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The tribe‐material is the key factor affecting the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Inorganic materials have higher heat resistance and stability than widely used organic materials. However, the weaker tribe‐property limits the application of TENGs. Modulating surface roughness by changing particle shape and size is a simple way to increase performance for TENGs. Polyoxometalates (POMs) have unrivalled structural diversity and can self‐assemble to form different nanostructures. In this study, we propose [{(NH4)42[Mo72VIMo60VO372(CH3COO)30 (H2O)72] ⋅ ca.300H2O ⋅ ca.CH3COONH4)}‐Mo132] and [{Na8K14(VO)2[{(MoVI) (Mo5VIO21)(H2O)3]}10{(MoVI)Mo5VIO21(H2O)3 (SO4)}2{VIVO(H2O)20} {VIVO}10({KSO4}5)2] ⋅ 150H2O)}‐Mo72V30] with blackberry structure which are cured and prepared into film by spin‐coating technique, are used as positive tribe‐materials for the first time in the field of TENGs. Keplerate‐type POMs can form blackberry structures with higher dispersibility and flexibility, which can be used to control surface roughness by regulating the size of particles. The discovery proves that the particle size influences the surface roughness, which adjusts the output of TENGs. According to our findings, Mo132‐h‐TENG generates an output voltage of 29.3 V, an output charge of 8 Nc, which is 2–3 folds higher than Mo132‐TENG, and a maximum power density of 6.25 mW ⋅ m−2 at 300 MΩ. Our research provides that altering the dimensional size can be an available way to raise the output of TENGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated multifunctionality in visual information processing is crucial in the artificial intelligence era. Compared to the parallel human vision system, current bionic vision devices exhibit a complex structure with single functionality, challenging intelligent processing and integration. Here, a multisensory artificial synapse with a crossbar structure comprising graphene/α‐In2Se3/graphene layers is demonstrated, merging sensing, memory, and computing while mimicking various synaptic properties. The Schottky barrier height is modulated by the polarization of ferroelectric semiconductor α‐In2Se3, enabling reconfigurable device conductance and photoresponsivity. This conductance emulates synaptic short‐term and long‐term plasticity through electrical pulse modulation, boasting a rapid 40 ns programming speed. The device also exhibits linearly regulated photoresponsivity under illumination, with synaptic plasticity from optical pulses. The fusion of electronic and optoelectronic devices enables both image front‐end processing and advanced post‐processing. In‐sensor front‐end processing enhances subsequent processing efficiency, with pattern recognition accuracy reaching 97%. This design fosters the advancement of multisensory and highly integrated neuromorphic vision systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of a longitudinally helical molecular nanocarbon, hexabenzoheptacene (HBH), along with its dimethylated derivative (HBH‐Me), which are composed of six benzene rings periodically benzannulated to both zigzag edges of a heptacene core. This benzannulation pattern endows the resulting nanocarbons with a helical heptacene core and local aromaticity, imparting enhanced solubility and stability to the system. The chiral HBH‐Me adopts a more highly twisted conformation with an end‐to‐end twist angle of 95°, enabling the separation of the enantiomers. Both HBH and HBH‐Me can be facilely oxidized into their corresponding dications, which exhibit enhanced planarity and aromaticity upon loss of electrons. Notably, both longitudinally helical nanocarbons readily promote solid state packing into two‐dimensional (2D) arrangement. Single‐crystal microbelts of HBH‐Me show hole mobility up to 0.62 cm2 V−1 s−1, illustrating the promising potential of these longitudinally helical molecules for organic electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating controllable spin states into single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) enables precise manipulation of magnetic interactions at a molecular level, but remains a synthetic challenge. Herein, we developed a 3d–4f metallacrown (MC) magnet [DyNi5(quinha)5(Clsal)2(py)8](ClO4) ⋅ 4H2O (H2quinha=quinaldichydroxamic acid, HClsal=5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde) wherein a square planar NiII is stabilized by chemical stacking. Thioacetal modification was employed via post‐synthetic ligand substitutions and yielded [DyNi5(quinha)5(Clsaldt)2(py)8](ClO4) ⋅ 3H2O (HClsaldt=4‐chloro‐2‐(1,3‐dithiolan‐2‐yl)phenol). Thanks to the additional ligations of thioacetal onto the NiII site, coordination‐induced spin state switching (CISSS) took place with spin state altering from low‐spin S=0 to high‐spin S=1. The synergy of CISSS effect and magnetic interactions results in distinct energy splitting and magnetic dynamics. Magnetic studies indicate prominent enhancement of reversal barrier from 57 cm−1 to 423 cm−1, along with hysteresis opening and an over 200‐fold increment in coercive field at 2 K. Ab initio calculations provide deeper insights into the exchange models and rationalize the relaxation/tunnelling pathways. These results demonstrate here provide a fire‐new perspective in modulating the magnetization relaxation via the incorporation of controllable spin states and magnetic interactions facilitated by the CISSS approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tight junction protein claudin‐7 is essential for tight junction function and intestinal homeostasis. Cldn7 deletion in mice leads to an inflammatory bowel disease‐like phenotype exhibiting severe intestinal epithelial damage, weight loss, inflammation, mucosal ulcerations, and epithelial hyperplasia. Claudin‐7 has also been shown to be involved in cancer metastasis and invasion. Here, we test our hypothesis that claudin‐7 plays an important role in regulating colonic intestinal stem cell function. Conditional knockout of Cldn7 in the colon led to impaired epithelial cell differentiation, hyperproliferative epithelium, a decrease in active stem cells, and dramatically altered gene expression profiles. In 3D colonoid culture, claudin‐7–deficient crypts were unable to survive and form spheroids, emphasizing the importance of claudin‐7 in stem cell survival. Inhibition of the Hippo pathway or activation of Notch signaling partially rescued the defective stem cell behavior. Concurrent Notch activation and Hippo inhibition resulted in restored colonoid survival, growth, and differentiation to the level comparable to those of wild‐type derived crypts. In this study, we highlight the essential role of claudin‐7 in regulating Notch and Hippo signaling–dependent colonic stem cell functions, including survival, self‐renewal, and differentiation. These new findings may shed light on potential avenues to explore for drug development in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have hinted at a significant link between lung cancer and the gut microbiome, yet their causal relationship remains to be elucidated. Methods: GWAS data for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was extracted from the FinnGen consortium, comprising 179 cases and 218 613 controls. Genetic variation data for 211 gut microbiota were obtained as instrumental variables from MiBioGen. Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to determine the causal relationship between the two, with inverse variance weighting (IVW) being the primary method for causal analysis. The MR results were validated through several sensitivity analyses. Results: The study identified a protective effect against SCLC for the genus Eubacterium ruminantium group (OR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.223–0.767, p = 0.00513), genus Barnesiella (OR = 0.208, 95% CI: 0.0640–0.678, p = 0.00919), family Lachnospiraceae (OR = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.107–0.948, p = 0.03979), and genus Butyricimonas (OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.144–0.984, p = 0.04634). Conversely, genus Intestinibacter (OR = 3.214, 95% CI: 1.303–7.926, p = 0.01125), genus Eubacterium oxidoreducens group (OR = 3.391, 95% CI: 1.215–9.467, p = 0.01973), genus Bilophila (OR = 3.547, 95% CI: 1.106–11.371, p = 0.03315), and order Bacillales (OR = 1.860, 95% CI: 1.034–3.347, p = 0.03842) were found to potentially promote the onset of SCLC. Conclusion: We identified potential causal relationships between certain gut microbiota and SCLC, offering new insights into microbiome‐mediated mechanisms of SCLC pathogenesis, resistance, mutations, and more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can significantly improve patient survival. We aimed to develop a blood‐based assay to aid in the diagnosis, detection and prognostic evaluation of HCC. Methods: A three‐phase multicentre study was conducted to screen, optimise and validate HCC‐specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs) using next‐generation sequencing and quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (qMSP). Results: Genome‐wide methylation profiling was conducted to identify DMRs distinguishing HCC tumours from peritumoural tissues and healthy plasmas. The twenty most effective DMRs were verified and incorporated into a multilocus qMSP assay (HepaAiQ). The HepaAiQ model was trained to separate 293 HCC patients (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A, 224) from 266 controls including chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or liver cirrhosis (LC) (CHB/LC, 96), benign hepatic lesions (BHL, 23), and healthy controls (HC, 147). The model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.944 with a sensitivity of 86.0% in HCC and a specificity of 92.1% in controls. Blind validation of the HepaAiQ model in a cohort of 523 participants resulted in an AUC of 0.940 with a sensitivity of 84.4% in 205 HCC cases (BCLC stage 0/A, 167) and a specificity of 90.3% in 318 controls (CHB/LC, 100; BHL, 102; HC, 116). When evaluated in an independent test set, the HepaAiQ model exhibited a sensitivity of 70.8% in 65 HCC patients at BCLC stage 0/A and a specificity of 89.5% in 124 patients with CHB/LC. Moreover, HepaAiQ model was assessed in paired pre‐ and postoperative plasma samples from 103 HCC patients and correlated with 2‐year patient outcomes. Patients with high postoperative HepaAiQ score showed a higher recurrence risk (Hazard ratio, 3.33, p <.001). Conclusions: HepaAiQ, a noninvasive qMSP assay, was developed to accurately measure HCC‐specific DMRs and shows great potential for the diagnosis, detection and prognosis of HCC, benefiting at‐risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The retina and brain share similar anatomical and physiological features. Thus, retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) might be a potential tool for the early diagnosis of diabetic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate retinal vascular density (VD) in diabetic CSVD by OCTA imaging and explore the associations between retinal VD and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers and cognitive function. Methods: In total, 131 patients were enrolled, including CSVD (n = 43) and non‐CSVD groups (n = 88). The VD and foveal avascular zone of the retinal capillary plexus were measured with OCTA. A brain MRI was performed. Results: MRI imaging showed that in the diabetic CSVD group, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), particularly deep WMHs (58.82%), are the most common MRI marker, followed by cerebral microbleeds in the subtentorial and cortical areas (34.78%). The CSVD group showed increases in the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction (p =.034) and depression (p =.033) and decreases in visuospatial/executive ability and delayed recall ability. In the CSVD group, VDs of the macular superficial vascular plexus (32.93 ± 7.15% vs. 36.97 ± 6.59%, p =.002), intermediate capillary plexus (20.87 ± 4.30% vs. 23.08 ± 4.30%, p =.005) and deep capillary plexus (23.54 ± 5.00% vs. 26.05 ± 4.20%, p =.003) were lower than those of the non‐CSVD group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that VD of the macular superficial vascular plexus was independently associated with cerebral microbleeds. Meanwhile, VD of the macular intermediate capillary plexus was associated with white matter lacunar infarcts after adjustment. Conclusions: Diabetic CSVDs are characterized by MRI markers, including deep WMHs and cerebral microbleeds, and showed impaired cognition with decreased visuospatial/executive ability and delayed recall ability. OCTA imaging revealed a significant decrease in retinal microvascular perfusion in diabetic CSVD, which was related to MRI markers and cognitive function. OCTA might be a valuable potential measurement for the early diagnosis of CSVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel design for T-shaped and Π-shaped transmission lines on dual-band bandpass filters are proposed to efficiently suppress high-frequency harmonic. The dual-band can be designed using stepped-impedance resonators. The harmonic suppression of the proposed dual-band bandpass filter is extended to 12 GHz with a rejection level higher than −20 dB. The measured results concur with the full-wave simulation results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:547-551, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether modified histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution offers myocardial protection to newborn heart has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to compare myocardial protection using HTK added by ebselen with HTK in a piglet model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Fifteen piglets were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (C group, n = 5), HTK solution group (HTK group, n = 5), and HTK added by 10 nM ebselen group (HTK+E group, n = 5). Animals in the two experimental groups were placed on hypothermic CPB, after which the ascending aorta had been clamped for 2 h. The control animals underwent normothermic CPB without cardiac arrest. Myocardial antioxidant activities, myocytes apoptosis and mitochondrial structures, as well as the release of cytochrome c and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and HSP72 protein in myocardium were measured. Increased myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn-SOD activities, decreased TUNEL-positive cells, and reduced release of cytochrome c were noted in the HTK+E group compared with those in the HTK group (P = 0.021, P = 0.020, P = 0.045, and P = 0.010, respectively). The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the HTK group was significantly higher than that in the C group (P = 0.024). The expression of HSP72 protein and mRNA in the HTK+E group was higher than that in the HTK group (P = 0.039 and P = 0.035, respectively). Mitochondrial score under electron microscope in the HTK+E group was lower than that in the HTK group (P = 0.047). Improved antioxidant defense, reduced myocytes apoptosis, and better preserved mitochondrial structure were observed in the HTK+E group. Ebselen added to HTK provides better myocardioprotection to HTK solution for the neonatal heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Hoffman-like coordination polymer with appreciable porosity and uncoordinated pyridyl groups, namely, [Fe(2,5-bpp){Au(CN)2}2] ⋅ x Solv (2,5-bpp=2,5-bis(pyrid-4-yl)pyridine; Solv=solvent), was synthesised and characterised. A series of fascinating spin-crossover behaviours with abrupt, stepwise and hysteretic features were obtained by exchange with a range of protic solvents (ethanol, n-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butanol and isobutanol). Guest-host hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the H-accepting site of the framework are primarily responsible for the pronounced cooperativity of these spin-crossover behaviours. Meanwhile, the tunable critical temperatures over a range of about 130 K are presumably attributable to a certain degree of competition between internal pressure and local electronic influences of solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb-doped TiO2 ( TNO) films, which are highly conductive and transparent, can be used as transparent conductive oxide ( TCO) films. A predominant manufacturing method for TCO film is magnetron sputtering, and the material of the sputtering target affects the performance of the film. The objective of this study was to investigate the sintering densification, microstructure, and electrical properties of TNO and TiO2 sputtering targets. The results showed that the segregation of Nb at the grain boundary in TNO helps to facilitate densification and inhibit grain growth. After 1200°C sintering, the sintered density of TNO target achieves almost 100% of the theoretical density. Moreover, the Nb2 O5 additive greatly improves the electrical properties, decreasing the resistivity of TiO2 from >108 Ωcm to 4.6 × 101 Ωcm. Correlations between TNO sputtering target investigated in this study and TNO sputtered film reported in the literature are also preliminarily established. The resistivity of TNO film with an anatase structure is obviously lower than that of TNO target with a rutile structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated protein kinase C δ (PKC δ) associated with cardiac hypertrophy moves from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria and subsequently triggers the apoptotic signalling pathway. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether mitochondrial translocation of PKC δ phosphorylates multiple sites of Bcl-2, resulting in an imbalance between Bcl-2 and Bak or Bax, thus enhancing the susceptibility of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes to angiotensin II (AngII)-induced apoptosis. Chronic pressure overload was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in rats. The apoptotic rate increased in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. In AngII-treated hearts (10 nmol/L, 60 min), there was an increase in the number of TERMINAL deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells; PKC δ inhibition with 500 nmol/L δV1-1 for 60 min prevented the AngII-induced increase in apoptosis. In the hypertrophied myocardium, PKC δ expression increased, whereas that of Bcl-2 decreased compared with the synchronous control. Treatment of hearts with 10 nmol/L AngII for 60 min activated PKC δ and induced translocation of PKC δ to the mitochondria, where activated PKC δ facilitated the phosphorylation of Bcl-2 at serine-87 and serine-70 sites. The multisite phosphorylated Bcl-2 was released from the mitochondria, and exhibited reduced affinity for Bak and Bax. The imbalance between Bcl-2 and Bak/Bax induced the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and then activated the caspase 3 apoptotic pathway during AngII stimulation (10 nmol/L, 60 min) of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of PKC δ reduced these effects of AngII. The results suggest that PKC δ can counteract the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 and may promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis through multisite phosphorylation of Bcl-2 in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential activities for two series of iron complex precatalysts on ethylene reactivity are evaluated by the density functional theory (DFT)-charge equilibration (DFT-QEq) method on the basis of the molecular mechanics (MM-QEq) method. All three spin states on the central iron atom are calculated through the two charge methods to obtain the effective net charge, in addition to the QEq method alone. The results show that reasonable charge values are obtained by the QEq method, well reflecting the influence of substituents and revealing correlations between the activity and the effective net charge. All these series of iron complex precatalysts present the same tendency: the potential activities are elevated along with a decreasing effective net charge on the iron atom. Relying on the electronic influence of substituents on the ligands, the variation trends are grouped into two classes, which present the same correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc(II) coordination polymer [Zn3(BPT)2(μ2-H2O)2(H2O)2] n · n(DMA) ( 1) (H3BPT = biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid, DMA = N,N′-dimethylactamide) was obtained by the solvothermal reaction of H3BPT with Zn(NO3)2 in DMA/H2O mixed solvent. Single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that compound 1 has a complicated 3D framework containing linear trinuclear [Zn3(COO)4(μ2-H2O)2] clusters as building subunits, which can be simplified into a (3,6)-connected rtl topological network with the Schläfli symbol {4.62}2{42.610.83}. The calculated results of total and partial density of states (DOS) indicate that the luminescence of 1 mainly originates from intraligand charge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Little is known about infections among adult survivors of childhood cancer. The authors report the occurrence of infections and risk factors for infections in a large cohort of survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort was used to compare incidence rates of infections among 12,360 5-year survivors of childhood cancer with the rates of 4023 siblings. Infection-related mortality of survivors was compared with that of the US population. Demographic and treatment variables were analyzed using Poisson regression to determine the rate ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with infectious complications. RESULTS Compared with the US population, survivors were at an increased risk of death from infectious causes (standardized mortality ratio [SMR], 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2-5.4), with the greatest risk observed among females (SMR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5-6.9) and among those who had been exposed to total body irradiation (SMR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.8-33.0). Survivors also reported higher rates than siblings of overall infectious complications (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4) and higher rates of all categories of infection. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of childhood cancer remain at elevated risk for developing infectious-related complications, and they have a higher risk of infection-related mortality years after therapy. Further investigation is needed to provide insight into the mechanisms for the observed excess risks. Cancer 2014;120:2514-2521. © 2014 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of these microstructures progresses via avalanches where local changes trigger other changes nearby, until one full avalanche has exhausted itself and the next avalanche starts. Multiple Avalanche Processes in Acoustic Emission Spectroscopy: Multibranching of the Energy-Amplitude Scaling External electric or magnetic fields, and mechanical stresses generate microstructures in materials which are key to many applications. [Extracted from the article]

