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The antimicrobial properties of copper ions can reduce the overgrowth of microorganisms to a certain extent. That reduces the amount of antibiotics used, to avoid superbugs and potential harm. The authors reviewed the antimicrobial mechanisms of copper and copper‐containing nanoparticles (NPs), focusing on the factors influencing their antimicrobial properties. They concluded that the antimicrobial properties were better in environments conducive to the precipitation of copper ions and exposure to microorganisms. Comparing copper with other metal ions leads to the question of why copper is such an important antimicrobial metal ion. In recent years, with the development of science and technology and the understanding of the microscopic world, scientists have skillfully applied the antimicrobial properties of copper in various settings, from direct contact with food to breeding and hygienic environments, and have confirmed the safety of the application. However, because of the toxic effect of NPs, the future goal is to synthesize a copper‐containing NP with good biocompatibility and antibacterial efficiency to benefit human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the challenges of time‐delay and low accuracy in online gas‐phase composition monitoring during olefin copolymerization processes. Three flowmeters based on different mechanisms are installed in series to measure the real‐time exhaust gas flow rate from the reactor. For the same gas flow, the three flowmeters display different readings, which vary with the properties and composition of the gas mixture. Consequently, the composition of the mixed gas can be determined by analyzing the reading of the three flowmeters. Fitting equations and three machine learning models, namely decision trees, random forests, and extreme gradient boosting, are employed to calculate the gas composition. The results from cold‐model experimental data demonstrate that the XGBoost model outperforms others in terms of accuracy and generalization capabilities. For the concentration of ethylene, propylene, and hydrogen, the determination coefficients (R2) were 0.9852, 0.9882, and 0.9518, respectively, with corresponding normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values of 0.0352, 0.0312, and 0.0706. The effectiveness of the online monitoring device is further validated through gas phase copolymerization experiments involving ethylene and propylene. The yield and composition of the ethylene and propylene copolymers are successfully predicted using the online measurement data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the influence of postoperative body mass index (BMI) change on postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) plus modified single stoma cutaneous ureterostomy (MSSCU) or ileal conduit (IC). Methods: Patients were divided into two groups according to different BMI change patterns: patients experiencing an elevated postoperative BMI level, along with a clinically significant increase in their BMI (an increase of more than 10%) were categorized as Group 1, while patients experiencing a decrease postoperative BMI level, along with a clinically significant reduction in their BMI (a decrease of more than 5%) were categorized as Group 2. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between quality‐of‐life scores and postoperative clinical parameters. Results: Spearman correlation analysis showed that postoperative BMI, late complications and catheter‐free state were significantly associated with postoperative global QoL and symptom scale in MSSCU and postoperative global QoL and physical scale in IC patients. Additionally, postoperative BMI, catheter‐free state and the use of adjuvant therapy were associated with bad performance in many scales of QoL like body image, future perspective, social scale, future perspective (MSSCU), and abdominal bloating (IC) (Table 2, p<0.05). Patients in Group 2 with significant weight loss had a better Global QoL, a lower rate of stomal stricture and a higher catheter‐free state compared with those in Group 1 in both IC and MSSCU patients. MSSCU patients in Group 2 could achieve a comparable Global QoL as to IC patients in Group 1. Conclusion: Controlling the substantial increase in body weight after surgery contributes to improving QoL, reducing the occurrence of stomal stricture, and ensuring a postoperative catheter‐free state in BCa patients undergoing MSSCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐layer multi‐pass welding is required for complicated welding of the intersecting seam in the jacket. Traditional manual welding of intersecting curves with low efficiency and poor consistency has been gradually replaced by robotic welding. However, this process cannot eliminate the defects during the welding forming process, resulting in welding deviations. It is difficult to meet the requirements in all‐position welding of intersecting curves. To achieve accurate layering and routing for robotic welding, it is necessary to study the weld forming control and prediction method in the jacket. Response surface methodology adhering to central composite design is used to establish a mathematical model to correlate the effects of input process parameters (voltage, current, speed, weaving amplitude) on response variables, i.e., aspect ratio, cross‐sectional area, and side wetting angle. The confirmation experiments and analysis of variance results validate that the percentage error between the predicted and actual values is less than 5%, which demonstrates the developed models are reliable. Prediction of filling weld forming changes of intersecting joints in jackets can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripheral corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) has been reported to affect gastrointestinal motility through corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor located in enteric nervous system (ENS), but less is known about of the relationship between peripheral CRF and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Methods: Mice were intraperitoneally injected with CRF receptor agonists to determine their effects on colonic ICC. Chronic heterotypic stress (CHeS) was applied to mice to determine endogenous CRF‐CRF receptor signaling on colonic ICC. Results: We found that stressin1, a selective CRF receptor 1 (CRF1) agonist, significantly increased the expression of CRF1 but had no effect on the expression of CRF2 in the smooth muscles of murine colon. The protein expression of c‐Kit, Anoctamin‐1 (ANO1), and stem cell factor (SCF) in the colonic smooth muscles was significantly decreased in stressin1‐treated mice. Accordingly, 2‐(4‐Chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy)‐N′‐(2‐methoxybenzylidene) acetohydrazide (Ani 9), a selective ANO1 blocker, had a less significant inhibitory effect on CMMC in stressin1‐treated mice compared to the saline‐treated ones. Similarly, we also found that ICC and ANO1 were reduced in the colonic smooth muscles of mice by treatment with sauvagine (ip), a CRF2 agonist. However, different with stressin1, sauvagine decreased the expression of CRF2 besides increasing CRF1 expression in the colonic smooth muscles. Similar results of CRF1 and c‐Kit expressions were also obtained from the colon of CHeS‐treated mice. Conclusion: All these results suggest that CRF may be involved in the abnormality of colonic motility through peripheral CRF1 to decrease the number and function of ICC, which provides a potential target for treating stress‐induced gastrointestinal motility disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal injury repair is a complex process during which the maintenance of the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) exert a crucial role. MicroRNAs have been proven to exert an essential function in repairing skin burns. This study delves into the regulatory effects of miR‐24‐3p on the migration and proliferation of HSFs that have sustained a thermal injury, thereby, providing deeper insight into thermal injury repair pathogenesis. The PPAR‐β protein expression level progressively increased in a time‐dependent manner on the 12th, 24th and 48th hour following the thermal injury of the HSFs. The knockdown of PPAR‐β markedly suppressed the proliferation of and migration of HSF. Following thermal injury, the knockdown also promoted the inflammatory cytokine IL‐6, TNF‐α, PTGS‐2 and P65 expression. PPAR‐β contrastingly exhibited an opposite trend. A targeted relationship between PPAR‐β and miR‐24‐3p was predicted and verified. miR‐24‐3p inhibited thermal injured HSF proliferation and