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This study utilizes Q-learning to dynamically change the optimized parameters of independent low-rank matrix analysis (ILRMA). Notably, ILRMA, which combines independent vector analysis and non-negative matrix factorization, is a novel methodology adopted to realize multichannel blind source separation (BSS). In previous studies, ILRMA has used optimized parameters to improve separation efficiency. In this study, however, an optimized parameter is obtained from the parametric majorization–equalization algorithm, which adjusts the convergence speed to avoid poor local solutions. Two other optimized parameters are obtained using the isotropic complex Student's t-distribution, which adjusts the probability distribution to conform to the target mixed audio source distribution. To further improve the performance of BSS, this paper proposes a Q-learning off-policy temporal difference control algorithm (reinforcement learning) to dynamically change the three optimized parameters. To ensure the simplicity and efficiency of Q-learning, n-armed bandits are used to replace traditional high-dimensional Q-tables. Furthermore, experiments are conducted using instruments and vocal multichannel BSS tasks. The results confirm the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one‐pot strategy for the synthesis of substituted isocoumarin, flavone, and isoquinolinedione derivatives through a switchable C‐arylation/lactonization or SNAr reaction from a wide range of soft nucleophiles and o‐quinol acetates has been developed. This base‐mediated protocol proceeds under transition‐metal‐free conditions and selectively affords various heteroarenes in 13–98% yields from readily prepared or commercially available 1,3‐dicarbonyl and α‐EWG‐substituted carbonyl compounds. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated in the synthesis of potential anti‐HIV and anti‐coronavirus derivatives and COX‐2 inhibitors. In addition, detailed experimental and computational studies are performed to provide an intensive understanding and strong support of the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peracetic acid (PAA) is a highly effective disinfectant against a wide range of viruses and bacteria. Its versatility, cost‐effectiveness, and ability to quickly decontaminate large areas make it an ideal choice. PAA is also environmentally friendly and safe, as it does not produce any harmful by‐products. However, to ensure its efficacy, it is crucial to maintain the optimal concentration of PAA in the solution. Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the use of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy as a method for quantifying the concentration of peracetic acid (PAA), which comes in quaternary equilibrium mixture in commercial formulation. The study also aims to determine the rate constants and equilibrium constant for the production of PAA in various conditions, including the presence of catalyst and stabilizer. Methods: The spectra of all chemicals in PAA solution obtained in FT‐IR Spectrometer were compared to identify the characteristic peaks of PAA, which were then computed using normal mode analysis at B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level by Gaussian 09. The ATR‐FTIR was used to measure time‐dependent PAA signals until they reached equilibrium in three different conditions: (1) Acetic acid (10 to 17.4 M) and hydrogen peroxide (5 M), (2) with sulfuric acid as catalyst, and (3) with phosphoric acid as stabilizer. The collected data was analyzed through regression analysis, in which curves and rate law formulas were fitted to obtain the rate constants for peracetic acid synthesis and hydrolysis. Results: This study shows that ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy can detect and quantify peracetic acid with a characteristic peak at 1753 cm−1. The proposed method is applicable to all peracetic acid solutions, including those with stabilizers and catalysts. The ATR‐FTIR method offers advantages such as short detection time, simple operation, small sampling volume, and accurate measurement. Moreover, the accuracy of this quantitative method is confirmed by the fact that the reaction rate constants deduced from the fitted curves are more consistent with the actual reaction rate constants than those of the reference data based on KI titration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bioactive peptide has been successfully grafted onto nano-CuO impregnated Tencel membranes by a simple and rapid method involving a series of textile processes, and an atmospheric argon plasma treatment that requires no additional solvent or emulsifier. Surface morphology shows an apparent change from smooth, slightly roughened, and stripped with increasing plasma treatment time. The FT-IR characteristic peaks confirm the presence of the CuO nanoparticle and peptide on the extremely hydrophilic Tencel membranes that exhibit a zero-degree contact angle. Prepared nano-CuO/Tencel membranes with 90 s plasma treatment time exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, and promote fibroblast cell viability with the assistance of a grafted bioactive peptide layer on the membrane surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement component 1q (C1q) is the first component involved in the activation of complement classical pathway and acts as a linker of the innate and adaptive immune system. The C1q is a macromolecular containing three chains i.e. C1q A, C1q B, and C1q C. In teleost, the biological functions of C1q A chain is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the immunological properties of a C1q A chain from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) (PoC1qA). PoC1qA containing the conserved CLR and C1q domain, shares 45.4%–78.6% identities with that of other teleost and mammals. PoC1qA expression pattern was constitutive in tissues, with higher expression in spleen and liver. Besides, the PoC1qA expression was notably regulated by pathogenic invasion. In vitro the recombinant PoC1qA (rPoC1qA) could directly bind a variety of bacteria, and affect bacterial growth and survival. Moreover, PoC1qA could influence the hemolysis and bactericidal activity of fish serum. Additionally, rPoC1qA could interact with the membrane of peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs), promoting the PBLs phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and enhancing the activation of PBLs. Consistently, in vivo rPoC1qA could restrain the bacterial replication in immune tissues. To sum up, our observations added the first evidence that an A chain of teleost C1q plays vital roles in mediating PBLs activity and antibacterial immunity. • The fish could respond to bacterial invasion via PoC1qA expressionc. • Both in vitro and in vivo rPoC1qA exhibited the antibacterial activity. • PoC1qA could affect the hemolysis and bactericidal activity of fish serum. • rPoC1qA could enhance PBLs to swallow bacteria and activate PBLs activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement C1q composed of C1q A, B, C chains is the initial vital protein of classical complement pathway, playing an essential role in innate immune response. Whereas in teleost, the immune roles of C1q C chain are largely scarce. In this research, we studied the complement/peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) activation and antibacterial potentials mediated by Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) C1q C chain (PoC1qC). The PoC1qC shares 56.7%–87.6% identities with that of teleost and mammals. The expression of PoC1qC can be detected in various organs, notably up-regulated by V. harveyi stimulation, and down-regulated by E. tarda infection. The recombinant PoC1qC (rPoC1qC) could directly bind to different bacteria and exhibit antibacterial potential. Consistently, rPoC1qC and anti-rPoC1qC antibody could remarkably enhance or suppress the complement hemolytic and bactericidal activity, respectively. Furthermore, rPoC1qC could directly interact with PBLs, resulting in the activation of proliferation, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of PBLs, and the generation of ROS/acid phosphatase activity of PBLs. Lastly, we found in vivo rPoC1qC could promote the host to resistant microbial invasion. