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Drawing on in-depth biographical interviews with foreign scholars in China (hereafter ‘FSC’), this paper examines the impact of various infrastructural interruptions on the transnational lives of mobile individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores how the labour of maintenance and resourceful quick-fixes employed by FSC constitute infrastructuring strategies in times of isolation and uncertainty. Specifically, the paper first asks how specific COVID-19-induced infrastructural barriers, such as tightened visa policies, mandatory PCR testing for border crossing, and suspended flights, intersect with the (im)mobility experiences and trajectories of FSC. Second, the paper investigates how these individuals navigate and cope with infrastructural glitches by fashioning a set of infrastructuring strategies to maintain transnational lives within the pandemic context. In doing so, this paper develops a deeper understanding of not only the generative but also destructive capacities of infrastructural processes in terms of their transformative effects on migrant identities, aspirations and lived experiences, further revealing the fragility, incompleteness and situationality embedded in migration infrastructures. More critically, this paper theorises how infrastructural interruptions constitute the necessary social-temporal conditions in which individuals’ infrastructuring strategies emerge through acts of waiting, adaptation and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schiff base (EDBSAD) was prepared by the hydrothermal method to be as adsorbent materials. The obtained EDBSAD can be characterised by FT-IR, UV-vis, XRD, and SEM. The adsorption desulphurisation performance of the adsorbent for dibenzothiophene in model oil was investigated. The results showed that the EDBSAD had a specific adsorption desulphurisation effect. The optimal adsorptive condition was as follows: adsorbent amount 0.5 g and adsorption time 8 min. Under the optimal situation, the maximal adsorption capacity of this adsorbent for DBT was 25.45 mg/g. In addition, the adsorption isotherms and kinetics were studied, and the associated parameters were derived. Langmuir models and pseudo-second-order kinetic presented best fitting results for DBT adsorbing on the adsorbent EDBSAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension, and the association between NIHL and hypertension using occupational physical examination data of 42,588 noise-exposed workers from local enterprises in Yangzhou between 2015 and 2017. The average binaural high-frequency threshold on average (BHFTA), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg and 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg. The prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% and 25.40%. An increased risk of NIHL and hypertension was observed in the groups of males, aged >35 years, noise exposure time >5 years, noise exposure level >85 dB(A) and smoking. 32.25% NIHL workers had hypertension. NIHL workers were at higher risk of hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02–1.13). This study shows that the noise-exposed workers have high risk of developing NIHL and hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored whether executive functioning skills and maths test anxiety were associated with children's untimed and timed algorithmic computational performance and their discrepancy. It also investigated whether such relations were moderated by children's basic maths fact fluency. One hundred and thirty third-graders were rated by teachers regarding their executive functioning skills. Moreover, they self-reported their maths test anxiety level and were tested on various maths skills. Results showed that for untimed computational performance, working memory was a correlate among children low in basic maths fact fluency, whereas maths test anxiety was a correlate among all children. Planning/organization and maths test anxiety were correlates of timed computational performance, regardless of the basic maths fact fluency level. As for discrepancy in computational performance across the two conditions, maths test anxiety was a correlate among children low in basic maths fact fluency. Implications on how to promote children's algorithmic computation were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have described the biogenic synthesized gold nanoparticles being supported over Kaolin mediated by Pomegranate peel extract as natural reducing and stabilizing agent under mild conditions without any toxic reagents. Pomegranate peel extract was used as a green reducing agent and an excellent stabilizer of the synthesized Au NPs. Physicochemical characterization of the as-synthesized Kaolin@extract/Au NPs nanocomposite was carried out through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with Au NPs-Kaolin nanocomposite were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti-human oral squamous cell carcinoma properties on normal (HUVEC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines i.e. HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and Ca9-22. It has been observed that the Au NPs with spherical shape and size were dispersed homogeneously on the modified-Kaolin surface. The significance of this study is the novel initiative to combine the gold nanoparticle with inexpensive Kaolin clay and utilization of them as anticancer agent. The IC50 of Kaolin@extract/Au nanocomposite were 277, 367, 250 and 545 µg/mL against HSC-2, HSC-3, HSC-4 and Ca9–22 cell lines, respectively. The viability of malignant human oral cell lines reduced dose-dependently in the presence of Kaolin@extract/Au NPs nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous improvements in human diet, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality chicken, so it is particularly important for poultry breeders to carry out the breeding of high-quality broilers in a timely fashion. Inosine monophosphate (IMP) is a flavor-enhancing substance, which plays a critical role in the umami taste of the muscle, making the content of IMP an important umami taste indicator. Currently, research on the deposition mechanism of IMP in chicken is not only necessary for chicken breeders to promote the production of high-quality meat and poultry but also to meet the human demand for chicken meat. In this paper, the research history of IMP, its structure