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The effects of A-site cation size mismatch on La0.7 − xNdxCa0.3 − y(Ba,Sr)yMnO3 perovskite materials with a constant A-site average ionic radius ⟨rA⟩ = 1.2052 Å have been investigated. Polycrystalline samples have been prepared through the standard solid-state reaction method at high temperatures, and their structures, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) have been investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction patterns show that all of the samples crystallized in an orthorhombic structure with the space group Pnma. XPS analysis confirmed the Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio remained constant as σ2 was varied. Meanwhile, upon increasing σ2 from 0.0002 to 0.007, the Curie temperature (TC) decreased linearly from 254 K to 108 K. Based on M-H isotherms, Arrott plots and the maximum magnetic entropy prove a crossover of first-to-second-order transition with increasing σ2. Samples with σ2 = 0.0002, 0.001, and 0.003 exhibited a first-order transition and had larger MCEs than those showing a second-order transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• People react differently to equal fairness violations by proposer type. • Same allocation elicited distinct behavioral and neural responses by proposer type. • Unfair allocation elicited longer reaction times. • Fairness-related reaction time difference was more salient in individual proposals. • AN1, P2, MFN, and P3 with alpha and theta bands represent the neural differences. People tend to perceive the same information differently depending on whether it is expressed in an individual or a group frame. It has also been found that the individual (vs. group) frame of expression tends to lead to more charitable giving and greater tolerance of wealth inequality. However, little is known about whether the same resource allocation in social interactions elicits distinct responses depending on proposer type. Using the second-party punishment task, this study examined whether the same allocation from different proposers (individual vs. group) leads to differences in recipient behavior and the neural mechanisms. Behavioral results showed that reaction times were longer in the unfair (vs. fair) condition, and this difference was more pronounced when the proposer was the individual (vs. group). Neural results showed that proposer type (individual vs. group) influenced early automatic processing (indicated by AN1, P2, and central alpha band), middle processing (indicated by MFN and right frontal theta band), and late elaborative processing (indicated by P3 and parietal alpha band) of fairness in resource allocation. These results revealed more attentional resources were captured by the group proposer in the early stage of fairness processing, and more cognitive resources were consumed by processing group-proposed unfair allocations in the late stage, possibly because group proposers are less identifiable than individual proposers. The findings provide behavioral and neural evidence for the effects of "individual/group" framing leading to cognitive differences. They also deliver insights into social governance issues, such as punishing individual and/or group violations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ultimatum Game (UG) is a classic paradigm used to study fairness-related decision-making. While responders' rejection of disadvantageous inequality in the UG is known, responses to advantageous inequality and the role of social value orientation (SVO) remain unclear. This study involved 59 children of 6–8 years, 69 children of 10–12 years, 59 adolescents of 14–15 years, and 52 adult college students. It explored responders' decisions in three offer contexts, including disadvantageous inequality, equality, and especially advantageous inequality, and the role of SVO. Results showed that SVO shifted from pro-self to pro-social and back to pro-self with age. Offer contexts moderated the effect of age on rejection rates, notably advantageous inequality, reflecting age differences in social preferences. Children accepted such offers for self-interest, adolescents rejected for inequality aversion, and college students accepted for joint gain maximization. SVO mediated the effect of age on rejection rate only in advantageous inequality contexts. The results indicate diverse motivation and decisions across scenarios, tied to age and SVO. Pro-social orientation's significance in advantageous inequality aversion is highlighted. Overall, these findings suggest that responder traits and developmental stages jointly shape economic decisions, especially regarding advantageous inequality. • A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine advantageous inequality aversion. • People from middle childhood, early adolescence, and adulthood were involved. • Age and SVO effects on decision-making were considered in three offer contexts. • SVO shifted from pro-self to pro-social and back to pro-self with age. • Only in advantageous inequality, SVO mediated the effect of age on decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is an emerging therapeutic strategy using small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) has achieved great success in the discovery of highly active PROTAC molecules. Here, we highlight the progress of FBDD in screening PROTAC molecules. Key features of the FBDD method and the procedure of designing PROTAC molecules by FBDD are summarized and analyzed. PROTAC molecules that is entered clinical studies has introduced as case studies to help understand the fragment-to-PROTAC optimization process. We also present the future trends of applying the FBDD method to screen PROTAC molecules. Thus, this review will provide helpful guidance for new PROTAC discoveries. [Display omitted] • PROTACs is an emerging therapeutic strategy using small molecules to induce ubiquitin-dependent degradation of proteins. • FBDD can quickly and efficiently screen target protein ligands with weak binding ability to target proteins. • The abundant protein-fragment complex can provide necessary structural information for FBDD to obtain highly active PROTACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the luminance of Micro-LEDs is highly dependent on the injected current density, inevitable voltage fluctuations will lead to luminance fluctuations and weak luminance robustness. In this work, Micro-LED chips working in non-electrical contact and non-carrier injection (NEC and NCI) mode is proposed, which is totally different from the current-injected mode. The luminance of NEC and NCI Micro-LEDs first increases with the increase of the voltage, and the saturation luminance can be obtained during a relatively large voltage range, which is defined as an operating voltage window. Then the luminance decreases when the voltage is further increased. It is demonstrated that the operating voltage windows can enhance luminance robustness. Finally, the insulating layer that is crucial for the operating voltage windows is optimized. And the working mechanisms related to the existence of operating voltage windows are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of A-site ionic disorder (σ2) on the structure, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La 0.85-x Nd x Ag 0.15-y K y MnO 3 have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis using Rietveld refinement shows that the crystal structure of the perovskite manganites changes from rhombohedral (space group R3 ͞C) to orthorhombic (space group Pnma) structure with the increasing in σ2. Magnetization measurements showed that, upon increasing σ2, ferromagnetic double exchange interaction of the perovskite manganites diminishes, and as a result, Curie temperature (T C) of the samples decrease linearly. The inverse of susceptibility shows a downturn with decreasing temperature before T C indicating the existence of the Griffiths phase for La 0.62 Nd 0.23 Ag 0·099 K 0·051 MnO 3 (σ2 = 0.004). The magnetic phase transitions of all the samples are belongs to second order transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the giga-Hz (GHz) regime, not only does an advanced electromagnetic platform need a stealth function to shield itself from radar detection, similar to the "invisible" cloak in the visible light regime, but also an enhanced transmission function to communicate with others. To satisfy the seemingly contradictory requirements, we here propose a multi-functional mode of plasma cloaking, invisible to radar detection but signal-enhanced in communication bands. Such a synergistic effect is achieved by combining a "detour" layer of cloaking and an enhancement layer of communication. Thus, with such a design we can successfully apply an ideal "cloak" to the low frequency detecting regime (in the P-band) and improve signal transmission capabilities in a higher frequency communication regime (in the L-band) at the same time. Furthermore, the tunability and limitations of the multi-functional system are discussed, and the principles of designing inner and outer plasma layers are acquired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrocene and its derivatives have been widely used in many fields and also used to modify and improve the performance. Particularly, their low toxicity also attract much attention in medical and pesticide fields. In order to get fungicides with higher biological activity, ferrocenyl groups were introduced into the skeleton of dimethomorph instead of phenyl groups and a series of 3-ferrocenyl- N -acryloylmorpholine were synthesized. The fungicidal bioassay results indicated that most of compounds showed moderate fungicidal activities against 14 kinds of agricultural pathogenic fungi and some compounds displayed higher fungicidal activities than that of dimethomorph. Intrestlingly, compounds 5(Z) exhibited better fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum than that of compound 5( E ) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biochemical markers of bone turnover may be useful aids for managing patients with osteoporosis. A 12-month, phase 3, multicenter trial of Japanese patients at high risk of fracture was conducted to assess the effects of teriparatide 20μg/day on BMD, serum markers of bone turnover, and safety. Two-hundred and seven subjects (93% female; median age 70years) were randomized in double-blind fashion 2:1 to teriparatide versus placebo. Bone turnover markers including procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) and type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12months. Lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD were measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12months. Increases in PINP at 1month correlated best with increases in lumbar spine BMD at 12months (r =0.76; P <0.01). The proportions of patients with an increase from baseline in PINP >10μg/L at 1, 3, and 6months were 3%, 0%, and 2% in the placebo, and 93%, 87%, and 83% in the teriparatide group. The proportions of patients with an increase in PINP >10μg/L at either 1 or 3months were 3% in the placebo and 95% in the teriparatide group (P <0.001). The proportions of patients with a significant increase in lumbar spine BMD (increase from baseline ≥3%) at 12months were 20% in the placebo and 94% in the teriparatide group. The proportions of patients with an increase in PINP >10μg/L at 1 or 3months and an increase in lumbar spine BMD ≥3% at 12months was 0% of placebo group patients and 92% of teriparatide group patients (P <0.001). These data confirm a strong relationship between early change in PINP and later change in lumbar spine BMD during teriparatide therapy. Also, these results suggest that monitoring with PINP and lumbar spine BMD successfully identifies positive responses in most patients taking teriparatide and negative responses in most patients not taking teriparatide. PINP monitoring may be a useful aid in the management of patients with osteoporosis during teriparatide treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reduced osteoblast function is a primary defect in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), and is reflected by decreased biochemical markers of bone formation, such as serum osteocalcin (OC) and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP). This analysis compared the effects of teriparatide and alendronate on OC and PINP in patients with GIO. In a double-blind study, women (N =159) and men (N =38) with GIO were randomized to either teriparatide 20 μg/day by subcutaneous injection or to alendronate 10 mg/day orally. OC and PINP were measured in fasting-state serum samples obtained at baseline and at 1, 6, 18, and 36 months. Baseline bone formation markers were below the reference interval (low) in 33% of patients for OC and in 4% of patients for PINP. On teriparatide therapy, the median OC and PINP levels increased by 92% and 108%, respectively, and this resulted in only 12% and 1% of patients being low at 6 months. On alendronate therapy, the median OC and PINP levels decreased by 40% and 53%, respectively, and this resulted in 68% and 34% of patients being low at 6 months. We conclude that bone formation as determined by surrogate markers was increased in teriparatide-treated patients with GIO and decreased in alendronate-treated patients with GIO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Nanorod-LEDs are fabricated by using ICP-RIE. • AC-driven nanorod-LEDs (AC-nLEDs) are realized. • Single-dielectric AC-nLED is demonstrated. • Double-dielectric AC-nLED is demonstrated. • AC-nLEDs are highly sensitive to driving frequency. Alternating current (AC)-driven electroluminescent (EL) devices have attracted widespread attention due to their special advantages. Under the trend of nanoscale miniaturization in optoelectronics, AC-driven EL devices with nanoscale are highly desirable to be applied to nano-optoelectronic integrated circuits. In this work, GaN-based nanorod LEDs (nLED) are used as nanoscale emitters to fabricate AC-driven nano-EL device, namely, AC-nLED. Two configurations including single-dielectric AC-nLED and double-dielectric AC-nLED without carrier injection are demonstrated. The electrical and optical characteristics of single-dielectric AC-nLED and double-dielectric AC-nLED are demonstrated, which have completely different frequency responses. The working mechanisms and origin of the difference in frequency response are discussed. Our work presents an alternative device configuration for obtaining AC-driven nano-EL devices, which are expected to be used in nano-photonic systems and nano-pixel light-emitting displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture and may result in back pain with functional