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that PoC1qC played pivotal roles in complement and PBLs activation and antibacterial activity. • The expression of PoC1qC was regulated by E. tarda and V. harveyi. • Both in vitro and in vivo rPoC1qC exhibited anti-bacterial potential. • PoC1qC promoted the serum hemolytic and bactericidal activity. • rPoC1qC could bind to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), leading to the activation of PBLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre‐calculated reciprocal Green's functions are accurate and efficient for forecasting tsunamis generated by either submarine mass failures or submarine earthquakes. In the present study, reciprocal Green's functions are extended to the forecast of storm surges. As the reciprocity between volume flows is not natural, new reciprocity relations are first established and verified. These reciprocal Green's functions, after a convolution with the atmospheric pressure and wind stress, can give the water surface and volume fluxes of the storm surge promptly. Thus, various storm surge scenarios can be considered, and a useful forecast can be devised. Detailed simulations on storm surge inundation can be obtained quickly in a way similar to tsunami inundation. Plain Language Summary: In the present study, new reciprocity relations are first established and verified. Thus, a new forecast method for storm surges is established. In this method, only six simulations are required for the pre‐calculation of six Green's functions (GFs) and hence the method is efficient. After these GFs are obtained, the storm surge generated by all tropical storm can be forecast; hence, the method is easy to apply. The new forecast method takes much less CPU time than the traditional direct simulation and hence is economic. Key Points: Innovative reciprocity relations for volume flow Green's functions (GFs) are established and verifiedA new, easy to apply forecast method for storm surges is proposed based on reciprocal GFsThe new forecast method takes about 1/6 or less CPU time compared to a traditional direct simulation and the results are similar [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)-11 is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the IL-6 family, which plays essential roles in immune response. However, much less is known about the immunological functions of IL-11 in teleost. In this study, we investigated the immune properties of a teleost IL-11 homologue (CsIL-11) from tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. CsIL-11 possesses four conserved α-helices and conserved CsIL-11 receptor binding residues L86 and R187, and shares 23.3%–80.1% identities with other IL-11 homologues. CsIL-11 expression was constitutive in tissues, with most abundant in blood and least abundant in spleen, and upregulated by bacterial challenge in blood, spleen, and head kidney. Recombinant CsIL-11 (rCsIL-11) in the native form of monomer, could bind to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) membrane and enhance the activation and phagocytosis of PBLs. When administered in vivo , rCsIL-11 could markedly promote the host to defend against microbial infection. Overall, our findings show that CsIL-11 plays a pivotal role in regulating PBLs phagocytosis and antibacterial immunity. • CsIL-11 was expressed in multiple tissues and upregulated by bacterial infection. • rCsIL-11, as a monomer, bound to PBLs membrane and promoted the activation of PBLs. • rCsIL-11 enhanced the phagocytic capacity of PBLs. • In vivo rCsIL-11 could suppress the bacterial dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-16 (IL-16), as a lymphocyte chemoattractant cytokine, plays a crucial role in regulating cellular activities and anti-pathogen immunity. In teleost, the information about the antibacterial effect of IL-16 is scarce. In our study, we examined the immune functions of an IL-16 homologue (CsIL-16) from tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. The CsIL-16 precursor (proCsIL-16) is comprised of 1181 amino acid residues, sharing 21.1%–67.3% identities with IL-16 precursor from invertebrate and vertebrate. The C-terminal proCsIL-16 containing two PDZ domains was designated as mature CsIL-16 which was released into the supernatant of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). CsIL-16 was expressed in various tissues and regulated by bacterial invasion. Recombinant CsIL-16 (rCsIL-16), as a homodimer, was able to bind to the membrane of PBLs and played essential roles in regulating chemotaxis and activation of PBLs, which in vitro inhibited intracellular survival of E. tarda. Under in vivo condition, rCsIL-16 could dramatically regulate the induction of inflammatory genes, and suppress the bacterial dissemination in fish tissues. Collectively, our results reveal that CsIL-16 plays positive roles in antibacterial immunity, and provide insights into the immune function of CsIL-16. • CsIL-16 expression occurred in various tissues and regulated by bacterial pathogen. • rCsIL-16, as a homodimer, bound to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). • rCsIL-16 was involved in enhancing the migration and activation of PBLs. • In vitro rCsIL-16 could inhibit intracellular survival of E. tarda. • In vivo rCsIL-16 could regulate the inflammatory products, and suppress the bacteria invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A respirable-dust module was developed by AI algorithms and three low-cost sensors. • Random forest regression was identified as the best model than other 19 methods. • The accuracy of this module was 94% compared with that by a gold sampling approach. • Its data completeness was 99.7% during the continuous two-week monitoring period. The Internet of Things (IoT) and low-cost sensor technology have become common tools for environmental exposure monitoring; however, their application in measuring respirable dust (RD) in the workplace remains limited. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for RD using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and low-cost sensors and subsequently assess its validity using a standard sampling approach. Various low-cost sensors were combined into an RD sensor module and mounted on a portable aerosol monitor (GRIMM 11-D) for two weeks. AI algorithms were used to capture data per minute over 14 days to establish predictive RD models. The best-fitting model was validated using an aluminum cyclone equipped with an air pump and polytetrafluoroethylene filters to sample the 8-hour RD for 5 days at an aircraft manufacturing company. This module was continuously monitored for two weeks to evaluate its stability. The RD concentration measured by GRIMM 11-D in a general outdoor environment over two weeks was 28.1 ± 16.1 μg/m3 (range: 2.4–85.3 μg/m3). Among the various established models, random forest regression was observed to have the best prediction capacity (R2 = 0.97 and root mean square error = 2.82 μg/m3) in comparison to the other 19 methods. Field-based validation revealed that the predicted RD concentration (35.9 ± 4.1 μg/m3, range: 32.7–42.9 μg/m3) closely approximated the results obtained by the traditional method (38.1 ± 8.9 μg/m3, range: 28.1–52.5 μg/m3), and a strong positive Spearman correlation was observed between the two (r s = 0.70). The average bias was −2.2 μg/m3 and the precision was 5.8 μg/m3, resulting in an accuracy of 6.2 μg/m3 (94.2 %). Data completeness was 99.7 % during the continuous two-week monitoring period. The developed sensor module of RD exhibited excellent predictive performance and good data stability that can be applied to exposure assessments in occupational epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) play important roles in various cancers; however, few studies have assessed their clinical utility in neuroendocrine tumors. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of CTC counts in Asian patients with neuroendocrine tumors before and during anti-cancer therapy. Patients who were diagnosed with unresectable histological neuroendocrine tumors between September 2011 and September 2017 were enrolled. CTC testing was performed before and during anti-cancer therapy using a negative selection protocol. Chromogranin A levels were also assessed. Univariate and multivariate Cox's proportional hazard model with forward LR model was performed to investigate the impact of independent factors on overall survival and progression-free survival. Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank tests were used to determine the difference among different clinicopathological signatures and CTC cutoff. The baseline CTC detection rate was 94.3% (33/35). CTC counts were associated with cancer stages (I-III vs. IV, P = 0.015), liver metastasis (P = 0.026), and neuroendocrine tumor grading (P = 0.03). The median progression-free survival and overall survivals were 12.3 and 30.4 months, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression model, neuroendocrine tumors grading and baseline CTC counts were both independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.005 and 0.015, respectively) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.018 and 0.023, respectively). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower baseline chromogranin A levels were associated with longer PFS (P = 0.024). Baseline CTC counts are associated with the clinicopathologic features of neuroendocrine tumors and are an independent prognostic factor for this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have investigated the expression of miR-133b in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its underlying mechanism in relation to the pathogenesis of NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between miR-133b expression and clinical parameters based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and real-time quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) data. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to identify the biological function of miR-133b. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen for hub genes. The Gene Expression Profiling Interaction Analysis (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas databases (HPAD) were employed to validate the hub genes. The cBioPortal database was used to identify neighboring genes with alteration frequencies greater than 20% gene alterations. Results: miR-133b was downregulated in NSCLC tissues, and expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). A total of 362 genes were considered as the potential targets of miR-133b in NSCLC. These candidate target genes highly enriched in various key pathways such as the PI3K-Akt pathways, P53 signal pathways, and ECM-receptor interaction. PPI revealed 10 genes as hub genes with node degrees ≥10. Conclusion: The study validated that miR-133b is downregulated in NSCLC. In addition, miR-133b might function as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-133b could be involved in NSCLC metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infections are often treated inadequately. Sepsis, being one of its most severe forms, is a multi-layered, life-threatening syndrome induced by rampant immune responses, like cytokine storms, that leads to high morbidity and death of infected patients. Particularly, the current increment in resistant bacterial strains and the lack of creative antibiotics to counter such menace are central reasons to the worsening of the situation. To avoid the said crisis, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were used to target cell wall components, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), seems to have the most promise. These combine the ability of broad-spectrum bactericidal activity with low potential for induction of resistance. Inhibition of cytokine storms induced by activated immune cells has been considered a feasible treatment for in sepsis. One of the therapeutic approaches widely utilized in inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells is the use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligands (TRAIL), which trigger an extrinsic apoptotic pathway via death receptors. Herein, we report TRAIL encapsulated in a bactericidal polypeptide-crosslinked nanogel that suppressed Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and overactive macrophages. Of interest, nanogel and TRAIL-nanogel treatments were more toxic towards LPS-activated cells than to naïve cells in cell viability assays. Treatment with TRAIL-nanogel significantly prolonged survival in septic mice and reduced bacterial numbers in circulation. As such, TRAIL-nanogel may be promising as a therapeutic agent for treating bacteria-infected diseases. Severe sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by uncontrolled bacterial replication followed by a cytokine storm. A combined therapy against bacteria and overactive immune cells would, therefore, make a promising strategy. We present encapsulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligands (TRAIL) in nanogels made by cross-linking cationic poly(l -lysine)- block -poly(l -threonine) (PLL- b -PLT) block co-polypeptides. These nanogels efficiently interacted with negatively charged bacterial membranes via electrostatic interactions, exhibited low cytotoxicity to normal cells, enhanced LPS-activated macrophage apoptotic signaling, and subsequent significantly prolonged survival in mice with K. pneumoniae- induced sepsis by reducing bacterial numbers in circulation. Unlabelled Image • Cross-linking cationic - block co-polypeptides can efficiently bind with negatively charged bacterial membranes. • Encapsulated TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligands (TRAIL) in nanogels enhance LPS-activated macrophage apoptosis. • It prolongs survival in septic mice and reduces bacterial numbers in circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, Clusterin (Clu) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein associated with various physiological and pathological functions, and plays significant roles in innate immunity. However, immune function of Clu in teleost is essentially unknown. In this study, we studied the complement activation and antibacterial functions of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Clu (PoClu). PoClu contains two conserved CLα and CLβ domains, and shares 30.46%–70.28% sequence identities with other Clu. We found that PoClu expression occurred in various tissues and regulated by bacterial stimulation. Recombinant PoClu (rPoClu) bound both gram-positive and -negative bacteria and sheep red blood cell, but failed to affect bacterial growth in vitro. rPoClu could significantly suppress the bactericidal and hemolysis activity of Japanese flounder serum. Consistently, the bactericidal and hemolysis activity of fish serum were enhanced by anti-rPoClu antibody, further confirmed the negative role of PoClu in complement activity. Furthermore, In vivo rPoClu also exhibited the negative role in host against bacterial dissemination. In conclusion, our results provide the first evidence to unveil that teleost Clu could play a negative role in complement activation and host against bacterial infection. • PoClu was expressed in various tissues and regulated by bacterial infection. • rPoClu could interact with bacteria and sheep red blood cell. • In vitro rPoClu inhibited the hemolysis and bactericidal activity of Japanese flounder serum. • In vivo rPoClu exhibited the negative role in host against bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoselectivity, Regioselectivity, Quinones, Computational chemistry, Inflammation Front Cover Picture: Chemo- and Regioselective Construction of Functionalized Isocoumarin, Flavone, and Isoquinolinedione via a One-pot Reaction of o-Quinol Acetate and Soft Nucleophiles (Adv. Keywords: Chemoselectivity; Regioselectivity; Quinones; Computational chemistry; Inflammation EN Chemoselectivity Regioselectivity Quinones Computational chemistry Inflammation 2763 2763 1 09/07/23 20230905 NES 230905 The front cover picture illustrates the synthetic strategy for the regioselective installation of various soft nucleophiles at the C6 position of the highly reactive I o i -quinol acetate by 1,6-addition. [Extracted from the article]

