Search

Hyporheic zones are commonly regarded as resilient and enduring interfaces between groundwater and surface water in river corridors. In particular, bedform‐induced advective pumping hyporheic exchange (bedform‐induced exchange) is often perceived as a relatively persistent mechanism in natural river systems driving water, solutes, and energy exchanges between the channel and its surrounding streambed sediments. Numerous studies have been based on this presumption. To evaluate the persistence of hyporheic zones under varying hydrologic conditions, we use a multi‐physics framework to model advective pumping bedform‐induced hyporheic exchange in response to a series of seasonal‐ and event‐scale groundwater table fluctuation scenarios, which lead to episodic river‐aquifer disconnections and reconnections. Our results suggest that hyporheic exchange is not as ubiquitous as generally assumed. Instead, the bedform‐induced hyporheic exchange is restricted to a narrow range of conditions characterized by minor river‐groundwater head differences, is intermittent, and can be easily obliterated by minor losing groundwater conditions. These findings shed light on the fragility of bedform‐induced hyporheic exchange and have important implications for biogeochemical transformations along river corridors. Plain Language Summary: The hyporheic zone is a small veneer connecting surface water and groundwater systems, which supports vital ecosystem services along river corridors. The current paradigm assumes this exchange zone is ubiquitous and relatively stable over space and time. Yet, the dynamic nature of the surface and subsurface process driving and modulating the exchange can lead to complex spatiotemporal dynamics where bedform‐induced hyporheic zones are only present for short periods or are absent. In this study, we investigated how persistent hyporheic zones are under typical groundwater dynamics. We found that bedform‐induced hyporheic zones are not as stable as usually assumed, and their presence is restricted to a narrow range of hydrological conditions. The findings reveal the fragility of hyporheic zones and offer new perspectives to conceptualize river connectivity processes. Key Points: We explore bedform‐induced hyporheic exchange under various seasonal‐ and event‐scale groundwater table fluctuation scenariosBedform‐induced exchange is intermittent and limited to a narrow range of conditions where river‐groundwater head differences are smallBedform‐induced exchange fragility highlights the need for better representations of turbulence and turnover drivers in water quality models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant whose atmospheric deposition is a major input to the terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Gas‐particle partitioning (GPP) of gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) redistributes speciated Hg between gas and particulate phase and can subsequently alter Hg deposition flux. Most 3‐dimensional chemical transport models either neglected the Hg GPP process or parameterized it with measurement data limited in time and space. In this study, CMAQ‐newHg‐Br (Ye et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017ms001161) was updated to CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 by implementing a new GPP scheme and the most up‐to‐date Hg redox chemistry and was run for the northeastern United States over January‐November 2010. CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 reproduced the measured spatiotemporal distributions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM) concentrations and Hg wet deposition flux within reasonable ranges and simulated dry deposition flux in agreement with previous studies. The GPP scheme improved the simulation of PBM via increasing winter‐, spring‐ and fall‐time PBM concentrations by threefold. It also improved simulated Hg wet deposition flux with an increase of 2.1 ± 0.7 μgm2 in the 11‐month accumulated amount, offsetting half of the decreasing effect of the updated chemistry (−4.2 ± 1.8 μgm2). Further, the GPP scheme captured the observed Kp‐T relationship as reported in previous studies without using measurement data and showed advantages at night and in rural/remote areas where existing empirical parameterizations failed. Our study demonstrated CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 a promising assessment tool to quantify impacts of climate change and emission reduction policy on Hg cycling. Plain Language Summary: Mercury is a toxic global pollutant and can enter the food chain through atmospheric deposition to ecosystems. Atmospheric mercury was defined operationally in the forms of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM). GEM is relatively inert, but GOM and PBM are highly soluble and readily removed from the air via deposition. GEM gets oxidized to GOM and GOM can be transformed to PBM through gas particle partitioning (GPP). CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 was updated from its predecessor via implementing the most up‐to‐date Hg redox chemistry and a new GPP scheme. The model improved the simulation of GEM, PBM, and Hg wet deposition. Most notably the model reproduced the observed partitioning coefficient and temperature relationship (Kp‐T) and improved nighttime and less polluted PBM simulations. CMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 can be used to assess how climate change and emission reduction policy impact environmental Hg cycling. Key Points: CMAQ‐newHg‐Br was updated to version 2 with a new gas‐particle partitioning (GPP) scheme and the most up‐to‐date Hg redox chemistryCMAQ‐newHg‐Br v2 better simulated gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate bound mercury (PBM) and Hg wet depositionThe new GPP scheme captured the observed Kp‐T relation not using measurement data and improved nighttime and less polluted simulations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of women's reproductive history on live‐birth rate and perinatal outcome after first frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had undergone their first FET cycle between January 2014 and December 2020 at a university‐affiliated fertility center. No transferred embryo underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. The women were categorized into five groups based on their reproductive history: no previous pregnancy; previous termination of pregnancy (TOP); previous pregnancy loss; previous ectopic pregnancy (EP); and previous live birth. The women with no previous pregnancy were considered as the reference group. The primary outcome was the live‐birth rate and secondary endpoints included rates of positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss and EP as well as perinatal outcomes such as birth weight and preterm birth. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to control for a number of potential confounders, including age, body mass index, education level, duration and cause of infertility, insemination method, type of endometrial preparation, number of embryos transferred, embryo developmental stage, quality of the embryos transferred, year of treatment and endometrial thickness. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to check the robustness of the main findings. Results: In total, 25 329 women were included in the final analysis. On univariate analysis, each reproductive‐history type except for previous EP was significantly associated with worse pregnancy outcome following in‐vitro fertilization (IVF), including rates of positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss and live birth, when compared with the group of women with no previous pregnancy. However, after correcting for several potential confounders, the differences in rates of live birth, pregnancy loss, positive pregnancy test and clinical pregnancy were no longer significant between the study and control groups on multivariable regression models, while the risk of EP after embryo transfer was elevated among women with a previous TOP or EP. There was no increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome associated with reproductive history compared with the control group. Notably, similar results were obtained from the PSM models, confirming the robustness of the main findings. Conclusion: Relative to women without a previous pregnancy, those with a prior TOP, pregnancy loss, EP or live birth did not have compromised live‐birth rate or perinatal outcomes following FET without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, with the exception of an increased risk of EP in those with prior TOP or EP. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new software ray tracing solution that efficiently computes visibilities in dynamic scenes. We first introduce a novel scene representation: ray‐aligned occupancy map array (ROMA) that is generated by rasterizing the dynamic scene once per frame. Our key contribution is a fast and low‐divergence tracing method computing visibilities in constant time, without constructing and traversing the traditional intersection acceleration data structures such as BVH. To further improve accuracy and alleviate aliasing, we use a spatiotemporal scheme to stochastically distribute the candidate ray samples. We demonstrate the practicality of our method by integrating it into a modern real‐time renderer and showing better performance compared to existing techniques based on distance fields (DFs). Our method is free of the typical artifacts caused by incomplete scene information, and is about 2.5×–10× faster than generating and tracing DFs at the same resolution and equal storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H2O, SO2, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO2 and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H2O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17‐year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H2O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H2O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H2O. Plain Language Summary: The violent Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption on 15 January 2022 not only injected ash into the stratosphere but also large amounts of water vapor, breaking all records for direct injection of water vapor, by a volcano or otherwise, in the satellite era. This is not surprising since the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai caldera was formerly situated 150 m below sea level. The massive blast injected water vapor up to altitudes as high as 53 km. Using measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder on NASA's Aura satellite, we estimate that the excess water vapor is equivalent to around 10% of the amount of water vapor typically residing in the stratosphere. Unlike previous strong eruptions, this event may not cool the surface, but rather it could potentially warm the surface due to the excess water vapor. Key Points: Following the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption, the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder measured enhancements of stratospheric H2O, SO2, and HClThe mass of SO2 and HCl injected is comparable to that from prior eruptions, whereas the magnitude of the H2O injection is unprecedentedExcess stratospheric H2O will persist for years, could affect stratospheric chemistry and dynamics, and may lead to surface warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM2.5‐bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) and oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) around roadside, port and airport areas were investigated to evaluate the impacts of vehicle, ship and aviation emissions on PAHs and their derivatives in relevant receptor environments. The PAHs concentrations in fuels increased in the following order: jet fuel < heavy fuel oil for vessel < automobile diesel fuel. However, the average mass ratio concentrations of PM2.5‐bound PAHs in roadside, port and airport areas were 42.9, 158.7 and 260.4 μg/g, respectively. The low PAHs concentrations in fuel were relevant to the high PAHs emissions. The composition of the molecular species showed that 5‐ and 6‐rings PAHs were dominated in roadside area, while 3‐ and 4‐rings PAHs were major proportions in port and airport areas. The average mass ratio concentrations of PM2.5‐bound NPAHs and OPAHs concentrations in roadside, port and airport areas were 23.5 and 115.2, 4.8 and 39.9, and 26.4 and 284.2 μg/g, respectively. The different variation tendencies between PAHs and their derivates, dominant individual NPAHs, diagnostic ratios of NPAH isomers and principal component analysis revealed that primary emission was the major contributor to NPAHs and OPAHs in three receptor environments, and secondary formation played non‐negligible roles in NPAHs formation in roadside and airport areas. In addition, 9‐nitroanthracene (9‐NAnt) and anthraquinone (ATQ) were found to be the indicatory compounds for traffic emission. Taken together, these results may provide a basic information for assessing the impact of traffic emission sources on PAC emissions to the related receptor environment. Plain Language Summary: There are three main traffic emission sources in urban areas, including vehicle, ship and airplane. To gain an insight into the impact of the vehicle, ship and aviation emission on pollution level in relevant receptor environments, PM2.5‐bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) and oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) in the ambient air in roadside, port and airport areas were investigated. The concentrations of PM2.5–bound PAHs in three typical receptor environments revealed a low PAHs concentration in the fuels, which were relevant to the high PAHs emission. While the high molecular weight PAHs manifested in roadside area, the PAHs exhibiting a medium molecular weight PAHs constituted the major proportions in port and airport areas. Combined with the results of the diagnostic ratios of PAH isomers, their correlation with meteorological conditions and principal component analysis, PAHs emission in traffic‐related receptor environment was directly influenced by type of fuel and combustion mode of engine; the secondary formation and gas‐particulate phase partition played non‐negligible roles in the formation of PAHs derivates. Moreover, our study suggested that some specific PAC species (9‐NAnt and ATQ) could be used as the indicatory compounds for traffic emission, and can be applied in statistic models for source identification. Key Points: Fuel type and combustion mode of engine were responsible for polycyclic aromatic compounds emission in traffic‐related receptor environmentLow concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fuel were relevant to high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emission in receptor environmentThe 9‐nitroanthracene and anthraquinone could be used as the indicatory compounds for traffic emission [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Souter et al. Click here to view the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, deep sequencing results of the maize transcriptome in leaves and roots were compared under high‐nitrogen (HN) and low‐nitrogen (LN) conditions to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs).Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed non‐coding RNA with widely regulatory potency that has been identified in animals and plants. However, the understanding of circRNAs involved in responsive nitrogen deficiency remains to be elucidated.A total of 24 and 22 DECs were obtained from the leaves and roots, respectively. Ten circRNAs were validated by divergent and convergent primers, and 6 DECs showed the same expression tendency validated by reverse transcriptase‐quantitative PCR. Integrating the identified differentially expressed miRNAs, 34 circRNAs could act as miRNA decoys, which might play important roles in multiple biological processes, including organonitrogen compound biosynthesis and regulation of the metabolic process. A total of 51 circRNA‐parent genes located in the genome‐wide association study identified loci were assessed between HN and LN conditions and were associated with root growth and development.In summary, our results provide valuable information regarding further study of maize circRNAs under nitrogen deficiency and provide new insights into screening of candidate genes as well as the improvement of maize regarding nitrogen deficiency resistance. CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA co‐expression networks were constructed to explore the circRNAs that participated in biological development and nitrogen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend the definition of relative Gromov–Witten invariants with negative contact orders to all genera. Then we show that relative Gromov–Witten theory forms a partial CohFT. Some cycle relations on the moduli space of stable maps are also proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Agile Dual Auroral Radar Network (AgileDARN) radar has been developed as an all‐digital high‐frequency (HF) coherent scatter radar. Based on phased array antenna and digital signal processing techniques, digital beam forming (DBF) is employed for both transmission and reception, which steers toward the desired direction based on the relative phases within the array elements. However, the amplitude and phase imbalances among channels will lead to substantial degradation of DBF performance, including the beam direction deviation, broadening of the main lobe, deteriorated side lobes, antenna gain degradation, and ultimately affects the radar detection accuracy. Here, we present a complete method for calibrating these imbalances in transceivers and linear array elements in AgileDARN radar: internal calibration and external calibration. During the internal calibration, the calibration signals with the same amplitude and phase as the multi‐pulse sequence are sent to all transceivers internally. The variance of the outputs illustrates the transceivers' imbalances and can be processed to implement calibration. Further, the meteor echoes and linear least squares fitting method are employed for external calibration, which calibrates the amplitude and phase imbalances among the cables and phased array elements. The technique has been successfully implemented, and we present the results of measured data observed by the AgileDARN HF radar before and after calibration. Key Points: Developed a calibration mode and proposed a complete system calibration method for Agile Dual Auroral Radar Network radarInject two signals to eliminate the errors among transceivers, enabling the amplitude and phase mismatches to reduce to 0.2 dB and 1°Employ the linear least squares fitting