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Recent studies suggested that the ejecta velocity of Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) is a promising indicator in distinguishing the progenitor systems and explosion mechanisms. By classifying the SNe Ia based on their ejecta velocities, studies found that SNe Ia with high |$\mathrm{Si}\, {\rm{\small II}}\, \lambda 6355$| velocities (HV SNe Ia; |$v \gtrsim 12\,000$|  km s−1) tend to be physically different from their normal-velocity counterparts (NV SNe Ia). In this work, we revisit the low- z sample studied in previous work and closely look into the spatially resolved environment local to the site of SN explosion. Our results reveal a possible trend (at 2.4σ significance) that HV SNe Ia are likely associated with older stellar populations than NV SNe Ia. While the trend is inconclusive, the local host-galaxy sample studied in this work is likely skewed towards massive galaxies, limiting the parameter space that we would like to investigate from the original parent sample. Nevertheless, our results do not rule out the possibility that parameters other than the host-galaxy age (such as metallicity) could be the underlying factors driving the differences between HV and NV SNe Ia due to the limitation of our data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function and affects ~13.4% of the global population. Progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis, driven in part by proximal tubule (PT) damage, is a hallmark of late stages of CKD and contributes to the development of kidney failure, for which there are limited treatment options. Normal kidney development requires signaling by vitamin A (retinol), which is metabolized to retinoic acid (RA), an endogenous agonist for the RA receptors (RARα, β, γ). RARα levels are decreased in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy and restored with RA administration; additionally, RA treatment reduced fibrosis. We developed a mouse model in which a spatiotemporal (tamoxifen-inducible) deletion of RARα in kidney PT cells of adult mice causes mitochondrial dysfunction, massive PT injury, and apoptosis without the use of additional nephrotoxic substances. Long-term effects (3 to 4.5 mo) of RARα deletion include increased PT secretion of transforming growth factor β1, inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, and decreased kidney function, all of which are major features of human CKD. Therefore, RARα's actions in PTs are crucial for PT homeostasis, and loss of RARα causes injury and a key CKD phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium is considered a candidate low-temperature solder because of its low melting temperature and excellent mechanical properties. However, the solid-state microstructure evolution of In with different substrates has rarely been studied due to the softness of In. To overcome this difficulty, cryogenic broad Ar+ beam ion polishing was used to produce an artifact-free Cu/In interface for observation. In this study, we accomplished phase identification and microstructure investigation at the Cu/In interface after long-term thermal aging. CuIn2 was observed to grow at the Cu/In interface and proved to be a stable phase in the Cu–In binary system. The peritectoid temperature of the Cu11In9 + In → CuIn2 reaction was confirmed to be between 100 and 120 °C. In addition, the growth rate of CuIn2 was discovered to be dominated by the curvature of the reactant Cu11In9/In phase and the temperature difference with the peritectoid temperature. Finally, a comprehensive microstructural evolution mechanism of the Cu/In solid-state interfacial reaction was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The header frame of full-feeding rice combine harvester was characterized by severe vibration due to the excitation force generated by the movement of each working part. In order to solve the problem, the parametric model of the header frame was established, and the accuracy of the finite element model was verified by comparison of the results of the free modal analysis and free vibration modal test based on Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA). Then the constrained modal frequencies were calculated and compared with the external excitation source frequencies, the results showed that the first and eighth order modal natural frequencies were coupled with the excitation frequencies of the threshing cylinder and the engine respectively, which were apt to resonate. To avoid resonance and achieve lightweight design, topology optimization, and finite element analysis were carried out. The optimization results showed that the strength and rigidity meet the requirements and the weight was 14.17% lower than before. The first and eighth order modal natural frequencies were far away from the excitation frequencies range of the threshing cylinder and engine, and the frequencies were far away from the range of each excitation frequency, which effectively avoided the occurrence of resonance. Field experiments showed that the peak value of the vibration acceleration in the three directions of the 8 measuring points of the optimized header frame was significantly reduced, which effectively reduced the vibration of the header frame during harvest. This study provides a method for obtaining the vibration characteristics of key components of agricultural machinery and provides a reference for the weight and vibration reduction of header frames of rice, wheat, rape, and other crop combine harvesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas consisting of heterogeneous disease entities. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing photosensitizers irradiated with a specific wavelength of light in the presence of oxygen exerts promising anti-tumor effects on non-melanoma skin cancer, yet its application in primary cutaneous lymphomas remains less recognized. Despite many in vitro data showing PDT could effectively kill lymphoma cells, clinical evidence of PDT against primary cutaneous lymphomas is limited. Recently, a phase 3 "FLASH" randomized clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of topical hypericin PDT for early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. An update on recent advances of photodynamic therapy in primary cutaneous lymphomas is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcohol-associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic accumulation of fat that can progress to steatohepatitis, and currently, therapeutic options are limited. Using a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model of NAFLD, we determined the effects of the synthetic retinoid, AC261066, a selective retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) agonist, on the global liver transcriptomes and metabolomes of mice with dietary-induced obesity (DIO) using genome-wide RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics. We found that AC261066 limits mRNA increases in several presumptive NAFLD driver genes, including Pklr, Fasn, Thrsp, and Chchd6. Importantly, AC261066 limits the increases in the transcript and protein levels of KHK, a key enzyme for fructose metabolism, and causes multiple changes in liver metabolites involved in fructose metabolism. In addition, in cultured mu-rine hepatocytes, where exposure to fructose and palmitate results in a profound increase in lipid accumulation, AC261066 limits this lipid accumulation. Importantly, we demonstrate that in a human hepatocyte cell line, RARβ is required for the inhibitory effects of AC261066 on palmitate-induced lipid accumulation. Finally, our data indicate that AC261066 inhibits molecular events underpinning fibrosis and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, changes in the transcriptome and metabolome indicate that AC261066 affects molecular changes underlying multiple aspects of NAFLD, including steatosis and fibrosis. Therefore, we suggest that AC261066 may have potential as an effective therapy for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare inherited blistering skin disorders characterized by skin fragility following minor trauma, usually present since birth. EB can