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We consider solving the Cauchy problem of the Schrödinger equation with potential-free field by a mollification regularization method in this work. By convolving the measured data with the Dirichlet kernel, the ill-posed case is turned into a well-posed one. Convergent estimates are gained via the priori and the posteriori parameter selection rules. Finally, three simulation experiment results are shown to prove the feasibility and stability of our presented procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the fruits of Rhododendron molle G. Don led to the isolation of three new grayanane-type diterpenoids, rhodomolleins LIV-LVI (1-3). The structures and absolute configurations of new compounds were fully elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, including HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR data. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for analgesic activities utilizing an acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. Compound 1 showed a significant antinociceptive effect with writhe inhibition rates of 72.9% and 100% at doses of 6 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in mice, respectively. The binding mode of 1 to N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF, PDB: 6IP2) was explored by molecular docking, indicating the presence of hydrogen bond interactions which account for its analgesic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While teaching assistants (TAs) have experienced various employment challenges, little research has been done to examine factors affecting their well-being. Based on an extended Control-Value model in studying teachers' emotions and well-being, the present study examined the relationship between primary school TAs' Control-Value variables in the context of formative feedback practice (abbreviated as TFBCV), their emotional well-being, and other well-being indicators. 305 TAs from 184 primary schools in Hong Kong participated in this survey study. Usually, there is at least one TA to support students with special educational needs in each mainstream school in Hong Kong. This sample represents 39% of primary schools in Hong Kong given that each school has one TA to join this study and these participating schools. The results supported our hypotheses that TFBCV has significant direct effects on both a combined positive emotion and the two discrete positive emotions (Joy and Love). TFBCV also has a significant indirect effect on job satisfaction via positive emotions. Interestingly, job stress was nearly uncorrelated with TFBCV and positive emotions. We discuss implications for extending teacher well-being research to include the 'missing' but essential piece of TAs in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native potato flour is one of the most promising food sources or additives to meet the increasing need for healthy food. Multi-stage drying is one of the most promising methods for potato drying, but the chemical and functional properties need to be evaluated. In this work, the soluble peptide, digestibility, enzyme activity, flavonoid, and odorants with multi-stage drying methods were studied. Results showed that high-temperature first stage (HTFs) treatment enhanced the slowly digestible starch content and Maillard reaction, but the highest effective concentration for 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging ratio at 50% (77.62 mg/mL), and 6.995 mg/mL of soluble peptide could be found for the 90 + 60 °C hot air dried sample. This indicated that longstanding decelerate drying stage treatment has obvious damage effects on antioxidant activity and proteins. The HTFs treatment has positive effects to enhance the drying rate and quality of native potato flour, but the second stage needs to be minimized. Moreover, radiofrequency assisted method might be a better solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3,5-Triazine derivatives have a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical activities. According to the extensive application of this compounds, 3-(4-chloro-6-(4-morpholinophenyl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-N-methylthiophene-2-formamide was synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS, FT-IR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of this compound were carried out at B3LYP/6-311 level. The result indicated that the crystal structure was orthorhombic crystal system. Moreover, the biological activity of this compound was evaluated as novel FAK inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel automatic PSO-based back analysis method for mechanical parameters of block discrete element method. Incorporating particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and recursive algorithm, a parameter back-analysis program is developed. Two cases, a laboratory test of columnar jointed rock mass and a typical landslide, are implemented for validation. The results show that the proposed method is feasible and accurate. As an automatic solution for parameter back analysis, this work has broad application prospects in geotechnical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the self-system processes model of motivation, we explored the mediating role of academic self-concept in the relationship between perseverance of effort and self-assessment. The results showed that perseverance of effort has a positive but not statistically significant association with self-assessment when