with meteor echoes for antenna calibration, facilitating the array pattern close to an ideal one [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for β-thalassaemia using circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART).Design: Through carrier screening, 102 pregnant Chinese couples carrying pathogenic HBB gene variants were recruited to the study. Pregnancies were managed using traditional invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD). Retrospectively, we evaluated the archived pregnancy plasma DNA by NIPD to evaluate the performance of our cSMART assay for fetal genotyping.Setting: Chinese prenatal diagnostic centres specialising in thalassaemia testing.Population: Chinese carrier couples at high genetic risk for β-thalassaemia.Methods: Fetal cell sampling was performed by amniocentesis and HBB genotypes were determined by reverse dot blot. NIPD was performed by a newly designed HBB cSMART assay and fetal genotypes were called by measuring the allelic ratios in the maternal cell-free DNA.Main Outcome Measures: Concordance of HBB fetal genotyping between IPD and NIPD and the sensitivity and specificity of NIPD.Results: Invasive prenatal diagnosis identified 29 affected homozygotes or compound heterozygotes, 54 heterozygotes and 19 normal homozygotes. Compared with IPD results, 99 of 102 fetuses (97%) were correctly genotyped by our NIPD assay. Two of three discordant samples were false positives and the other sample involved an incorrect call of a heterozygote carrier as a homozygote normal. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of our NIPD assay was 100% (95% CI 88.06-100.00%) and 97.26% (95% CI 90.45-99.67%), respectively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that our cSMART-based NIPD assay for β-thalassaemia has potential clinical utility as an alternative to IPD for pregnant HBB carrier couples.Tweetable Abstract: A new noninvasive test for pregnancies at risk for β-thalassaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we define genus‐zero relative Gromov–Witten invariants with negative contact orders. Using this, we construct relative quantum cohomology rings and Givental formalism. A version of Virasoro constraints also follows from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke (IS). However, the causality of this association is uncertain. The aim is to investigate whether genetically raised plasma CRP concentration levels are associated with IS on the basis of the Mendelian randomization method. Methods: Based on the National Center for Biotechnology Information single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, the Chinese online genetic database as well as previously published studies, four CRP‐associated SNP alleles (rs1130864, rs1205, rs876537 and rs3093059) with minor allele frequency ≥0.15 were selected and the concentration levels of CRP were measured in 378 first‐ever IS patients and 613 healthy controls. Results: Three SNPs were chosen and used as instrumental variables. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] of IS per addition of the modelled allele were 1.07 (0.79–1.45) for rs876537, 0.99 (0.73–1.35) for rs1205 and 1.08 (0.71–1.65) for rs3093059. The OR (95% CI) of IS for plasma CRP ≥2.0 mg/l was 2.19 (1.06–4.53) compared with <2.0 mg/l. The adjusted OR (95% CI) of IS per genetically predicted 10% higher CRP concentration, based on the three SNPs as the instruments, was 1.02 (0.94–1.11). Furthermore, similar results were obtained with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.00 (0.88–1.13) and 1.04 (0.93–1.16), respectively, for large‐artery atherosclerosis and small‐artery occlusion per genetically predicted 10% higher CRP concentration. Conclusions: This Mendelian randomization study provides no clear support that elevated CRP concentration is causally associated with the risk of IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat is a destructive fungal disease worldwide and has become more severe over the last two decades. Development of FHB resistant wheat varieties is the most effective way to manage FHB. The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are the traditional FHB epidemic areas in China. The landraces and germplasms with resistance to FHB originating from this region were used to identity FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Yangmai 158 and Ningmai 9 are the most popular varieties for commercial wheat production in this region and both have moderate FHB resistance. A high‐density genetic map was constructed using 282 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between Ningmai 9 and Yangmai 158. Ten QTLs related to Type II FHB resistance were identified, and QFhb‐3B.1 and QFhb‐5A were stably detected across all environments. Based on position alignment, QFhb‐3B.1 from Ningmai 9 is likely to be Fhb1 and QFhb‐5A from Yangmai 158 is a novel QTL not previously described. A competitive allele‐specific PCR (KASP) marker closely linked to QFhb‐5A was developed and could be used for marker‐assisted selection. Distribution of QFhb‐5A was tested with numerous accessions from a widespread core collection. The results suggest that QFhb‐5A has undergone both natural and artificial selection. Some RILs with both Fhb1 and QFhb‐5A presented better FHB resistance than the parents and could be used in FHB resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of a novel circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART) method for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of Phenylketonuria (PKU).Design: Blinded NIPT analysis of pregnancies at high risk for PKU.Setting: Shanghai Xinhua Hospital and Hunan Jiahui Genetics Hospital, China.Population: Couples (n = 33) with a child diagnosed with PKU.Methods: Trio testing for pathogenic PAH mutations was performed by Sanger sequencing. In second pregnancies, invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) was used to determine fetal genotypes. NIPT was performed using a PAH gene-specific cSMART assay. Based on the plasma DNA mutation ratio relative to the fetal DNA fraction, fetal genotypes were assigned using a maximum-likelihood algorithm.Main Outcome Measures: Concordance of fetal genotyping results between IPD and NIPT, and the sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay.Results: Compared with gold standard IPD results, 32 of 33 fetuses (96.97%) were accurately genotyped by NIPT. The sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay was 100.00% (95% CI 59.04-100.00%) and 96.15% (95% CI 80.36-99.90%), respectively.Conclusions: The novel cSMART assay demonstrated high accuracy for correctly calling fetal genotypes. We propose that this test has useful clinical utility for the rapid screening of high-risk and low-risk pregnancies with a known history of PKU on one or both sides of the family.Tweetable Abstract: NIPT of couples at high risk for PKU using a full-coverage cSMART PAH gene test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabirds are typical biovectors, delivering both nutrients and metals across ecosystem boundaries. However, seabird transfer of Ag and Co has not been well documented. Using an ornithogenic sediment core collected from the remote Zhaoshu Island, South China Sea, we investigated potential impacts of seabirds on Ag and Co transportation. These two elements exhibited peak abundance in a guano layer in the sediment profile. Via statistical analyses, Ag, Co, and previously identified avian bio‐elements (Cn, Zn, Cd, P, As, and Se) had a common source, that is, guano. Guano input was also partly responsible for the distribution of Y, Ce, La, Sc, and U in the bulk sediments. The concentration‐versus‐depth profiles of Mn, Mo, Bi, Rb, and W were possibly associated with organic matter. Plain Language Summary: Flying seabirds are amazing creatures. They catch foods from the ocean, but live on islands, and thus can transport something in seawater to their island habitats. Seabirds will certainly affect cycling of some elements on Earth. However, no study to date has found that seabirds can transport the element silver from sea to land. We studied soil on a seabird island in the South China Sea. It was found that seabird‐affected soil has a high level of silver. Seabirds participate in transport of a variety of elements, including silver and cobalt. This study provides new insight into the role of seabirds in the potential biogeochemical cycling of elements. Key Points: Seabirds transferred Co and Ag from the ocean to a reef island in the South China SeaSeabirds play a fundamental role in transfer and accumulation of a variety of elements on reef islands [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effects of hydrophilic dental resin monomers, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), on the polarization of a human monocyte cell line (THP‐1). Methodology: THP‐1 cells were treated with resin monomers at noncytotoxic concentrations for 48 h and were analysed for CD86 and CD206 expressions using flow cytometry. The cells were stimulated for polarization in the presence of resin monomers (co‐treatment) or after treatment with monomers (pre‐treatment). CD86 and CD206 mRNA in co‐treated cells was evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The release of TNF‐α and TGF‐β by pre‐treated and co‐treated cells was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Morphological changes of macrophages during polarization were observed using bright‐field microscopy. One‐way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Results: TEGDMA (1 mmol L−1) and HEMA (2 mmol L−1) did not induce CD86 and CD206 expressions in THP‐1 cells but rather inhibited their expressions in the co‐treated cells. The inhibitory effects also appeared at the transcription level. However, the expression of surface markers was not affected by pre‐treatment with resin monomers. The release of TNF‐α and TGF‐β by M1‐ and M2‐stimulated cells, respectively, was suppressed by co‐treatment (P < 0.05). Microscopic studies revealed that co‐treatment with resin monomers suppressed polarization‐associated morphological changes such as cell volume increase. Conclusions: TEGDMA and HEMA inhibited macrophage polarization to both M1 and M2 at the transcription level, and the inhibitory effects disappeared upon the removal of resin monomers from the cell culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim was to investigate whether abnormal TTTTA and TTTCA repeat expansions in introns of SAMD12,TNRC6A and RAPGEF2 are involved in the pathogenesis of familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE). Methods: Five families diagnosed with FCMTE were included in the current genetic analysis. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed in selected patients of each family. TTTTA and TTTCA expansions were examined by repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction. The clinical features of FCMTE were elicited as defined by the common genetic mechanism of 14 patients. Results: Abnormal TTTCA expansion was identified and co‐segregated in all five FCMTE families, four inserted in SAMD12 and one in RAPGEF2. The insertion of expanded TTTCA was not found in 116 control alleles. TTTTA expansion in SAMD12 was detected in 90.9% (10/11) of patients or mutation carriers; TTTTA expansion in RAPGEF2 was not found. The onset age of myoclonic tremor was 27.4 ± 5.9 (19–37) and epilepsy usually presented around age 34. Focal and generalized seizures were witnessed with various origins recorded by electroencephalogram. Cognitive deficits were not common within the first 3 years after epilepsy onset. Emotional instability was reported by most patients. No patients showed any cerebellar deficits. Valproate added with clonazepam is effective in controlling seizures but cannot guarantee a complete remission of tremor. Repeat length showed intergenerational instability and was inversely correlated with age at onset of myoclonic tremor and epilepsy. Conclusions: TTTCA expansion insertion is associated with FCMTE in Chinese families. The homogenous genetic mechanism allowed for a higher precision of FCMTE description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because it uses a set of model integrations to simulate the temporally varying background probability distribution function and implement Bayes' theorem, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), which produces an optimal data assimilation solution that coherently combines model dynamics and observational information, has been widely used in weather and climate studies. However, in practice, the EnKF has two limitations: (1) the insufficient representation of error statistics of low‐frequency background flows due to its finite ensemble size and model integration over time and (2) the high demand of computational power for ensemble model integrations in high‐resolution coupled Earth system models. Given that background error statistics consist of stationary, slow‐varying, and fast‐varying parts, a multi‐timescale, high‐efficiency approximate EnKF (MSHea‐EnKF) is designed to increase the representation of low‐frequency background error statistics and enhance its computational efficiency. The MSHea‐EnKF is a combination of multi‐timescale filters implemented by regressions based on data sampled from the time series of a single‐model solution. Validation shows that with the improved representation of stationary and slow‐varying background statistics, the MSHea‐EnKF only requires a small fraction of computer resources and shows a comparable performance relative to a finite size EnKF. Our experiments also show that the result can be further improved by using a small set of MSHea‐EnKFs through second‐stage EnKF filtering if sufficient computer resources are available. This new algorithm makes it practical to assimilate multisource observations into any high‐resolution coupled Earth system model that is intractable with current computing power for weather‐climate analysis and predictions. Key Points: A new multi‐timescale high‐efficiency approximate EnKF has been developed using only one single‐model solutionWith improved representation on slow‐varying background statistics, the new algorithm produces comparable results as a finite size EnKFThe new algorithm makes it practical to assimilate multisource observations into any high‐resolution coupled Earth system model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research develops a stochastic mean field homogenization process that is used as reduced order model to carry out a statistical multiscale analysis on unidirectional fiber reinforced composites. First, full‐field simulations of unidirectional stochastic volume elements, whose statistical description is obtained from scanning electron microscope images, are conducted to define statistical mesoscale apparent properties. A stochastic Mori‐Tanaka (M‐T) mean field homogenization model is then developed through an inverse stochastic identification process performed on the apparent elastic properties obtained by full‐field simulations. As a result, a random vector of the effective elastic properties of phases and microstructure information of the M‐T model is inferred. In order to conduct stochastic finite element method analyses, a generator of this random vector is then constructed using the copula method, allowing predicting the statistical response of a composite ply under bending. The statistical dependence of the random vector entries is shown to be respected by the generator. Although this work is limited to the elastic response, we believe that the stochastic M‐T model can be extended to nonlinear behaviors to conduct efficient stochastic multiscale simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular rings are congenital aortic arch anomalies that compress the trachea and esophagus, causing symptoms related to these two structures. Two-dimensional color Doppler imaging revealed a right aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery and bilateral ductus arteriosus, resulting in two vascular rings, one being small and O-shaped and the other being U-shaped (Figure). Computed tomography (CT) was performed 3 days postpartum, which confirmed the formation of a complete vascular ring by the right aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery and bilateral ductus arteriosus. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to review systematically literature on and describe the sonographic features and associated anomalies of total (TAPVC) and partial (PAPVC) anomalous pulmonary venous connection and scimitar syndrome (SS).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of cases of TAPVC, PAPVC and SS that underwent comprehensive ultrasound examination, seen over a 20-year period at two tertiary referral centers. Assessed variables included TAPVC subtype, gestational age at diagnosis, area behind the left atrium, ventricular disproportion, vertical vein, pulmonary venous obstruction, mode of diagnosis, association with cardiac and extracardiac conditions, and pregnancy and fetoneonatal outcomes. The outcome was considered favorable if the individual was alive and well (no functional impairment from surgery or cardiac or extracardiac conditions). Cases associated with right isomerism were excluded from the analysis, as TAPVC in these cases was only one of several major cardiac anomalies affecting sonographic signs. A systematic review was performed in order to obtain a synthesis of characteristics associated with TAPVC, PAPVC and SS. The literature search of PubMed and EMBASE (1970-2016) included reviews, case series and case reports. A meta-analysis was conducted only for TAPVC. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled estimates of the frequencies of clinical characteristics and sonographic features.Results: For TAPVC, a total of 15 studies involving 71 patients (including 13 from the current cohort study) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for the association of TAPVC with congenital heart disease was 28.3% (95% CI, 18.1-41.3%) and with extracardiac anomalies it was 18.5% (95% CI, 10.5-30.6%). Of TAPVC cases, obstructed venous return was observed in 34.1% (95% CI, 22.7-47.7%), a favorable outcome in 43.8% (95% CI, 24.0-65.8%), ventricular disproportion in 59.2% (95% CI, 45.1-72.0%), increased area behind the left atrium in 58.1% (95% CI, 41.1-73.5%) and a vertical vein in 59.3% (95% CI, 41.1-75.3%). Diagnosis was established by using color or power Doppler in 84.9% (95% CI, 67.3-93.9%) of cases. For SS, there were only three studies describing eight cases, to which the current study added another five. Ventricular disproportion was present in three out of nine SS cases for which data were available, but for two of these, there was a concurrent heart anomaly. Color Doppler was used for all SS diagnoses, and four-dimensional echocardiography was useful in two out of six cases in which it was used. Outcome for SS cases was generally good. For PAPVC, there were only five studies describing five cases, to which the current study added another two. Major cardiac anomalies were associated in four out of seven of these cases, and extracardiac anomalies in three out of six cases for which data were available.Conclusions: TAPVC can be associated with other cardiac and extracardiac anomalies in a significant percentage of cases. Leading sonographic signs are ventricular disproportion, increased area behind the left atrium and the finding of a vertical vein. Color/power Doppler is the key mode for diagnosis of TAPVC. Obstructed venous return can be expected in roughly one-third of cases of TAPVC and outcome is favorable in less than half of cases. Data for SS and PAPVC are too few to synthesize. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil N2O emissions are generally larger from soil with straw incorporated, and adjusting soil pH can substantially affect the mineralization of incorporated straw. However, the interactive effects of straw return and adjustment of soil pH on N2O emissions have not been well studied. Therefore, we investigated the role of adjusting soil pH using dolomite with incorporated crop straw in changing soil properties and N2O emissions. We performed a 105‐day incubation study in which dolomite was added to a rice (Oryza sativa L.) (C/N: 36) and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) straw (C/N: 17) amended acidic soil (Ultisol). The pH of the original soil (4.92) steadily increased to 5.35 and 5.45 at day 105 in rice and green bean straw treatments, respectively. Application of dolomite increased pH to a maximum value of 6.35 in the rice straw + dolomite and 6.55 in the green bean straw + dolomite amended soil at day 105 following establishment of the trial. Application of dolomite and the crop straws significantly increased soil microbial biomass C (MBC), dissolved organic C (DOC) and nitrate (NO3−), whereas it had a short‐term effect on exchangeable ammonium (NH4+). The Ultisol amended with green bean straw emitted larger cumulative N2O emissions (7.25 mg N2O‐N kg−1) during the 105‐day study than soil amended with rice straw (4.23 mg N2O‐N kg−1) and the control soil (1.42 mg N2O‐N kg−1). Dolomite application significantly (P ≤ 0.001) decreased N2O emissions from both rice and green bean straw treatments by increasing soil pH. The results of the current study can help to mitigate N2O emissions and so improve field management. Highlights: We investigated the effects of dolomite on N2O emissions in acidic soil following incorporation of crop residues. Application of dolomite triggered chemical and biochemical soil processes. Dolomite significantly decreased N2O emissions from both rice and green bean straw treatments. Dolomite decreased net N2O emissions by increasing soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a member of the phthalate esters (PAEs), is a common contaminant and frequently detected in soil. In this study, metagenomics revealed that DMP contamination in a Mollisol led to alterations in biological genomes and pathways identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The results of functional annotation with pathway information demonstrated that genes involved in metabolism and signal regulatory pathways were changed in soil contaminated with DMP. Genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, carbon metabolism (glycolysis, the citrate cycle and pentose phosphate pathway) and signal regulatory pathways (apoptosis pathway, adipocytokine signalling pathway and glutamatergic synapse signal pathways) were more abundant under DMP contamination in the Mollisol. Quantitative PCR (QPCR) assays also showed that copies of genes associated with DMP degradation, pcmA, pehA, phtAb, phtB and phtC, correlated positively with the concentration of DMP. The results also suggested that the acceleration of nitrogen and carbon metabolism in the Mollisol by DMP contamination arose from altering the signal regulatory pathways. This is one of the most damaging mechanisms for microorganisms; therefore, DMP contamination will adversely affect the ecosystem in the Mollisol. Highlights: How can DMP contamination alter the metabolic pathways of microorganisms in a Mollisol? Changes in microbial metabolism under DMP contamination were estimated by metagenomics. DMP accelerated N and C metabolism by altering the signal pathways. DMP could disrupt the ecological balance by altering metabolism in a Mollisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Around 20 years ago, a 60‐ to 70‐kDa protein was reported as a major allergen of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen. This study was to identify and characterize its molecular properties. Methods: Sera from 113 Chinese and 20 Dutch Artemisia‐allergic/sensitized subjects (and pools thereof) were used to identify the 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen. Pollen extracts of seven Artemisia species were compared by immunoblotting. Transcriptomics and proteomics (mass spectrometry) of A. annua pollen were used to identify the putative 60‐ to 70‐kDa Artemisia allergen. Both the natural purified and recombinant allergens were evaluated for IgE reactivity by ImmunoCAP. Fourteen Chinese Artemisia‐allergic patients were tested intradermally with purified natural allergen. Results: Immunoblots revealed two major bands at 12 and 25 kDa, and a weak band at 70 kDa for all seven Artemisia species. Using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, the high molecular mass allergen in A. annua pollen was shown to be a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase, with a putative N‐glycosylation site. More than 94% of Artemisia pollen‐allergic patients had IgE response to this allergen. Although recognition of a nonglycosylated recombinant version was only confirmed in a minority (16%) and at much lower IgE levels, this discrepancy cannot be explained simply by reactivity to the carbohydrate moiety on the natural allergen. Intradermal testing with the natural allergen was positive in five of nine sensitized patients. Conclusions: The previously reported 60‐ to 70‐kDa allergen of Artemisia pollen is most likely a 62‐kDa putative galactose oxidase here designated Art an 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The construction of twin tunnels at shallow depth has become increasingly common in urban areas. In general, twin tunnels are usually near each other, in which the interaction between tunnels is too significant to be ignored on their stability. The equivalent arbitrarily distributed loads imposed on ground surface were considered in this study, and a new analytical approach was provided to efficiently predict the elastic stresses and displacements around the twin tunnels. The interaction between 2 tunnels of different radii with various arrangements was taken into account in the analysis. We used the Schwartz alternating method in this study to reduce the twin‐tunnel problem to a series of problems where only 1 tunnel was contained in half‐plane. The convergent and highly accurate analytical solutions were achieved by superposing the solutions of the reduced single‐tunnel problems. The analytical solutions were then verified by the good agreement between analytical and numerical results. Furthermore, by the comparison on initial plastic zone and surface settlement between analytical solution and numerical/measured results of elastoplastic cases, it was proven that the analytical solution can accurately predict the initial plastic zone and its propagation direction and can qualitatively provide the reliable ground settlements. A parametric study was finally performed to investigate the influence of locations of surcharge load and the tunnel arrangement on the ground stresses and displacements. The new solution proposed in this study provides an insight into the interaction of shallow twin tunnels under surcharge loads, and it can be used as an alternative approach for the preliminary design of future shallow tunnels excavated in rock or medium/stiff clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Isoprene, a dominant biogenic volatile organic compound that is mainly emitted by trees, has a significant impact on the atmospheric chemistry. Regional to global changes in biogenic isoprene emission associated with vegetation variations between 2000 and 2015 were estimated using the MEGAN model with satellite land cover data for inputs in this study. The satellite data estimates of land cover changes were compared to results from previous investigators that have either conducted regional studies or have used lower resolution land cover data. The analysis indicates that tree coverage increases of >5% occurred in 13% of locations including in central China and Europe. In contrast, a decrease of >5% was observed in about 5% of locations, especially in tropical regions. The trends in global tree coverage from 2000 to 2015 resulted in a global isoprene emission decrease of only 1.5%, but there were significant regional variations. Obvious decreases in tree coverage in some tropical areas (e.g., Amazon Basin, Western Africa, Southeast Asia) resulted in a ~10% reduction of regional isoprene emission due to agricultural expansion. Distinct increments of isoprene emission (5–10%) were mainly found in Northeast China and India and were associated with afforestation efforts. Deforestation and afforestation associated with managed plantations does not only affect the total forest coverage but also impacts average isoprene emission capacity, which can result in accelerated isoprene emission variations. Consequently, isoprene variation assessments are needed that not only account for changes in vegetation fractions but also consider the changes in plant species compositions of forests and other landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aberrant expression of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) has been reported in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Abnormalities in IL‐17 can promote the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and aggravate autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations of IL‐17 in patients with pSS and explore the correlation between IL‐17 and disease severity. Eight databases were searched for original studies reporting the expression of IL‐17 in patients with pSS and controls. Eligible reports were included in the pooled analysis, and subgroup evaluations were performed according to different types of controls and IL‐17 measurement methods. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale criteria were used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. In total, 45 articles are included in the meta‐analysis. The expression of IL‐17 is significantly increased in patients with pSS compared to controls. Furthermore, patients with pSS without immunosuppressive treatment show markedly higher IL‐17 levels. In addition, patients with pSS with positive rheumatoid factors tend to express a higher level of IL‐17 than patients with negative rheumatoid factors. Negative correlations between IL‐17 levels and ocular parameters are also found in patients with pSS. The results are similar after adjustment by “trim and fill” methods. In conclusion, the expression of IL‐17 is obviously increased in patients with pSS, especially among those without immunosuppressive treatment. In addition, IL‐17 level correlates with the disease severity of pSS. These findings demonstrate the significance of IL‐17 overexpression in patients with pSS and may provide insights for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting IL‐17 for pSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upregulation of co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints hampers the immune response toward tumor cells and facilitates the tumor cells ability to evade immunosurveillance. Specific inhibitory immune checkpoint delivers inhibitory signals to T cells using multiple mechanisms. More in‐depth understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints could be exploited for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. In this review, we summarize the expression and the mechanism of partial co‐inhibitory immune checkpoint signals and discuss targeting co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints as an immunotherapeutic target for cancer therapy. This review may provide a better understanding of the co‐inhibitory immune checkpoints and could promote applications of immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this 2-yr field experiment was to compare the performance of three rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars grown in three different nursery trays and mechanically transplanted using compatible machinery. The three treatments were a blanket-type nursery tray (Flat-S treatment), a bowl-type nursery tray (Pot-S treatment), and a pot-style/blanket-type nursery tray (Pot-flat-S treatment). The net photosynthetic rate, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, and matter translocation from the sheath at flowering to the kernel were significantly higher in the Pot-S treatment than in other two treatments (p < 0.05). The highest grain yield was in the Pot-S treatment (9.15-11.81 × 10³ kg ha-1), followed by the Pot-flat-S treatment (8.84-10.62 × 10³ kg ha-1), and then the Flat-S treatment (8.3-9.78 × 10³ kg ha-1). Low yields were attributed mainly to weak sink characteristics. The relative heights of the top three leaves on the plant were higher in the Pot-S treatment than in the other two treatments, and there was more space between adjacent leaves at the top of the canopy in the Pot-S treatment than in the other two treatments. The flag leaf area, the height difference between the first and third leaves (HDfirst-third) and between the second and third leaves (HDsecond-third), the relative height of the first leaf, and the droop angle of the first leaf significantly affected the source and sink traits. Moreover, HDfirst-second and HDfirst-third significantly and directly affected grain yield. Thus, the HDs of the top three leaves were crucial for high yields of mechanically transplanted rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing a trigonal curve [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave propagation and localization in ordered and disordered multi-span beams on elastic foundations due to moving harmonic loads are investigated by using the transfer matrix methodology. The transfer matrix, as a function of the frequency and velocity of the moving harmonic load, of the periodic beam is formulated in a coordinate system moving with the load. The expressions of critical velocities, cut-off frequency of an associated uniform beam without discrete spaced supports, are determined through the analysis of the wavenumbers, and the dynamic responses of the beam are also examined. For the ordered and disordered case, the propagation constants and localization factors are respectively employed to identify the velocity and frequency pass bands and stop bands in order to examine whether the perturbation can propagate along the structure or not. The effects of the periodicity, disorder level, excitation frequency, and moving velocity are studied in detail. The validity of the obtained results is confirmed by evaluating the transverse deformation of the beams through the finite element simulations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the safety and effectiveness of two different materials (mesh and suture line) used in laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension.Design: A retrospective observational study.Setting: Gynaecology departments in two hospitals in China.Population: Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) of stage II or higher.Methods: The women were divided into two groups according to the two different materials for laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension: mesh or suture line. The baseline characteristics, perioperative details, complications, objective and subjective indexes of the two groups were compared.Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was subjective satisfaction rate based upon validated questionnaires. The secondary outcome was objective anatomic assessment with the POP-Q system.Results: No difference was found in baseline characteristics and perioperative details except that there were more cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated other surgeries in the Line than the Mesh group (36 versus 19, P < 0.05; 12 versus 2, P < 0.05). Statistically significant improvements were found in anatomical measures of points Aa, Ba, Ap, Bp, C and TVL (P < 0.01), as well as functional and quality-of-life measures (P < 0.01 for PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7) between both groups. The postoperative PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and PGI-I scores were not different between two groups (P > 0.05). Two cases of deep wound infection were observed in Mesh group at 3-month follow up.Conclusions: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal linear uterine suspension is easy to perform and is associated with fewer mesh-related complications. It is more secure, especially in elderly women and in those with physical complications.Tweetable Abstract: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal linear uterine suspension is safe, with fewer mesh-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at accounting for the uncertainties because of material structure and surface topology of micro-beams in a stochastic multi-scale model. For micro-resonators made of anisotropic polycrystalline materials, micro-scale uncertainties exist because of the grain size, grain orientation, and the surface profile. First, micro-scale realizations of stochastic volume elements are obtained based on experimental measurements. To account for the surface roughness, the stochastic volume elements are defined as a volume element having the same thickness as the microelectromechanical system (MEMS), with a view to the use of a plate model at the structural scale. The uncertainties are then propagated up to an intermediate scale, the meso-scale, through a second-order homogenization procedure. From the meso-scale plate-resultant material property realizations, a spatially correlated random field of the in-plane, out-of-plane, and cross-resultant material tensors can be characterized. Owing to this characterized random field, realizations of MEMS-scale problems can be defined on a plate finite element model. Samples of the macro-scale quantity of