migration and facilitated inflammatory cytokine expression through the regulation of PPAR‐β. p65 directly targeted the transcriptional precursor of miR‐24 and promoted miR‐24 expression. A negative correlation between miR‐24‐3p expression level and PPAR‐β expression level in rats' burnt dermal tissues was observed. Our findings reveal that miR‐24‐3p is conducive to rehabilitating the denatured dermis, which may be beneficial in providing effective therapy of skin burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramic was successfully fabricated without doping sintering additive by the pressureless sintering method. Γ‐Al2O3 nano‐powder that can be assimilated by the AlON matrix was used for promoting the densification of AlON during the sintering. The sintering behavior of AlON and the effects of γ‐Al2O3 nano‐powder on the phase, hardness, and transmittance of AlON have been investigated in detail. The mechanisms of γ‐Al2O3 nano‐powder on the AlON green body modifying and the sintering promoting are revealed. The transmittance of the AlON ceramic is dramatically enhanced by doping γ‐Al2O3 nano‐powder and the 2 mm thick sample doped with 2.5 wt% γ‐Al2O3 nano‐powder shows an inline transmittance above 81% at 1500 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) among patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to increase. Here, we identified potential risk factors for in‐hospital mortality among HIV‐negative patients with PCP admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 154 non‐HIV‐infected PCP patients admitted to the ICU at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and China‐Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) from October 2012 to July 2020. Clinical characteristics were examined, and factors related to in‐hospital mortality were analyzed. Results: A total of 154 patients were enrolled in our study. Overall, the in‐hospital mortality rate was 65.6%. The univariate analysis indicated that nonsurvivors were older (58 vs. 52 years, P = 0.021), were more likely to use high‐dose steroids (≥1 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent, 39.62% vs. 55.34%, P = 0.047), receive caspofungin during hospitalization (44.6% vs. 28.3%, P = 0.049), require invasive ventilation (83.2% vs. 47.2%, P < 0.001), develop shock during hospitalization (61.4% vs. 20.8%, P < 0.001), and develop pneumomediastinum (21.8% vs. 47.2%, P = 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores on ICU admission (20.32 vs. 17.39, P = 0.003), lower lymphocyte counts (430 vs. 570 cells/μl, P = 0.014), and lower PaO2/FiO2 values (mmHg) on admission (108 vs. 147, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.06; P = 0.024), use of high‐dose steroids (≥1 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent) during hospitalization (OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.07–4.90; P = 0.034), and a low oxygenation index on admission (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.99–1.00; P = 0.014) were associated with in‐hospital mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate of non‐HIV‐infected patients with PCP was high, and predictive factors of a poor prognosis were advanced age, use of high‐dose steroids (≥1 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent) during hospitalization, and a low oxygenation index on admission. The use of caspofungin during hospitalization might have no contribution to the prognosis of non‐HIV‐infected patients with PCP in the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular magnetic refrigerating material is a kind of green and environmentally friendly materials, which achieve the purpose of cooling by its magnetocaloric effect. Magnetic density is crucial to the magnetocaloric effect of the complexes, and it is usually described by the parameters of Mw/NGd or metal/ligand mass ratio, which represents the content of Gd (III) in the complexes. In order to establish the functional relation between these parameters and magnetocaloric effect, doping is a credible method without changing the coordination environment of the system, which is realized by the process of increasing Gd (III) gradually in the diamagnetic complex. Hence, a diamagnetic dinuclear Y2, four doped samples Gd0.24Y1.76, Gd0.51Y1.49, Gd1.04Y0.96, and Gd1.46Y0.54, and a pure dinuclear Gd2 were synthesized and characterized. Through the measurement of magnetic properties and data fitting, the functional relations were obtained between these parameters and −ΔSm in this dinuclear system. It is the first time that the relationships are set up via experimental design, and it will contribute to observation and comprehension of how magnetic density affects the magnetocaloric effect. In addition, the −ΔSm of dinuclear Gd2 is 29.96 J kg−1 K−1, which is higher than most of the reported dinuclear Gd (III)‐based complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Recent studies have shown that global metabolic reprogramming is a common event in plant innate immunity; however, the relevant molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a pathogen‐induced glycosyltransferase, UGT73C7, that plays a critical role in Arabidopsis disease resistance through mediating redirection of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Loss of UGT73C7 function resulted in significantly decreased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, whereas constitutive overexpression of UGT73C7 led to an enhanced defense response. UGT73C7‐activated immunity was demonstrated to be dependent on the upregulated expression of SNC1, a Toll/interleukin 1 receptor‐type NLR gene. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo assays indicated that UGT73C7 could glycosylate p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid, the upstream metabolites in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Mutations that lead to the loss of UGT73C7 enzyme activities resulted in the failure to induce SNC1 expression. Moreover, glycosylation activity of UGT73C7 resulted in the redirection of phenylpropanoid metabolic flux to biosynthesis of hydroxycinnamic acids and coumarins. The disruption of the phenylpropanoid pathway suppressed UGT73C7‐promoted SNC1 expression and the immune response. This study not only identified UGT73C7 as an important regulator that adjusts phenylpropanoid metabolism upon pathogen challenge, but also provided a link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and an NLR gene. Significance Statement: Global metabolic reprogramming is a common event in plant innate immunity; however, the relevant molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we identified that the pathogen‐induced glycosyltransferase UGT73C7 is an important regulator that adjusts phenylpropanoid metabolism upon pathogen challenge and promotes SNC1‐dependent Arabidopsis immunity, thus providing a link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and an NLR gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Limited information exists about the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Objective: To evaluate the hospital mortality of patients with ARDS in relation to BMI. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including patients with ARDS. ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Body weight and height were obtained to calculate BMI. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) free days within 28 days and length of stays in the ICU and hospital. Results: Among 523 patients, 28 (5%) were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 299 (57%) were normal weight (BMI 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), 159 (30%) were overweight (BMI 25‐29.9 kg/m2) and 37 (7%) were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Increasing BMI was associated with younger age (P = 0.017), hypertension (P = 0.003) and diabetes (P = 0.02). Compared with normal weight, being overweight and obese resulted in lower mortality regardless of whether in the hospital (P = 0.019) or ICU (P = 0.044). However, after risk adjustment, only obesity was associated with lower hospital mortality (OR 0.393, 95% CI 0.169‐0.914, P = 0.030). With the increase of BMI, the in‐hospital mortality and ICU mortality of ARDS dropped gradually (from 57.1% to 24.3%, P = 0.021, and from 53.6% to 24.3%, P = 0.035). Conclusions: Obesity is associated with lower mortality in patients with ARDS. With the increase of BMI, the mortality of ARDS drops gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The rapid synthesis of structurally complicated electron donors & acceptors still remains a major challenge in organic solar cells (OSC). In this work, we developed