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The spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) of phosphorus‐based nanomaterials is widely studied and developed as passive nonlinear photonic devices for applications in all‐optical switches, logic gates, information converters, etc. In this work, violet phosphorus quantum dots (VP QDs) are prepared and characterized in three different solvents, their SSPM is investigated, and their spatial asymmetric light propagation performances are demonstrated. It is shown that VP QDs prepared in three different solvents exhibit different bandgaps, mainly due to the interaction between the dangling bonds of VP QDs and functional groups in different solvents. The SSPM experiment characterizes the nonlinear optical response of solvent‐dependent VP QDs. It is found that VP QDs exhibit strong nonlinear optical effect and their nonlinear refractive indexes are comparable to other phosphorus‐based 2D materials. Unlike the previously reported principle of spatial asymmetric light propagation (i.e., a cascaded sample based on SSPM composed of nanomaterials with excellent nonlinear refraction and SnS2 with reverse saturation absorption), the spatial asymmetric light propagation performance based on SSPM is demonstrated using a cascaded sample of VP QDs with significantly different nonlinear optical response prepared in two different solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation protection safety and wear comfort of personal protective equipment (PPE) are of vital importance to nuclear personnel involved. Unfortunately, it is difficult for current PEE to meet the increasing requirements, which causes tremendous threats to health and reduced working efficiency. Here, a highly filled polymer fiber for textile‐based PPE to deal with the dilemma is put forward. PbWO4 (PWO) particles are superficially modified with styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) and then titanate coupling agent (bis(dioctyl pyrophosphate) ethylene titanate (BPET)) to form PWO@SMA‐BPET. After that, as high as 70 wt% PWO@SMA‐BPET/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers are obtained by solution blending and wet spinning in succession. Synergistic effects of surface modification with SMA and BPET lead to uniform dispersion PWO particles and good compatibility of interfaces in highly filled fibers. Importantly 36.6% γ‐ray (105 keV) shielding has been detected at three‐layer fabrics with 70 wt% PWO@SMA‐BPET/PVA fiber. Besides, the fabrics also display 116 mm s−1 of air permeability and 5388 g m−2 24 h of water vapor permeability, respectively. This work discloses synergistic effects on surface modification of high loading inorganic particles in polymer fibers, which give a further boost to γ‐ray shielding safety and wear comfort of PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has attracted much attention due to its high morbidity and severe metastasis. Long noncoding RNA ENST00000504230 (LncRNA ENST00000504230, known as LINC00958) was overexpressed in many cancers and associated with cancer development. However, its underlying mechanism in PTC remains unclear. PTC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected for measuring the expression of LINC00958 and miR‐627. MiR‐627 and TRIM44 expressions were measured in in vitro cultured PTC cell lines (B‐cpap and IHH4 cells) transfected with sh‐LINC00958 or miR‐627 mimic using RT‐qPCR and western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell assays, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the target association between miR‐627 and TRIM44. LINC00958 was up‐regulated in PTC tissues and cells, while the expression of miR‐627 was lowly expressed. Knockdown of LINC00958 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion by elevating miR‐627 expression in PTC cells. TRIM44 was confirmed as a target of miR‐627. Overexpression of miR‐627 in PTC inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion by down‐regulating the expression of TRIM44. LINC00958 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in PTC by down‐regulating miR‐627 and activating TRIM44, indicating the potential therapeutic effect of LINC00958 on PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim is to explore the relation between inflammation‐associated factors and in‐hospital mortality and investigate which factor is an independent predictor of in‐hospital death in patients with coronavirus disease‐2019. This study included patients with coronavirus disease‐2019, who were hospitalized between February 9, 2020, and March 30, 2020. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) were used to select variables. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors in coronavirus disease‐2019. A total of 1135 patients were analyzed during the study period. A total of 35 variables were considered to be risk factors after the univariate regression analysis of the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters (p <.05), and LASSO regression analysis screened out seven risk factors for further study. The six independent risk factors revealed by multivariate Cox regression were myoglobin (HR, 5.353; 95% CI, 2.633–10.882; p <.001), C‐reactive protein (HR, 2.063; 95% CI, 1.036–4.109; p =.039), neutrophil count (HR, 2.015; 95% CI, 1.154–3.518; p =.014), interleukin 6 (Il‐6; HR, 9.753; 95% CI, 2.952–32.218; p <.001), age (HR, 2.016; 95% CI, 1.077–3.773; p =.028), and international normalized ratio (HR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.412–4.769; p =.002). Our results suggested that inflammation‐associated factors were significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality in coronavirus disease‐2019 patients. C‐reactive protein, neutrophil count, and interleukin 6 were independent factors for predicting in‐hospital mortality and had a better independent predictive ability. We believe these findings may allow early identification of the patients at high risk for death, and can also assist in better management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 epidemic and government intervention measures may have adverse effects on people's mental health. To explore the influence of pets on the intervention of people's psychological problems during the COVID-19 epidemic, an online survey was carried out between April 9 and April 29, 2020. A total of 756 participants replied to this questionnaire. Mental health variables were assessed, and the comparison of behavior changes among pet owners and pets on positive mental well-being during COVID-19 epidemic. Comparative analysis was performed; compared with individuals without pets (n = 575), pet owners (n = 181) had a higher prevalence of insomnia (p = 0.006). Living in Wuhan city was a risk factor for people with psychological stress (p < 0.05). Dog owners exhibited lower than average scores of insomnia and uncertainty of infection than cat owners (p = 0.004). People with more than one pet