controlling academic self-concept. The results supported our hypotheses that academic self-concept, whether at the domain-specific or component-specific level, significantly mediated the effect of the perseverance of effort on self-assessment, lending empirical support to the closer conceptual link between self-perceptions and self-assessment practices in learning. The results contribute to the literature of the three research lines (grit, academic self-concept and self-assessment) and suggest that academic self-concept enhancement interventions are beneficial not only to academic achievement based on the reciprocal relationship that has been well documented in the self-concept literature but also to self-assessment in the light of the self-system processes model of motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this work is to develop a simple method for the on-site detection of total arsenic at the ppb level. For this purpose, novel nano-coral gold (NCG) was fabricated using NH4Br to lead the growth of Au along a definite direction on a gold substrate. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) was used for the determination of arsenic in industrial water with a NCG working electrode. Due to the high specific surface area and nano-structure of the nano-coral gold, high sensitivity was achieved with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.4 ppb. 3.2 ppb arsenic was determined in industrial water. The detectable arsenic concentration is far below the regulatory limit of 10 ppb by the World Health Organization (WHO). Across the As (III) linear range from 2.5 to 100 ppb, the sensor response is stable, reproducible, and linear with concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) is a key component of the switch/sucrose non-fermentable complex that participates in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. Although the emerging role of BRD7 in the pathophysiology of various diseases has been observed, its role in asthma remains unknown. Here, we assessed the function of BRD7 as a mediator of airway remodeling in asthma using an in vitro model. Methods: Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were challenged with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to establish an in vitro airway remodeling model. Protein levels were examined using western blotting. Cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays. Cell migration was assessed using a transwell migration assay. Results: Exposure to TNF-α dramatically decreased BRD7 levels in ASMCs. BRD7 remarkably decreased TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of ASMCs. In contrast, ASMCs with BRD7 deficiency were more sensitive to TNF-α-induced pro-proliferative and pro-migratory effects. Mechanistically, BRD7 could repress the expression of Notch1 and block the Notch pathway in TNF-α-challenged cells. Notably, reactivation of Notch signaling substantially reversed the BRD7 overexpression-mediated effects, whereas restraining Notch signaling abolished BRD7-depletion-mediated effects on TNF-α-challenged cells. Conclusions: BRD7 inhibits the proliferation and migration of ASMCs elicited by TNF-α by downregulating the Notch pathway. This study indicates that BRD7 may exert a suppressive effect on airway remodeling during asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the response surface method (RSM), the temperature, time and nickel-iron ratio of the synthesis of NiFe-LDH photocatalyst were used as influencing factors, the removal rate of norfloxacin (NOR) was the response factor, the Sub-mathematical equation was structured. The optimized model predicts that the optimal synthesis temperature, time and nickel-iron ratio are: 127.1 °C, 36 min, 2.854:1, and the removal rate of NOR is 88.25%. The actual removal rate of NOR over NiFe-LDH prepared under the conditions was 89.14%, indicating that the model was successfully established. It provides a reference for the synthesis of hydrotalcite by microwave method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared via phase inversion method. The influence of different ethanol content and temperature in coagulation bath on the microstructure of PVDF membranes was discussed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements. Rejection experiment was conducted with the bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution. The FTIR and XRD analysis showed the higher ethanol content and temperature of coagulation bath promoted the α crystal form of PVDF membranes. The increase of ethanol content in coagulation bath led to a decrease in the mean pore size and porosity and the increase of BSA rejection rate and break strength of PVDF membranes. This was because of the increase of ethanol content in coagulation bath that resulted in the formation of the more sponge-like structures and the fewer finger-like structures, which enhanced the compactness of the membranes. The PVDF membrane prepared in ethanol/pure water (60/40) coagulation bath at 20 °C showed a greater BSA rejection rate of 91.87% and break strength of 1.89 MPa with a mean pore size of 29.26 nm. Meanwhile, the increase in temperature of coagulation bath had a positive effect on the mean pore size, porosity, and hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the relationship between self-determination and the academic achievement of students has been widely tested across cultures and groups, limited research has examined the antecedents of self-determination and their impacts on school engagement, which