a highly efficient strategy to access long‐chain oligomeric donor and acceptors for OSC applications. A series of cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and benzothiadiazole (BT)‐based π‐conjugated oligomers, i.e., three oligomeric acceptors (BTDT)n‐IC (n = 1—3) and one long‐chain oligomeric donor (BTDT)4‐RD, are facilely synthesized by an atom‐ and step‐economical, and labor‐saving direct C—H arylation (DACH) reaction (i.e., C—H/C—Br cross coupling). Note that (BTDT)4‐RD involving five CPDT, four BT and two rhodamine (RD) building blocks is the longest oligomeric donor in the fullerene‐free OSC devices ever reported. The dependence of the structure‐property‐performance correlation of (BTDT)n‐IC (n = 1—3) and (BTDT)4‐RD on the π‐conjugation lengths is thoroughly investigated by opto‐electrochemical measurements, bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OSC devices and microscopies. The (BTDT)1‐IC:PBDB‐T and (BTDT)4‐RD:Y6 BHJs achieve power conversion efficiencies of 9.14% and 4.51%, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that DACH reaction is a powerful tool to tune the opto‐electronic properties and device performances by regulating the lengths of π‐conjugated oligomers with varied numbers of repeating units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intermolecular hydroalkylative dearomatization of naphthalenes with commercially available α‐amino acids is achieved via visible‐light photoredox catalysis. With an organic photocatalyst, a series of multi‐substituted 1,2‐dihydronaphthalenes are obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields. Intriguingly, by tuning the substituents at the C2 position of naphthalenes, formal dearomative [3+2] cycloadditions occur exclusively via a hydroalkylative dearomatization–cyclization sequence. This overall redox‐neutral method features mild reaction conditions, good tolerance of functionalities, and operational simplicity. Diverse downstream elaborations of the products are demonstrated. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a radical–radical coupling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intermolecular hydroalkylative dearomatization of naphthalenes with commercially available α‐amino acids is achieved via visible‐light photoredox catalysis. With an organic photocatalyst, a series of multi‐substituted 1,2‐dihydronaphthalenes are obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields. Intriguingly, by tuning the substituents at the C2 position of naphthalenes, formal dearomative [3+2] cycloadditions occur exclusively via a hydroalkylative dearomatization–cyclization sequence. This overall redox‐neutral method features mild reaction conditions, good tolerance of functionalities, and operational simplicity. Diverse downstream elaborations of the products are demonstrated. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a radical–radical coupling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partitioned methods have been widely used in multiphysics and large‐scale structure‐media problems since they allow decomposition of a complex system into smaller subsystems. Although they have been considered to be superior to monolithic methods in terms of software reuse, difficulties still exist in the implementation process. This paper addresses these difficulties and proposes a new method to ease the coupling of the dynamic subsystems analyzed with different finite element codes. This is enabled by the development of a new staggered approach such that each involved program acts as a black box that is accessible only through model input and output, that is, displacements and forces, at the interface boundary. The accuracy and stability of the proposed method are numerically evaluated. A practical method to determine the maximum time step for stable solutions is also proposed. Two application examples are presented to verify the algorithm and demonstrate potential of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense image matching (DIM) is a critical technique when computing accurate 3D geometric information for many photogrammetric applications. Most DIM methods adopt first‐order regularisation priors for efficient matching, which often introduce stepped biases (also called fronto‐parallel biases) into the matching results. To remove these biases and compute more accurate matching results, this paper proposes a novel post‐filtering method by adjusting the surface orientation of each pixel in the matching process. The core algorithm formulates the post‐filtering as the optimisation of a global energy function with second‐order regularisation priors. A compromise solution of the energy function is computed by breaking the optimisation into a collection of sub‐optimisations of each pixel in a local adaptive window. The proposed method was compared with several state‐of‐the‐art post‐filtering methods on indoor, aerial and satellite datasets. The comparisons demonstrate that the proposed method obtains the highest post‐filtering accuracies on all datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel niobate (NiNb2O6) was used to modify the barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics, the obtained NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 ceramics possess better dielectric performances than that of raw BaTiO3. By adding NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 into poly(arylene ether nitriles) (PEN) polymer, a series of NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films with different NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 contents were prepared via solution casting method. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, dielectric properties, and flexibility of the obtained NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films were investigated detailedly. As the filler content increases, the tensile modulus of NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composite films increases gradually, while the tensile strength decreases. Thermal and flexibility analysis shows that the addition of the NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 fillers does not affect the thermal and flexibility properties endowed by the PEN matrix. The dielectric constant of the composites almost linearly increases from 3.7 (1 kHz) to 15.3 (1 kHz) as the filler content increases from 0 to 40 wt%. Besides, results show that NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3/PEN composites exhibit higher dielectric constant than that of BaTiO3/PEN. The as‐prepared NiNb2O6‐BaTiO3 will be a more promising filler to prepare polymer‐ceramic composites for organic film capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane (DDT) analogs, classified as environmental endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), have been extensively employed as potent insecticides that can cause endocrine system disruption. However, the precise dynamic structural characteristics and interactions between human estrogen‐related receptor gamma (hERRγ) and DDT analogs are not yet fully understood. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the impact of these EDCs (DDT, dichloro‐diphenyl‐dichloroethane (DDD), 2,2‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)ethanol (DDOH), O,P′‐DDT (2,4′‐DDT), 4,4′‐dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP), and 4‐hydrotamoxifen (4‐OHT) on the structural changes of hERRγ and their interaction mechanisms by employing multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with MM‐PBSA and SIE approaches. The consequence manifested that overall structures of these six complexes did not transform markedly, but these compounds can affect the local hERRγ structure, leading to essential changes in interactions with pivotal residues nearby L268, V313, L309, Y326, and F435. And van der Waals interactions are the key to how these EDCs interact with hERRγ. These outcomes contribute to our comprehension the risks of DDT analogues to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Standard bi‐level non‐invasive ventilation with fixed‐level pressure support (PS) delivery may not maintain ventilation during the changes in pulmonary mechanics that occur throughout day and night, so average volume‐assured pressure support (AVAPS) modes that target a preset volume by adjustment of PS may be effective. Objective: Our meta‐analysis wants to compare AVAPS and pressure support non‐invasive ventilation (PS‐NIV) regarding arterial blood gases (ABGs), sleep efficiency and compliance. Method: Relevant publications indexed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIPI were identified. Appropriate articles identified