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Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common types of cancer among women worldwide. Lycorine (Lycoris radiata), a small molecule derived from the traditional Chinese herb Amaryllidaceae plants, has appeared potential effect on inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis in various types of cancer with minor side effects. To discuss the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of lycorine on BC established by lycorine‐treated S180 tumour‐bearing mice in vivo. Furthermore, both the mitotic and microtubule assembly dynamics genes were performed by qPCR assays, and the protein expression associated with mitotic arrest was investigated by western blot. Lycorine was demonstrated to reduce sarcoma growth of S180 tumour‐bearing mice and inhibit the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells in concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, lycorine induced M phase cell cycle arrest via interfering with the mitotic apparatus regulated the expression of 20 genes and 15 proteins in cell cycle progression. Furthermore, this study confirmed that the potential effect of lycorine on BC might be mediated by cell cycle arrest in M phase for the first time. These results would be the consequence of exploitation of lycorine as a potential drug for BC therapy, however further preclinical and clinical studies are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is prevalent among the elderly, characterized primarily by cognitive decline after surgery. This study aims to explore how extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BV2 microglial cells, with and without the C‐C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), affect neuroinflammation, neuronal integrity, and cognitive function in a POCD mouse model. Methods: We collected EVs from LPS‐stimulated BV2 cells expressing CCR5 (EVsM1) and from BV2 cells with CCR5 knockdown (EVsM1‐CCR5). These were administered to POCD‐induced mice. Protein interactions between CCR5, G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), and Ras were analyzed using structure‐based docking and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP). We assessed the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk, the expression of synaptic proteins PSD95 and MAP2, and conducted Morris Water Maze tests to evaluate cognitive function. Results: Structure‐based docking and Co‐IP confirmed interactions between CCR5, GPR, and Ras, suggesting a CCR5‐GPCRs‐Ras‐MAPK pathway involvement in neuroinflammation. EVsM1 heightened neuroinflammation, reduced synaptic integrity, and impaired cognitive function in POCD mice. In contrast, EVsM1‐CCR5 reduced neuroinflammatory markers, preserved synaptic proteins, enhanced dendritic spine structure, and improved cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: EVsM1 induced neuroinflammation via the CCR5‐GPCRs‐Ras‐MAPK pathway, with EVsM1‐CCR5 showing protective effects on POCD progression, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for POCD management via targeted modification of microglial EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method based on machine learning is proposed to estimate the electromagnetic radiation level at the ground plane near fifth‐generation (5G) base stations. The machine learning model was trained using data from various 5G base stations, enabling it to estimate the electric field intensity at any arbitrary radiation point when the base station provides service to different numbers of 5G terminals which are in different service modes. The inputs required for the model include the transmit power of the antenna, the antenna gain, the distance between the 5G base station and 5G terminals, terminal service modes, the number of 5G terminals and the environmental complexity around the 5G base station. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the estimation method, with the mean absolute percentage error of the machine learning model being approximately 5.98%. This level of accuracy showcases the reliability of the approach. Moreover, the proposed method offers low costs when compared with on‐site measurements. The estimated results can be utilised to reduce test costs and provide valuable guidance for optimal site selection, thereby facilitating radio wave coverage or electromagnetic radiation regulation of 5G base stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transversal temperature distribution and phase transformation of the strip steel in hot rolling process are analyzed by thermographic observations and thermal simulation tests. The effects of transversal temperature distribution and phase state on strip profile are investigated by finite element (FE) simulations, in which the material model of the strip steel is generated from the thermal simulation tests and a constitutive model. FE calculation shows that the decreased temperature at the edge causes smaller strip crown with the dual‐phase state, while it leads to edge bulges in strip profile under single‐phase state. With the convex temperature distribution, large strip crown is witnessed under dual‐phase state; small crowns or even edge bulges appear under the single‐phase state. For the concave temperature distribution, opposite conclusions are drawn compared with the convex temperature distribution. Measures to prevent edge bulges and control the strip crown are proposed and applied to industrial production. Reheating the edge area and assigning large target crown to the former stand of the finishing mill can avoid the edge bulges. Strip crown of the steel is more significantly affected by the bending force under dual‐phase state than that under single‐phase state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral bis‐oxalamide (CBOA)/rare‐earth metal complexes‐catalyzed asymmetric inverse‐electron‐demand oxa‐hetero‐Diels‐Alder (HDA) reactions were investigated under mild reaction conditions, which was performed between β,γ‐unsaturated α‐ketoesters and various electron‐riched dienophiles, such as cyclopentadiene, 2,3‐dihydrofuran, 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran, tetrahydropyridine as well as phenyl(vinyl)sulfane. Several series of optically active functionalized 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran or ring fused dihydropyran derivatives were obtained in high yields with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The procedure was able to tolerate a relatively wide range of substrates. The coordination mode of chiral bis‐oxalamide with Sc(III) was demonstrated by the X‐ray crystallographic structure, and DFT calculations were carried out to uncover the regio‐ and stereocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the predictive value of preoperative imaging in patients with spinal giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) for postoperative recurrence and risk stratification. Methods: Clinical data for 62 cases of spinal GCTB diagnosed and treated at our hospital from 2008 to 2018 were identified. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years according to the clinical guidelines after surgery. Medical history data including baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of recurrent and non‐recurrent patients were compared. Two musculoskeletal radiologists read the images and were blinded to the clinical data. The imaging features associated with postoperative recurrence were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff value of the largest lesion diameter predicting recurrence after surgery. Results: According to whether the disease recurred within the follow‐up period, patients were divided into the recurrence group and the non‐recurrence group. Of 62 patients (29 males and 33 females), 17 had recurrence and 45 did not. The recurrence rate was 27.4%. The mean follow‐up time was 73.66 (± 32.92) months. The three major treatments were total en bloc spondylectomy (n = 26), intralesional spondylectomy (n = 20), and curettage(n = 16). A total of 16 CT and MRI features were analyzed. A univariate analysis showed no significant difference in age, sex, treatment, multi‐vertebral body involvement, location, boundary, expansile mass, residual bone crest, paravertebral soft tissue mass, CT value, and MRI signal on T1‐weighted imaging (WI), T2‐WI, and T2‐WI fat suppression (FS) sequences (P > 0.05). The largest lesion diameter [(4.68 ± 1.79) vs (5.92 ± 2.17) cm, t = 2.287, P = 0.026] and the vertebral compression fracture (51% vs 82%, χ2 = 5.005, P = 0.025) were significantly different between the non‐recurrence and recurrence groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that both largest lesion diameter (odds ratio [OR], 1.584; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.108–2.264; P = 0.012) and compression fracture (OR, 8.073; 95%CI, 1.481–11.003; P = 0.016) were independent predictors of postoperative recurrence. When we set the cutoff value for the largest lesion diameter at 4.2 cm, the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing the recurrence and non‐recurrence of GCTB were 94.1% and 42.2%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.671. The combined model achieved a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 47.1%, 97.8% and 83.9%, respectively. Conclusions: In spinal GCTB, maximum lesion diameter and the vertebral compression fracture are associated with tumor recurrence after surgery, which may provide helpful information for planning personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel stilbene‐based salicylhydrazone compound {systematic name: (E)‐4,4′‐(ethene‐1,2‐diyl)bis[(N′E)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide] dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate, C30H24N4O4·2C2H6OS or L·2DMSO} was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction and luminescence spectroscopy. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with half a symmetry‐independent L molecule and one dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The L molecule adopts an almost planar structure, with a small dihedral angle between the planes of the stilbene and salicylhydrazone groups. There are multiple π–π stacking interactions between adjacent L molecules. The DMSO solvent molecules act as proton donors and acceptors, forming hydrogen bonds of various strengths with the L molecules. In addition, the geometry optimization of a single molecule of L and its luminescence properties either in solution, as a solvated solid or as a desolvated solid were studied. The compound shows an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect and exhibits switchable luminescence colouration in the solid state by the simple removal or re‐addition of the DMSO solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if lower ambient temperatures in computed tomography (CT) rooms contribute to accidental hypothermia (=35°C) in trauma patients. Methods: Prospective, observational study of trauma patients undergoing a CT scan at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Results: Among a cohort of 81 trauma patients, 54 met level 1 call-out criteria. Mean time in CT was 11 min. Longer time spent in CT contributes to greater decrease in body temperature (ΔT/t = -0.1483°C/min, P = 0.0026). Conclusion: Increasing time spent in CT leads to a decrease in body temperature in trauma patients. Clinicians should actively reduce time spent in the CT room and take active warming measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-feed dual-band circularly polarised (CP) patch antenna is proposed. The antenna consists of a cornertruncated square patch antenna and a superstrate composed of a lattice of 2 × 2 metallic patches surrounded by parasitic elements. The driven patch generates one resonant mode. The metasurface with parasitic elements excites two additional resonant modes (TM10 and TM20). The combined resonances result in minimum axial ratio points, and a good dual-band CP operation is achieved. Simulations show that the antenna has a CP operating bandwidth of 40 MHz centred at 3.72 GHz (1.07%), and a CP operating bandwidth from 5.37 to 6.05 GHz (11.9%). The simulated gain is ~7.05-7.1 dBic for the lowfrequency band and 4.17-6.07 dBic for the high-frequency band, respectively. Measurements and simulations are in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the role of microRNA‐145 (miR‐145) in protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice by regulating expression of granzyme K (GZMK) with the treatment of sevoflurane. The mice model of myocardial I/R injury was established by left coronary artery ligation. The expression of miR‐145 and GZMK in myocardial tissues of mice was detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The changes of the cardiac function and hemodynamics, pathological changes of myocardial tissues, the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes, myocardial infarction area, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed. The expression of the apoptosis‐related protein cleaved‐caspase‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2 was detected by western blot analysis. The levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase in myocardial tissues were detected by spectrophotometric colorimetry. The levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the serum of mice were detected by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The level of oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory factors increased in mice with myocardial I/R injury. Sevoflurane postconditioning could reduce myocardial I/R injury in mice. Sevoflurane