and taste mechanisms, the pathway and influencing factors of de novo IMP synthesis, and the key genes regulating IMP synthesis and metabolism are briefly summarized. Our aim was to lay a theoretical foundation and provide scientific background and research directions for further research on high-quality broiler breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that emotion is extensively influenced by language. However, previous studies mainly focus on the first language (L1) rather than the second language (L2). The current study explored whether L2 shapes emotion perception in masked priming paradigm by distinguishing emotion-label words (e.g. fear, pride) and emotion-laden words (e.g. breakup, mother). Twenty-three Chinese-English bilinguals were instructed to judge the valence of the emotional pictures that were followed by masked and briefly presented L2 emotion words. Behavioral results showed that emotional pictures primed by negative emotion-label words were processed faster and more accurate than primed by emotion-laden words. Event-related potential results further revealed that emotional pictures elicited smaller N300 primed by negative emotion-label words than by emotion-laden words. The converging evidence suggests that second language can also modulate emotion perception fast and automatically, and such modulation is dependent on emotion word type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and efficient approach for the synthesis of 9-phenanthrols through a sequential ligand-free Suzuki/intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction has been developed. Twenty-five 2-([1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl)acetic acids were obtained via Suzuki reaction with high yields. And 9-phenanthrols were regioselectively synthesized by TfOH/P2O5 catalyzed intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction with good to excellent yields. This method provides a valuable alternative to the existing strategies toward the synthesis of 9-phenanthrols. Furthermore, cytotoxic activity test indicated that the synthesized 9-phenanthrols could inhibit viability of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent way. Ten compounds displayed over 70% inhibition proportions after 24 h at the concentration of 100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the Hermitian positive definite solution for a nonlinear matrix equation are derived. Then, a sufficient condition for the existence of the unique Hermitian positive definite solution is presented. Further, we propose to use Newton's method to solve this nonlinear matrix equation with some constraints. In addition, we prove the convergence of Newton's method. Finally, we present some numerical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-origin food has been suggested as the main dietary source of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) for humans, and pork liver is a major contributor. The nationwide survey data of PFASs from pork liver in China was limited. This study determined 17 PFASs in pork liver samples from 30 regions including different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, using traditional high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The average detection rate of PFASs (≥the limit of detection, LOD) in pork liver samples throughout China reached 97.4%, with ΣPFASs of 1.80 μg/kg. Both in areas with well-developed manufacturing industries and in non-production areas of perfluorinated compounds, PFASs were widely detectable in pork liver samples, especially for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS). The detection rates of PFOA and PFOS (≥LOD) were 77.0% and 86.1%, with contents of 0.160 μg/kg and 0.397 μg/kg. The risk assessments of PFOA and PFOS from pork liver for different populations demonstrated the necessity for continuous exposure monitoring and risk investigation of PFASs. This work accomplished systematic and nationwide determination data of PFASs in pork liver, and provides a valuable reference for contamination monitoring and risk assessment of PFASs from animal origin food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between loci rs3761847 and rs10818488 of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1/complement C5 (TRAF1/C5) gene and the susceptibility to IgAV. 100 blood samples of children with IgAV and 100 blood samples of healthy children were collected from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2017 to June 2019. The target gene fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the single nucleic acid gene polymorphism of the gene loci was detected by PCR sequencing based typing technique. The association between gene polymorphism of each locus and susceptibility to IgAV was analyzed. There were significant differences in both genotype (P <.05) and allele frequencies （P <.05) of rs3761847 of TRAF1/C5 gene between the IgAV group and the control group.Besides, the risks of developing IgAV in children with the TT genotype was 0.495 times and in children with the C allele was 1.627 times of that in children with other genotypes and alleles, respectively (P <.05). For IgAV patients, renal involvement risk in children with CC genotype was 5.859 times of that in children with other genotypes (P <.05). There were no significant differences in genotype (P >.05) and allele frequencies (P >.05) of rs10818488 of TRAF1/C5 gene between the IgAV group and the control group. IgAV patients with TT genotype had a 3.2 times higher risk of renal involvement than those with other genotypes (P <.05). There is an association between locus rs3761847 of TRAF1/C5 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility to IgAV. The T allele at locus rs3761847 of TRAF1/C5 gene may be a protective factor for IgAV. The C allele at locus rs3761847 and the T allele at locus rs10818488 of TRAF1/C5 gene may be associated with kidney injury in IgAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the oriental project of imagining migrant women through commercially arranged cross-border marriages. Taking the 'foreign bride' in Singapore as a subject of 'oriental simplicity', it shows how contemporary orientalism continues to shape practices and beliefs in something as familiar as searching for a wife and having a family. The article questions the gendered, classed and sexualised politics that render the migrant woman from less developed nations an ambivalent