limitations and diminished quality of life. Teriparatide [rhPTH (1–34)] has been shown to increase bone mass and reduce the risk of vertebral and other osteoporotic fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of teriparatide on the risk of back pain in patients with osteoporosis. A systematic review of the literature was performed, and five trials were identified and included in our analyses. All trials were randomized, double-blinded, and parallel with either new vertebral fracture ( n =1) or bone mineral density as the primary endpoint ( n =4). Four studies were in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and one was in men with idiopathic or hypogonadal osteoporosis. Two trials were placebo controlled, two trials were alendronate controlled, and one trial involved teriparatide plus hormone replacement therapy versus hormone replacement therapy alone. Reports of back pain, defined as new or worsened back pain after initiating the study drug, were obtained from adverse event databases, and the risk of back pain was analyzed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results were not statistically heterogeneous ( P =0.60) across trials, and there were no differences between groups administered teriparatide 20 or 40 mcg/day doses ( P =0.64). The rates of back pain, moderate or severe back pain, and severe back pain per 100 patient-years were numerically lower in the teriparatide versus comparator groups in each study. Compared with the pooled comparator, patients in the pooled teriparatide group had reduced risk for any back pain [relative risk, 0.66 (95% CI, 0.55–0.80)], moderate or severe back pain [relative risk, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.48–0.75)] and severe back pain [relative risk, 0.44 (95% CI, 0.28–0.68)]. Separate meta-analyses comparing teriparatide versus placebo or antiresorptive drugs gave similar results. In conclusion, patients randomized to teriparatide had a reduced risk of new or worsening back pain compared to patients randomized to placebo, hormone replacement therapy or alendronate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurological degenerative disease that cannot be completely cured, although drugs can improve or alleviate its symptoms. Optogenetic technology, which stimulates or inhibits neurons with excellent spatial and temporal resolution, provides a new idea and approach for the precise treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, the neural mechanism of photogenetic regulation remains unclear. Objective. In this paper, we want to study the nonlinear features of EEG signals in the striatum and globus pallidus through optogenetic stimulation of the substantia nigra compact part. Methods. Rotenone was injected stereotactically into the substantia nigra compact area and ventral tegmental area of SD rats to construct rotenone-treated rats. Then, for the optogenetic manipulation, we injected adeno-associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin to stimulate the globus pallidus and the striatum with a 1 mW blue light and collected LFP signals before, during, and after light stimulation. Finally, the collected LFP signals were analyzed by using nonlinear dynamic algorithms. Results. After observing the behavior and brain morphology, 16 models were finally determined to be successful. LFP results showed that approximate entropy and fractal dimension of rats in the control group were significantly greater than those in the experimental group after light treatment (p < 0.05). The LFP nonlinear features in the globus pallidus and striatum of rotenone-treated rats showed significant statistical differences before and after light stimulation (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Optogenetic technology can regulate the characteristic value of LFP signals in rotenone-treated rats to a certain extent. Approximate entropy and fractal dimension algorithm can be used as an effective index to study LFP changes in rotenone-treated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, poly (lactic acid)/almond shell powder (PLA/ASP) composite filaments were prepared using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. The influence of chemical treatments on the chemical groups of ASP was determined, and the effects of material ratios (3, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) and sliane concentration (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) on thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The optimal ratio in the PLA/ASP composite was observed at 10 wt% ASP and 4 wt% silane. With the optimal processing parameters, the Td0 (onset temperature) and Td1 (the temperature at the maximum degradation rate) of PLA were enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile and compressive strengths of PLA were increased. Finally, porous scaffolds using PA15S4 filament were manufactured, which have a controllable porosity of 10% to 75%, interconnected pores size of 100 to 900 μm and a satisfy compressive modulus. The results indicated that the PLA/ASP composites have the potential to be used to prepare lighter‐weight parts with internal pores by using FDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance research based on numerical and experimental studies on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) generally considers it as an isotropic material, which is obviously different from what it really is in practical engineering. A database of UHPC compressive strength was investigated, having the same UHPC mix proportion as the field blast experiment, to show how the strength of UHPC varies in compression. It is found that Weibull distribution is the best fit of its probability model. A combination of Monte-Carlo and Finite Element method is used, adopting the available UHPC compressive strength, to reproduce the field blast test on UHPC columns. Both the non-spatial and spatial variability of material properties of the UHPC columns are under consideration to conduct the UHPC column strength prediction under blast loads. The residual loading capacity, damage index and failure mode of UHPC columns with different sizes damaged by different explosion severities are obtained by non-spatial simulation and spatial simulation respectively. It can be concluded that compared with the non-spatial model, the numerical simulation results of the spatial model are closer to the experimental situation. Therefore, inclusion of spatial variability is recommended for reliability-based blast-resistant design for UHPC column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation and enhancement effect of sub-wavelength plasma structures on compact antennas exhibits obvious technological advantage and considerable progress. In order to extend the availability of this technology under complex and actual environment with inhomogeneous plasma structure, a numerical simulation analysis based on finite element method has been conducted in this paper. The modulation function of the antenna radiation with sub-wavelength plasma layer located at different positions was investigated, and the inhomogeneous plasma layer with multiple electron density distribution profiles were employed to explore the effect of plasma density distribution on the antenna radiation. It has been revealed that the optical near-field modulated distance and reduced plasma distribution are more