postconditioning may protect myocardial I/R injury through miR‐145‐regulation of GZMK in mice. Inhibition of miR‐145 expression could reduce the protective effect of sevoflurane posttreatment on myocardial I/R injury in mice. Low expression of GZMK could attenuate the inhibitory effect of miR‐145 on myocardial I/R injury after sevoflurane treatment in mice. Our study suggests that sevoflurane postconditioning may protect against myocardial I/R injury by upregulating miR‐145 expression and downregulating GZMK expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional‐order circuits find a widespread use in different engineering applications. The problem of realising fractional‐order circuits has been discussed by several authors, however, it is far from being solved. Realising fractional‐order resistorless passive network with three element orders is been studied. At first, this study extends the two‐variable reactance matrix synthesis method to three‐variable case, and then proposes a synthesis method of fractional‐order reactance matrix with three element orders by variable substitution. The process in above methods mainly involves variable substitution, decomposition of three‐variable reactance matrix, extraction of unit inductors, Laurent series expansion, spectral factorisation of two‐variable positive semidefinite Hermitian matrix and synthesis of univariable reactance matrix. Then the above‐mentioned synthesis process is illustrated by two examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Genetic risk factors could cause cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) in patients after treatment with clarithromycin. This study explored the association of HLA class I genes with clarithromycin‐cADRs in Han Chinese patients. A total of 12 clarithromycin‐cADR patients and 34 clarithromycin‐tolerant controls were recruited for the high‐resolution genotyping of HLA class I genes (HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐C). The population controls consisted of 283 Han Chinese retrieved from the MHC database for validated comparison. A molecular docking analysis of HLA‐A*02:07 protein and clarithromycin was conducted using glide module with Schrödinger Suite. Among all tested HLA alleles, the carrier frequencies of HLA‐A*02:07 (58% versus 5.9%, OR = 22.40, 95% CI = 3.58–139.98, p = 8.20 × 10E‐5, pc = 1.1 × 10E‐3) and HLA‐B*46:01 (50% versus 5.9%, OR = 16.00, 95% CI = 2.59–98.99, p = 0.002, pc = 0.03) were significantly higher in clarithromycin‐cADRs than in clarithromycin‐tolerant controls. However, when compared to population controls, only HLA‐A*02:07, and not HLA‐B*46:01, reached statistical significance (58% versus 15.5%, OR = 7.61, 95% CI = 2.31–25.04, p = 1.2 × 10E‐4, pc = 1.7 × 10E‐3). Furthermore, molecular docking data revealed that clarithromycin could bind to and interact with HLA‐A*02:07 in two possible binding situations. These data suggest that HLA‐A*02:07 might be a genetic risk factor for developing clarithromycin‐cADRs in Han Chinese and serve as a useful biomarker for personalized medicine to prevent clarithromycin‐cADRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-band planar antenna based on composite right and left handed (CRLH) metamaterial is presented. The proposed antenna is comprised of a host folded planar monopole antenna and a CRLH transmission line unit cell. Due to another resonance frequency generated from the loaded CRLH unit cell, the presented antenna is actually a planar antenna with dual resonance bands at the centre frequency of 2.50 and 5.80 GHz, respectively, which can be regulated independently. The developed antenna also has different polarisations, the linear polarisation at the lower band and the circular polarisation at the upper resonance band. Rather than the complicated structure as before, this antenna is fabricated easily for the simple configuration without holes and the interdigital capacitances. The results of this study show that the reflection coefficient and radiation pattern have a good agreement between the simulation and measurement, the simulated relative bandwidth is 22.8% (2.22-2.79 GHz) and 10.8% (5.42-6.04 GHz), which meet the Wi-Fi/Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) specification very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several chiral BINOL-derived bisoxazoline (BOX)/copper(II) complexes were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for the Friedel-Crafts reaction of indoles with isatin-derived β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters. The resulting bis-indole products bearing a quaternary stereocenter were obtained in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Additionally, the desired products were practically transformed to α-amino esters, α-hydroxy esters and α-keto amides. It is noteworthy that this catalytic procedure was conducted with a catalyst loading of 0.5 mol% without any discernible decrease in the reactivity or enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One peculiar type of aza-hetero-imidazolidinyl spirooxindole derivatives was efficiently constructed by the three-component [2+2+1] cascade reaction of 1,4-oxazepines with diazo-oxindoles. Iron(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Fe(OTf)2] or p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate ( p-TsOH⋅H2O) proved to be optimal catalysts for this transformation, providing the desired products in high yields (up to 94 %) with excellent diastereoselectivity (up to 99:1 dr). Experimental studies showed that the reaction rate of Brønsted acid catalysis was faster than that of Lewis acids. Furthermore, the mechanism was theoretically investigated for Brønsted acid as the catalyst and a reaction pathway was proposed. DFT calculations suggested that the diazo-oxindole can act as a 1,3-dipole to add to a C=N double bond of 1,4-oxazepine, which forms a 4,5-dihydro-1 H-1,2,3-triazole intermediate. Subsequently, the releasing of N2 is the rate-limiting step of the whole catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to calculate the fault current distribution when a single-phase to ground fault occurs in a transmission system with asymmetric parameters, this paper proposes an improvement on the traditional double-side elimination method based on the phase component model. The improved double-elimination method widens the range of the original method to the situation of multiple overhead ground wires and double power sources at both terminals. From the fault point, it divides the system into the left and right networks. Taking the left network as an example, the equations of all spans are formed. Then, the forward-backward recursive process of the theory is demonstrated. By optimizing the matrix calculation process, the calculation model for computers is formed, which can easily calculate the fault current on phase wires and overhead ground wires when a single-phase to ground fault occurs. By comparing the results from this theory and the results from the EMTP simulation software, the correctness of the theory is established. Furthermore, in this paper we give a detailed discussion on the influence of tower grounding resistance and overhead ground wire operation mode on the fault current distribution. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an approach to synthesize molecular tungsten-oxide-based pentagonal building blocks, in a new {W21O72} unit, and show how this leads to a family of gigantic molecular architectures including [H12W48O164]28− {W48}, [H20W56O190]24− {W56}, and [H12W92O311]58− {W92}. The {W48} and {W56} clusters are both dimeric species incorporating two {W21} units and the {W56} species is the first example of a molecular metal oxide cluster containing a chiral “double-stranded” motif which is stable in solution as confirmed by mass spectrometry. The {W92} anion having four {W21} units is one of the largest transition metal substituted isopolyoxotungstates known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tribe Triticeae, several Thinopyrum species have been used as sources of resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn., abbreviated as Pgt) and other wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases. To identify novel sources of resistance to Pgt race TTKSK (Ug99), we evaluated and characterized the stem rust resistance of 242 accessions belonging to five Thinopyrum species, including beach wheatgrass [Th. bessarabicum (Savul. & Rayss) A. Löve], diploid tall wheatgrass [Th. elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey], intermediate wheatgrass [Th. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey], sand cough or sea wheatgrass [Th. junceum (L.) A. Löve], and decaploid tall wheatgrass [Th. ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey]. These accessions were evaluated for seedling reactions to nine Pgt races (TTKSK, TTTTF, TRTTF, RTQQC, QFCSC, TCMJC, TPMKC, TMLKC, and TPP KC), genotyped with molecular markers linked to four stem rust resistance genes (Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, and Sr43) derived from Thinopyrum species, and examined for ploidy levels. All accessions but one (Th. elongatum PI 531718) were resistant to all or most races. Most of the Th. elongatum and Th. ponticum accessions showed near-immunity to all of the races while the accessions of the other three species (Th. bessarabicum, Th. intermedium, and Th. junceum) had varied levels of resistance ranging from near immunity to moderate resistance. Molecular marker analysis showed that most of the markers appeared to be species- or genusspecific rather than linked to a gene of interest, and thus genotyping analysis was of limited value. Comparisons of infection types of accessions based on ploidy level suggested that higher ploidy level was associated with higher levels of stem rust resistance. The results from this study substantiate that the Thinopyrum species are a rich source of stem rust resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ZK60, an extruded magnesium alloy, reacts in vivo with an appropriate host response, and to investigate how microarc oxidation treatment influences this in vivo corrosion behavior. Twelve cylinders were machined from as-extruded ZK60, with six cylinders treated with MAO and six left untreated; poly- l-lactic acid pins were used as a control to compare biocompatibility. These cylinders were implanted into the right distal femur of mice along the transepicondylar axis from the medial condyle. Microcomputerized tomography was used to quantitatively analyze corrosion in a nondestructive manner in vivo and the corrosion rate was calculated based on the volume measurements of the residual implants. The physiological response of the rats postimplantation was obtained by clinical observation and blood biochemical analysis. Histological analyses of the soft tissue around the implants were used to assess bone response in relation to the implants. The results obtained clearly indicate that the untreated ZK60 alloy showed high degradation rates in vivo, and that MAO treatment had a significant but unsatisfying effect on protecting the implant from further corrosion. Compared with PLLA, the ZK60 alloy showed good osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity, and, according to biochemical indicators, had good biocompatibility in vivo. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1255-1263, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical semi-humid area with a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-maize (Zea mays L.) annual double-cropping system, Beijing has the lowest food production per capita and is suffering from severe soil degradation and low seedbed temperature in winter. This study evaluated the permanent raised bed (PRB) system in Beijing from 2005 to 2011 to investigate the effects of combining no tillage, residue cover, and controlled traffic with raised beds for improving soil properties. We found that the overall soil bulk density (0-30 cm) in PRB plots was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (by 12.4%) than that in traditional tillage (TT) plots, while the penetration resistance in the 10- to 20- and 20- to 30-cm soil layers of PRB plots was 18.2 and 26.1% lower (P < 0.05), respectively, than that of TT. The percentage of water-stable soil macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) in the PRB plots was 89.8% (P < 0.05) higher than in the TT plots, while the soil temperature was approximately 1.3 and 1.0°C higher under TT at the 5- and 15-cm depths, respectively, in winter. With these improvements, yields of PRBs appeared to have an increasing trend compared with no-till and TT treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of preoperative platelet counts, parameters and aggregation rates (maximal aggregation rate: MAR) on prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer ( EOC). Methods Preoperative platelet count, parameters and MAR in 182 EOC patients, 122 patients with benign ovarian tumor and 150 healthy women were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between thrombocytosis, platelet parameters, MAR and clinicopathological factors were evaluated in EOC. Results Forty-five (24.73%) EOC patients had preoperative thrombocytosis in this study. The mean platelet count in the EOC group was significantly higher than that of benign and healthy groups ( P < 0.001). The MAR in the EOC group was significantly higher than that in the healthy group (71.96% vs 57.03%, P = 0.025). The platelet parameters (mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, thrombocytocrit and large platelet ratio) were consistently higher in