is the pre-requisite of academic achievement. The present study, based on the self-system processes model of motivation, tested the relationships between peer support, school support, self-determination, and school engagement in 118 secondary school students with special needs integrated into mainstream schools in Hong Kong. The results showed that school support has a significant indirect effect on school engagement via self-determination as a mediator. The correlations between school support, self-determination, and school engagement are all positive and significant, whereas peer support did not correlate with school engagement. Controlling for the factors of peer and school support, self-determination was the strongest predictor of school engagement for students with special needs. The current findings may highlight the importance of school support and self-determination interventions to enhance the school engagement of students with special needs in inclusive educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostitution courts are a relatively new form of a specialty court, and very few outcome evaluations are available regarding their effectiveness. What research is available consists of studies pertaining to misdemeanor pre-trial diversion prostitution court programs and relies on traditional success measures including program completion and recidivism. This study utilizes data from a felony post-adjudication prostitution court that recognizes its participants are victims – survivors of trauma – as well as defendants, or 'victim-defendants.' Results indicate that while a large number of participants fail to complete the program and/or recidivate, assessing other outcomes including sobriety, stable housing, and phased completion indicates substantial progress for most participants. Factors consistently associated with successful outcomes included employment and participant's risk level. Policy considerations for measuring success in this population are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to establish an easy-to-use screening questionnaire with risk factors and suspected symptoms of COPD for primary health care settings. Based on a nationwide epidemiological study of pulmonary health among adults in mainland China (China Pulmonary Health, CPH study) between 2012 and 2015, participants ≥40 years who completed the questionnaire and spirometry tests were recruited and randomly divided into development set and validation set by the ratio of 2:1. Parameters including sex, age, BMI, residence, education, smoking status, smoking pack-years, biomass exposure, parental history of respiratory diseases and daily respiratory symptoms were initially selected for the development of scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values were calculated in development set and validation set. After random split by 2:1 ratio, 22443 individuals were assigned to development set and 11221 to validation set. Ten variables were significantly associated with COPD independently in development set after a stepwise selection by multivariable logistic model and used to develop scoring system. The scoring system yielded good discrimination, as measured by AUC of 0.7737, and in the validation set, the AUC was 0.7711. When applying a cutoff point of ≥16, the sensitivity in development set was 0.69 (0.67 − 0.71); specificity 0.72 (0.71 − 0.73), PPV 0.25 (0.24 − 0.26) and NPV 0.94 (0.94 − 0.95). We developed and validated a comprehensive screening questionnaire, COPD-CPHS, with good discrimination. The score system still needs to be validated by large cohort in the future. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2022.2042504. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the BACs-on-Beads (BoBs) assay for the rapid diagnosis of common aneuploidies and microdeletions.Methods: A total of 4961 pregnant women admitted to the Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to March 2019 were enrolled. BoBs assay and conventional karyotyping were applied to detect amniotic fluid samples with various indications for prenatal diagnosis. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and maternal cell contamination (MCC) tests were used for further validation.Results: The overall abnormality detection rates (BoBs associated with karyotyping) were 4.25% (211/4961). The prenatal diagnosis success rate of karyotyping was 99.4% (4933/4961), compared to 100% (4961/4961) using the BoBs assays. The BoBs assay was similar to karyotyping for the detection of trisomy 21 (1.01%, 50/4961), trisomy 18 (0.40%, 20/4961), trisomy 13 (0.04%, 2/4961), and sex chromosomal aneuploidies (0.15%, 12/4961). The BoBs assay also identified sex chromosomal microduplications/microdeletions (1.73%, 86/4961), 22q11.2 microdeletions/microduplications (0.1%, 5/4961), and Cri du Chat syndrome (0.02%, 1/4961) which were missed by karyotyping. The sensitivity for the detection of numerical chromosomal abnormalities of the BoBs assay and karyotyping analysis was 100% (95/95, 95% CI: 1.0-1.0) and 98.9% (94/95, 95% CI: 0.969-1.010), respectively. The sensitivity of detecting structural chromosomal abnormalities in the BoBs assay was significantly higher than those of karyotyping (79.3%, 92/116, 95% CI: 0.718-0.868) versus 21.6% (25/116, 95% CI: 0.140-0.291) (p < .01).Conclusions: The BoBs assay is a reliable and rapid test for the detection of common aneuploidies and nine microdeletion syndromes with high sensitivity and accuracy in prenatal diagnosis. The assay can compensate for the limitations of karyotyping analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegeline (AGL) is a natural alkaloidal amide mainly isolated from the leaves and fruits of tropical plant Aegle marmelos, with multiple pharmacological activities. As one component of several dietary supplements, AGL caused a series of acute and chronic liver injuries. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of AGL-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear. This study was conducted to identify reactive metabolite(s), to determine related metabolic pathways, and define the possible association of the bioactivation with AGL cytotoxicity. A demethylation metabolite (M1) and a GSH conjugate (M2) were detected in rat liver microsomal incubations containing AGL and GSH. The two metabolites were both found in bile of rats and rat primary hepatocytes after AGL administration. Recombinant P450 enzyme incubations showed that CYP2C19 was the principal enzyme catalysing this metabolic activation. Ticlopidine, a selective inhibitor of CYP2C19, decreased the formation of M1 and M2 in hepatocytes and attenuated the susceptibility of hepatocytes to the cytotoxicity of AGL. The results suggest that AGL was metabolized to a p-quinone methide intermediate which could in part participate in AGL-induced cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses the various topics within the issue, including the effects of teacher feedback on student learning, the effect of feedback on student achievement, and mathematics education.

Teachers are playing crucial roles in the implementation of formative assessment, which has been widely recognised as a valuable strategy in enhancing students' learning outcomes. However, systematic analysis on factors that might facilitate or hinder teachers' intentions and implementations regarding formative assessment is scarce. This review covers 52 eligible studies and identifies factors, which have been categorised into personal and contextual factors, that influence teachers' intentions and implementations regarding formative assessment. The results of this review may benefit researchers, school leaders, and policy makers when they aspire to facilitate the implementation of formative assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work was to establish a method to identify and quantify the primary active components in Angelicae pubescentis Radix quickly, simply, and accurately. This article first reported a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that simultaneously determined and quantified osthol, isoimperatorin, and columbianadin using a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) method which uses internal reference substances and relative correction factors to perform the synchronous determination and quantitation of multiple components. Taking into account the price and availability of standard substances, osthol was selected to be the internal reference substance for analysis. The compatibility results showed that the relative correction factors of all compounds showed good reproducibility under different chromatographic conditions. In addition, the external standard method (ESM) and QAMS were used to determine and quantify the content of A. pubescentis Radix from nine distinct habitats and in a Chinese patent medicine. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the two methods. In summary, the proposed quantitative QAMS methodology is an alternative approach for the quality control of A. pubescentis Radix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biosurfactant was harvested from anaerobically digested swine wastewater (ADSW) and employed to enhance ammonia removal in a comparative study using two multiple soil layer bioreactors (MSLs). Results showed that toxicity of the biosurfactant to microorganisms was negligible within the experimental concentration range. Optimal dose of the biosurfactant in MSLs to remove ammonia from ADSW was 0.1 CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration) under different hydraulic loading rate (HLR). For instance, when the HLR was adjusted as 80, 120, 160, and 200 L/(m2·d), the average ammonia removal efficiency in MSL without biosurfactant addition was appeared as 85.6%, 89.2%, 85.2% and 84.1%, respectively, after enhanced by 0.1 CMC of the biosurfactant under the same condition, the average ammonia removal efficiency was improved to 90.1%, 92.6%, 90.3%, and 87.4%, respectively. Inlet ammonia concentration obviously affected ammonia removal, the average ammonia removal efficiency increased rapidly to 93.0% and 89.1% in MSLs (with and without biosurfactant) along with the increasing inlet ammonia concentration from 800 mg/L to 1000 mg/L, and subsequently dropped to 78.9% and 79.7% with a further increase in the inlet ammonia concentration to 1400 mg/L. These results showed that the biosurfactant effectively enhanced ammonia removal by using MSL. Thus, the construction of MSL represented an effective means of reducing ammonia pollution caused by swine wastewater, and the use of biosurfactant was assuredly a promising and feasible option for enhancing the biological activity in MSL bioreactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on User Generated Content (UGC) data, namely Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photos and corresponding social media captions, this paper uses the methods of AI cognitive analysis and GIS spatial analysis to profile UAV photography tourists. The findings of this study reveal that UAV photography