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The MIR100HG expression was observed to be up-regulated or down-regulated in human cancer tissues depending on tumor types. However, there was no report about the role of MIR100HG in gastric cancer. In our study, we first found levels of MIR100HG expression were increased in gastric cancer cell lines and tissue samples compared with normal gastric epithelial cell line and adjacent normal gastric mucosa tissue samples, respectively. Moreover, high MIR100HG expression was positively associated with clinical stage, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis in gastric cancer patients. Survival analysis showed MIR100HG expression was negative correlated with clinical outcome in gastric cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database or our study, and high MIR100HG expression served as an independent poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer patient’s overall survival. The study in vitro suggested down-regulation ofMIR100HG expression inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer. In conclusion, MIR100HG is a credible prognostic biomarker and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiquantum cryptography has drawn much attention in recent years since it simplifies the implementation of quantum cryptographic protocols. In this paper, we study semiquantum secure direct communication (SQSDC). Based on single-photons, we propose a two-step SQSDC protocol with identity authentication, which can be used to prevent impersonation and the man-in-the-middle attack. Different from previous protocols based on quantum entanglement or quantum memory, our protocol removes there restrictions for simplifying its physical implementation. We prove that our two-step SQSDC protocol is completely robust. That is, any adversarial attempting to learn some information on the secure message or identity strings will inevitably induce some errors that can be detected by communicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the research studies carried out on the application of lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to computational aeroacoustics (CAA). The Navier-Stokes equation-based solver faces the difficulty of computational efficiency when it has to satisfy the high-order of accuracy and spectral resolution. LBM shows its capabilities in direct and indirect noise computations with superior space-time resolution. The combination of LBM with turbulence models also work very well for practical engineering machinery noise. The hybrid LBM decouples the discretization of physical space from the discretization of moment space, resulting in flexible mesh and adjustable time-marching. Moreover, new solving strategies and acoustic models are developed to further promote the application of LBM to CAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geotechnical media itself is very complex, such as geotechnical structure, porosity, density, stress history, load characteristics, pore water and time effects. It is usually necessary to simulate the mechanical properties of geotechnical and simulate various aspects of geotechnical engineering including nonlinear stress-strain relationship, transient consolidation, steady-state rheology, well point precipitation, soil liquefaction analysis, construction process, geotechnical Stress-deformation and stability, slope stress and stability, analysis of slope and chamber anchorage effects, bearing capacity and subsidence analysis of subgrade, foundation, deep foundation pit, pile, etc., between soil and reinforced concrete road main body interaction. Due to the limitation of resolution and magnification, the traditional optical microscope is inaccurate for the qualitative analysis of fine particles. There is a certain error in the quantitative analysis of rock and soil. The observation of nano-micron mineral morphology and structural features is at a loss. With the deepening of oil and gas exploration and geological prospecting, it is necessary to provide information on all minerals, pores and trace elements in rocks. Therefore, the use of scanning electron microscopy to establish a rock mineral identification method based on large instruments is the need of current geological work. In this paper, the application of the sample and the test method, the dynamic monitoring method of the microstructure change, and the quantitative analysis technology of the scanning electron microscope are used to study its application in geotechnical engineering.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the investment market in real life is complex and mobile, there are many other factors to consider when meeting the risk and income equilibrium, such as transaction cost, diversification degree and so on. To simulate the real transactions in financial market, multiple decision criteria in portfolio selection should be considered to provide investors with additional choices. This paper discusses a multi-objective portfolio optimization problem for practical portfolio selection in fuzzy environment, in which the return rates and the turnover rates are characterized by fuzzy variables. Under the premise of meeting the two wishes level of investors' maximum and minimum risk, we assume that the rate of return is a fuzzy variable, and get the corresponding fuzzy portfolio optimization model. What's more, we apply a particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the proposed multi-period fuzzy portfolio selection models. To reflect investor's aspiration levels for the two objectives, a fuzzy decision technique is employed to transform the proposed model into a single objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the application of our models. Comparative results show that the designed algorithm is effective for solving the proposed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, we provide several sharp bounds for the Toader mean by use of certain combinations of the arithmetic, quadratic, contraharmonic, and Gaussian arithmetic-geometric means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: The effect of berberine (Ber) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo development in pigs and the associated differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the embryo were investigated. NCSU‐23 embryonic culture medium was used for a control group, while NCSU‐23 embryonic culture medium added with Ber was used for a Ber group. The embryo development rates in these groups were determined, and the zygotes, 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos, and blastocysts were collected for cDNA microarray analysis. The development rates of 2‐, 4‐, 8‐cell embryos and blastocysts were significantly higher in the Ber group than those in the control group (p < 0.01). The differentially expressed miRNAs in the 8‐cell versus the 4‐cell stage in control group as well as in the 8‐cell Ber group versus the 8‐cell control group overlapped, and it was found that nine miRNAs were commonly upregulated and two of them were downregulated, while there was no overlap among the other groups. The target genes of Ber‐regulated miRNAs at the 8‐cell stage were mainly associated with the molecular pathway of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. These findings suggest that Ber may regulate the expression of miRNAs at the 8‐cell stage, which is beneficial to provide material reserves for the maternal to zygote transition of porcine embryos, thereby increasing the porcine IVF embryo development rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A polarized-HSI system (400–1000 nm) was developed for agricultural application. • Superficial information contributes more in discriminating sunflower varieties. • Both surface and subsurface features are equally important in classification. • R ⊥ is most important in detecting diseases (PM and/or SLS) on sunflower leaves. • Best classification model for disease detection had CCR of 0.963 for prediction. Abstract This study aims to investigate the potential of an original polarized hyperspectral imaging (HSI) setup in the spectral domain of 400–1000 nm for sunflower leaves in real-world. Dataset 1 includes hypercubes of sunflower leaves in two varieties with different life growth stages, while Dataset 2 is comprised of healthy and contaminated sunflower leaves suffering from powdery mildew (PM) and/or septoria leaf spot (SLS). Cross polarised (R ⊥), parallel polarised (R | |) reflectance signals, R BS (R | | + R ⊥) and R SS (R | | - R ⊥) spectra were obtained and used to develop partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models. Surface information played an important role in separating two varieties of leaves due to the fact that the best model performance was achieved by using R SS mean spectra, while both surface and subsurface were equally important in classifying leaves between two major