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Increased lactate levels and metastasis in tumours are strongly associated with dismal outcomes. But prognostic value of lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs in gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) patients remains unaddressed. Gene expression data of GA were provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Lactate metabolism and transport-related gene data were accessed from GSEA. LncRNAs related to lactate metabolism and transport were identified by correlation analysis. A prognostic model was built by regression analysis. Validity of prognostic model was confirmed through survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Immunity of each risk group was evaluated by immune correlation analysis.LncRNA-mRNA network was built by correlation analysis using Cytoscape software. A 12-gene prognostic model based on lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs was built in GA. Median riskscore was utilized to classify GA samples into high- and low-risk groups. Survival analysis and ROC curves demonstrated validity of prognostic model. Most immune checkpoint molecules and TIDE scores were lower in the low-risk group. LINC01303 and LINC01545 may be the key prognostic factors in patients with GA. This study successfully built a prognostic model of lactate metabolism and transport-related lncRNAs in GA. The findings guide prognostic management of GA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building pattern extraction is one of the crucial components in map generalization. Previous studies mainly focus on the homogeneity between individual buildings in the collinear patterns, while pay less attentions to the complex collinear patterns, in which buildings are locally heterogeneous. Therefore, we put forward a novel combined collinear pattern to extend the existing pattern typology. Then, we present an axis-matching pattern recognition approach which transforms pattern extraction into an axis-matching problem, taking the advantages of computational geometry and visual perception theories. First, we use the axes of the smallest bounding rectangle to represent buildings. Second, different candidate sets of matched axis pairs are built considering the project distance, length and orientation similarities. Third, the strategy for recognizing combined collinear patterns is designed according to similarity criteria. The proposed approach was tested using real topographic data. The experiment results show that the proposed approach is reasonable and efficient, and the correctness and completeness of extracted combined collinear patterns have been guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of citrus peel are discarded as solid waste owing to the lack of recycling methods. In this study, mixed solvent extraction combined with multi-phase salting-out extraction was performed to explore the extraction process of essential oil and hesperidin. Optimal conditions were used for mixed solvent extraction (citrus peel 6%; ratio of ethanol to n-hexane 1:5; duration, stirring speed, and temperature were 150 min, 120 r/min, and 45°C, respectively) and multi-phase salting-out extraction (citrus peel residue 10%; ratio of salt to ethanol 19:24; mass fraction of n-hexane 25%; extraction duration 120 min). Under two-step extraction conditions, 63.74±2.40% essential oil and 27.13±1.36% hesperidin were recovered, with total extraction efficiencies of 5.19±0.09 and 1.91±0.25%, respectively. The amplification effect was not significant, and the organic solvents could be reused three times while maintaining 80% recovery in both steps to balance the commercial cost and extraction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on learning complex polyline generalization. First, the requirements for sampled images to ensure the effective learning of complex polyline generalization are analysed. To meet these requirements, new methods for segmenting complex polylines and sampling images are proposed. Second, using the proposed segmentation and sampling method, a use case for the learning of complex polyline generalization using the generative adversarial network model, Pix2Pix, is developed. Third, this use case is applied experimentally for the complex generalization of coastline data from a scale of 1:50,000 to 1:250,000. Additionally, contrast experiments are conducted to compare the proposed segmentation and sampling method with object-based and traditional fixed-size methods. Experimental results show that the images generated using the proposed method are superior to the other two methods in the learning and application of complex polyline generalization. The results generalized for the developed use case are globally reasonable and suitably accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper presents techniques for polyline simplification based on an artificial neural network within the constraints of generalization knowledge. The proposed method measures polyline shape characteristics that influence polyline simplification using abstracted descriptors and then introduces these descriptors into the artificial neural network as input properties. In total, 18 descriptors categorized into three types are presented in detail. In a second approach, map simplification principles are abstracted as controllers, imposed after the output layer of the trained artificial neural network to make the polyline simplification comply with these principles. This study worked with three controllers – a basic controller and two knowledge-based controllers. These descriptors and controllers abstracted from generalization knowledge were tested in experiments to determine their efficacy in polyline simplification based on the artificial neural network. The experimental results show that the utilization of abstracted descriptors and controllers can constrain the artificial neural network-based polyline simplification according to polyline shape characteristics and simplification principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a flexible self-supported electrode based on the porous composite of NiS2 and Ti3C2Tx grown on carbon cloth (NiS2/Ti3C2Tx-CC) was designed and synthesized. Due to the introduction of highly conductive and