetric and regular topology structure is obtained through the weighted topology optimization method under the asymmetric exterior loads, which benefits the following detailed design and manufacturing process for reflector antennas. Numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present a Distributionally Robust Markov Decision Process (DRMDP) approach for addressing the dynamic epidemic control problem. The Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model is widely used to represent the stochastic spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Although the Markov Decision Process (MDP) offers a mathematical framework for identifying optimal actions, such as vaccination and transmission-reducing intervention, to combat disease spread calculated using the SEIR model. However, uncertainties in these scenarios demand a more robust approach that is less reliant on error-prone assumptions. The primary objective of our study is to introduce a new DRMDP framework that allows for an ambiguous distribution of transition dynamics. Specifically, we consider the worst-case distribution of these transition probabilities within a decision-dependent ambiguity set. To overcome the computational complexities associated with policy determination, we propose an efficient Real-Time Dynamic Programming (RTDP) algorithm that is capable of computing optimal policies based on the reformulated DRMDP model in an accurate, timely, and scalable manner. Comparative analysis against the classic MDP model demonstrates that the DRMDP achieves a lower proportion of infections and susceptibilities at a reduced cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether institutional investors invest less into overvalued firms due to their informational advantage. Considering high media sentiment as a source of overvaluation, we show that institutional investors tend to hold fewer stocks of firms that receive high media sentiment. The size of the overvaluation is empirically shown as a channel through which media sentiment influences the ownership structure in firms. We conclude this paper by showing institutional investors do not view high media sentiment as a chance to withdraw their money from firms with poor corporate governance structure that the institutional investors cannot exert much influence on. Instead, institutional investors tend not to invest in these firms from the start. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Korean firms that are cross-listed in the US market, this paper investigates whether there are standalone effects of geographic and market proximity of institutional investors on monitoring performance. We find that Korean institutional ownership is negatively associated with earnings management while the US institutional ownership has no impact on earnings management. This suggests that there is the geographic proximity advantage over the market proximity advantage in the emerging markets. Furthermore, we also show that the impact of geographic proximity is stronger for firms with high informational opacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) on exercise-induced hypoalgesia, specifically using low-load (LL) resistance exercise (30% 1RM) protocols that accounted for each individual's local muscular endurance capabilities. Forty-four participants completed four conditions: (1) 70% of maximal BFR repetitions with blood flow restriction (LL+BFR exercise); (2) 70% maximal BFR repetitions without LL+BFR (LL exercise); (3) 70% maximal free flow repetitions (LL+EFFORT exercise); (4) time-matched, non-exercise control (CON). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured before and after exercise. Ischaemic pain threshold and tolerance was assessed only at post. The change in upper body PPT was greater for LL+BFR exercise compared to LL exercise [difference of 0.15 (0.35) kg/cm2], LL+EFFORT exercise [difference of 0.23 (0.45) kg/cm2], and the CON condition. The change in lower body PPT was greater for LL+BFR exercise compared to LL exercise [difference of 0.40 (0.55) kg/cm2], LL+EFFORT exercise [difference of 0.36 (0.62) kg/cm2], and the CON condition. Ischaemic pain thresholds and tolerances did not change. Submaximal exercise with BFR resulted in systemic increases in PPT but had no influence on ischaemic pain sensitivity. This effect is likely unique to BFR as we did not see changes in the effort matched free flow condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide-based nanosystem is an umbrella term for many areas within research and technology dealing with polysaccharides that have at least one of their dimensions in the realm of a few hundreds of nanometers. Nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanofibers, nanofilms, and nanonetworks can be fabricated from many different polysaccharide resources. Abundance in nature, cellulose, starch, chitosan, and pectin of different molecular structures are widely used to fabricate nanosystems for versatile industrial applications. This review presents the dissolution and modification of polysaccharides, which are influenced by their different molecular structures and applications. The dissolution ways include conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids, inorganic strong alkali and acids, enzymes, and hydrothermal treatment. Rheological properties of polysaccharide-based nano slurries are tailored for the purpose functions of the final products, e.g., imparting electrostatic functions of nanofibers to reduce viscosity by using lithium chloride and octenyl succinic acid to increase the hydrophobicity. Nowadays, synergistic effects of polysaccharide blends are increasingly highlighted. In particular, the reinforcing effect of nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanowhiskers, and nanofibers to hydrogels, aerogels, and scaffolds, and the double network hydrogels of a rigid skeleton and a ductile substance have been developed for many emerging issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the