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This paper presents an adaptive robust constraint controller for a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system based on a self‐organizing fuzzy neural network (SOFNN). Due to the high complexity of the chemical reactions, the CSTR system contains many strong nonlinearities and uncertainties. This is the first time to introduce the SOFNN into the adaptive controller design of the CSTR system, which improves the adaptability to dynamic system changes through the adjustment of the fuzzy network structure. Meanwhile, the time‐varying integral barrier Lyapunov functions (TVIBLFs) are employed to ensure the dimensionless reactant concentration and mixture temperature within a reasonable scope, which can improve the stability and safety of the CSTR system. Based on Lyapunov stability analysis, all the signals in a closed‐loop system are ultimately bounded. Simulation results substantiate the efficacy of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are potential prognostic indicators. Radiomics may help reduce unnecessary invasive operations. Purpose: To analyze the association between TLSs and prognosis, and to establish a nomogram model to evaluate the expression of TLSs in breast cancer (BC) patients. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: Two hundred forty‐two patients with localized primary BC (confirmed by surgery) were divided into BC + TLS group (N = 122) and BC − TLS group (N = 120). Field Strength/Sequence: 3.0T; Caipirinha‐Dixon‐TWIST‐volume interpolated breath‐hold sequence for dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI and inversion‐recovery turbo spin echo sequence for T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI). Assessment: Three models for differentiating BC + TLS and BC − TLS were developed: 1) a clinical model, 2) a radiomics signature model, and 3) a combined clinical and radiomics (nomogram) model. The overall survival (OS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) were compared to evaluate the prognostic value of TLSs. Statistical Tests: LASSO algorithm and ANOVA were used to select highly correlated features. Clinical relevant variables were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and through decision curve analysis (DCA). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate. Results: The radiomics signature model (training: AUC 0.766; test: AUC 0.749) and the nomogram model (training: AUC 0.820; test: AUC 0.749) showed better validation performance than the clinical model. DCA showed that the nomogram model had a higher net benefit than the other models. The median follow‐up time was 52 months. While there was no significant difference in 3‐year OS (P = 0.22) between BC + TLS and BC − TLS patients, there were significant differences in 3‐year DFS and 3‐year DMFS between the two groups. Data Conclusion: The nomogram model performs well in distinguishing the presence or absence of TLS. BC + TLS patients had higher long‐term disease control rates and better prognoses than those without TLS. Evidence Level: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To estimate the prevalence and bother of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the work-related and individual factors associated with LUTS among a representative sample of female nurses. Background. A healthy nursing workforce is essential to advance global health goals, especially during times of extraordinary demand for nursing care. LUTS frequently occur and persist in women and are correlated with multiple negative health outcomes and diminished work engagement and productivity. However, the study of LUTS among female nurses failed to receive sufficient attention from researchers. Methods. We used baseline data for 13,191 female nurses in China collected for the prospective cohort study, the Nurse Urinary Related Health Study (NURS). We assessed nurses' self-reported LUTS and symptom-related bother using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female LUTS. We used descriptive statistics to summarize LUTS prevalence and its related bother and a mixed-effects logistic regression model to test the effects of work-related and individual factors on LUTS. Results. Most of the participants in this study were younger than 40 years old (82.9%), were married (74.8%), and had given birth once or never (73.7%). Few participants had chronic diseases (3.4%), consumed alcohol (7.3%), smoked (0.4%), or had overweight/obesity (27.7%). The prevalence of any LUTS was 51.1%, and over 50% of the nurses with LUTS in this study had experienced moderate or severe bother, except for urinary frequency. Working longer than five years, more than 40 hours per week, and in Level A, major tertiary hospitals were found to be risk factors of LUTS, and a nurse-to-bed ratio higher than 0.40 was found to be a protective factor. Increased fluid intake also was found to be a protective factor of LUTS in nurses, and having chronic constipation was found to be a risk factor. Conclusions. LUTS are highly prevalent and severely bothersome among female nurses in China, despite the fact that the female nurses in this study were relatively young, healthy, had few childbirths, and were living healthy lifestyles. This finding warrants remedial action that is related to both behavioral and environmental factors to ensure a healthy nursing workforce. Nurses cannot reasonably be expected to contribute to global health when one of their basic needs as