growth stages because model of R BS mean spectra outperformed other models. The best classification model for disease detection was achieved by using pixel R ⊥ spectra with the correct classification rate (CCR) of 0.963 for both cross validation and prediction, meaning that subsurface spectral features were the most important to detect infected leaves. The resulting classification maps were also displayed to visualize the distribution of the infected regions on the leaf samples. The overall results obtained in this research showed that the developed polarized-HSI system coupled with multivariate analysis has considerable promise in agricultural real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Circulating exosomal microRNAs provide new opportunities to unlock the secrets of hepatocellular carcinoma. • Both serum exosomes-encapsulated microRNAs and combined with traditional biomarkers improve diagnosis methods. • Strategies target exosomal microRNAs offer new tactics for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-associated deaths each year. Due to the invasive, fast growth and insidious onset of HCC, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing the effectiveness of radical surgery. Therefore, effective early detection and diagnostic methods are crucial for improving the treatment and prognosis of HCC patients. Exosomes are 40- to 100-nm-sized vesicles that are released from many cell types into the extracellular space, and extensive evidence has suggested that exosomes are involved in the occurrence and development of HCC. Recently, the presence of microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes has been verified. Such miRNAs can be internalized by neighboring or distant cells to subsequently regulate multiple target genes in recipient cells at the posttranscriptional level and affect the processes of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge about the potential utility of serum exosomal miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no effective therapy for BK virus (BKV) nephropathy (BKVN). Cyclosporine A (CsA) has a lower immunosuppressive effect than tacrolimus. In vitro studies have shown that CsA inhibits BKV replication. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of switching from tacrolimus to low-dose CsA in renal transplant recipients with BKVN. Methods: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with BKVN between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Tacrolimus was switched to low-dose CsA, and patients were followed for 24 months. Primary end points were BKV clearance in blood and graft. Secondary end points were urine specific gravity, serum creatinine, and graft loss. Results: The viremia in all patients cleared at a mean of 2.7 ± 2.0 months after switching to CsA. Urine specific gravity at 3 months after switching to CsA increased significantly compared with that at diagnosis (P=0.002). The timing and trend of urine specific gravity increase was consistent with the timing and trend of blood and urine viral load decrease. Repeated biopsies at a median of 11.2 months (range: 9.1–12.5 months) after switching to CsA showed that 8 patients (42.1%) were negative for BKV, and 11 patients (58.9%) had a decrease in BKV load (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the serum creatinine level between the time of diagnosis and 24 months of CsA therapy (P=0.963). The graft survival rate was 100%. Only two patients (8.3%) suffered from acute rejection. Conclusion: Switching from tacrolimus to low-dose CsA may be an effective therapy for BKVN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, effects of icariin (Ica) on were examined in a mouse model of d -galactose (D-gal)-induced ovarian aging. Kunming white mice were divided into three groups: aging group induced with D-gal, experiment group treated with Ica at low (50 mg/kg), middle (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) concentrations, and control group with no treatment. Ovarian histomorphology, serum FSH, LH and E 2 levels, and reproductive function were compared among the groups. Ovarian expression of Amh, Bax and Bcl-2 was examined by qPCR and western blotting. Our results showed that diameters of secondary and tertiary follicles were significantly reduced in the aging group when compared with control group (P < 0.01), and were restored to normal in Ica 100 and Ica 200 treatment groups. The diameter of atretic follicles was significantly smaller in the aging group compared with control group and Ica 200 treatment group (P < 0.05). The proportion of secondary and atretic follicles was higher in the aging group compared with control group, Ica 100 and 200 treatment groups, whereas the proportion of tertiary and mature follicles was reduced in the aging group versus control, Ica 100 and 200 groups. The aging group lacked mature follicles, whereas Ica treatment induced mature follicle development. Primary and secondary follicles exhibited similar theca cell numbers and theca interna and externa cell layers in all groups examined, whereas theca interna and externa cell layers were decreased and increased, respectively, in tertiary follicles of aging group compared with control and I 200 groups. In the aging group, FSH and LH levels were significantly higher than those in control and Ica 200 groups (P < 0.05), and the E 2 level was significantly reduced compared with control (P < 0.01), Ica 200 (P < 0.01), and Ica 100 (P < 0.05) groups. Serum hormone levels were equivalent in the control, Ica 100 and Ica 200 groups. The pregnancy rate was reduced in the aging group compared with other groups. The average litter size per birth, birth litter weight, and weaning weight of litters were all significantly lower in the aging group compared with control, Ica 100 and 200 groups (P < 0.05). The ovarian expression of AMH and Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly reduced in the aging group compared with those in control and Ica-treated groups (P < 0.01). In contrast, Bax expression was significantly higher in the aging group compared with all other groups (P < 0.01), and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was markedly reduced in aging group compared with control, Ica 100 and 200 groups (P < 0.01), and Ica 50 group (P < 0.05). Ovarian expression of AMH protein was elevated in the Ica 100 group compared with the aging, control and Ica 50 groups (P < 0.01) and Ica 200 group (P < 0.05). Ovarian Bcl-2 protein levels and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were significantly higher in the Ica 100 group than those in the Ica 50, 200 and aging groups (P < 0.05), and were similar or reduced (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to those in control group. Ovarian Bax expression was similar in each group. These findings suggest that Ica can improve ovarian follicular development, inhibit follicular atresia, decrease FSH and LH levels and increase E 2 , upregulate ovarian AMH expression and increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in aging mice. Therefore, Ica can partially restore ovarian function of aging mice and enhance their fertility. Optimal reproductive effects were obtained with the Ica 100 group. Highlights • Icariin can improve follicular development, inhibit follicular atresia, thereby alleviating the ovarian hypofunction. • Icariin can decrease FSH and LH levels and increase E 2 , upregulate AMH and Bcl-2/Bax expression in aging female mice. • Icariin can partially restore ovarian function of aging mice and enhance their fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work aims to investigate the emergence of aggregates caused by redundant plasticizers in the protein matrix of casein based biopolymers using chemical imaging techniques. Near infrared (NIR) images (950–1671 nm) were first acquired and the spatial variations on macroscale with a pixel size of 0.4 mm × 0.5 mm were visualized. The introduction of plasticizers resulted in a strong hydrogen bonding matrix in the protein polymeric film as evidenced by analysis of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectral profiles in the range of 7500–4000 cm−1. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) images (4000–650 cm−1) coupled with principal components analysis (PCA) and multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis suggested the existence of sorbitol re-crystallization after 5 months storage in the ambient condition. Raman images with a higher pixel size of 1.2 µm × 1.2 µm indicated an uneven film surface caused by sorbitol migration and re-crystallization. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model was developed to predict plasticizer concentration based on the mean spectra of FT-NIR hypercubes, producing coefficient of determination in calibration ( R 2 Cal) of 0.93, cross-validation ( R 2 CV) of 0.92 and prediction ( R 2 P) of 0.89. Visualization of aggregates in the image field was obtained by applying the developed PLS model in a pixel-wise manner using single-element and array detectors. The combined information from NIR and FT-NIR evidenced the occurrence of high plasticizer-concentrated regions in the film sample, while the combined information from FT-NIR and ATR-FTIR further confirms the phenomenon of sorbitol re-crystallization. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Plasticizer led to strong hydrogen bonding matrix as revealed by FT-NIR and ATR-FTIR; • ATR-FTIR and Raman imaging suggested the existence of sorbitol re-crystallization; • Visualization of aggregates was obtained by applying PLS model on FT-NIR images; • Combined NIR and FT-NIR information proves the emergence of plasticizer aggregates; • Combined FT-NIR and ATR-FTIR information confirms sorbitol re-crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A type of distortion-free single-pixel ghost imaging without lenses is successfully realized by using a mobile phone. The proposed method is not sensitive to imaging distance. When the ratio of imaging distance to the size of the imaging object is close to 1∶2, clear and distortion-free imaging can still be achieved. This imaging entails low requirements for system hardware. A clear image can be realized when the brightness of a mobile phone is 70 lumens. Benefiting from the small volume, high portability, and wide application of mobile phones, as well as the broad application prospects of ghost imaging, the ghost imaging based on mobile phones can provide a portable and distortion-free imaging and detection method with significant applications in biological recognition and health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MPC coating can effectively prevent the invasion of the sulfate solution and protect the concrete. • MPC coating has a stable performance in the sulfate environment. Abstract The resistance to sulfate attacks of uncoated, magnesium phosphate cement (MPC)-coated, and epoxy-coated concretes has been studied by comparing changes in their compressive strengths, appearances, and ultrasonic velocities. XRD and scanning electron microscopy microanalysis have been conducted for the MPC-coated concrete before and after etching, and the intrinsic mechanism of the effect of MPC coating on the resistance of concrete to sulfate has been investigated. Results show that the structure and composition of MPC coating change in a sulfate erosion environment. And the coating is more closely bonded to the concrete and the structure is more compact than in other environments. MPC coating can significantly improve the erosion resistance of the concrete to sulfate in a manner that is superior to epoxy coating. So MPC coating has a significant protective effect on concrete against sulfate corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical imaging technology has become an important tool to conduct non-invasive detection on human body in medical diagnosis. Therefore, image quality is particularly significant. As wavelet transform has excellent local time-frequency properties as well as features of multi-scale and multi-resolution, it holds an enormous advantage in digital image processing. After wavelet transform, edge detail information of the image is distributed in different decomposition scales and for different decomposition scales, edge information has different features. All traditional image enhancement algorithms based on wavelet obtain detail information by decomposing low-frequency sub-image and there is still plenty of detail information in high-frequency subimages. On this basis, this paper makes improvements to the traditional image decomposition methods; raises the method to get more detail information by further high-frequency sub-image and a new image enhancement algorithm for edge detection based on bi-orthogonal wavelet; and uses this algorithm in medical image enhancement. In another word, it firstly performs n-level wavelet decomposition on the image and gets the approximate low-frequency information and high-frequency information of the image. Then, it adopts different methods to handle the wavelet coefficients obtained, namely it processes the high-frequency wavelet coefficients or all wavelet coefficients with different enhancement algorithms. Finally, it reconstructs the wavelet coefficients processed to obtain the enhanced medical image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Malus micromalus Makino fruit wine was used as a raw material and a water soluble polysaccharide (MWP-2) was successfully separated from it by fractionated extraction, alcohol precipitation, macroporous resin purification, cellulose column purification, running water dialysis, and vacuum freeze drying. The structure of MWP-2 was preliminarily analyzed by high performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC), ion chromatograph (IC) and FT-IR. The anti-oxidation and the anti-aging activity of MWP were studied. Results showed that the relative molecular mass of MWP-2 was 1 × 105 Da and it was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose and fructose in the mole ratio of 1:33.2:8.4:7.2. Antioxidant experiments in vitro showed that MWP had different degrees of scavenging effects on the hydroxyl radicals, DPPH (1,1-two phenyl-2-bitter hydrazine radical) free radical, and superoxide radicals, presenting a certain dose effect relationship. However, the anti-aging experiments in vivo showed that MWP could significantly inhibit the apoptosis of cerebral cortex cells and the formation of lipid peroxide in the cerebral cortex of aging model mice, improve the activity of the antioxidant enzyme system, and exert a certain anti-aging effect. Highlights • A water soluble polysaccharide (MWP-2) was separated from a fruit wine. • MWP-2 was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose and fructose. • MWP had scavenging effects on the hydroxyl radicals, DPPH free radical, and superoxide radicals. • MWP could inhibit the apoptosis of cerebral cortex cells and the formation of lipid peroxide in the aging model mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A phase-field modeling code with Calphad-based free energy functions, Hyrax, has been used to model the hydrogen solvus in alpha-zirconium solution and the formation of the zirconium-hydride phase in the zirconium matrix. The modeled hydrogen solvus was compared against published experimental data; this is considered the first direct validation of Hyrax output. The effect of external stress on hydrogen solvus and hydride formation has also been modeled. A tensile stress was uniformly applied to a single zirconium crystal and a bi-crystal system. We observed that the stress does not affect hydrogen solvus but does cause hydride to accumulate in the crystalline which has the c-axis parallel to the stress direction. Abstract Zirconium-based alloys are common materials for light water reactor (LWR) fuel cladding. These alloys readily absorb hydrogen and are subjected to lose ductility due to hydride accumulation. A phase-field modeling code with Calphad-based free energy functions, Hyrax, has been used to model the hydrogen solvus in α -zirconium solution and the formation of the δ zirconium-hydride phase in the α -zirconium matrix. The modeled hydrogen solvus was compared against published experimental data; this is considered the first direct validation of Hyrax output. The effect of external stress on hydrogen solvus and hydride formation has also been modeled. A tensile stress was uniformly applied to a single zirconium crystal and a bi-crystal system. We observed that the stress does not affect hydrogen solvus but does cause hydride to accumulate in the crystalline which has the c-axis parallel to the stress direction. This is because the external stress creates a strain energy gradient across the system; the δ -hydride preferentially precipitates in the low strain energy region which yields more lattice misfit strain to compensate the gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibit an age-related lineage switch between osteogenic and adipogenic fates, which contributes to bone loss and adiposity. Here we identified a long noncoding RNA, Bmncr, which regulated the fate of BMSCs during aging. Mice depleted of Bmncr (Bmncr-KO) showed decreased bone mass and increased bone marrow adiposity, whereas transgenic overexpression of Bmncr (Bmncr-Tg) alleviated bone loss and bone marrow fat accumulation. Bmncr regulated the osteogenic niche of BMSCs by maintaining extracellular matrix protein fibromodulin (FMOD) and activation of the BMP2 pathway. Bmncr affected local 3D chromatin structure and transcription of Fmod. The absence of Fmod modified the bone phenotype of Bmncr-Tg mice. Further analysis revealed that Bmncr would serve as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction of TAZ and ABL, and thus facilitate the assembly