two-dimensional (2D) Roesser model, this paper focuses on the asynchronous controller design for directional 2D Markov jump systems (MJSs). Considering the more practical situation that the modes of the 2D MJSs in the horizontal and vertical directions are independent, and the system modes are asynchronous with that of the controller, the directional 2D MJSs are proposed and the asynchronous controller is designed, respectively. Based on the Lyapunov theory, a sufficient condition for the mean square exponential stability of the controlled directional 2D MJSs is given. Moreover, the partially unknown transition probabilities in systems and controllers are considered. Finally, an example is given to illustrate that the proposed method is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system and requires fatty acids to maintain its activity. Stress is a contributor to aggravating cardiovascular diseases and even death, and exacerbates the abnormal lipid metabolism. The cardiac metabolism may be disturbed by stress. Cholecystokinin (CCK), which is a classical peptide hormone, and its receptor (CCKR) are expressed in myocardial cells and affect cardiovascular function. Nevertheless, under stress, the exact role of CCKR on cardiac function and cardiac metabolism is unknown and the mechanism is worth exploring. After unpredictable stress, a common stress-inducing model that induces the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and reduces motivated behavior, we found that the abnormal contraction and diastole of the heart, myocardial injury, oxidative stress and inflammation of mice were aggravated. Cholecystokinin A receptor and cholecystokinin B receptor knockout (CCK1R2R-/-) significantly reversed these changes. Mechanistically, fatty acid metabolism was found to be altered in CCK1R2R-/- mice. Differential metabolites, especially L-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid, cholesterol, taurocholic acid, ADP, oxoglutaric acid, arachidonic acid and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, influenced cardiac function after CCK1R2R knockout and unpredictable stress. We conclude that CCK1R2R-/- ameliorated myocardial damage caused by unpredictable stress via altering fatty acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Data Interpolation Empirical Orthogonal Functions (DINEOF) method is accurate in filling missing remote sensing datasets. This study used the Data-Interpolating Convolutional Auto-Encoder (DINCAE) method to reconstruct chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) data from the Bohai and Yellow seas and compare it with DINEOF. The reconstruction power of the two methods was evaluated using cross-validation and in situ data, and the accuracy of both data validated by DINCAE was higher than that of DINEOF. The reconstruction results of the two methods were analysed from two perspectives: time and space scale. The reconstruction errors of DINCAE were lower than those of DINEOF at different temporal scales, and the temporal sensitivity of DINEOF was greater than that of DINCAE. DINCAE outperforms DINEOF in terms of controlling the small-scale features and Chl-a values. In terms of efficiency, DINCAE is five times faster than DINEOF for similar reconstruction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine the effect of isometric handgrip exercise with and without blood flow restriction on exercise-induced hypoalgesia at a local and non-local site, and its underlying mechanisms. Sixty participants (21 males & 39 females, 18–35 years old) completed 3 trials: four sets of 2-minute isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of maximum handgrip strength; isometric handgrip exercise with blood flow restriction at 50% of arterial occlusion pressure; and a non-exercise time-matched control. Pain thresholds increased similarly in both exercise conditions at a local (exercise conditions: ~0.45 kg/cm2, control: ~-0.04 kg/cm2) and non-local site (exercise conditions: ~0.37 kg/cm2, control: ~-0.16 kg/cm2). Blood flow restriction induced greater feelings of discomfort compared to exercise alone [median difference (95% credible interval) of 4.5 (0.5, 8.6) arbitrary units]. Blood pressure increased immediately after exercise (systolic: 10.3 mmHg, diastolic: 7.7 mmHg) and decreased in recovery. There was no within participant correlation between changes in discomfort and pressure pain threshold. A bout of isometric handgrip exercise with or without blood flow restriction can provide exercise-induced hypoalgesia at a local and non-local site. However, discomfort and changes in systolic blood pressure do not explain this response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 has rapidly become a major health emergency worldwide. The characteristic, outcome, and risk factor of COVID-19 in patients with decompensated cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods: Medical records were collected from 23 Chinese hospitals. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and age- and sex-matched non-liver disease patients were enrolled with 1:4 ratio using stratified sampling. Results: There were more comorbidities with higher Chalson Complication Index (p < 0.001), higher proportion of patients having gastrointestinal bleeding, jaundice, ascites, and diarrhea among those patients (p < 0.05) and in decompensated cirrhosis patients. Mortality (p < 0.05) and the proportion of severe ill (p < 0.001) were significantly high among those patients. Patients in severe ill subgroup had higher mortality (p < 0.001), MELD, and CRUB65 score but lower lymphocytes count. Besides, this subgroup had larger proportion of patients with abnormal (PT), activated partial thromboplatin time (APTT), D-Dimer, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBL) and Creatinine (Cr) (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression for severity shown that MELD and CRUB65 score reached significance. Higher Child-Pugh and CRUB65 scores were found among non-survival cases and multivariate logistic regression further inferred risk factors for adverse outcome. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves also provided remarkable demonstrations for the predictive ability of Child-Pugh and CRUB65 scores. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis had larger proportion of more severely disease and higher mortality. MELD and CRUB65 score at hospital admission may predict COVID-19 severity while Child-Pugh and CRUB65 score were highly associated with non-survival among those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a new challenge to the medical system in various countries. The patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) were also affected. We used a random-effects mode to analyze the differences of the baseline characteristics and therapeutic features between STEMI patients admitted before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty eight studies involving 79,753 patients were included in this analysis. The number of hospitalized STEMI patients decreased by 26% after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no differences in age, sex, prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia or percutaneous coronary intervention rate between the STEMI patients before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the STEMI patients admitted after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly increased time from symptom onset to first medical contact (standard mean difference: 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.24–0.78, p <.001) and an increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.70, 95% confidence interval:1.14–2.56, p <.001); The in-hospital mortality of the STEMI patients with COVID-19 was 24% (95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.33); The in-hospital mortality of the STEMI patients with COVID-19 was significantly higher than that of the STEMI patients without COVID-19 at the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio: 7.28, 95% confidence interval: 2.75–19.28, p <.001). The number of admitted STEMI patients was reduced while the in-hospital mortality and the time from symptom onset to first medical contact were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stichorkis gibbosa is a rare orchid species of the tribe Malaxideae mainly distributed in tropical Asia. This is the only species of the genus Stichorkis Thouars which has been reported to occur in China. Despite the importance of this genus, previous molecular studies based on few markers have resulted in limited phylogenetic resolution. With the decline of habitats, the wild population of S. gibbosa has decreased in recent years. In this study, we first reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. gibbosa. The entire cp genome was determined to be 158,056 bp in length with overall GC content of 36.9%, containing a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 27,006 bp, separated by a large single-copy (LSC, 86,280 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC, 17,764 bp). A total of 133 unique genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree indicated that S. gibbosa was a sister group of the genus Oberonia and the epiphytic Liparis alliance with strong support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on previous work on moral disengagement and balance theory, the (in)congruence effect of leader and follower moral disengagement (MD) propensity on followers' unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) was examined in this study. Dyad data were gathered from 185 CEOs and 555 followers from 185 firms located in China. The polynomial regression analysis results suggest that followers in the presence of leader–follower congruence in MD propensity conduct more UPBs. Moreover, followers conduct more UPBs with MD propensity in the presence of congruence. We also found asymmetrical incongruence effects. Followers engage more in UPBs when their MD propensity exceeds their leaders' MD propensity than when their leaders' MD propensity exceeds their own. Overall, the findings emphasize the value of considering followers' and leaders' traits for shedding light on the occurrence of UPBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, two new mixed-ligand coordination polymers with the chemical formulae of {[Co(L1)0.5(oba)·DMF]·DMF·H2O} (1, L1 = N,N′-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)-naphthalene diimide, H2oba = 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid) and [Co(L2)0.5(OBA)]n (2, L2 = 1,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)hexane) have been successfully synthesized by the solvothermal reaction of H2oba with different flexible N-donor organic ligands in the presence of Co(NO3)2·6H2O as the metal source. In addition, the biological functional evaluation of the complexes was performed on the ulcerative colitis (UC) model. First, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection kit was performed to measure the content of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines after complexes treatment. Next, the UC mice model was constructed and the body weight of the mice was measured and recorded at the 7th and 14th day after complexes treatment at the concentration of 5 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt-based composites have the ability to heal themselves.without the aid of external influences (energy supply or material supplement), the self-healing ability of asphalt mixture is quite limited. In this paper, the efficiency of self-healing of asphalt mixture with Ni-Zn ferrite powders was analyzed based on the concept of microwave heating. We focused on assessing the characteristics of polyurethane (PU), base or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt and its mixtures. The recovery rate of stiffness modulus and the fatigue life extension ratio were adopted to evaluate the self-healing efficiency of asphalt mixture. The analysis results proved that Ni-Zn ferrite powders can promote the self-healing ability of asphalt mixture significantly, the fatigue life extension ratio of 50% damaged ferrite-filled asphalt mixture can reach 1.33. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion and microstructure behavior features, such as steel strand corrosion and corrosive wear of the as-prepared composite coatings and substrates were investigated. It is found that the experimental pitting depth followed a normal distribution and both the location and scale parameters increased with the corrosion degree. The fatigue test results indicated that corrosion could cause a significant decrease in the fatigue life of corroded steel wires. The substrate exhibited corrosion-accelerating wear, while the coatings exhibited wear accelerating corrosion. A method based on 3D measurements and AFGROW software was proposed to predict the remaining fatigue life of corroded steel wires. The predicted fatigue lives agreed well with the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphaltene deposition can cause serious problems during petroleum refinery. In this paper, oil-soluble MAC series asphaltene dispersants with comblike structure were synthesized by free- radical polymerization and amination. The asphaltene deposition inhibition was investigated by determining the flocculation onset of blended crude oil (Tahe: Northern Xinjiang = 20:80 (w/w)) and conducting dynamic thermal deposition experiment. The results showed that MAC3 had the best performance and the flocculation onset of crude oil increased from −20.5 to 3.89 when the dosage of MAC3 was 150 mg/L. The anti-scaling rate of MAC3 was 60% in dynamic thermal deposition experiment of blended crude oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the contents of fatty acids and the ratios of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids are important parameters for determining the nutritional values of oils. Thus, we herein evaluated the fatty acids present in the seed oils of Lepidium apetalum Willdenow, Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl, and Draba nemorosa L. as sources of Lepidii seu Descurainiae Semen seeds in Northeast Asian Countries. We developed a method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography using a charged aerosol detector for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids in the seed oils. This technique is less time-consuming than previous methods as derivatization of the oils is not required. Our method was developed though the comparison of a UV detector with a charged aerosol detector, and various stationary phases and gradient programs were tested. In addition, method validation was carried out according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to linearity, precision, and accuracy. We found that the quantities of unsaturated fatty acids (6.051–282.376 mg/g) were higher than those of saturated fatty acids (0.855–12.548 mg/g) in all plant seed oils. The proposed method is reproducible and convenient, and therefore, is suitable for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids in plant oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of a series of D-A-D type chromophores containing tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and triphenylamine moieties have been investigated employing the density functional response theory in combination with the polarisable continuum model. Special emphases are placed on the effects of the strength, position and number of donors on TPA. Our calculations demonstrate that the TPA intensity enhances with the increase of the electron-donating ability of the substituents on the triphenylamine unit, which is consistent with experimental observations. It is shown that the position of donors has an important effect on TPA. The donor on the side position of TPE unit decreases the TPA cross section, thereby more donors could not necessarily produce stronger TPA. The cis-trans isomerism effect is also explored and it is found that all the cis structures have lower TPA intensities than those of corresponding trans forms. By considering a different number of donors on TPE and triphenylamine unit respectively, it is interesting to find that the structure with one terminal donor on TPE and two donors on triphenylamine unit has the largest TPA cross section. The few-state model and the natural bond orbital charge analysis are used to explore the reason behind it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first complete mitochondrial genome of the intertidal barnacle Fistulobalanus albicostatus Pilsbry, 1916 (Crustacea: Maxillopoda: Sessilia) is presented. The genome is a circular molecule of 15,665 bp, which encodes a set of 37 typical metazoan genes. All non-coding regions are 438 bp in length, with the longest one speculated as the control region (264 bp), which is located between srRNA and trnI. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) have an ATD (ATA, ATT, or ATG) start codon, except nad1, which is initiated with GTG. Remarkably, cox3, cob, nad1-5 have incomplete stop codons (T–– or TA–) and the remaining PCGs have the complete stop codon (TAA). Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 mitochondrial PCGs shows that the members of the Archaeobalanidae and Balanidae intermingle with species from Pyrgomatidae. The results supposed that Balanidae and Archaeobalanidae are non-monophyly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capitulum mitella (Crustacea: Cirripedia) is an important stalked barnacle. The first mitochondrial genome of C. mitella from China was presented, which is a circular molecule of 15,930 bp in length and AT content is 64.4%. It encodes 37 genes, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs, which is consistent with most barnacles species reported. There are 15 genes encoded on the light strand and 22 genes encoded on the heavy strand. Identical to most barnacles species reported, srRNA and lrRNA genes are adjacent and separated only by trnV gene. Phylogenetic trees showed that C. mitella clustered with Pollicipes polymerus, indicating Pollicipedidae is monophyletic. However, Scalpelliformes was not monophyletic from the phylogenetic tree. From the level of order, the Lepadiformes was located at the base of the phylogenetic tree, indicating that its divergence time was earlier than Scalpelliformes. The results provided more insights into phylogenetic consideration at the genomic level within superorder Thoracica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coelogyne fimbriata has been classified as a national second-class protected orchid species in China. In this study, we report and characterize the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of C. fimbriata in an effort to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation and systematic research. The complete genome is 159,010 bp in length and the overall GC content is 43.3%. The cp genome sequence has a typical quadripartite structure, comprising two inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) regions, which are separated by a small single-copy (SSC) region and a large single-copy (LSC) region. Moreover, a total of 135 functional genes were annotated, including 89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis recovered a close relationship between C. fimbriata and Pleione formosana, and both species are placed within the tribe Arethuseae (Orchidaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In China, the ability of the current immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) guideline to stratify recurrent risk at diagnosis is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether mean platelet volume at diagnosis (MPV) is a risk factor for ITP relapse in Chinese. Methods: The present study was a retrospective cohort study. Two hundred thirty-three adult patients with newly diagnosed ITP were consecutively and nonselectively collected from March 2013 to June 2017. The exposure and outcome variable were MPV at baseline and relapse-free survival at 6 months. Other covariants included demographic data, general information, variables that can affect MPV reported by previous literature and risk factors of ITP relapse. Results: After adjusting potential confounders, the non-linear relationship was detected between MPV and ITP relapse, and inflection point was 21. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of inflection point were 1.30 (1.22-1.39) and 0.89 (0.76-1.04), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed, in subjects with hyperuricemia (1.54 (1.24, 1.90)), MPV showed significant differences from non-hyperuricemia (1.19 (1.13, 1.25)), and the p for interaction was less than 0.05. Conclusion: The relationship between MPV and ITP relapse is non-linear. MPV is an independent risk factor of ITP relapse when MPV is less than 21 fl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of sliding mode control (SMC) is investigated for a class of uncertain switched systems subject to unmeasurable state and assigned finite (possible short) time constraint. A key issue is how to ensure the finite-time boundedness (FTB) of system state during reaching phase and sliding motion phase. To this end, a state observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasured states. And then, a state estimate-based SMC law is designed such that the state trajectories can be driven onto the specified integral sliding surface during the assigned finite time interval. By means of partitioning strategy, the corresponding FTB over reaching phase and sliding motion phase are guaranteed and the sufficient conditions are derived via average dwell time technique. Finally, an illustrative example is given to illustrate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides pollen data for 38 representative taxa belonging to all nine genera in the current classification of the tribe Spiraeeae (Rosaceae) including the monotypic Korean endemic genusPentactina, and considers the distribution of orbicules for the first time. Pollen morphology and wall stratification were investigated using light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Spiraeeae pollen grains are small to medium in size (P = 6.9–34.0 μm,E = 7.1–28.0 μm), oblate to prolate in shape (P/E = 0.66–1.48) and tri-colporate. Spiraeeae pollen is generally characterised by striate sexine ornamentation, but four ornamentation types are recognised based on the length and direction of the ridge patterns. The observed variation in sexine ornamentation is particularly valuable at the generic level. The exine stratification of the representative Spiraeeae studied is similar and characterised by unbranched columellae and a continuous endexine. Orbicules are present in three genera of the tribe (Luetkea,SibiraeaandXerospiraea). Orbicule distribution patterns indicate that the absence of orbicules is a synapomorphic condition of the more derived clade, comprisingPentactina+Petrophytum+Kelseya+Spiraea. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Members of the MiT transcription factor family are pivotal regulators of several lineage-selective differentiation programs. We show that two of these, Tfeb and Tfe3, control the regulator of adipogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (Ppar γ2). Knockdown of Tfeb or Tfe3 expression during in vitro adipogenesis causes dramatic downregulation of Pparγ2 expression as well as adipogenesis. Additionally, we found that these factors regulate Pparγ2 in mature adipocytes. Next, we demonstrated that Tfeb and Tfe3 act directly by binding to consensus E-boxes within the Pparγ transcriptional regulatory region. This transcriptional control also exists in vivo, as we discovered that wild-type mice in the fed state increased their expression of Tfe3, Tf3b, and Pparϒ in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, Tfe3 knockout (Tfe3KO) mice in the fed state failed to upregulate Ppar γ and the adiponectin gene, a Pparϒ-dependent gene, confirming the in vivo role for Tfe3. Lastly, we