humans, i.e., the normal function of urinary elimination, is ignored. Implications for Nursing Management. Nurse managers should be aware that nurses' basic needs regarding urination are negatively affected by LUTS and related bother. Nurse managers should address LUTS-related problems on multiple levels, including overseeing and reporting LUTS in nurses, exploring innovative care models to mitigate the negative effects of excessive workloads on nurses, and remodeling the nursing culture and encouraging positive coping behaviors for the self-health of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is a fundamental process that generates new cell types during development in eukaryotic species. In plant development, post‐embryonic organogenesis driven by ACD is universal and more important than in animals, in which organ pattern is preset during embryogenesis. Thus, plant development provides a powerful system to study molecular mechanisms underlying ACD. During the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of the key components and mechanisms involved in this important process in plants. Here, we present an overview of how ACD is determined and regulated in multiple biological processes in plant development and compare their conservation and specificity among different model cell systems. We also summarize the molecular roles and mechanisms of the phytohormones in the regulation of plant ACD. Finally, we conclude with the overarching paradigms and principles that govern plant ACD and consider how new technologies can be exploited to fill the knowledge gaps and make new advances in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flowering plants (angiosperms), fertilization of the egg cell by one sperm cell produces an embryo, whereas fusion of a second sperm cell with the central cell generates the endosperm. In most angiosperms like Arabidopsis, a pollen grain contains two isomorphic sperm cells required for this double fertilization process. A long‐standing unsolved question is whether the two fertilization events have any preference. A tool to address this question is the usage of the cyclin‐dependent kinase a1 (cdka;1) mutant pollen, which produces a single sperm‐like cell (SLC). Here, we first adopt a complementation‐based fluorescence‐labeling method to successfully separate and collect cdka;1 mutant pollen containing a single SLC. Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that cdka;1 SLCs show a gene expression profile highly similar to that of sperm cells and not to the generative cell, precursor of the two sperm cells. Pollination assays using a limited number of cdka;1 mutant pollen revealed that in 98.2% of the ovules, single fertilization of the egg cell occurred. Pollination of pistils with excessive cdka;1 mutant pollen allowed the delivery of a second SLC via fertilization recovery, which fertilized the central cell, resulting in 20.7% double‐fertilized ovules. This indicates that cdka;1 SLCs are able to fertilize both the egg and the central cell. Taken together, our findings have answered a long‐standing question and support that preferential fertilization of the egg cell is evident in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep cryogenic treatment of tool steels, incorporated in conventional hardening and tempering, has been a topic of intensive research in recent years. Yet, the governing microstructural mechanisms involved in the deep cryogenic treatment of high‐alloyed tool steels are still controversial. Thus, an in situ X‐ray diffraction study is conducted on three tool steels X38CrMoV5‐3, X153CrMoV12, and ~X190CrVMo20‐4 to shed light on microstructural evolution during cryogenic treatment and subsequent tempering. For these high‐alloyed tool steels, the transformation of retained austenite into martensite is detected during the cooling phase of the cryogenic treatment. A change in tetragonality of martensite occurs mainly in the heating phase of the subsequent tempering process, which indicates the diffusion of carbon and carbide precipitation from the martensite. The microstructure evolution of the tool steels after hardening, cryogenic treatment, and tempering is further examined by scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In the leaf epidermis, stomatal pores allow gas exchange between plants and the environment. The production of stomatal guard cells requires the lineage cells to divide asymmetrically. In this Insight review, we describe an emerging picture of how intrinsic molecules drive stomatal asymmetric cell division in multidimensions, from transcriptional activities in the nucleus to the dynamic assembly of the polarity complex at the cell cortex. Given the significant roles of stomatal activity in plant responses to environmental changes, we incorporate recent advances in external cues feeding into the regulation of core molecular machinery required for stomatal development. The work we discuss here is mainly based on the dicot plant Arabidopsis thaliana with summaries of recent progress in the monocots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation causes tissue damage and promotes ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), and the infiltration and polarization of macrophages play an important role in regulating inflammation post-MI. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory function of curcumin after MI and studied its relationship with macrophage polarization. In vivo, curcumin not only attenuated ventricular remodeling 3 months after MI but also suppressed inflammation during the first 7 days post-MI. Importantly, the results of qPCR and immunochemistry showed that curcumin decreased M1 (iNOS, CCL2, and CD86) but increased M2 macrophage (Arg1, CD163, and CD206) marker expression in the myocardium of MI mice during the first 7 days post-MI. And flow cytometry analysis indicated that curcumin suppressed M1 (CD45+Gr-1-CD11b+iNOS+ cells) but enhanced M2 macrophage (CD45+Gr-1-CD11b+Arg+ cells) expansion in the myocardium of MI mice during the first 7 days post-MI. In vitro, curcumin decreased LPS/IFNγ-elevated M1 macrophage marker (iNOS and CD86) expression and the proportion of M1 macrophages (iNOS+F4/80+ cells) but increased LPS/IFNγ-suppressed M2 macrophage marker (Arg1 and CD206) expression and the proportion of M2 macrophages (Arg1+F4/80+ cells). In addition, curcumin modulates M1/M2 macrophage polarization partly via AMPK. In conclusion, curcumin suppressed the MI-induced inflammation by modulating macrophage polarization partly via the AMPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic granulite, garnet peridotite, and garnet pyroxenite occurred as slices or lenses within dominant felsic granulite, and they together constitute a high‐pressure metamorphic terrane in the Bashiwake unit, South Altyn Tagh, Northern Tibet, China. Previous studies focused on the metamorphic evolution, and geothermobarometry results indicated that the mafic granulite has experienced high pressure/(ultra‐)high temperature (HP/(U)HT) metamorphism, followed by a medium pressure (MP) granulite‐facies overprint. However, the nature and petrogenesis of the mafic granulite in the dominant felsic granulite are poorly known. Combining the previous geothermobarometry results with the petrographic observations, mineral chemistry, and pseudosection modelling in this study, at least four stages were suggested for the metamorphic evolution of the mafic granulites in the South Altyn Tagh, including the eclogite‐facies stage (3–4 GPa, 910–1000°C), high pressure–ultrahigh temperature (HP–UHT) metamorphism, an isothermal decompression, and subsequent MP granulite‐facies overprint. The U–Pb dating of zircons yielded two age clusters: one age cluster at ca. 500 Ma, representing the retrograde age of HP–UHT metamorphism after the eclogite‐facies stage, and another age cluster of ca. 900 Ma that represented the age of the protolith for the mafic granulite. This indicated that the protolith of the mafic granulite was formed in the early Neoproterozoic and then was taken to extreme temperatures and pressures during the early Palaeozoic orogenic event. The elemental abundances of the mafic granulites in the Bashiwake area clearly indicated that they were higher in FeO and TiO2, but were significantly lower in MgO, Cr, and Ni than those of associated garnet peridotites/pyroxenites, and they showed LREE‐enriched patterns with slightly positive Eu anomalies. Sr–Nd isotopic data suggested a basaltic magmatic origin with crust contamination for the protolith of the mafic granulite. Integrating these results together with previous studies, we suggest that the mafic granulites were derived from the basaltic magma intrusion in the continental crust during the Neoproterozoic and subsequently suffered a common HP/UHT metamorphism with felsic crust rocks in the early Palaeozoic (ca. 500 Ma) after the eclogite‐facies metamorphism related to the continental collision (>500 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell polarity plays an important role in a wide range of biological processes in plant growth and development. Cell polarity is manifested as the asymmetric distribution of molecules, for example, proteins and lipids, at the plasma membrane and/or inside of a cell. Here, we summarize a few polarized proteins that have been characterized in plants and we review recent advances towards understanding the molecular mechanism for them to polarize at the plasma membrane. Multiple mechanisms, including membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal activities, and protein phosphorylation, and so forth define the polarized plasma membrane domains. Recent discoveries suggest that the polar positioning of the proteo‐lipid membrane domain may instruct the formation of polarity complexes in plants. In this review, we highlight the factors and regulators for their functions in establishing the membrane asymmetries in plant development. Furthermore, we discuss a few outstanding questions to be addressed to better understand the mechanisms by which cell polarity is regulated in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advocacy of the use of facemasks by the public as a measure against the spread of COVID‐19 is controversial, with some healthcare professionals arguing that the use of a face mask may increase the rate at which people touch their faces, due to readjusting the mask. We assessed the facial touching behaviour of bus passengers in China before and after the outbreak of COVID‐19 and found that wearing a face mask does not increase the number of hand‐face contacts and is likely, therefore, to have a positive beneficial effect on suppressing the spread of COVID‐19 within populations when used in conjunction with social distancing measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β -catenin gene is a pivotal gene for gonad development and maintenance of ovarian function in mammals. However, little is known about its expression and function in gonad development of fish. In this study, a complete c DNA (3342 bp) sequence of β -catenin 1 was cloned from the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, by RACE PCR, which encodes a 780-amino-acid protein. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that β -catenin 1 m RNA expressions were high in the testis and ovary tissue and the expression increased as the testes developed and the early stage ovaries developed. Western blot results revealed a single immunoreactive band with an estimated molecular weight of 90 kDa in testes. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the β -catenin 1 protein was concentrated mainly in the cytoplasm of early development stage of oocyte cells and in the cytomembrane of developing and mature sperm cells. 17β-Ethinylestradiol injecting intraperitoneally into the fish decreased the relative β -catenin 1 m RNA expression level except 1 μg/g 72 hr and 5 μg/g 48 hr of treatments in the ovary by real-time PCR. These results suggest, for the first time, that β -catenin 1 is an essential protein in gonad development and might be involved in ovarian early development of C. carpio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ageing skeletal muscle undergoes chronic denervation, and the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the key structure that connects motor neuron nerves with muscle cells, shows increased defects with ageing. Previous studies in various species have shown that with ageing, type II fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibres show more atrophy and NMJ deterioration than type I slow-twitch fibres. However, how this process is regulated is largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle fibre-type specific denervation at the NMJ could be critical to identifying novel treatments for sarcopenia. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), the heart muscle-specific isoform of TnT, is a key component of the mechanisms of muscle contraction. It is expressed in skeletal muscle during early development, after acute sciatic nerve denervation, in various neuromuscular diseases and possibly in ageing muscle. Yet the subcellular localization and function of cTnT in skeletal muscle is largely unknown. Methods Studies were carried out on isolated skeletal muscles from mice, vervet monkeys, and humans. Immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry were used to analyse protein expression, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure gene expression, immunofluorescence staining was performed for subcellular distribution assay of proteins, and electromyographic recording was used to analyse neurotransmission at the NMJ. Results Levels of cTnT expression in skeletal muscle increased with ageing in mice. In addition, cTnT was highly enriched at the NMJ region-but mainly in the fast-twitch, not the slow-twitch, muscle of old mice. We further found that the protein kinase A (PKA) RIα subunit was largely removed from, while PKA RIIα and RIIβ are enriched at, the NMJ-again, preferentially in fast-twitch but not slow-twitch muscle in old mice. Knocking down cTnT in fast skeletal muscle of old mice: (i) increased PKA RIα and reduced PKA RIIα at the NMJ; (ii) decreased the levels of gene expression of muscle denervation markers; and (iii) enhanced neurotransmission efficiency at NMJ. Conclusions Cardiac troponin T at the NMJ region contributes to NMJ functional decline with ageing mainly in the fast-twitch skeletal muscle through interfering with PKA signalling. This knowledge could inform useful targets for prevention and therapy of age-related decline in muscle function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold-adapted esterase-producing strain named T1-39 was isolated from Glacier No. 1, Tianshan, People's Republic of China and identified as Pseudomonas sp. from 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The esterase (EstT1-39) secreted by this strain preferentially hydrolyzed esters of glycerol with short- and medium-chain fatty acids. Mutants of T1-39 were generated by the atmospheric and room temperature plasma method and screened for enhanced esterase activity. Among all the mutants, strain TB11 had 4.45-fold higher esterase productivity than T1-39, with high genetic stability over 10 generations of continuous cultivation. Maximum activity of EstT1-39 and EstTB11 was observed at 30 ℃, pH 9.0 and 25 ℃, pH 8.5, respectively. EstTB11 was thermally more stable (50 ℃ for 1 H) and active over a broader pH range than EstT1-39. EstTB11 also retained 38% of its maximal activity at 0 ℃ and was found to be able to hydrolyze milk fats into short- and medium-chain fatty acids at 4 ℃. The characteristics of EstT1-39 made it a cold-adapted enzyme and the EstTB11 from the mutant, with its higher activity at lower temperatures, may be suitable for the production of aromas and flavors in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral imaging technology was used to assess the soluble solids content (SSC), titrable acidity content (TAC), and firmness of hami melons. The mean spectra were extracted from the regions of interest (ROI) of the hyperspectral images of each hami melon. Spectral data were first pretreated with different preprocessing methods and analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) method to build calibration models. However, full spectral data contain a great number of redundant and colinear variables that lead to poor predicting ability of calibration models. Three typical