the EOC group than those in the benign and healthy groups, but the differences were insignificant. A significant correlation between thrombocytosis and MAR was observed in EOC patients ( r = 0.694, P < 0.001). EOC patients with thrombocytosis were found to have significantly higher grade ( P = 0.048), more advanced stage ( P = 0.045), higher level carbohydrate antigen-125 ( P = 0.007) and greater likelihood of suboptimal cytoreduction ( P = 0.035). EOC patients with both thrombocytosis and high MAR were found to have shorter progression-free survival ( P = 0.001)and overall survival ( P = 0.004). The combination of thrombocytosis and MAR, as well as stage and optimal cytoreduction, retained significance as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Conclusion Thrombocytosis, accompanied by increasing of platelet aggregation rates, is associated with more aggressive tumor biology in EOC. The combination of thrombocytosis and MAR is an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival in EOC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-defined amphiphilic polymethylene- b-poly(ε-caprolactone)- b-poly(acrylic acid) (PM- b-PCL- b-PAA) triblock copolymers were synthesized via a combination of polyhomologation, ring-opening polymerization (ROP), and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). First, hydroxyl-terminated polymethylenes (PM-OH; Mn = 1100 g mol−1; Mw/ Mn = 1.09) were produced by polyhomologation followed by oxidation. Then, the PM- b-PCL ( Mn = 10,000 g mol−1; Mw/ Mn = 1.27) diblock copolymers were synthesized via ROP of ε-caprolactone using PM-OH as macroinitiator and stannous octanoate (Sn(Oct)2) as a catalyst. Subsequently, the macroinitiator transformed from PM- b-PCL in high conversion initiated ATRPs of tert-butyl acrylate ( tBA) to construct PM- b-PCL- b-P tBA triblock copolymers ( Mn = 11,000-14,000 g mol−1; Mw/ Mn = 1.24-1.26). Finally, the PM- b-PCL- b-PAA triblock copolymers were obtained via the hydrolysis of the P tBA segment in PM- b-PCL- b-P tBA triblock copolymers. The chain structures of all the polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Porous films of such triblock copolymers were fabricated by static breath-figure method and observed by scanning electron microscope. The aggregates of PM- b-PCL- b-PAA triblock copolymer were studied by transmission electron microscope. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

atRA (all-trans-retinoic acid) is known to induce the differentiation of mESCs (mouse embryonic stem cells) into PGCs (primordial germ cells) in vitro. However, it is not clear as to what changes occur in PGC differentiation-associated genes or what mechanisms are involved when EBs (embryoid bodies) derived from mESCs are induced by atRA. EBs derived from mESCs were treated with 1, 2 or 5 μM atRA for 16 h, 2 days or 5 days. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the relative levels of PGC differentiation-associated genes ( Lin28, Blimp1, Stra8 and Mvh) and the corresponding proteins respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein location and distribution in EBs. The expression characteristics of genes could be divided into three categories: rapidly reached the peak value in 16 h and then decreased ( Stra8, Lin28), initially low and then increased to reach the peak value in 5 days ( Mvh) and relatively unchanged ( Blimp1). A low level of Lin28 was expressed in EBs treated with atRA for 2 days or 5 days. The variation in the level of Lin28 mRNA did not influence the change in the level of Blimp1 mRNA. The changes in Stra8/Lin28 were consistent with the corresponding changes in the levels of their respective mRNAs, but the changes for Mvh/Blimp1 were not consistent with the corresponding changes in the levels of their respective mRNAs. Blimp1 expression may be independent of the effect of atRA on PGC differentiation. atRA may promote the start of a period in which there is a low level of Lin28 expression during PGC differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin microcapsules doped with TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by in situ polymerization, and the properties of the microcapsules, such as the surface morphologies, thermal properties, and chemical elemental composition, were measured by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. The effects of the presence of ammonium chloride and its concentration and the concentrations of UF resin prepolymer and TiO2 nanoparticles during the reaction and deposition of UF on the microcapsule surface on the properties of the microcapsules were investigated. Enhanced UF resin microcapsules with more stability and mechanical strength could be obtained under the optimal conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using copolymerization functionalization, poly[3,4-dioctyloxythiophene- alt-2,5-bis(4-vinylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole] (P3,4DOOTV-OXD) combining electrochemical properties of poly(3,4-dioctyloxythiophene) (P3,4DOOT, donor) and 1,3,4-oxadiazole (OXD, acceptor) was synthesized through Heck reaction and evaluated with [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The posttranscriptional regulation of miRNAs is important for organism development. To investigate the role of miRNAs in angiogenesis, we performed a loss-of-function screening assay in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and found that knockdown of 7 miRNAs (miR-95a, miR-126, miR-129, miR-137, miR-139, miR-200a, and miR-335) significantly suppressed cell viability. As miR-200a was highly expressed in HUVECs, blocking endogenous miR-200a using 2′-OMe antisense oligonucleotide (ASOs) resulted in a decrease of cell viability and migration. Bioinformatics analysis indicates the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) has a putative binding site for miR-200a. MiR-200a can directly bind to THBS1 3′UTR and negatively regulate THBS1 expression. The identification of endothelial cells (ECs) related miRNA and its target gene may gain new insight into the mechanism of angiogenesis. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(7): 553-559, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focused on a novel 7-azaisoindigo derivative [namely N-( n-butyl)-7-azaisoindigo, 7-AI-b], and investigated its molecular antitumor mechanism by exploring the means of cell death and the effects on mitochondrial function. 7-AI-b inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent way. The morphological and nuclei changes in HB-GFP-labeled HeLa cells were observed using a live cell system. The results suggested that cell death induced by 7-AI-b is closely related to apoptosis. 