The Yangshan gold deposit, Gansu Province, is the largest gold deposit in China and the best representative of the western Qinling gold province. Granite dykes can be observed in the orefield, of which some are spatially associated with the gold orebodies. Gold mineralization was debated between magmatic hydrothermal and metamorphic hydrothermal models in previous studies due to a shortage of precise isotopic ages of the granite dykes in the orefield. In this contribution, we report in-situ zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages combined with Hf isotope and REE data. The age of granite dykes is constrained to be 220.2 ± 3.1 Ma, coeval with the regional development of Triassic granitoids, which resulted from the northward subduction of the Mian-Lue oceanic plate. The εHf(t) values of inherited and new zircon grains from the granite dykes show that the granite dykes have a complex source dominated by sediments which were sourced from the North China Craton, Yangtze Craton and Qinling Orogen, and accumulated in a fore-arc setting. The granite dykes were derived from partial melting of the fore-arc sediment prism induced by the fluids sourced from metamorphic devolatilizaiton of the underthrust Mian-Lue oceanic plate. The Yangshan gold deposit was formed at about 190 Ma, some 30 Myr later than the intrusion of the granite dykes, ruling out the possibility that gold mineralization was caused by Triassic granitic magmatism. The Yangshan gold deposit is a transitional system between Carlin- and orogenic-types that resulted from continental collision orogeny, metallogeny and fluid flow. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Orogen in central China preserves the records of a complex geological and tectonic history, and also carries abundant mineral resources. Previous investigations on the Qinling Orogen have identified that the final transition from the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean to a continental orogen occurred in the Triassic, although the timing of the oceanic closure and the tectonic affinity of the Triassic Qinling belt have been poorly constrained. In this contribution, we compile the palaeomagnetic data and geological evidence related to sedimentation, magmatism and mineral systems. The palaeomagnetic data show that the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean in the Qinling Orogen gradually closed westward during the Triassic, terminating in the beginning of the Jurassic. Triassic strata are widely developed in the Qinling Orogen and conformably overlie the Permian strata. They are composed of carbonates and siliciclastic rocks that were strongly deformed and weakly metamorphosed during the Late Triassic to Late Jurassic. The Triassic magmatic rocks are dominated by I-type granitoids, with subordinate S-type and alkaline granites and minor carbonatite dykes, with a clear northward transition in lithology and geochemical features from the Mian-Lue Suture. Different types of Triassic mineral systems have been reported from this region, including sedimentary-hosted epizonogenic hydrothermal Hg-Sb, Pb-Zn ± Ag, Au deposits, metamorphic hydrothermal lodes of Au, Ag-Pb-Zn, Mo-Au and Mo, magmatic hydrothermal systems including porphyry Mo, breccia pipe Au, and carbonatite-hosted Mo deposits. We infer that the Triassic Qinling Orogen witnessed synchronous oceanic plate subduction in the west and continental linkage in the east, with a transition from oceanic basin to continental orogen through gradual subduction-related consumption of the oceanic plate. The Palaeo-Tethys Ocean closed in a westward scissor-like fashion in the Triassic and continental collision and extensive crustal shortening in the Jurassic, following which post-collisional extension occurred in the Early Cretaceous. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including palaeomagnetic data and geological evidence related to sedimentation, magmatism, and mineral systems in the Qinling Orogen, China, the age of granitic dykes in the Yangshan gold field, and the Huachanggou gold (Au) deposit in Shaanxi Province.

Rare lipoprotein A ( RlpA) is a widely conserved outer membrane protein of unknown function that has previously only been studied in E scherichia coli, where it localizes to the septal ring and scattered foci along the lateral wall, but mutants have no phenotypic change. Here we show rlpA mutants of P seudomonas aeruginosa form chains of short, fat cells when grown in low osmotic strength media. These morphological defects indicate RlpA is needed for efficient separation of daughter cells and maintenance of rod shape. Analysis of peptidoglycan sacculi from an rlpA deletion mutant revealed increased tetra and hexasaccharides that lack stem peptides (hereafter called 'naked glycans'). Incubation of these sacculi with purified RlpA resulted in release of naked glycans containing 1,6-anhydro N-acetylmuramic acid ends. RlpA did not degrade sacculi from wild-type cells unless the sacculi were subjected to a limited digestion with an amidase to remove some of the stem peptides. Thus, RlpA is a lytic transglycosylase with a strong preference for naked glycan strands. We propose that RlpA activity is regulated in vivo by substrate availability, and that amidases and RlpA work in tandem to degrade peptidoglycan in the division septum and lateral wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Narrative and trait levels of personality were assessed in a sample of 268 adolescents from age 12 to 21 from New Zealand Māori, Chinese, and European cultures. Adolescents narrated three critical events and completed a Big Five personality inventory. Each narrative was coded for causal and thematic coherence. NZ Chinese adolescents reported lower levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness, and higher levels of neuroticism, than NZ Māori or European adolescents. Cultural differences were also evident in narrative coherence. Adolescents in all three groups demonstrated age-related increases in thematic coherence, but only NZ European adolescents demonstrated the expected age-related increases in causal coherence. Narrative identity and traits were distinct aspects of personality for younger adolescents, but were linked for middle and older adolescents. These findings support the importance of both narrative identity and traits in understanding personality development in adolescents across cultures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to achieve higher accuracy and faster response in complex process fault diagnosis, an extension sample classification-based extreme learning machine ensemble (ESC-ELME) method is proposed. In the realization process, the extension sample classification is used to divide the fault types. For each fault type, a specific extreme learning machine (ELM) is established and trained independently. Then, all specific ELMs are integrated to determine which fault is happened by the majority voting method. The proposed ESC-ELME method is compared with the traditional ELM and a duty-oriented hierarchical artificial neural network in fault diagnosis of the Tennessee Eastman process. The results demonstrate that the proposed method provides higher diagnosis accuracy and faster response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the correlation between a polymorphism of PD-L1 gene and the susceptibility of non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) in a Chinese population. Methods A total of 293 Chinese patients with NSCLC and 293 age and sex matched controls of the same ethnic origin were enrolled in this study. A/ C polymorphism at position 8923 in intron 4 of PD-L1 gene was typed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method ( PCR-RFLP). The interactions between A/ C genotype, allele frequency and NSCLC susceptibility were analyzed. Results The A/ C genotype frequencies were significantly different between NSCLC patients and controls. The AC and CC frequencies were higher in NSCLC patients than in controls (16.4 vs 8.9%, 1.0 vs 0.3%, respectively). The C-allele frequency was higher in NSCLC patients than in controls (9.2 vs 4.8%). Significant differences in the A and C allele frequencies were noted between the two groups (χ2 = 8.864, P = 0.003). More risk of NSCLC was found in individuals carrying the C allele than in those carrying the A allele ( OR = 2.203; 95% CI 1.262-3.242). In both light smokers (≤20 