be categorized into four classical subtypes, EB simplex, junctional EB, dystrophic EB and Kindler EB, distinguished on clinical features, plane of blister formation in the skin, and molecular pathology. Treatment for EB is mostly supportive, focusing on wound care and patient symptoms such as itch or pain. However, therapeutic advances have also been made in targeting the primary genetic abnormalities as well as the secondary inflammatory footprint of EB. Pre-clinical or clinical testing of gene therapies (gene replacement, gene editing, RNA-based therapy, natural gene therapy), cell-based therapies (fibroblasts, bone marrow transplantation, mesenchymal stromal cells, induced pluripotential stem cells), recombinant protein therapies, and small molecule and drug repurposing approaches, have generated new hope for better patient care. In this article, we review advances in translational research that are impacting on the quality of life for people living with different forms of EB and which offer hope for improved clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to examine the relationship between the seeding rate of a hill-direct-seeding machine and seedling rate in field, six rice varieties typical for cold areas were selected to conduct the indoor germination tests and field seedling experiment using a hill-direct-seeding machine. Indoor germination and field seedling tests were performed to study the correlation among the mechanical precision seeding process, machine seeding rate and field seedling rate. The results showed that the indoor germination rates were higher than 90%. The series of spoons was adaptable to the hill-direct-seeding process. The number of seeds was 28-30, 18-20 and 8-10 grains/hill. The field seedling rates were higher than 85%. The rice variety of Suijing-18 achieved the best field seedling rate, and the highest seeding rate was 18-20 grains/hill, while the average field seedling rate was 94.25%. On this basis, the action law of the hill-direct-seeding machine and the main factors influencing the field seedling rate were analyzed. Mechanical vibration resulted in a higher average seeding rate of the middle seed metering device of the hill-direct-seeding machine than that of both ends. The force between the seed spoons and rice seeds mechanically damaged the seed buds, resulting in the actual field seedling rate being lower than the ideal indoor germination rate. The experimental results can provide a reference for the selection of typical direct seeding rice varieties, the improvement of key components of hill-direct-seeding machines, and the promotion of agronomic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of the local bond-orientational order (LBOO) parameters, a cluster approach to analyze local structures of simple liquids was developed. In this approach, a cluster is defined as a combination of neighboring seeds having at least nb local-orientational bonds and their nearest neighbors, and a cluster ensemble is a collection of clusters with a specified nb and number of seeds ns. This cluster analysis was applied to investigate the microscopic structures of liquid Ga at ambient pressure (AP). The liquid structures studied were generated through ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. By scrutinizing the static structure factors (SSFs) of cluster ensembles with different combinations of nb and ns, we found that liquid Ga at AP contained two types of cluster structures, one characterized by sixfold orientational symmetry and the other showing fourfold orientational symmetry. The SSFs of cluster structures with sixfold orientational symmetry were akin to the SSF of a hard-sphere fluid. On the contrary, the SSFs of cluster structures showing fourfold orientational symmetry behaved similarly as the anomalous SSF of liquid Ga at AP, which is well known for exhibiting a high-q shoulder. The local structures of a highly LBOO cluster whose SSF displayed a high-q shoulder were found to be more similar to the structure of β-Ga than those of other solid phases of Ga. More generally, the cluster structures showing fourfold orientational symmetry have an inclination to resemble more to β-Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By simulating the rigid simple point charge extended model at temperature T = 300 K, the orientational relaxation of the OH-bond in water was investigated over short to intermediate timescales, within which molecules undergo inertial rotation and libration and then enter the rotational diffusion regime. According to the second-cumulant approximation, the orientational time correlation function (TCF) of each axis that is parallel or perpendicular to an OH-bond is related to an effective rotational density of states (DOS), which is determined using the power spectra of angular velocity autocorrelation functions (AVAFs) of the other two axes. In addition, the AVAF power spectrum of an axis was approximated as the rotational stable instantaneous normal mode (INM) spectrum of the axis. As described in a previous study [S. L. Chang, T. M. Wu, and C. Y. Mou, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 3605 (2004)], simulated molecules were classified into subensembles, according to either the local structures or the H-bond configurations of the molecules. For global molecules and the classified subensembles, the simulation results for the first- and second-rank orientational TCFs were compared with the second-cumulant predictions obtained using the effective rotational DOSs and the rotational stable- INM spectra. On short timescales, the OH-bond in water behaves similar to an inertial rotor and its anisotropy is lower than that of a water molecule. For molecules with three or more H-bonds, the OH-bond orientational TCFs are characterized by a recurrence, which is an indication for libration of the OH-bond. The recurrence can generally be described by the second-cumulant prediction obtained using the rotational stable-INM spectra; however, the orientational TCFs after the recurrence switch to a behavior similar to that predicted using the AVAF power spectra. By contrast, the OH-bond orientational TCFs of molecules initially connected with one or two H-bonds decay monotonically or exhibit a weak recurrence, indicating rapid relaxation into the rotational diffusion regime after the initial Gaussian decay. In addition to accurately describing the Gaussian decay, the second-cumulant predictions formulated using the rotational stable-INM spectra and the AVAF power spectra serve as the upper and lower limits, respectively, for the OH-bond orientational TCFs of these molecules after the Gaussian decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Xenotransplantation is one of the promising strategies for overcoming the shortage of organs available for transplant. However, many immunological obstructions need to be overcome for practical use. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils contribute to xenogeneic cellular rejection. Neutrophils are regulated by activation and inhibitory signals to induce appropriate immune reactions and to avoid unnecessary immune reactivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the development of neutrophil‐targeted therapies may have the potential for increased graft survival in xenotransplantation. Methods: A plasmid containing a cDNA insert encoding the human CD31 gene was transfected into swine endothelial cells (SEC). HL‐60 cells were differentiated into neutrophil‐like cells by culturing them in the presence of 1.3% dimethyl sulfoxide for 48 hours. The cytotoxicity of the differentiated HL‐60 cells (dHL‐60) and peripheral blood‐derived neutrophils was evaluated by WST‐8 assays. To investigate the mechanism responsible for hCD31‐induced immunosuppression, citrullinated histone 3 (cit‐H3) and phosphorylation of SHP‐1 were detected by a cit‐H3 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting, respectively. Results: A significant decrease in dHL‐60 and neutrophil‐mediated cytotoxicity in SEC/hCD31 compared with SEC was seen, as evidenced by a cytotoxicity assay. Furthermore, the suppression of NETosis and the induction of SHP‐1 phosphorylation in neutrophils that had