7-AI-b induced release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytosol and activation of caspase-3, showing that the apoptosis is mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, our data indicated that 7-AI-b triggers apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS): cellular ROS levels were increased after 3 h exposure of 7-AI-b, which was reversed by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl--cysteine. As a consequence, 7-AI-b-mediated cell death, mitochondrial transmembrane potential collapse and ATP level were partly blocked by N-acetyl--cysteine. Further study showed that 7-AI-b could induce mitochondrial dysfunction: collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and reduction of intracellular ATP level. In summary, the novel synthesized 7-AI-b was demonstrated to be effective in killing cancer cells via an ROS-promoted and mitochondria- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This research focused on a novel 7-azaisoindigo derivative [namely N-( n-butyl)-7-azaisoindigo, 7-AI-b], and investigated its molecular antitumor mechanism. 7-AI-b inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent way. The morphological and nuclei changes in HB-GFP-labeled HeLa cells were observed using a live cell system. The results suggested that cell death induced by 7-AI-b is apoptosis. Furthermore, our data indicated that 7-AI-b triggers apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a consequence, 7-AI-b-mediated cell death, mitochondrial transmembrane potential collapse and ATP level were partly blocked by NAC. Further study showed that 7-AI-b could induce mitochondrial dysfunction. In summary, the novel synthesized 7-AI-b was demonstrated to be effective in killing cancer cells via an ROS-promoted and mitochondria- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthetic strategy, the combination of living polymerization of ylides and ring-opening polymerization (ROP), was successfully used to obtain well-defined polymethylene- b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PM- b-PCL) diblock copolymers. Two hydroxyl-terminated polymethylenes (PM-OH, Mn= 1800 g mol−1 (PDI = 1.18) and Mn = 6400 g mol−1 (PDI = 1.14)) were prepared using living polymerization of dimethylsulfoxonium methylides. Then, such polymers were successfully transformed to PM- b-PCL diblock copolymers by using stannous octoate as a catalyst for ROP of ε-caprolactone. The GPC traces and 1H NMR of PM- b-PCL diblock copolymers indicated the successful extension of PCL segment ( Mn of PM- b-PCL = 5200-10,300 g mol−1; PDI = 1.06-1.13). The thermal properties of the double crystalline diblock copolymers were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the incorporation of crystalline segments of PCL chain effectively influence the crystalline process of PM segments. The low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/PCL and LDPE/polycarbonate (PC) blends were prepared using PM- b-PCL as compatibilizer, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation on the cryofractured surface of such blend polymers indicates that the PM- b-PCL diblock copolymers are effective compatibilizers for LDPE/PCL and LDPE/PC blends. Porous films were fabricated via the breath-figure method using different concentration of PM- b-PCL diblock copolymers in CH2Cl2 under a static humid condition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been suggested as a minimally invasive procedure of low morbidity for rectal villous adenomas and early anorectal adenocarcinomas. It has been used clinically in many areas outside of China for more than 20 years, but it began in mainland China only about 2 years ago. Some articles have reported excellent results with regard to morbidity and relapse rate with TEM, but there are no studies addressing its functional results in China until now. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of TEM on the manometric results. Thirty-seven patients (16 females, 21 males) underwent TEM and were followed for more than 6 months. Anorectal manometry and an incontinence questionnaire were administered 1 week preoperatively, 2 weeks postoperatively, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Of the 37 patients, 24 had villous adenomas and 13 had adenocarcinomas (11 uT1 and 2 uT2). Anorectal manometric values showed the mean anal resting pressure (ARP) decrease from 45 ± 6 mmHg to 29 ± 4 mmHg ( p < 0.05) and the maximum tolerable volume (MTV) decrease from 175 ± 21 ml to 90 ± 15 ml ( p < 0.05) at the third month after TEM. Maximal squeeze pressure (MSP) decreased from 181 ± 20 mmHg to 92 ± 14 mmHg ( p < 0.05) at second week after operation and returned to normal value by the third postoperative month. The ARP and MTV were 45 ± 5 mmHg and 177 ± 21 ml, respectively, at 6 months after TEM, near the normal value ( p > 0.05). Rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was absent preoperatively in two patients; it was also absent in 10 patients 3 months postoperatively and in three patients 6 months postoperatively. Endosonography demonstrated internal anal sphincter (IAS) rupture in five patients, and full integrity of the external anal sphincter (EAS) in all patients. Of the five patients with IAS rupture, four had temporary incontinence to flatus normalized up to three postoperative months. Most patients had more times of stools per day and relative higher Wexner scores in a short period after TEM. All these patients were followed for 6–20 months with no incidence of relapse. Anorectal function was preserved well after TEM, although some anorectal manometric parameters changed over time. Thus TEM is safe, in terms of anorectal function, for the cure of benign and early malignant tumors of the rectum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In reciprocal mutualism systems, the exploitation events by exploiters might disrupt the reciprocal mutualism, wherein one exploiter species might even exclude other coexisting exploiter species over an evolutionary time frame. What remains unclear is how such a community is maintained. Niche partitioning, or spatial heterogeneity among the mutualists and exploiters, is generally believed to enable stability within a mutualistic system. However, our examination of a reciprocal mutualism between a fig species (Ficus racemosa) and its pollinator wasp (Ceratosolen fusciceps) shows that spatial niche partitioning does not sufficiently prevent exploiters from overexploiting the common resource (i.e., the female flowers), because of the considerable niche overlap between the mutualists and exploiters. In response to an exploiter, our experiment shows that the fig can (1) abort syconia-containing flowers that have been galled by the exploiter, Apocryptophagus testacea, which oviposits before the pollinators do; and (2) retain syconia-containing flowers galled by Apocryptophagus mayri, which oviposit later than pollinators. However, as a result of (2), there is decreased development of adult