found that blood glucose is elevated and serum adiponectin levels are suppressed in the Tfe3KO mice, indicating that the Tfe3/Tfeb/Pparγ2 axis may contribute to whole-body energy balance. Thus, we offer new insights into the upstream regulation of Pparγ by Tfe3/Tf3b and propose that targeting these transcription factors may offer opportunities to complement existing approaches for the treatment of diseases that have dysregulated energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the quantised feedback stabilisation of a class of linear systems over partly unknown Markov fading channels. A set of channel state process with partly unknown transition probabilities is introduced to model time-varying fading channels, which characterises various configurations in physical communication environment and/or different channel fading amplitudes. Partly unknown Markov fading channels are more general than completely known Markov fading channels. Sufficient condition for mean square quadratic (MSQ) stabilisation over partly unknown Markov fading channels is given in the paper. Besides, necessary and sufficient conditions for MSQ stabilisation in two special cases, i.e. completely known Markov fading channels and independent identically distributed (i.i.d.) fading channels, are also given, respectively. Finally, two examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first mitochondrial genome of Tetraclita japonica from China was presented. The mitochondrial genome of T. japonica CN is a circular DNA molecule containing 15,192 bp. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs genes and 22 tRNAs. Four PCGs, seven tRNAs, and two rRNAs are encoded on the light strand (trnF, nd5, trnH, nd4, nd4L, trnP, nd1, trnL1, lrRNA, trnV, srRNA, trnK, and trnQ), and the other nine PCGs are located on the heavy strand. The length of all non-coding regions is 667 bp and the longest one distributed between srRNA and trnK (263 bp). Interestingly, cox1 of T. japonica CN started with CGA, which is different from most other mitochondrial PCGs whose initiation codon is ATN. In comparison with the pancrustacean ground pattern, seven tRNAs (trnQ, trnI, trnP, trnT, trnS1, trnE, and trnA) are translocated, and three tRNAs (trnK, trnC, and trnY) are inverted. Phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 mitochondrial PCGs. In the phylogenetic tree, T. japonica CN clustered with T. japonica JP into a branch (BP = 100). Tesseropora rosea clustered with T. japonica, and they grouped with T. rufotincta with high support (BP = 100). In the tree, T. divisa as the most distantly related species within Tetraclitidae. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the two families (Balanidae and Archaeobalanidae) are non-monophyletic. More mitochondrial genomic data are urgently needed to reveal the deeper phylogeny within Cirripedia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man, 1879 (Caridea: Palaemonidae), commonly referred to as giant freshwater prawn, is commercially important worldwide, and a primary inland cultured species. The first complete mitochondrial genome of M. rosenbergii from China (CN) was sequenced and compared with that in Indonesia (ID) in this study. The results show that the total length of CN-mtDNA sequence is 15,767 bp (GenBank accession number: KY865098), which is shorter than that of ID-mtDNA (15,772 bp). It encodes 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The heavy strand and light strand encode 23 and 14 genes, respectively, and the content of A + T is 61.81%. The gene order and content of CN-mtDNA and ID-mtDNA are identical to the primitive Pancrustacean ground pattern. Phylogenetic analysis shows that CN-mtDNA is clustered into one clade with ID-mtDNA (BP =100). Pairwise genetic distance analyses indicate that the genetic distance of CN-mtDNA and ID-mtDNA is 0.086, which is smaller than values between species in the Macrobrachium genus. In summary, both phylogenetic analysis and gene re-arrrangement analysis between the M. rosenbergii in China and Indonesia have revealed that their differences are within intraspecific variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of the input–output finite-time stabilisation for a class of nonlinear stochastic system with state-dependent noise. The phenomenon of the missing measurements may occur when state signals are transmitted via communication networks. An estimating method is proposed to compensate the lost state information. And then, a compensator-based controller is designed to ensure the input–output finite-time stochastic stability (IO-FTSS) of the closed-loop system. Some parameters-dependent sufficient conditions are derived and the corresponding solving approach is given. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed IO-FTSS scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudanoplocephala crawfordiis one of the important zoonotic cestodes causing economic significance and public health concern. In the present study, the phylogenetic position ofP. crawfordiisolated from pigs was re-inferred using molecular markers of internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and partial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (pnad1) mitochondrial DNA. The lengths of ITS1, ITS2 rDNA and pnad1 were 757 bp, 628 bp and 458 bp, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS1, ITS2 rDNA and pnad1 betweenP. crawfordiandHymenolepisspecies were smaller than that between cestodes within genusHymenolepis. Phylogenetic analyses based on three gene fragments showed thatP. crawfordiwas grouped into cluster ofHymenolepisspecies. These results suggested thatP. crawfordiwould be one member of genusHymenolepisbut not in a new genusPseudanoplocephala. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Coelomactra antiquatais a famous delicacy and a promising new candidate for aquaculture, which belongs to the family Mactridae (Mollusca: Veneroida). The complete mitochondrial genome ofC. antiquata(Liao Ning province, in China, LN) was finished, which is the first representative from this province. The results showed that the total length of LN-mtDNA sequence is 16,797 bp and the content of A + T is 65.01%. It encodes 35 genes, including 12 protein-coding genes, 21 transfer RNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes. All coding genes are encoded on the heavy strand. Compared with the typical gene content of animal mitochondrial genomes,atp8andtrnSer(UCN)genes are missing in the mitochondrial genome. The complete mitochondrial genome contains 26 non-coding regions (1598 bp), one major non-coding region consists of 1046 bp in which 4.9 tandem repeat sequences (99bp per sequence) was observed. The phylogenetic tree showed that Liaoning population was clustered into one clade with Shandong (Rizhao, Jiaonan and Jimo) and Guangxi (Beihai) populations, meanwhile all of them are far from the Fujian populations (Pingtan, Zhangzhou and Changle). So, Liaoning, Shandong and Guangxi populations have a close relationship. Actually, Fujian is located between Liaoning, Shandong and Guangxi. So, the result challenges the previously assumed relevance between geographic distance and genetic distance. The genetic distance of LiaoningC. antiquataand Fujian (Changle, Zhangzhou and Pingtan)C. antiquata(0.176–0.177) is greater than the genetic distance betweenMytilus galloprovincialisandMytilus trossulus(0.160). The genetic difference of Liaoning population and Fujian populations has reached species level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The genetic variations in three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, namely portion of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (p cox1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (p nad1) and cytochrome b (p cytb), were examined for Dicrocoelium dendriticum samples isolated from different origins in Shaanxi Province, northwestern China. The intra-specific sequence differences within D. dendriticum samples were 0-0.52% for p cox1, 0-0.73% for p nad1 and 0-0.58% for p cytb. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined sequences of three mtDNA showed that all D. dendriticum samples were clustered together in same clade of Paragonimus westermani. But the phylogenetic trees could not reveal geographically genetic relationships of D. dendriticum isolates in this province. These findings will provide basic information for further study of molecular epidemiology and control of D. dendriticum infection in this province as well as in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of Pholidota yunnanensis is presented, which represents first complete plastid genome of the genus Pholidota in the subtribe Coelogyninae. The chloroplast genome size is 159,729 bp, including a GC content of 37.3% and 135 genes (89 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes). The genome structure is typical quadripartite, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,638 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 87,610 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,843 bp). Phylogenetic analysis among 15 species based on cp genomes recovered a well-supported phylogenetic tree and indicated a close relationship between Pholidota yunnanensis and Pleione bulbocodioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendronephthya castanea Utinomi, 1952 is a member of the family Nephtheidae, and dominates shallow waters adjacent to the southern part of Jejudo Island, Korea. This species is a gonochoric internal brooder with a sex ratio of 1:1, and releases planulae around the time of the full and new moon from July to September, when the seawater temperature peaks. The gametogenic cycle is annual, and oogenesis (12 months) is longer than spermatogenesis (4–5 months). No difference in reproductive features including sexuality, sex ratio, gametogenesis and gametogenic cycles was found between the sympatric species D. castanea and D. gigantea, and there was no temporal reproductive isolation. Investigation of the morphological taxonomy and molecular biology of these species indicates that they have very similar or identical traits, suggesting an absence of speciation and a need for taxonomic reclassification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actiniarian sea anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor, and the scleractinian coral, Alveopora japonica, host symbiotic dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium (Freudenthal). We studied the host–symbiont specificity of these two anthozoan hosts in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Symbionts within the two hosts were identified using partial large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and complete internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 rDNA regions. The host, E. quadricolor, was identified using the partial LSU rDNA molecular marker. Genetic analysis showed that E. quadricolor only harbors dinoflagellates belonging to subclade C1/3 of the genus Symbiodinium. Moreover, no genetic variation was detected among the symbionts of E. quadricolor within the study region (Korea and Japan), even though the two distant sites were separated by more than 1000 km, at collection depths of 1 m in shallow and 13–16 m in deep water. Whilst scleractinian corals host multiple Symbiodinium clades in tropical waters, A. japonica, sampled over a wide geographical range (800 km) within the study region, only hosts Symbiodinium sp. clade F3. The high specificity of endosymbionts in E. quadricolor and A. japonica within the northwestern Pacific Ocean could be accounted for because symbiotic dinoflagellates within the host anemones appear to be acquired maternally, and the Kuroshio Current might affect the marine biota of the northwestern Pacific. However, the consistency of the symbiotic relationships between these two anthozoan hosts and their endosymbionts could change after climate change, so this symbiotic specificity should