beneficial to enhance the radiation. On the basis above, an application-focused research about communication through the plasma sheath surrounding a hypersonic vehicle has been carried out aiming at exploring an effective communication window. The relevant results devote guiding significance in the field of antenna radiation modulation and enhancement, as well as the development of communication technology in hypersonic flight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the substitution of La3+ by smaller rare-earth ion Nd3+ on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La 0.67-x Nd x Ca 0.13 Ba 0.2 MnO 3 (x = 0.02, 0.06, 0.1) manganites prepared by solid state sintering technology have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the x = 0.02 sample crystallizes in the rhombohedral structure with R 3 ¯ c space group symmetry and the x = 0.06, 0.1 samples belong to the orthorhombic structure with Ibmm space group. The Rietveld refinements for all samples were carried out to investigate on the crystal structures of the samples. Thermomagnetic measurements indicate that all the samples exhibit a magnetic transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase with increasing temperature. The Curie temperature T C systematically decreases from 308 K to 280 K with the accumulation of Nd concentration. Critical analysis demonstrates that the estimated critical exponents β, γ and δ are between the theoretically predicted values for 3D-Ising and mean-field theory models for all samples. The magnetic entropy change has been calculated from the isothermal magnetization measurements as a function of the applied magnetic field at various temperatures near T C. The maximum magnetic entropy change -ΔS max under an applied magnetic field of 1.6 T was found to be 3.06, 2.92 and 2.48 J kg−1 K−1 respectively for x = 0.02, 0.06 and 0.1 samples. This indicates that these manganites are remarkably potential functional materials working as magnetic refrigerants near room temperature. • The crystal structure of samples transform from rhombohedral to orthorhombic with the accumulation of Nd concentration. • The Curie temperature T C decreases from 308 K to 280 K with increasing Nd composition. • The estimated critical exponents β, γ and δ are in between the theoretically predicted values for 3D-Ising and mean-field theory models for all samples. • The largest value among the maximum magnetic entropy change −ΔS max of all samples under applied magnetic field of 1.6 T were found to be 3.06 J kg−1 K−1 for x = 0.02. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-to-other model of empathy (SOME) states that a key reason for the empathic deficiency in autistic individuals is the imbalance of the self–other switch. The existing interventions of theory of mind contain training of self–other transposition ability but combined with other cognitive trainings. The self–other distinction brain areas of autistic individuals have been revealed, but the brain areas of the self–other transposition ability and its intervention have not been investigated. There are normalized amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations (mALFFs) within 0.01–0.1 Hz and many normalized amplitudes of frequency fluctuations (mAFFs) within 0–0.01, 0.01–0.05, 0.05–0.1, 0.1–0.15, 0.15–0.2, and 0.2–0.25 Hz. Therefore, the current study established a progressive self–other transposition group intervention to specifically and systematically improve autistic children's self–other transposition abilities. The transposition test with a three mountains test, an unexpected location test, and a deception test was used to directly measure autistic children's transposition abilities. The Interpersonal Responsiveness Index Empathy Questionnaire with perspective-taking and fantasy subscales (IRI-T) was used to indirectly measure autistic children's transposition abilities. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was used to measure autistic children's autism symptoms. The experiment was designed with two (intervention: experimental group vs. control group) independent variables and two (test time: pretest vs. posttest or tracking test) × three (test: transposition test vs. IRI-T test vs. ATEC test) dependent variables. Furthermore, it used eyes-closed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate and compare the relevant maternal mALFFs and average energy rank and energy rank variability of mAFFs of autistic children's transposition abilities, autism symptoms, and intervention effects. The results showed the following: (1) There were many improvements (pretest vs. posttest or tracking test) greater than chance 0 in the experimental group, such as the three mountains, lie, transposition, PT, IRI-T, PT tracking, cognition, behavior, ATEC, language tracking, cognition tracking, behavior tracking, and ATEC tracking improvements. However, there was no improvement greater than chance 0 in the control group. (2) The maternal mALFFs and maternal average energy rank and energy rank variability of mAFFs could predict the autistic children's transposition abilities, autism symptoms, and intervention effects with some overlap and some difference in maternal self–other distinction, sensorimotor, visual, facial expression recognition, language, memory and emotion, and self-consciousness networks. These results indicated that the progressive self–other transposition group intervention successfully improved autistic children's transposition abilities and reduced their autism symptoms; the intervention effects could be applied to daily life and last up to a month. The maternal mALFFs, average energy rank, and energy rank variability of mAFFs were three effective neural indictors of autistic children's transposition abilities, autism symptoms, and intervention effects, and the average energy rank and energy rank variability of mAFFs were two new neural indictors established in the current study. The maternal neural markers of the progressive self–other transposition group intervention effects for autistic children were found in part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunability is an important feature for the filter. As a special electromagnetic medium, the plasma has its permittivity being altered in a wideband range. In this work, based on the surface plasmon polaritons of plasma–dielectric–plasma waveguides, we propose a double-stubs structure submerged in a gaseous discharge plasma medium to realize tunable filtering properties in the giga-hertz (GHz) regime. The finite element method is applied to numerically compute filtering properties. The coupled mode theory and orthogonal design method are introduced to verify simulation results and estimate the effect of simulation parameters on the filtering properties. It is shown that the height of two stubs has the most important influence on filtering performance. Although once the filter is fabricated, its size cannot be modified, one can, nevertheless, vary the plasma frequency to effectively adjust the plasma frequency for the best filtering. Thus, such a plasma-modified filter provides a feasible scheme to dynamically adjust the filtering frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonance and interference phenomena in waveguide systems are remarkable for control of electromagnetic wave propagations, with extensive applications in many areas. This paper