exhibited lower than average scores of depression than having one pet (p = 0.040). For analysis of psychological effects of pets on people, the role of pets in subjective feeling and positive psychological changes of pet owner was significantly different. Pet owners relieve that psychological pressure through behavioral changes towards their pets in early stage. Pets provided positive subjective wellbeing and psychological effects for their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the necessity of early intervention, safety and efficacy of intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg/year in East China women with newly diagnosed osteoporosis at high risk of fracture during a 24-month treatment period. Methods Subjects (57 [52-62] years old) were randomized 3:2 to zoledronic acid versus placebo (randomized at baseline, zoledronic acid [175 cases], placebo-zoledronic acid [110 cases]). The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and total hip was measured every 6 months with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum procollagen I N-terminal pro-peptide ( PINP) and serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen ( CTX) levels were measured every 6 months. The primary end point was the rate of change in the bone mineral density at the posteroanterior spine. Results For subjects with measurements at 24 months, zoledronic acid significantly increased bone mineral density ( BMD) at the lumbar spine (mean percent change ± SD, zoledronic acid 5.390% ± 0.854% versus placebo-zoledronic acid −1.038% ± 0.599%), the total hip (zoledronic acid 1.900% ± 0.262% versus placebo-zoledronic acid −1.631% ± 0.649%). Serum procollagen I N-terminal pro-peptide ( PINP) and CTX decreased rapidly with zoledronic acid 5 mg treatment ( P < 0.001 versus placebo at 6 month and 24 months) and changed from baseline in the zoledronic acid 5 mg and placebo-zoledronic acid 5 mg at 6 months by a mean of −66.348% and −75.375%, respectively ( P < 0.001), and at 24 months by −49.950% and −52.325%, respectively ( P < 0.001). No cases of serious adverse events were observed in two groups. Headache, pyrexia and myalgia occurred more commonly within the first 3 days after infusion with zoledronic acid 5 mg than with placebo (13.7% versus 2.1%, P = 0.0018; 28.0% versus 3.2%, P < 0.001; 21.7% versus 4.2%, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions These data show that early application of zoledronic acid 5 mg/year was well stimulated and tolerated for bone mass in newly diagnosed east china subjects with osteoporosis in a 24-month treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report new approaches for the fabrication of Gd-Ba-Cu-O (GdBCO) bulk with a large size and promising superconducting properties, applying the cold-seeding melt-textured (MT) method. Firstly, NdBCO thin films were used as seeds because of their superheating properties and an additional mini pellet was inserted between the seed and the bulk precursor. This approach allows to reach a higher maximum processing temperature ( Tmax) and a wider window for single grain growth, leading to the growth of large-sized bulk, 56 mm in diameter. Secondly, the use of both air and pure oxygen atmosphere in the growth process of GdBCO bulks indicates that high oxygen partial pressure has little impact on superconducting properties, which, however, effectively facilitates the growth rate. Thus, an oxygen-rich MT process is promisingly suggested for producing large-sized GdBCO bulks with insignificant degradation of superconducting properties. Finally, a new Ba-rich precursor was applied by adding an Sm242 compound. It was deduced that the addition of a substantial amount of Sm242 may enhance the critical current density Jc with an insignificant reduction of Tc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low volume shrinkage phenomena occurring during thermal treatments of gibbsite (Al(OH)3) crystal were examined using TEM techniques. Normally, gibbsite shows a pseudomorphic transformation. The outward gibbsite crystal form can be preserved despite the fact that phase transformation proceeds from gibbsite to χ-, to κ-, then to α-phase alumina. Examinations revealed that a sequential nanocrystal habit evolution developed, from χ-flak to κ-pillar or pole, then to α-pea pods, as phase transformation proceeded. Calculations relating the increases in sequential density with the corresponding new packing patterns exhibited as transition phases occur demonstrate that pseudomorphic transformation can be performed perfectly. It is this mechanism that eventually leads to the low volume shrinkage of gibbsite aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress has been associated with degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the major cause of death among cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation, a major risk factor of AMI, is associated with leukocytic activation, secretion of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and subsequent oxidant generation. It has been hypothesized that oxidative stress is a risk factor for AMI. To test this hypothesis, we studied profiles of oxidative damage and antioxidants in patients with AMI. The levels of MPO, 8-OHdG, and 3-Cl-Tyr were higher in blood specimens from AMI patients than in those of controls. Antioxidant levels, such as vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase, were significantly lower in these patients. The GSH/GSSG ratio, indicative of redox status, was also lower in AMI patients. Such findings suggest that these AMI patients experience increased oxidative stress. Moreover, markers in combination are better for evaluating antioxidant status and monitoring cardiac events than the same markers used separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A yeast two-hybrid screen using the last 28 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 identified RanBPM as an L1-interacting protein. RanBPM associates with L1 in vivo and the N-terminal region of RanBPM (N-RanBPM), containing the SPRY domain, is sufficient for the interaction with L1 in a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay. L1 antibody patching dramatically changes the subcellular localization of N-RanBPM in transfected COS cells. Overexpression of N-RanBPM in COS cells reduces L1-triggered extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation by 50% and overexpression of N-RanBPM in primary neurons inhibits L1-mediated neurite outgrowth and branching. These data suggest that RanBPM is an adaptor protein that links L1 to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the identity of a lens membrane-associated protein kinase, casein kinase I. Immunoprecipitation of lens fiber cell-specific gap junction protein connexin49; Phosphorylation of lens membranes with purified casein kinase I and casein kinase II; Purification of connexin49 protein kinase activity; Identification of protein kinase I isoforms.