from the reference lists of the above searches were also reviewed. We included randomized controlled trials involved the use of AVAPS and PS‐NIV ventilation for chronic respiratory failure. Each included study weighted mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value ≤ 50% were considered as no statistical heterogeneity and used fixed effects model. Otherwise, a random effects model was used. Results: Eight trials were eligible. No significant difference was observed between AVAPS and PS‐NIV groups to compare PaCO2 (OR −0.97, CI‐2.54‐0.61, P = 0.23) and PaO2 (OR −1.81, CI‐4.29‐0.67, P = 0.15) in ABGs. There was no significant difference between the two groups with sleep efficiency (OR −3.31, CI‐7.58‐0.95, P = 0.13) and visual analog scale (OR 0.32, CI‐6.97‐7.61, P = 0.93). Conclusions: The evidence shows there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes when comparing AVAPS and PS‐NIV used for chronic respiratory failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There has been a rapid increase in the number of influenza and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) co‐infection. Objectives: To explore the risk factors and predictors of a poor prognosis in influenza and IPA co‐infection. Methods: We included patients with confirmed influenza during the 2017‐2018 influenza season and cases of influenza and IPA co‐infection in the literature. Results: A total of 64 patients with influenza infection were admitted to ICU. Of these patients, 18 were co‐infected with IPA. Others were assigned to the control group (n = 46). A total of 45 patients from the literature were added to the IPA group (n = 63). A multivariate logistic regression suggested that influenza patients who were given steroids after ICU admission, who had a white blood count (WBC) of more than 10*109/L on ICU admission and whose CT findings manifested as multiple nodules and cavities might have a higher risk of developing IPA. Compared to survivors, non‐survivors had higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (16 ± 4 points vs 8 ± 4 points, P < 0.001), lower CD4+ T cell counts on ICU admission [315 (83‐466) cells/μL vs 152 (50‐220) cells/μL, P = 0.031] and more requirement extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support [13 (50%) vs 7 (18.9%), P = 0.015]. Conclusions: Influenza patients who are given steroids after ICU admission, who have WBCs of greater than 10*109/L on ICU admission, and whose CT imaging shows multiple nodules and cavities might have a high risk of IPA. Higher SOFA scores, CD4+ T cell counts lower than 200 cells/μL on ICU admission and more ECMO requirement might be predictors of a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical indications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in immunosuppressed patients are not clear. This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of ECMO and to identify the risk factors for the mortality of ECMO in immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included 46 confirmed immunocompromised patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with ECMO between July 2014 and August 2020. The clinical features and outcomes of the survival group and the non‐survival group were statistically analysed. Results: The mean age of the enrolled patients was 60.0 (50.0, 66.0) years; male patients accounted for 60.9% of patients, and the mean CD4 level was 213 cells/μL (150.3, 325.3). The hospital mortality rate of the cohort was 67.4% (31/46 patients). Patients in the survival group showed a higher rate of receiving awake ECMO (11/15 vs. 4/31; p = 0.006), a lower rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (1/15 vs. 12/31; p = 0.035), fewer platelet transfusion units (0/15 vs. 2/31 units; p = 0.039) and a lower rate of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2/15 vs. 19/31; p = 0.006). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis model, intubated ECMO (hazard ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–2.32, p < 0.001) and AKI requiring CRRT (1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.61, p = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: In‐hospital mortality has remained high in ECMO‐treated immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure. Intubated ECMO and AKI receiving CRRT during ECMO treatment may predict ECMO failure in immunocompromised patients with ARF. A primarily awake ECMO strategy seems feasible in some selected immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine colonic muscles express genes encoding inwardly rectifying K+ channels. Transcripts of Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2) were found in colonic ICC. A conductance with properties consistent with Kir2 channels was observed in ICC but not in smooth muscle cells (SMC). Despite expression of gene transcripts, G‐protein gated K+ channel (Kir3) and KATP (Kir6) currents were not resolved in ICC. KATP is a conductance prominent in SMC. Kir2 antagonist caused depolarization of freshly dispersed ICC and colonic smooth muscles, suggesting that this conductance is active under resting conditions in colonic muscles. The conclusion of the present study is that ICC express the Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in colonic muscles. This conductance is most probably a result of heterotetramers of Kir2 gene products, with this regulating resting potentials and the excitability of colonic muscles. Abstract: Membrane potentials of gastrointestinal muscles are important because voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle cells (SMC) provide the Ca2+ that triggers contraction. Regulation of membrane potential is complicated because SMC are electrically coupled to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα+ cells. Activation of conductances in any of these cells affects the excitability of the syncytium. We explored the role of inward rectifier K+ conductances in colonic ICC that might contribute to regulation of membrane potential. ICC expressed Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2). Voltage clamp experiments showed activation of inward current when extracellular K+ ([K+]o) was increased. The current was inwardly rectifying and inhibited by Ba2+ (10 μ m) and ML‐133 (10 μ m). A similar current was not available in SMC. The current activated in ICC by elevated [K+]o was not affected by Tertiapin‐Q. Gβγ, when dialysed into cells, failed to activate a unique, Tertiapin‐Q‐sensitive conductance. Freshly dispersed ICC showed no evidence of functional KATP. Pinacidil failed to activate current and the inward current activated by elevated [K+]o was insensitive to glibenclamide. Under current clamp, ML‐133 caused the depolarization of isolated ICC and also that of cells impaled with microelectrodes in intact muscle strips. These findings show that ICC, when isolated freshly from colonic muscles, expressed a Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. This conductance is most probably a result of the expression of multiple Kir2 family paralogues, and the inwardly rectifying conductance contributes to the regulation of resting potentials and excitability of colonic muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aim: Obesity impairs leptin‐induced regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and synaptogenesis, which has been considered to be associated with the incidence of neuronal degenerative diseases, cognitive decline, and depression. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a major bioactive component of ginseng, is known to have an antiobesity effect and improve cognition. This study examined whether Rb1 can improve central leptin effects on BDNF expression and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex during obesity using an in vivo and an in vitro model. Result: Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) chronic treatment improved central leptin sensitivity, leptin‐JAK2‐STAT3 signaling, and leptin‐induced regulation of BDNF expression in the prefrontal cortex of high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. In cultured prefrontal cortical neurons, palmitic acid, the saturated fat, impaired leptin‐induced BDNF expression, reduced the immunoreactivity and mRNA expression of synaptic proteins, and impaired leptin‐induced neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis. Importantly, Rb1 significantly prevented these pernicious effects induced by palmitic acid. Conclusion: These results indicate that Rb1 reverses central leptin resistance and improves leptin‐BDNF‐neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortical neurons. Thus, Rb1 supplementation may be a beneficial avenue to treat obesity‐associated neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the central question of this study? The present study investigated the relationship between H2S and NO in regulation of gastric fundus tension., What is the main finding and its importance? Endogenous or exogenous H2S and NO have opposite effects on fundus tension, and H2S-induced gastric fundus tension enhancements are mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. These results are very important in exploring the mechanism of physiological accommodation and accommodation disorder., Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is considered a new gasotransmitter, along with NO and CO. It was recently confirmed that H2S and NO play important roles in the regulation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle tension. The present study was designed to elucidate the interactions between H2S and NO with respect to the regulation of gastric fundus smooth muscle tension using Western blotting, physiological and electrochemical techniques. Real-time H2S and NO generation was detected in gastric smooth muscle tissue. NaHS, an H2S donor, enhanced fundus smooth muscle tension, whereas SNP, an NO donor, decreased fundus smooth muscle tension in a dose-dependent manner. NaHS-induced increases in fundus smooth muscle tension were suppressed by l-NAME, an NO synthase inhibitor. Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), a cystathionine β-synthase inhibitor, exerted inhibitory effects on fundus smooth muscle tension; these effects were also suppressed by l-NAME. Real-time NO generation was significantly potentiated by AOAA. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly inhibited by NaHS. LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, blocked these NaHS-mediated effects. However, eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly potentiated by AOAA. Cystathionine β-synthase siRNA interference significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473. Cystathionine β-synthase siRNA interference also increased total eNOS protein expression levels but did not significantly change total Akt kinase protein expression levels. These results suggest that H2S-induced enhancement of gastric fundus tension is mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycosylation of monolignols has been found to be widespread in land plants since the 1970s. However, whether monolignol glycosylation is crucial for cell wall lignification and how it exerts effects are still unknown. Here, we report the identification of a mutant ugt72b1 showing aggravated and ectopic lignification in floral stems along with arrested growth and anthocyanin accumulation. Histochemical assays and thioacidolysis analysis confirmed the enhanced lignification and increased lignin biosynthesis in the ugt72b1 mutant. The loss of UDP-glycosyltransferase UGT72B1 function was responsible for the lignification phenotype, as demonstrated by complementation experiments. Enzyme activity analysis indicated that UGT72B1 could catalyze the glucose conjugation of monolignols, especially coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde, which was confirmed by analyzing monolignol glucosides of UGT72B1 transgenic plants. Furthermore, the UGT72B1 gene was strongly expressed in young stem tissues, especially xylem tissues. However, UGT72B1 paralogs, such as UGT72B2 and UGT72B3, had weak enzyme activity toward monolignols and weak expression in stem tissues. Transcriptomic profiling showed that UGT72B1 knockout resulted in extensively increased transcript levels of genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis, lignin polymerization and cell wall-related transcription factors, which was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR assays. These results provided evidence that monolignol glucosylation catalyzed by UGT72B1 was essential for normal cell wall lignification, thus offering insight into the molecular mechanism of cell wall development and cell wall lignification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged liquid droplets are typically generated by a high-voltage power supply. Herein, a previously unreported method is used for charging liquid droplets: by transferring charge from an insulating solid surface charged by contact electrification to the droplets. Charging the solid surface by contact electrification involves bringing it into contact with another solid surface for generating static charge. Subsequently, water droplets that flow across the surface are found to be charged-thus, the charge is readily transferred from solid to liquid. The charge of the droplets can be tuned continuously from positive to negative by varying the way the solid surface is charged. The amount of charge generated is sufficient for manipulating, coalescing, and sorting the water droplets by solid surfaces charged by contact electrification. This method of generating charged droplets is general, simple, inexpensive, and does not need any additional equipment or power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged liquid droplets are typically generated by a high-voltage power supply. Herein, a previously unreported method is used for charging liquid droplets: by transferring charge from an insulating solid surface charged by contact electrification to the droplets. Charging the solid surface by contact electrification involves bringing it into contact with another solid surface for generating static charge. Subsequently, water droplets that flow across the surface are found to be charged-thus, the charge is readily transferred from solid to liquid. The charge of the droplets can be tuned continuously from positive to negative by varying the way the solid surface is charged. The amount of charge generated is sufficient for manipulating, coalescing, and sorting the water droplets by solid surfaces charged by contact electrification. This method of generating charged droplets is general, simple, inexpensive, and does not need any additional equipment or power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crime continues to remain a severe threat to all communities and nations across the globe alongside the sophistication in technology and processes that are being exploited to enable highly complex criminal activities. Data mining, the process of uncovering hidden information from Big Data, is now an important tool for investigating, curbing and preventing crime and is exploited by both private and government institutions around the world. The primary aim of this paper is to provide a concise review of the data mining applications in crime. To this end, the paper reviews over 100 applications of data mining in crime, covering a substantial quantity of research to date, presented in chronological order with an overview table of many important data mining applications in the crime domain as a reference directory. The data mining techniques themselves are briefly introduced to the reader and these include entity extraction, clustering, association rule mining, decision trees, support vector machines, naive Bayes rule, neural networks and social network analysis amongst others. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PEDOT:PSS doped with PEO (poly­ethylene oxide) is demonstrated to be an efficient hole extraction layer due to its high electrical conductivity and extremely smooth surface. This material is able to boost the efficiency of planar heterojunction perovskite hybrid solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rutin, a flavonoid rich in buckwheat, is important for human health and plant resistance to external stresses. The hydrolysis of rutin to quercetin underlies the bitter taste of Tartary buckwheat. In order to identify rutin hydrolysis genes, a 200 genotypes mini‐core Tartary buckwheat germplasm resource was re‐sequenced with 30‐fold coverage depth. By combining the content of the intermediate metabolites of rutin metabolism with genome resequencing data, metabolite genome‐wide association analyses (GWAS) eventually identified a glycosyl hydrolase gene FtGH1, which could hydrolyse rutin to quercetin. This function was validated both in Tartary buckwheat overexpression hairy roots and in vitro enzyme activity assays. Mutation of the two key active sites, which were determined by molecular docking and experimentally verified via overexpression in hairy roots and transient expression in tobacco leaves, exhibited abnormal subcellular localization, suggesting functional changes. Sequence analysis revealed that mutation of the FtGH1 promoter in accessions of two haplotypes might be necessary for enzymatic activity. Co‐expression analysis and GWAS revealed that FtbHLH165 not only repressed FtGH1 expression, but also increased seed length. This work reveals a potential mechanism behind rutin metabolism, which should provide both theoretical support in the study of flavonoid metabolism and in the molecular breeding of Tartary buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study on the cryopreservation of primary human precursor T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells through the use of standard techniques. It states the application of xenotransplantation in determining and characterizing human acute leukaemia cells that have leukemia-initiating stem cell (LSC) potential. Result shows that the transplantation of 10 fresh T-ALL cells led to robust xenoengraftment in each of three recipients.