introduces a plasma-dielectric-plasma (PDP) waveguide supporting multiple Fano resonances, made of a tooth cavity directly connected to a straight waveguide and a rectangle cavity with plasma holes. Different from metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides at the near-infrared band with nanoscales, the PDP works in the microwave regime and with centimetre dimension. Furthermore, it has a prominent advantage in tunability due to inherent properties of gaseous discharge plasmas. A finite element method is adopted to study transmission responses and field distributions in details. Also, coupled mode and standing wave theories are applied to confirm the validity of numerical results and theoretically analyze Fano spectra, respectively. Results indicate that the number and position of Fano resonances can be modulated by adjusting the number of plasma holes and altering the plasma frequency, respectively. Also, the independent tunability of multiple Fano resonances can be verified by the additional structure. The numerical simulations provide a reference for plasma to modulate electromagnetic waves and may open up a new path for developing tunable microwave devices, especially in the parallel processing of microwave signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)‐catalyzed enantioselective Pictet–Spengler condensation/lactamization cascade reaction was established, which paved the way of the collective synthesis of iboga‐type indole alkaloids. Herein, we presented the asymmetric total synthesis of iboga‐type indole alkaloid (+)‐tabertinggine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most registration studies for new osteoporosis drugs have used a combination of quantitative morphometry (QM) and visual semiquantitative reading (SQ) to define vertebral fractures. However, in the pivotal teriparatide Fracture Prevention Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00670501), vertebral fractures were previously defined only by the SQ methodology. The objective of this study was to define the effect of teriparatide on the incidence of vertebral fractures defined by QM plus SQ assessment. Research design and methods: Radiographs from the Fracture Prevention Trial placebo- and teriparatide 20 μg/day groups were re-assessed in blinded fashion, defining incident vertebral fractures for vertebrae meeting all of the following requirements: (a) 20% decrease in height by QM, (b) a corresponding 4 mm decrease in height (c) an increase of at least one grade by visual SQ assessment by a radiologist. Results: By this methodology, vertebral fracture risk was reduced in the teriparatide versus placebo group by 84% (RR = 0.16, p < 0.001). The risk of two or more vertebral fractures was also significantly reduced by 94% (RR = 0.06, p < 0.001). The fractures in the teriparatide group were of lesser severity than the fractures in the placebo group. The absolute benefit of teriparatide was greatest in those patients with the highest number and severity of prevalent vertebral fractures. Conclusions: As assessed by QM plus SQ, teriparatide reduced the incidence of vertebral fractures. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00670501. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel sub-wavelength plasma structure that can effectively enhance surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to achieve a significant local field. On the basis of a plasma ring structure, we add a slit and two thin plasma layers, working as a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide at a specific incident wave frequency and generate the Fabry-Perot resonance (FPR). The structure thus couples the incident wave energy to the vicinity of the slit and intensifies the SPR inside the plasma ring. In addition, we also find the coupling and competing between SPR and FPR. For the coupling mode, the average field enhancement in the ring is up to a factor of 9.7. Moreover, the optimized thickness of the plasma layer is much thinner than the skin depth of the plasma to ensure the incident wave easily entering the MIM waveguide. We further calculate the dispersion relationship of surface plasmon polaritons in the waveguide cavity. The simulation results and theoretical dispersion function are in good agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series samples MnBi1-xGdx (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16) were prepared and studied the structure and magnetic properties. The Rietveld refinement results showed that the low-temperature phase MnBi content in these samples is above 78% and the doped atoms occupied the position of Bi in the MnBi crystal structure. The Debye temperature is founding to decrease with increasing doping. The Curie temperature, paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition temperature, thermal hysteresis, saturation magnetization, and coercive force of the samples change significantly with increasing doping content. Within a temperature range of 300–500 K, a positive coercivity temperature coefficient β existed. This work helps MnBi-Gd as a candidate for high-temperature magnetic material applications and contributes to the development of tailoring magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in various cancer treatments in China. Thus far, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been shown effective in reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life (QoL) during chemotherapy. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of CHM plus Liu Zi Jue (LZJ) exercises with CHM plus rehabilitation education and with placebo plus rehabilitation education in patients who have undergone complete resection for nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods and Design: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial will be performed with 354 stage Ib-IIIa NSCLC patients in five centers in China. Patients satisfying the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into three groups according to a 1:1:1 ratio: intervention group A (IGA), intervention group B (IGB), and control group (CG). Each group will receive adjuvant platinum-based doublet chemotherapy for a total of four cycles. IGA participants will receive chemotherapy combined with CHM and LZJ exercises, IGB participants will receive chemotherapy combined with CHM and rehabilitation education, and CG participants will receive chemotherapy combined with placebo and rehabilitation education. The herbal treatment patients will be given granules daily and LZJ exercises will be performed four times per week during chemotherapy. The primary outcome is QoL, which will be assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C43 scale in each cycle. The secondary outcomes include the 2-year disease-free survival rate, disease-free survival, TCM symptoms, tumor markers, safety, and adverse events. After treatment, the patients will be followed up every 3 months within 2 years and every 6 months after 2 years until disease recurrence and/or metastasis.Discussion: Our previous study reported that CHM in combination with chemotherapy could lower the overall incidence of adverse events but increased digestive and gastrointestinal side effects compared with chemotherapy alone in postoperative NSCLC patients. This study will lay a foundation for the effectiveness of chemotherapy with or without a comprehensive rehabilitation program for QoL in patients with postoperative NSCLC.