flexible Ti3C2Tx, the NiS2/Ti3C2Tx-CC electrode achieves a 1.4-fold increase (1214 C g-1 at 2 A g-1) in the specific capacity, a 1.3-fold increase in the rate capability (63% of capacity retention with the current density increases from 2 to 20 A g-1), and a 2.0-fold increase in the cyclic stability (∼83% of capacity retention at the current density of 20 A g-1 after 2000 charge–discharge cycles) compared with the NiS2-CC electrode. Meanwhile, there is no obvious capacity attenuation at the bending angle of 180°, indicating the prominent flexibility of the NiS2/Ti3C2Tx-CC electrode. Accordingly, an all-solid asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is fabricated, which exhibits a high energy density of 57.55 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 800 W kg-1. Furthermore, ∼97% of initial capacity is maintained at the current density of 5 A g-1 after 1000 charge–discharge cycles, indicating the good cycling stability. These satisfactory electrochemical behaviors can be also ascribed to the introduction of Ti3C2Tx, which can facilitate the rapid electron transport at the interface of the composite and maintain the outstanding mechanical integrality of the electrode during charge–discharge processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the agreement between the predicted and measured central corneal thickness (CCT) reduction after the small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery. A total 165 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Eighty patients with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of −4.72 ± 1.80 Diopters (D) were treated with the FS-LASIK procedure and Eighty-five patients with a mean SE of −4.78 ± 1.63 D were treated with SMILE procedure. One eye for each patient was randomly selected and included for statistical analysis. Ultrasound pachymetry measurement and Scheimpflug camera corneal topography were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The measured CCT reduction was calculated by comparing the preoperative examinations with postoperative examinations. Comparative statistics and linear regression analyses were performed. The mean predicted CCT reduction was 95.02 ± 21.39 μm in FS-LASIK group and 103.49 ± 22.87 μm in SMILE group (P =.015). The prediction of laser platform was found to overestimate the measured CCT reduction for both FS-LASIK group (ultrasound 13.20 ± 9.34 μm) and SMILE group (ultrasound 13.12 ± 8.68 μm). The prediction of laser platform was found to systematically overestimate the measured CCT reduction in FS-LASIK group. In SMILE group, the difference between predicted and measured CCT reduction were found significantly related with the predicted CCT reduction (P <.001 for ultrasound; and P =.004 for Pentacam). A systematic overestimation of measured CCT reduction in FS-LASIK group did not influence the refractive precision of FS-LASIK. Due to the different biomechanical distributions in post-SMILE cornea, the measured CCT reduction was influenced as the changes in refractive correction. Nomogram adjustment for high myopic correction needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime structures are significant man-made objects located along coastlines that have drawn considerable attention in maritime navigation, coastal engineering, and urban planning. During the process of map generalization, some maritime structures need to be collapsed. In our study, first, the representation characteristics of these maritime structures are analysed. Second, based on these characteristics, an automated approach of identifying these maritime structures that will potentially be collapsed while simultaneously extracting their partially proportional symbols is developed. Third, based on scale-driven thresholds, the collapse method is automated by selecting extracted partially proportional symbols and is collaborated with coastline simplification. Finally, the proposed approach is tested on various coastlines and maritime structures, and the experimental results demonstrate that our approach is effective for collapsing maritime structures and collaborating with the simplification operator for the automated generalization of coastlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a phenomenon that has become popular in mainland China in recent years, "mosheng ren communication," focusing specifically on an application known as Momo, a social discovery and dating platform that is widely used in China. It first outlines the context of post-Mao China, which has produced urbanism, individualization, and a sexual revolution. Thereafter, it turns to the theories of the stranger and cosmopolitanism, which are used to analyze mosheng ren communication. This paper adopts cultural discourse analysis as the analytical procedure to present the findings of online and offline interviews conducted in both Beijing and Shanghai to examine how Momo users in urban metropolises make use of this app in order to analyze the cultural radiants in their communication practices. Based on the data obtained, this paper analyzes mosheng ren communication in the Chinese context and describes how Momo is designed to facilitate it. Momo users can enter into sexual relations based on the use of authentic photos on their profiles; alternatively, they can communicate anonymously. They are also "in-between" traditional Chinese values and new values. Momo users contribute a Chinese form of cosmopolitanism through cultivation of insensitivity to mosheng ren, while their engagement in mosheng ren communication implies that the members of are more open to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porodaedalea is a polypore genus of the Hymenochaetales that encompasses pathogens of conifer trees. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive study of the phylogeny and diversity of Porodaedalea based on collections and isolates from Europe, North America, North Africa, and Asia. Phylogenetic analysis of a two-gene data set, nuc ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), shows that 20 terminal clades that correspond to phylogenetic species well supported within Porodaedalea. Based on morphological evidence, five new species, P. alpicola, P. indica, P. kesiyae, P. microsperma, and P. yunnanensis, are described and illustrated. In addition, four still unnamed lineages are detected in North America and East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome smoothness inconsistencies in depth contours interpolated from sounding data, this paper proposes a smoothing method based on the fitting of multi-segment Bezier curves considering navigational safety. The basic principle of this method is the division of a generated depth contour into a series of bends categorized as either convex bends or concave bends. Different smoothing strategies are designed for different bends while considering the safety constraint. Convexity-preserving Bezier curves are used to fit convex bends. For concave bends, the line segment of the bend is utilized as a boundary to construct a control polygon within the interior of the bend, after which a Bezier curve is constructed based on the polygon. Experiments with real data are implemented, and the results are compared with those of other methods. The results show that the smoothing procedure for depth contours with angularities is effective and respects the safety constraint; moreover, the shape characteristics are preserved, and high positional accuracy is achieved. In addition, the proposed smoothing method is free of topological inconsistencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a typification method for linear pattern in urban building generalization. The proposed method includes two processes. Firstly, structural knowledge in terms of linear pattern is detected using a two-step algorithm taking the advantages of Gestalt visual perception, computational geometry and graph theory. Spatial neighbourhood is captured using interpolated constrained Delaunay triangulation and the resulting proximity graph is pruned to be heterogeneous to get acceptable linear patterns with regard to Gestalt visual perception. Then, a typification strategy is proposed, in which typification is regarded as a progressive and iterative process consisting of elimination, exaggeration and displacement. The typification strategy iteratively executes eliminating the building with minimum overall effect, exaggerating remaining buildings considering key location and spatial characteristics and displacing them to preserve the linear pattern until elimination quantity is satisfied. Experiments show that this proposed strategy is effective and linear patterns are guaranteed with correctness and completeness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rigidoporusand its morphologically similar generaPhysisporinus, Oxyporus, andLeucophellinus, which include some forest pathogens and medicinal species, are very important groups of wood-decaying fungi. Species of these genera have not only ecological functions, but also economic importance. Phylogenetic and taxonomic studies on taxa in these genera were carried out. Inferred from phylogenies based on DNA sequences of the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) and D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA, 36 species sampled that traditionally belong toPhysisporinus, Rigidoporus, Leucophellinus, andOxyporusare nested mostly in eight lineages. Of these lineages, five (including four genera ofPhysisporinus, Emmia, Flaviporus, andFlavodonand one taxon “R. hypobrunneus”) belong to Polyporales and three (including the generaRigidoporus, Bridgeoporus, andLeucophellinus) belong to Hymenochaetales.RigidoporusandOxyporusare merged because the type species of both genera are nested in a single lineage within Hymenochaetales. Some taxon previously placed inCeriporiaandOxyporusare transferred toEmmiaandFlavodon, respectively, on the basis of current phylogeny. Utilizing a combination of the morphological and phylogenetic evidence, 16 new combinations inBridgeoporus, Emmia, Flaviporus, Flavodon, Rigidoporus, andPhysisporinusare proposed. Five new species,Physisporinus crataegi, P. lavendulus, P. subcrocatus, P. tibeticus, andRigidoporus submicroporus, are recognized from China. Illustrated descriptions of these novel species are provided. Three taxa are treated at the generic level ofPhysisporinusbecause of limited samples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our research fills a critical gap in the depression literature by utilizing a life course perspective to examine gender–gene interactions in association with depression trajectories over time. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated multi-level negative binomial and logistic mixed models to analyze gender-specific trajectories of depressive symptoms (CESD-8) and potential clinical depression risk from middle to late adulthood in relation to gender-by-polygenic-risk (PRS) interactions. We found increasingly greater female-male gaps in the CESD-8 scale and a higher probability of clinical depression risk with increasing polygenic risk scores. Furthermore, females' higher genetic vulnerabilities to depressive conditions than males vary from ages 51 to 90 years, with most salient larger differences at oldest old ages at 76–85 (e.g. 0.28 higher CESD-8 scale for females at ages 76–85 years than for similar-aged males; higher 3.44% probability of depression risk for females at ages 81–85 compared to similar-aged males) followed by old ages at 61–70 years (e.g. about 2.40% higher probability of depression risk for females at ages 61–70 years than for similar-aged males) in comparison to younger ages during middle adulthood. This study contributes to new knowledge of how gender-by-polygenic-risk interactions are associated with depression trajectories across the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common assumption is that the model structure is known for modelling high performance aircraft. In practice, this is not the case. Actually, structure identification plays the most important role in the processing of nonlinear system modelling. The integration of mode structure identification and parameter estimation is an efficient method to construct the model for high performance aircraft, which is nonlinear and also contains uncertainties. This article presents an efficient method for identifying nonlinear model structure and estimating parameters for high-performance aircraft model, which contains uncertainties. The parameters associated with nonlinear terms are considered one