ABSTRACT We report the realization of a fiber sensor for simultaneous measurement of stress and temperature based on the integration of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a micro external Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity constructed with a thin film coated on a fiber end. The Bragg wavelength shift is used to measure stress while the wavelength shift of the F-P interference fringes is traced for determining the temperature, which can also compensate the thermal stress of FBG induced by temperature change. A temperature sensitivity of ∼0.2 nm/°C and a stress sensitivity of 8.11 × 10−3 nm/N with good stability can be achieved. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2440-2444, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen escape is a metric of water loss on Mars, which controls the long‐term evolution of the planet. While the Jeans formulism has been traditionally used to evaluate hydrogen escape on Mars, here we propose that this escape could be significantly enhanced by horizontal winds near the exobase. The enhancement reaches 20% for H and 100% for H2, and presents solar cycle, seasonal, and diurnal variations well correlated with the variations of the horizontal wind velocity. Physically, the enhancement is driven by the departure of the particle velocity distribution from ideal Maxwellian and is critically controlled by the Mach number as the ratio of the horizontal wind velocity to the thermal velocity. A larger Mach number (due to a larger wind velocity, a lower temperature, a larger particle mass, or any combination of the three) implies a stronger degree of departure and consequently more enhanced escape over the Jeans case. Plain Language Summary: Hydrogen escape is a metric of water loss on Mars which plays a crucial role in the long‐term climate evolution of the planet. The traditional Jeans formulism, proposed one century ago, has been widely used to evaluate hydrogen escape on Mars, but previous experiences with atmospheric escape of light species on both the Earth and Titan imply that the Jeans escape flux may be seriously underestimated due to the neglect of horizontal winds in the upper atmosphere. In this study, we perform simple kinetic calculations that confirm the scenario of significantly enhanced hydrogen escape on Mars as driven by the presence of horizontal winds. The degree of such an enhancement is surprisingly large, which could reach 20% for H escape and even 100% for H2 escape, urging reassessment of water loss from Mars both at the current epoch and over the history. Physically, the enhancement of hydrogen escape is linked to a significant departure of the particle velocity distribution from ideal Maxwellian. Meanwhile, the horizontal wind field in the Martian upper atmosphere is known to demonstrate interesting solar cycle, seasonal, and diurnal variations, which are well inherited by the predicted variations of the wind‐driven enhancement of hydrogen escape. Key Points: Horizontal winds near the Martian exobase can enhance the H and H2 escape fluxes by up to 20% and 100%Wind‐driven enhancement of hydrogen escape is more prominent for fast horizontal winds and low temperatures near the exobaseWind‐enhanced hydrogen escape presents significant solar cycle, seasonal, and diurnal variations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cancer progression. Nonetheless, the role and mechanism of circ_0040705 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. The aberrantly expressed circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in HCC tissues were screened by bioinformatics. Circ_0040705, miR‐557, SRY‐box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), E‐cadherin, and N‐cadherin expressions were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or Western blot. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), and Transwell experiments were utilized to examine the changes in HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion after circ_0040475 was overexpressed or knocked down. Lung metastasis assay was used to validate the effects of circRNA_0040705 on the lung metastasis of HCC cells in vivo. Binding sequences between circ_0040705 and miR‐557 and between miR‐557 and SOX2 were verified using dual‐luciferase reporter gene experiments. The expression levels of circ_0040705 and SOX2 mRNA were markedly increased in HCC tissues, but miR‐557 expression was down‐regulated. Circ_0040705 overexpression enhanced the growth, migration, invasion, and the expressions of E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin of HCC cells and promoted lung metastasis in vivo, whereas circ_0040705 knockdown exerted the opposite effects in HCC cells. Circ_0040705 worked as a sponge for miR‐557 to down‐modulate miR‐557 expression, and miR‐557 could specifically down‐modulate SOX2 expression. Circ_0040705 facilitates HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion by down‐modulating miR‐557 expression and up‐modulating SOX2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to prepare polymer dielectric materials with high energy storage density, a series of polyimide (PI) based Janus composite films were prepared by metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) material (UiO‐66) with high dielectric constant (ɛr) and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) with high breakdown strength (Eb). As reported, the UiO‐66 can significantly improve the ɛr of the composites. The ɛr of 20 wt% UiO‐66/PI film is 10.51 at 103 Hz, which is 3.1 times that of pure PI film (3.39 at 103 Hz). However, the Eb of 20 wt% UiO‐66/PI is only 58 MV m−1, which is only 16.51% of pure PI (352 MV m−1). The sharp decline in Eb reduces the energy storage capacity of the composites. To solve this problem, first, BNNSs with an average diameter of 2 μm and a thickness of 1.36 nm (about 4–5 layer) were obtained by hydrothermal reflux stripping. BNNSs/PI//UiO‐66/PI Janus composite films with double‐layer structure were prepared by directly casting BNNSs/PI on the surface of UiO‐66/PI. For 0.3 wt% BNNSs/PI//10 wt% UiO‐66/PI, the calculated energy storage density (Ue) is 5.75 J cm−3 at 140 MV m−1, which is 3.57 times that of pure PI film (1.61 J cm−3 at 140 MV m−1). Meanwhile, the charge discharge efficiency is 82.55% (at 140 MV m−1). Highlights: BNNSs prepared by hydrothermal reflux stripping have fewer layers.BNNSs/PI composites improve the Eb of UiO‐66/PI composites by Janus structure.The Ue of BP‐0.3//UP‐10 composites with Janus structure was 5.75 J cm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose and demonstrate an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-radio over fiber (OFDM-ROF) system based on three channels sextupling-frequency scheme using an external modulation of a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) and dual drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM) for carrying 100 GHz W-band frequency multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-OFDM signals with 90 Gbps downstream. MIMO-OFDM algorithms effectively compensate for impairments in the wireless link. Without using costly W-band components, a transmission system with 50 km single mode fiber (SMF) and 4 m wireless transmission operation at 100 GHz is experimentally validated. The power penalties for MIMO-OFDM signals of base stations are less than 3 dBm. For the upstream transmission, wavelength reuse with 30 Gbps 4QAM upstream signals is experimentally demonstrated. The minimum optical spectral gap between residue downstream OFDM band and upstream OFDM band that guarantees a tolerable amount of optical interference has been determined through experiment. The frequency of local oscillator is reduced due to frequency sextupling scheme. The cost of the proposed system is largely reduced. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:93-99, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27251 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Emerging evidence indicates that stimulating adult neurogenesis provides novel strategies for central nervous system diseases. Iptakalim ( Ipt), a novel ATP-sensitive potassium (K- ATP) channel opener, has been demonstrated to play multipotential neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. However, it remains unknown whether Ipt could regulate the adult neurogenesis. Methods and Results Based on the finding that adult neural stem cells ( ANSCs) in hippocampus expressed Kir6.1/ SUR1-composed K- ATP channel, Kir6.1 heterozygotic ( Kir6.1+/−) mice were used to investigate whether and how Ipt regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We showed that administration of Ipt (10 mg/kg) or fluoxetine ( Flx, 10 mg/kg) for 4 weeks significantly increased newborn ANSCs in subgranular zone ( SGZ) of Kir6.1+/+ mice but failed to affect those of Kir6.1+/− mice. Meanwhile, ANSCs in Kir6.1+/− mice exhibited decreased survival rate and impaired ability of differentiation into astrocytes. We further found that Kir6.1+/− mice showed lower level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) in hippocampus compared with Kir6.1+/+ mice. Furthermore, Ipt increased the levels of BDNF and basic fibroblast growth factor ( FGF-2) throughout the hippocampus in Kir6.1+/+ mice but not in Kir6.1+/− mice. Moreover, Ipt and Flx enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt and CREB in the hippocampus of Kir6.1+/+ mice. Notably, these effects were completely abolished in Kir6.1+/− mice. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that Ipt stimulates the adult hippocampal neurogenesis via activation of Akt and CREB signal following the opening of Kir6.1-composed K- ATP channels, which gives us an insight into the therapeutic implication of Ipt in the diseases with adult neurogenesis deficiency, such as major depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of C2(A3Π u) with CH4 has been investigated over a wide temperature range 200-3,000 K by direct ab initio dynamics method at the BMC-CCSD//BB1K/6-311+G(2d,2p) level of theory. The optimized geometries and frequencies of the stationary points are calculated at the BB1K/6-311+G(2d,2p) level, and then the energy profiles of the reactions are refined using the BMC-CCSD method. The activation barrier height for H-abstraction reaction was calculated to be 4.44 kcal/mol in temperature range (337-605 K), and the electron transfer behavior was also analyzed by quasi-restricted molecular orbital method in detail. The canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with the small curvature tunneling (SCT) correction method is used to calculate the rate constants over a wide temperature range 200-3,000 K. The theoretical results shows that variational effect is to some extent large in lower temperature range, and small curvature and tunneling effect play important roles to the H-atom abstraction only at lower temperatures. The CVT/SCT rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental results. Our theoretical study is expected to provide a direct insight into the reaction mechanism and may be useful for estimating the kinetics of the title reaction over a wide temperature range where no experimental data are available so far. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Background and purpose: d-Serine, the endogenous co-agonist of N-methyl- d-aspartate (NM dA) receptors, has been recognized as an important gliotransmitter in the mammalian brain. d-serine has been shown to prevent psychostimulant-induced decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the mechanism whereby d-serine regulates neurogenesis has not been fully characterized. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the impacts of d-serine on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of primary cultured neural stem cells (NSCs). Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed NSCs expressed d-serine as well as serine racemase (SR). Degradation of endogenous d-serine with d-amino acid oxidase ( dAAO) significantly inhibited the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs, but failed to affect their radial migration. Reversely, addition of exogenous d-serine did not affect the proliferation and migration of NSCs, but promoted NSC differentiation into neurons. Furthermore, dAAO could suppress the amplitude of glutamate-induced Ca2+ transient, and thereby, inhibited the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β), extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2), and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate for the first time that NSCs can synthesize d-serine and, thereby, promote themselves proliferation and neuronal differentiation, which may afford a novel therapeutic strategy for the neurological disorders that require nerve cell replenishment, such as neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical millimeter-wave (mm-wave) generation based on an external modulator is proposed and simulately demonstrated.Both theoretical analysis and simulation results reveal that doubling-frequency, quadrupling-frequency, sextupling-frequency, octupling-frequency, decupling-frequency, 12-fold-frequency, dual quadrupling-frequency, or dual octupling-frequency mm-waves can be generated in this scheme. The frequency of local oscillator signal is largely reduced because frequency octupling, frequency decupling, or frequency 12-fold mm-wave is generated. The overall cost of the system is largely reduced. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2902-;2907, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26432 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several new electride compounds M@pyrrole (M = Li, Na, and K), Li@AR (AR = indole, thiophene, and benzene), Li@tryptophan and Li@serotonin were designed and investigated, which exhibit considerably large first hyperpolarizabilities (β) (6705, 1116, 11399, 5781, 4808, 1536, 8106, and 9389 au, respectively) by comparison with their corresponding sole molecules pyrrole (β = 30 au), indole (104 au), thiophene (6 au), benzene (0 au), tryptophan (159 au) and serotonin (151 au), respectively. The computational results revealed that the interaction of the alkali metal atom with π-conjugated aromatic ring (AR) is one effectively new approach to produce diffuse excess electron to get a large β value, which is advantageous for the design of the novel high-performance NLO materials with π-conjugated AR: alkali metal atoms doped nanomaterials and biomolecules. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serotonergic system has close interactions with the dopaminergic system and is strongly implicated in the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic paradigms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aims to investigate regional changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2A receptors in the rat brain 3 weeks after unilateral medial forebrain bundle lesion by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). 5-HT 2A receptor distributions and alterations in the postmortem rat brain were detected by [3H]ketanserin-binding autoradiography. In the 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's rat model, nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron loss significantly mediated the decreased [3H]ketanserin binding, predominantly in the agranular insular cortex (17.3%, P = 0.03), cingulate cortex (18.2%, P < 0.001), prefrontal cortex (8%, P = 0.043), primary somatosensory cortex (17.7%, P = 0.002), and caudate putamen (14.5%, P = 0.02) compared to controls while a profound reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining in the striatum was also observed. Alterations in [3H]ketanserin binding in the examined brain areas may represent the specific regions that mediate cognitive dysfunctions via the serotonin system. The downregulation of 5-HT2A receptor binding in this study also provides indirect evidence for plasticity in the serotonergic system in the rat brains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the critical roles of 5-HT2A receptors in treating neurodegenerative disorders and implicates 5-HT2A receptors as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of PD. Synapse 64:224-230, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct ab initio dynamics method is used to investigate the hydrogen-abstraction reaction of H2CO with NCO. The potential energy surface information is obtained at the MP2/6-311G(d,p) level. More accurate single-point energy is refined at the