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03372694. Retrospectively registered on 17 December 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an innovative technology based on modulation and enhancement effects of subwavelength plasma on RF electromagnetic radiation has been proposed, in which the microwave radiation from an electrically small antenna can be significantly enhanced when the antenna is tightly enclosed by a subwavelength overdense plasma shell. But the exact mechanism is still not entirely clear. In this paper, we first use the theory of hybridized Local Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) for visible light in nanometal to explain this cross-domain work of microwave radiation enhancement modulated by a subwavelength overdense plasma layer, and the results show that the LSPR frequency is in good accordance with the frequency of enhanced radiation signals. Furthermore, the relationship between LSPR and antenna impedance as well as their effects on the impedance matching condition between antenna and power supply are investigated. It is indicated that LSPR on the plasma layer changes the impedance of the antenna, which produces circuit resonance (differing from plasmon resonance) between the antenna and power supply, and thus more power is radiated from the power supply to free space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first total synthesis of the Euphorbia diterpenoid pepluanol B in both racemic and enantioenriched form involves 20 steps from a known bicyclic diol. This synthesis features an unprecedented bromo‐epoxidation to control the eight‐membered‐ring conformation. In addition, salient reactions for the construction of the tetracyclic backbone include a sterically challenging aldol reaction to establish the quaternary center, a ring closing metathesis (RCM) to forge the eight‐membered ring, and a diastereoselective cyclopropanation to assemble the embedded cyclopropane motif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The toxicity and side effects caused by adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after radical surgery for lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) lead to early termination frequently. This study was conducted to provide an objective basis for the effect of Chinese herbal medicine formulas (CHMFs) combined with chemotherapy in reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy of ACT. Method: From February 17th, 2012 to March 20th, 2015, 233 patients from 7 hospitals diagnosed with LAC in IB~IIIA stage were randomly assigned into ACT + CHMF group (116 patients) and ACT + placebo group (117 patients). CHMF was taken orally until the end of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-related toxic, side effects were investigated as the primary outcome. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were used as the secondary outcome. Results: At one week following chemotherapy, the incidence of dry mouth, diarrhea and thrombocytopenia significantly decreased in CHMF group (P = 0.017, P = 0.033, P = 0.019, respectively). At two weeks following chemotherapy, fatigue and diarrhea were more obvious in the placebo group (P = 0.028, P = 0.025, respectively). In addition, patients in the CHMF group showed an increase in median DFS from 37.1 to 51.5 months compared with placebo group although there was no statistical significance (P = 0.16). In the stage IB subgroup, the CHMF group had a significantly better DFS (HR (95% CI) = 0.53 (0.28–0.99), P = 0.046). There was no significant difference in OS between the groups (P = 0.72). Conclusion: For patients with LAC, ACT combined with CHMF after radical surgery can prolong the DFS time especially in the early stage, and reduces the chemotherapy-related toxic and side effects. Trial Registration: NCT 01441752. Registered 14 July, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first total synthesis of the Euphorbia diterpenoid pepluanol B in both racemic and enantioenriched form involves 20 steps from a known bicyclic diol. This synthesis features an unprecedented bromo‐epoxidation to control the eight‐membered‐ring conformation. In addition, salient reactions for the construction of the tetracyclic backbone include a sterically challenging aldol reaction to establish the quaternary center, a ring closing metathesis (RCM) to forge the eight‐membered ring, and a diastereoselective cyclopropanation to assemble the embedded cyclopropane motif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonant absorption is a process that electromagnetic (EM) energy is converted to plasma energy with a mode conversion on the resonant layer where the incident EM wave frequency equals to the local frequency of a plasma normal modes. With a finite collision between charged and background neutral particles in a plasma, the plasma oscillation is dissipated to widen the resonance layer and heat the plasma. In this work a modified scattering matrix methods (SMM) are applied to study the effects of the collision frequency, incident angle, and plasma thickness on resonant absorption. We analyze the energy absorption caused by resonance in comparison with collisional absorption for different parameters. It is found that the resonant absorption dissipates about nearly half of the incident EM energy in an overdense inhomogeneous plasma when the collision is weak, and the rest half portion is reflected. If the collision is strong, however, the collisional absorption is then more significant than the resonant and affects the entire wave propagation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Luteolin restores intestinal barrier structure and function in UC mice. • Luteolin regulates ILC3 plasticity, which is the key to maintaining intestinal homeostasis. • Luteolin restores NCR-ILC3/NCR+ILC3 balance through the Notch pathway. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial, refractory chronic inflammatory disease. The primary factor leading to prolonged ulcerative colitis is the imbalance of the group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) subgroup resulting in the delayed reconstruction of damaged intestinal barrier. Previous studies show that luteolin had efficacy on UC, however, the potency of luteolin on restoring the balance of NCR-ILC3/NCR+ILC3 to repairing impaired intestinal barrier remains unclear. In this study, to investigate the potential mechanism of luteolin on ILC3 subgroup, we first evidenced that luteolin could promote transformation NCR-MNK3 to NCR+MNK3 in vitro. Then, a UC model was established in C57BL/6J mice to assess the efficacy of luteolin in restoring ILC3 subgroup balance and repairing intestinal barrier in chronic UC. Finally, the experiments in vitro validated the potential mechanism of luteolin in regulating ILC3 plasticity. The results showed that luteolin significantly alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice, including preventing body weight loss and decreasing the disease activity index (DAI) and intestinal damages. Additionally, luteolin increased NCR+ILC3 levels, promoted the production of IL-22 and decreased the levels of IL-17a and INF-γ in the intestine, and encourage intestinal barrier function recovery in UC mice by promoting the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. Experiments in vitro revealed