figure of desire, further complicating the already problematic articulation of womanhood and selfhood in the post-colonial state. By reinforcing a cultural marketability of 'oriental simplicity', commercially arranged cross-border marriages serve to naturalise patriarchal family structures and strengthen the hegemonic ideology of the Asian family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) have drawn much attention from clinicians and researchers in the field of anticancer treatments since the last century. Despite the numerous positive outcomes, the works on PDT have brought to light over the last decades, much room remains for improvements in PDT tools, mainly on the photosensitizer molecules. This work reports the first experiments evidencing the photosensitizing activity of DHX-1, a xanthene derivative-based near-infrared probe recently described in the literature, both as a free molecule and associated to a nanostructured lipid carrier. The results show that the DHX-1 presents a broad band of light absorption within the optical window of biological tissues (600–800 nm), generates reactive oxygen species when photoactivated, and is phototoxic against murine breast adenocarcinoma 4T1 cells and murine fibroblast NIH-3T3 in vitro. Moreover, the association of DHX-1 to a nanostructured lipid carrier strongly reduced its phototoxicity against the normal cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant density and nitrogen (N) input level have notable effects on root development, distribution in the soil profile, and in turn, N-uptake of winter wheat. Our study objectives were to identify whether a high yield can be maintained with a reduced N input by increasing plant density. Field studies were conducted during four successive seasons (2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018) using a widely planted cultivar, Tainong18. Two regimes of N fertilization (180 kg ha−1 and 240 kg ha−1) and three planting densities (135, 270, and 405 plants per m2) were used. Higher plant density led to increased root length density (RLD) and enhanced N uptake from the whole soil profile. The RLD in the soil profile at 0–1.2 m, 0–0.4 m, and 0.4–0.8 m decreased while in the 0.8–1.2 m layer it increased in response to reduced N input. The combined effects of higher plant density and lower N input resulted in reduced N uptake, a lower nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), unchanged grain yield, and improved N use efficiency. In conclusion, it is possible and sustainable to maintain a high wheat yield with reduced N input by increasing plant density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this brief commentary, we propose the emotion word type that has not been elucidated in the review (Hinojosa, J. A., Moreno, E. M., & Ferré, P. (2019). Affective neurolinguistics: Towards a framework for reconciling language and emotion. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/23273798.2019.1620957) should be incorporated in affective neurolinguistics. Emotion words, as a category against neutral words, are a mixture of two sub types: emotion-label words (e.g. joy, sorrow) and emotion-laden words (e.g. reward, snake). Differences between the two kinds of words have been confirmed in numerous studies. The discrepancy of the two types of words has the potential of contributing to the definition and categorisation of emotion words and provides a new interface for affective neurolinguistics, affective neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first show a class relation between the eigenvalue of functional matrix derivative and the derivative of function matrix eigenvalue. Applying the relation, we transform the time-varying linear matrix differential equation into eigenvalue differential equation. Furthermore, by using singular value decomposition and majorisation inequalities, we derive upper and lower bounds on eigenvalue summation of the solution for the Lyapunov matrix differential equation, which improve the recent results. As an application in control and optimisation, we show that our bounds could be used to discuss the stability of a class time-varying nonlinear system. Finally, we give a corresponding numerical example to show the superiority and effectiveness of the derived bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new coumarin/1,2,4-oxadiazole hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for cholinesterase inhibitory and neuroprotective activities. Among them, enantiomers 5u and 5v showed potent hBChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 8.17 and 9.56 μM, respectively, and also exhibited good selectivity for hBChE over hAChE by 9.49- and 7.58-fold, respectively. In addition, both compounds could protect SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ25–35-induced neurotoxicity. The preliminary bioassay results provided a new chemotype for multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's disease agents and continuing investigation into compounds 5u and 5v is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility and agency of the unemployed have rarely been examined together in welfare administration. Mobility research has much to offer the (im)mobility of low-skilled and unemployed workers. The article begins by critically examining dominant public discourse and policy reforms that stigmatise the assumed immobility of the unemployed. Drawing on empirical data from in-depth interviews with people on income support payments in Australia, it then offers a critical view on the mobility decision-making processes of these job-seekers. Building on previous research concerning the politics of mobility, it shows that structural inequalities impact mobility choices, making relocation difficult for many job-seekers. At the same time, it highlights the localised mobility that job search now involves, complicating orthodox associations between mobility and power – as well as assumptions that job-seekers are immobile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted increasing interest over the last decades because of their activities on redox balance in human body. However, the SeNPs tend to aggregate into large clusters, resulting in lower bioactivity, bioavailability and biocompatibility. Surface-capping agents on SeNPs play crucial roles in its stabilization and biological activity. Here, a green synthesis method for the