been co‐cultured with SEC/CD31 were confirmed by cit‐H3 ELISA and Western blotting with an anti‐phosphorylated SHP‐1. Conclusion: These data suggest that human CD31 suppresses neutrophil‐mediated xenogenic cytotoxicity via the inhibition of NETosis. As CD31 is widely expressed in a variety of inflammatory cells, human CD31‐induced suppression may cover the entire xenogeneic cellular rejection, thus making the generation of human CD31 transgenic pigs very attractive for use in xenografts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the expression level of microRNA (miR)-137 in glioma tissues and cell lines and explored its potential diagnostic significance as well as its function effects on glioma cells. miR-137 expression level was detected in glioma tissues using in situ hybridization, and in glioma cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The diagnostic significance of miR-137 in glioma was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Quantibody® Human Inflammation Array 1 was used to evaluate the impact of ectopic miR-137 expression on release of cytokines in glioma cell lines. IL-13, TNF-a and IFN-? levels were detected using ELISA. To confirm that sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) is a target of miR-137, RT-qPCR, western blot analysis and dual-luciferase assay were adopted. The results demonstrated that miR-137 expression was downregulated in both glioma tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of miR-137 was significantly associated with high grade gliomas. Additionally, it was found that overexpression of miR-137 reduced IL-13, but promoted TNFa and IFN-? production. SPHK2 knockdown inhibited IL-13 release, promoted TNF-a and IFN-? production. SPHK2 was a direct target of miR-137. Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that miR-137 expression plays a tumor-suppressive role in glioma. It is downregulated in glioma and may promote M1-type TAMs polarization, and may be a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic strategy for glioma treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is not recommended as an approach for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma due to its significant postoperative mortality. However, it is assumed the combination of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may reduce postoperative mortality, which can revive preoperative chemoradiation. No randomized controlled studies comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE have been performed so far. The present trial is initiated to obtain valid information whether neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE yields better survival without worse postoperative morbidity and mortality in the treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(cT3-4aN0-1M0).Methods/design: CMISG1701 is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, phase III clinical trial, investigating the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE. Patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (cT3-4aN0-1M0) are eligible for the study. A total of 264 patients are randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (arm A) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (arm B) with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary outcome is overall survival assessed with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Secondary outcomes are progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, postoperative pathologic stage, treatment-related complications, postoperative mortality as well as quality of life.Discussion: The objective of this trial is to identify the superior protocol with regard to patient survival, treatment morbidity/mortality and quality of life between neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE and neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE.Trial Registration: NCT03001596 (December 17, 2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutectic In-48Sn was considered a promising candidate for low-temperature solder due to its low melting point and excellent mechanical properties. Both Cu2(In,Sn) and Cu(In,Sn)2 formation were observed at the In-48Sn/Cu interface after 160 °C soldering. However, traditional mechanical polishing produces many defects at the In-48Sn/Cu interface, which may affect the accuracy of interfacial reaction investigations. In this study, cryogenic broad Ar+ beam ion milling was used to investigate the interfacial reaction between In-48Sn and Cu during soldering. The phase Cu6(Sn,In)5 was confirmed as the only intermetallic compound formed during 150 °C soldering, while Cu(In,Sn)2 formation was proven to be caused by room-temperature aging after soldering. Both the Cu6(Sn,In)5 and Cu(In,Sn)2 phases were confirmed by EPMA quantitative analysis and TEM selected area electron diffraction. The microstructure evolution and growth mechanism of Cu6(Sn,In)5 during soldering were proposed. In addition, the Young's modulus and hardness of Cu6(Sn,In)5 were determined to be 119.04 ± 3.94 GPa and 6.28 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively, suggesting that the doping of In in Cu6(Sn,In)5 has almost no effect on Young's modulus and hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Above two dimensions, diffusion of a particle in a medium with quenched random traps is believed to be well described by the annealed continuous-time random walk. We propose an approximate expression for the first-passage-time (FPT) distribution in a given sample that enables detailed comparison of the two problems. For a system of finite size, the number and spatial arrangement of deep traps yield significant sample-to-sample variations in the FPT statistics. Numerical simulations of a quenched trap model with power-law sojourn times confirm the existence of two characteristic time scales and a non-self-averaging FPT distribution, as predicted by our theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of bexarotene (a retinoid X receptor agonist), CD1530 (a retinoic acid receptor y selective agonist), and the combination of these two drugs for the prevention of oral carcinogenesis induced by the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) in a mouse model of human oral-cavity and esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma previously generated in our laboratory. We observed decreased numbers of neoplastic tongue lesions and reduced lesion severity in the 4-NQO plus CD1530 (4N+C) and 4-NQO plus bexarotene plus CD1530 (4N+B+C) groups compared with the 4-NQO group. RNA-Seq analyses showed increases in transcripts in cell proliferation/cell cycle progression pathways in the 4-NQO vs. the untreated group. In addition, β-catenin and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) protein levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as assessed by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) staining, were elevated in tongue tissues 17 wk after the termination of the 4-NQO treatment. The 4N+B, 4N+C, and 4N+B+C groups showed dramatically lower levels of β-catenin, MMP9, and 4-HNE staining compared with the 4-NQO group. The major reduction in 4-HNE staining in the retinoid treatment groups suggests a novel mechanism of action, reduction of ROS, by which bexarotene and CD1530 inhibit carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal apoptosis is crucial in neurodegenerative diseases. However, a lower apoptotic rate of nerve cells is detected in the brain compared to that in other organs in neurodegenerative patients or in animal models, suggesting that neuronal apoptosis induced by any type of risk factors is intricately regulated. Human and animal studies demonstrated that a high concentration of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) in the brain, which is associated with hyperlipidemia, is one of the key apoptosis inducers in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the ox-LDL-mediated regulation of neuronal apoptosis has not been fully elucidated. Recently, we investigated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a striking gene involved in lipid metabolism that exhibits a positive correlation with macrophage and