Focuses on the association of culture and biology with human emotional development. Effect of emotions on the organization of activity and human development; Factors influencing emotions; Involvement of cultural variation in emotion of shame.

The cAMP-dependent protein-kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of the two major intrinsic lens fiber cell plasma membrane proteins, MP20 and MP26, is likely restricted to the inner cortical and nuclear regions of the lens in vivo. The ovine-lens-specific connexin, MP70, that has been identified as Cx50 in mice and Cx45.6 in the chick, is also a protein kinase substrate although it does not appear to be phosphorylated by a number of protein kinases including cAMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C. Rather, an extrinsic lens membrane fraction was isolated which contained protein kinase activity that catalyzed the phosphorylation of MP70; this protein kinase activity was cAMP-independent, Ca2+-independent, Mg2+-dependent, phosphorylated MP70 on a serine residue(s) and migrated with a molecular mass of 35 kDa on a gel filtration column. Both MP70 phosphorylation and the endogenous protein kinase activity were restricted to the lens outer cortical region. This membrane-associated protein kinase activity that catalyzes the phosphorylation of a lens connexin protein. The phosphatase-induced shift in the elctrophoretic mobility of MP70 is not reversed by this protein kinase, indicating that MP70 is likely phosphorylation on different residues by two or more protein kinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with medical care for older people.

The development of efficient colloidal templating methods for nanophotonic structures, leading to 3D synergy of photonic crystal behavior with uniform plasmonic resonances is significant, yet challenging. In this work, uniform Ag or Ni octahedral particles with 3D periodicity derived from dissociation of metallic inverse opals are dispersed in hydrogel by conformal etching. The hydrogel can maintain the position of the dissociated metal particles and does not hinder ion transport during the two‐step cyclic electrochemical process. Bragg peaks from the 3D behavior of the colloidal photonic crystals appear due to the reduced filling fraction of metals and are affected by the existence of localized plasmonic resonance (LSPR). LSPR is supported at frequencies ranging from near‐infrared to near‐ultraviolet due to the geometry of the dissociated metal particles. Dissociation of inverse opals during etching is monitored by examining their morphologies, cycle‐related variations in the electrochemical current density, cycle‐related increases of transmission intensities, and redshifts of the Bragg peak wavelengths due to an increased lattice constant in high pH solutions. Ag plasmonic photonic crystals filled with functional polymethacrylic acid and polyacrylamidophenylboronic acid hydrogels function as pH and glucose sensors. The sensitivity increases when plasmonic resonances affect the Bragg peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zn atom in dichloro­[(3,5-dimethyl-1 H-pyrazol-1-yl)­methane]zinc(II), [ZnCl2(C11H16N4)], (I), is tetra­hedrally coordinated by two N atoms from one bis­(3,5-dimethyl­pyrazol­yl)methane ligand and two terminal Cl atoms. The mol­ecule has no crystallographic symmetry. One H atom of the CH2 group of the bis­(3,5-dimethyl­pyrazol­yl)methane ligand inter­acts with a Cl atom of an adjacent mol­ecule to yield inter­molecular C—H⋯Cl contacts, thereby forming a one-dimensional zigzag chain extending along the b axis. On the other hand, in di-μ-chloro-bis­{chloro­[(3,5-dimethyl-1 H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane]cadmium(II)}, [Cd2Cl4(C11H16N4)2], (II), each of the two crystallographically equivalent Cd atoms is penta­coordinated by two N atoms from one bis­(3,5-dimethyl­pyrazol­yl)methane ligand, and by one terminal and two bridging Cl− anions. The mol­ecule has a crystallographic centre of symmetry located at the mid-point of the Cd⋯Cd line. One H atom of the CH2 group of the bis­(3,5-dimethyl­pyrazolyl)­methane ligand inter­acts with a Cl atom of an adjacent mol­ecule to produce pairwise inter­molecular C—H⋯Cl contacts, thereby affording chains of mol­ecules running along the c axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the molecule of the title compound, C11H13N3O3, the average plane of the pyrrolidine ring is roughly orthogonal to the plane of the carboxamide group and almost parallel to the benzene plane. The molecules are linked via N—H...O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the ac plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]