tourists primarily take pictures of natural landscapes, most of which do not contain humans, concentrated in the coastal regions. Additionally, a sentiment analysis indicates that tourists' opinions of photography are typically positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research seeks relationship between critical thinking and community of inquriy (CoI) model among EFL university students in Gansu province of China. Adopting probability sampling, questionnaire including 39 items is distributed to 542 EFL university students of thirteen universities in Gansu. CoI survey is selected to measure students' perception on three presences, while critical thinking is measured by the MSL. SEM is applied to determine and test the certain relationship. Results show that SP and TP influence CP positively. Also, the findings suggest that critical thinking is positive mediator of the relationship between SP and CP, between TP and CP. Specifically, EFL university students who perceive higher SP and TP with higher critical thinking level experience greater CP. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance upon critical thinking as a mechanism in community of inquriy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new labdane-type diterpenoids, callicapene M3-M5 (1–3) were isolated from the Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic method. The isolated compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by using MTT assays. Compounds 1–3 showed potent inhibitory activity, with IC50 value of 48.15, 46.31 and 38.72 μM respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Human disturbance has recently led to increasingly serious destruction of Sphagnum L. wetlands in subtropical high mountains, resulting in an urgent need for wetland restoration. Methods. Through a field experiment conducted in western Hubei Province, China, the effects of four different microtopographic types [concave surface, convex surface, concave and convex surface (CC surface), and flat surface] and water table depth (0 to −30 cm) on three growth indicators (number of capitula, coverage and biomass) of Sphagnum palustre L. were examined. The objective was to identify the optimal hydrological conditions for S. palustre growth and thus facilitate its rapid recolonisation and restoration of these wetlands. Key results. The results showed that different microtopographic conditions significantly influenced S. palustre growth. Among them, S. palustre in the CC surface showed the worst growth, while no significant differences existed among the other three microtopographic types. Additionally, as the water table increased, the growth of S. palustre increased, but long-term flooding impeded growth. The water table affected S. palustre growth via effects on its tissue water content. Conclusions. Microtopographic reshaping was not essential for the success of S. palustre recolonisation, and microtopography that maintained the water table to within −10 cm of the surface without flooding were best, independent of the microtopographic types. In addition, the growth patterns of S. palustre changed with changes in the environment, which may be related to its long-term adaptation to conditions of a lower water table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poria cocos (P. cocos) polysaccharides (PCPs) are used to improve immunity and possess antitumor activities. We compared three cultivars of P. cocos (5.78, XJ 28 and JHYH) PCP contents. Then we determined that malZ, galA, SORD, gnl and bglX are key enzymes within the PCP biosynthetic pathway by using HiSeq2500 transcriptome and qRT-PCR validation. Our results provide more detailed information about the PCP biosynthesis pathway at the molecular level in P. cocos and establish the functions for the molecular breeding to produce polysaccharides in general for therapeutic use in Chinese medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most antitumor ingredients found in nature have poor solubility. These ingredients are expected to have much better absorption and higher bioavailability than synthetic antitumor agents. Woody oil emulsive nanosystems carrying poorly soluble natural alkaloids were fabricated (evodiamine (EA) carried by fructus bruceae oil-based emulsive nanosystems, or EFEN). Fructus bruceae oil has two excipient-like properties (oil phase and stabilizer) that contribute to the formulation and one drug-like property (antitumor effects) that synergizes with the antitumor effect of EA. The properties of EFEN were compared with free EA, a blank nanoemulsion, an EA-loaded emulsive nanosystem, and a fructus bruceae oil-loaded emulsive nanosystem. For the first time, this suggests that increases in the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to poorly soluble natural alkaloids can be achieved by delivering drugs using woody oil-based emulsive nanosystems. In this study, woody oil-based emulsive nanosystems efficiently deliver poorly soluble natural alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug metabolism plays an important role in the drug disposal process. Differences in pharmacokinetics among individuals are the basis for personalized medicine. Natural medicines, formed by long-term evolution of nature, prioritize the action of a target protein with a drug. Natural medicines are valued for structural diversity, low toxicity, low cost, and definite biological activities. Metabolic pathway and pharmacokinetic research of natural medicines is highly beneficial for clinical dose