variable selection methods, i.e., the genetic algorithm (GA), successive projections algorithm (SPA), and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were used to extract effective wavelength variables from the full spectra for determination of SSC, TAC, and firmness of hami melon. The results showed that the SNV-CARS-PLS model based on 51 and 40 wavelength variables achieved the optimal performance for SSC and TAC compared with full spectral SNV-PLS, SNV-GA-PLS, and SNV-SPA-PLS models. The RP, RMSEP, and RPD of SNV-CARS-PLS model for SSC were 0.9606, 0.3816, and 3.598, respectively, and 0.9125, 0.0263, and 2.445 for TAC, respectively. The best model for predicting firmness was RAW-CARS-PLS model based on 57 wavelength variables with the RP RMSEP, and RDP values of 0.8671, 20.05, and 1.996, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that the CARS is a powerful method for selecting effective wavelength variables and demonstrated the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging technology as a fast and nondestructive method for simultaneous detection of SSC, TAC, and firmness of hami melons. Practical applications The quality of melon has a direct relationship with the soluble solids content, titrable acidity content, and texture of melon. To ensure the best taste and highest nutritional value, it is better for melons to be harvested when completely mature. Nowadays, melons were harvested according to different fruit development times after flowering. Traditional methods for detection of internal qualities and maturity of melon mainly focus on the appearance of melon and depend on the feelings of professionals, which are tedious, time-consuming, expensive, and greatly influenced by subjective factors. More than anything, Traditional methods are hard to be highly accurate. Hyperspectral imaging technology has the advantages of rapid and nondestructive. The results showed that hyperspectral imaging technology for the simultaneous detection of soluble solids content, titrable acidity content, and firmness of melon is feasible. And the results can provide a reference for detecting large fruits by using hyperspectral imaging technology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection ( LTBI) in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) and to evaluate the role of chest computed tomography ( CT) in the screening of LTBI. Methods A single-center retrospective study was conducted and all IBD patients who had been screened for LTBI by T-SPOT. TB between December 2011 and January 2016 were enrolled in the study. Both inpatient and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. Results Altogether 534 IBD patients were included. The positivity rate of T-SPOT. TB was 18.0% overall, 31.9% in IBD unclassified, 22.5% in ulcerative colitis and 13.0% in Crohn's disease patients, respectively. Age, history of TB and the administration of immunosuppressants were significantly associated with T-SPOT. TB positivity. Among 123 patients who underwent serial testing, the conversion and reversion rate of T-SPOT.TB was 10.2% and 42.9%, respectively. Furthermore, 102 of 447 (22.8%) patients who underwent chest computed tomography ( CT) were found with abnormal CT findings suggestive of LTBI. The concordance rate was 75% between the T-SPOT.TB and chest CT with a kappa value of 0.25 (95% CI 0.15-0.35). Conclusions The prevalence of LTBI in IBD patients is high in China. Chest CT is recommended as an alternative to IGRA for screening LTBI of IBD patients before commencing immunosuppressive therapy in high-prevalence regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Forced-choice Graphics Memory Test ( FGMT) is a newly developed measure to assess feigned cognitive impairment. This study investigated the ability and reliability of FGMT for identification of malingering in patients with traumatic brain injury ( TBI). Methods The FGMT was administered to 40 healthy volunteers instructed to respond validly (Healthy Control, H-C), 40 healthy volunteers instructed to feign cognitive impairment (Healthy Malingering, H-M), 40 severe TBI patients who responded validly ( TBI control, TBI-C), and 30 severe TBI patients who evidenced invalid performance ( TBI malingering, TBI-M). Results Both malingering groups (H-M and TBI-M) performed much more poorly than the nonmalingering groups (H-C and TBI-C). The FGMT overall total score, score on easy items, and score on hard items differed significantly across the four groups. The total score showed the highest classification accuracy in differentiating malingering from nonmalingering. A cutoff of less than 18 (total items) successfully identified 95% of TBI-C and 93.3% of TBI-M participants. The FGMT also demonstrated high test-retest reliability and internal consistency. FGMT scores were not affected by TBI patients' education, gender, age, or intelligence. Conclusion Our results suggest that the FGMT can be used as a fast and reliable tool for identification of feigned cognitive impairment in patients with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between over-expression of the neuropilin 1 ( NRP1) gene and growth, survival, and radio-sensitivity of non-small cell lung carcinoma ( NSCLC) cells. 