interest can then be computed by relying on a Monte Carlo simulation procedure. As a case study, the resonance frequency of MEMS micro-beams is investigated for different uncertainty cases, such as grain-preferred orientations and surface roughness effects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue property of dissimilar spot welds between an aluminium alloy (AA5052) and a magnesium alloy (AZ31) was studied in this research. The AA5052 and AZ31 coupons were resistance spot welded together by using an interlayer of Sn-coated steel between the two coupons. The fatigue test results revealed that the Mg/Al joints had the same level of fatigue strength as Mg/Mg resistance spot welds. It was found that within the life range of Nf < 105 cycles, Mg/Al welds degraded faster than Mg/Mg joints. This was attributed to the larger bending moment on the plane of fatigue failure in the Mg/Al welds. Three failure modes were observed under different cyclic loading regimes: Al/steel interfacial failure, Mg coupon failure and Al coupon failure. Fatigue fracture surface of Mg/Al welds consisted of two distinct regions: crack propagation region with brittle morphology and final rupture with ductile morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoic acid ( LA) is a naturally existing substance which widely distributed in the cellular membranes and cytosol of animal cells. Its intracellular functions include quenching of free radicals and repairing oxidized proteins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LA on post-weaning diarrhoea using a rat model. Sixty weaned rats were fed either a basal diet or a LA-supplemented diet, or a zinc oxide (ZnO)-supplemented diet as a positive control. Rats in the LA and ZnO groups had better performance and reduced incidence of diarrhoea (p < 0.05). Both LA and ZnO treatments enhanced intestinal homeostatic and architecture, significantly decreased urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios (p < 0.05) and increased the expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins occludin ( OCLN) and zonula occludens protein-1 ( ZO-1) (p < 0.05). LA significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced glutathione while decreasing the levels of oxidative glutathione and malondialdehyde in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an in vitro study indicated that supplementation with LA in IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhanced the expression of OCLN and ZO-1 under hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggest that LA relieves post-weaning diarrhoea by reducing intestinal permeability and improving antioxidant indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of reduced dietary protein level on growth performance, muscle mass weight, free amino acids ( FAA) and gene expression profile of selected amino acid transceptors in different fibre type of skeletal muscle tissues ( longissimus dorsi, psoas major, biceps femoris) of growing pigs. A total of 18 cross-bred growing pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) with initial body weight (9.57 ± 0.67 kg) were assigned into three dietary treatments: 20% crude protein ( CP) diet (normal recommended, NP), 17% CP diet (low protein, LP) and 14% CP diet (very low protein, VLP). The results indicated improved feed-to-gain ratio was obtained for pigs fed LP and NP diets (p < 0.01), while the pigs fed VLP diet showed the worst growth performance (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the weights of longissimus dorsi and psoas major muscle between LP and NP groups (p > 0.05). Majority of the determined FAA concentration of LP group were greater than or equal to those of NP group in both longissimus dorsi and psoas major muscle (p < 0.01). Further, the mRNA expression levels of sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transceptor 2, L-type amino acid transceptor 1 and proton-assisted amino acid transceptors 2 were higher in skeletal muscle tissue in LP group compared to those of the pigs fed NP or VLP diet. These results suggested that reduced dietary protein level (3 points of percentage less than recommended level) would upregulate the mRNA expression of amino acid transceptors to enhance the absorption of FAA in skeletal muscle of growing pigs. There seems to be a relationship between response of AA transceptors to the dietary protein level in skeletal muscle tissue of different fibre type. To illustrate the underlying mechanisms will be beneficial to animal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital diseases of tooth roots, in terms of developmental abnormalities of short and thin root phenotypes, can lead to loss of teeth. A more complete understanding of the genetic molecular pathways and biological processes controlling tooth root formation is required. Recent studies have revealed that Osterix (Osx), a key mesenchymal transcriptional factor participating in both the processes of osteogenesis and odontogenesis, plays a vital role underlying the mechanisms of developmental differences between root and crown. During tooth development, Osx expression has been identified from late embryonic to postnatal stages when the tooth root develops, particularly in odontoblasts and cementoblasts to promote their differentiation and mineralization. Furthermore, the site-specific function of Osx in tooth root formation has been confirmed, because odontoblastic Osx-conditional knockout mice demonstrate primarily short and thin root phenotypes with no apparent abnormalities in the crown (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 30, 2014 and 742, Journal of Dental Research 94, 2015 and 430). These findings suggest that Osx functions to promote odontoblast and cementoblast differentiation and root elongation only in root, but not in crown formation. Mechanistic research shows regulatory networks of Osx expression, which can be controlled through manipulating the epithelial BMP signalling, mesenchymal Runx2 expression and cellular phosphorylation levels, indicating feasible routes of promoting Osx expression postnatally (Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 114, 2013 and 975). In this regard, a promising approach might be available to regenerate the congenitally diseased root and that regenerative therapy would be the best choice for patients with developmental tooth diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding occupational blood-borne pathogen exposure amongst dental students at two Chinese dental schools, as well as important factors that are associated with their career choice and attitudes towards infected patients. Subject and Methods The study was conducted using a student self-administered questionnaire from March to June 2013 at two Chinese dental schools. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare the categorical variables and identify the variables related to attitudes. Results One hundred and seventy-one students answered the questionnaire (response rate 83%). Most participants had incomplete knowledge about occupational exposure and participants' compliance with the infection control programme during routine clinical work was low. Fifty-six participants (34%) experienced at least one occupational exposure, but only one reported the incident. Percutaneous injuries and mucous membrane exposures were the main causes for exposure. Protection of the eyes and post-exposure management were inadequate. According to most participants, they had received insufficient education. Their concerns about the risk of infectious professional exposure would influence their career choice and approach to patients. Only 14% and 26% of the participants were willing to treat human immunodeficiency virus- and hepatitis B virus-infected patients, respectively. Conclusions More effective education on prevention and management is required for dental students to reduce the harm caused by occupational exposure. It is important to ensure dental students' knowledge and understanding before allowing them to enter clinical training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variations ( CNVs) play an important role in the genetic etiology of unknown cause early-onset epileptic encephalopathies ( EOEEs), but the genomic CNVs analysis of Chinese EOEEs children was rare. Here, we identified CNVs by single nucleotide polymorphism array in 116 patients with different subtypes of EOEEs. Of 116 patients 17 (14.66%) carried 19 large CNVs. A total of 14 CNVs in 12 patients were further validated: four of the CNVs were classified as de novo, seven were maternal, and three were paternal. Follow-up of those 12 patients showed that 5 had been seizure-free for at least 9 months, 5 had seizures several times per month or per year, and 2 had seizures everyday. But eight patients have profound developmental delay. In this study, we found at least 3.4% of patients had pathogenic CNVs. For the patients, our study laid the foundation for prenatal interventions for their families. Further, we identified potential candidate gene involved in EOEEs. The association of CNVs and clinical features will contribute to the understanding of EOEEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become epidemic worldwide, and abdominal obesity has a negative impact on health. Current treatment options on obesity, however, still remain limited. It is then of importance to find a new target for