endothelial cell apoptosis induced by ox-LDL. Moreover, PCSK9 may degrade β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), the key enzyme cleaving amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Aβ is another key apoptosis inducer in neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings indicated that PCSK9 may be upregulated by the high levels of ox-LDL in the brain associated with hyperlipidemia and promote neuronal apoptosis through the NF-κB-B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bax-caspase 9-caspase 3 signaling pathways. Moreover, increased PCSK9 levels may inhibit the APPA/β metabolic pathway and reduce Aβ generation by degrading BACE1, thereby decreasing Aβ-induced neuronal apoptosis. The dual regulation mechanism of PCSK9 on apoptosis maintains neuronal apoptosis induced by risk factors at low levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in leaf traits is critical for carbon gains and losses during leaf life and drives litter carbon and nutrient losses via decomposition. Accurately quantifying litter decomposition parameters is essential for assessing ecosystem carbon and nutrient dynamics. Leaf litterbags have commonly been employed to measure effects of environmental drivers, decomposers, and plant traits on decomposition rates. There has been much debate regarding the suitability of substituting senesced dead leaves with fresh (green) leaves in litterbags, which has been common practice for mimicking green leaf fall or for practical reasons. Therefore, we tested the null hypothesis that replacement of dead leaves with fresh leaves in litterbag experiments is justified, based on similarities in structural and chemical traits between fresh and dead leaves across plant species and growth forms.We conducted a paired litterbag decomposition experiment with both fresh and dead leaves of 26 common species in subtropical China, in each of five contrasting ecosystems.While fresh leaves generally decomposed faster than dead leaves, this deviation varied among species and growth forms, based on their traits. Overall, there was significant but rather weak correlation between dead leaf decomposition rate k and fresh leaf k, across species and ecosystem types; the deviation between fresh and dead leaf k was larger for fast‐decomposing, mostly herbaceous species. The different decomposition patterns for fresh versus dead leaves were underpinned by key underlying traits integrated in leaf resource economics spectra (LES) for fresh and dead leaves. The dead leaf LES exhibited a greater predictive capability for dead leaf k while the fresh leaf LES had higher explanatory value for the fresh leaf k values.Our findings partly reject the null hypothesis and ask for caution in inferring leaf litter decomposition rates based on green leaf litterbags or traits data. We suggest follow‐up research on substituting senesced roots and stems with fresh ones in decomposition experiments.Synthesis. Human activities and extreme weather events are leading to increasing pulse inputs of fresh plant parts and our study contributes to knowledge on how they contribute to overall decomposition rates besides senesced litter inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. It is physiologically generated by cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. H2S has been gaining increasing attention as an important endogenous signaling molecule because of its significant effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Substantial evidence shows that H2S is involved in aging by inhibiting free-radical reactions, activating SIRT1, and probably interacting with the age-related gene Klotho. Moreover, H2S has been shown to have therapeutic potential in age-associated diseases. This article provides an overview of the physiological functions and effects of H2S in aging and age-associated diseases, and proposes the potential health and therapeutic benefits of H2S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the low melting temperature and excellent mechanical properties, In is considered a potential low-temperature solder. However, the interfacial reaction between In and Cu substrates is still unclear, specifically regarding the stability of CuIn 2. Although CuIn 2 was often observed at the Cu–In thin film after long-term aging below 100 °C, it is considered as a metastable phase and has not been added into the Cu–In phase diagram yet. In this study, the stability of CuIn 2 and the peritectoid reaction Cu 11 In 9 + In → CuIn 2 were established using the Cu/In diffusion couple, Cu–In alloy phase equilibria, and decomposition investigation of CuIn 2. The peritectoid temperature was determined to be in the range of 110–105 °C. Finally, thermodynamic assessment was conducted based on the experimental data and the revised Cu–In phase diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered bacteria in which motility is reduced by local cell density generate periodic stripes of high and low density when spotted on agar plates. We study theoretically the origin and mechanism of this process in a kinetic model that includes growth and density-suppressed motility of the cells. The spreading of a region of immotile cells into an initially cell-free region is analyzed. From the calculated front profile we provide an analytic ansatz to determine the phase boundary between the stripe and the no-stripe phases. The influence of various parameters on the phase boundary is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refinoids [refinol (vitamin A) and its metabolites] function in the visual cycle, embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Notwithstanding pivotal roles of retinoids in mammals, the limited number of commercially available retinoid standards is a major roadblock to identifying and studying retinoids in biological samples. Therefore, a need exists for improved methods to identify retinoid metabolites. We analyzed polar and nonpolar retinoids, including retinoic acid, retinol, retinyl acetate, and other retinyl esters, using postsource decay laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (PSD-LDI MS). PSD analysis was employed to examine the PSD fragmentation patterns of retinoids, as these patterns can be used for the characterization of retinoids from biological samples without the need for matching retention time with a commercially available or synthetic retinoid. Mechanisms for the formation of these PSD fragment ions are proposed. The feasibility of employing PSD after HPLC separation was demonstrated by characterizing the endogenous retinoids in canine kidney epithelial cell extracts and in mouse lung. We show that the PSD-LDI MS approach described here can facilitate the identification and characterization of retinoids from mammalian cells and tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of α-HgI2 crystals from physical vapor transport in a closed ampoule immerged in a simple and economical oil-bath furnace with an external heating coil imposed is discussed. The temperatures of the source side, Tsou, of the maximum value, Tmax, and of the crystal growth side, Tcry, together with dT/dx are changed for different growth conditions. The physical properties of the as-grown α-HgI2 crystals are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and I–V measurements with respect to different growth conditions. It is found that the α-HgI2 crystals grown from Tsou=125 °C, Tmax=135 °C, Tcry=114 °C, dT/dx=2.6 °C/mm, and with 5 Torr inert gas inside the growth ampoule exhibit the best qualities, such as, observable facets, transparent red color, and a low density of defects and grain boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was successfully grafted onto sago starch using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator in aqueous medium. The percentage of grafting increased with increasing concentration of GMA monomer in the range studied. A core-shell configuration had been suggested to account for the hydrophobic behavior of the starch-g-GMA. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis provided evidence of the grafting of GMA onto the starch. The acrylic double bond participated in the grafting onto the polysaccharide backbone with the glycidyl groups remaining unaffected.The graft copolymer of starch and glycidyl methacrylate (starch-g-GMA) was incorporated into UV curable formulations using a cationic photoinitiator. In general, the addition of starch-g-GMA increased the flexibility of the cured film. The increasing of starch-g-GMA concentration in the coatings formulation increased the hardness of cured films. Gel content of the cured epoxy resin remained unimpaired by the addition of starch-g-GMA. Increasing the photoinitiator concentration in the coating formulations increased the hardness and as expected decreased the flexibility of the cured film. The gel content increased with increasing photoinitiator concentration. Further experiments are in progress to study the biodegradability of coatings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents information on a study which examined the effect of zinc on glucose transport and insulin signaling mediated by 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and -adipocytes. Materials used; Methodology; Why zinc has a greater effect on glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes than in the preadipocyte fibroblast form.

