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Flexible wearable supercapacitors based on hydrogel electrolyte are considered as flexible energy storage device with great potential. However, polymer gel electrolytes contain a large number of water molecules, which can easily freeze at sub‐zero temperatures, thus severely inhibiting ion transport. The ionic conductivity, cyclic stability and mechanical properties of gel electrolytes decrease at low temperatures (below −25°C), which seriously hinders the application of flexible wearable supercapacitors. In order to improve the mechanical properties and ensure the excellent ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, a freezing‐resistant gel electrolyte constructed by supramolecular self‐assembly, which has a wide temperature range from 25 to −80°C, stable ionic conductivity and ultra‐high mechanical strength. Low‐temperature‐resistant gel electrolytes, called flexible supercapacitor‐SBMA‐co‐PVA‐AA/CaCl2 (FSAPC), have been designed and prepared by molecular‐scale supramolecular self‐assembly of rigid [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl(3‐sulfopropyl) polymer chains and flexible poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer chains, and the test results showed that the gel electrolyte ‐SBMA‐co‐PVA‐AA/CaCl2 (PSAPC) has excellent conductivity of 34.07 mS cm−1 at 25°C, the flexible supercapacitor has a specific capacity of 8.57 Wh kg−1, and the capacity retention rate is 91.2% even after 5000 cycles at −25°C, excellent conductivity at −25°C for 31.88 mS cm−1 and at −80°C for 35.34 mS cm−1. The potential applications of the amphiphilic ionic gel electrolyte in the industrial development of low‐temperature resistant supercapacitors are noteworthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the host‐guest interactions for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters is critical because the interactions between the host matrices and TADF emitters enable precise control on the optoelectronic performance, whereas technologically manipulating the singlet and triplet excitons by using different kinds of host‐guest interactions remains elusive. Here, we report a comprehensive picture that rationalizes host‐guest interaction‐modulated exciton recombination by using time‐resolved spectroscopy. We found that the early‐time relaxation is accelerated in polar polymer because dipole‐dipole interaction facilitates the stabilization of the 1CT state. However, an opposite trend is observed in longer delay time, and faster decay in the less polar polymer is ascribed to the π‐π interaction that plays the dominant role in the later stage of the excited state. Our findings highlight the technological engineering singlet and triplet excitons using different kinds of host‐guest interactions based on their electronic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic alliances play a vital role in exploration and exploitation activities, otherwise known as the ambidextrous approach for value creation. This has led to an upsurge in studies on ambidexterity in strategic alliances by giving rise to various conceptualizations and theoretical challenges. However, we lack a systematic evaluation and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical insights from this growing body of research. In this paper, we use an integrative systematic literature review (SLR) approach to critically analyse 77 articles on ambidexterity in strategic alliances published in 38 leading journals across 13 disciplines. Findings from bibliometric and qualitative content analyses reveal three major research directions: (1) micro‐foundation and organizational antecedents of ambidexterity in alliances, (2) governance mechanisms of ambidexterity, and (3) relational and performance outcomes of ambidexterity. We integrate these findings into a unified framework which provides a foundation for future research on ambidexterity in strategic alliances, with implications for academics, policymakers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae have been a key ecological component of marine ecosystems since the Proterozoic period and are common fossil forms in Cambrian Burgess Shale‐type Lagerstätten. However, in most cases, it is difficult to place these early fossil algae into modern groups because little distinctive morphology is preserved. Here, we describe a new form of macroalgae, Qingjiangthallus cystocarpium gen. & sp. nov., from the Qingjiang biota of South China. The new taxon is represented by 546 specimens remarkably preserved with characteristics that allow a phylogenetic placement into crown groups of red algae. Centimeter‐sized thalli resemble members of the extant Rhodymeniophycidae (a subclass of the class Florideophyceae), and hence suggest a florideophycean affinity, which indicates that ahnfeltiophycidaen and rhodymeniophycidaen algae may have diverged at least 518 Ma, accordant with estimations of molecular studies. The presence of possible cystocarps on Qingjiangthallus thalli suggests that evolutionary innovation of a triphasic life cycle in red algae may have occurred no later than the Early Cambrian. The branching patterns and branch width of Qingjiangthallus are consistent with the coarsely dichotomously branched morphogroup, which was previously present in the Ediacaran, Ordovician, and afterward, but absent in the Cambrian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indocyanine green (ICG) with near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is used for lymphatic mapping. However, binding of ICG to blood proteins like serum albumin can shorten its retention time in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a new fluorescence tracer comprising phytate and liposome (LP)‐encapsulated ICG. Coadministration of phytate with LP containing phosphatidic acid promotes chelation mediated by Ca2+ in bodily fluids to enhance SLN retention. Uniformly sized LPs (100 