after the other if they should be included in the nonlinear model until a stopping criterion is met, which is based on Akaike's information criterion. A numerically efficientU-Dfactorisation is presented to avoid complex computation of high-order matrices. The proposed method is applied to flight test data of a high-performance aircraft. The results demonstrate that the proposed method could obtain the good aircraft model with a reasonably good fidelity based on the comparison with flight test data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between metal complex Cu2+-ARS (Alizarin Red S) and l-cysteine was investigated via fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. In pH 5.2 Britton-Robinson buffer, the addition of L-cysteine into Cu2+-ARS system resulted in a fluorescence enhancement because cysteine reduced Cu2+ to Cu+, which led to Cu2+-ARS decompound, and ARS was released. The result was also supported by absorption spectroscopy change. A good linear response of fluorescence intensity as a function of cysteine concentration was obtained ranging from 1.0 × 10-6 to 4.0 × 10-5 mol L-1 with the detection limit as 1.08 × 10-7 mol L-1. The introduced method has high selectivity over other amino acids such as cystine, tyrosine, tryptophan, methionine, and glycine. It was applied to determine cysteine in protein hydrolysate of fresh pig blood with recovery of 88.4-100.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human metallothionein III (MT III) gene was synthesized with Escherichia coli preference codon usage and expressed in E. coli in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion form. The recombinant MT III was released by proteinase Factor Xa digestion and purified with the yield of 2 mg/L culture, and its specific Cd2+ binding capability was confirmed. E. coli strain BL21(DE3), expressing MT III, showed metal tolerance between 0.1 and 0.5 mM Cd2+ and bacterial growth was inhibited at 1 mM Cd2+. MT III expressing E. coli strain showed binding discrimination between different metal ions in combination use, with the preference order of Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. It absorbed different metal ions with relatively constant ratio and showed a cumulative absorption capability for mixed heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the conservation of a gauze jacket that was excavated from the tomb of the military general and strategist Zhou Yu in Zhenjiang, China. Particular focus is given to how the jacket is being restored by the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, China. Additional topics discussed include how the jacket is owned by the Zhenjiang Museum in Jiangsu, China, the condition of the gauze jacket when it was excavated in 1975 and how the jacket dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

To improve the heat transfer performance (HTP) of stainless steel, the micro-nano concave chromium (Cr) coating was fabricated on the surface of 304 stainless steel by the combination technology of electrodeposition and anodic oxidation. The effects of electroplating and anodizing time on the morphology, contact angle (CA) and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of the coating were studied. The results show that the samples with large surface area and good wettability have higher HTC. Besides, the Cr coating obtained after 2 h electroplating has silver white appearance, smooth surface and a thickness of about 37 μm. The 2-h electroplated Cr coating after anodizing for 30 min presents a concave pore structure with a pore diameter of 7.4 μm and the best wettability (a CA of 41.8°), which is 20° lower than that of the stainless steel substrate. The two-phase heat transfer efficiency of the sample with the concave Cr coating was increased by 22.84 % when the fluid mass flux is 33.3 kg m−2 s−1 and the inlet temperature is 40 °C and the fluctuations of pressure drop in the micro-channel was effectively reduced. The enhanced HTP of concave Cr coating is owing to the larger specific surface area and better wettability caused by the unique rough concave structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-rotting basidiomycetes have been investigated in the Chinese forest ecosystem for the past 30 years. Two hundred and five pathogenic wood-decayers belonging to 9 orders, 30 families, and 74 genera have been found in Chinese native forests, plantations, and gardens. Seventy-two species (accounting for 35% of the total pathogenic species) are reported as pathogenic fungi in China for the first time. Among these pathogens, 184 species are polypores, nine are corticioid fungi, eight are agarics and five are hydnoid basidiomycetes. One hundred and seventy-seven species (accounting for 86%) cause white rot, while 28 species (accounting for 14%) result in brown rot; 157 species grow on angiosperm trees (accounting for 76.5%) and 44 species occur on gymnosperm trees (accounting for 21.5%), only four species inhabit both angiosperms and gymnosperms (accounting for 2%); 95 species are distributed in boreal to temperate forests and 110 in subtropical to tropical forests. In addition, 17 species, including Fomitopsis pinicola, Heterobasidion parviporum, and Phellinidium weirii etc. which were previously treated as pathogenic species in China, do not occur in China according to recent studies. In this paper, the host(s), type of forest, rot type, and distribution of each pathogenic species in China are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α -Bromoacetals of ketones were prepared from various secondary alcohols with 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) and ethylene glycol through oxidation, bromination, and acetalization in one pot without the use of other catalysts under mild conditions. The effects of DBDMH, the solvent, and N-bromosuccinimide on the reaction were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, most α -bromoacetals of ketones were obtain in 90–98% yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of nanocrystallisation technology on the intestinal absorption properties and antibacterial activity of florfenicol (FF). The florfenicol nanocrystals (FF-NC) were prepared by wet grinding and spray drying. Additionally, changes in particle size, charge, morphology, and dissolution