3-[4,5-dimethylthylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium broide (MTT) and colony assays were then performed to determine the effect of NRP1 inhibition on the in vitro growth of NSCLC cells. The Annexin V-Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) apoptosis detection assay was performed to analyse the effect of NRP1 enhancement on apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Transwell invasion and migration assays were employed to examine the metastatic ability of A549 cells post X-ray irradiation. In addition, Western blot assays were carried out to detect the protein level of VEGFR2, PI3K and NF-κB. Finally, to examine the effect of sh NRP1 on proliferation and radio-sensitivity in vivo, a subcutaneous tumour formation assay in nude mice was performed. Microvessel density in tumour tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The stable transfected cell line (sh NRP1-A549) showed a significant reduction in colony-forming ability and proliferation not only in vitro, but also in vivo. Moreover, sh RNA-mediated NRP1 inhibition also significantly enhanced the radio-sensitivity of NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The over-expression of NRP1 was correlated with growth, survival and radio-resistance of NSCLC cells via the VEGF- PI3K- NF-κB pathway, and NRP1 may be a molecular therapeutic target for gene therapy or radio-sensitization of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Two phenoxo-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes (Cu2L12, Cu2L22) with N-salicylidene glycine Schiff bases were prepared and evaluated their performance for catalyzing the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl picolinate (PNPP). The observations reveal that the as-prepared dinuclear copper(II) complexes exhibited better activity by two to three orders of magnitude rate enhancement in comparison with the autohydrolysis rate of PNPP. Chloro-containing Cu2L22 aroused approximately three times kinetic advantage over chloro-free Cu2L12 at pH 7.0, which is probably contributed to the electron-withdrawing inductive effect of the 5′-chloride group. Moreover, it was found that the pH-responded kinetic behavior displayed an enzyme-like property for the PNPP hydrolysis by the two complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the growing demand for vegetable oil, currently exploration of some non-conventional oils is of great concern. This study firstly analyzed the contents of fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols in Catalpa ovata seed oil collected from four different Provinces in China. Then the composition of flavonoids as well as their antioxidant activities in defatted seed meal was determined. The results showed that the relative oil content in C. ovata seeds ranged from 24.0 to 36.0 % and seed oil was mainly composed of fatty acids linoleic acid (43.4-50.1 %), α-linolenic acid (23.8-24.4 %), and oleic acid (13.1-16.2 %). The content of unsaturated fatty acids was up to 85.0 %. Sterol in seed oil mainly contained campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol. β-sitosterol accounted for 74.0 % of the total sterol. The tocopherol content was 173.0-225.7 mg/100 g. Defatted seed meal from Hubei Province showed the highest content of total flavonoids (11 mg/g) and the strongest activities for DPPH radicals scavenging, ABTS radicals scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power compared with other defatted seed meal in this study. Seven flavonoids were identified from C. ovata seed meal. These results suggest that C. ovata seeds may be developed as a new source of oil and can also be properly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors ( CEOTs) are rare neoplasms derived from dental tissue with the unique characteristic of calcifying amyloid-like material. Objectives To establish primary CEOT epithelial-derived cell populations, investigate the expression of enamel matrix proteins ( EMPs), and identify potential ameloblastin ( AMBN) and patched 1 ( PTCH1) gene alterations. Materials and Methods A 28-year-old patient with a lesion of the posterior maxilla, radiographically characterized by a radiolucency with well-defined borders containing mixed radiopacities, agreed to participate with informed consent. The patient's biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CEOT, and a small representative tumor fragment was ascertained for cell culture. Explant cultures were established and used to establish primary cell populations. These were analyzed for morphology, cell proliferation, mineralization activity, expression of epithelial-associated markers ( qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry), and gene mutations of AMBN or PTCH1. DNA was extracted from tumor cells and gene coding and exon-intron boundaries overlapping fragments amplified. PCR products were bidirectional DNA sequenced and compared against reference sequence. Results A CEOT cell population was established and proliferated in culture and could be maintained for several passages. Expression of EMPs, cytokeratin 14 and 17, and patched ( PTCH1), as well as ALP activity, was detected. These cells also had the ability to mineralize, similar to the primary tumor. Two AMBN alterations were identified in the sample: c.1323G>A/A441A (rs7680880) and c.1344*+111delA. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the PTCH1 gene. Conclusions Our data support the establishment of a CEOT-derived cell population, which expresses known epithelial-associated proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human primary fibroblasts are a popular type of somatic cells for the production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Here we characterized biological properties of primary fibroblasts in terms of cell-growth rate, cytogenetic stability, and the number of inactive X chromosomes during long-term passaging. We produced eight lines of female human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and found normal karyotype and expected pattern of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) at low passages (Passage P1-5). However, four out of the eight HDF lines at high passage numbers (⩾ P10) exhibited duplicated hallmarks of inactive X chromosome including two punctuate signals of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) RNA signals in approximately 8.5-18.5% of the cells. Our data suggest that the copy number of inactive X chromosomes in a subset of female HDF is increased by a two-fold. Consistently, DNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) identified 3-4 copies of X chromosomes in one nucleus in this subset of cells with two inactive Xs. We conclude that female HDF cultures exhibit a higher risk of genetic anomalies such as carrying an increased number of X chromosomes including both active and inactive X chromosomes at a high passage (⩾ P10). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transgenic mouse model expressing Simian virus 40 T-antigen (SV40Tag) under the control of a tetracycline system was generated. In this model, a cerebellar tumor was developed after doxycycline hydrochloride treatment. Real time-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry results indicated that the SV40Tag gene was expressed in the tumor. Pathological analysis showed that the tumor belonged to medulloblastoma. Further molecular characterization of the tumor demonstrated that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway was activated. We also found that the SV40Tag could bind and translocate insulin receptor substrate 1 into the nucleus in primary cultured tumor cells. The interaction between the IGF pathway and SV40Tag may contribute to the process of malignant transformation in medulloblastoma. This transgenic animal model provides an important tool for studies on the signal pathways involved in the preneoplastic process in medulloblastoma and could help to identify therapeutic targets for brain tumors. ( Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 234–240) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the influence of maximal bite force, maximal tongue pressure, number of mastications and swallowing on the oro-pharyngeal residue in the elderly. Background: Oro-pharyngeal residue in the elderly is an indication of dysphagia. Pharyngeal residue is especially critical as it may cause aspiration pneumonia, which is one of the major causes of death in elderly. Materials and methods: Videofluorographic recordings were performed on 14 elderly volunteers (six males, eight females, age range 65–93 years) without any history or symptoms of dysphagia. The subjects were instructed to consume 9 g of barium containing bread in two manners; free mastication and swallow (FMS: masticate and swallow freely), and limited mastication and swallow (LMS: swallow once after 30 chewing actions). The amount of oral and pharyngeal residue was evaluated using a 4-point rating scale. Maximal occlusal force was measured by a pressure sensitive sheet, and maximal tongue pressure using a handy probe. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of these items on the amount of oral and pharyngeal residue in FMS and LMS. Results: In FMS, age was found to be a factor which increased oral residue ( p = 0.053), and the number of swallowing ( p = 0.017) and the state of the prosthesis ( p = 0.030) reduced the pharyngeal residue. In LMS, tongue pressure was a factor which reduced oral residue ( p = 0.015) and increased pharyngeal residue ( p = 0.008). Conclusion: It is suggested that in the elderly tongue pressure contributed to propulsion of the food bolus from oral cavity into the pharynx, and multiple swallowing contributed to the reduction in the amount of pharyngeal residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine is commonly used as a first-line agent in the treatment of patients with septic shock. The use of dopamine rarely causes symmetric peripheral dry gangrene. If the symmetric peripheral dry gangrene occurs in the patient after dopamine injection, it easily leads to disagreement between doctors and patients. A 60-year-old woman who had sudden septic shock was sent to intensive care unit (ICU). She was received dopamine injection according to the routine during treatment. Over the next 3 months, her limbs developed to dry gangrene and required amputation. The result shows that the occurrence of dry gangrene could only be associated with the long-term excessive use of dopamine according to the medical records. Although dopamine is a conventional drug for the treatment of septic shock, the forensic workers and clinicians must realize that vasopressors such as dopamine have been implicated directly or as a contributory cause in dry gangrene cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient utilization of clean and safe sunlight as an excitation source for room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials is crucial for practical applications in solar energy. Herein, sunlight‐activated RTP nitrogen‐doped carbon dots @ alumina (N‐CDs@Al2O3) composites with long lifetime and exceptional stability are designed and fabricated using an in situ preparation strategy. The N‐CDs@Al2O3 display bright yellow RTP (more than 18 s to the naked