preparation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides capped SeNPs using green tea extracts as reductants under mild conditions, at room temperature, is reported. The structure, size, morphology and thermal behaviour were analyzed by various characterization techniques. The functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated high antioxidant activity, including DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging. Moreover, the SeNPs significantly protected the H2O2-induced PC-12 cell death. Taken together, these results evidence the possible application of these SeNPs as antioxidants food supplement or ingredient and neuroprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In English, positions of lexical stress in disyllabic words are associated with word categories; that is, nouns tend to be stressed more often on the first syllable, whereas verbs are more likely to be stressed on the second syllable (i.e. subject (noun) vs. subject (verb)). This phenomenon, which is called the stress typicality effect, has been shown to facilitate word recognition to native English speakers. However, there is little research on whether it also facilitates word recognition to non-native speakers of English, in particular, to English learners with a tonal first language. To fill this research gap, the present study investigated whether the stress typicality effect modulated word recognition in native speakers of Chinese who learned English as a second language. Both visual grammatical classification and lexical decision tasks were administered to ESL learners with intermediate and advanced English proficiency. The results revealed that Chinese intermediate ESL learners were not sensitive to stress typicality in English; however, the advanced learners were. The findings suggest that different performances in stress assignment among Chinese ESL learners were influenced by their English proficiency levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Col5a1 encodes the α1 chain of type V collagen, a quantitatively minor fibrillar collagen that is critical for the formation and function of the organs in the body. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate biological functions by binding to the 3ʹ-untranslated region (3ʹUTR) of specific target mRNA. In this study, we investigated the posttranscriptional regulation of miRNAs on the Col5a1 gene expression. Materials and Methods: We cultured osteoblasts and fibroblasts of cell lines. To examine the 3ʹUTR activity of the Col5a1 gene, chimeric plasmids constructs containing the core promoter and 3ʹUTR of Col5a1 were generated and luciferase assays were performed. We also evaluated the role of miRNA using constructs that were mutated at the putative binding sites of miRNA. In addition, we evaluated the endogenous mRNA and protein, and luciferase activity of the Col5a1 gene after miRNA overexpression/knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout. Results: The luciferase assay showed a decreased activity of the 3ʹUTR of Col5a1 gene. However, the expression of the mutant constructs of miRNA-binding sites was restored. The overexpression of miRNA inhibited the Col5a1 gene not only with regard to the luciferase activity and endogenous mRNA but also at the protein level. In contrast, the RNAi-mediated knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9 system increased the expression of the Col5a1 gene. Conclusion: These results provided evidence that miR-29b regulates the Col5a1 gene expression through binding to the 3ʹUTR, which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of disease related to bone metabolism and fibrogenic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical study endpoints, including some biomarkers, are frequently analyzed after a log transformation. To calculate study power for detecting a between-treatment difference in the log scale, an estimate of the standard deviation of the log-transformed variable is needed. Often, though, only summary statistics in the original scale including arithmetic means with corresponding standard deviations or sample medians and interquartile ranges are found in the literature. In the absence of individual subjects' log-transformed data for directly calculating the sample standard deviation in the log scale, alternative approaches should be applied. This article presents methods for estimating the standard deviation of a log-transformed variable via the arithmetic means and standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges of the untransformed variable. It further presents methods for constructing the corresponding confidence intervals. A meta-analysis approach, combining data from all sources for more robust estimation, is also discussed. Simulations and examples are provided to assess the performances of these estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the embodied experiences of “exceptionality” of casino resort employees in Singapore. Working in Singapore’s newly-opened mega-casino resorts, migrant and local employees claim a sense of agency over their own professionalism, mobilities, and moralities. Actively equipping themselves with expertise, knowledge, experiences, and certain moral attitudes, casino employees practice a particular kind of “self-fashioning” suited for the global labor market. The “self-fashioning” is oriented towards becoming “exceptional,” in the sense that casino employees are encouraged to be highly skilled, well connected, globally mobile, and keenly self-disciplined. However, the more casino employees are conditioned by codes of “exceptionality,” the more vulnerable they are when faced with career insecurities, future uncertainties, and moral dilemmas. This article argues that the self-fashioning of casino employees can be both empowering and suppressing. While waged employees are eager to participate in the flexible labor market, they are also held captive by the regime of exceptionality.  [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene is an occupational and environmental pollutant that damages the hematopoietic system through oxidant mechanisms. The aims of this study were to assess the role of oxidation in benzene-mediated damage by determination of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to evaluate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in this process. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to benzene at varying concentrations of 60, 150, or 300 mg/kg/d for 15 d. Mice in the benzene groups displayed weight loss, and hematologic consequences including decreased red and white blood cell counts, reduced platelet count, diminished hemoglobin content, and lower number of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (BM). There was an elevated proportional neutrophil count and decrease in relative thymus weight. In BM there was a significant increase in ROS levels at 150 mg/kg benzene. However, as a result of diminished cellular viability, ROS levels were not markedly different between the 300-mg/kg benzene dose and the control, as the number of hematopoietic stem cells was reduced. HIF-1α expression and protein levels were decreased in BM cells at all doses of benzene. In conclusion, data indicated that HIF-1α may be involved in benzene-induced inhibition of mouse hematopoiesis and that oxidative stress may play a role in the observed toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese pine sawyer,Monochamus alternatusHope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is the key factor in the subsequentBursaphelenchus xylophilusdistribution and dispersal from wilt-killed to healthy pines during maturation feeding and oviposition. Therefore, effective monitoring ofM. alternatuspopulations is needed for the surveillance of pinewood nematode disease in infected or noninfected areas. The results presented here involved the seasonal variations ofM. alternatusadults and other major Coleoptera in pine forests from 2011 to 2012 in the Xiaoshan District, which is surrounded byB. xylophilus-infected areas, in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China.M. alternatusadults occurred at one generation per year, and the active period for adults lasts from middle-May to early-September, with peak numbers recorded in late-June. The data indicated that the population density ofM. alternatusin the investigated forests is very low. However, bark beetles and pine weevils at a high-density level, were active and emerged earlier thanM. alternatus. We suggest that a high alert level must be maintained regarding the damage of bark beetles or pine weevils, which might lead to the facilitation ofB. xylophilusinvasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Miconazole (MIZ) and econazole (ECZ) are clinically used as antifungal drugs. Objective: The drug effect and binding property with transport protein human serum albumin of MIZ and ECZ were studied. Materials and methods: The antifungal efficiency was investigated by microdiluting drug solutions from 0 to 48 μmol L−1 through microcalorimetry and voltammetry studies. Transmission electron microscopy was used for morphological observations of C. albicans. The interaction with HSA was studied by electrochemical methods, fluorescence spectrometry, electron microscopy, and molecular simulation. Results: IC50 of MIZ and ECZ for C. albicans were obtained as 19.72 and 29.90 μmol L−1. Binding constants of MIZ and ECZ with HSA of 2.36 × 104 L mol−1 and 3.73 × 104 L mol−1 were obtained. After adding MIZ solution of 12 and 40 μmol L−1, the peak currents increased to 4.887 and 6.024 μA. The peak currents of C. albicans in the presence of 20 and 48 μmol L−1 ECZ were 4.701 and 5.544 μA. The docking scores for MIZ and ECZ of the best binding conformation in site I and site II were 5.60, 4.79, 5.63, and 5.85. Discussion and conclusion: Strong inhibition to the metabolism of C. albicans and destructive effect was proved for both drugs. The lower IC50, growth rate constant of C. albicans, and higher peak current, reveal stronger antifungal activity of MIZ. Both drugs show an efficient quenching effect to intrinsic fluorescence residues of protein. MIZ mainly binds on site I while ECZ on site II. Molecular modeling experiments give further insight of the binding mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape residue prepared from red wine has been reported as an effective antioxidant against chemical-induced toxicity and to attenuate oxidative stress. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of grape residue supplement in diet on growth performance, nutrient digestion, blood biochemical and antioxidant parameters of chicken. A total of 180, 30-day-old healthy Liangfeng chicken with paired body weight were randomly allocated into 6 groups with 5 replicates per group and 6 chickens per replicate. Control group (group I) was fed with a basal diet, while other groups were further supplemented with grape residue at 0.5% (group II), 1% (group III), 2% (group IV), 4% (group V) and 8% (group VI) respectively. All the diets were regulated in equal formula protein, metabolic energy, methionine and lysine content basic. After 49 days of the experiment, data showed that dietary supplementation with grape residue improved the growth performance of Liangfeng chicken and significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and the supplementation at the level of 4% was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The omnidirectional transmission properties of photonic heterostructures composed of cascaded one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) with the same materials and different thickness ratios of the alternate high- and low-refractive index layers were studied theoretically. A criterion for designing omnidirectional reflectors with a maximum bandgap width is presented for heterostructures with an arbitrary number of cascaded 1DPCs. Omnidirectional reflectors based on two and three cascaded 1DPCs are designed according to the criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present a practical way to find matching priors via the use of saddlepoint approximations and obtainp-values of tests of an interest parameter in the presence of nuisance parameters. The advantages of our procedure are the flexibility in choosing different initial conditions so that one may adjust the performance of a test, and the less intensive computational efforts compared to a Markov Chain Monto Carlo method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the strategic entry of Chinese private enterprises (PEs) into Africa by analyzing their characteristics of host distribution and overseas companies’ function and type. They find that Chinese PEs tend to invest in countries where Chinese investment has already concentrated, that more Chinese PEs engage in manufacturing and services than in agriculture and mining and