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Background/Aims: Dysregulated expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) was demonstrated to be implicated in many diseases. Here, we aimed to determine circRNA profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from active tuberculosis (TB) patients to identify novel biomarkers for TB. Methods: Expression profile of circRNAs in PBMCs from 3 active pulmonary TB patients and 3 healthy controls were analyzed by microarray assay. Six circRNAs were selected for validation using real time-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in 40 TB patients and 40 control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate their values in TB diagnosis. Hsa_circRNA_001937 was chosen for further evaluation in an independent cohort consisting of 115 TB, 40 pneumonia, 40 COPD, 40 lung cancer patients and 90 control subjects. An eight-month follow up was performed in 20 newly diagnosed TB patients to investigate the expression change of hsa_circRNA_001937 after chemotherapy. Results: We revealed and confirmed that a number of circRNAs were dysregulated in TB patients. Of the six studied physio circRNAs, the levels of hsa_circRNA_001937, hsa_circRNA_009024 and hsa_ circRNA_005086 were significantly elevated and hsa_circRNA_102101, hsa_circRNA_104964 and hsa_circRNA_104296 were significantly reduced in PBMCs from TB patients as compared to healthy controls. ROC curve analysis suggested that hsa_circRNA_001937 has the largest area under the curve (AUC = 0.873, P<0.001). Hsa_circRNA_001937 was significantly increased in patients with TB compared with patients with pneumonia, COPD and lung cancer. Hsa_ circRNA_001937 was correlated with TB severity (r = 0.4053, P = 0.010) and its expression significantly decreased after treatment. Conclusion: This study identified a set of deregulated circRNAs in active TB PBMCs, our data also suggest that hsa_circRNA_001937 can be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker of TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explored the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD40 gene, rs4810485 G > T and rs1883832 C > T, as well as disease susceptibility and severity in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the Chinese Han population.Method: Peripheral venous blood was collected from 133 KOA patients (KOA group) and 143 healthy people (control group) from December 2012 to November 2013. The patients in the KOA group were classified into mild, moderate and severe groups according to disease severity. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to test the genotypes of all subjects. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors for KOA.Results: The KOA group was significantly different from the control group in living environment (P < 0.05). The KOA group had a lower frequency of TT genotype and T allele distribution of rs4810485 G > T compared with the control group, and rs4810485 G > T TT genotype and T allele may associate with low incidence of KOA (all P < 0.05). Besides, T allele and mutant homozygous TT genotype of rs1883832 C > T increased the susceptibility to KOA. Genotype and allele distribution of rs4810485 G > T and rs1883832 C > T were significantly different among the mild, moderate and severe groups (P < 0.05). There were more patients with rs4810485 G > T GG genotype and rs1883832 C > T TT genotype in the severe group than other genotypes of these two SNPs. According to binary logistic regression analysis, rs4810485 G > T TT genotype could alleviate disease severity in KOA, rs1883832 C > T TT genotype increase the severity of KOA and living environment is an important external factor that affects KOA severity.Conclusions: These data provide evidences that rs4810485 G > T and rs1883832 C > T in the CD40 gene may be associated with disease susceptibility and severity in KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High linearity and low noise are important conditions for high-resolution imaging in wideband linear frequency modulation (LFM) radar systems, where stretch processing is commonly adopted. However, in practice, hardware may introduce amplitude and phase distortions to radar signals. The distortions will increase the range sidelobes (RSLs) of the dechirped returns and cause the decline of imaging quality. Traditional time-domain RSL correction methods are greatly influenced by time delay and can only be used in a small range window. To solve the problem, we propose a novel frequency-domain RSL correction (FDRC) method in this paper. For FDRC, we first multiply the extracted distortion and the stretched return by a baseband LFM signal and then perform the correction in the frequency domain. Both theoretical and simulation results show that the proposed method provides equivalent performances in RSLs compared to other existing distortion correction methods in a large range window. Besides, the proposed method can be much easily implemented in practical radar systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through metal-free protocol, hypercrosslinked porous polyporphyrin with permanent porosity was obatined via the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of tetracarbazolylporphyrin using formaldehyde dimethyl acetal as an external cross-linker. Its chemical structure and porosity was well characterized and confirmed. The BET specific surface area value ofHCP-TCPPis 1050 m2 g−1and related dominant pore size is centered at 0.63 nm. The adsorption amount of methanol byHCP-TCPPis high up to 800 mg g−1(about 25.0 mmol g−1) at its saturated vapor pressure, which is higher than that of toluene (600 mg g−1, 6.5 mmol g−1). Further study indicates that polymerHCP-TCPP, possessing the high BET specific surface area and total pore volume, exhibits good hydrogen uptake of 3.44 wt % (77 K) and high carbon dioxide uptake of 41.1 wt % (298 K) at 18.0 bar. Besides, the obtained porous polymer can also be used as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation between various aldehydes and malononitrile. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To perform a study to clarify how strong the chronological age relates to ossification of the knee in Chinese on X-rays and the MRI when a similar four-stage grading system was used. 322 individuals with conventional radiographs and MRI were collected from routine medical investigations and evaluated retrospectively. Bland Altman plots were performed to reveal the agreement of grading of MRI and radiograph. Regression analysis was conducted to establish a mathematical model for age estimation. The ossification process of the knee occurs earlier in females than in males for about 1-2 years. The process on X-ray grading is consistently higher than that of MRI. The chronological age is well correlated with both grading of MRI and radiograph (all p values were less than 0.001). By comparison, the R-square of grading of MRI were relatively higher than that of radiograph. Finally, the chronological age is well correlated with the ossification of the knee when both grading of MRI and radiograph were used, with the R-square for MRI were relatively higher than that of radiograph. Furthermore, the use of MRI will reduce exposure to X-ray radiation as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both US and AH greatly enhanced hydrogen production performance of Al hydrolysis. • US and AH increased v max from 6.8 to 33.0 and 28.0 ml·min−1·g−1-Al, respectively. • For AH + US, induction time was 0.17 h and v max was as high as 66.0 ml·min−1·g−1-Al. • AH + US exhibited the best performance due to synergistic effect between AH and US. Ultrasound can accelerate and change the reaction process and is widely used in the field of hydrogen production and storage. In this study, ultrasound (US) and AlOOH suspension (AH) are used to promote hydrogen production from Al hydrolysis. The results indicate that both US and AH greatly shorten the induction time and enhance the hydrogen production rate and yield. The promoting effect of US and AH on Al hydrolysis originates from the acoustic cavitation effect and catalytic effect, respectively. When AH is used in combination with US, Al hydrolysis has the best hydrogen production performance and the hydrogen yield can reach 96.6 % within 1.2 h, because there is a synergistic effect on Al hydrolysis between AH and US. Mechanism analyses reveal that the micro-jets and local high temperature environment arising from acoustic cavitation improve the catalytic activity of AlOOH, while the suspended AlOOH particles enhance the cavitation effect of US. This work provides a novel and feasible method to promote hydrogen production from Al hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-valent Al (ZVAl) is a good electron donor, however its surface passive film impedes the electron release from inside to outside. In this work, a soaking procedure was adopted to activate ZVAl powder, which was used to remove hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in neutral solution. The results indicated that the soaking process can greatly enhance Cr(VI) reduction due to a layer of loose and fine flocculent Al(OH) 3 grains covering on Al particles, which adsorb Cr(VI) ions and speed up the electron release from inner Al. There is an optimal soaking time, which can promote ZVAl to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in neutral solution up to 90% within 2 min. Mechanism analyses revealed that adsorption of Cr(VI) ions on soaked Al surfaces are beneficial for them to receive more electrons from inner Al, leading to reduction of Cr(VI) ions favorable in competition with Al-water reaction, because these two processes consume electrons simultaneously. It was also found that the soaked Al powder has a good reusability and Cr(VI) removal is >70% when it was recycled for 5 times. This study provides an effective way for activating Al to reduce heavy metal ions in water. [Display omitted] • ZVAl soaking greatly enhances Cr(VI) reduction efficiency in neutral solution. • Optimal soaked ZVAl can remove Cr(VI) in neutral solution up to 90% within 2 min. • Cr(VI) removal by soaked Al experienced adsorption and reduction processes. • Soaked Al powder exhibited a good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major reports have suggested that bone mineral density (BMD) is higher in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), while other studies do not agree. Our aim was to examine the cross-sectional association between phalangeal BMD and radiographic knee OA.Methods: A total of 2855 participants were included in this study. Radiographic knee OA was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) Grade ≥ 2 in at least one leg. BMD scans of the middle phalanges of the second, third and fourth digits of the nondominant hand were performed with a compact radiographic absorptiometry system (Alara MetriScan®). A multivariable logistic analysis model was applied to test the relation between phalangeal BMD with radiographic knee OA, the presence of knee osteophytes (OSTs), and knee joint space narrowing (JSN) after adjusting for a number of potential confounding factors.Results: The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals [ORs (95 % CI)] of radiographic knee OA across phalangeal BMDs were 