Solid‐state near‐infrared (NIR) light‐emitting devices have recently received considerable attention as NIR light sources that can penetrate deep into human tissue and are suitable for bioimaging and labeling. In addition, solid‐state NIR light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have shown several promising advantages over NIR organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs). However, among the reported NIR LECs based on ionic transition‐metal complexes (iTMCs), there is currently no iridium‐based LEC that displays NIR electroluminescence (EL) peaks near to or above 800 nm. In this report we demonstrate a simple method for adjusting the energy gap between the highest‐occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of iridium‐based iTMCs to generate NIR emission. We describe a series of novel ionic iridium complexes with very small energy gaps, namely NIR1–NIR6, in which 2,3‐diphenylbenzo[g]quinoxaline moieties mainly take charge of the HOMO energy levels and 2,2′‐biquinoline, 2‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)quinazoline, and 2,2′‐bibenzo[d]thiazole moieties mainly control the LUMO energy levels. All the complexes exhibited NIR phosphorescence, with emission maxima up to 850 nm, and have been applied as components in LECs, showing a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.05 % in the EL devices. By using a host–guest emissive system, with the iridium complex RED as the host and the complex NIR3 or NIR6 as guest, the highest EQE of the LECs can be further enhanced to above 0.1 %. Scintillating iridium! A series of novel ionic iridium complexes are reported; these have very small HOMO–LUMO energy gaps that exhibit NIR phosphorescence, with emission maxima up to 850 nm. The complexes were applied as components in light‐emitting electrochemical cells, exhibiting a maximum external quantum efficiency of 0.05 %, which was enhanced to more than 0.1 % by using a host–guest emission layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We consider products of ergodic Markov chains and discuss their cutoffs in total variation. Our framework is general in that rates to pick up coordinates are not necessary equal, and different coordinates may correspond to distinct chains. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for cutoffs of product chains in terms of those of coordinate chains under certain conditions. A comparison of mixing times between the product chain and its coordinate chains is made in detail as well. Examples are given to show that neither cutoffs for product chains nor for coordinate chains imply others in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dkk3 protein attenuates the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and LRP6, and their interaction, and interacts with β TrCP to suppress wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS: We performed a bioinformatics analysis of Dkk3 mRNA expression through Oncomine, TCGA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases up to July 10, 2017. RESULTS: Up-regulated Dkk3 expression was higher in gastric, breast, and ovarian cancers than normal tissues (p < 0.05). Bitter's database showed a higher Dkk3 expression in ovarian cytoadenocarcinoma than clear cell adenocarcinoma (p < 0.05). Dkk3 was more expressed in ductal breast cancer in situ than invasive ductal breast cancer (p < 0.05), in mixed lobular and ductal cancer, and lobular cancer than ductal breast cancer (p < 0.05). In TCGA data, Dkk3 expression was lower in gastric cancers with than without Barret's esophagus (p < 0.05), in intestinal-type than diffuse-type cancers (p < 0.05), and in the cancers of elder than younger patients (p < 0.05). Dkk3 expression was higher in squamous cell carcinoma than adenocarcinoma (p < 0.05). Dkk3 expression was higher in ductal than lobular breast cancer, or in younger than elder patients with breast cancer (p < 0.05). According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, Dkk3 expression was negatively correlated with overall, progression-free, relapse-free or distant-metastasis-free survival rate of gastric, breast or ovarian cancer patients, but versa for lung cancer patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dkk3 expression might be employed as a potential marker to indicate carcinogenesis and histogenesis, even prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current techniques to characterize leukocyte subgroups in blood require long sample preparation times and sizable sample volumes. A simplified method for leukocyte characterization using smaller blood volumes would thus be useful in diagnostic settings. Here we describe a flow system comprised of two functionalized graphene oxide (GO) surfaces that allow the capture of distinct leukocyte populations from small volumes blood using camelid single-domain antibodyfragments (VHHs) as capture agents. We used site-specifically labeled leukocytes to detect and identify cells exposed to fungal challenge. Combining the chemical and optical properties of GO with the versatility of the VHH scaffold in the context of a flow system provides a quick and efficient method for the capture and characterization of functional leukocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori infections induce host cell inflammation and apoptosis, however, they are conflicting. Tanshinone IIA is an active compound of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of tanshinone IIA on H. pylori-induced inflammation and apoptosis in vitro. Tanshinone IIA treatments (13.6-54.4M) significantly decreased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [p-38 and C-terminal Jun-kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2)] protein expressions and inflammatory substance [cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1 (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8] production in the H. pylori-infected cells. In contrast, tanshinone IIA treatments significantly increased apoptotic relevant protein [Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase 9] expressions and increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential ( disruption, mitochondrial cytochrome (cyt release, and caspase cascades. Tanshinone IIA treatments effectively decreased H. pylori-induced inflammation and significantly promoted H. pylori-induced intrinsic apoptosis through NF-kB and MAPK (p-38 and JNK) pathways. Tanshinone IIA has great potential as a candidate to protect host cells from H. pylori-induced severe inflammation and gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral blood can provide valuable information on an individual's immune status. Cell-based assays typically target leukocytes and their products. Characterization of leukocytes from whole blood requires their separation from the far more numerous red blood cells.1 Current methods to classify leukocytes, such as recovery on antibody-coated beads or fluorescence-activated cell sorting require long sample preparation times and relatively large sample volumes.2 A simple method that enables the characterization of cells from a small peripheral whole blood sample could overcome limitations of current analytical techniques. We describe the development of a simple graphene oxide surface coated with single-domain antibody fragments. This format allows quick and efficient capture of distinct WBC subpopulations from small samples (∼30 μL) of whole blood in a geometry that does not require any specialized equipment such as cell sorters or microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As earthquake and tsunami are closely related, the probability of tsunami hazard had been done by extending the approach used in earthquakes. However, the hazard of tsunami depends also on the vulnerability of neighboring structures and hence its hazard and vulnerability should not be assessed separately. The distribution of tsunami height varies so significantly that the traditional definition parallel to that in seismic risk should be modified. Besides, previous studies on the probability of tsunami focused on the occurrence possibility