quarrying, and that Chinese PEs take higher risks by choosing the type of subsidiary companies to enter Africa. They also make an empirical study of the determinants of Chinese PEs compared with state-owned enterprises in the period 2002–2011 and found Chinese PEs in Africa are driven mainly by the motivation of market-seeking, not by resource-seeking; China's imports from the host country also facilitate Chinese companies’ investment in Africa; and Chinese companies in Africa are risk-takers. At the end of the article, they study the case of Touchroad and verify the results of their empirical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD), a famous herbal medicine, consists of two herbs ( Paeoniae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix) and is traditionally used for the treatment of pain. Objective: To investigate the synergistic potential of total glucosides of Paeoniae Radix (TGP) and total flavonoids of Glycyrrhizae Radix (TFL). Materials and methods: Oral administration of TGP and TFL alone at the doses of 60,120 and 240 mg/kg or in combination were given only one time to the neuropathic pain rat induced by chronic constriction injury. Paw pressure and heat immersion tests were performed to assess degrees of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, respectively. Synergistic interactions between TGP and TFL were characterized using isobolographic analysis. Expressions of Sirt1 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results and discussion: On day 14 after surgery, single oral administration of TGP and TFL both produced significant anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. The ED50 value of TGP was 249.4 ± 10.8 mg/kg while TFL was 871.4 ± 30.5 mg/kg. Isobolographic analysis revealed that the combination of TGP with TFL at the fixed ratios of 3:1 exerted the highest sub-additive (synergistic) interaction, of which the experimental ED50 value was 95.1 ± 9.0 mg/kg. SGD could also downregulate Sirt1 protein expression, which was 4.2-fold higher than that of model rats in dorsal root ganglion. Conclusion: Analgesic effects of SGD may contribute to simultaneous inhibition of Sirt1 overexpression and could warrant further evaluation as a possible agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid, and sensitive nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-ion trap-mass spectrometry (NACE-ESI-IT-MS) method was developed for determination of matrine and oxymatrine inSophora Flavescensand medicinal preparations. The conditions for NACE separation and MS detection were systematically optimized. The optimum NACE buffer contained 30 mM ammonium acetate, 1% acetic acid, and 15% acetonitrile in methanol and the applied voltage on separation capillary was set at 25 kV. Berberine was selected as internal standard. In order to generate a stable electrospray, a sheath liquid (isopropanol/H2O, 2/1, v/v) was used, which could also boost the flow through the ESI needle. The matrine and oxymatrine solutions were introduced into MS detection by a syringe pump for collecting the MSnspectra to investigate the main fragment ions and its possible cleavage pathways. Both matrine and oxymatrine showed good linearity in the concentration ranges from 0.5 to 400 µg/mL, with linear correlation coefficient R > 0.99 and the limit of detections were 37.5 ng/mL for matrine and 50.0 ng/mL for oxymatrine, respectively. The recoveries at different content ofSophora Flavescenswere 98.3%–102.9% for MT and 95.3%–100.6% for OMT, which indicates the reliability of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene is known to produce hematotoxicity in occupational exposure workers. This study examined the utility of metabonomic biomarkers to ascertain subacute toxicity produced by benzene in male C3H/He mice. A 30-d intermittent collection of urine was obtained from mice in this experiment. The relative organ weights, blood parameters, and bone marrow smears were examined to identify specific changes of benzene-induced toxicity. In addition, an integrated analytical approach based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was developed to map metabolic responses in urine. Five endogenous metabolites, hypoxanthine, spermidine, 4-aminohippuric acid, indolelactic acid, and glutamylphenylalanine, were identified as potential biomarkers of benzene-induced toxicity, indicating that pathways of purine, spermidine, fatty acid, tryptophan, and peptides metabolism might be disturbed in benzene-exposed mice. Our findings showed that the use of urine metabonomics was a more sensitive tool to detect benzene-induced toxicity compared to body weight or blood parameter changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) was proved to be an efficient catalyst for Prins cyclization of styrenes and formaldehyde or acetaldehyde in water. A tandem dehydration/Prins cyclization reaction using a tertiary alcohol and formaldehyde as substrates proceeded very well by using DBSA as catalyst. Acetophenone, which is less reactive compared with styrene, can also react with formaldehyde when catalyzed by DBSA in water to afford 1,3-dioxan-5-ylphenylmethanone in good yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, combining the equivalent form of the unified coupled algebraic Riccati equation (UCARE) with the eigenvalue inequalities of a matrix's sum and product, using the properties of an M-matrix and its inverse matrix, we offer new lower and upper matrix bounds for the solution of the UCARE. Furthermore, applying the derived lower and upper matrix bounds and a fixed-point theorem, an existence uniqueness condition of the solution of the UCARE is proposed. Then, we propose a new fixed-point iterative algorithm for the solution of the UCARE. Finally, we present a corresponding numerical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In view of important implication of resveratrol and thrombin in the process of platelet aggregation and apoptosis, the interaction effect between them and its biological implication was studied. Resveratrol could decrease fluorescence emission intensities of thrombin by a dynamic collision quenching process. The binding process was spontaneous and the resveratrol-thrombin complex formation was an endothermal reaction induced by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen. Non-radiation energy transfer occurred from thrombin to resveratrol at the molecular level. Kinetic studies