adjustment and the development of personalized medicine. This review was performed using a systematic search of all available literature. It provides an overview and discussion of metabolic pathways and the pharmacokinetics of natural medicines with low permeability. The related enzymes and factors affecting them are analyzed. The series of metabolic reactions, including phase I reactions(oxidation hydrolysis, and reduction reactions) and phase II reactions (binding reactions), catalyzed by intracellular metabolic enzymes (such as CYP450, esterase, SULT, and UGT enzymes) in tissues (such as liver and gastro-intestinal tract) or in the body fluid environment were examined. The administration route, drug dose, and delivery system had a large influence on absorption, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. Natural medicines with low permeability had distinctive metabolisms and pharmacokinetics. The metabolic andin vivokinetic properties were favorably modified by choosing suitable drug delivery systems, administration routes and drug doses, among other variables. This study provides valuable information for clinicians and pharmacists to guide patients safe, effective, and rational drug use. The research of metabolism and pharmacokinetics is significant in guiding personalized clinical medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) promotes cell migration in cancers, but the exact mechanism underlying this process remains largely unknown. Here we report that activation of PAR2 reduced miR-205 expression, whereas inhibition of miR-205 promoted cell migration in cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-205 blocked PAR2-mediated stimulation of cell migration. BMPR1B was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-205. In colorectal carcinoma specimens from patients, the level of PAR2 was negatively correlated with that of miR-205, but it was positively associated with BMPR1B expression. Taken together, our findings indicate that PAR2 signaling promotes cancer cell migration through miR-205/BMPR1B pathway in human colorectal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with special educational needs (SEN) are at an elevated risk of psychological and behavioural dysfunctions. In this study, we conducted a survey of parents of students with SEN in Hong Kong to examine the impact of two school practices – learning support and school climate – on the psychological and behavioural functioning (PBF) of students with SEN. We also examined the mediating effects of social participation and academic engagement. Questionnaires were distributed to 586 parents in 139 primary schools. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis show that perceived school climate has a direct effect on perceived PBF, while perceived learning support does not. Perceived learning support has two indirect effects on perceived PBF, with perceived academic engagement or social participation as a mediator. The findings have implications for the effective use of educational resources to support the inclusive education of students with SEN. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The application of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) techniques in intelligent transportation systems garners significant attention. In this field, reward function design is a crucial factor for DRL performance. Current research predominantly relies on a trial-and-error approach for designing reward functions, lacking mathematical support and necessitating extensive empirical experimentation. Our research uses vehicle velocity control as a case study, build training and test sets, and develop a DRL framework for speed control. This framework examines both single-objective and multi-objective optimization in reward function designs. In single-objective optimization, we introduce “expected optimal velocity” as an optimization objective and analyze how different reward functions affect performance, providing a mathematical perspective on optimizing reward functions. In multi-objective optimization, we propose a reward function design paradigm and validate its effectiveness. Our findings offer a versatile framework and theoretical guidance for developing and optimizing reward functions in DRL, particularly for intelligent transportation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of miR-203 by promoter methylation is associated with the development of various cancers. We aimed to explore the underlying link between promoter methylation and miR-203 expression in Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MassARRAY® System spectrometry was used to quantitatively analyze the DNA methylation of 32 CpG sites within miR-203 in 99 Kazakh ESCC and 46 normal esophageal tissues (NETs) with similar population characteristics. We conducted real-time PCR to detect miR-203 expression levels and evaluated their association with methylation. Eleven CpG units within miR-203 promoter were frequently hypermethylated in ESCC compared with NETs(P < 0.05). The hypermethylation of several CpG units positively correlated with age, lower esophagus, constrictive type of ESCC, and moderately differentiated ESCC. Given the involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in etiology of ESCC was confirmed from our previous reports, herein we found that CpG units within miR-203 in HPV16-positive ESCC are more heavily methylated. Furthermore, miR-203 expression showed a nearly 4.5-fold decrease in ESCC than NETs (0.206 ± 0.336 vs. 0.908 ± 1.424,P< 