of tsunami hazard in a fixed period of time, but this information is not applicable for a specific tsunami incidence. For the above-mentioned problems, a new algorithm that comprises two components is proposed in the present study. The first component, the Probabilistic Forecast of Tsunami Inundation (PFTI), is the conditional inundation probability once a tsunami of a specific height occurs, or an earthquake is detected at some specific location with a specific magnitude. PFTI comprises the assessments of both tsunami hazard and vulnerability, and can be directly applied to a specific tsunami incidence. The second component treats the Tsunamigenic Earthquake Number (TEN) modified from previous studies on tsunami hazard. These two components are combined to give the inundation possibility in a fixed period of time dubbed Earthquake-induced Tsunami Inundation Probability (ETIP) and the result can be used in urban planning or disaster mitigation guidelines. Application of this methodology to the coast of Taiwan is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the population of individuals with a disability, mental illness patients can be uncooperative during dental treatment; thus, general anesthesia has been widely applied during dental procedures. This study aims to investigate the association between general anesthesia and the outcomes of root canal treatment in patients with disability. Teeth treatment records of patients with disability from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database and electronic database from January 2005 to December 2018 were used in this retrospective cohort study. The authors conducted analysis comparing root canal treatment outcomes under general anesthesia and non-general anesthesia, indicated by endodontic re-treatment or post-treatment teeth extraction. Over the 9-year follow-up period, root canal treatment outcomes representing a cumulative survival rate of 87.68% and 74.51% in the general anesthesia group and non-general anesthesia group, respectively, were found. After adjustment for potential confounders, the teeth with general anesthesia showed a substantially and significantly reduced HR of root canal treatment failure at 0.24 (95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.49). Our study supported the notion that root canal treatment with general anesthesia may entail substantial reduction of treatment failure in patients with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We consider the spectrum of birth and death chains on an -path. An iterative scheme is proposed to compute any eigenvalue with exponential convergence rate independent of . This allows one to determine the whole spectrum in order elementary operations. Using the same idea, we also provide a lower bound on the spectral gap, which is of the correct order on some classes of examples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper provides a simple relationship to theoretically estimate the wave friction factor in various flow regimes in porous media based on the slip factor formula. The theoretical formula shows that the wave friction factor varies inversely with the relative bed roughness, , over a rough bed and that it can be conveniently determined if wave conditions and sediment parameters are known without using a specific regression formula deduced from experiments. A laboratory experiment that directly measures the wave-driven bed shear stress dominant in the turbulent regime with a permeable bed is used to examine the newly derived relationship. In the laminar regime, the comparison demonstrates that the theoretical results determined by the proposed formula are in good agreement with existing measurements. In the turbulent-rough regime, the influence of eddy viscosity is considered in the slip factor formula and the zero-equation model is used in estimating the average eddy viscosity. The theoretical wave friction factor is reasonably close to the experimental measurement, and considerably better than that obtained by other existing regressions. It is also found that the wave friction factor in the small zone can be described by the present model, with comparisons showing that the slip factor theory can be extended to estimate the wave friction factor in the turbulent-rough regime. Additionally, the proposed relationship is demonstrated to be effectively used in an alternate rough bed. Experimental results further indicate that the wave friction factor in a porous medium is affected by the permeability of the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ka-band monolithic high-efficiency frequency quadrupler using a GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor and pseudomorphic high electron-mobility transistor technology is presented in this paper. The frequency quadrupler is constructed cascading two frequency doublers. The frequency doubler employs a modified common-base/common-source topology to enhance the second harmonic efficiently. The dc bias condition, harmonic output power, conversion gain, and efficiency for variable configurations are investigated. Two phase-shifter networks are used to reduce phase error and improve the fundamental rejection. Between 23–30 GHz, the proposed frequency quadrupler features a conversion gain of higher than -1 dB with an input power of 4 dBm. The maximum conversion gain is 2.7 dB at 28 GHz with an efficiency of up to 8% and a power-added efficiency of 3.6%. The maximum output 1-dB compression point (P1\ {dB}) and the saturation output power (Psat) are higher than 7 and 8.2 dBm, respectively. The overall chip size is \ 2\times \ 1\ \ mm^2. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Anti- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is highly lethal but treatable encephalitis after high dose steroid or excision of immature teratoma. • Propofol and inhalation agents could produce reversible, dose-dependent inhibition on NMDAR, and have been reported to exhibit worsening dyskinesias and seizures of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. • Midazolam and dexmedetomidine could be the ideal anesthetic agents for patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. • The role of BIS requires further evaluations of the EEG change under different anesthetic agents for anti-NMDA patients. • As for the growing recognized population of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients, establishing consensus on anesthetic management for these patients should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large coral boulders are usually deposited in coastal regions due to high-energy inundation events, such as tsunamis or storms. The study on physical mechanisms is an important issue in hydrodynamics and sedimentology. In this study, the dam break induced the transportation, and the initial movements of a boulder are simulated on a flatbed in a laboratory experiment using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and image analysis. The scaled-down modeled boulder made the three-dimensional reconstruction rebuild the shape and surface texture of a realistic boulder. The MEMS integrated with the modeled boulder autonomously measures the signals and numerically calculates corresponding postures and transportation in three submerged conditions of the modeled boulder in the hydrodynamic experiment. Experimental results show that the boulder transportation process is a typical two-dimensional general planar motion, which includes sliding along the transported direction and swaying around the z -axis. Rolling and saltation are not dominant modes in the experiment. The results show that a complete transportation includes a variable speed movement in the initial motion, acceleration–deceleration to the uniform motion, and boulder stopping in the destination. The transported velocities of the modeled boulder are smaller than wave celerities. The maximum/minimum velocities and displacements occur in the partially and fully submerged conditions, respectively. The adjustment of the boulder's posture is completed in the initial motion, and then the boulder almost keeps the same posture to move forward to the end. Moreover, the boulder is not