of FF-NC in the long-term stability were monitored by laser particle sizer, TEM, SEM, paddle method, and the structure of FF-NC powder was characterised by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) test. The antibacterial activity, intestinal absorption and intestinal histocompatibility of FF-NC were investigated by the stiletto, mini broth dilution susceptibility test, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) and haematoxylin–eosin (H–E) staining. After 12 months of storage, the particle size and zeta potential of FF-NC were 280.43 ± 8.21 nm and −19.64 ± 3.45 mV, and the electron microscopy results showed that FF-NC were nearly circular with no adhesion between particles. In addition, the drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and dissolution of FF-NC did not change significantly during storage. The inhibition zone of FF-NC against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 21.37 ± 1.70 mm and 25.17 ± 2.47 mm, respectively. Compared with the FF, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of FF-NC are reduced, and the absorption rate constant (Ka) and efficient permeability coefficient (Peff) of FF-NC in the three intestinal segments were increased by 1.28, 0.25, and 9.10 times and 0.59, 0.17, and 6.0 times, respectively. The results of tissue sections showed that FF-NC had little damage to the small intestinal. Nanocrystallisation technology is an effective method to increase the intestinal absorption and antibacterial activity of FF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Sanghuang' is one of the most important groups of medicinal macrofungi and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the past two centuries. However, knowledge about 'Sanghuang' is distributed in journals of different disciplines, which has meant it is not well known. To facilitate the benefit of 'Sanghuang' to human health, here we summarize its current status as a group of medicinal macrofungi. 'Sanghuang' consists of all members of the genus Sanghuangporus, which now accommodates 14 described species distributed around the world. The powders or chips of basidiocarps as supplements are the main method of consumption. In the case that wild basidiocarps of 'Sanghuang' are not sufficient, cultivation is supposed to provide a solution to promote the long-term utilization of 'Sanghuang' basidiocarps. 'Sanghuang' mainly possesses antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and other medicinal properties. Polysaccharides, polyphenols, pyrones, and terpenes are the main metabolites responsible for these medicinal functions. Finally, four directions are proposed to improve the sustainable utilization of 'Sanghuang' resources, viz. accurate identification and standard deposition, documentation of species diversity, multi-omics analyses, and a cover-all database. Hopefully, this review will draw more attention to the utilization of 'Sanghuang' as medicinal mushrooms in a large scale of industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signaling in the alterations of lung structure and the effect of the exogenous decorin on lung structure modification in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly divided into four groups: STZ-induced diabetic rats (diabetic control), decorin adenovirus vector (Ad)-treated STZ rats (Ad-DCN), Ad-lacZ-treated STZ rats (Ad-lacZ), and normal controls. At 8, 16, and 28 weeks after STZ treatment, haematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to investigate the histological changes of diabetic lungs; Expressions of TGF-β1 and collagen type IV in the diabetic lung were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylated Smad2 (P-Smad2), one of the major TGF-β1 receptor substrates, was also detected using Western blot. The histological changes of diabetic lung included obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and moderate expanding of alveolar septum stained as collagen. Immunolabeled collagen type IV increased in the alveolar septa in the diabetic lung. Activities of TGF-β1/Smads signaling increased in the diabetic lung during the 28 weeks of diabetes ( p < 0.05 vs. control), and positive staining of TGF-β1 was mainly found in the cytoplasm of the infiltrated inflammatory cells. Exogenous decorin effectively suppressed the increased activities of TGF-β1/Smads signaling and partly attenuated collagen deposits in the alveolar septum. Increased activity of TGF-β1/Smads signaling might play a critical role in the accumulation of collagen in the diabetic lung. The protective effect of decorin in the diabetic lung is at least partly because of the down-regulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel heteronuclear complex, [Gd 2 Zn 2 L 10 (bipy)(H 2 O) 2 ] 2 (HL = α-methylacrylic acid, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), was synthesized and characterized. Its structure, determined by X-ray diffraction, reveals a discrete octanuclear molecule, in which two Zn II ions are linked by a bipy molecule and Gd III ions, and Gd III and Zn II ions are bridged by bidentate α-methylacrylato groups. The complex crystallizes in space group P with Z = 1, a = 13.4504(6), b = 14.9697(5), c = 16.4374(5) Å, α = 64.212(3), β = 89.727(2), γ = 86.241(1)°. The structure was refined to R = 0.0303 for 8925 observed reflections. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of the complex shows that a weak intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction exists as well as an intermolecular antiferromagnetic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The main objective of the current study is to improve the water solubility of florfenicol (FF) and evaluate changes in its pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and methods: Florfenicol nanocrystals (FF-NC) were prepared by wet grinding combined with spray drying. The characterisations, pharmacokinetics, and anti-inflammatory activity of FF-NC were evaluated. Results: The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of FF-NC were 276.4 ± 19.4 nm, 0.166 ± 0.011, and –18.66 ± 5.25 mV, respectively. Compared with FF, FF-NC showed a better dissolution rate in media at different pH. Pharmacokinetic experiments showed the area under the curve (AUC0–t), maximum concentration (Cmax), and mean residence time (MRT) of FF-NC were about 4.62-fold, 2.86-fold, and 1.68-fold higher compared with FF, respectively. In vitro anti-inflammatory experiments showed that FF inhibited the secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and synthesis of NO in a dose-dependent manner, while FF-NC showed a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than FF under the same dose. Conclusion: FF-NC are an effective way to improve the bioaffinity and anti-inflammatory effects of FF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new laminopathy that includes generalized lipoatrophy, insulin-resistant diabetes, micrognathia and biopsy-proven, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a female, caused by a de novo heterozygous mutation R133L in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA). We analysed the nuclear morphology and laminar distribution in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes overexpressing human wild-type lamin A/C (LMNA WT) or lamin A/C with the R133L mutation (LMNA R133L). We found the nuclear size was varied, nuclear membrane invagination or blebbing, and an irregular A-type lamin meshwork in cells overexpressing LMNA R133L.3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes was impaired in cells expressing LMNA R133L; contemporaneously, the expression levels of genes associated with adipose tissue self-renewal, including adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix maintenance, were downregulated. Furthermore, the insulin-signalling pathway was inhibited in LMNA R133L adipocytes. Microarray gene expression profiling showed that the most prominent differences between 3T3-L1 cells expressing wild-type LMNA and LMNA R133L were in genes implicated in metabolic pathways, the cellular response to DNA damage and repair. We thus expand the clinical spectrum of laminopathy and conclude that the LMNA R133L mutation associated with lipodystrophic features and multisystem disorders likely impairs adipocyte renewal and disrupts the expression of genes implicated in the induction and repair of DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disease resulting from autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII that leads to spontaneous bleeding. This study reports the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of a relatively sizable cohort of patients with AHA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of 42 patients with AHA diagnosed in our center from January 2014 through December 2018. Results: The FVIII activity (FVIII: C) was significantly suppressed (median 1.5%; interquartile range [IQR]: 0.9–3.5) by FVIII inhibitor (median 8 BU/mL; IQR: 4.0–16.0). Bypassing agents, PCC or FVIIa, were used in 14 patients for bleeding control without any adverse reaction; and most patients (90.5%, 38/42) were placed on immunosuppressive regimen, corticosteroid alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide. Patients treated with corticosteroids alone had a lower median inhibitor titer (8 BU/mL) than those treated with combination corticosteroids of cyclophosphamide (16 BU/mL) (p < 0.001). 97.4% (37/38) patients achieved complete remission (CR) after immunosuppression therapy, and the median time to CR in patients treated with corticosteroids alone was shorter than those with combination corticosteroids of cyclophosphamide (median 40 days; IQR: 31–65 vs. 51 days; IQR: 38–83, p = 0.301). 10 (26.3%) patients relapsed thereafter and were placed on combined corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment, which yielded second remission in 8 patients (80%). Two patients died, one from uncontrolled post-surgical retroperitoneal hemorrhage and one from sepsis complicating corticosteroid therapy. Conclusion: The corticosteroid achieves a satisfactory outcome, particularly with low inhibitors titers; and combination of cyclophosphamide will facilitate remission in sever patients with high titers of inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effect of cell division cycle protein 42 (CDC42) on inflammatory response and immune response in mice bearing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid was injected into the colon of mice to establish IBD model. The mice were divided into four groups (n = 4): control, model, Ad5, and Ad5-CDC42. After establishing IBD model, mice which were treated with AD5 empty vector and AD5-CDC42 expression vector served as the Ad5 group and Ad5-CDC42 group, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the colon tissues were evaluated by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Their levels in the serum and colon tissues were examined by ELISA assay and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Their changes in the mRNA and protein levels were consistent and similar changes in the colon tissues and the serum were found among various groups. The levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α were lowest in the control group. Their levels in the model group and the Ad5 group were similar (p >.05) and significantly higher than those in the control group (p <.05). In comparison with the model group and the Ad5 group, their levels were significantly reduced in the Ad5-CDC42 group (p <.05). In conclusion, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were elevated in the colon tissues and serum of IBD mice, which could be reduced by the CDC42 treatment. CDC42 regulated the inflammatory response and the innate immune response in IBD mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition of building groups is a critical step in building generalization. To find building groups, various approaches have been developed based on the principles of grouping (or the Gestalt laws of grouping), and the effectiveness of these approaches needs to be evaluated. This study presents a comparative analysis of nine typical such approaches, including three approaches that only consider proximity principle and six approaches that consider multiple grouping principles. Real-life dataset at 1:5000, 1:10,000, and 1:50,000 scales provided by National Geomatics Center of China is used to evaluate the performance of these approaches. Buildings at smaller scales are used to construct the benchmarks to test the grouping results at larger scales, and the adjusted Rand index is