0.001) and was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis(P= 0.012). The expression of miR-203 with 11 completely hypermethylated CpG units was approximately 6.5-fold lower than that with at least 1 unmethylated CpG unit(P< 0.001) and especially the CpG_15.16 and CpG_31.32 with higher methylation levels in ESCC tissues exhibited lower expression levels of miR-203, which indicated a reverse association between miR-203 methylation and expression. Hypermethylated miR-203 is a potential biomarker and targeted delivery of miR-203 could therefore serve as a preventive or therapeutic strategy for Kazakh ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been considered to be an important regulator of airway inflammation in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, but the mechanism of ER stress involved in neutrophilic asthma remain not fully understood.Methods: Tunicamycin is a mixture of homologous nucleoside antibiotics, which is used to induce ER stress. In the present study, Tunicamycin was administered to mouse bronchial epithelial cells and a neutrophilic asthma model (OVALPS-OVA mice), and ER stress indicators and inflammatory cytokines were measured by Western blotting and Elisa.Results: Tunicamycin not only induced ER stress in mouse bronchial epithelial cells, but also increased expression of inflammation indicators such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α via PERK-ATF4-CHOP signaling. Additionally, the phosphorylation of PERK and the expression levels of ATF4 and CHOP proteins and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) were elevated in the lung tissue of OVALPS-OVA mice. Administering tunicamycin further increased protein expression levels of ER stress indicators and inflammatory cytokines, and resulted in more severe asthma phenotypes in OVALPS-OVA mice, suggesting that PERK-ATF4-CHOP signaling is associated with airway inflammation in neutrophil-dominant asthma.Conclusions: These data support the emerging notion that regulation of ER stress could be strongly associated with the development of neutrophilic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to extend previous research on the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept (i.e. its domain-specific structure and separation into competence and affect components), the present study tests its generalisability among vocational students from mainland China. A Chinese version of self-description questionnaire I was administered to Year 1 secondary vocational students in three academic years (2006, 2007, 2008;N = 1053) measuring the self-concepts in Chinese (native language), English (non-native language), math and general school. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that models separating competence and affect components within each domain fitted better than pure domain-specific models. This pattern was consistent across the subsamples of students studying in the three academic years. Thus, the present findings support the generalisability of the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept to Chinese vocational students and to students’ native and non-native languages. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for self-concept research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Endo-β-mannanase, catalyzing the random hydrolysis of β-1,4-mannosidic linkage in the backbone of (hetero) mannan, can increase feed conversion efficiency of animal feed or form functional mannanooligosaccharides. In this study, a gram-positive, straight-rod, facultative anaeorobic bacterium producing endo-β-mannanase was isolated from soil sample. The isolate only fermented glucose, galactose, sorbose, and raffinose to acid. The test in hydrogen sulfide production was positive. Combining the data acquired from phenotypic analysis and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, this strain presumably represented a novel species of the genusBacillusand was designated as LX114. The strain LX114 could break down guar gum molecules, leading to a rapid decrease of the viscosity of guar gum solutions. Endo-β-mannanase activity was also detected in the culture supernatant. The isolate LX114 would be useful for potential application in degrading plant cell walls for increasing feed conversion efficiency and formation of functional oligosaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Parents are key stakeholders in education and their support is pivotal to policy implementation. Through a large-scale survey, the present study investigated the validity of a structural model describing the relationship between attitude, knowledge, and perceived social norm among parents of children with special needs. Results revealed that knowledge and perceived social norm were powerful predictors of parents’ attitudes towards inclusion and the two predictors were intercorrelated. Exploratory analyses on the effect of demographic variables on parents’ attitudes demonstrated that male parents exhibited more positive attitudes towards inclusion than female parents; and parents of children at a higher grade level indicated less positive attitudes. Cultural issues of parents’ concerns about inclusive practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, quantitative evaluation for biosimilarity has been taken seriously due to the development of biosimilar products. The concept for assessment of biological products is very different from that of small-molecule drug products because of the variability with respect to the manufacturing