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Background: The treatment and curative effect evaluation of localized scleroderma (LS) still perplexes many clinical workers. Purpose: To investigate the efficiacy of methotrexate in the treatment of LS by the evaluation of ultrasonography. Methods: A prospective study enrolled 10 patients treated with MTX for at least 6 months was conducted. Treatment outcome was evaluated by a clinical score and 15‐MHz ultrasonography. Safety assessment included the monitoring of adverse drug reactions and clinical laboratory examinations. Results: Eight of the 10 patients achieved clinical remission only with MTX. One patient was relieved after MTX combined with corticosteroids, while another one does not improve after the treatment of mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. The effective rate of MTX is 80%. Nine patients were significantly improved with a decrease of the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool (the mean score of the LoSCAT cutaneous activity dropped from 5.2 to 1.0, p < 0.001, the mean score of the LS cutaneous damage dropped from 4.3 to 2.3, p = 0.002). The average difference of thickness between skin lesions and normal skin evaluated by ultrasonography decreased from 0.13 cm to 0.04 cm (p = 0.009) in eight patients. No serious adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Methotrexate is a safe and effective treatment for patients with LS. Ultrasonography can be considered as an efficient assessment tool for evaluation LS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm is a useful traditional medicinal plant that is mainly popular for its fruit as the edible portion of the plant. Nowadays, date palm is considered a reliable source of herbal medicine for the management of several diseases. Date palm has been acknowledged for its beneficial properties, such as hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant activities. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the advantages and in vivo mechanisms of date fruit and its by-products, particularly date vinegar. Regarding this, the aim of the current review study was to highlight the role of the phytochemical composition of date fruit and its vinegar in the treatment of various diseases in both acute and chronic conditions, as well as exploring their in vivo mechanisms and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing metal oxides as substitutes for carbon anodes is imperative in advancing LIBs. Recently, the researchers regarding to the Fe 2 O 3 have become very popular owing to its advantages such as a high theoretical capacity (1007 mAh g−1), cost-effectiveness and sustainability. In our present studies, the Fe 2 O 3 @SCTPC (Fe 2 O 3 nanosphere coated by carbons which are obtained by the carbonizations using the sulphonated coal tar pitches) materials are firstly and successfully fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal method using the Fe(NO 3) 3 ·9 H 2 O and sulphonated coal tar pitches (SCTPs). An intriguing observation is that the nanosphere Fe 2 O 3 is encapsulated by carbons with a core-shell structure. This specific core-shell structure effectively mitigates the volume expansion of Fe 2 O 3 , and exhibits a notable enhancement in conductivity. Thanks to this unique structure, the Fe 2 O 3 @SCTPC electrode has a maximum capacity of 1106.74 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and a high reversible specific capacity of 373.5 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1, when it is used as an anode material for Li-ion battery. These results suggest that adjusting the structures of carbons is crucial to develop the potential storage capacity of the covered Fe 2 O 3. [Display omitted] • Sulphonated coal tar pitch is a useful carbon source to enhance the storage capacity of Fe 2 O 3. • The Fe 2 O 3 in fabricated Fe 2 O 3 @C materials exhibits the intrinsic storage capacity of Fe 2 O 3. • The core-shell structures of carbons develop the intrinsic storage capacity of Fe 2 O 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops an active magnetic near field probe (H‐field probe) by using a four‐layer printed circuit board (PCB) technique. Two‐turn detection structure and a low noise amplifier are used to improve probe's frequency response. The two‐turn detection structure can maximize the use of PCB stack resources, and a 14.5 dB gain amplifier can increase signal output capability. The probe can then be used for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test from 150 kHz to 3 GHz. Compared with traditional active shielded‐loop H‐field probe (TAHP) with loop area of 500 μm2, the frequency response of the proposed probe can improve 20 dB at 0.5 GHz. Different from the method of comparing the sensitivity of the probe only through the frequency response, this paper measures and analyzes the real sensitivity of the probing device composed of the proposed probe. Under the condition of the same receiver parameter setting, the sensitivity at 0.5 GHz is increased by 11.7 dB compared with commercial passive probing device and 20.2 dB at 0.5 GHz compared with the probing device with TAHP device. It reaches −32.4 dB μA. In addition, the proposed probe has acceptable spatial resolution of 1.28 mm at 1 GHz, which is more suitable for printed circuit board level EMI analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the high-harmonic generation from CO molecules subjected to intense few-cycle laser fields by numerically solving the time-dependent Hartree–Fock equations. A dynamic minimum due to the interference of the HOMO and HOMO-2 orbitals is observed in the harmonic spectrum and further studies reveal that the HOMO-1 orbital plays an indispensable role in the formation of the minimum. Because the HOMO-1 orbital has a permanent dipole moment, it affects the coupling between HOMO and