nm) encapsulating ICG under conditions that minimized fluorescence self‐quenching during storage were produced. We analyzed the behavior of the new tracer (ICG‐phytate‐LP) and control tracers (ICG and ICG‐LP) in the lymphatic flow of mice in terms of lymph node retention time. We also tested lymphatic flow and safety in pigs that have a more human‐like lymphatic system. LPs encapsulating stabilized ICG were successfully prepared. Mixing LP with phytate in the presence of Ca2+ increased both the particle size and negative surface charge. In mice, ICG‐phytate‐LP had the best lymph node retention, with a fluorescence intensity ratio that increased over 6 h and then decreased slowly over the next 24 h. In pigs, administration of ICG and ICG‐phytate‐LP resulted in no death or weight loss. There were no obvious differences between blood test results for the ICG and ICG‐phytate‐LP groups, and the overall safety was good. ICG‐phytate‐LP may be a useful new tracer for gynecological cancers that require time for lymph node identification due to a retroperitoneal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a new type of green solvent that can be used for the separation of lignocellulosic components. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted DES pretreatment was used to treat cotton straw, which could retain most of the cellulose in cotton straw and separate hemicellulose and lignin at the same time. Here, DESs with different molar ratios were prepared using choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptor and formic acid as hydrogen bond donor. Simultaneously changing the ultrasonic frequency and DESs synergistic extraction of lignin. Results show that the ultrasonic power is 32 kHz (room temperature), ultrasound 30 min, oil bath heat 3 h under the best conditions can significantly extract lignin, and the yield of lignin is 87.7% and the purity reached 97.3%. The characteristic peaks of FT‐IR confirmed the extraction of lignin. The structural characteristics of 2D‐HSQC also confirmed the effective separation of lignin, and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the effect of ultrasound‐assisted DES pretreatment on lignocellulose structure. In short, this study provides a feasible method for the separation of lignocellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients causes chemoresistance and further limits immune cells by creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that are difficult to solve by single‐drug therapeutic approaches. Here, this work designs hybrid drug‐loaded nanoliposomes by co‐loading the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide (TMZ) and nitric oxide (NO) prodrug JS‐K with sphingosine‐1‐phosphate molecules (S1P) on the surface. The S1P‐S1P receptors axis endows nanoliposomes with rapid targeting and lysosomal escaping capability. Then, fine‐tuned TMZ release and NO gas production following JS‐K release in glioma microenvironment decrease chemoresistance and increase tumor immunogenicity through inhibiting the cellular autophagy as well as inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrates that the NO gas generation reprograms glioma microenvironment immune and inflammation‐related pathways. The positive immune response in turn effectively activates the enhanced efficacy of chemotherapy. NO gas generated nanoliposomes thus have attractive paradigm‐shifting applications in the treatment of "cold" tumors across a range of immunosuppressive indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The healing of severe skin injury is a complicated process and the development of hydrogel dressing with antibacterial and stimuli responsive abilities is necessary. Recently, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been widely used in hydrogel dressings due to its good conductivity and photothermal effects. However, there still exist some problems in the fabrication of RGO‐modified hydrogels, especially in the green preparation and dispersion process of RGO. In this work, macromolecular carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is chosen as the reducing agent for the green preparation of RGO. Hydrogels with antibacterial and stimulus‐responsive properties are constructed via Schiff base condensation between CMCS and oxidized pectin (OP). Over 95% cell viability is observed, which is critical for medical applications. RGO endows the hydrogels with relatively good conductivity, self‐healing properties, and mechanical strength. The diameters of bacteriostasis circle of the hydrogel for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus increase by 0.2 and 0.8 cm respectively after exposure to NIR for 5 min, resulting from the photothermal antibacterial properties of the hydrogel provided by RGO. This study provides guidance for the design and application of multifunctional wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent response carriers have been developed and widely used in agriculture to improve pesticide utilization. However, there are few tailored response carriers that are targeting the cotton aphid pest. Based on the temperature‐dependent growth and reproduction of cotton aphids, we constructed a tailored temperature‐responsive star‐shaped polymer to achieve on‐demand controlled release of imidacloprid (IMI) to more effectively kill cotton aphids. In this work, a series of star‐shaped polymers based on β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA), and tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Next, β‐CD‐PMEO2MA (β‐CD‐P0) micelles were developed having different controlled release rates of IMI at different temperatures (14, 21, or 27°C) following the cotton aphid growth and reproduction cycle. At 21°C, the micelle underwent a phase transition from a solution state to a turbidity state. By inducing this structural change, release of IMI was increased to adapt to the reproduction of the cotton aphid population which is highest