showed that the fluorescence intensity of thrombin linearly decreased along with prolonged time, whereas resveratrol intensity reduced continuously with degressive plateau in the form of second exponential decay function. Moreover, the interaction caused a decrease of α-helical structure resulting in thrombin conformation alteration. In addition, the isomerization of resveratrol was not prevented but its stability was improved with the addition of thrombin. This work might give deeper insight into resveratrol as a kind of nutritional factor with the inhibition of platelet aggregation and stimulation of platelet apoptosis in the functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using singular value decomposition and majorisation inequalities, we propose new upper and lower bounds for summations of eigenvalues (including the trace) of the solution of the continuous algebraic Riccati equation. These bounds improve and extend some of the previous results. Finally, we give corresponding numerical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) was prepared from Canna edulis Ker by-product by physical-enzymatic method and its structure was characterized using GC, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and solid 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The results exhibit that SDF is mainly composed of polysaccharides with minor phenolic compounds. Moreover, influences of SDF on protease hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) and lipase hydrolysis of tributyrin (TBG) were determined. The results indicate that SDF promotes N release of β-lg by pepsin, despite it inhibiting the enzymatic activity of pepsin. Inversely, tryptic hydrolysis of β-lg is inhibited by the addition of SDF, which has no obvious effect on tryptic activity. SDF also inhibits lipase hydrolysis of TBG and the inhibition rate increases with increasing SDF concentration. Furthermore, antioxidant activities of SDF were evaluated by six different modes, and the relationship between concentration and activity was discussed. The results indicated different activities determined by different methods, suggesting that antioxidant mechanisms of SDF are complicated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, applying the properties of M-matrix and non-negative matrix, utilising eigenvalue inequalities of matrix's sum and product, we firstly develop new upper and lower matrix bounds of the solution for discrete coupled algebraic Riccati equation (DCARE). Secondly, we discuss the solution existence uniqueness condition of the DCARE using the developed upper and lower matrix bounds and a fixed point theorem. Thirdly, a new fixed iterative algorithm of the solution for the DCARE is shown. Finally, the corresponding numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, by using some matrix identities, we construct the equivalent form of the continuous coupled algebraic Riccati equation (CCARE). Further, with the aid of the eigenvalue inequalities of matrix's product, by solving the linear inequalities utilising the properties of M-matrix and its inverse matrix, new upper matrix bounds for the solutions of the CCARE are established, which improve and extend some of the recent results. Finally, a corresponding numerical example is proposed to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canna edulis Ker starch was modified by heat-moisture treatment at moisture levels ranging from 18 to 27 g/100 g starch and its physicochemical properties were investigated. Amylose content, swelling power, solubility as well as water and oil absorption capacity in native starch were higher than in all treated starches. However, alkaline water retention and acid susceptibility of native starch were lower, along with different extent of amylose leaching. The result in the X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the crystalline type of the starch gradually changed from B-type to A-type, and the degree of crystallinity changed. Investigation on thermal properties showed that the gelatinization enthalpy decreased, whereas the onset temperature, peak temperature, concluding temperature and transition temperature range increased in modified starch than in native starch. In addition, all modified starches exhibited remarkably low values of peak viscosity, hot pasting viscosity and final viscosity, compared to those of native starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barndorff-Nielsen introduced a variable U in the adjusted saddlepoint approximation Φ(R) + φ(R)(R-1 - U-1) to reduce the order of error in the standard normal approximation to the distribution of the log-likelihood ratio statistic R. DiCiccio and Martin (1993) proposed a modification, which avoids the practical difficulties of finding an exact or approximate ancillary A in calculating Barndorff-Nielsen's variable U. We repair the numerical difficulties in applying their modification, when the ordinate at which the approximation is evaluated is near the conditional mean of the approximated distribution. Some special cases and examples are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method to produce flattening spectral transmittance for a birefringent interleaver filter based on the interference of polarized light is presented. In previous publications, each birefringent crystal was required to be of equal thickness and only one group of crystal azimuth angles was obtained. In addition, the shape of the spectral transmittance was not sufficiently flat and the flatness width of the passband and stopband was not sufficiently wide. The proposed method has advantages over previously published methods. It is based on the Fourier transform, and the thickness of each crystal can be different. All numerical solutions can be obtained for crystal azimuth angles provided ripples are small in relation to the relatively wide passband and the stopband. Three birefringent crystals are used and all the azimuth angles of the crystals are obtained when ripples are limited to a uniform 0.1% in both the passband and stopband, with widths greater than 2/11 of the period. The influence of the change of azimuth angle and crystal thickness on the spectral transmittance of the system is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is the major hindrance towards the successful treatment of malignant lung cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a novel nanoparticle co-loaded with