G3(MP2)//MP2/6-311G(d,p) level. Furthermore, the rate constants of reaction H2CO + NCO are evaluated by using the canonical variational transition state theory with small-curvature tunneling contributions over a wide temperature range of 200–2000 K. The calculated reaction enthalpy and rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 394–400, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of different food sources of protein on energy intake, body weight maintenance, and on the responses of plasma leptin, insulin and adiponectin in chronic high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Obesity was induced in 47 mice with a high-fat diet for 20 weeks. They were divided into five diet groups to test the effects of a higher protein proportion (30% energy), achieved at the expense of carbohydrate. For the next eight weeks, four of the groups were fed diets of chow formulated with whey, soy, red meat or milk while the control group continued on their high-fat diet. The results showed that: (i) increasing the protein : carbohydrate ratio (both at 30% energy) in a high-fat diet did not reduce the level of obesity; (ii) the type of protein added, however, did have a significant effect on the level of obesity attained; (iii) whey protein stabilised weight gain the most, had the strongest satiety effects and also stimulated the highest production of adiponectin; and (iv) whey protein also was associated with the lowest insulin values among all proteins tested. Plasma leptin levels were not affected by any of the diets. Dietary fat remains a potent factor in weight management, but the type and amount of protein may also be important through its effects on food intake. In particular, the apparent decreased appetite associated with increased adiponectin in the whey-based high-protein diet may contribute to stabilised body mass in chronic high-fat diet-induced obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated whether cooperative goals mediate the relationship between similarity in gender and self-esteem and social support and relationship quality in ongoing peer dyads. Based on data collected from 209 student dyads, the findings largely support the mediating role of cooperative goals. However, the study found that gender similarity was positively related while self-esteem similarity was negatively related to cooperative goals and relationship quality of peer dyad members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures, spectroscopies, and stabilities of the doublet Si2NO radical are explored at the density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio levels. Seventeen isomers are located, connected by 26 interconversion transition states. At the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(2df)//QCISD/6-311G(d)+ZPVE level, three low-lying isomers are predicted, that is, one bent species SiNSiO 3 (5.1 kcal/mol) containing the important Si&tbond;N triple bonding and two four-membered ring isomers including cyclic cSiNSiO 1 (0.0) with Si&bond;Si cross-bonding with C2v symmetry and puckered cSiNSiO 1′ (11.9) with divalent carbene character. Three low-lying isomers 1, 1′, and 3 have reasonable kinetic stabilities and might be observable either experimentally or astrophysically. The possible formation strategies of 1, 1′, and 3 in laboratory and in space are discussed in detail. The calculated vibrational frequencies and possible formation processes of 3 are consistent with recent experimental observations. In light of the fact that no cyclic nitrogen-containing species have been detected in space, two cyclic isomers 1 and 1′ could be promising candidates. Furthermore, the bonding nature of three isomers 1, 1′, and 3 is analyzed. The calculated results are also compared with those of the analogue C2NO radical. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine cross-cultural and cross-occupational variations in job satisfaction, data from a multinational company survey with 129,087 respondents from 39 countries was analysed. Multilevel analyses showed that job level is positively related to job satisfaction in individualistic countries but not in collectivistic countries. Moreover, the positive relationship between job level and job satisfaction holds only for jobs with much opportunity to use one's skills and abilities, especially in individualistic countries. Job level is even negatively related to job satisfaction in jobs with little opportunity to use one's skills and abilities in collectivistic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hetN gene plays an important role in heterocyst differentiation and pattern formation. An immunoblotting study showed that the hetN gene in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 was expressed in vegetative cells grown with combined nitrogen. After a switch to a medium without combined nitrogen, hetN expression first declined and was then followed by a rapid increase in its product, HetN, which was only present in mature heterocysts. HetN is located on both thylakoid membranes and plasma membranes as determined by immunoblotting using purified membranes. Overexpression of hetN completely prevented hetR up-regulation under nitrogen-deprivation conditions, suggesting that its role in pattern control may depend on its inhibition of hetR expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Skin wound repair is a multistage process involving multiple cellular and molecular interactions, which modulate the cell behaviors and dynamic remodeling of extracellular matrices to maximize regeneration and repair. Consequently, abnormalities in cell functions or pathways inevitably give rise to side effects, such as dysregulated inflammation, hyperplasia of nonmigratory epithelial cells, and lack of response to growth factors, which impedes angiogenesis and fibrosis. These issues may cause delayed wound healing or even non‐healing states. Current clinical therapeutic approaches are predominantly dedicated to preventing infections and alleviating topical symptoms rather than addressing the modulation of wound microenvironments to achieve targeted outcomes. Bioactive materials, relying on their chemical, physical, and biological properties or as carriers of bioactive substances, can affect wound microenvironments and promote wound healing at the molecular level. By addressing the mechanisms of wound healing from the perspective of cell behaviors, this review discusses how bioactive materials modulate the microenvironments and cell behaviors within the wounds during the stages of hemostasis, anti‐inflammation, tissue regeneration and deposition, and matrix remodeling. A deeper understanding of cell behaviors during wound healing is bound to promote the development of more targeted and efficient bioactive materials for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study indicated that streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes leads to colonic platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α‐positive (PDGFRα+) cell proliferation accompanied by slow colonic transit in mice; however, the mechanism of this effect is unclear. The present study used western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative PCR to investigate whether proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) mediates PDGFRα+ cell proliferation. Our results showed that PDGFRα, PAR2, and Ki‐67 coexpression was increased in the diabetic colonic muscle layer. PDGFRα and PAR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were also markedly enhanced in the diabetic colonic muscle layer. Mice treated with 2‐furoyl‐LIGRLO‐amide (2‐F‐L‐a), a PAR2 agonist, exhibited significant colon elongation and increased smooth muscle weight. In the 2‐F‐L‐a‐treated mice, PDGFRα, PAR2, and Ki‐67 coexpression was increased and PDGFRα and PAR2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly enhanced in the colonic smooth muscle layer. 2‐F‐L‐a also increased proliferation and PDGFRα expression in NIH/3T3 cells cultured in high glucose, while LY294002, a PI3K antagonist, decreased cell proliferation and PDGFRα expression. PI3K and Akt protein and mRNA expression and p‐Akt protein expression in diabetic and 2‐F‐L‐a‐treated mice were markedly reduced in colonic smooth muscle. 2‐F‐L‐a also reduced PI3K, Akt, and p‐Akt protein expression in NIH/3T3 cells, while the PI3K antagonist LY294002 increased this expression. The results indicate that PAR2 is involved in the proliferation of PDGFRα+ cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the colon of STZ‐induced diabetic mice, which may contribute to the slow transit and constipation that are associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]