of the TAZ and RUNX2/PPARG transcriptional complex, promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. Adeno-associated viral-mediated overexpression of Taz in osteoprogenitors alleviated bone loss and marrow fat accumulation in Bmncr-KO mice. Furthermore, restoring BMNCR levels in human BMSCs reversed the age-related switch between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Our findings indicate that Bmncr is a key regulator of the age-related osteogenic niche alteration and cell fate switch of BMSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely used to treat superficial esophageal neoplasms (SENs). Intraoperative bleeding is one of the main concerns that makes ESD in the esophagus more difficult and time consuming with higher complication rates. We introduced a novel laser endoknife system that enabled better intraoperative hemostasis, and preliminarily investigated its feasibility in ESD for patients with SENs.Methods: 17 consecutive patients with SENs were prospectively enrolled. The laser endoknife system was used in marking and submucosal dissection. Data on therapeutic outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results: The median diameter of the lesions was 2.5 cm and of the resected specimens was 3.0 cm. The median procedure time was 48 minutes. Histologic evaluation revealed 15 high grade intraepithelial neoplasias and two squamous cell carcinomas. No intraoperative bleeding occurred during laser cutting and no significant complications occurred postoperatively. Curative R0 resection was achieved in all patients.Conclusions: Our new laser endoknife system was feasible in the submucosal dissection of SENs and showed great prospects for future application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brushless DC motor (BLDCM) is a kind of nonlinear system with multivariable coupling. Under certain conditions, chaos and other non-linear dynamic phenomena will occur and bring adverse effects to the motor itself and the drive system. However, in existing research on chaotic mechanism of BLDCM, the chaotic phenomena caused by the disturbance of load torques are seldom involved. However, in practical engineering applications, the disturbance in the load of the motor is extensive. To analyze the non-linear characteristics of the BLDCM caused by this disturbance, a disturbance variable was added to the d-q axis mathematical model of the BLDCM. Then, a non-autonomous system model of 5-D BLDCM was constructed by using time scale and linear affine transformations. First, the non-linear dynamic characteristics of the system caused by the torque disturbance were analyzed by calculating the dissipation and equilibrium points of the system. Second, the chaotic dynamic behavior of the system under load disturbance was discussed through Lyapunov exponent and bifurcation graph. Finally, the accuracy of the model and analysis was verified through experiments. Results show that when the frequency of the disturbance component of the load increases from 0 Hz to 100 Hz, the system experiences various motions, such as stable, period doubling, paroxysmal chaos, and periodic. This study provides a theoretical reference for further exploring the engineering physical characteristics of the BLDCM under load disturbance and searching for an improved control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Most of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients respond well initially to endocrine therapies, but often develop resistance during treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen. Altered expression and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reportedly associated with tamoxifen resistance. Thus, it is necessary to further elucidate the function and mechanism of miRNAs in tamoxifen resistance. Methods: Tamoxifen sensitivity was validated by using Cell Counting Kit-8 in tamoxifen- sensitive breast cancer cells (MCF-7, T47D) and tamoxifen-resistant cells (MCF-7/TAM, T47D/ TAM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression level of miR-449a in tamoxifen-sensitive/-resistant cells and patient serums. Dual- luciferase assay was used to identify the binding of miR-449a and predicted gene ADAM22. The expression level of ADAM22 was determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting in miR- 449a +/- breast cancer cells. Subsequently, rescue experiments were carried out to identify the function of ADAM22 in miR-449a-reduced tamoxifen resistance. Finally, Gene ontology (GO) and Protein-protein interaction analyses were performed to evaluate the potential mechanisms of ADAM22 in regulating tamoxifen resistance. Results: MiR-449a levels were downregulated significantly in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells when compared with their parental cells, as well as in clinical breast cancer serum samples. Overexpression of miR-449a re-sensitized the tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells, while inhibition of miR-449a conferred tamoxifen resistance in parental cells. Luciferase assay identified ADAM22 as a direct target gene of miR- 449a. Additionally, silencing of ADAM22 could reverse tamoxifen resistance induced by miR- 449a inhibition in ER-positive breast cancer cells. GO analysis results showed ADAM22 was mainly enriched in the biological processes of cell adhesion, cell differentiation, gliogenesis and so on. Protein-protein interaction analyses appeared that ADAM22 might regulate tamoxifen resistance through PPARG, LGI1, KRAS and LYN. Conclusion: Decreased miR-449a causes the upregulation of ADAM22, which induces tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer cells. These results suggest that miR-449a, functioning by targeting ADAM22, contributes to the mechanisms underlying breast cancer endocrine resistance, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy in ER-positive breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the actual situation of Zhenjia Village, this paper analyzed the causes of poverty in Zhenjia Village, the successful experience of poverty alleviation under the "four in one" poverty alleviation program, and the seven poverty alleviation models that explore the "one model for one altitude". Besides, it came up with recommendations for promoting local precision poverty alleviation towards sustainable development and providing reference for poverty alleviation in other poverty-stricken areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catecholamine (CA) neurons within the A1 and C1 cell groups in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) potently increase food intake when activated by glucose deficit. In contrast, CA neurons in the A2 cell group of the dorsomedial medulla are required for reduction of food intake by cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide that promotes satiation. Thus dorsal and ventral medullary CA neurons are activated by divergent metabolic conditions and mediate opposing behavioral responses. Acute glucose deficit is a life-threatening condition, and increased feeding is a key response that facilitates survival of this emergency. Thus, during glucose deficit, responses to satiation signals, like CCK, must be suppressed to ensure glucorestoration. Here we test the hypothesis that activation of VLM CA neurons inhibits dorsomedial CA neurons that participate in satiation. We found that glucose deficit produced by the antiglycolytic glucose analog, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, attenuated reduction of food intake by CCK. Moreover, glucose deficit increased c-Fos expression by A1 and C1 neurons while reducing CCK-induced c-Fos expression in A2 neurons. We also selectively activated A1/C1 neurons in TH-Cre+ transgenic rats in which A1/C1 neurons were transfected with a Cre-dependent designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (DREADD). Selective activation of A1/C1 neurons using the DREADD agonist, clozapine-N-oxide, attenuated reduction of food intake by CCK and prevented CCK-induced c-Fos expression in A2 CA neurons, even under normoglycemic conditions. Results support the hypothesis that activation of ventral CA neurons attenuates satiety by inhibiting dorsal medullary A2 CA neurons. This mechanism may ensure that satiation does not terminate feeding before restoration of normoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-frequency vibration is a harmful factor that affects the accuracy of micro/nano-measuring machines. Low-frequency vibration cannot be completely eliminated by passive control methods, such as the use of air-floating platforms. Therefore, low-frequency vibrations must be measured before being actively suppressed. In this study, the design of a low-cost high-sensitivity optical accelerometer is proposed. This optical accelerometer mainly comprises three components: a seismic mass, a leaf spring, and a sensing component based on a four-quadrant