driven when the nondimensional water depth is close to the critical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model averaging is a widely used technique in biomedical applications. Two established model averaging methods, iterative shape averaging (ISA) method and virtual insect brain (VIB) method, have been applied to several organisms to generate average representations of their brain surfaces. However, without sufficient samples, some features of the average Drosophila brain surface obtained using the above methods may disappear or become distorted. To overcome this problem, we propose a Bézier-tube-based surface model averaging strategy. The proposed method first compensates for disparities in position, orientation, and dimension of input surfaces, and then evaluates the average surface by performing shape-based interpolation. Structural features with larger individual disparities are simplified with half-ellipse-shaped Bézier tubes, and are unified according to these tubes to avoid distortion during the averaging process. Experimental results show that the average model yielded by our method could preserve fine features and avoid structural distortions even if only a limit amount of input samples are used. Finally, we qualitatively compare our results with those obtained by ISA and VIB methods by measuring the surface-to-surface distances between input surfaces and the averaged ones. The comparisons show that the proposed method could generate a more representative average surface than both ISA and VIB methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We consider families of Ehrenfest chains and provide a simple criterion on the -cutoff and the -precutoff with specified initial states for . For the family with an -cutoff, a cutoff time is described and a possible window is given. For the family without an -precutoff, the exact order of the -mixing time is determined. The result is consistent with the well-known conjecture on cutoffs of Markov chains proposed by Peres in 2004, which says that a cutoff exists if and only if the multiplication of the spectral gap and the mixing time tends to infinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A methodology combining the offshore tsunami calculated by using numerical reciprocal Green's function (RGF) and the runup flow field calculated by using an analytical Green's function (AGF) is proposed to quickly estimate a tsunami hazard. For a vulnerable city, the RGF is computed previously via linear shallow water equations over real bathymetry and the offshore tsunami can be obtained promptly once the initial rupture is known. A transformation from time to space is then applied to obtain an equivalent waveform. With an integral with the AGF, derived by Carrier et al. [2003] based on 1D fully nonlinear shallow water equations over a uniform constant slope, the runup flow field is calculated. Thus, besides saving computation time and reducing the memory requirement, the desired initial condition for the AGF can also be generate by RGF. In this approach, the max wave height and the inundation distance are estimated very quickly and can be applied to broadcast an early warning of tsunami. To verify the method, data obtained during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami from Sri Lanka and Phuket, Thailand is applied. The offshore condition is first verified by comparing with the record at Maldives. The accuracy of RGF is also tested. Then, by taking the nearshore shelf slope as the constant bottom slope for the analytical solution, the max tsunami height agrees reasonably well with the in-situ measurement. Therefore, this method is a useful tool for tsunami early warning by quickly estimating if the max wave height is higher than the seawall or the breakwater. The max inundation distance calculated by the analytic integral solution also has reasonable agreement with the field survey, but the value from the in-situ investigation scatters widely, which suggests that the detailed local topography plays an important role. A different method for the determination of the bottom slope is also tested and the result shows that the slope should be based on the bathymetry nearshore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We consider the problem of proving the existence of an -cutoff for families of ergodic Markov processes started from given initial distributions and associated with reversible (more, generally, normal) Markov semigroups. This includes classical examples such as families of finite reversible Markov chains and Brownian motion on compact Riemannian manifolds. We give conditions that are equivalent to the existence of an -cutoff and describe the -cutoff time in terms of the spectral decomposition. This is illustrated by several examples including the Ehrenfest process and the biased -random walk on the non-negative integers, both started from an arbitrary point. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This report deals with the slipping friction in a progressive wave of real fluids propagating over a permeable bottom. Because the "no-slip" condition is usually considered in the wave motion, the horizontal velocity at the seabed is assumed zero. However, based on the numerical simulations and the laboratorial experiment, the slip velocity occurs at the interface as waves pass a permeable bed. It is found that the adherence condition is not suitable for permeable bed. The "overshooting" which is the local maximum horizontal velocity in the wave boundary layer is related to the wave period and the fluid viscosity. Both the linearized Navier-Stokes equation and the slip boundary condition are applied to solve the problem of progressive waves over a permeable bed of finite thickness. In the interface of soil and fluid, the slip velocity is simply assumed to be proportional to the characteristic velocity. Thus, the slipping effect and the permeability of the bottom on the velocity near the seabed can be considered. The linear solutions indicated that the joint effect of slipping friction, permeability and the effect of bottom thickness are crucial for overshooting. Comparing with the experimental results shows that the overshooting phenomena can be explained by this joint effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consider the simple random walk on the n-cycle Zn. For this example, Diaconis and Saloff-Coste (Ann. Appl. Probab. 6 (1996) 695) have shown that the log-Sobolev constant α is of the same order as the spectral gap λ. However the exact value of α is not known for n>4. (For n=2, it is a well known result of Gross (Amer. J. Math. 97 (1975) 1061) that α is 1/2. For n=3, Diaconis and Saloff-Coste (Ann. Appl. Probab. 6 (1996) 695) showed that α=1/2log2<λ/2=0.75. For n=4, the fact that α=1/2 follows from n=2 by tensorization.) Based on an idea that goes back to Rothaus (J. Funct. Anal. 39 (1980) 42; 42 (1981) 110), we prove that if n&ges;4 is even, then the log-Sobolev constant and the spectral gap satisfy α=λ/2. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n. For n=3, Diaconis and Saloff-Coste (Ann. Appl. Probab. 6 (1996) 695) showed that α=1/2log2<λ/2=0.75. For n=4, the fact that α=1/2 follows from n=2 by tensorization.) Based on an idea that goes back to Rothaus (J. Funct. Anal. 39 (1980) 42; 42 (1981) 110), we prove that if n&ges;4 is even, then the log-Sobolev constant and the spectral gap satisfy α=λ/2. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n<λ/2=0.75. For n=4, the fact that α=1/2 follows from n=2 by tensorization.) Based on an idea that goes back to Rothaus (J. Funct. Anal. 39 (1980) 42; 42 (1981) 110), we prove that if n&ges;4 is even, then the log-Sobolev constant and the spectral gap satisfy α=λ/2. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n=0.75. For n=4, the fact that α=1/2 follows from n=2 by tensorization.) Based on an idea that goes back to Rothaus (J. Funct. Anal. 39 (1980) 42; 42 (1981) 110), we prove that if n&ges;4 is even, then the log-Sobolev constant and the spectral gap satisfy α=λ/2. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n follows from n=2 by tensorization.) Based on an idea that goes back to Rothaus (J. Funct. Anal. 39 (1980) 42; 42 (1981) 110), we prove that if n&ges;4 is even, then the log-Sobolev constant and the spectral gap satisfy α=λ/2. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n. This implies that α=1/2(1−cos2π/n(1−cos 2π/n) when n is even and n&ges;4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article, a novel multi-port multi-directional converter (MPMDC) is proposed. Even though the power stage of the MPMDC belongs to a single-stage structure, it can control power flow direction handily among ports and achieve converter operation in up to five modes. The MPMDC has the feature of galvanic isolation and can obtain a high voltage conversion ratio even under the adoption of only one inductor and one transformer. The leakage energy of the transform can be recycled to improve overall efficiency. Once the MPMDC is applied to deal with renewable energy, battery, and bus energy, the advantage of multi-directional control of power flow can advance an energy storage system to perfectly function power conditioning feature. In addition to the discussion of converter operation, voltage gain, voltage stress, current stress, and inductance design are analyzed theoretically. Comparisons with some of the latest similar converters are also carried out. A 200-W prototype is built and measured. According to the practical results, it is verified that the hardware measurements meet the theoretical derivations and the MPMDC is validated. The maximum efficiency of the converter is up to 94%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of molecular nonequilibrium transports, physical mechanisms of multiple reaction dynamics of these systems are the core of deep understanding complex reactions and transport mechanisms. In order to explore related mechanisms, establishing multiple systems coupled with tremendous exit dynamics and studying their exit dynamics properties are quite vital. Beyond previous researches, new stochastic transport processes are emphasized here. Multiple new exit dynamic systems are established, which are motivated by the multiplicity of paths and products of real biochemical processes in organisms. In order to ensure research universality, core system modeling factors are fully considered. Countable parallel orbits, uniform connection with external sources, countable parallel orbits as subsystems in middle lattices and influences of all lattices on transport trajectories on dynamic properties are analyzed. Dynamic properties of different particles located in orbits are explored by deeply studying average exit time and time scale. Quantitative spatiotemporal impacts are extensively studied. The rationality of average exit time as a time scale in the universal exit dynamic system is proved. Main findings and fruitful results can not only serve as theoretical bases for broadening reaction path modeling, but also be helpful to support understanding nonequilibrium transport mechanisms, especially stochastic biochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which described an incremental-learning-by-navigation approach to vision-based autonomous land vehicle (ALV) guidance in indoor environments. Extraction environment features for model learning and ALV guidance; Strategies for model learning and ALV guidance; Experimental results; Conclusions.

A 10.2–12.6 GHz balanced heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT)–high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) frequency tripler is presented. A pair of common‐base/common‐emitter HBTs is used to generate in‐phase and out‐of‐phase harmonics. Two bandpass filters are utilised as matching networks to enhance the harmonic suppression. A common‐gate/common‐source HEMT active balun is employed to combine the third harmonic in‐phase and provide conversion gain. The proposed frequency tripler shows a conversion gain of 2.8 dB, a fractional bandwidth of 21.2% and a fundamental suppression higher than 47 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatially decoupled 2D Pb nanosialnds without a wetting layer on Nb-ST(0 0 1). • Occupied and unoccupied quantum well electronic states confined in 2D Pb nanosialnds. • Phase accumulation model reveals a metallic-like scattering interface of Pb/STO(0 0 1). Two-dimensional (2D) Pb nanoisland has established an ideal platform for studying the quantum size effects on growth mechanism, electronic structures as well as high-temperature superconductivity. Here, we investigate the growth and quantum well electronic states of the 2D Pb nanoislands on Nb-doped SrTiO 3 (0 0 1) by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. In contrast to Pb/Si(1 1 1), Pb/Cu(1 1 1) and Pb/Ag(1 1 1), there is no wetting layer of Pb formed on the Nb-doped SrTiO 3 (0 0 1) surface, resulting in isolated Pb nanoislands with an apparent height of 4 atomic layers as the building blocks for the island growth. According to the thickness-dependent quantum well states resolved in both occupied and unoccupied energy regions, the constant group velocity v g = 1.804 × 106 m/s and the Fermi wavevector k F = 1.575 Å−1, have been extracted from a linear fit of the Pb(1 1 1) band dispersion along the Γ - L direction. In addition, the energy-dependent scattering phase shift φ (E) obtained by means of the phase accumulation model shows a metallic-like scattering interface analogous to Pb/Ag(1 1 1). These spatially decoupled 2D Pb nanoislands thus realize an opportunity to explore the intrinsic quantum confinement phenomena in nanoscale superconductors on the doped titanium-oxide-type substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene microspheres (PSM) were obtained by emulsifier-free polymerization to coat polyacrylonitrile (PSM@PAN) as core/shell-structured microspheres of precursors. Core/shell polystyrene/polyvinyltetrazole (PSM@PVT) microspheres were obtained after a cyano-to-tetrazole conversion reaction loaded in an electrorheological display (ERD) that exhibits a low transmittance in the absence of an alternating electric field (AEF). The microspheres carrying negative and positive charges at two sides bound to each other as column-like structure along the direction of AEF enhancing the transmittance. Characteristic frequency (Fc), regarded as a mark to monitor the shell component, is defined to generate the highest degree of transmittance under an AEF. Fc of PSM@PVT shifted from 350 kHz to 100 kHz after the adsorption of lead(II) within the PVT coating. Transmittance of the ERD loading of PSM@PVT with lead(II) increased linearly with the concentration of lead(II). Approximately 30 ng mL−1 of the limit of detection was recognized within 10 s according to ERD transmittance under an AEF at 100 kHz. The Fc of the PSM@PVT absorbing the lead(II) was not influenced by the Na(I), K(I), Ca(II), Mg(II), Fe(III), and Zn(II) coexisting in the ERD. This platform provides a simple technology for heavy ion detection and may be a potential on-site ion-visualizing sensor. Image 1 • Polystyrene microspheres (PSM) are coated with polyvinyltetrazole (PVT) to absorb Pb(II) ions. • Surface dielectric property of PSM@PVT changes with Pb(II) concentration during absorption. • Electrorheological display (ERD) are fabricated to define the characteristic frequency (Fc). • PSM@PVT in the ERD results the maximum transmittance at the Fc under an alternating electric field. • Rapid visualizing detection of Pb(II) is achieved with high selectivity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the elevation Green's function which is known as the numerical Green's function in previous tsunami studies, a new type of Green's function for shallow water equations is proposed. This new Green's function is the flow response due to impulsive initial sea surface increase and is dubbed the flow Green's function. Based on the momentum equation, its reciprocity to sea surface response for impulsive initial flow is suggested and is shown numerically. That is, the x - and y -volume fluxes at the vulnerable city (x, y) caused by an impulsive increase of the unit sea surface η at the source point (x s , y s) are exactly the η response at (x s , y s) caused by an impulsive unit x - and y -volume fluxes at (x, y) multiplied