adopted to indicate the accuracy of the detected groups. Significant tests (Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test) are also performed to provide both the overall and pairwise comparisons of these approaches. The results show that (1) the average accuracy of most existing approaches is between 0.3 and 0.5, and the performances of these approaches are significantly different; (2) when only proximity is considered, thebuffer analysis approachperforms significantly better than other approaches; (3) when multiple grouping principles are considered, thelocal constraint-based approachusually performs better than other approaches; (4) existing approaches that consider similarity and/or continuity seldom improve the performance of building grouping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in promoting gastric cancer (GC) initiation and progression. In the current study, we revealed that the expression level of LINC02163 was elevated in GC cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of LINC02163 inhibited GC cells growth and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanismly, LINC02163 exerted as a ceRNA and negatively regulated miR-593-3p expression. In addition, FOXK1 was identified as a down-stream target of miR-593-3p. The miR-593-3p/FOXK1 axis mediated LINC02163's effect on GC. To the best of our knowledge, our findings provided the first evidence that LINC02163 functioned as an oncogene in GC. LINC02163 may be a candidate prognostic biomarker and a target for new therapies in GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repentance in Chinese Buddhism is a common practice for monastics and lay practitioners to repent for transgressions and commit to corrective actions guided by Buddhism. Regardless of the significance and prevalence of repentance, little is known about its psychological effects and implications for counseling. In response to the American Psychological Association’s guidelines to respect clients’ cultural practices, this article addresses the research gap by elucidating the practices and implications of repentance, the psychological significance, and implications for mental health professionals to consider and apply repentance in counseling. A hypothetical case example was used to illustrate the pragmatic application of repentance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fomitiporellaaccommodates polypores producing annual to perennial basidiocarps with an indistinct subiculum (very thin to almost lacking), mostly a dimitic hyphal structure, lacking any kind of setae, with brownish, thick-walled basidiospores, and causing a white rot. Previously, only a few samples ofFomitiporellawere studied on the basis of morphological and nuc 28S rDNA (28S)-based phylogenetic analyses. In this study, we made a comprehensive study onFomitiporellaon the basis of collections from Central America, USA, Europe, and China. The phylogenetic analysis, including 28 nuc 28S rDNA and 29 nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) sequences newly generated, discovered 14 new lineages. Combined with morphological evidence, 4 new lineages are described and illustrated as new species, viz.,Fomitiporella americana, F. micropora, F. sinica, andF. subinermis; 10 other new lineages, each with a single collection, are still treated as unidentified taxa; three new combinations, viz.,Fomitiporella tenuissima, F. chinensis, andF. resupinata, are proposed. In addition,F. inermisis redescribed. A key to the 12 known species ofFomitiporellais provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Onniaincludes white rotting polypores with annual basidiocarps, a duplex context, monomitic hyphal structure, hymenial setae, and hyaline, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Specimens ofOnnia, originating mainly from East Asia, Europe, and North America, were studied using both morphology and phylogenetic analyses. Our concatenated data set was derived from 25 collections and included (i) 25 nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), 17 generated in this study; and (ii) 14 nuc rDNA 28S rDNA sequences, including the D1–D2 domains, 11 of them generated in this study. The resulting maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies recovered all sampled collections ofOnniaas a well-supported clade. In this clade, three previously accepted species, viz.,Onnia leporina, O. tomentosa, andO. triquetra, received strong support, whereas three additional lineages with strong support represent the new species described in this paper,O. subtriquetra, O. microspora, andO. tibetica. Of the sixOnniaspecies occurring on gymnosperms,O. tomentosaandO. leporinagrow mainly onPiceaand have circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, other species that mostly grow onPinusare geographically restricted to limited regions, viz.,O. triquetrain Europe,O. subtriquetrain North America, andO. microsporaandO. tibeticain Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On the basis of total temperature increase, normal dehydration, and maturity, the odor compositions of surface and internal piles in a well-run sewage sludge compost plant were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with a liquid nitrogen cooling system and a portable odor detector. Approximately 80 types of substances were detected, including 2 volatile inorganic compounds, 4 sulfur organic compounds, 16 benzenes, 27 alkanes, 15 alkenes, and 19 halogenated compounds. Most pollutants were mainly produced in the mesophilic and pre-thermophilic periods. The sulfur volatile organic compounds contributed significantly to odor and should be controlled primarily. Treatment strategies should be based on the properties of sulfur organic compounds. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, ammonia, and carbon disulfide were selected as core indicators. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethylbenzene, phenylpropane, and isopentane were designated as concentration indicators. Benzene, m-xylene, p-xylene, dimethylbenzene, dichloromethane, toluene, chlorobenzene, trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, and ethylbenzene were selected as health indicators. According to the principle of odor pollution indicator selection, dimethyl disulfide was selected as an odor pollution indicator of sewage sludge composting. Monitoring dimethyl disulfide provides a highly scientific method for modeling and evaluating odor pollution from sewage sludge composting facilities. Implications: Composting is one of the most important methods for sewage sludge treatment and improving the low organic matter content of many agricultural soils. However, odors are inevitably produced during the composting process. Understanding the production and emission patterns of odors is important for odor control and treatment. Core indicators, concentration indicators, and health indicators provide an index system to odor evaluation. An odor pollution indicator provides theoretical support for further modelling and evaluating odor pollution from sewage sludge composting facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Electrospinning of hybrid polymer has gained widespread interest by taking advantages of the biological property of the natural polymer and the mechanical property of the synthetic polymer. However, the effect of the blend ratio on the above two properties has been less reported despite the importance to balance these two properties in various tissue engineering applications. To this aim, we investigated the electrospun PCL/Gelatin composite fibrous scaffolds with different blend ratios of 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, respectively. The morphology of the electrospun samples was observed by SEM and the result showed that the fiber diameter distribution became more uniform with the increase of the gelatin content. The mechanical testing results indicated that the 2:1 PCL/Gelatin sample had both the highest tensile strength of 3.7 MPa and the highest elongation rate of about 90%. Surprisingly, the 2:1 PCL/Gelatin sample also showed the best mesenchymal stem cell responses in terms of attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton organization. Such correlation might be partly due to the fact that the enhanced mechanical property, an integral part of the physical microenvironment, likely played an important role in regulating the cellular functions. Overall, our results indicated that the PCL/Gelatin sample with the blend ratio of 2:1 was a superior candidate for scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates have been used as plasticisers for several decades in various industry and consumer products. A method was developed for the determination of 13 not commonly monitored phthalates in household dust. The method was based on solvent extraction using sonication, sample clean-up by solid phase extraction (SPE), and analysis using isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The method was applied to the analysis of dust samples collected using two vacuum sampling techniques from 38 urban Canadian homes: a sample of fresh or ‘active’ dust (FD) collected by technicians and a composite sample taken from the household vacuum cleaner (HD). Spearman rank correlations between HD and FD samples were significant for six phthalates with median concentrations above their method detection limits (MDLs), suggesting that the HD samples provide comparable results with FD samples. Seven phthalates were detected and quantified in a Canada-wide set of 126 household dust samples, among which six phthalates were detected at frequencies higher than 87%, with median (range) concentrations of 1.9 (<0.42–240) (μg/g) for diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP), 3.8 (<0.16–260) (μg/g) for di-n-heptyl phthalate (DHepP), 6.6 (<1.1–1170) (μg/g) for diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP), 1.1 (<0.12–390) (μg/g) for di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), 6.3 (<0.16–430) (μg/g) for dinonyl phthalate (DNP), and 1.8 (<0.18–850) (μg/g) for di-n-decyl phthalate (DDP). High detection frequencies and widely scattered concentration levels of these phthalates in this preliminary set of 126 samples suggested a high variability in potential exposure to phthalates in Canadian homes. NIST SRM 2585 (organic contaminants in house dust) was also analysed; eight phthalates were detected, with concentrations ranging from 6.0 μg/g for DOP to 79 μg/g for DIHxP. The results from SRM 2585 may contribute to the certification of phthalate concentration values in this SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial dysfunction is related to reduced arterial elasticity in patients with essential hypertension. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), an important endogenous repair approach for endothelial injury, is altered in hypertensive patients. However, the association between alteration in circulating EPCs and hypertension-related reduced arterial elasticity has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between alteration in circulating EPCs and hypertension-related reduced arterial elasticity. We measured the artery elasticity profiles including brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) and C1 large and C2 small artery elasticity indices in patients with essential hypertension (n = 20) and age-matched normotensive subjects (n = 21). The number and activity of circulating EPCs isolated from peripheral blood were determined. Compared to normotensive subjects, the patients with hypertension exhibited decreased C1 large and C2 small artery elasticity indices, as well as increased baPWV. The number of circulating EPCs did not differ between the two groups. The migratory and proliferative activities of circulating EPCs in hypertensive patients were lower than those in normotensive subjects. Both proliferatory and migratory activities of circulating EPCs closely correlated with arterial elasticity profiles, including baPWV and C1 large and C2 small artery elasticity indices. Multivariate analysis identified both proliferative and migratory activities of circulating EPCs as independent predictors of the artery elasticity profiles. The present study demonstrates for the first time that impaired activity of circulating EPCs is associated with reduced arterial elasticity in patients with hypertension. The fall in endogenous repair capacity of vascular endothelium may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension-related vascular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]