photodetector (QPD). When a vibration is detected, the seismic mass moves up and down due to the effect of inertia, and the leaf spring exhibits a corresponding elastic deformation, which is amplified by using an optical lever and measured by the QPD. Then, the acceleration can be calculated. The resonant frequencies and elastic coefficients of various seismic structures are simulated to attain the optimal detection of low-frequency, low-amplitude vibration. The accelerometer is calibrated using a homemade vibration calibration system, and the calibration experimental results demonstrate that the sensitivity of the optical accelerometer is 1.74 V (m·s−2)−1, the measurement range of the accelerometer is 0.003–7.29 m·s−2, and the operating frequencies range of 0.4–12 Hz. The standard deviation from ten measurements is under 7.9 × 10−4 m·s−2. The efficacy of the optical accelerometer in measuring low-frequency, low-amplitude dynamic responses is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More and more studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in various biological processes of bladder cancer, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration and cell cycle arrest. LncRNA long intergenic noncoding RNA 00511 (linc00511) is one of the lncRNAs highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cells. However, little is known about the roles and mechanisms of linc00511 in bladder cancer. Here, we demonstrated that linc00511 was highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cells. Linc00511 knockdown could cause the cell proliferation suppression and cell cycle arrest, which were mediated by p18, p21, CDK4, cyclin D1 and phosphorylation Rb. Suppressed linc00511 could induce the apoptosis in T24 and BIU87 cells via activating the caspase pathway. Down-regulation of linc00511 could also suppress the migration and invasion of T24 and BIU87 cells. In addition, we found that the expression of linc00511 was negatively correlated with that of miR-15a-3p in the clinical bladder cancer samples. Further mechanistic studies showed that linc00511 knockdown induced proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis increase might be regulated through suppressing the activities of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, we revealed that knockdown of linc00511 suppressed the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through suppressing the activities of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Moreover, we suggested that linc00511 could be a potential therapeutic target and novel biomarker in bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portland cement specimens repaired with magnesium phosphate cement were soaked in Ca(OH)2 and Na2SO4 solutions for an extended period to test the bonding strength of the specimens. After the immersion, the fracture positions and surfaces of the specimens were observed and analyzed. Subsequently, the interfacial microregion of the specimens in different immersion periods was analyzed using an optical microscope and SEM. Besides, the microstructure and property evolution of the interfacial microregion of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) on mortar under various environments were studied in erosion environment, which was compared with the interfacial microregion in natural environment. Results indicate that the bonding strength of the specimens is weaker in Ca(OH)2 solution than in the natural environment. At first, the bonding strength initially increases and then stabilizes with time. Moreover, the bonding strength of the specimens is weaker in Na2SO4 solution than that in the natural environment. The bonding strength initially increases and then decreases with time. In the natural environment, the crystal morphology in the interfacial microregion changes slightly, and the crystal structure becomes compact. In Ca(OH)2 solution, the crystal morphology in the interfacial microregion changes significantly, and the crystal structure becomes compact. In Na2SO4 solution, the crystal morphology in the interfacial microregion makes significant changes, and the crystal structure loosens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses on a case of herpes vegetans, a rare manifestation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in immunocompromised individuals. It also include the clinical presentation of recurrent penile ulcers, laboratory findings, histopathological features and treatment with oral valacyclovir.

In organisms, the over ingesting of Cu2+ and Zn2+ will result in the poisoning of living cells, which severely damages the human body. Meanwhile, endogenous Histidine (His) can cause metabolic disorders like Histidinemia (His). Therefore, it is a pressing matter to design an effective method that accurately detects the amount of Cu2+, Zn2+, and His. In our study, through the nucleophilic addition and substitution reactions synthesis methods, a novel multifunctional probe, Rhodamine derivatives with vinyl functional groups at the end (RHDA) was designed and synthesized. The probe RHDA can recognize Cu2+ and Zn2+ separately, and the experiment further substantiates that the RHDA probe can demonstrate various turn-on colorimetric and fluorescent signals, i.e., selectively detecting Cu2+ in DMSO/H 2 O solution (v/v=4/6) with the "naked-eye" show evident and significant color change from colorless to pink and Zn2+ with strong green fluorescence in DMF/H 2 O (v/v=1/1). Under optimal conditions, they could be identified under the low detection limit of 0.10 μmol·L−1 and 16.0 nmol·L−1 for Cu2+ and Zn2+, respectively. Furthermore, Histidine (His) was recognized by the formed RHDA-Zn2+ with a fluorescence "turn-off" range of 0.03–10.0 μM and a detection limit of 230.0 nmol L−1. This article performed an extensive study of the sensing mechanisms of RHDA toward two metal ions and the ensemble RHDA-Zn2+ toward His. The practical application experiments in DMF/H 2 O (v/v=1/1) further established that the chemosensor RHDA exhibits good cell permeability and could be employed to monitor free Zn2+. Finally, the complex RHDA-Zn2+ could be applied to assay His in the living HeLa cells and zebrafishes, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond/boron/diamond/SrTiO 3 composite film (BDDSCF) electroluminescent (EL) devices were deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) technology and vacuum electron beam vapor deposition (EBVD) technology. The samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDXS). The current-voltage (I–V) characteristic of the sample was measured by an adjustable direct current power supply. The EL spectra of the samples obviously exhibit three emission peaks, which are centered at 440 nm (blue area), 592 nm (yellow area) and 736 nm (red area). In the indoor environment, it can be observed by the naked eye that the surface of the sample will emit uniform and high brightness white light. The blue peak is from the recombination of the conduction band electron in SrTiO 3 film and the quasi-acceptor (trapped hole) associated with oxygen vacancy, the yellow peak is caused by the self-trapping exciton (STE) recombination caused by oxygen vacancies in SrTiO 3 , and the red peak is attributed to the silicon impurity centers or carbon neutral vacancy in diamond films. • Diamond/boron/diamond/SrTiO 3 composite film high-brightness white light-emitting device was made for the first time. • The emission peaks in EL spectrum were found at 436 nm, 592 nm and 708 nm, respectively. • This study provides a promising new idea for the development of other non-GaN based white electroluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs play important roles in cellular functions and disease development. H19, as a long non-coding RNA, is pervasively over-expressed in almost all kinds of human malignant tumors. Although many studies have reported that H19 is closely associated with tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance, the role and mechanism of H19 in gene regulation and tumor development are largely unclear. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the study of the major functions and mechanisms of H19 lncRNA in cancer development and progression. H19 possesses both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing activities, presumably through regulating target gene transcription, mRNA stability and splicing, and competitive inhibition of endogenous RNA degradation. Studies indicate that H19 may involve in cell proliferation and apoptosis, tumor initiation, migration, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and novel molecular target for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. Preclinical study. Objective. Develop and test a drug delivery system (DDS) composed of anti-inflammatories and growth factors in the rabbit disk injury model. Summary of Background Data. Biological therapies that inhibit inflammation or enhance cell proliferation can alter intervertebral disk (IVD) homeostasis to favor regeneration. As biological molecules have short half-lives and one molecule may not cover multiple disease pathways, effective treatments may require a combination of growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents delivered in a sustained manner. Materials and Methods. Biodegradable microspheres were generated separately to encapsulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) inhibitors [etanercept (ETN)] or growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) and were embedded into a thermoresponsive hydrogel. Release kinetics and activity of ETN and GDF5 were measured in vitro. For in vivo testing, New Zealand White rabbits (n=12) underwent surgery for disk puncture and treatment with blank-DDS, ETN-DDS, or ETN+GDF5-DDS at levels L34, L45, and L56. Radiographic and magnetic resonance images of the spines were obtained. The IVDs were isolated for histologic and gene expression analyses. Results. ETN and GDF5 were encapsulated into poly (L-lactideco-glycolide) microspheres and had average initial bursts of 2.4±0.1 and 11.2±0.7 µg from DDS, respectively. In vitro studies confirmed that ETN-DDS inhibited TNFa-induced cytokine release and GDF5-DDS induced protein phosphorylation. In vivo studies showed that rabbit IVDs treated with ETN+GDF5-DDS had better histologic outcomes, higher levels of extracellular, and lower levels of inflammatory gene expression than IVDs treated with blank-DDS or ETN-DDS. Conclusions. This pilot study demonstrated that DDS can be fabricated to deliver sustained and therapeutic dosages of ETN and GDF5. In addition, ETN+GDF5-DDS may have greater antiinflammatory and regenerative effects than ETN-DDS alone. Thus, intradiscal injection of controlled release TNF-a inhibitors and growth factors may be a promising treatment to reduce disk inflammation and back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the class of extended Hamilton operators and study various properties of this class. We examine the decomposability of extended Hamilton operators. In addition, we prove that an extended Hamilton operator with property (δ) is subscalar. Finally, we consider Weyl type theorems of this class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental trauma is caused by fracture(s) in the vertical plane and the horizontal plane of roots. The objective of this study is to perform multiple diagnostic modalities for the diagnosis of horizontal root fracture(s) of the tooth. Methods: A total of 250 patients with dental complaints were subjected to intraoral radiography, multidetector helical computed tomography (MDHCT), and limited cone beam computed tomography (LCBCT). The suspected tooth was extracted, visually inspected, and subjected to microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Images were observed in the lightbox, and a fracture was considered if it had been directly visualized as radiolucent line traversing tooth root. Wilcoxon test/Tukey post hoc test was performed at 99% of confidence level. Results: With respect to visual inspection, for LCBCT, intraoral radiography, MDHCT, and micro-CT, sensitivities were 0.988, 0.972, 0.967, and 0.979; accuracies were 0.956, 0.785, 0.905, and 0.888; false-positive values were 5, 21, 12, and 11; and falsenegative values were 3, 24, 3, and 11, respectively. The area of the image visible at one time was in the order of treatment without radiography < intraoral radiography < MDHCT < micro-CT < LCBCT. Conclusion: The LCBCT had the highest sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosis of horizontal tooth root fracture(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotopic Warthin's tumor (WT) arising from the cervical lymph nodes is uncommon and WT presenting concomitantly with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma has only been previously reported three times in English literature. The current study presents an unusual case of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) involving the heterotopic WT in a 59-year-old male. Histopathologic examination revealied a WT with extensive expansion of mixed-cellularity CHL in a lymph node in the right of the neck. Clinical staging was determined as stage IA disease. The patient received four courses of chemotherapy and local consolidative radiotherapy, no evidence of disseminated lymphoma was observed over the 6-month follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well documented collision tumor between CHL and heterotopic WT of the cervical lymph nodes. The present case also expands the anatomical site of malignant lymphomas associated with WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 15,000 persons aged <20 years receive a cancer diagnosis each year in the United States (1). National surveillance data could provide understanding of geographic variation in occurrence of new cases to guide public health planning and investigation (2,3). Past research on pediatric cancer incidence described differences by U.S. Census region but did not provide state-level estimates (4). To adequately describe geographic variation in cancer incidence among persons aged <20 years in the United States, CDC analyzed data from United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) during 2003-2014 and identified 171,432 cases of pediatric cancer during this period (incidence = 173.7 cases per 1 million persons). The cancer types with the highest incidence rates were leukemias (45.7), brain tumors (30.9), and lymphomas (26.2). By U.S. Census region, pediatric cancer incidence was highest in the Northeast (188.0) and lowest in the South (168.0), whereas by state (including the District of Columbia [DC]), rates were highest in New Hampshire, DC, and New Jersey. Among non-Hispanic whites (whites) and non-Hispanic blacks (blacks), pediatric cancer incidence was highest in the Northeast, and the highest rates among Hispanics were in the South. The highest rates of leukemia were in the West, and the highest rates of lymphoma and brain tumors were in the Northeast. State-based differences in pediatric cancer incidence could guide interventions related to accessing care (e.g., in states with large distances to pediatric oncology centers), clinical trial enrollment, and state or regional studies designed to further explore variations in cancer incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chondrocyte hypertrophy is the terminal step in chondrocyte differentiation and is crucial for endochondral bone formation. Howsignaling pathways regulate chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation remains incompletely understood. In this study, using a Tbx18:Cre (Tbx18Cre/) gene-deletion approach, we selectively deleted the gene for the signaling protein SMAD family member 4 (Smad4f/f) in the limbs of mice.Wefound that theSmad4-deficient mice develop a prominent shortened limb, with decreased expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers, including Col2a1 and Acan, in the humerus at mid-to-late gestation. The most striking defects in these mice were the absence of stylopod elements and failure of chondrocyte hypertrophy in the humerus. Moreover, expression levels of the chondrocyte hypertrophy-related markers Col10a1 and Panx3 were significantly decreased. Of note, we also observed that the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a critical mediator of chondrocyte hypertrophy, was also down-regulated in Smad4-deficient limbs. To determine how the skeletal defects arose in the mouse mutants, we performed RNASeq with ChIP-Seq analysesandfound thatSmad4directly binds to regulatory elements in the Runx2 promoter. Our results suggest a new mechanism whereby Smad4 controls chondrocyte hypertrophy by up-regulating Runx2 expression during skeletal development. The regulatory mechanism involving Smad4-mediated Runx2 activation uncovered here provides critical insights into bone development and pathogenesis of chondrodysplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magterpenoid A (1), possessing a rare 4,6,11-trioxatricyclo[5.3.1.01,5]undecane framework with an irregular monoterpenoid moiety, magterpenoid B (2), with an unprecedented 6/6/6/6 polycyclic skeleton, and magterpenoid C (3), a novel terpenoid quinone with a C6-C3 unit, were isolated from the bark of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Plausible biogenetic pathways of 1-3 are presented. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited significant PTP1B inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 1.44 and 0.81 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape control is critical and offers an efficient way to tune the properties of nanocrystals (NCs). Here we present the growth of two-dimensional (2-D) all-inorganic CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite NCs through the assembly of corresponding 1-D nanorods (NRs) under solvothermal conditions. Both 2-D CsPbX3 perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) and nanosheets (NSs) with a wide lateral size range from ∼100 nm to ∼1 μm and thickness of a few unit cells can be obtained by the control of the solvothermal reaction time. The present work provides a general strategy for rational fabrication of 2-D CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite NCs without the assistance of anion exchange. The obtained fluorescent 2-D all-inorganic perovskite NCs have great potential in practical photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive phenology of tropical plants is potentially driven by a number of abiotic and biotic factors. However, it is still unclear as to which climatic factors and biotic interactions drive the reproductive phenology of woody trees in the tropical seasonal rainforest of Xishuangbanna region in Southwest China. We conducted observations on woody plants (including trees and shrubs) phenology between November 2004 and October 2007 at biweekly intervals in the one hectare permanent plot of tropical seasonal rainforest in Southwest China. A total of 357 individuals of 76 species (70 genera, 37 families), comprising of 59 (78%) woody trees and 17 (22%) shrub species were observed. Our results demonstrate that flowering and fruiting frequencies show slight temporal variation between years. Flowering was significantly correlated with day-length, temperature and rainfall and fruiting was significantly correlated with rainfall and temperature. This finding indicates that woody tree reproductive phenology was primarily associated with temperature and rainfall and to a lesser extent with day-length. Reproductive phenology is also linked to seasonal patterns with flowering peaking in the late dry season and fruiting peaking in the late wet season. Moreover, reproductive phenology is also significantly associated with reproductive ecological guilds such as pollination types and dispersal modes. Community reproductive phenology is associated with climatic seasonality and biotic interactions. It also suggests that seasonal phenology patterns may play a fundamental role in community reproductive success in the tropical seasonal rainforest of Xishuangbanna region of Southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements have been performed under ambient conditions to characterize deuteride (hydride) particles in Zircaloy 4, a fuel cladding material used in pressurized light‐water nuclear reactors. Hydrogen pickup by the cladding leads to a rim structure in which large circumferential hydride plate‐like particles preferentially form on the cooler water‐side region of the cladding. Deuterium substitution has been used to increase the coherent response and decrease the incoherent background of the SANS measurements. Four bulk deuterium concentrations were investigated, approximately 100, 400, 500 and 1000 parts per million by weight (w.p.p.m.) deuterium, as well as a zero‐deuterium‐concentration reference sample. The net SANS response from the deuteride phase was determined at all concentration values after subtraction of the reference SANS response, which effectively subtracted the strong scattering from second‐phase particles in as‐received Zircaloy. The net SANS response consisted of strong Porod scattering from deuteride particles over the entire measured Q range (0.005–0.4 Å−1). The net SANS response was anisotropic at concentrations greater than 100 w.p.p.m. and required elliptical averaging analysis. A significant sample orientation effect on the intensity of the SANS response was observed, due to preferential alignment of deuteride particles. The effect of ex situ applied stress at elevated temperature on deuteride phase dissolution and reprecipitation was investigated; a weak effect was observed with SANS that could not be confirmed by optical microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and modeling the downstream dilution process of a landslide triggered debris flow is the foundation for recognizing the boundary condition and dilution mechanism of this type of debris flow, and this serves as the theoretical basis for the categorized control of viscous debris flows, diluted debris flows, hyperconcentration flows and flash floods in a drainage basin. In this study, taking as an example a typical debris flow that occurred in the Guanba River on Tibet's southeastern plateau on July 6th, 1998, empirical models are used to calculate the density, water flow discharge, debris flow discharge, average depth of loose materials and channel gradient at 11 cross-sections upstream to downstream in the debris flow. On this basis, the dilution characteristics and debris flow dilution process are analyzed in this study. According to the correlation between the debris flow density and the water-soil ratio and channel gradient, we have established the density evaluation model for the debris flow dilution process, which can predict the dilution process of a landslide triggered debris flow. The study results include the following four aspects: (1) The key factors in the dilution process of landslide triggered debris flows are the water flow discharge, average depth of loose materials and channel gradient. (2) The debris flow dilution characteristics in the Guanba River in 1998 include the occurrence of the debris flow dilution process after a significant increase in the water-soil ratio; an increase in the proportion of fine particles after dilution of the debris flow; and the size distribution of grain is "narrowed". (3) In accordance with the density and dilution characteristics, the debris flow dilution process in the Guanba River can be divided into the upstream viscous debris flow section, midstream and downstream transitional debris flow section and downstream diluted debris flow section. (4) The density evaluation model for the debris flow dilution process is expressed by the Lorentz equation, and this model can reflect the debris flow dilution process such that the debris flow density will decrease gradually with an increase in the water-soil ratio and decrease in channel gradient. The density evaluation model for the debris flow dilution process has been verified by three debris flow cases, which include Gaoqiao Gully, Haizi Valley and Aizi Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Aging is related to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and is affected by environmental factors. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with adverse health outcomes; but the association of such exposure with DNA methylation aging, a novel aging marker, is unclear. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate the association of PAH exposure with methylation aging. METHODS: We trained and validated a methylation age predictor suitable for Chinese populations using whole blood methylation data in 989 Chinese and 160 Caucasians. We defined two aging indicators: Aage, as methylation age minus chronological age; and aging rate, the ratio of methylation to chronological age. The association of PAH exposure with aging indicators was evaluated using linear regressions in three panels of healthy Chinese participants (N = 539, among the aforementioned 989 Chinese participants) whose exposure levels were assessed by 10 urinary monohydroxy-PAH metabolites. RESULTS: We developed a methylation age predictor providing accurate predictions in both Chinese individuals and Caucasian persons (R = 0.94-0.96, RMSE = 3.8-4.3). Among the 10 urinary metabolites that we measured, 1-hydroxypyrene and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene were associated with methylation aging independently of other OH-PAHs and risk factors; 1-unit increase in 1-hydroxypyrene was associated with a 0.53-y increase in Δage [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18,0.88; false discovery rate (FDR) FDR = 0.004] and 1.17% increase in aging rate (95% CI: 0.36,1.98; FDR = 0.02), whereas for 9- hydroxyphenanthrene, the increase was 0.54-y for Δage (95% CI: 0.17, 0.91; FDR = 0.004), and 1.15% for aging rate (95% CI: 0.31, 1.99; FDR = 0.02). The association direction was consistent across the three Chinese panels with the association magnitude correlating with the panels' exposure levels; the association was validated by methylation data of purified leukocytes. Several cytosine-phosphoguanines, including those located on FHL2 and ELOVL2, were found associated with both aging indicators and monohydroxy-PAH levels. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a methylation age predictor specific for Chinese populations but also accurate for Caucasian populations. Our findings suggest that exposure to PAHs may be associated with an adverse impact on human aging and epigenetic alterations in Chinese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx on urea-supported carbon xerogels is studied. The kinetics results show that the orders of reaction for NO and O2 are 1 and 0.5 for NO reduction, while the orders of reaction for NO2 and O2 are 1 and 0.03 for NO2 reduction, respectively. The apparent activation energies of NO and NO2 reduction are calculated to be -14.0 and 0.79 kJ/mol, respectively. Possible mechanisms are proposed, based on the hypothesis that there exist two kinds of active sites on the surface of carbon xerogel, including nonreductive and reductive ones. Spillover of the NO3 species generated on the nonreductive ones into the reductive ones which are subsequently oxidized by NO3 and the migration of NO3 species from nonreductive ones into the oxidized carbon sites are considered to be of great importance for the successive urea-SCR process and the formation of steady-state NOx removal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction mechanisms of dirhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] and [3 + 3] cycloaddition between enol diazoacetate and isoquinolinium methylide have been studied in detail using density functional theory and a solution-phase translational entropy model. The reaction starts with the formation of a metallic carbene intermediate first, from which two competing reaction channels of [3 + 2] and [3 + 3] cycloaddition take place. For CAT1-catalyzed reactions, the calculated activation free energy barriers for [3 + 3] and [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions are 14.3 and 16.0 kcal mol-1, respectively, which is in good agreement with the ratio of products. Both the steric and electronic effects have been considered for CAT2- and CAT3-catalyzed reactions, with which the ratio of products has also been rationalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to investigating long time behavior of smooth small data solutions to 3-D quasilinear wave equations outside of compact convex obstacles with Neumann boundary conditions. Concretely speaking, when the surface of a 3-D compact convex obstacle is smooth and the quasilinear wave equation fulfills the null condition, we prove that the smooth small data solution exists globally provided that the Neumann boundary condition on the exterior domain is given. One of the main ingredients in the current paper is the establishment of local energy decay estimates of the solution itself. As an application of the main result, the global stability to 3-D static compressible Chaplygin gases in exterior domain is shown under the initial irrotational perturbation with small amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the needs of parents of premature infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and explore associated factors. This study includes a convenience sample of 198 parents of premature infants hospitalized in a NICU in Chenzhou, Hunan province, China. Parents completed a study-specific questionnaire and the Chinese version of Critical Care Family Need Inventory (CCFNI). Analysis was conducted by multiple linear regression. Parents rated 30 of 45 items on the Chinese version of the CCFNI as important or very important. Items on the assurance, information, and proximity subscales were perceived as the most important, while items on the comfort subscale were the least important. Gender of parents and experience of visiting a NICU were significantly associated with the total needs of the parents. These insights should be used to inform clinical practice in the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using density functional theory within the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation implemented in the VASP code, we study the structural, elastic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of C15 Laves-phase compound HfZn2. Comparing the lattice constants calculated from the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation and local density approximation, we find that the former is in better agreement with the experimental data. The elastic constants of HfZn2 calculated by strain-stress method indicate that they keep stable up to 100 GPa. The bonding characteristics are discussed by analyzing the energy band structure, charge density distribution and charge density difference. Phonon dispersion curves and phonon density of states of HfZn2 at the different pressure are predicted for the first time. In addition, there is no imaginary frequency in the phonon band at different pressure, which also shows that HfZn2 is stable up to 100 GPa. Vibrational models are also illustrated based on phonon and group theory. The thermodynamic properties under high temperature and high pressure are calculated by different thermodynamic models. The heat capacity at constant pressure and low temperature calculated by quasi-harmonic approximation is more close to the measurement than that calculated by quasi-harmonic Debye models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the complete mitogenome of Theretra japonica was sequenced and compared with other sequenced mitogenomes of Sphingidae species. The mitogenome of T. japonica, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes) and a region rich in adenine and thymine (AT-rich region), is a circular molecule with 15,399 base pairs (bp) in length. The order and orientation of the genes in the mitogenome are similar to those of other sequenced mitogenomes of Sphingidae species. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) are initiated by ATN codons except for the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) which is initiated by the codon CGA as observed in other lepidopteran insects. Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 2 gene (cox2) has the incomplete termination codon T and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene (nad1) terminates with TAG while the remainder terminates with TAA. Additionally, the codon distributions of the 13 PCGs revealed that Ile and Leu2 are the most frequently used codon families and codons CGG, CGC, CCG, CAG, and AGG are absent. The 431 bp AT-rich region includes the motif ATAGA followed by a 23 bp poly-T stretch, short tandem repeats (STRs) of TC and TA, two copies of a 28 bp repeat 'ATTAAATTAATAAATTAA TATATTAATA' and a poly-A element. Phylogenetic analyses within Sphingidae confirmed that T. japonica belongs to the Macroglossinae and showed that the phylogenetic relationship of T. japonica is closer to Ampelophaga rubiginosa than Daphnis nerii. Phylogenetic analyses within Theretra demonstrate that T. japonica, T. jugurtha, T. suffusa, and T. capensis are clustered into one clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled synthesis of the equatorial tetra-, hexa-, and octaorgano[70]fullerenes with mixed addends was achieved via the reaction of equatorial 7,23-Bn2C70 with MeO- and ArCH2Br. The products were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The regioselectivity of the reaction was studied by in situ vis-NIR and Fukui function analysis. A surprising electrophilic triorgano[70]fullerene carbanion was shown, and an enhanced fluorescence was observed for the mixed octaadducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Array detectors improve data collection speed in hyperspectral chemical imaging, yet are prone to striping noise patterns in the image plane, which is difficult to remove. This type of noise affects spectral features and disturbs visual impression of the scene. We found that this type of noise depends on the material composition and setting parameters, ie, pixel size, and it also varies in accordance with the signal intensity of the observed wavelength. To address this, we proposed a new correction method on the basis of the application of chemometric techniques in the image plane of each wavelength. To verify the effectiveness of this method, infrared transmission images of the 2″ × 2″ positive, 1951 USAF Hi‐Resolution Target and biomaterial samples were obtained with a 16‐element ( 8 × 2) pixel array detector. Point detector images of some samples were also acquired and used as reference images. The proposed correction method produced substantial improvements in the visual impression of intensity images. Principal components analysis was performed to inspect spectral changes after preprocessing, and the results suggested that the major spectral features were not altered while the stripes on intensity images were removed. Spectral profiles and principal components analysis loadings inspection confirmed the smoothing ability of this correction method. As traditional preprocessing techniques, standard normal variate and derivative transformation were not able to remove line artifacts, especially on the biomaterial images. Overall, the proposed method was effective for removing striping noise patterns from infrared images with a minimal alteration of the valuable hyperspectral image information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]