process and environmental factors of the biological products. In this article, we propose an estimate method for a biosimilar index and the related lower bound based on the concept of reproducibility probability by assessing power. In addition, some approximations are proposed and compared in regard to simplicity and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new C-methyl flavanones, (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-4′-methoxydihydroflavone-7-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyldihydroflavone-7-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), together with five known compounds, demethoxymatteucinol-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), matteucinol-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4′-methoxydihydroflavone (5), methoxymatteucin (6), and thunberginol C (7), were first isolated from the EtOH extract of the rhizomes and frond bases ofMatteuccia struthiopteris. The structures were established by spectral analyses, mainly HR-ESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide (BUD)/formoterol (FORM) compared with BUD, both administered by way of a dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler*). *Turbuhaler is a registered trade name of AstraZeneca, Södertälje, Sweden.Methods:This was a 6-month, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy design study (NCT 00421122). Patients were randomized to either BUD/FORM 160/4.5 μg, two inhalations twice daily, or BUD 200 μg, two inhalations twice daily. Improvement of lung function, daily symptoms, reliever use and health-related quality-of-life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] score) were compared between the two treatment groups.Results:A total of 308 patients with moderate to very severe COPD from 12 centers in China were randomized to BUD/FORM (n = 156) or BUD (n = 152). The primary endpoint, 1-hour post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), in the BUD/FORM group improved by 0.18 L (from 0.83 L at baseline to 1.01 L) and this was significantly better (p < 0.001) than the small increase (0.03 L) observed in the BUD group after 24 weeks’ treatment. Increases in pre-dose and 15-min post-dose FEV1together with 1-hour post-dose forced vital capacity were also significantly larger with BUD/FORM than BUD (p < 0.001 for all). Compared with BUD alone, BUD/FORM improved COPD total symptom scores (−1.04 ± 0.16 vs. −0.55 ± 0.17; p = 0.03), reduced reliever use (−0.85 ± 0.16 puffs/day vs. −0.31 ± 0.16 puffs/day; p = 0.012) and improved health-related quality-of-life (mean change of total SGRQ score −4.5 points (p = 0.0182). Overall, both treatments were well tolerated.Conclusions:In Chinese patients with moderate to very severe COPD, fixed combination treatment with BUD/FORM resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in lung function, health-related quality-of-life, COPD symptoms and a reduction in reliever use, compared with BUD alone and both treatments were well tolerated. Treatment of BUD/FORM for milder patients with COPD and head to head comparison of Chinese and Caucasians in future studies will be helpful to expand upon the findings of the current clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical research, it is not uncommon to modify a trial procedure and/or statistical methods of ongoing clinical trials through protocol amendments. A major modification to the study protocol could result in a shift in target patient population. In addition, frequent and significant modifications could lead to a totally different study that is unable to address the medical questions that the original study intended to answer. In this article, we propose a logistic regression model for statistical inference based on a binary study endpoint for trials with protocol amendments. Under the proposed method, sample size adjustment is also derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genes insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and H19 express paternally and maternally, respectively, in humans, mice, sheep, and cattle. Additionally, IGF2 has been shown to be regulated by at least four promoters in a tissue- or development-specific manner. In the domestic pigs, the promoter- and tissue-specific imprinting pattern of IGF2 has not been well characterized, nor is the imprinting pattern of H19. In the present study, we identified two polymorphisms in each of IGF2 (exons 2 and 9) and H19 (exons 1 and 5) and determined the imprinting status of these two genes in 13 organs / tissues of week-old pigs. IGF2 P1 transcript is bi-allelically expressed (not imprinted) in all major organs studied, while the majority of IGF2 transcripts are expressed from promoters 2-4 and are imprinted. H19 is exclusively expressed from the maternal allele in all major organs, concurrent with observations in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An LC‐MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the determination of dichlorvos in ground and surface waters. The aqueous samples (20.0 mL) are led through a silica‐based C8+WAX mixed‐mode SPE cartridges. Such a step successfully eliminates humic substances and other interferences that induce a matrix effect. Since the recovery of dichlorvos is 100% and the matrix effect is eliminated, the calibration standards prepared in DI water can be used for accurate and rapid determination of dichlorvos in various aqueous samples. The quantification limit is 0.01 µg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]