HOMO-2 orbitals during the time evolution, which can modify the phase difference between harmonic emission of HOMO and HOMO-2 orbitals in the propagation and recombination processes and relative contributions from two orbitals to the harmonic spectrum. This work sheds new insight into the study of multi-orbital effect in high-harmonic generation from polar molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quizartinib is an oral, highly potent, and selective type II FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitor in development for acute myeloid leukemia. This parallel‐group study evaluated potential food effects on quizartinib absorption in healthy subjects who received a single 30‐mg dose after overnight fasting (n = 34) or a high‐fat, high‐calorie meal (n = 30). Blood samples were collected through 504 hours after dosing, and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated were maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and area under plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) and from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf). Mean quizartinib pharmacokinetic profiles were similar under fasted and fed conditions. The geometric least squares means ratios (%) for fed/fasted and associated 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf were 91.58 (82.15‐102.08), 105.39 (90.79‐122.35), and 108.39 (91.54‐128.34), respectively. The 90%CI for the ratio fell within the 80% to 125% limits for Cmax and AUClast, with 90%CI for AUCinf slightly outside the limits (ie, 128%). Food delayed quizartinib time to Cmax by 2 hours. All adverse events were either mild or moderate; no discontinuations due to adverse events occurred. Based on these results, quizartinib can be administered without regard to food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Quizartinib, a potent, selective FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor, is currently in phase 3 development for patients with FLT3-internal tandem duplication-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Acid-reducing agents (ARAs; e.g., proton pump inhibitors) are frequently used during AML treatment. Since quizartinib demonstrates pH-dependent solubility, the effect of lansoprazole coadministration on pharmacokinetics (PK) of quizartinib tablet formulation was assessed.Methods: An open-label, parallel-group study randomized 64 healthy adults to single-dose quizartinib 30 mg alone (reference) or lansoprazole (60 mg once daily, days 1-5) + single-dose quizartinib 30 mg (day 5) (test). Plasma concentrations of quizartinib and its active metabolite, AC886, were measured to 504 h postdose; the effect of lansoprazole on quizartinib PK was assessed by analysis of variance.Results: Quizartinib geometric mean ratios (test/reference) and 90% confidence intervals for maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration-time curve to last measurable drug concentration (AUClast), and AUC to infinity were 86.11% (78.4%, 94.6%), 93.96% (79.6%, 110.9%), and 95.30% (80.2%, 113.3%), respectively. Comparisons showed a modest decrease in quizartinib absorption when co-administered with lansoprazole, with lower limits for Cmax and AUClast just below 80-125% limits. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate; the most frequent in either treatment group were headache [quizartinib alone: (n = 3) 10%], upper respiratory tract infection [quizartinib alone: (n = 2) 6.7%; lansoprazole + quizartinib: (n = 3) 9.1%], and muscle tightness [quizartinib alone: (n = 2) 6.7%].Conclusions: Concomitant lansoprazole had minimal effect on quizartinib PK as a formulated tablet, indicating that quizartinib can be administered with ARAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Quizartinib is an oral, highly potent and selective next‐generation FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor under investigation in patients with FLT3‐internal tandem duplication‐mutated acute myeloid leukaemia. This drug–drug interaction study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK) of quizartinib when coadministered with strong or moderate cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors. Methods: In this parallel‐group study, subjects were randomised to receive: (i) quizartinib + ketoconazole; (ii) quizartinib + fluconazole; or (iii) quizartinib alone. On Days 1–28, subjects received ketoconazole 200 mg or fluconazole 200 mg twice daily, and on Day 8, all subjects received a single 30‐mg quizartinib dose. Blood samples were collected for PK analyses, steady‐state PK parameters were simulated by superpositioning, and safety was assessed. Results: Ninety‐three healthy subjects were randomised; 86 completed the study. When administered with ketoconazole, geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) for quizartinib maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 extrapolated to infinity were 117% (105%, 130%) and 194% (169%, 223%), respectively, vs quizartinib alone. Steady‐state PK simulation demonstrated ~2‐fold increase of both steady–state Cmax and AUC from time 0 to the end of the dosing interval when quizartinib was administered with ketoconazole due to accumulation of quizartinib at steady state. When administered with fluconazole, geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) for quizartinib Cmax and AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity were 111% (100%, 124%) and 120% (104%, 138%), respectively, vs quizartinib alone. Overall, 5.4% of subjects experienced quizartinib‐related adverse events; no serious adverse events or deaths occurred. Conclusions: These results suggest reducing the dose of quizartinib when coadministered with a strong CYP3A inhibitor, but not with a moderate or weak CYP3A inhibitor. This dose reduction was implemented in phase 3 evaluation of quizartinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the