non-pollinators or pollinator species in syconia that have not been sufficiently pollinated, but not aborted. Such discriminative abortion of figs or reduction in offspring development of exploiters while rewarding cooperative individuals with higher offspring development by the fig will increase the fitness of cooperative pollinating wasps, but decrease the fitness of exploiters. The fig-fig wasp interactions are diffusively coevolved, a case in which fig wasps diversify their genotype, phenotype, or behavior as a result of competition between wasps, while figs diverge their strategies to facilitate the evolution of cooperative fig waps or lessen the detrimental behavior by associated fig wasps. In habitats or syconia that suffer overexploitation, discriminative abortion of figs or reduction in the offspring development of exploiters in syconia that are not or not sufficiently pollinated will decrease exploiter fitness and perhaps even drive the population of exploiters to local extinction, enabling the evolution and maintenance of cooperative pollinators through the movement between habitats or syconia (i.e., the metapopulations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the anti-tumor effects of eight novel oxadiazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives. The study used human cancer lines, Hela, ECA109, HepG2 and A459 cells and compounds VI and VIII. The study claimed that both compounds are two active antitumors and claimed that DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in the mechanisms of oxadiazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine nucleoside derivative-induced cancer cell death.

The ubiquitous tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is an essential factor in many biological processes, thus its depletion has a major impact on cell function and survival. In this study, we examined regulation of GSH in cardiomyocytes under chronic oxidative stress elicited by myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac dysfunction was induced in rats by coronary artery ligation, and experiments were conducted in myocytes isolated from non-infarcted left ventricle and septum after 6–8 weeks. Fluorescence microscopy studies using the probe monochlorobimane showed that [GSH] in myocytes from post-MI hearts was 42% less than in sham control hearts ( P < 0.05). However, depleted GSH levels were normalized after 5–6 h by an insulin mimetic ( bis-peroxovanadium-1,10-phenanthroline, bpV(phen); 10 μmol l−1) or by exogenous pyruvate (5 mmol l−1). The increase in [GSH] by bpV(phen) was partly inhibited by buthionine sulphoximine (BSO; 50 μmol l−1), a blocker of GSH synthesis, and by 1,3- bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU; 100 μmol l−1), an inhibitor of glutathione disulphide reductase. By comparison, the effect of pyruvate was not altered by BSO but was completely blocked by BCNU. Studies using inhibitors of signalling cascades indicated that upregulation of [GSH] by bpV(phen) in myocytes from post-MI hearts was mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase but not by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The effect of pyruvate was not altered by any kinase inhibitor tested. In cells loaded with the probe TEMPO-9-AC to monitor superoxide anion, baseline fluorescence was 2.3-fold greater in post-MI myocytes than in sham control myocytes ( P < 0.05) and was markedly decreased by diphenyleneiodonium (30 μmol l−1), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, exogenous GSH (10 mmol l−1) or bpV(phen). In parallel studies, [GSH] in post-MI myocytes was also normalized by diphenyleneiodonium or exogenous GSH. These data show that GSH is differentially regulated by receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent and -independent agonists that maintain functional GSH levels necessary to neutralize excess generation of reactive oxygen species in the failing heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human neuronal growth inhibitory factor (hGIF) is able to inhibit the outgrowth of neurons. As compared with the amino acid sequences of metallothionein 1/2, hGIF contains two insertions: a Thr at position 5 and an acidic hexapeptide EAAEAE(55–60) close to the C-terminus. Moreover, all mammalian growth inhibitory factor sequences contain a conserved CPCP(6–9) motif. Previous studies have demonstrated that the TCPCP(5–9) motif is pivotal to its bioactivity, but no specific role has been assigned to the unique EAAEAE(55–60) insert. To investigate the potential structural and biological significance of the EAAEAE(55–60) insert, several mutants were constructed and investigated in detail. Notably, deletion of the acidic insert (the Δ55–60 mutant) reduced the inhibitory activity, whereas the bioactivities of other mutants did not change much. Then, spectroscopic characterization and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to investigate the potential causes of the reduced bioactivity of the Δ55–60 mutant. It was found that the domain–domain interaction mechanism of hGIF was different from that of metallothionein 2. It was also shown that the acidic insert could regulate the interdomain interactions in hGIF, leading to the structural change in the β-domain, which resulted in the alteration of the solvent accessibility and metal release ability, thus playing an important role in the biological activity of hGIF. Our studies provided useful information on the domain–domain interaction at the molecular level for the first time, and shed new light on the mechanism of the bioactivity of hGIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The mechanisms that prevent competition (conflict) between the recipient and co-operative actor in co-operative systems remain one of the greatest problems for evolutionary biology. Previous hypotheses suggest that self-restraint, dispersal or spatial constraints can prevent direct competition for local resources or any other common resources, thereby maintaining stable co-operation interactions. In this study, we use the obligate fig–fig-wasp mutualism to examine whether the above mechanisms can maintain stable co-operation sufficiently between figs and fig wasps. 2. Our data on obligate co-operation between figs ( Ficus racemosa Linn.) and fig wasps ( Ceratoslen fusciceps Mayr) show that the number of viable seeds of figs is positively correlated with the number of pollinator offspring when the number of vacant female flowers is high while the foundress number is low (two foundresses). Meanwhile, they are negatively correlated when the number of vacant female flowers is low and the number of foundresses is increased manually (eight foundresses). The correlation coefficient between viable seeds and wasp offspring (galls) depends on vacant female flower availability. 