1.08 (95 % CI 0.89-1.32) and 0.62 (95 % CI 0.45-0.86), respectively. The P for trend was 0.09. For the female population, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95 % CI) of radiographic knee OA across phalangeal BMD were 1.01 (95 % CI 0.73-1.37) and 0.58 (95 % CI 0.38 - 0.87), respectively. The P for trend was 0.02. This positive finding, however, did not exist in the male subgroup. There was a significantly lower prevalence of OST in the osteoporosis (OP) group than in the normal group (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI 0.40-0.88; P for trend was 0.01). In contrast, the prevalence of JSN was significantly higher in the osteopenia group (OR = 1.22, 95 % CI 1.00-1.48) and the OP group (OR = 1.35, 95 % CI 1.00-1.84) than in the normal group. The P for trend was 0.02.Conclusions: This study observed lower odds for the presence of radiographic knee OA and OST in OP patients than in normal subjects. The prevalence of JSN was higher in the osteopenia and OP groups than in normal subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the cross-sectional associations between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and hyperuricemia (HU). Methods: 5168 subjects were included in this study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Hyperuricemia (HU) was defined as uric acid ≥ 416 μmol/L for male population and ≥ 360 μmol/L for female. A multivariable logistic analysis model was applied to test the associations after adjusting a number of potential confounding factors. Results: The relative odds of the overall prevalence of HU were decreased by 0.57 times in the fourth quintile of Mg intake (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.94) and 0.55 times in the fifth quintile (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30–1.01) comparing with the lowest quintile, and P for trend was 0.091. The results of multivariable linear regression also suggested a significant inverse association between serum uric acid and Mg intake (β = -0.028, P = 0.022). For male, the relative odds of HU were decreased by 0.62 times in the third quintile of Mg intake (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40–0.97), 0.40 times in the fourth quintile (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23–0.72) and 0.35 times in the fifth quintile (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.71) comparing with the lowest quintile, and P for trend was 0.006. Multivariable adjusted inverse association was also existed between serum uric acid and Mg intake in male population (β = -0.061, P = 0.002). However, no significant association was observed between dietary Mg intake and HU for female. Conclusions: The findings of this cross-sectional study indicated that dietary Mg intake is inversely associated with HU, independent of some major confounding factors. In addition, this association remains valid for the male subgroup, but not for the female subgroup. Level of Evidence: LevelIII, cross-sectional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Crystallized hydroxides on Al surface passive film decrease Al-PMS activity. • F− ions and organics inhibit the hydration of Al passive oxide film. • Cl− ions have a negative influence on Al-PMS reaction activity. • Acid washing can effectively remove Al surface passive oxide film. Al-peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system is an efficient way for removal of pollutants in aqueous solution. Al surface passive oxide film is a barrier to impede the electron transfer from inner metal Al to outside, whose compositions and phase structures are changed in different environment such as moisture or after recycling. In this work, for the first time, the effect of Al surface oxide structures on oxidability of Al-PMS system and its efficiency for removal of organic pollutant was investigated. It was found that if the passive oxide film on Al particles is hydrated and becomes hydroxides, the efficiency of Al-PMS system for degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in aqueous solution decreases considerably, because the solubility of crystallized Al hydroxides is at least three orders of magnitude lower than that of amorphous Al oxides on pristine Al particles. Furthermore, the trace species in water have an influence on the hydration and structures of Al surface oxide film. For example, organics and F− ions in water will form complexes on Al particle surfaces and inhibit the hydration process, while Cl− ions corrode Al surface oxides and do not inhibit the hydration, based on the analyses of Al3+ ion concentration in their solution after BPA removal. It was also found that acid washing can remove the hydrated oxide film on Al surfaces and recover Al activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BCN nanosheets were applied as an efficient heat-conduction microwave absorber. • Various building blocks integrated in BCN could provide multiple polarization loss mechanism. • Strong absorption and wide broadband were achieved for BCN with a thin coating thickness. • BCN nanosheets exhibited good thermal management performance. Multifunctional materials with high-efficiency microwave absorption properties and effective thermal conductivity are urgently required for modern electronic devices and systems. Herein, we successfully prepared biomass-derived borocarbonitride (BCN) nanosheets with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption and thermal management properties by a general, green and economical strategy using biomass coconut shell as carbon source, and explored the effect of the coconut-shell charcoal content on its performance. The as-prepared BCN