Neonicotinoid insecticides, which target insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), have been widely and intensively used to control the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, a highly damaging, globally distributed, crop pest. This has inevitably led to the emergence of populations with resistance to neonicotinoids. However, to date, there have been no reports of target-site resistance involving mutation of B. tabaci nAChR genes. Here we characterize the nAChR subunit gene family of B. tabaci and identify dual mutations (A58T&R79E) in one of these genes (BTβ1) that confer resistance to multiple neonicotinoids. Transgenic D. melanogaster, where the native nAChR Dβ1 was replaced with BTβ1A58T&R79E, were significantly more resistant to neonicotinoids than flies where Dβ1 were replaced with the wildtype BTβ1 sequence, demonstrating the causal role of the mutations in resistance. The two mutations identified in this study replace two amino acids that are highly conserved in >200 insect species. Three-dimensional modelling suggests a molecular mechanism for this resistance, whereby A58T forms a hydrogen bond with the R79E side chain, which positions its negatively-charged carboxylate group to electrostatically repulse a neonicotinoid at the orthosteric site. Together these findings describe the first case of target-site resistance to neonicotinoids in B. tabaci and provide insight into the molecular determinants of neonicotinoid binding and selectivity. Author summary: The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is an important target pest of neonicotinoid insecticides. Much is known about the neonicotinoid-resistance evolved in whitefly by over-expressed detoxifying enzymes. But the toxicological targets of neonicotinoids, the nAChR subunit genes in whitefly are less well understood. In this study, we characterized the nAChR subunit gene family of whitefly, and identified dual mutations in beta1 subunit that confer resistance to multiple neonicotinoid insecticides. These findings are significant as they demonstrate how resistance can arise as a result of mutations in insects that had a combined effect to repulse the insecticides thus overcoming the insect selectivity of an important class of insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Rhupus syndrome” is a rare clinical condition, which is related to anti-CCP antibody, characterized by overlapping clinical and immunologic features of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Previous reports mentioned that patients have more RA-associated damage, and little organic damage associated with SLE. The severe organ damage, especially central nervous system involvement has been reported to be rare in patients with rhupus syndrome. Here, we report a very rare concurrence of RA, SLE and diffuse lupus encephalopathy in a Chinese woman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there are some problems in the previous cam of deep-fertilization liquid fertilizer applicator, such as poor precision and low-fertilization performance, a method of the contour line of a cam was proposed based on Matlab GUI development platform. Bernoulli' equation between the liquid fertilizer and the pressure valve of the fertilizer-spraying needle was founded. Moreover, the motion angles of a rise travel and return travel were corrected and the corresponding parameters of the contour line of the cam were obtained. Equations of cam moving from rise travel to return travel were derived according to the simple harmonic motion. In addition, 3D model of cam was established by applying the Pro/E software and the rationality of the cam design was verified. The static analysis of the cam was carried out under working conditions and the corresponding dynamics analysis was performed based on D'Alembert's principle. And then relationships between the binding force and the drag torque were obtained. A bench test indicates that when the pressure of a hydraulic pump is 0.5 MPa and the velocity of a output shaft is 50 r/min, the average consumption of the fertilizer is 19.7 mL for each measurement, which meets the corresponding agronomic requirement, i.e. 20 mL. When the rotation angle of the cam is 8.6° and the rise displacement of a plunger is 0.84 mm, the mouth of the fertilizer-spraying needle sprayed liquid fertilizer as soon as it got into the soil and stopped spraying as soon as it got out of the soil. The results show that the designed contour line of the cam meets the requirement, that is, the mouth of the fertilizer-spraying needle should spray liquid fertilizer as soon as it gets into the soil and stop spraying as soon as it gets out of the soil, which meets the agronomic requirements, that is, fertilizer should be sprayed deeply and precisely. And this study lays a theoretical foundation for designing the cam of intermittent type distributor and provides relevant parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the technology in automation and computation advances, traffic data can be easily collected from multiple sources, such as sensors and surveillance cameras. To extract value from the huge volumes of available data requires the capability to process and extract patterns in large datasets. In this paper, a machine learning method embedded within a big data analytics platform is constructed by using random forests method and Apache Hadoop to predict highway travel time based on data collected from highway electronic toll collection in Taiwan. Various prediction models are then developed for highway travel time based on historical and real-time data to provide drivers with estimated and adjusted travel time information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innate immunity by natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils cause severe rejections in xenotransplantation. Therefore, the development of strategies for suppressing macrophages has considerable potential in practical applications of xenotransplantation. Recently, we found that human CD31 on swine endothelial cells (SECs) suppresses neutrophil-mediated xenogeneic rejection through homophilic binding. Since a significant amount of CD31 is expressed not only on neutrophils but also on macrophages, we studied the function of human CD31 in macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity. SECs and hCD31-transfected SECs (SEC/hCD31) were co-cultured with macrophages and cytotoxicity by macrophages was evaluated with water-soluble tetrazolium salt, or WST-8, assay. To confirm whether or not inhibitory signals are induced by hCD31 homophilic binding, the phosphorylation of the enzyme SHP-1 was investigated with Western blotting. No suppression of cytotoxicity was induced in macrophages that had been co-cultured with SEC/CD31. However, phosphorylation of SHP-1 was induced in macrophages that had been co-cultured with SEC/hCD31. Human CD31 on SEC may induce not only inhibitory signals but also activation signals via the binding to other