eye) when activated by sunlight. The results indicate that the introduction of nitrogen into the CDs not only promotes the effective filling of triplet excitons but also facilitates the red‐shift of the absorption spectrum of the CDs. The high rigidity structure of Al2O3 and stable strong covalent bonds effectively protect the triplet excitons. Additionally, the numerous oxygen vacancy defects formed under appropriate calcination conditions effectively store and release triplet excitons. Finally, the application of N‐CDs@Al2O3 in multi‐color 3D artworks, defense markings, and emergency signs is demonstrated. This work provides design principles and feasible strategies for the development of new sunlight‐activated RTP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutton is widely consumed in China, European Mediterranean countries, and other regions around the world and is expected to gain popularity as an alternative to pork in dry‐cured hams. Changes in the physicochemical indices, volatile compounds, and endogenous enzyme activities during the processing of dry‐cured mutton ham were investigated. Eighty‐six volatile compounds were identified during the dry‐curing process, with aldehydes being dominant. Oxidation values increased significantly during dry‐curing and decreased during ripening (p < .05). The activities of lipolytic enzymes remained active throughout processing, although the activities of the enzymes decreased. Lipoxidase activity increased rapidly during the fermenting stage and then decreased gradually during ripening (p < .05). Superoxide dismutase activity increased throughout processing, whereas the catalase activity decreased. According to partial least square variable importance in projection analysis, 49 odor‐related compounds were selected from dry‐cured mutton ham as specific compounds which are related to lipid oxidation and endogenous enzyme activities. Heatmap shows that the volatile compounds were correlated with enzyme activity and the oxidation value of dry‐cured mutton ham during processing. Practical applications: Xinjiang dry‐cured mutton ham has an intense and a long‐lasting aroma. Understanding the mechanism of aroma formation related to lipid oxidation could help us to improve the product quality and optimize the duration of processing. Therefore, the present work identified the characteristic flavor compounds and provided the changing regularity of these compounds at various stages to facilitate the generation of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Composition of Catalpa ovata Seed Oil and Flavonoids in Seed Meal as Well as Their Antioxidant Activities" that was published in the 2015 issue is presented.

In recent years, substantial progress has been made regarding the molecular etiology of human structural tooth diseases that alter dentin matrix formation. These diseases have been classified into two major groups with subtypes: dentin dysplasia (DD) types I and II and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) types I-III. Genetic linkage studies have identified the critical loci for DD-II, DGI-II, and DGI-II to human chromosome 4q21. Located within the common disease loci for these diseases is cluster of dentin/bone genes that includes osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). To date, only mutations within dentin sialophosphoprotein have been associated with the pathogenesis of dentin diseases including DGI types-II and -III and DD-II. In this article, we overview the recent literature related to these dentin genetic diseases, their clinical features, and molecular pathogenesis.

Amelogenesis imperfecta hypoplastic-hypomaturation with taurodontism (AIHHT) is an autosomal dominant (AD) trait associated with enamel defects and enlarged pulp chambers. In this study, we mapped an AIHHT family to human chromosome 17 q21-q22 (lod score 3.3) and identify a two basepair deletion (CT) at nucleotide 560 in DLX3 associated with the disease. This mutation causes a frameshift altering the last two amino acids of the DNA-binding homeodomain introducing a premature stop codon truncating the protein by 88 amino acids. This is the first report of a mutation within the homeodomain of DLX3. Previous studies have shown a DLX3 mutation outside the homeodomain associated with tricho-dento-osseous syndrome (TDO) suggesting TDO and some forms of AIHHT are allelic., ((c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

A rare compound mutation involving a 36 bp deletion and 18 bp insertion within exon 5 of the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene has been identified in a family with dentinogenesis imperfecta type III (DGI-III). The DSPP gene encodes two major tooth matrix proteins dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). DSPP mutations associated with DGI-III results in an in frame truncation of the serine aspartic acid triplet repeat found in DPP near the highly conserved carboxyl terminal region shortening the protein by six amino acids. Clinically this family presents with discolored amber opalescent teeth and severe attrition of the tooth structure. This study is the first report of a mutation within DPP associated with a genetic dentin disease. Our study indicates that DGI-III is allelic with some forms of DGI-II with and without progressive hearing loss and dentin dysplasia type II that have been shown to be caused by mutations within the DSP coding or signal peptide regions., ((c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)