at 21–27°C. In vitro release experiments showed that 48% of IMI was released from β‐CD‐P0 after the phase transition temperature (PTT). An aqueous solution of the β‐CD‐P0 polymer micelle was stable at 4°C for at least 28 days. Therefore, this intelligent response release model has enormous potential as a novel carrier for various pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic resonance can detect weak periodic signals from strong background noise without loss of signal energy. However, the classical bistable stochastic resonance has the inherent output saturation defect, which limits the detection performance of system. And it is more difficult to detect signal with strong background noise. In this article, we constructed improved unsaturated bistable stochastic resonance to overcome this shortcoming. The improved bistable potential function makes the output signal more easily oscillate in two potential wells. To improve the stability and the accuracy of the method, we further propose an adaptive improved unsaturated bistable stochastic resonance (AIUBSR) by constructing a synthetic index (SI). The SI combines zero‐crossing ratio and structural correlation coefficient, which can measure the periodicity of output signal and the accuracy of detective frequency at the same time. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show that the proposed AIUBSR can have good weak signal detection capability in strong background noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most undergraduate programs of chemical engineering in Chinese universities, the batch fluidized bed drying (BFBD) experiment is commonly adopted as a part of the experimental course of chemical engineering unit operation. In those BFBD experiments, the students should dry the material in a dryer, repeatedly sample and measure it outside to get its moisture content. In most cases, each sampling and measuring operation needs more than 5 min. The BFBD drying experiment conducted in that manner cannot obtain adequate, accurate data, making it difficult for the student to perform proper calculation and data analysis. In this article, the authors build a small BFBD prototype equipment and mount a set of digital temperature/humidity sensors. Then they use a Raspberry Pi 3, a kind of mini‐computer, to automatically measure and record the process parameters values online. Aided by those modern information process methods, the data accuracy and amount are all enhanced. Based on the gotten big data set, the student can get much more accurate results and do a more thorough analysis. The data analysis based on the old BFBD equipment is too straightforward and simple because it only needs the mass balance calculations. On the contrary, although the new BFBD equipment adopts an indirect way to measure the drying process, it obtains much more accurate results than before. The students must also apply more theories to get the results, such as mass transmission, the thermal balance, which makes the experiment more comprehensive. That is meaningful and helps to achieve the objectives of the chemical engineering experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncolytic virus therapy is perhaps the next major breakthrough in cancer treatment following the success in immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the potential oncolytic ability of the recombinant newcastle disease virus (NDV) Anhinga strain carried with tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has not been fully explored at present. In the present study, the recombinant NDV/Anh‐TRAIL that secretes soluble TRAIL was constructed and the experiment results suggested NDV/Anh‐TRAIL as a promising candidate for glioma therapy. Growth kinetic and TRAIL secreted quantity of recombinant NDV/Anh‐TRAIL virus were measured. Cytotoxic and cell apoptosis were analyzed for its anti‐glioma therapy in vitro. Nude mice were used for the in vivo evaluation. Both tumor volume and mice behavior after injection were observed. The recombinant virus replicated with the same kinetics as the parental virus and the highest expression of TRAIL (77.8 ng/L) was found at 48 hours. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a tetrazole and flow cytometry data revealed that the recombinant NDV/Anh‐TRAIL (56.1 ± 8.2%) virus could induce a more severe apoptosis rate, when compared with the NDV wild type (37.2 ± 7.0%) and mock (7.0 ± 1.8%) groups (P <.01), in U251 cells. Furthermore, in the present animal study, the average tumor volume was smaller in the NDV/Anh‐TRAIL group (97.21 mm3), when compared with the NDV wild type (205.03 mm3, P <.05) and PBS (310.30 mm3, P <.01) groups. Highlights: NDV/Anh‐TRAIL exerts an obvious result in U251 glioma therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo. Anhinga strain could be an effectual vector for tumor therapy. NDV/Anh‐TRAIL could become a potent candidate for clinical treatment especially for glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States play a critical role in designing institutions to facilitate international business. We study the effect of autocratic states' time horizons on their attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) through designing domestic and international institutions. We argue that autocrats with a long time horizon tend to build credible domestic commitment‐institutions that attract foreign investors; however, they are also likely to affect the design of commitment carve‐outs in international institutions, in particular bilateral investment treaties, thus weakening their institutional effect on foreign investment. We test these dual effects of regime time horizon on FDI inflow using data from 80 autocratic states over a 33‐year period and find substantial support for our arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis of patients with high‐grade or advanced‐stage endometrial cancer remains poor. As cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) are thought to be associated with endometrial cancers, it is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate endometrial CSCs. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) functions as a negative‐feedback regulator of MAPK–ERK1/2 signaling, but its role in endometrial cancer remains unknown. We investigated whether DUSP6 is involved in cancer cell stemness using endometrial cancer cell lines and specimens from endometrial cancer patients. DUSP6 induced the expression of CSC‐related genes including ALDH1, Nanog, SOX2 and Oct4A, increased the population of cells in the G0/G1 phase, and promoted sphere formation ability. DUSP6 knockdown resulted in reduced cell invasion and metastasis, whereas DUSP6 overexpression inhibited apoptosis under serum‐free conditions. Moreover, DUSP6 decreased phosphorylated ERK1/2 and increased phosphorylated Akt levels, which potentially induces CSC features. In patients with endometrial cancers, DUSP6 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry, and based on the results, the patients were dichotomized into high‐ and low‐DUSP6‐expression groups. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly shorter in the high‐DUSP6‐expression group. These results suggest that DUSP6 has potential value as a biomarker of CSCs and as a target of therapies designed to eliminate CSCs in endometrial cancer. What's new? Although cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) are involved in human endometrial cancers, the underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for CSCs in endometrial cancers remain elusive. Here, the authors found that DUSP6 plays an important role in regulating endometrial CSC phenotypes by increasing self‐renewal ability and starvation resistance. DUSP6 expression was required for inducing invasion and metastasis and resulted in ERK1/2 dephosphorylation and Akt phosphorylation, which potentially contribute to the promotion of CSC phenotypes. As DUSP6 expression was also positively associated with worse progression‐free and overall survival, DUSP6 represents a potential biomarker for endometrial CSCs and a therapeutic target in endometrial cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual‐loop wet flue gas desulfurization spray tower (DLST) is particularly suitable for achieving "ultralow" emission of SO2 for high‐sulfur coal‐fired power plants. The separator is the key piece of equipment for the DLST. In this study, to overcome the disadvantages of a traditional bowl separator, novel groove separators are proposed and compared with the traditional separator. The effects of different separators on the flue gas flow characteristic, slurry droplet distribution, mass transfer resistance, and desulfurization efficiency were analyzed through numerical simulation based on the Euler–Lagrange method and two‐film theory. The results show that, compared with the traditional bowl separator, the proposed groove separator can improve the uniformity of the gas–liquid flow field in the upper loop, increase the liquid‐film side mass transfer rate significantly, eliminate the empty spaces caused by the high‐speed bypass flue gas, and avoid the "flooding" phenomenon completely. Therefore, the resistance losses caused by the separator can be reduced, the desulfurization efficiency can also be improved by adopting the novel groove separators, and the lower the liquid‐to‐gas ratio, the more obvious the increase in desulfurization efficiency. In general, the advantages of the novel groove separators over the traditional bowl separator are obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important respiratory pathogen that affects people of all ages. Objectives: We examined the patterns of RSV circulation in 2014‐2018, and investigated their age‐specific differences in tropical Singapore. Methods: Nasopharyngeal and/or throat swabs were taken from outpatient attendees for the national influenza virological surveillance among those who presented with acute respiratory illness in the community. Specimens tested negative for influenza were then tested for RSV and other respiratory pathogens. Results: Among 8436 influenza‐negative specimens tested during the five‐year period, 5.8% (95% confidence interval 5.3%‐6.3%) were positive for RSV. The peak of RSV activity occurred around middle of the year. The age‐specific proportion of RSV detections showed a reverse J‐shaped pattern; RSV positivity was the highest in young children ≤2 years of age (10.9%), followed by those aged 3‐5 years (6.4%) and persons aged ≥65 years (5.3%), while the nadir was observed in the age group of 15‐24 years (1.2%). RSV type A was predominantly circulating in children ≤5 years of age from 2014 to 2015 and 2017, whereas in 2016, they were more affected by type B. Conclusion: Respiratory syncytial virus was more frequently detected among the two age groups that have been recommended for influenza vaccination; persons ≥65 years of age and children 6 months to <5 years of age. Characterisation of RSV activity in the community helps to better inform public health policies for effective prevention and control interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial calcification is an important hallmark of cardiovascular disease and shares many similarities with skeletal mineralization. The bone‐specific protein osteocalcin (OCN) is an established marker of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteochondrogenic transdifferentiation and a known regulator of glucose metabolism. However, the role of OCN in controlling arterial calcification is unclear. We hypothesized that OCN regulates calcification in VSMCs and sought to identify the underpinning signaling pathways. Immunohistochemistry revealed OCN co‐localization with VSMC calcification in human calcified carotid artery plaques. Additionally, 3 mM phosphate treatment stimulated OCN mRNA expression in cultured VSMCs (1.72‐fold, p < 