receptors for hCD31. • No suppression in xenogeneic macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity was induced by human CD31. • The phosphorylation of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (shp-1) was induced in macrophages that had been co-cultured with swine endothelial cells and hCD31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally driven diffusive motion of a particle underlies many physical and biological processes. In the presence of traps and obstacles, the spread of the particle is substantially impeded, leading to subdiffusive scaling at long times. The statistical mechanical treatment of diffusion in a disordered environment is often quite involved. In this short review, we present a simple and unified view of the many quantitative results on anomalous diffusion in the literature, including the scaling of the diffusion front and the mean first-passage time. Various analytic calculations and physical arguments are examined to highlight the role of dimensionality, energy landscape, and rare events in affecting the particle trajectory statistics. The general understanding that emerges will aid the interpretation of relevant experimental and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Vegetarian and prudent diets are associated with several health benefits but their role in stroke epidemiology is not as clear. This study aimed to evaluate stroke risk with vegetarian, low-animal, and high-animal diets. Methods and Study Design: Studies reporting stroke risk with high versus low use of vegetarian or low/high-animal diets were identified by conducting literature search in Ebsco, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases. Relative risks (RRs) of stroke between high and low use of vegetarian, low-animal, and high-animal were pooled to achieve overall estimates. Relationship between stroke risk and increasing quantiles of dietary patterns was sought by performing metaregression analyses. Results: 17 studies (932545 individuals; follow-up 11.7 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.5, 13.9]) were included. Compared to low use, high use of vegetarian and low-animal diets was associated with lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.47, 0.96] and 0.82 [95% CI: 0.64, 0.99]), ischemic stroke (RR: 0.78 [95% CI: 0.66, 0.91] and 0.70 [95% CI: 0.45, 0.95]) and total stroke (RR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.71, 0.96] and 0.72 [95% CI: 0.61, 0.83]) respectively. Dose-response analyses further supported these findings. High use of high-animal diet was associated with relatively higher risk of stroke [RR: 1.12 [95%CI: 0.94, 1.29]. In vegetarians, relative to high use of vegetables, high use of fruits posed lower risk of stroke. Conclusions: Stroke risk is lower with more use of a vegetarian or low-animal diet but relatively higher with more use of a high-animal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the Kuramoto model to explore the finite-size scaling (FSS) of the order parameter and its dynamic fluctuations near the onset of the synchronization transition, paying particular attention to effects induced by the randomness of the intrinsic frequencies of oscillators. For a population of size N, we study two ways of sampling the intrinsic frequencies according to the same given unimodal distribution g(ω). In the "random" case, frequencies are generated independently in accordance with g(ω), which gives rise to oscillator number fluctuation within any given frequency interval. In the "regular" case, the N frequencies are generated in a deterministic manner that minimizes the oscillator number fluctuations, leading to quasiuniformly spaced frequencies in the population. We find that the two samplings yield substantially different finite-size properties with clearly distinct scaling exponents. Moreover, the hyperscaling relation between the order parameter and its fluctuations is valid in the regular case, but it is violated in the random case. In this last case, a self-consistent mean-field theory that completely ignores dynamic fluctuations correctly predicts the FSS exponent of the order parameter but not its critical amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preface for the September 20, 2007 issue of the "International Journal of Modern Physics B" is presented.

This article considers the periodic review stochastic inventory models with service level constraint to provide an improved solution procedure. The previous researchers assumed that the objective function is concave down in the lead time so that the minimum must occur on the boundary points of each sub-domain. In this article, we will show that their assumption is questionable since the minimum might not occur at the boundary points of each sub-domain. In a recent paper in International Journal of Systems Science, Ouyang and Chuang studied this problem. However, their solutions contained questionable results and their algorithm might not find the optimal solution due to flaws in their solution procedure. We develop some lemmas to reveal the parameter effects and then present our improved solution procedures for finding the optimal solution for periodic review stochastic inventory models in which the lead time demand is a normal distribution. The savings are illustrated by solving the same examples from Ouyang and Chuang's paper to demonstrate the improvement using our revised algorithm. In the direction of future research, we discuss the comparison between the reordered point being fixed and the reordered point as a new variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By examining the nucleation and growth phenomena for HgI2 crystals in physical vapor transport ampoules with a variation of temperatures of the source powder side T sou and of the crystal growth side T cry both are near its solid–solid phase transition temperature , our experimental results reveal that under : (1) the solid (α or β) phase structure of the as-grown HgI2 crystal is surprisingly governed by T sou; (2) the temperature range of existence for the metastable β-HgI2 phase in crystal growth side is about 17°C below T c; and (3) by turning a rotating motor to act as mechanical perturbations, this temperature range of existence for β-phase now reduces to about 11°C below T c. To explain these phenomena, especially for the metastable β-phase formed at , a model based on an existence of the vaporized HgI2 clusters in vapor transport region with specific nanostructure dominated by T sou is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The adverse reactions (ADRs) of targeted therapy were closely associated with treatment response, clinical outcome, quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer. However, few studies presented the correlation between ADRs of targeted therapy and treatment effects among cancer patients. This study was to explore the characteristics of ADRs with targeted therapy and the prognosis of cancer patients based on the clinical data.Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted within an ADR data set including 2703 patients with targeted therapy from three Henan medical centers of China between January 2018 and December 2019. The significance was evaluated with chi-square test between groups with or without ADRs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression with backward stepwise method were applied to assess the difference of pathological characteristics in patients with cancer. Using the univariate Cox regression method, the actuarial probability of overall survival was performed to compare the clinical outcomes between these two groups.Results: A total of 485 patients were enrolled in this study. Of all patients, 61.0% (n = 296) occurred ADRs including skin damage, fatigue, mucosal damage, hypertension and gastrointestinal discomfort as the top 5 complications during the target therapy. And 62.1% of ADRs were mild to moderate, more than half of the ADRs occurred within one month, 68.6% ADRs lasted more than one month. Older patients (P = 0.022) and patients with lower education level (P = 0.036), more than 2 comorbidities (P = 0.021), longer medication time (P = 0.022), drug combination (P = 0.033) and intravenous administration (P = 0.019) were more likely to have ADRs. Those with ADRs were more likely to stop taking (P = 0.000), change (P = 0.000), adjust (P = 0.000), or not take the medicine on time (P = 0.000). The number of patients with recurrence (P = 0.000) and metastasis (P = 0.006) were statistically significant difference between ADRs and non-ADRs group. And the patients were significantly poor prognosis in ADRs groups compared with non-ADRs group.Conclusion: The high incidence of ADRs would affect the treatment and prognosis of patients with cancer. We should pay more attention to these ADRs and develop effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airway epithelium is seriously damaged upon pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, especially in cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers. Therefore, the discovery of novel anti-infective agents accelerating healing of infected injured tissues is crucial. The antipseudomonal peptides esculentin-1a(1–21)NH2 and its diastereomer Esc(1–21)-1c (Esc peptides) hold promise in this respect. In fact, they stimulate airway epithelial wound repair, but no mechanistic insights are available. Here we demonstrated that this process occurs through promotion of cell migration by an indirect activation of epidermal growth factor receptor mediated by metalloproteinases. Furthermore, we showed an increased expression of metalloproteinase 9, at both gene and protein levels, in peptide-treated bronchial epithelial cells with a functional or mutated form of CF transmembrane conductance regulator. In addition, the two peptides counteracted the inhibitory effect of Pseudomonas lipopolysaccharide (mimicking an infection condition) on the wound healing activity of the airway epithelium, and they enhanced the production of interleukin-8 from both types of cells. Finally, no immunogenicity was discovered for Esc peptides, suggesting their potential safety for clinical usage. Besides representing a step forward in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the peptide-induced wound healing activity, these studies have contributed to highlight Esc peptides as valuable therapeutics with multiple functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spray and rotary tillage combined disinfection machine for soil was designed to solve the serious problems of plant diseases and insect pests, and it was divided into two operations which were soil disinfection and rotary tillage. The main structure and working principle of this machine were illustrated and analyzed. The reasonable structural parameters of key parts were carried out, such as spraying disinfection system and rotary tillage land preparation system. To optimize the working performance and obtain better operation parameters, the orthogonal experiments were carried out to analyze influences of three factors (forward speed of driving machine, rotational speed of rotary tillage, and working pressure) on the working performance. The mixing uniformity coefficient and the variation coefficient of spraying were chosen for evaluating working performance. The range analysis and variance analysis were studied based on experimental data. The results showed that, the mixing uniformity coefficient of spraying was 93.95% and the variation coefficient was 6.01% with a working speed of 3 km/h, rotational speed of 2000 r/min and working pressure of 2.0 MPa. The machine can meet the agronomic requirements of disinfection and plowing, which was designed simply, compactly and strong applicability. The results can provide a guidance and technical support for preventing the plant diseases and insect pests, developing sustainable and ecological agriculture and improving the efficiency of compound cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Surfactant protein D (SP-D), which is secreted mainly in the lung, is an oligometric C type lectin that promotes phagocytosis by binding to carbohydrates on microbial surfaces. SP-D can also bind SIRPα, leading to a decrease in cytokine production by monocytes/macrophages. In the present study, we examined the possibility that SP-D suppresses macrophage-mediated xenogeneic cytotoxicity, by creating a membrane-type SP-D. Methods The cDNA for the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of human SP-D was switched to that of a membrane-type protein, collectin placenta 1 (CL-P1), with a Flag-tag. The cDNA of CD47 was prepared as a control. The suppressive function of the membrane-type protein of the hybrid molecule, CL-SP-D, to monocytes/macrophages was then studied and the results compared with that for CD47. Results The expression of Flag-tagged CL-SP-D on the transfected SECs and the SIRPα on monocyte-like cells, THP-1 cells, was confirmed by FACS using anti-Flag Ab and anti-CD172a, respectively. The molecular size of the hybrid protein was next assessed by western blot. While significant cytotoxicity against SEC was induced in differentiated THP-1 cells, CL-SP-D significantly reduced THP-1-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, phosphorylated SHP-1 was clearly detected in SEC/CL-SP-D in western blots. Moreover, IL-10 production was upregulated and IL-1β production was suppressed in the case of THP-1 and SEC/CL-SP-D, compared with naïve SEC. Next, the cytotoxicity caused by the in vitro generated macrophage was assessed under the same conditions as were used for THP-1. CL-SP-D also showed the significant down-regulation on the macrophage. In addition, changes in IL-10 production by the macrophage confirmed the results. Conclusions These findings indicate that the membrane-type SP-D serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for inhibiting macrophage-mediated xenograft rejection in xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Various strategies, such as the generation of alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knocked-out pigs and CD55 transgenic pigs, have been investigated to inhibit pig to human xenogeneic rejection. Our aim is to develop strategies to overcome the hurdle of not only hyper acute rejection, but also that of cellular xenogeneic rejection (CXR). Although macrophages have been well known to play a critical role in CXR, monocyte/macrophage-mediated xenogeneic rejection has not been well studied. In this study, we evaluated the effect of CD200 in xenogeneic rejection by macrophages. Methods: Naïve swine endothelial cells (SEC) and SEC/CD200 were co-cultured with M0 macrophages and the cytotoxicity was measured by a WST-8 assay. The phagocytosis of SEC and SEC/CD200 by macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: While CD200 failed to suppress a significant amount of cytotoxicity against SEC by monocytes, M0 macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity was significantly suppressed by human CD200. The phagocytosis by M0 macrophages was also tested. The phagocytosis assay revealed that human CD200 suppresses M0 macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that human CD200 suppresses the xenogeneic rejection by CD200R macrophages and that the generation of hCD200 transgenic pigs for use in xenografts is very attractive for preventing the macrophage-mediated rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Proprotein convertase subtilisin / Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) degrades hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) to regulate lipid metabolism. It is unclear if PCSK9 plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases.Objective: This study was designed to determine whether PCSK9 is crucial between hyperlipidemia and Alzheimer's disease. The interrelationship between PCSK9 and neuronal apoptosis was explored in PC12 cells in response to treatment with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL).Methods: Cultured PC12 cells were serum-starved and incubated with different concentrations of oxLDL for 24 h. Intracytoplasmic lipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining. Morphological assessment of apoptotic cells was performed using Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis. The expression of mRNA and protein was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses, respectively. Transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into PC12 cells was conducted using HiperFect Transfection Reagent. Concentrations of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.Results: Intracellular lipid content, the number of apoptotic cells, and PCSK9 expression were increased in PC12 cells after oxLDL treatment. Transfection with PCSK9 siRNA reduced the oxLDL-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells. We further confirmed the involvement of Bcl-2/Bax-Caspase (9, 3) signaling pathway in the regulation of PC12 cells apoptosis.