nanosheets exhibit a large specific surface area, which is favorable to the formation of conductive network and multiple reflection and scattering, thus resulting in strong absorption. The results show that the minimum reflection loss value of −54.24 dB is obtained at 5.2 GHz, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth reaches up to 4.16 GHz with a thickness of only 1.4 mm. Furthermore, the thermal diffusivities and conductivities of the BCN/natural rubber composites are significantly improved. Thus, this research offers an idea for exploring high-performance multifunctional absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the cross-sectional associations between dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), joint space narrowing (JSN), and osteophytes (OST) respectively. Methods: A total of 1626 subjects were included in the study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Radiographic knee OA was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) Grade 2 in at least one leg. JSN and OST were assessed individually according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas. A multivariable logistic analysis model was applied to test the various associations after adjusting for potentially confounding factors. Results: The relative odds of radiographic knee OA were decreased by 0.53 times in the third quintile of Mg intake [odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–1.01], 0.40 times in the fourth quintile (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17–0.94) and 0.34 times in the fifth quintile (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11–1.00) compared with those in the lowest quintile, while P for trend was 0.111. The relative odds of JSN were decreased by 0.49 times in the third quintile of Mg intake (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28–0.88) and 0.37 times in the fifth quintile (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.98) compared with those in the lowest quintile, while P for trend was 0.088. There was no significant relationship between dietary Mg intake and the presence of OST. Conclusions: The findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that Mg intake is inversely associated with radiographic knee OA and JSN. It supports potential role of Mg in the prevention of knee OA. Level of Evidence: LevelIII, cross-sectional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to reveal the influence regularity of each factor on charging effect and the relationship between influencing factors and charging effect, the impact of applied voltage( U),electrode ring diameter(D) and the distance between spray nozzle and electrode ring(L) on charging effect of droplets by induction was investigated by mesh target method under constant atomizing parameters. The correlation between influencing factors and charging effect of droplets was analyzed by SPSS. The results show that the charge to mass ratio of droplets increases with the increase of U and decrease of D and L. There is an approximately linear relation between each influencing factor and charging effect of droplets. The charging effect of droplets can be influenced greatly by U and L, but the impact of D is weak. The order of impact degree on droplets charging effect is L>U>D. At last, the linear regression equation of influencing factors and charging effect of droplets was built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Al was modified by soaking Al powder in water and then heat-treating in vacuum. • Modified Al has a high rate in reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions in solution. • Modified Al exhibited an excellent recyclability in removing Cr(VI). • XPS indicated that Al surface passive oxide films become thin after modification. Zero-valent aluminum has attracted considerable attention in degradation of organic contaminants and reduction of heavy metal ions due to its very low redox potential (E 0 (Al3+/Al0) = −1.662 V). Usually there is a passive oxide film on Al surface, inhibiting its electron transfer and leading to low reaction efficiency. In this work, metal Al surface was modified by loose fine Al 2 O 3 (SM-Al) using a procedure of soaking Al powder in water for a time period and then heat-treating in vacuum. It was found that surface modification remarkably enhanced the reaction efficiency of zero-valent Al in reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions in aqueous solution. The longer the soaking time of Al powder in water is, the higher the efficiency in removing Cr(VI) is. The effects of Al particle size and dosage, initial Cr(VI) concentration and reaction temperature on Cr(VI) removal were investigated as well. XPS analyses revealed that the decrease in thickness of Al surface passive oxide films and the promotion of surface covered loose Al 2 O 3 phases on hydration of passive oxide films are two main reasons responsible for the rapid removal of Cr(VI) by SM-Al. Meanwhile, SM-Al exhibited an excellent recyclability and the reused SM-Al has a very fast reaction rate relative to as-prepared SM-Al, 80% of Cr(VI) can be removed even it was reused up to five cycles. The present study provides a new route to activate Al in removal of contaminants in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cartilage destruction is the main characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA), and osteopontin (OPN) is elevated in OA articular cartilage; however, the reason for the increased OPN level is not determined. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates in the progression of OA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether canonical Wnt signaling could regulate the expression of OPN in human chondrocytes in vitro. Methods: Human chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, and we first assayed the mRNA levels of OPN and β-catenin in chondrocytes. Next, we performed transient transfection of TCF 4 shRNA into chondrocytes to inhibit TCF 4 expression and explore changes in the OPN level. Then, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) was incubated with chondrocytes, and we assayed the changes in β-catenin and OPN. Results: Our results showed that the expression of both β-catenin and OPN was increased in OA chondrocytes, but there were no correlations between β-catenin and OPN expression. TCF4 shRNA downregulated the expression of TCF 4 and OPN in chondrocytes, while after treatment with rDKK-1 at a concentration of 400 ng/ml for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of both β-catenin and OPN was significantly decreased in chondrocytes. Conclusions: Elevated OPN expression might be regulated by the β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor DKK1 could inhibit the expression of β-catenin and OPN in OA chondrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) is a nondestructive and powerful method to investigate carrier recombination and transport characteristics in semiconductor materials. In this study, the temperature dependences of photoluminescence of GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs multi-quantum wells samples with and without p-n junction were measured under both resonant and non-resonant excitation modes. An obvious increase of photoluminescence(PL) intensity as the rising of temperature in low temperature range (T < 50 K), is observed only for GaAs-AlxGa1-xAs quantum wells sample with p-n junction under non-resonant excitation. The origin of the anomalous increase of integrated PL intensity proved to be associated with the enhancement of carrier drifting because of the increase of carrier mobility in the temperature range from 15 K to 100 K. For non-resonant excitation, carriers supplied from the barriers will influence the temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity of quantum wells, which makes the traditional methods to acquire photoluminescence characters from the temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity unavailable. For resonant excitation, carriers are generated only in the wells and the temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity is very suitable to analysis the photoluminescence characters of quantum wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the wavelength region of 535-570 nm are still inefficient, which is known as the 'green gap' problem. Light in this range causes maximum luminous sensation in the human eye and is therefore advantageous for many potential uses. Here, we demonstrate a high-brightness InGaN LED with a normal voltage in the 'green gap' range based on hybrid multi-quantum wells (MQWs). A yellow-green LED device is successfully fabricated and has a dominant wavelength, light output power, luminous efficiency and forward voltage of 560 nm, 2.14 mW, 19.58 lm/W and 3.39 V, respectively. To investigate the light emitting mechanism, a comparative analysis of the hybrid MQW LED and a conventional LED is conducted. The results show a 2.4-fold enhancement of the 540-nm light output power at a 20-mA injection current by the new structure due to the stronger localization effect, and such enhancement becomes larger at longer wavelengths. Our experimental data suggest that the hybrid MQW structure can effectively push the efficient InGaN LED emission toward longer wavelengths, connecting to the lower limit of the AlGaInP LEDs' spectral range, thus enabling completion of the LED product line covering the entire visible spectrum with sufficient luminous efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gamma-synuclein (SNCG) has previously been demonstrated to be significantly correlated with metastatic malignancies; however, in-depth investigation of SNCG in prostate cancer is still lacking. In the present study, we evaluated the role of SNCG in prostate cancer progression and explored the underlying mechanisms.Methods: First, alteration of SNCG expression in LNCaP cell line to test the ability of SNCG on cellular properties in vitro and vivo whenever exposing with androgen or not. Subsequently, the Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate whether the role of SNCG in LNCaP is through AR signaling. Last, the association between SNCG and prostate cancer progression was assessed immunohistochemically using a series of human prostate tissues.Results: Silencing SNCG by siRNA in LNCaP cells contributes to the inhibition of cellular proliferation, the induction of cell-cycle arrest at the G1 phase, the suppression of cellular migration and invasion in vitro, as well as the decrease of tumor growth in vivo with the notable exception of castrated mice. Subsequently, mechanistic studies indicated that SNCG is a novel androgen receptor (AR) coactivator. It interacts with AR and promotes prostate cancer cellular growth and proliferation by activating AR transcription in an androgen-dependent manner. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SNCG was almost undetectable in benign or androgen-independent tissues prostate lesions. The high expression of SNCG is correlated with peripheral and lymph node invasion.Conclusions: Our data suggest that SNCG may serve as a biomarker for predicting human prostate cancer progression and metastasis. It also may become as a novel target for biomedical therapy in advanced prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]