anti-obesity drug development based upon recent molecular studies in obesity. Adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) is the third member of adenylyl cyclase family and catalyses the synthesis of cAMP from ATP. Genetic studies with candidate gene and genome-wide association study approaches have demonstrated that ADCY3 genetic polymorphisms are associated with obesity in European and Chinese populations. Epigenetic studies have indicated that increased DNA methylation levels in the ADCY3 gene are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Furthermore, biological analyses with animal models have implicated that ADCY3 dysfunction resulted in increased body weight and fat mass, while reduction of body weight is partially explained by ADCY3 activation. In this review, we describe genomic and biological features of ADCY3, summarize genetic and epigenetic association studies of the ADCY3 gene with obesity and discuss dysfunction and activation of ADCY3. Based upon all data, we suggest that ADCY3 is a new target for anti-obesity drug development. Further investigation on the effectiveness of ADCY3 activator and its delivery approach to treat abdominal obesity has been taken into our consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Wyke Farm Platform ( NWFP) provides data from the field- to the farm-scale, enabling the research community to address key issues in sustainable agriculture better and to test models that are capable of simulating soil, plant and animal processes involved in the systems. The tested models can then be used to simulate how agro-ecosystems will respond to changes in the environment and management. In this study, we used baseline datasets generated from the NWFP to validate the Soil- Plant- Atmosphere Continuum System ( SPACSYS) model in relation to the dynamics of soil water content, water loss from runoff and forage biomass removal. The validated model, together with future climate scenarios for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s (from the International Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC) Special Report on Emissions Scenarios ( SRES): medium ( A1B) and large ( A1F1) emission scenarios), were used to simulate the long-term responses of the system with three contrasting treatments on the NWFP. Simulation results demonstrated that the SPACSYS model could estimate reliably the dynamics of soil water content, water loss from runoff and drainage, and cut biomass for a permanent sward. The treatments responded in different ways under the climate change scenarios. More carbon ( C) is fixed and respired by the swards treated with an increased use of legumes, whereas less C was lost through soil respiration with the planned reseeding. The deep-rooting grass in the reseeding treatment reduced N losses through leaching, runoff and gaseous emissions, and water loss from runoff compared with the other two treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Wyke Farm Platform was established as a United Kingdom national capability for collaborative research, training and knowledge exchange in agro-environmental sciences. Its remit is to research agricultural productivity and ecosystem responses to different management practices for beef and sheep production in lowland grasslands. A system based on permanent pasture was implemented on three 21-ha farmlets to obtain baseline data on hydrology, nutrient cycling and productivity for 2 years. Since then two farmlets have been modified by either (i) planned reseeding with grasses that have been bred for enhanced sugar content or deep-rooting traits or (ii) sowing grass and legume mixtures to reduce nitrogen fertilizer inputs. The quantities of nutrients that enter, cycle within and leave the farmlets were evaluated with data recorded from sensor technologies coupled with more traditional field study methods. We demonstrate the potential of the farm platform approach with a case study in which we investigate the effects of the weather, field topography and farm management activity on surface runoff and associated pollutant or nutrient loss from soil. We have the opportunity to do a full nutrient cycling analysis, taking account of nutrient transformations in soil, and flows to water and losses to air. The NWFP monitoring system is unique in both scale and scope for a managed land-based capability that brings together several technologies that allow the effect of temperate grassland farming systems on soil moisture levels, runoff and associated water quality dynamics to be studied in detail. Highlights Can meat production systems be developed that are productive yet minimize losses to the environment?, The data are from an intensively instrumented capability, which is globally unique and topical., We use sensing technologies and surveys to show the effect of pasture renewal on nutrient losses., Platforms provide evidence of the effect of meteorology, topography and farm activity on nutrient loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma, polyphagous endoparasitoids of lepidopteran eggs, are used against a variety of crop pests throughout the world including those of sugar cane and corn in south-eastern Asia. Their ability to be easily and economically reared on factitious hosts and their wide host range have contributed to their widespread use in pest control. The overall aim of this study was to select strains for eventual release in crop areas for control of lepidopteran borer pests of sugar cane and corn. To this end, we identified common Trichogramma species emerging from corn borer egg masses throughout south-western Taiwan, compared their life-history characteristics, assessed their thermal limits and identified the Wolbachia infection status of collected Trichogramma parasitoids. Trichogramma ostriniae was the most commonly collected species on corn, with occasional detection of T. chilonis and an unidentified species designated as T. sp. y. Although the sex ratio varied widely between sites, Wolbachia infection was detected only at a single site in one species ( T. ostriniae). Wolbachia-infected T. ostriniae were tolerant to high temperature stress. Trichogramma chilonis had lowest fecundity of the three species tested, and a Wolbachia-infected T. ostriniae strain had lower fecundity than an uninfected strain. Given the limited availability of distribution and historical data for Trichogramma species in Taiwan, the current study provides a baseline for future work and also highlights the importance of accurately identifying species when establishing colonies of natural enemies for biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials ( RCTs) or cohort studies that evaluated the effect of aerobic endurance exercise on pulse wave velocity ( PWV) and intima media thickness ( IMT) in adults. IMT and PWV were the most commonly used parameters for the assessment of arterial stiffness. The MEDLINE, Cochrane, ISI, and Ovid databases were searched between January 2000 and February 2015. A total of 1654 participants in 26 RCTs and two cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis. In studies for which PWV was the outcome, aerobic endurance exercise had a significant effect on reducing PWV [−0.67, 95% CI −0.97, −0.38; I2 = 89%; heterogeneity, P < 0.0001]. Changes in peripheral arterial PWV were statistically greater than in central arterial PWV. In the RCTs for which IMT was the outcome, changes [−0.04, 95% CI −0.12, 0.04; I2 = 95%; heterogeneity, P < 0.00001] in IMT did not reach statistical significance. In the two cohort studies, changes [−8.81, 95% CI −9.25, −8.37; I2 = 22%; heterogeneity, P = 0.26] in IMT were statistically significant. Subgroup analysis indicated a longer duration aerobic exercise and a greater improvement in VO2max were associated with larger reductions in PWV. Reductions in IMT were observed in two cohort studies, but not in four RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adaptive behaviour is closely related to quality of life in children with intellectual disability (ID), but little is known about the adaptive behaviour of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) in China. Method In boys with FXS, the adaptive behaviours in six domains, including self-dependence, locomotion, work skills, communication, socialisation and self-management, were assessed by the Infants-Junior Middle School Students Social-life Abilities Scale. In addition, we compared the adaptive skills of boys with FXS to those of three control groups of boys, including boys with Down syndrome (DS) and typically developing (TD) boys matched by chronological age (CA) or mental age (MA). The profile of the adaptive behaviour of boys with FXS is discussed in detail. Results Compared to boys with DS, boys with FXS obtained lower scores in three domains in adaptive behaviour, including work skills, socialisation and self-management skills; boys with FXS had better scores in self-dependence and locomotion skills than boys matched for MA; as expected, boys with FXS had significantly poorer adaptive skills in all six domains assessed compared to CA boys. Conclusion The development of adaptive skills in boys with FXS was worse than that of boys with DS. The profile of the adaptive behaviour of boys with FXS establishes a basis for the development of targeted interventions to promote social development in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]