β-Secretase 1, another target gene of PCSK9, was downregulated in PC12 cells in response to oxLDL treatment. Aβ40 and Aβ42 contents were also decreased.Conclusion: PCSK9 promotes oxLDL-induced PC12 cell apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Bax-Caspase 9/3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a lipid regulatory gene involved in cell apoptosis. However, the function and mechanism of PCSK9 in neuronal apoptosis following hyperlipidemia remains to be elucidated. The present study established a hyperlipidemic mouse model by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) to 6-week-old apoE(-/-) mice. Plasma lipid levels, hippocampal lipid accumulation, hippocampal histology, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis were all monitored for changes. The expression levels of PCSK9, β-secretase 1 (BACE1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and caspase-3 in hippocampal CA3 and CA1 neurons were also measured. Results demonstrated that a HFD increased the lipid accumulation in the CA3 hippocampus and the levels of plasma lipids, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein. In addition, CA3 neurons in the HFD group indicated apparent injuries and increased neuronal apoptosis, which are associated with the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. A HFD also increased the expression levels of PCSK9 and BACE1. BACE1 promotes cleavage of amyloid precursor proteins to generate β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), which induces neuronal apoptosis. Protein levels of Aβ are associated with the observation of amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of the HFD group. The results suggest that hyperlipidemia regulates neuronal apoptosis by increasing PCSK9 and BACE1 expression. Overall, the current study may elucidate the role of lipid metabolism disorder in AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that is mainly caused by β-amyloid accumulation. A large number of studies have shown that elevated cholesterol levels may perform a function in AD pathology, and several cholesterol-related gene polymorphisms are associated with this disease. Although numerous studies have shown the important function of cholesterol in AD pathogenesis and development, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To further elucidate cholesterol metabolism disorder and AD, we first, review metabolism and regulation of the cholesterol in the brain. Second, we summarize the literature stating that hypercholesterolemia is one of the risk factors of AD. Third, we discuss the main mechanisms of abnormal cholesterol metabolism that increase the risk of AD. Finally, the relationships between AD and apolipoprotein E, PCSK9, and LRP1 are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An early Paleozoic ophiolitic mélange has recently been documented in the west Gangma Co area, north-central Tibetan Plateau. It is composed of serpentinite, isotropic and cumulate gabbros, basalt, and plagiogranite. Whole-rock geochemical data suggest that these rocks were formed in an oceanic-ridge setting, and the depletion in Nb and Ti indicates their suprasubduction zone nature. Furthermore, whole-rock εNd(t) (+3.5 to +10.6) and zircon εHf(t) values (+11.4 to +14.5) suggest that these rocks were derived from a long-term depleted mantle source. These geochemical features, combined with the rock types and their field relationships, suggest the rocks represent an ophiolite suite. Zircon U-Pb dating of isotropic gabbros and plagiogranites yielded weighted mean ages ranging from 437 to 501 Ma, which makes the west Gangma Co ophiolitic mélange the oldest Paleo-Tethys ophiolitic mélange in the Tibetan Plateau. The main Paleo-Tethys Ocean basin probably opened in the Middle Cambrian; it continued to grow throughout the Paleozoic and closed in the later Triassic. The Paleo-Tethys Ocean was formed by the breakup of the northern margin of Gondwana, with southward subduction of the proto-Tethys oceanic lithosphere along the northern margin of the supercontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodic stripe patterns are ubiquitous in living organisms, yet the underlying developmental processes are complex and difficult to disentangle. We describe a synthetic genetic circuit that couples cell density and motility. This system enabled programmed Escherichia coli cells to form periodic stripes of high and low cell densities sequentially and autonomously. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the spatial structure arises from a recurrent aggregation process at the front of the continuously expanding cell population. The number of stripes formed could be tuned by modulating the basal expression of a single gene. The results establish motility control as a simple route to establishing recurrent structures without requiring an extrinsic pacemaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcome of IVF treatment after pituitary suppression with two different oral contraceptives (OCs). Methods: 65 patients who received IVF treatment was classified into 2 groups based on the difference of OCs they used for pituitary suppression before ovarian hyperstimulation. Group 1 included 36 patients who received monophasic OCs. Group 2 included 29 patients who received triphastic OCs. Both groups received the OCs from the 5th day of the cycle for consecutive 21 days. The hormone profiles after OCs and clinical outcome of IVF treatment were compared between two groups. Two-sample t-tests and X2 tests were used for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age and basal hormone profiles were comparable between two groups. After ovulation suppression with different OCs, the day 2 FSH and LH value revealed statistically significant difference between two groups(4.2 ± 1.8 vs 6.0 ± 2.6; 2.7 ± 2.0 vs 4.2 ± 3.3 respectively). The numbers of oocyte per retrieval and fertilization rate were comparable between two groups, but higher quality embryos as revealed by the cleavage speed were noted in the triphastic OCs group. Although statistically not significant, higher implantation rate and pregnancy rate were also noted in the triphastic OCs group. Conclusions: Different OCs for pituitary suppression can result in different hormone profiles. Ovulation induction in IVF treatment should be individualized according to these hormone changes to achieve the optimal clinical outcome. Triphastic OCs exceeds monophastic OCs in producing good quality embryo in IVF-ET treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma on the clinical outcome of IVF treatment. Methods: Patients who received IVF treatment were retrospectively classified into two groups. Group 1 included 95 patients who received IVF due to tubal occlusion. Group 2 included 127 patients who had received laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma(s) followed by IVF treatment. Clinical outcomes of IVF treatment were compared between two groups. Results: More oocytes were harvested per retrieval in Group 1 than Group 2 (p <0.05). The fertilization rate was higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (p < 0.05). Although the implantation rate was higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05), the clinical pregnancy rate revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Women who received ovarian cystectomy for endometriomas have fewer oocytes harvested during IVF treatment. However, their chance of pregnancy was comparable to patients with tubal problems who underwent IVF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]