that luteolin facilitated the transformation of NCR-MNK3 to NCR+MNK3 and promoted the secretion of IL-22, which was linked to the Notch pathway. All results revealed that luteolin restored the balance of NCR-ILC3/NCR+ILC3 and contributed to repair of injured intestinal epithelium to alleviate ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the global Fracture Prevention Trial, teriparatide reduced the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures and significantly increased BMD. Recently, a 12-month, phase 3, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with BMD as a primary endpoint was conducted to assess the effects of teriparatide in Japanese subjects at high risk of fracture. Although BMD was significantly increased in the Japanese study, the study was not statistically powered to assess the anti-fracture efficacy with teriparatide treatment. A meta-analysis was carried out testing whether teriparatide had consistent anti-fracture efficacy in Japanese patients compared to that observed in the global fracture trial. Three studies in which fracture data were available from prospectively scheduled spinal radiographs were included in the analysis. A systematic review of the literature (Medline, Embase) confirmed that no studies with teriparatide had been excluded from this analysis. There was no significant heterogeneity for vertebral and non-vertebral fractures among the studies included in the meta-analysis. Odds ratio estimates (95% CI) were 0.29 (0.20, 0.43) for vertebral fracture and 0.53 (0.32, 0.86) for non-vertebral fracture. There was also a consistent effect of teriparatide to increase BMD across all studies. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrated that teriparatide-mediated increases in spine BMD accounted for 25-32% of the reduction in vertebral fracture risk in the combined population including Caucasian and Japanese patients, which was similar to that derived from Caucasian patients. These results provide evidence for the consistency of anti-fracture efficacy with teriparatide treatment in Japanese patients compared to those observed in Caucasian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture and the prevalence of vertebral fracture is commonly assessed in clinical practice in Japan. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, including morphometric spine fracture status and the WHO risk factors for predicting 4-year fracture risk. Methods: A population-based community cohort, the Adult Health Study, consisting of 2613 men and women with mean age of 65 enrolled in Hiroshima was followed prospectively for 4years. The prevalence and incidence of spine fractures were identified from lateral and posterior–anterior spine radiographs using a semiquantitative method. Information on incident nonvertebral fragility fractures (hip, proximal humeral, and forearm) was collected at interviews by trained nurses and physicians during biennial health examinations. Results: A model, including spine fracture status in addition to the WHO risk factors, appeared to provide greater prognostic information regarding future fracture risk (gradient of risk/standard deviation: GR/SD=2.73) than a model with the WHO risk factors alone (GR/SD=2.54). In univariate analyses, age, bone mineral density (BMD), prior clinical fracture, and spine fracture status had the highest gradient of risk. The presence of multiple prevalent spine or non-spine fractures significantly increased fracture risk, but, their contributions to the gradient of risk were similar to those when fracture status was categorized as a binary variable. A model considering those four risk factors yielded GR/SD=2.67, indicating that it could capture most of the predictive information provided by the model with spine fracture status plus the WHO risk factors. Conclusion: The use of age, BMD, prior clinical fracture and spine fracture predicted future fracture risk with greater simplicity and higher prognostic accuracy than consideration of the risk factors included in the WHO tool. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this post hoc analysis was to determine whether baseline concentrations or early changes in serum bone turnover markers were correlated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at 18 months in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) treated with teriparatide (n =80; 20 μg/day) or alendronate (n =77; 10 mg/day). Bone markers included type I collagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP), type I collagen C-terminal propeptide (PICP), bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), and cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (Sβ-CTX). The relationship between baseline and early changes in markers and the 18-month changes in lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. In the teriparatide group, increases in LS and FN BMD at 18 months were not significantly correlated with baseline marker concentrations (P>0.05) but were correlated with the increases in PINP at 1 and 6 months (P <0.05). In the alendronate group, the increase in FN BMD at 18 months was positively correlated with baseline marker concentrations (P <0.05) and negatively correlated with change in PINP and Sβ-CTX at 1 and 6 months. In addition, in the alendronate group, the increase in LS BMD was negatively correlated with change in Sβ-CTX at 1 month (P <0.05). Increases in BMD at the spine and hip were independent of baseline bone turnover in the teriparatide group, while increases in hip BMD were dependent on baseline bone turnover in the alendronate group. With both therapies, early changes in some bone turnover markers were correlated with 18-month gains in BMD in patients with GIO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Vertebral fractures increase the risk of new vertebral fractures; however, we are not aware of any study addressing the risk of new vertebral fractures adjacent to existing vertebral fractures. Therefore, we sought to determine the influence of the number and severity of prevalent (preexisting) vertebral fractures on the risk of new adjacent vertebral fractures and to determine whether teriparatide (rhPTH [recombinant human parathyroid hormone] [1-34]) or raloxifene treatment reduces the incidence of adjacent vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.Methods: Data from the Fracture Prevention Trial and the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation trial were analyzed to determine the incidences of new adjacent and new nonadjacent vertebral fractures in the placebo groups and the effect of treatment with raloxifene and teriparatide on the incidence of new adjacent vertebral fractures as compared with that of new nonadjacent vertebral fractures.Results: Of 1226 untreated postmenopausal women with one or more prevalent vertebral fractures at baseline, 196 (16.0%) had a total of 292 new vertebral fractures during the two-year follow-up period, with 108 (8.8%) of the 1226 women having at least one new fracture adjacent to a prevalent fracture. Of the 292 new vertebral fractures, 136 (47%) were adjacent to a previously existing vertebral fracture. The risk of a new adjacent vertebral fracture was 2.5-fold higher than the risk of a new nonadjacent vertebral fracture (4.03% compared with 1.59%). The incidence of new adjacent vertebral fractures increased with both the number and the severity