by the negative gravitational acceleration and the water depth at (x, y). The later will be called a reciprocal flow Green's function. As reciprocal flow Green's functions include information on wave direction, by combing reciprocal elevation Green's functions (known as reciprocal Green's functions in previous tsunami studies), they can be used as an accurate boundary condition for the simulation of nearshore inundation. This new approach is proposed and compared with direct tsunami simulation for both normally (Case 1) and obliquely (Case 2) incident tsunamis. The accuracy of the new approach is similar to a direct simulation, and is a significant improvement compared with a simplified bell-shaped wave approach. The computer time is significantly reduced compared with direct simulations. • A new kind of Green's function for shallow water equations is proposed. • The reciprocity of this new Green's function is postulated and validated numerically. • A new approach based on the reciprocity of the new Green's function in the simulation of nearshore tsunami inundation is suggested. • This new approach uses less than one tenth of the computer time than the direct simulation, and can be considered as the most comprehensive method so that accuracy and economy are in good balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new conjugated polymer, PDTTTPD, comprising 2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene and thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione units, exhibits high crystallinity and excellent thermal stability. A device incorporating PDTTTPDand [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (1 : 1, w/w) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 5.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) carries out an essential role in proliferation and involves in cisplatin resistance in various cancer cells. Overexpression of AURKA is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Thus, AURKA has been considered as a target for cancer therapy. Developing AURKA inhibitors became an important issue in cancer therapy. A natural compound emodin mainly extracted from rhubarbs possesses anti‐cancer properties. However, the effect of emodin on AURKA has never been investigated. In the present study, molecular docking analysis indicated that emodin interacts with AURKA protein active site. We also found nine emodin analogues from Key Organic database by using ChemBioFinder software. Among that, one analogue 8L‐902 showed a similar anti‐cancer effect as emodin. The bindings of emodin and 8L‐902 on AURKA protein were confirmed by cellular thermal shift assay. Furthermore, emodin inhibited the AURKA kinase activity in vitro and enhanced the cisplatin‐DNA adduct level in a resistant ovarian cancer cell line. It seems that emodin may have the potential to inhibit cancer cell growth and enhance cisplatin therapy in cancer with resistance. Collectively, our finding reveals a novel AURKA inhibitor, emodin, which may be vulnerable to ovarian cancer therapy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we sought to enhance the photovoltaic performance of silicon solar cells by coating them (via the spin-on film technique) with a layer of SiO2 containing plasmonic indium-tin-oxide nanoparticles (ITO-NPs) of various concentrations. We demonstrated that the surface plasmon resonance absorption, surface morphology, and transmittance of the ITO-NPs dispersed in SiO2 layer at various concentrations (1–7 wt%). We also assessed the plasmonic scattering effects of ITO-NPs within a layer of SiO2 with and without a sub-layer of ITO in terms of optical reflectance, external quantum efficiency, and photovoltaic current-voltage under air mass (AM) 1.5G solar simulation. Compared to an uncoated reference silicon solar cell, applying a layer of SiO2 containing 3 wt% ITO-NPs improved efficiency by 17.90%, whereas applying the same layer over a sub-layer of ITO improved efficiency by 33.27%, due to the combined effects of anti-reflection and plasmonic scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the development of immunosensors using polymeric nanomaterials and nanoparticles have enabled a wide range of new functions and applications in diagnostic and prognostic research. One fundamental challenge that all immunosensors must overcome is to provide the specificity of target molecular recognition by immobilizing antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or other peptides or oligonucleotide molecules that are capable of antigen recognition on a compact device surface. This review presents progress in the application of immobilization strategies including the classical adsorption process, affinity attachment, random cross-linking and specific covalent linking. The choice of immobilization methods and its impact on biosensor performance in terms of capture molecule loading, orientation, stability and capture efficiency are also discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a model was proposed to analyze the triplet exciton transfer at the heterojunction interface and emission efficiency. The experimental results obtained for four devices with and without exciton blocking layers (EBLs) were analyzed. Although the incorporation of an EBL improved the peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) due to exciton blocking, the efficiency droop behavior became stronger, and the EQE was worse than that of the reference device without an EBL at current densities over 5 mA cm−2. To understand the physical mechanism underlying this observation, a new carrier transport simulation program was developed. This program considered a multi-Gaussian shape density of states, field-dependent mobility, exciton diffusion, triplet–triplet annihilation, triplet–polaron quenching and triplet exciton transfer at the interface. The simulation results showed that although the excitons were blocked at low current density when an EBL was used, the large exciton density generated at the interface and strong annihilation behavior resulted in a strong droop behavior. The other key factor was that the EBL limits hole injection; this resulted in stronger overflow at high current density, which reduced the efficiency and exhibited such switching behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. How to effectively control the postoperative pain of patients is extremely important to clinicians. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a novel analgesic method reported to greatly decrease postoperative pain. However, in many areas, there still exists a phenomenon of surgeons using wound infiltration (WI) with conventional local anesthetics (not liposome anesthetics) as the main means to decrease postoperative pain because of traditional wisdom or convenience. Here, we compared the analgesic effectiveness of the two different methods to determine which method is more suitable for adult patients. Materials and methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TAP block and WI without liposome anesthetics in adult patients were performed. Frequently used databases were extensively searched. The main outcomes were postoperative pain scores in different situations (at rest or during movement) and the time until the first use of rescue analgesics. The secondary outcomes were postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) incidence and patient satisfaction scores. Results. Fifteen studies with 983 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present study. The heterogeneity in the final analysis regarding the pain score was low to moderate. The major results of the sensitivity analysis were stable. WI had the same analgesic effect as TAP block only at the one-hour postoperative time point (mean difference = − 0.32 , 95% confidence interval (-0.87, 0.24), P = 0.26) and was associated with a shorter time until the first rescue analgesic and poorer patient satisfaction. Conclusion. TAP block results in a more effective and steady analgesic effect than WI with conventional local anesthetics in adult patients from the early postoperative period and obtains higher patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]