be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitro-substituted phenolic ethers were successfully selectively dealkylated. The directing effect of the nitro group is supported by the excellent regioselectivities and good yields. These reactions demonstrate that the complexation of AlCl3 with the phenolic nitro group is stronger than with the phenolic ether alone. The mechanism for the selective dealkylation directed by the nitro group is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an original work aimed at rationally designing a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of a high specific recognition. Assembling with Bisphenol A as template and acrylamide as functional monomer, the imprinted polymer was prepared. The results indicate that the use of stoichiometric self-assembly plays an obvious role on significantly increasing the specificity of prepared material, so as to better discriminate the template from its analogue. A higher or lower extent of molecular self-assembly would result in a dramatic decrease in this specificity. Related information indicates that this, logically, can be a result of the increasing match between binding sites and the template, which makes the polymer capable of specifically recognizing the imprint species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-sweep voltammetric method was proposed for the determination of tamoxifen. The proposed method took advantage of both the accumulation of carbon paste electrode toward tamoxifen and the rapidity of single-sweep voltammetry. In HAc-NaAc (pH 4.1) buffer=methanol (85:15 v=v) mixed solution, an irreversible oxidation peak of tamoxifen was observed at 1.1 V (versus SCE). The second-order derivative peak current of tamoxifen and its concentration plots were rectilinear over the range of 7.0×10-10~3.0×10-8 mol · l-1 with a detection limit of 1.0×10-10 mol · l-1 without any preconcentration. The proposed method was evaluated by analyzing tamoxifen citrate tablets, which was characterized by rapidity and higher sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite being identified as a significant clinical phenomenon, wandering of persons with dementia (PWDs) has not been studied in Korea. As an initial trial, various factors chosen from the literature for their predictive relationships to wandering of Korean PWDs were evaluated in this study. Method: A total of 160 PWDs residing in 14 long-term care facilities participated in this study. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Physical Activities of Daily Living (PADL) and Korean-translated Revised Algase Wandering Scale (Nursing Home version) (KRAWS-NH) were used to assess participants' degree of cognitive impairment, functional ability and wandering behaviour on six dimensions: persistent walking (PW), specific patterns (SP), spatial disorientation (SD), escape behaviour (EB), attention shift (AS) and negative outcomes (NO). Demographic, personal and environmental data were also collected. Results: The MMSE score was a significant negative predictor for KRAWS-NH overall and subscales except for EB; while age, PADL and history of falls were positive predictors for SD and NO. Total number of residents in a room was a significant negative predictor for EB and AS. Conclusion: Different factors found in PWDs may contribute to different aspects of wandering behaviour. Further studies on factors influencing multiple facets of wandering in various cultural settings are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an original work aimed at rationally designing molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) toward a high specific adsorbent. Assembling with cobalt as the pivot, the MIP was prepared by coordinating polymerizable monomers around an inducible template. The use of pivot obviously plays a positive role on increasing the specificity of MIP, so as to adsorb more for the template and less for its analogue. Related studies indicate that these may be a result of increasing specific interaction, which makes the MIP capable of recognizing the imprint species. Further information from thermodynamic analysis reveals that the increasing specific interaction, in logic, can be due to a higher fidelity of imprint, which specifically allures the template to bind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensing system for uracil was constituted by using lanthanum hydroxide nanowires (LNW) as a modifier to obtain LNW modified carbon paste electrode (LNW/CPE) and by introducing copper(II) ion into supporting electrolyte to transform electroinactive uracil to electroactive uracil-Cu(II) complex. The voltammetric behaviors of uracil in the presence of Cu(II) ion at LNW/CPE were investigated. A reduction peak of the uracil-Cu(II) complex at -0.18 V was the two-electron reduction of Cu(II) ion in the uracil-Cu(II) complex; while a new oxidation peak at 0.22 V was the one-electron oxidation of the uracil-Cu(I) complex. Additionally, the voltammetric responses of all the complexes at LNW/CPE were more sensitive than that at carbon and multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrodes, which resulted from both the large surface effect of LNW and the chemical coordination of uracil with La(III) ion in LNW. With the sensitive oxidation peak of the uracil-Cu(I) complex at LNW/CPE, a linear range of 4.0×10-9-3.0×10-8 mol/l for uracil was obtained along with a detection limit of 2.0×10-10 mol/l. The proposed system was evaluated by the determination of uracil derivatives, anticancer drug 5-flurouracil, in pharmaceutical preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using cluster analysis, we selected three luminous red galaxy (LRG) pair samples and studied their various properties. We found that LRG pair samples, identifying at different radii, have the same properties: there is a tendency for pair galaxies to have similar luminosity and size. Additionally, LRG pairs have the same properties as whole and isolated LRGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]