of prevalent vertebral fractures. Teriparatide reduced the risk of any new, new adjacent, and new nonadjacent vertebral fractures by 72%, 75%, and 70%, respectively, compared with the rates in the placebo group. Similarly, compared with the placebo, raloxifene treatment reduced the risk of any new vertebral fracture, new adjacent vertebral fracture, and new nonadjacent vertebral fracture by 54%, 54%, and 53%, respectively.Conclusions: In untreated postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, nearly half of the incident vertebral fractures occur adjacent to an existing vertebral fracture. Both teriparatide and raloxifene can significantly reduce the occurrence of new adjacent and nonadjacent vertebral fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Retraction Note to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-021-05227-z [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The susceptibility of the compounds with RE = Sm and Gd-Dy exhibits an upturn below T N. • Due to spin-flip, the metamagnetic transitions are observed in REAgSb 2 (RE = Pr, Gd-Ho) compounds. • ΔS max of CeAgSb 2 and PrAgSb 2 under the applied magnetic field of 6 T are 5.1 and 7.9 J.kg−1.K−1, respectively. • The variation in the DOS of REAgSb 2 compounds are dominated by the RE 4f bands. Magnetic properties and electronic structure of REAgSb 2 compounds (RE = La-Nd, Sm and Gd-Er) were investigated by experimental measurements on their polycrystalline samples combining with first-principles calculation. X-ray powder diffraction analysis shows that all compounds crystallize in a tetragonal HfCuSi 2 -type structure (Space group P 4/ nmm , No. 129, tP8). The results of magnetic measurements reveal that LaAgSb 2 is non-magnetic, CeAgSb 2 is ferromagnetic, and other compounds are antiferromagnetic. The magnetic ordering temperatures were obtained by d M /d T plots, which are distributed between 3.2 and 14.2 K. According to Curie-Weiss law, it was found that the effective magnetic moments of these compounds are close to rare earth trivalent ions in REAgSb 2. The metamagnetic transitions are observed for REAgSb 2 (RE = Pr, Gd-Ho) according to M−H curves at 2 K. The Arrott plots reveal that the magnetic phase transition type belongs to second-order phase transition for REAgSb 2 (RE = Ce, Pr). The maximum magnetic entropy changes of CeAgSb 2 and PrAgSb 2 are measured to be 5.1 and 7.9 J.kg−1.K−1, respectively. The electronic structures of REAgSb 2 compounds have been studied based on density functional theory. The electronic structures data of REAgSb 2 suggest that the DOS dispersions are close to the RE 4f electrons and there is a strong correlation between RE and Sb atoms. The hybridization between RE 4f and Sb 5p electrons gradually increases as a function of atomic number for REAgSb 2 (RE = Ce-Sm, Gd), while gradually decreases for the other compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylpyrazole insecticides are successful for crop protection and public hygiene by blocking gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels and glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels. A series of novel phenylpyrazoles containing arylimine or 1-methoxyaryl groups were designed and synthesized. The addition reaction of methanol to the imines 1 – 11 was investigated and the cayno addition products 13 – 15 were obtained. The compounds 1 – 15 were confirmed by 1H NMR and elemental analysis. The results of bioassay indicated that some compounds exhibited comparable bioactivity to fipronil against a broad spectrum of insects such as bean aphid (Aphis craccivora), mosquito (Culex pipiens pallens), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and Oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata). Especially, the foliar contact activity against bean aphid of compound 7 at 10 µg mL−1 was 68%, the larvacidal activity against mosquito of compounds 5 , 13 and 15 at 0.0025 µg mL−1 was 100%, the larvacidal activity against diamondback moth of compounds 9 and 11 at 0.05 µg mL−1 was 100%, the larvacidal activity against Oriental armyworm of compound 9 at 1 µg mL−1 was 100%. The 3-cayno moiety on pyrazole ring was essential for the high insecticidal activities against bean aphid, diamondback moth and Oriental armyworm, while the 3-carbimidate moiety on pyrazole ring was crucial to the excellent high insecticidal activities against mosquito. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new type of wall with built-in structural configuration. Common blocks with single-row holes serve as grouted recesses in the construction of built-in structural columns, core columns, and diagonal braces of the wall. The construction of this built-in structural scheme is more efficient and cost-effective than normal wall structures because it necessitates no formwork or large construction equipment. A nonlinear finite element analysis and integral modeling process were conducted based on horizontal cyclic loading tests of four hollow-block masonry walls with different built-in structural schemes. The feasibility of the model was verified by comparing the test and calculation results. The effects of different structural schemes on the failure process, failure mode, bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, and displacement ductility of the masonry wall were analyzed to determine the optimal structural details. The built-in structural columns and core columns should be concentrated at both wall ends while core columns are added in the center of the wall as necessary; a horizontal steel tie mesh can ensure cooperative bonding among structural columns and core columns. The effects of various strength grades of grouted concrete on masonry wall seismic performance with the optimized scheme were also observed. • A new kind of wall with built-in structural scheme was proposed, which is more efficient and cost-effective. • Seismic behavior of the walls with different structural schemes was studied, and the optimal design scheme was obtained. • Considering seismic behavior of the wall, the appropriate grouted concrete strength for MU7.5 hollow block is C20 or C25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a combination medication with adjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The 314 patients with completely resected stage IB, II or IIIA cancers were assigned into vinorelbine plus cisplatin/carboplatin (NP/NC) (control, n = 158) and NP/NC with additional TCM (intervention, n = 156) groups. The primary endpoint was QOL scores; secondary endpoints were the toxicity and safety of the regimens. The NP/NC regimen caused mild (grade 1 or 2) non-hematologic toxic effects in the patients comprising vomiting (43.6%), fatigue (36.9%), pain (23%), dry mouth (27.6%) and diarrhea (7.9%). The incidence of adverse events was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (0.57% vs 4.02%, P = 0.037). Transient severe (grade 3 or 4) hematological toxic effects occurred less often (hemoglobin reduction (11.9 vs 22.5 percent) and total bilirubin increased (to 42.1 vs 46.2%) in the intervention compared to the control group during the 2nd chemotherapy cycle. When combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, TCM led to partial relief of symptoms in addition to a reduction of side-effects and adverse events caused by the NP/NC regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]