relationships of subsolid nodules (SSNs) with peripheral vessels and aerated bronchi using computed tomography (CT), and to correlate the imaging features with the benign/malignant pathological diagnoses. This study retrospectively analyzed data from 83 patients with a solitary SSN (January 2008 to December 2016). SSNs were imaged (LightSpeed 64-slice spiral CT, General Electric, USA), their mean diameter determined, and the relationship with peripheral vessels (types I-IV) and aerated bronchi (types I-V) were classified. Pathologic diagnoses were obtained from the surgical specimens. SSNs were diagnosed as benign (n = 29), pre-invasive (n = 9), micro-invasive adenocarcinoma (n = 7) and invasive adenocarcinoma (n = 38). SSN size, peripheral vessel class and aerated bronchus class differed between pathologic types (P < 0.05). For benign SSNs, peripheral vessel type II (58.6%) was most common, followed by III (20.7%) and IV (6.9%). Aerated bronchus type V (65.5%) was most frequent, followed by IV (27.6%); type I aerated bronchus was not observed. No cases of micro-invasive or invasive adenocarcinoma were peripheral vessel type I or aerated bronchus type V. For invasive adenocarcinoma, 92.1% were peripheral vessel types III + IV while 71.8% were aerated bronchus types I + II. SSN pathologic types differ with regard to peripheral vessel and aerated bronchus types. Type I peripheral vessel and type V aerated bronchus (both least involved) suggest a benign lesion, whereas type III/IV peripheral vessel and type I/II aerated bronchus (both most involved) suggest malignancy. • SSN association type with vessels and bronchi narrows pathological type probability. • Peripheral vessel type I and air bronchograms type V likely indicate benign tumors. • Peripheral vessel type III and/or IV are more likely to indicate malignancy. • Air bronchograms type I and/or II are more likely to indicate malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To further characterize mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) features of the superfamily Grylloidea (Insecta, Orthoptera), mitogenomes of Cacoplistes rogenhoferi and Meloimorpha japonica representing the family Mogoplistidae and three Ornebius species of Phalangopsidae were sequenced. A repeat-containing control region (CR) and 37 genes were present in these mitogenomes. Unusual start codons (TCG, CCG, and CTG) of cox1 and, in Ornebius , a partial stop codon (T) of nad1 followed by a 15–17-bp intergenic spacer were proposed based on transcript information and sequence alignments. The mitogenome-based phylogenetic trees suggest strongly the familial relationships as (((Phalangopsidae + Gryllidae) + Trigonidiidae) + Mogoplistidae). The exclusive occurrence of the trnE - trnS1 - trnN rearrangement in Phalangopsidae, Gryllidae, and Trigonidiidae is suggestive of its appearance in the common ancestor of these families after the separation of Mogoplistidae. The trnV transposition in O. bimaculatus and formerly sequenced Trigonidium sjostedti (Trigonidiidae) indicates a potential consequence of parallel evolution. This study offers novel insights into mitogenome evolution, especially gene rearrangements, of Grylloidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-cost preparation of Fe 9 S 10 @C composite materials for energy storage application is realized successfully by using the gelatins and FeSO 4 ·7 H 2 O. Here, the fundamental approaches such as water-solvent, drying and carbonization are utilized to achieve this low-coast preparation. On the basis of observations of SEM morphologies, SAXD and BET evaluations, it is found that a lot of macropores and mesoporous structures exist in the fabricated Fe 9 S 10 @C materials, while the Fe 9 S 10 of the Fe 9 S 10 @C composites is in nano sizes. The formations of complex pore structures facilitate the transfer of Li+, which can lead the Fe 9 S 10 @C to possess a tremendous electrochemical performance. For instance, the storage capacity of Fe 9 S 10 @C-4.17 is 645.0 mAh g−1 after cycling 100 times at 0.1 A g−1. Additionally, the Fe 9 S 10 @C-4.17 still show the storage capacity at 298.5 mAh g−1, when carrying out the charge-discharge 200 cycles at 1 A g−1. The present study may offer novel insights into the preparation of Fe 9 S 10 @C materials with high electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colloidal gold quick test card which we developed ​was used for rapid detection ofAlicyclobacillus acidoterrestris(A. acidoterrestris) in apple juice concentrate. Two antibodies againstA. acidoterrestris, obtained from Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and Japan White Rabbits, were adopted to construct this quick test card. The results showed that the colloidal gold quick test card had better specificity, and was more ​rapid and convenient which deserved notice especially (the test could be completed within 5–10 min) and concorded with ELISA method (we previously report) and K medium methods (traditional classical method). This new developed colloidal gold quick test card (we named it TAB quick test card) could be more convenient for apple juice safety testing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Unlike traditional load, pulsed load typically features small average power and large peak power. In this paper, the mathematic models of microgrid consisting of synchronous generator and pulsed load are established. Average Magnitude Difference Compensate Function (AMDCF) is proposed to calculate the frequency of synchronous generator, and, based on AMDCF, relative deviation rate (RDR) which characterizes the impact of pulsed load on the AC side of grid is firstly defined and this paper describes calculation process in detail. Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is used as DC switch to control the on/off state of resistive load for simulating pulsed load, the period and duty-cycle of the pulsed load are simulated by setting the gate signal of IGBT, and the peak power of the pulsed load is simulated by setting the resistance. The system dynamic characteristics under pulsed load are analyzed in detail, and the influence of duty-cycle, period, peak power, and filter capacitance of the pulsed load on system dynamic indicators is studied and validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient HPLC fingerprint method was developed and validated for quality control of the polyphenols extracted from pomegranate peel (PPPs). Ten batches of pomegranate collected from different orchards in Shaanxi Lintong of China were used to establish the fingerprint. For the fingerprint analysis, 15 characteristic peaks were selected to evaluate the similarities of 10 batches of the PPPs. The similarities of the PPPs samples were all more than 0.968, indicating that the samples from different areas of Lintong were consistent. Additionally, simultaneous quantification of eight monophenols (including gallic acid, punicalagin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, rutin, and ellagic acid) in the PPPs was conducted to interpret the consistency of the quality test. The results demonstrated that the HPLC fingerprint as a characteristic distinguishing method combining similarity evaluation and quantitative analysis can be successfully used to assess the quality and to identify the authenticity of the PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and reliable HPLC fingerprint method was developed and validated for the quality control and identification of Ziyang green tea. Ten batches of Ziyang green tea collected from different plantations in Shaanxi Ziyang of China were used to establish the fingerprint. The feasibility and advantages of the used HPLC fingerprint were verified for its similarity evaluation by systematically comparing chromatograms with professional analytical software recommended by State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China. The similarities of the fingerprints of 10 batches of tea samples were all more than 0.981. Additionally, simultaneous quantification of 10 major bioactive ingredients in the tea samples was conducted to interpret the consistency of the quality test. The results indicated that the HPLC fingerprint as a characteristic distinguishing method combining similarity evaluation and quantification analysis can be successfully used to assess the quality and to identify the authenticity of Ziyang green tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate safety and efficiency of anti-coagulation therapy in patients with high-risk of bleeding and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). Methods Forty patients with high-risk bleeding MODS during CVVH in our hospital were divided into heparin-free group (A group) and low-dose heparin group (B group). Blood coagulation function, platelets counts, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, PaO2/FIO2 and Apache II scores in two groups were tracked before treatment and 24 h, 48 h after treatment. Filter lifespan, median ventilation time, ICU admission time and bleeding complications were observed. Results (1) There was significant difference in levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, PaO2/FIO2 and Apache II scores at 24 h, 48 h after treatment between in low-dose heparin group and those in heparin-free group (P < 0.05). (2) Levels of activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) , thrombin time (TT) were prolonged. Platelets count were significantly lower at 24 h after treatment than that before treatment in low-dose heparin group. Levels of APTT, TT and platelets count had no changes with prolonged time of CVVH therapy.(3) Average ventilation time, ICU admission time were obviously shorter in low-dose heparin group than that in heparin-free group. Filter lifespan was significant longer in low-dose heparin group than that in heparinfree group, (P < 0.05).(4) Bleeding in skin and mucosa was observed in 1 case in low-dose heparin group without other severe bleeding complications. Conclusion The results of monocentric study show that low dose of heparin ensure smooth operation of CVVH in patients with MODS and high-risk bleeding. The clinical application is safe and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two heterologous antibodies against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (A. acidoterrestris) were obtained from Sprague Dawley (SD) Rats and Japan White Rabbits by immunizing them with an A. acidoterrestris strain isolated from apple juice concentrate (AJC). By using these two antibodies, we established a double antibodies sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) method for the rapid detection of A. acidoterrestris in AJC, with the detection limit of 5 × 103 CFU/mL. There was no cross-reaction with seven common foodborne microorganisms by employing this established essay, and the coefficient of variation (CV) within and among independent runs were less than 5.0% and 10% respectively, indicating of satisfactory specificity and repeatability. This DAS-ELISA assay was successfully applied to detect A. acidoterrestris in AJC samples when coupled with selective incubation for 12 h, and the results were agreed well with those obtained from the routine K medium method. Further, this method shows advantage over indirect ELISA (ID-ELISA) and SPA-ELISA assays previously reported by our group, facilitating the use of this newly developed assay method in food products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (A. acidoterrestris) is a thermoacidophilic, spore-forming bacterium that can survive through pasteurization and cause spoilage of acidic foods. In order to monitor and control of A. acidoterrestris in the food processing, sensitive and rapid detection methods are