pack-years) and heavy smokers (>20 pack-years), individuals carrying the C-allele had more risk of NSCLC than those carrying the A-allele (light smokers OR = 1.847, 95% CI 1.001-3.409; heavy smokers OR = 3.252, 95% CI 1.196-8.845, respectively). Conclusion An A/ C polymorphism at position 8923 in the PD-L1 gene is associated with NSCLC susceptibility. The PD-L1 polymorphism plays a role in NSCLC, especially in patients with the C-allele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Promising developments in porcine islet xenotransplantation could resolve the donor pancreas shortage for patients with type 1 diabetes. Using α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout (GTKO) donor pigs with multiple transgenes should extend xenoislet survival via reducing complement activation, thrombus formation, and the requirement for exogenous immune suppression. Studying the xenoantibody response to GTKO/ hCD55/ hCD59/ hHT islets in the pig-to-baboon model, and comparing it with previously analyzed responses, would allow the development of inhibitory reagents capable of targeting conserved idiotypic regions. Methods We generated IgM heavy and light chain gene libraries from 10 untreated baboons and three baboons at 28 days following transplantation of GTKO/ hCD55/ hCD59/ hHT pig neonatal islet cell clusters with immunosuppression. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the induction of a xenoantibody response. IgM germline gene usage was compared pre- and post-transplant. Homology modeling was used to compare the structure of xenoantibodies elicited after transplantation of GTKO/ hCD55/ hCD59/ hHT pig islets with those induced by GTKO and wild-type pig endothelial cells without further genetic modification. Results IgM xenoantibodies that bind to GTKO pig cells and wild-type pig cells were induced after transplantation. These anti-non-Gal antibodies were encoded by the IGHV3-66*02 (Δ28%) and IGKV1-12*02 (Δ25%) alleles, for the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, respectively. IGHV3-66 is 86.7% similar to IGHV3-21 which was elicited by rhesus monkeys in response to GTKO endothelial cells. Heavy chain genes most similar to IGHV3-66 were found to utilize the IGHJ4 gene in 85% of V-D regions analyzed. However, unlike the wild-type response, a consensus complementary determining region 3 was not identified. Conclusions Additional genetic modifications in transgenic GTKO pigs do not substantially modify the structure of the restricted group of anti-non-Gal xenoantibodies that mediate induced xenoantibody responses with or without immunosuppression. The use of this information to develop new therapeutic agents to target this restricted response will likely be beneficial for long-term islet cell survival and for developing targeted immunosuppressive regimens with less toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of MnII glycolates (glc) between the three-dimensional coordination polymer [Mn(glc)2] n ( 1) and discrete mononuclear phase [Mn(glc)2(H2O)2] ( 2) can be reversibly switched by water molecules, which dramatically change the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of MnII glycolates from the maximum of 6.9 J kg−1 K−1 in 1 to 60.3 J kg−1 K−1 in 2. This case example reveals that the effect of magnetic coupling on MCE plays a dominant role over that of other factors such as magnetic density for 3d-type magnetic refrigerants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TbIII compound [Tb(tci)(H2O)] n · n(DMF) ( 1) [H3tci = tri(2-carboxythyl)isocyanurate, DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide] was synthesized by the reaction of terbium oxide, H3tci, and two drops of concentrated nitric acid in the presence of DMF and H2O. Single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that it features a three-dimensional (3D) framework based on infinite -Tb-COO-Tb- chains. The tci ligand in 1 links six different TbIII ions with its two carboxylate groups in μ2-κ1O;κ2O,O′ mode and the third in μ2-κ1O;κ1O′ mode. Thermal analysis reveals that it remains high thermal stability until 390 °C. Luminescence investigation shows that it emits characteristic green light of TbIII ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern Tianshan is an active intracontinental range in central Asia. Its initial timing is poorly known and still hotly debated. As the subsidence of foreland basins is intrinsically coupled with the uplift of orogenic wedges, the foreland sedimentary records may accurately constrain the Tianshan uplifting history. To better address the question, we analyse a seismic profile across the southern Junggar foreland basin to decipher its tectonic and stratigraphic history. Four structural layers can be identified in an ascending order: the Permian - Lower Jurassic transtension-related layer, the Jurassic - Cretaceous thermal-subsistence layer, the Palaeogene layer and the Miocene - Quaternary foreland sedimentary layer. The oldest sedimentary sequence in the foreland succession is of the Shawan Formation deposited at ~24 Ma based on magnetostratigraphic constraints. This indicates that foreland deformation in the northern Tianshan and uplifting of the modern Tianshan probably initiated at the beginning of the Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive study reported herein provides compelling evidence that anion templates are the main driving force in the formation of two novel nanoscale lanthanide hydroxide clusters, {Gd38(ClO4)6} ( 1) and {Gd48Cl2(NO3)} ( 2), characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. {Gd38(ClO4)6}, encapsulating six ClO4− ions, features a cage core composed of twelve vertex-sharing {Gd4} tetrahedrons and one Gd⋅⋅⋅Gd pillar. When Cl− and NO3− were incorporated in the reaction instead of ClO4−, {Gd48Cl2(NO3)} is obtained with a barrel shape constituted by twelve vertex-sharing {Gd4} tetrahedrons and six {Gd5} pyramids. What is more, the cage-like {Gd38} can be dynamically converted into the barrel-shaped {Gd48} upon Cl− and NO3− stimulus. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the linear M-O-M′ fashion and the unique μ8-ClO4− mode have been crystallized in pure lanthanide complex, and complex 2 represents the largest gadolinium cluster. Both of the complexes display large magnetocaloric effect in units of J kg−1 K−1 and mJ cm−3 K−1 on account of the weak antiferromagnetic exchange, the high NGd/ MW ratio (magnetic density), and the relatively compact crystal lattice (mass density). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic economic dispatch problem in power system considering valve‐point effects of generators is a non‐smooth, non‐convex and multi‐dimensional constrained optimisation problem. In allusion to those characteristics, this study proposes a hybrid algorithm which integrates low‐discrepancy sequences, improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm and sequential quadratic programming. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified by using case studies based on 5‐unit, 10‐unit and 30‐unit test systems over a period of 24 h. The results show that the proposed method has improved solution quality and computation efficiency, compared with most current approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mutations in activin receptor-like kinase-1 ( ACVRL-1) or endoglin ( ENG) are mostly identified in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia ( HHT) associated with pulmonary hypertension ( PH), but have not yet been studied in Chinese patients. Material and methods In this study, we investigated the clinical and molecular genetic features of Chinese patients with HHT-associated PH and analysed genotype/phenotype correlations in 14 probands and their relatives. Mutation analyses in ACVRL-1, bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 ( BMPR2) and ENG were performed in 14 Chinese Han patients with HHT-associated PH. Results The overall mutation rate was 71·4%, including 8 ACVRL-1 mutations and 2 ENG mutations, 6 of which were novel. Six patients were identified with arteriovenous malformations ( AVMs), including four patients with pulmonary AVMs and two patients with liver AVMs. Five of the patients with AVMs were identified with mutations. Most patients received targeted therapy for PH. Conclusions Our findings have revealed the clinical phenotype and molecular genetic features of HHT-associated PH in Chinese Han patients and indicate that mutations of ACVRL-1 and ENG are genetic predisposing factors in Chinese patients. Our data further addressed clinical management and have provided limited experience in treating this group of disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of inorganic gadolinium(III)-hydroxy 'ladders', [2× n] and [3× n], were successfully trapped in succinate (suc) coordination polymers, [Gd2(OH)2(suc)2(H2O)] n ⋅ 2 n H2O ( 1) and [Gd6(OH)8(suc)5(H2O)2] n ⋅4 n H2O ( 2), respectively. Such coordination polymers could be regarded as alternating inorganic-organic hybrid materials with relatively high density. Magnetic and heat capacity studies reveal a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in both compounds, namely (Δ H=70 kG) 42.8 J kg−1 K−1 for complex 1 and 48.0 J kg−1 K−1 for complex 2. The effect of the high density is evident, which gives very large volumetric MCEs up to 120 and 144 mJ cm−3 K−1 for complexes 1 and 2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-oxide fuel cells are an attractive energy conversion technology for clean electric power production. To render them more affordable, discovery of new cathode materials with high reactivity to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at temperatures below 700 °C is needed. Recent studies have demonstrated that La0.8Sr0.2CoO3/(La0.5Sr0.5)2CoO4 (LSC113/214) hetero-interfaces exhibit orders of magnitude faster ORR kinetics compared with either single phase at 500 °C. To obtain a microscopic level understanding and control of such unusual enhancement, we implemented a novel combination of in situ scanning tunneling spectroscopy and focused ion beam milling to probe the local electronic structure at nanometer resolution in model multilayer superlattices. At 200-300 °C, the LSC214 layers are electronically activated through an interfacial coupling with LSC113. Such electronic activation is expected to facilitate charge transfer to oxygen, and concurrent with the anisotropically fast oxygen incorporation on LSC214, quantitatively explains the vastly accelerated ORR kinetics near the LSC113/214 interface. Our results contribute to an improved understanding of oxide hetero-interfaces at elevated temperatures and identify electronically coupled oxide structures as the basis of novel cathodes with exceptional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Qinling Molybdenum Belt (EQMB), central China, hosting tens of Mesozoic magmatic hydrothermal Mo deposits, is one of the largest molybdenum belts in the world. Recently, a new type of Mo mineralization characterized by molybdenite-fluorite veins was discovered with ongoing prospecting at the Tumen area in the Huaxiong block, representing the southernmost tectonic unit of the North China Craton. The molybdenite-fluorite veins occur in faults or ductile shear zones cross-cutting the Neoproterozoic Luanchuan Group. At the Tumen deposit, CO2-rich, aqueous and daughter mineral-bearing fluid inclusions are observed in fluorite. These fluid inclusions resemble those reported from magmatic hydrothermal Mo systems formed in intracontinental tectonic settings and yield homogenization temperatures up to 450 °C, with salinities up to 39.8 wt.% NaCl equiv, suggesting that the mineralization resulted from a magmatic fluid system. Seven molybdenite analyses from the molybdenite-fluorite veins yield Re-Os isotope ages ranging from 845.8 ± 7.3 to 965.3 ± 7.2 Ma, with an isochron age of 847.4 ± 7.3 Ma (2 σ, MSWD = 23), marking the timing of mineralization as Neoproterozoic. These ages are broadly comparable with the 844.3 ± 1.6 Ma age reported from the Shuangshan syenite located near the mining area, and the ca. 830 Ma gabbros occurring within the same tectonic unit, indicating that the deposit was possibly related to Neoproterozoic rifting at the southern margin of the North China Craton. The age data correspond to the transition from the culmination of the assembly of the Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia to the beginning of its break-up. Our results provide new insights into the regional tectonics and show that the Mo mineralization is not related to the much younger Mesozoic Yanshanian magmatism as considered in previous studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide 2.33−2.06 Ga unique positive δ13Ccarb excursion has been correlated with the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). The Dashiqiao Formation in the Liaohe Group of the northeastern North China Craton formed at 2.2−2.174 Ga and hosts one of the world-class magnesite deposits. Here we present major element and C and O isotope analyses of 22 samples from the Dashiqiao Formation and use the data to evaluate the impact of the GOE in the North China Craton, as well as the genesis of the Dashiqiao giant magnesite deposits. Six dolomitic marble samples from a ~600 m thick interval with 1.10 ± 0.04 of MgO/CaO (mol) ratios show higher δ13CPDB values of 0.6−1.4‰ (average 1.2 ± 0.3‰) than those of normal marine carbonates over the globe. However, they display lower δ18OSMOW of 16.4−19.5‰ (average 18.2 ± 1.1‰) as compared to their contemporaneous counterparts, suggesting that the primary carbonates in the Dashiqiao Formation should possess a positive δ13C anomaly (possibly 4.2‰) reflecting the impact of the GOE, and that the δ13C and δ18O values have been depleted in post-sedimentation diagenesis and/or regional metamorphism. The >550 m thick magnesite layer in the studied section has MgO/CaO ratios ranging from 4.45−200.00. These rocks show δ13C and δ18O values of 0.1−0.9‰ and 9.2−16.9‰, with average values of 0.4 ± 0.2‰ and 13.3 ± 2.5‰, respectively, obviously lower than those of the underlying dolomites. The depletions of 13C and 18O in magnesites relative to dolomitic marbles are interpreted to be the result of hydrothermal alteration related to regional metamorphism leading to rock recrystallization and mass exchange. This interpretation is further confirmed from the hanging-wall dolomitic marble and the veinlet-filled magnesite from the ore layer. The former contains mega-crystals of cylindrical talc and has δ13C of −2.6‰ and δ18O of 14.1‰, indicating that a local fluid-rock interaction between (argillaceous) dolomite and (siliceous) hydrothermal fluids poor in 13C and 18O resulted in the formation of talc and further depletion both in δ13C and in δ18O. The veinlet-filled magnesite yields δ13C and δ18O values of −2.7‰ and 16.2‰, respectively, showing lower δ13C but higher δ18O than those of massive magnesite in the adjacent strata. Our observation thus strongly supports the interpretation that the massive magnesite interacted with low-δ13C fluids which were possibly sourced from meteoric water at low temperature during post-ore time. Thus, the formation of the Dashiqiao magnesite deposits involved primary sedimentation, diagenesis, regional metamorphism, hydrothermal replacement and local post-ore fluid-rock interaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and their pollinators may respond differently to environmental changes like climate warming. As a consequence, whether the pollinators can successfully track the migration of the plants and rebuild an effective pollinator network are crucial for mutualistic relationships, especially obligate mutualisms.Ficus altissima is a commonly planted tree out of its native range, providing an opportunity to determine if its