3. Our data suggest that the interaction between figs and fig wasps is conditional, and that they co-operate when local resource availability is plentiful but are in conflict when local resource availability is limited. The self-restraint, dispersal and spatial heterogeneity previously hypothesized in maintaining stable co-operation cannot sufficiently prevent the symbionts from utilizing more local resources at the expense of the recipients. The conflict, which can disrupt the co-operation interaction, exists after the local resource is saturated with symbionts. The repression of symbiont increase, therefore repressing the utilization of local resources in the conflict period, is crucial in the maintenance and evolution of co-operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased cell proliferation increases the opportunity for transformations of normal cells to malignant cells via intermediate cells. Nongenotoxic cytotoxic carcinogens that increase cell proliferation rates to replace necrotic cells are likely to have a threshold dose for cytotoxicity below which necrosis and hence, carcinogenesis do not occur. Thus, low dose cancer risk estimates based upon nonthreshold, linear extrapolation are inappropriate for this situation. However, a threshold dose is questionable if a nongenotoxic carcinogen acts via a cell receptor. Also, a nongenotoxic carcinogen that increases the cell proliferation rate, via the cell division rate and/or cell removal rate by apoptosis, by augmenting an existing endogenous mechanism is not likely to have a threshold dose. Whether or not a threshold dose exists for nongenotoxic carcinogens, it is of interest to study the relationship between lifetime rumor incidence and the cell proliferation rate. The Moolgavkar-Venzon-Knudson biologically based stochastic two-stage clonal expansion model is used to describe a carcinogenic process. Because the variability in cell proliferation rates among animals often makes it impossible to detect changes of less than 20% in the rate, it is shown that small changes in the cell proliferation rate, that may be obscured by the background noise in rates, can produce large changes in the lifetime tumor incidence as calculated from the Moolgavkar-Venzon-Knudson model. That is, dose response curves for cell proliferation and tumor incidence do not necessarily mimic each other. This makes the use of no observed effect levels (NOELs) for cell proliferation rates often inadmissible for establishing acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) of nongenotoxic carcinogens. In those cases where low dose linearity is not likely, a potential alternative to a NOEL is a benchmark dose corresponding to a small increase in the cell proliferation rate, e.g., 1%, to which appropriate safety (uncertainty) factors can be applied to arrive at an ADI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes extending the MVK carcinogenesis model by adopting the Erlang distribution for the life length of the intermediate cells. The investigation concentrates on the survival function and the mean value functions. The approach is basically numerical, making use of the Mathematica software system. The paper also provides a closed form expression for the survival function for a variation of the original MVK model, where all the model parameters are piecewise constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MVK two-stage carcinogenesis model is one of the most widely accepted mechanistic models in carcinogenesis modeling. However, due to a perceived difficulty in obtaining analytic solutions for the hazard and survival functions, approximations and numerical methods have been used to calculate these two fundamental quantities. This paper focuses on a special case of the homogeneous MVK model where the number of normal cells is constant. The probability generating function (pgf) for the number of tumor cells is derived, and the exact analytic solutions to the hazard and survival functions are obtained from the pgf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beam system of multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) radar needs lower peak sidelobe level for reducing interference, in addition, broad nulls placed at undesired directions are also an alternative method. A hybrid method based on the whale optimisation algorithm is proposed to implement sidelobe suppression and broad nulls. To the best of the authors' knowledge, relative works based on the whale optimisation algorithm applied to MIMO radar are not reported so far. By introducing chaotic optimisation into the whale optimisation algorithm scheme, performance of origin algorithm is improved substantially in suppressing peak sidelobe level with constraint of broad nulls. Furthermore, it is found in the experiment that the proposed algorithm can avoid the premature of origin algorithm effectively, and only takes a short time during the optimum accomplishment. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research efforts in the area of two‐dimensional (2D) arsenene‐based materials have been fueled up recently due to similarities in honeycomb atomic structures and differences in physical and chemical properties between arsenene and graphene. The pioneering prediction of monolayered arsenene in 2015 and successful synthesis of multilayered arsenene nanoribbons in 2016 have promoted intensive subsequent studies, especially in the theoretical aspect. Density functional theory computations not only revealed desirable fundamental band gap, structural stability, and high carrier mobility of various arsenene‐based materials but also suggested promising applications in future optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices, as well as in the quantum spin Hall devices via surface functionalization and modulation of interlayer interactions. With an aim to present a comprehensive review on the tunable electronic structures of 2D arsenene‐based materials, our focus is placed on the tailoring routes through surface functionalization to modify the electronic and optoelectronic properties of the arsenenes. An emphasis is also given to recent progress in designing topological states in arsenene monolayers. The challenges and outlooks are also laid out in aspects of experimental fabrication, device performance, and arsenene‐based chemical reactions. This article is categorized under: Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials ScienceElectronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory Schematic illustration of 2D arsenene‐based nanomaterials and their electronic structure properties [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of chiral thiopyrano‐indoles (III) and (V) is readily obtained by an enantioselective cyclization of indoline‐2‐thiones (I) with dinitriles (II) and (IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]