required. In this study, a novel Staphylococcal protein A enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SPA-ELISA) was developed for the rapid detection of A. acidoterrestris, by using polyclonal antibodies from rabbits. The antibodies were isolated from rabbit serum that had been immunized with A. acidoterrestris via ear vein. The detection limit of this assay was 105 CFU/mL, and no cross-reactions were found with five common food-borne micro-organisms. The coefficients of variation (CV) within and among independent runs were both less than 10%, indicating of satisfactory repeatability of this assay. Coupled with selective incubation for 12 h, This SPA-ELISA assay was successfully applied to detect A. acidoterrestris in apple juice samples, and the results were agreed well with those obtained from the routine K medium method, validating the use of this newly developed assay in real food products like apple juice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Temperature has an important influence on plant growth and development. In protected agriculture production, accurate prediction of temperature environment is of great significance. However, due to the time series, nonlinear and multi coupling characteristics of temperature, it is difficult to achieve accurate prediction. We proposed a method for building a solar greenhouse temperature prediction model based on a timeseries analysis, that considers the time series characteristics and dynamic temperature changes in the greenhouse system. The method would predict the temperature of greenhouse, and provide reference for the temperature change law in protected agriculture. A parameter analysis was performed on the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous (NARX) neural network, and a solar greenhouse temperature time series prediction model was established using the NARX regression neural network. The results showed that the proposed model depicted a maximum absolute error of 0.67 °C, and model correlation coefficient of 0.9996. Compared with the wavelet and BP neural networks, the NARX regression neural network accurately predicted and significantly outperformed in the solar greenhouse temperature prediction model. Moreover, the prediction model can accurately predict temperature trends within the solar greenhouse and is pivotal to obtaining precise control of solar greenhouse temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Complementary α-alkylation methods are used to derivatize a sterically hindered spiro[pyrazolopyranpiperidine]ketone. More specifically, enolate alkylations in the presence of DMPU and aldol condensations are employed to deliver these compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Little attention has been paid to the drone honeybee (Apis mellifera ligustica) which is a haploid individual carrying only the set of alleles that it inherits from its mother. Molecular mechanisms underlying drone embryogenesis are poorly understood. This study evaluated protein expression profiles of drone embryogenesis at embryonic ages of 24, 48 and 72h. More than 100 reproducible proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry on 2D electrophoresis gels. Sixty-two proteins were significantly changed at the selected three experimental age points. Expression of the metabolic energy requirement-related protein peaked at the embryonic age of 48h, whereas development and metabolizing amino acid-related proteins expressed optimally at 72h. Cytoskeleton, protein folding and antioxidant-related proteins were highly expressed at 48 and 72h. Protein networks of the identified proteins were constructed and protein expressions were validated at the transcription level. This first proteomic study of drone embryogenesis in the honeybee may provide geneticists an exact timetable and candidate protein outline for further manipulations of drone stem cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon/Jason-1 satellite altimeter observations for the 11-yr period from January 1993 to December 2003 show that in the South Pacific Ocean most of the interannual sea level variability in the region 5°–28°S is west of 160°W. This interannual variability is largest from about 5° to 15°S and from 155°E to 160°W, reaching a root-mean-square value of over 11 cm. Calculations show that this interannual sea level signal can be described by first and second baroclinic vertical mode Rossby waves forced by the curl of the interannual Ekman transport. This curl, which tends to be positive during El Niño and negative during La Niña, generates positive (negative) sea level anomalies during El Niño (La Niña) that increase westward in amplitude in accordance with Rossby wave dynamics. The sea level anomalies are not exactly in phase with the curl forcing because Sverdrup balance does not hold—vortex stretching also contributes to the response. East of 160°W is a large “quiet” region of low interannual sea level variability, especially south of about 15°S. This is surprising because there is no flow into the coast, so the interannual sea level amplitude of equatorial origin should be constant along the coast, resulting in a source of westward-propagating Rossby waves of considerable amplitude. The large low-variability region results because coastal sea level amplitude falls between 5° and 15°S, so the Rossby wave source south of 15°S is weak. During El Niño the sea level is higher than normal at the coast, so the southward fall in anomalous sea level implies, by geostrophy, that there is an anomalous onshore flow. This flow feeds an anomalous southward El Niño current of up to 20 cm s-1 above the 30–50-km-wide shelf edge. During La Niña the sea level is lower than normal at the coast and the flows reverse: a narrow anomalously northward shelf-edge flow feeding a broad offshore flow between 5° and 15°S. South of 16°S the coastal flow is much weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic field in an accretion disk is estimated assuming that all of the angular momentum within prescribed accretion disk radii is removed by a jet. The magnetic field estimated at the base of the jet is extrapolated to the blazar emission region using a model for a relativistic axisymmetric jet combined with some simplifying assumptions based on the relativistic nature of the flow. The extrapolated magnetic field is compared with estimates based upon the synchrotron and inverse Compton emission from three blazars, MKN 501, MKN 421 and PKS 2155-304. The magnetic fields evaluated from pure synchrotron self-Compton models are inconsistent with the magnetic fields extrapolated in this way. However, in two cases inverse Compton models in which a substantial part of the soft photon field is generated locally agree well, mainly because these models imply magnetic field strengths consistent with an important Poynting Flux component. This comparison is based on estimating the mass accretion rate from the jet energy flux. Further comparisons along these lines will be facilitated by independent estimates of the mass accretion rate in blazars and by more detailed models for jet propagation near the black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the past few years a significant effort has been devoted by Pharmacia toward the discovery of novel antibiotics. We have recently described the identification of an anthranilic acid lead 1 and the optimization resulting in the advanced lead 2. In this report, we describe the preparation of several selected analogs to probe the dependency of this template for antibacterial activity and the affinity these compounds have for human serum albumin (HSA). These analogs illustrate that decreased affinity for HSA can be achieved while retaining relevant antibacterial activity. The most important factor for reduced HSA affinity is decrease in log P rather than a structural change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Discovery of novel antibacterial agents is a significant challenge. We have recently reported on our discovery of novel antibacterial agents in which we have rapidly optimized potency utilizing a parallel chemistry approach. These advanced leads suffer from high affinity for human serum albumin (HSA). In an effort to decrease the affinity for HSA we have prepared a series of heterocyclic analogs, which retained antibacterial activity and demonstrated reduced affinity for HSA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Analysis of the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program – Gulf of Mexico (SEAMAP-GM) summer and fall trawl survey data covering the Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas continental shelves for the period 1987–2000 shows that the annual number n and weight w of the brown shrimp per trawl is positively correlated with annual sea surface temperature (SST) averaged over the continental shelves. Correlations of the monthly anomalous SST by calendar month with the annual shrimp data are highest in April and May. Past work has suggested a possible reason for this: juvenile brown shrimp, which mainly develop from postlarvae in coastal estuaries in April and May, grow faster in warmer water and are therefore more likely to escape predators. Since the juvenile shrimp population is a good predictor of the adult shelf shrimp population, and since the estuarine and shelf SST are closely linked, it is reasonable that April and May shelf SST should be positively correlated with the number and weight of brown shrimp per trawl. Shrimp are more numerous in the summer and the correlation of April and May SST anomaly is much higher for the number and weight per trawl in the summer than in the fall. Hindcasts are made using the simple linear statistical prediction model , where SSTA is the anomalous April–May departure of SST from the annual cycle. The cross-verified correlation between model and observed n is r =0.77. A similar model for w gave r =0.79. A prediction model for summer shrimp alone had cross-verified correlations r =0.79 for n and 0.86 for w. Based on the 2004 April–May SST anomaly, annual and summer models predict that n and w should be close to average in 2004. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The western equatorial Pacific Ocean El Niño signal leaks through the gappy western equatorial Pacific Ocean boundary to the western and southern coasts of Australia. Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon sea level data and coastal tide gauge measurements show that off the northwest coast the low-frequency signal propagates westward as large-scale Rossby waves. However, along the nearly zonal southern coast, particle displacements are nearly zonal near the coast and experience no planetary vorticity change. As a consequence, the Rossby wave mechanism fails, and theory suggests that the signal should decay from the shelf edge with baroclinic Rossby radius-of-deformation scale. High-resolution along-track TOPEX/Poseidon sea level heights show that the interannual height signal does decay rapidly seaward of the shelf edge with this scale. The sharp fall in sea level and geostrophic balance imply strong (∼10 cm s-1) low-frequency currents seaward of the shelf edge. On the shelf, interannual flow is in the same direction as the shelf-edge flow but is much weaker. The anomalous flows tend to be eastward during La Niña, when the western equatorial Pacific and Australian coastal sea levels are unusually high, and westward during El Niño when coastal sea levels tend to be anomalously low. The anomalous low-frequency flows can transport larvae large distances, enhancing the recruitment of Australian salmon to nursery grounds in the eastern part of the southern coast when the coastal sea level is higher than normal and decreasing