docetaxel (DTX) and si-colon cancer-associated transcript-2 (siCCAT2) (NP-DTX/siCCAT2) for overcoming the DTX-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The NP-DTX/siCCAT2, developed by DTX-conjugated poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymers, has an average size of t 87.26 nm. Further modification of Transferrin (Tf) peptides on the surface of NP-DTX/siCCAT2 did not significantly change the particle size with an average diameter of 96.81 nm. The present study demonstrated that TfNP-DTX/siCCAT2 has excellent tumour targeting ability and resulted in an enhanced anti-tumour effect both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Not unexpectedly, a more excellent anti-tumour effect of NP-DTX/siCCAT2 was obtained than the NP-DTX because the silencing of CCAT2 levels in lung cancer cells resulted in down-regulated expressions of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug-resistance-associated proteins 1 (MRP1). Further investigation revealed that inhibition of CCAT2 expression dramatically increased the activity of miR-204-3p and thereby signally suppressed the IGFBP2/AKT/Bcl2 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Polylabris halichoeres, which is the largest mt genome sequenced of monogeneans so far and the second complete sequence after Microcotyle sebastis from the Microcotylidae. It is basically similar to that of M. sebastis, with the exception of a high level of gene rearrangement located between trnC and trnL(UUR), a translocation of trnM and trnH, as well as a highly repetitive region (HRR) in the large non-coding region (NCR). We also find a series of trnI pseudogenes (ΨΨI) and one unknown short open reading frame (ORF) in the large NCR. Although the ORF cannot be unambiguously regarded as an atp8 gene, we cannot rule out the possibility that it has other functional importance, but it need further study in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse the obstetric outcome after frozen embryo transfer depending on the protocol used. The endometrial preparation during frozen embryo transfer (FET) was performed in the natural cycle (NC) with timing based on monitoring of the naturally occurring luteinizing hormone (LH) peak or in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-triggered modified natural cycles (MNC), artificial cycle (AC) with hormone replacement therapy cycle and cycle with ovulation induction (OI). A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Pregnancy, perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were compared among patients treated during AC or MNC or OI protocols. After adjusting for the effect of gravidity, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and number of miscarriages, the AC group had higher but not significantly different rates of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) than women in OI and MNC groups. Significant differences were observed in the rates of placental adherence (15.30% in AC vs. 9.24% in MNC, p = 0.004) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (24.33% in AC vs. 13.07% in OI, p = 0.003, 24.33% in AC vs. 16.24% in MNC, p = 0.002) among the three groups. In singletons, significant differences were observed in the rates of placental adherence (14.09% in AC vs. 8.57% in MNC, p = 0.002), AC and MNC groups had higher risk of PPH compared with OI group (18.36% in AC vs. 12.38% in MNC, p = 0.042 and 7.69% in OI vs. 18.36% in AC, p = 0.013). Neonatal outcomes were similar among the three groups except risk of small for date infants (0.35% in AC vs. 1.44% in MNC, p = 0.008). These findings are important in view of increasing use of frozen cycles and new policy of freeze-all cycles in in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results suggest a link between the absence of corpus luteum and adverse obstetric outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Ancyrocephalidae is reported herein. The mt genome ofTetrancistrum nebulosiwas 13,392 bp in length containing 12 protein-coding genes (lackingatp8), 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes. The longest non-coding region was located betweennad5andtrnG, and the A + T content was 72.4%. All tRNAs had the typical clover-leaf secondary structure except fortrnS1(AGN), trnR, trnFandtrnQ. TherrnLandrrnSsubunits were separated bytrnC, as documented in the monopisthocotylean groups (BenedeniaandGyrodactylusspecies), while they were adjacent to each other in the polyopisthocotylean species (Microcotyle sebastis, Polylabris halichoeresandPseudochauhanea macrorchis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study retinal neovascularization (RNV) inhibition by intravitreal injections (IVs) of ranibizumab, sTie2 fusion protein (sTie2-Fc), and a combined therapy in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Materials and methods: An OIR mouse model was used to simulate RNV in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); and the effect of blocking the angiopoietin (Ang) and its receptor (Tie2) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathways was compared using an IV of sTie2-Fc (Ang inhibitor) and/or ranibizumab (aVEGF antagonist). The effects were assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran cardiac perfusion, isolectin B4 (IB4) staining with whole retinal mounting, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to count the endothelial cells (ECs) that broke through the internal limiting membrane (ILM). The mRNA and protein levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2, Ang1, Ang2, and Tie2 were also determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. Results: Compared with the control group injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), all three experimental groups, ranibizumab, sTie2-Fc, and ranibizumab + sTie2-Fc, had a significant decrease in micro-vessel densities and neovascular clusters, and fewer ECs broke through the ILM (all p < 0.05). The non-perfusion areas decreased in both mono-treated groups, although the combined therapy had larger non-perfusion areas. All three treatments decreased the mRNA and protein levels of VEGFA, Ang1, and Tie2. Conclusion: In this study, it was confirmed that blocking the Ang/Tie2 and/or VEGF/VEGFR pathways could inhibit RNV and decrease abnormal micro-vessel density; and the mono-blockage of Ang/Tie2 might cause a smaller non-perfusion area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]