0.001). Phosphate‐induced calcification was blunted in VSMCs derived from OCN null mice (Ocn−/−) compared with cells derived from wild‐type (WT) mice (0.37‐fold, p < 0.001). Ocn−/− VSMCs showed reduced mRNA expression of the osteogenic marker Runx2 (0.51‐fold, p < 0.01) and the sodium‐dependent phosphate transporter, PiT1 (0.70‐fold, p < 0.001), with an increase in the calcification inhibitor Mgp (1.42‐fold, p < 0.05) compared with WT. Ocn−/− VSMCs also showed reduced mRNA expression of Axin2 (0.13‐fold, p < 0.001) and Cyclin D (0.71 fold, p < 0.01), markers of Wnt signaling. CHIR99021 (GSK3β inhibitor) treatment increased calcium deposition in WT and Ocn−/− VSMCs (1 μM, p < 0.001). Ocn−/− VSMCs, however, calcified less than WT cells (1 μM; 0.27‐fold, p < 0.001). Ocn−/− VSMCs showed reduced mRNA expression of Glut1 (0.78‐fold, p < 0.001), Hex1 (0.77‐fold, p < 0.01), and Pdk4 (0.47‐fold, p < 0.001). This was accompanied by reduced glucose uptake (0.38‐fold, p < 0.05). Subsequent mitochondrial function assessment revealed increased ATP‐linked respiration (1.29‐fold, p < 0.05), spare respiratory capacity (1.59‐fold, p < 0.01), and maximal respiration (1.52‐fold, p < 0.001) in Ocn−/− versus WT VSMCs. Together these data suggest that OCN plays a crucial role in arterial calcification mediated by Wnt/β‐catenin signaling through reduced maximal respiration. Mitochondrial dynamics may therefore represent a novel therapeutic target for clinical intervention. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an important opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in humans and animals that causes diarrhea or fatal diarrhea in immunocompromised hosts. To examine the infection status and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in pigs, 725 fecal samples were collected from pigs in six areas of Fujian Province. The E. bieneusi genotypes were identified based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene by nested PCR, and its population genetics were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed that the infection rate of E. bieneusi was 24.4% (177/725), and 11 known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, CHN‐RR2, KIN‐1, CHG7, CHS5, CM11, CHG23, G, PigEBITS, and D) and 2 novel genotypes (FJF and FJS) were identified. All the genotypes were found to be clustered into zoonotic Group 1. Moreover, 52 positive samples were successfully amplified at minisatellite and microsatellite loci and formed 48 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Further population structure analyses showed strong genetic linkage disequilibrium (LD) and several recombination events (Rm), indicating that E. bieneusi has a clonal population structure. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in Fujian Province and could provide baseline data to control E. bieneusi infection in pigs and humans and deepen our understanding of the zoonotic risk of E. bieneusi and its distribution in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance and reporting of epidemiological features of seasonal influenza mostly are aggregates across all‐ages. We investigated age‐specific differences in distribution of influenza virus (sub)types in tropical Singapore, using laboratory‐confirmed virological data collected under the national influenza surveillance programme from 2011 to 2017. The proportion of influenza‐positive specimens from outpatients with influenza‐like illness was used as an indicator of influenza activity in the community. The highest influenza positivity for age groups of 5 to 14 years and 15 to 64 years coincided in the same month in 5 out of the 7 years under study. Influenza positivity was lowest in young children <5 years of age compared with older age groups. Influenza A(H3N2) was most prevalent in the community except in 2012 when a predominance of influenza B was observed. The dominant virus (sub)type varied across the years in children <5 years and 5 to 14 years of age. Influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant circulating virus subtype among elderly persons aged ≥65 years during the 7‐year period, and among adults aged 15 to 64 years since 2013. Knowledge about the age‐specific differences in distribution of influenza virus (sub)types helps to facilitate better understanding of seasonal epidemics and to inform targeted strategies in prevention and control of influenza virus transmission. Highlight: Influenza peak for age groups of 5–14 years and 15–64 years mostly coincided in the same month.Influenza positivity was lowest in young children <5 years of age.Children <5 years of age experienced a mixture of influenza A and B viruses as the predominant types.Age groups of 5–14 years and 15–64 years were mostly affected by A(H3N2) followed by influenza B.Influenza A(H3N2) was particularly prevalent in elderly persons aged ≥65 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been reported frequently in India and other countries in South Asia. There are few reports on the clinicopathological features of OSF in China, where OSF is an epidemic. This study analyses the clinicopathological features of OSF in Hunan Province, China.Methods: A total of 674 cases of OSF were collected from July 2013 to August 2018 in Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, and gender, age, site, pathological stage, habits, symptoms and associated lesions were recorded.Results: The male to female ratio was 32.7:1. The average age was 35.23 ± 10.08. The buccal mucosa was the most common site. A total of 99.85% of OSF cases chewed areca nut. Pale mucosa, restricted mouth opening, burning and fibrous bands were common clinical manifestations. Oral leukoplakia (OLK) was the most common associated lesion. The extended duration of chewing areca nut increased the risk of associated lesions (P < 0.05). The risk of OSF associated with OLK decreased with increasing OSF stage (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The prevalence