obligatory pollinating wasp species, Eupristina altissima, can track the range expansion of its host.Using mtDNA COI gene, we found that E. altissima is the only pollinator species at introduced sites of F. altissima, thereby confirming that this specific pollinator can track the range expansion of its host fig tree. However, population genetic analysis using both COI gene and microsatellite markers detected a significant reduction in genetic variation (number of mtDNA haplotypes and microsatellite‐based genetic diversity indices) and an enhanced differentiation among populations within the expanded distribution range. These findings are consistent with the consequences of founder events.Our findings suggest that plant range expansion caused by artificial introduction may not suffer from loss of pollinators as previously expected, even within the extremely obligate mutualisms such as the fig‐fig wasp system, when pollinators can disperse, actively or passively, over long distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Periodontitis (PD) is the sixth most prevalent disease around the world and is involved in the development and progression of multiple systemic diseases. Previous studies have reported that PD may aggravate liver injuries. The objective of this study was to investigate whether and how PD affects liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: Ligature‐induced PD (LIP) was induced in male C57/B6J mice, and sub‐gingival plaques (PL) from patients with PD were applied to mouse teeth. Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: Oil, Oil+LIP, Oil+LIP+PL, CCl4, CCl4+LIP, and CCl4+LIP+PL. Alveolar bone resorption was evaluated by methylene blue staining. Hepatic function was analysed by serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic hydroxyproline. Picrosirius red and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) staining were used to evaluate the fibrotic area. RNA sequencing and quantitative RT‐PCR were used to measure gene expression. Western blotting was used to measure protein levels. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the accumulation of immune cells. Mouse microbiota were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Mice in the CCl4+LIP+PL group displayed higher serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic hydroxyproline as well as more Picrosirius red‐positive and α‐SMA‐positive areas in liver samples than those of the CCl4 group, suggesting that PD (LIP+PL) aggravated CCl4‐induced hepatic dysfunction and liver fibrosis. Consistently, the expression of fibro‐genic genes and the protein levels of transforming growth factor β were much higher in the CCl4+LIP+PL group than in the CCl4 group. Flow cytometry revealed that PD increased the accumulation of immune cells, including Kupffer cells, B cells, and Th17 cells, in the liver of mice with CCl4 treatment. PD also increased the expression of inflammatory genes and activated pro‐inflammatory nuclear factor‐kappa B pathway in the livers of CCl4‐injected mice. Moreover, PD altered both oral and liver microbiota in CCl4‐injected mice. Conclusions: PD aggravates CCl4‐induced hepatic dysfunction and fibrosis in mice, likely through the increase of inflammation and alteration of microbiota in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pH of a solution is an important parameter in crystallization that needs to be controlled in order to ensure success. The actual pH of the crystallization droplet is determined by the combined contribution of the buffers in the screening and protein solutions, although the contribution of the latter to the pH is often ignored. In this study, the effects of the buffer and protein solution pH values on the results of screening are systematically investigated. It was found that these parameters significantly affected the results and thus the following strategy for the selection of appropriate pH values is proposed: (i) when screening with only one protein solution, the pH should be as low, as high or as divergent from the pI as possible for a basic, acidic or neutral protein, respectively, within its stable pH range; (ii) when screening with two protein solutions, the pH values should be well separated from one another; and (iii) when multiple pH values are utilized, an even distribution of pH values is the best approach to increase the success rate of crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organocatalytic desymmetrization was demonstrated for 4-substituted cyclohexanones by treatment with a vinyl sulfone in the presence of an organocatalyst. The desired Michael adducts were typically obtained in high chemical yields and high to excellent stereoselectivities (up to 97 % yield, 93 % ee). An efficient desymmetrization method was developed for the synthesis of enantiomeric products by using either camphor-derived pyrrolidine V or cinchonidine-derived primary amine VII as a catalyst. The absolute stereochemistry of the (2 R,4 R)-2-[2,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl]-4-methylcyclohexanone ( 3a) and (2 R,4 R)-2-[2,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl]-4- tert-butylcyclohexanone ( 3b) was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The mechanisms underlying development of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are related to immune tolerance, but are as yet incompletely understood. Furin has been found to be essential for maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance mediated by regulatory T cells (Treg). Such effect of furin on chronic HBV infection was investigated in this study. Methods: Peripheral blood from 40 individuals with self-limited HBV infection, 40 patients with asymptomatic persistent HBV infection and 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was collected and mRNA expression levels of furin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and the Treg-function-related forkhead transcription factor FoxP3 were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg were detected using flow cytometry. Results: Furin mRNA expression in peripheral blood was significantly higher in patients with persistent HBV infection than in individuals with self-limited infection ( P < 0.01), and was much higher in CHB patients than in those with asymptomatic persistent infection ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, furin mRNA was relatively higher in patients with positive hepatitis B e antigen and higher levels of serum HBV DNA (>10 000 copies/mL). In patients with CHB, furin mRNA expression was found to correlate with TGF-β1 mRNA and FoxP3 mRNA expression using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. It was 5.7-times higher in CD4+CD25+ T cells than in CD4+CD25- T cells and correlated with the frequency of Treg ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Furin mRNA expression in peripheral blood correlates with chronic HBV infection and liver damage, and seems to participate in immune inhibitory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in HBV infection, mediated by TGF-β1 and/or Treg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric feasibility of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using CyberKnife. Methods: Fourteen previously treated patients with early-stage breast cancer were selected for a retrospective study. Six of these patients had been treated to 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions in a phase III accelerated partial breast trial and the rest of the patients were treated to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. In this planning study, the guidelines in the protocol for the phase III partial breast trial were followed for organ delineation and CyberKnife planning. The achievable dosimetric parameters from all CyberKnife plans were compared to Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D-CRT methods. The reproducibility of the