of OSF in males was higher than that in females, the buccal mucosa was most affected, and chewing areca nut is the most common habit of OSF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dickkopf‐3 (DKK3) is frequently down‐regulated by promoter hypermethylation and is closely associated with a poor prognosis in many cancers. Our previous studies have shown that miR‐708 down‐regulates DKK3 at the post‐transcriptional level in B‐ALL. However, whether transcriptional mechanisms lead to DKK3 silencing remains unclear. Here, we analysed the promoter regions of DKK3 by bioinformatics and found binding sites for MYCN. A dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and ChIP experiments revealed that MYCN negatively regulates DKK3 at the transcriptional level in B‐ALL cell lines, and using bisulphite sequencing PCR, we affirmed that MYCN has no effect on the methylation of the DKK3 promoter. MYCN silencing in B‐ALL cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and G1 phase arrest. Treatment with MYCN siRNA or 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐AdC), a demethylating agent, significantly increased the levels of DKK3 mRNA and protein and decreased the protein levels of p‐GSK3β and nuclear β‐catenin, which indicates inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vitro. MYCN knockdown significantly decreased the tumorigenic capacity of Nalm6 cells, which restored DKK3 levels and inhibited the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vivo. Our study provides an increased understanding of adult B‐ALL pathogenesis, which may be beneficial to the development of effective prognostic markers or therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By simple modification of the functional groups on the donor unit, the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties of emitters can easily be manipulated. A series of deep blue to blue emissive TADF derivatives is developed, capable of deep‐blue emissions from 403 to 460 nm in toluene. Deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on this series of TADF emitters are fabricated, resulting in an electroluminescence peak at 428 nm and a high external quantum efficiency of up to 10.3%. One deep‐blue OLED has achieved the commission internationale de l'eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.156, 0.063), which is among the best reported TADF performances for deep‐blue OLEDs with CIEy < 0.07. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of organic emitters with a donor-σ-acceptor (D-σ-A) motif is presented. Owing to the weakly coupled D-σ-A intramolecular charge-transfer state, a transition from the localized excited triplet state (3LE) and charge-transfer triplet state (3CT) to the charge-transfer singlet state (1CT) occurred with a small activation energy and high photoluminescence quantum efficiency. Two thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) components were identified, one of which has a very short lifetime of 200-400 ns and the other a longer TADF lifetime of the order of microseconds. In particular, the two D-σ-A materials presented strong blue emission with TADF properties in toluene. These results will shed light on the molecular design of new TADF emitters with short delayed lifetimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated circulating calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi), and exhibit accelerated progression of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). We hypothesized that matrix vesicles (MVs) initiate the calcification process in CAVD. Ca induced rat valve interstitial cells (VICs) calcification at 4.5mM (16.4-fold; p < 0.05) whereas Pi treatment alone had no effect. Ca (2.7 mM) and Pi (2.5 mM) synergistically induced calcium deposition (10.8-fold; p < 0.001) in VICs. Ca treatment increased the mRNA of the osteogenic markers Msx2, Runx2, and Alpl (p < 0.01). MVs were harvested by ultracentrifugation from VICs cultured with control or calcification media (containing 2.7mM Ca and 2.5mM Pi) for 16 hr. Proteomics analysis revealed the marked enrichment of exosomal proteins, including CD9, CD63, LAMP-1, and LAMP-2 and a concomitant up-regulation of the Annexin family of calciumbinding proteins. Of particular note Annexin VI was shown to be enriched in calcifying VICderived MVs (51.9-fold; p < 0.05). Through bioinformatic analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the up-regulation of canonical signaling pathways relevant to cardiovascular function were identified in calcifying VIC-derived MVs, including aldosterone, Rho kinase, and metal binding. Further studies using human calcified valve tissue revealed the co-localization of Annexin VI with areas of MVs in the extracellular matrix by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Together these findings highlight a critical role for VIC-derived MVs in CAVD. Furthermore, we identify calcium as a key driver of aortic valve calcification, which may directly underpin the increased susceptibility of ESRD patients to accelerated development of CAVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient metal-free organic emitters with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties for deep-blue emission is still challenging. A new family of deep-blue TADF emitters based on a donor-acceptor architecture has been developed. The electronic interaction between donor and acceptor plays a key role in the TADF mechanism. Deep-blue OLEDs fabricated with these TADF emitters achieved high external quantum efficiencies over 19.2 % with CIE coordinates of (0.148, 0.098). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Singapore is situated in the tropics where the seasonality of influenza is not as well defined as that of temperate countries. We examined the circulation of influenza viruses in the community in terms of the characteristics of influenza activity. We reviewed laboratory-confirmed virological data collected between 2010 and 2014 under the national influenza surveillance programme. Influenza activity was measured by the proportion of specimens from outpatients with influenza-like illness tested positive for influenza virus based on 4-weekly moving interval. Seasonal epidemics occurred around the end of previous year or the beginning and middle of the year. Increases in influenza positivity were more pronounced when there was a change in the predominant circulating influenza virus type/subtype to influenza A(H3N2). Influenza epidemics lasted about 12 weeks on average, with longer duration when there was a change in the predominant influenza type/subtype and especially when it was associated with influenza A(H3N2). Continuous influenza surveillance is important as it could provide early warning of imminent surges in virus transmission, and allow for timely implementation of public health prevention and control interventions to minimize influenza-associated disease burden. J. Med. Virol. 88:2069-2077, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors demonstrate a simple but effective way to manage the exciton, reduce the efficiency roll-off, enhance the color stability and improve the lifetime of hybrid white organic light-emitting diodes simultaneously. Red and green phosphorescent emission layers (EMLs) are connected by a mixed fluorescent blue-emitting layer (MBL), which is composed of two self-host fluorescent materials of N,N′-di-1-naphthalenyl- N,N′-diphenyl-[1,1′:4′,1″:4″,1″′-quaterphenyl]-4,4′″-diamine and bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridine]beryllium. By adjusting the mixture ratio and the thickness of MBL, the intensity of blue and green emissions can be tuned independently. A maximum power efficiency of 41.1 lm W−1 and external quantum efficiency of 15.8% is obtained without any out-coupling schemes or doping strategies. In addition, the device shows a stable electroluminescence spectrum with Commission International de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.47, 0.43) in the practical range of 1000-5000 cd m−2. Furthermore, the fuzzy interfaces between MBL and phosphorescent EMLs, and the wide distribution of charges and excitons, result in four times prolonged device lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various pathological conditions contribute to pH fluctuations and affect the functions of vital organs such as the heart. In this study, we show that in rat cardiomyocytes, acidic extracellular pH (pHe) inhibits autophagy, whereas alkaline pHe stimulates it. We also find that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) are very sensitive to pHe changes. Furthermore, by interfering with AMPK, mTOR or ULK1 activity, we demonstrate that the AMPK-ULK1 pathway, but not the mTOR pathway, plays a crucial role on pHe-regulated autophagy and cardiomyocyte viability. These data provide a potential therapeutic strategy against cardiomyocyte injury triggered by pH fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2010, the plasmon-driven catalysis using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in atmospheric environment has been experimentally reported. Recent experimental results since 2014 revealed that catalysis under aqueous condition is much better than that in atmospheric environment. In this paper, we review plasmon-driven catalysis using SERS under aqueous condition. First, the experimental apparatus developed by ourselves is introduced in detail. Second, we demonstrate the advantages of plasmon-driven catalysis using SERS under aqueous condition compared to that in atmospheric environment. Third, we review recent experimental results using this measurement method in different experimental settings under aqueous condition. The manipulation of reaction environment effectively provided the possibility to reveal the mechanism of surface plasmon catalysis for different reactions. This method has great potential to apply on ultrasensitive spectral analysis for SERS, catalysis, sensor and biology system under aqueous condition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the implication of Y-box-binding protein-1 (YB-1) for the aggressive phenotypes, prognosis and therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). YB-1 expression in PDAC, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and normal pancreas specimens was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and its correlation with clinicopathological features was assessed in patients with PDAC. The effects of YB-1 on proliferation, invasion and expressions of cell cycle-related proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were analyzed by WST-8, cell cycle and Matrigel invasion assays, Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR in PDAC cells transfected with YB-1-siRNAs. To verify the significance of YB-1 for tumor progression in vivo, the growth and metastasis were monitored after intrasplenic implantation of ex vivo YB-1 siRNA-transfected PDAC cells, and YB-1-targeting antisense oligonucleotides were intravenously administered in nude mice harboring subcutaneous tumor. The intensity of YB-1 expression and positivity of nuclear YB-1 expression were higher in PDAC than PanIN and normal pancreatic tissues. Nuclear YB-1 expression was significantly associated with dedifferentiation, lymphatic/venous invasion and unfavorable prognosis. YB-1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest by S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 downregulation and consequent p27 accumulation, and decreased the invasion due to downregulated membranous-type 2 MMP expression in PDAC cells. Tumor growth and liver metastasis formation were significantly suppressed in nude mice after implantation of YB-1-silenced PDAC cells, and the YB-1 targeting antisense oligonucleotide significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors. In conclusion, YB-1 may be involved in aggressive natures of PDAC and a promising therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much effort has been devoted to developing highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that function through phosphorescence or thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). However, efficient host materials for blue TADF and phosphorescent guest emitters are limited because of their requirement of high triplet energy levels. Herein, we report the rigid acceptor unit benzimidazobenzothiazole (BID-BT), which is suitable for use in bipolar hosts in blue OLEDs. The designed host materials, based on BID-BT, possess high triplet energy and bipolar carrier transport ability. Both blue TADF and phosphorescent OLEDs containing BID-BT-based derivatives exhibit external quantum efficiencies as high as 20 %, indicating that these hosts allow efficient triplet exciton confinement appropriate for blue TADF and phosphorescent guest emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel AIE-active (aggregation-induced emission) molecules, named SAF-2-TriPE, SAF-3-TriPE, and SAF-4-TriPE, were designed and synthesized through facile reaction procedures. We found that incorporation of the spiro-acridine-fluorene (SAF) group, which is famous for its excellent hole-transporting ability and rigid structure, at different substitution positions on the phenyl ring affected the conjugation lengths of these compounds. Consequently, we have obtained molecules with different emission colors and properties without sacrificing good EL (electroluminescence) characteristics. Accordingly, a device that was based on compound SAF-2-TriPE displayed superior EL characteristics: it emitted green light with ηc, max=10.5 cd A−1 and ηext, max=4.22 %, whereas a device that was based on compound SAF-3-TriPE emitted blue-green light with ηc, max=3.9 cd A−1 and ηext, max= 1.71 %. These compounds also displayed different AIE performances: when the fraction of water in the THF solutions of these compounds was increased, we observed a significant improvement in the ΦF of compounds SAF-2-TriPE and SAF-3-TriPE; in contrast, compound SAF-4-TriPE showed an abnormal phenomenon, in that it emitted a strong fluorescence in both pure THF solution and in the aggregated state without a significant change in ΦF. Overall, this systematic study confirmed a relationship between the regioisomerism of the luminophore structure and its AIE activity and the resulting electroluminescent performance in non-doped devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor is realized on the facet of an optical fiber. A SERS radar configuration consisting of a parabolic mirror and a 3D spherical SERS body is designed. The parabolic mirror is used to focus the excitation laser light onto the surface of the SERS body, and to collect and reflect the Raman scattered light back into the optical fiber. The SERS body's surface consists of microscale trenches and is covered with gold nanogratings and nanoparticles on a thick gold film with a thin SiO2 spacer. Nanoscale 3D printing technology, thermal evaporation, and UV laser pulse irradiation are used to fabricate and metalize the mold of the 3D SERS radar configuration. The performance of this Au‐based SERS fiber sensor is competitive with those of Ag‐based SERS fiber sensors reported in the literature. It exhibits a detection limit of 10−6 m for crystal violet in ethanol using 30 mW of 785 nm excitation (off resonance with the crystal violet electronic absorption) and 10 s acquisition time. Such a 3D scheme expands the design possibilities of SERS nanostructures on the facets of optical fibers enormously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A BiNPs@NPCGS nanocomposite was designed for highly efficient detection of multiple heavy-metal ions by in situ synthesis of bismuth-nanoparticle (BiNP)-enriched nanoporous carbon (NPS) on graphene sheet (GS). The NPCGS was prepared by pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals deposited on graphene oxide and displayed a high surface area of 1251 m2 g−1 and a pore size of 3.4 nm. BiNPs were deposited on NPCGS in situ by chemical reduction of Bi3+ with NaBH4. Due to the restrictive effect of the pore/surface structure of NPCGS, the BiNPs were uniform and well dispersed on the NPCGS. The BiNPs@NPCGS showed good conductivity and high effective area, and the presence of BiNPs allowed it to act as an efficient material for anodic-stripping voltammetric detection of heavy-metal ions. Under optimized conditions, the BiNPs@NPCGS-based sensor could simultaneously determine Pb2+ and Cd2+ with detection limits of 3.2 and 4.1 n M, respectively. Moreover, the proposed sensor could also differentiate Tl+ from Pb2+ and Cd2+. Owing to its advantages of simple preparation, environmental friendliness, high surface area, and fast electron-transfer ability, BiNPs@NPCGS showed promise for practical application in sensing heavy-metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To understand the function development of bladder and its evaluation in neonates and infants less than 2 years old. Methods Literature on neonatal and infant bladder function development and urodynamic evaluation were collected and reviewed. Results Normal range of bladder volume, pressure during voiding and other parameters in neonates and infants less than 2 years old is far from set up, making interpretation of UDS findings difficult. This review provides insight into the bladder development process and problems of the lower urinary tract in this age group with special emphasis on the urodynamic evaluation. Conclusions Further animal and human studies will increase our understanding of bladder development leading toward mature function. UDS are still important in providing information for early bladder dysfunction in newborns and infants. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:554-560, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]