dose delivery with and without respiratory motion was assessed through delivering a patient plan to a breast phantom. Different dose calculation algorithms were also compared between ray tracing and Monte Carlo. Results: For all the patients in the study, the dosimetric parameters met the guidelines from the NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 protocol strictly. The mean PTV volume covered by 100% of the prescription dose was 95.7 ± 0.7% (94.7%-97.1%). The mean maximal dose was 104 ± 2% of the prescription dose. The mean V50% and mean V100% to the ipsilateral normal breast were 23.1 ± 11.6% and 9.0 ± 5.8%, respectively. The conformity index of all plans was 1.14 ± 0.04. The maximum dose to the contralateral breast varied from 1.3 cGy to 111 cGy. The mean V5% and mean V30% to the contralateral and ipsilateral lungs were 1.0 ± 1.6% and 1.3 ± 1.2%, respectively. In our study, the mean V5% to the heart was 0.2 ± 0.5% for right-sided tumors and 9.4 ± 10.1% for left-sided tumors. Compared with IMRT and 3D-CRT planning, the PTV coverage from CyberKnife planning was the highest, and the ratio of V20% to V100% of the breast from CyberKnife planning was the smallest. The heart and lung doses were similar in all the techniques except that the V5% for the lung and heart in CyberKnife planning was slightly higher. Conclusions: The dosimetric feasibility of APBI using CyberKnife was investigated in this retrospective study. All the dosimetric parameters strictly met the guidelines from the NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 protocol. With advanced real-time tracking capability, CyberKnife should provide better target coverage and spare nearby critical organs for APBI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of mixed valence monophosphates AFe3-xMgx(PO4)3 [A = Sr(x = 0), Ba(x = 0.6), Pb(x = 0.6)] were synthesized by mild hydrothermal treatment at 210 °C. Refinements of single crystal X-ray diffraction datas show all these compounds are isostructural. The attempts to make AFe3(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb) hydrothermally in the experiment were unsuccessful. However, the Mg-doped homologues AFe2.4Mg0.6(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb) were synthesized with the addition of MgCO3 in the reactants as mineralizer. EDS and single crystal X-ray data refinement indicated that the Mg2+ cations were doped in the Fe2+ sites of AFe2.4Mg0.6(PO4)3 (A = Ba, Pb). The influence of the Mg-doping on the structure and the reason why the Mg doped in the Fe(II) site instead of A site was discussed from the point of view of the bond valence model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase ( HDAC) inhibitors exert neuroprotection in both cellular and animal models of ischaemic stroke. However, which HDAC isoform (or isoforms) mediates this beneficial effect has not yet been determined., In the present study, gene levels of the HDAC isoforms were determined in the mouse cortex using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT- PCR), whereas changes in the expression of individual zinc-dependent HDAC family members were evaluated by western blotting, 3, 12, 24 and 48 h after cerebral ischaemia induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in male Kunming mice., The HDAC isoforms HDAC1-11 were all expressed in the mouse cortex and differentially affected by cerebral ischaemia. Notably, there was a substantial increase in HDAC3, HDAC6 and HDAC11 expression during the early phases of experimental stroke, indicating their contribution to stroke pathogenesis. Furthermore, induction of HDAC3 and HDAC6 in cortical neurons by ischaemic stroke was confirmed in vivo and in vitro using double-labelled immunostaining and RT- PCR, respectively. Therefore, small hairpin (sh) RNAs were used to selectively knock down HDAC3 or HDAC6. This knockdown appreciably promoted the survival of cortical neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation., The findings of the present study demonstrate the expression patterns of HDAC isoforms during experimental ischaemic stroke. Furthermore, HDAC3 and HDAC6 were identified as potential mediators in the neurotoxicity of ischaemic stroke, suggesting that specific therapeutic approaches may be considered according to HDAC subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to compare cerebral protection using antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) with various flow rates during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in a piglet model. Twenty-three piglets were randomized to five groups: the control group ( n = 3), DHCA group ( n = 5), ACP25 group ( n = 5), ACP50 group ( n = 5), and ACP80 group ( n = 5). Three control piglets did not undergo operations. Twenty piglets underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and DHCA for 60 min at 20°C. ACP was conducted at 0, 25, 50, and 80 mL/kg/min in the DHCA, ACP25, ACP50, and ACP80 group, respectively. Serum S-100B protein and neuron-specific enolase were monitored, and brain tissues were assayed for the activities of caspase-3 and stained for the evidence of apoptotic cellular injury. Rise in serum S-100B level (post-CPB-pre-CPB) in the ACP50 group was significantly lower than that in the ACP80 group ( P = 0.001). Caspase-3 levels were significantly elevated in the ACP80 group compared with the ACP25 ( P = 0.041) and ACP50 group ( P = 0.01), while positive terminal deoxyneucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end labeling reaction scores in the ACP80 group were significantly higher than those in the ACP25 ( P = 0.043) and ACP50 group ( P = 0.023). Cerebral protection effects of ACP at 25 and 50 mL/kg/min were superior to that of ACP at 80 mL/kg/min as determined by cerebral markers, immunology, and histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 10 years, basic and clinical research in orthopaedics has developed rapidly. Understanding of orthopaedic disorders involves not only routine diagnosis, but also the pursuit of highly efficient and accurate three-dimensional imaging of the intra- and extra-medullary distribution, form and structure of orthopaedic disorders, thus allowing scientific evaluation of the indications for surgery, drawing up of the best surgical plan, minimization of operative trauma and the earliest possible restoration of limb function. Meanwhile, the most important type of basic research, which was previously biomechanical research, has gradually become computational biomechanics based on in vitro cadaver experiments. This review aims to summarize the research status and application prospects of digital technology in orthopaedics, including virtual reality technology, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping techniques, computational biomechanics, computer navigation technology and management of digitization of medical records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assembly of different levels of structure from the nano‐ to the macroscale has produced materials with outstanding performance. Here, using graphene as a model building block, the fabrication of multiscale structures is reported, with tailorable features spanning seven orders of magnitude in size by a 3D printed template‐directed assembly method which combines the ability to customize structures from the meso‐ to macroscale using digital light processing and from the nano‐ to microscale using self‐assembly. It is shown that by a careful design of the structures, a number of extraordinary properties can be produced including ultralow density (≥0.08 mg cm–3), and ultrahigh stiffness, and compressibility (full recovery from 95% strain). The approach not only provides diversified structure control over wide length scales for nanomaterial assembly but also shows the possibility of changing the properties of the structure for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]