recruitment when it is lower than normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) with scabies is a condition rarely encountered in clinical practice, and when it is encountered, it is often due to the use of immunosuppressants. This paper is a report on a patient with BP and scabies, who developed scabs after taking dexamethasone. It should be noted that BP antibody is necessary, which can distinguish BP with scabies and bullous scabies, and the treatment options for the two diseases are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) have anti-oxidation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-obesity effects, and so on. However, few studies have been conducted on the absorption and transformation of pomegranate polyphenols in the gut and the biologically active forms that ultimately work in the body. 2. In this study, PPPs (300 mg/kg/day) was given to normal rats and relatively sterile rats by gavage respectively. The relatively sterile rats were obtained by neomycin sulphate (250 mg/kg/day) gavage to rats. The purpose of this study is to elaborate on the relationship between intestinal flora and polyphenol metabolism of pomegranate peel and to quantitatively analyse the transformation process of its metabolite urolithin in rats. 3. The results showed that decreased bacterial diversity could significantly reduce the abundance of PPPs metabolites in faeces and urine in relatively sterile rats. PPPs can regulate intestinal flora structure, significantly enhance the content of Clostrida Firmicutes (P < 0.05), and effectively promote acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, iso-butyric acid and valeric acid production in the rat (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). PPPs can significantly elevate the relative proportion of Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05). Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 can promote the metabolic transformation of PPPs and make the utilisation of Urolithin A more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of 5-hydroxyquinolines has been prepared via the Skraup reaction. Several regioisomers were made either by selective displacement of a leaving group or by using a bromo substituent as a blocking group. The bromo group was found to be an excellent blocking group due to its stability during the Skraup reaction and easy removal thereafter. Halides at the 5-position of quinoline were found to be much more reactive than those at the 7- and 8-positions. Finally, we have also found a unique method to reduce the pyridyl ring on quinolines, leaving a halogen substituent untouched. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• TAMs control PDAC metastasis, mainly via their exosomes. • TAM-derived exosomes promote PDAC growth via miR-202-5p and miR-142-5p. • Targeting TAMs through exosomes is an innovative PDAC therapy approach. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly invasive disease that can metastasize to distant organs such as the lung and liver. However, the exact mechanisms underlying PDAC metastasis remain unclear. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to play a critical role in cancer initiation, progression, outgrowth, and metastasis, likely through their interaction with cancer cells via extracellular vesicles known as exosomes. However, the precise mechanisms of this interaction are not fully understood. In this study, we obtained TAMs from PDAC patients and isolated exosomes from their culture medium. We characterized these exosomes and analyzed their miRNA expression profiles using Multiplex miRNA assays with FirePlex particle technology. Additionally, we conducted in vitro co-culture experiments between PDAC cells and conditioned media or exosomes from TAMs to investigate the crosstalk between these cells via exosomes. Furthermore, we evaluated the in vivo lung metastasis of PDAC cells treated with TAM-derived exosomes in athymic nude mice. TAMs from PDAC patients promoted the invasiveness and migratory potential of PDAC cells, partially through the effects of TAM-derived exosomes. Specifically, we identified two microRNAs, miR-202-5p and miR-142-5p, which were transferred from TAM-derived exosomes to PDAC cells, resulting in the suppression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and promoting their invasiveness and migratory potential. We also found that distal metastasis was increased in PDAC cells treated with TAM-derived exosomes, partially through miR-202-5p and miR-142-5p. Exosomal transfer of miR-202-5p and miR-142-5p plays a significant role in conferring invasiveness and migratory potential to PDAC cells. Targeting exosome communication may represent a promising new therapeutic strategy for reducing cancer metastasis of PDACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RuO 2 /IrO 2 shows outstanding dual enzyme-mimic activities and excellent bactericidal activity. • RuO 2 /IrO 2 exhibited good biocompatibility and high biosafety. The increasing bacterial resistance caused by the abuse of antibiotics has become an urgent global healthcare challenge. Recent advances in nanozymes represent one feasible solution. However, efforts have mainly focused on mimicking natural enzymes for comparable biocatalytic activities, as preparing nanozymes with superior antibacterial properties remains challenging. In this study, inspired by the Fe catalytic site in horseradish peroxidase (HRP), we synthesized defect-rich ruthenium oxide/iridium oxide heterojunction nanosheets (RuO 2 /IrO 2), using Ru, which possesses a similar electronic structure to Fe, as the catalytic site to enhance antibacterial properties. Benefiting from the typically high catalytic activity of Ru in various reactions and the unique Ir-mediated defect-rich heterostructure, RuO 2 /IrO 2 exhibits dramatically enhanced biocatalytic activities in generating reactive oxygen species crucial for eradicating bacteria. In particular, RuO 2 /IrO 2 exhibited both oxidase and peroxidase-mimicking activities with catalytic efficiency 103 to 104 times higher than that of HRP. It exhibited superior antibacterial properties as well as high biosafety, effectively eliminating H 2 O 2 toxicity during in vivo anti-infection measures. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of RuO 2 /IrO 2 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 31.25 and 15.62 μg mL−1, respectively. This study offers a promising potential design for antibacterial nanozymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Quercetin has therapeutic effects on retinopathy induced by hyperglycemia. • Quercetin protects against retinopathy by regulating gut-retina axis. • Quercetin can enhance the antioxidant capacity in the retina. Hyperglycemia-related retinopathy is a disease with a high blindness rate. Recent reports indicate that many flavonol compounds have the potential to prevent the occurrence of disease in the retina by regulating the gut–retina axis. Here, we hypothesized that quercetin could alleviate the symptoms of retinopathy. To clarify the mechanism, Sprague Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet containing quercetin for 12 weeks and injected with streptozotocin in the ninth week. Additionally, neomycin and ampicillin were used to establish a pseudo-sterile rat model. Afterward, changes in the retina were investigated by using electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography. Blood and tissue samples were collected and biochemical components were analyzed. The extent of intestinal injury was determined via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Microbial community structure was analyzed by using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Finally, the expression of genes was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that quercetin reduced the decline in electroretinography amplitude and outer nuclear layer thickness, increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, decreased the contents of proinflammatory factors and blood glucose, enhanced the concentration of insulin, and inhibited intestinal dysbiosis and improved gut morphology. Importantly, the underexpression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 in the retina was reversed by quercetin. However, trend changes were no longer significant in most of the indicators after antibiotic treatment. In summary, quercetin has therapeutic effects on retinopathy by regulating the gut–retina axis and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 pathway, and the presence of gut microbiota helps quercetin exert its effects on the retina. Quercetin has therapeutic effects on hyperglycemia-induced retinopathy. It increases antioxidant capacity of the retina, decreases the contents of pro-inflammatory factors and the concentration of blood sugar, and restores the gut microbial composition. After the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the protective effects of quercetin on retinopathy are no longer significant. Red arrows indicate decreased trend, green arrows indicate increased trend, and purple circles indicate no changes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antibacterial action of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) on Ralstonia solanacearum was investigated. • PPPs exhibited better antibacterial activity than monomers. • PPPs impaired cell membrane stability and integrity, but increased biofilm formation. • Punicalagin closely bound to bacterial transcriptor PhcA by in silico study. The antibacterial action of pomegranate peel against plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum has been focused in this study. We identified the chemical composition of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) and expanded their antibacterial spectrum by adding a new member R. solanacearum. PPPs were consisting of punicalagin, ellagic acid, catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid. Although the monomers exhibited strong antibacterial effect, PPPs performed better than individual ones. PPPs significantly hindered bacterial multiplication and swimming motility, and severely weakened the stability and integrity of the cell membrane. Bacterial biofilm formation was affected by PPPs in both time and concentration dependent manners. Punicalagin could bind the functional domains of bacterial transcriptional regulator PhcA when cell membrane integrity was impaired, resulting in the disordered regulation network and successive bacterial damage. We delineated the antibacterial mechanism of PPPs on both cell and molecular level with the aid of state of art analysis method and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic selection of a high royal jelly (RJ)-producing strain of bees (RJBs) from Italian bees (ITBs) has been conducted for nearly four decades in China since the 1980s. RJBs are the most important producers of RJ in the world and produce > 90% of the total output with an annual market value of > $40 million. With technological advancements in proteomics, the mechanism underpinning the high RJ production by RJBs has been explored to new depths in the last decades. Here, we give an overview that the mechanism driving the enhanced performance of RJ secretion by RJBs. First, the selection of RJBs, high-efficiency technology for RJ production, and advances in genetic characterization of RJBs are reviewed. Then, proteome and phosphoproteome characterization that decipher the augmented RJ production using honeybee organs and tissues are summarized. This may be potentially useful in gaining a complete mechanistic insight into the high performance of RJ yields in honeybees, and expands understanding of the honeybee biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nervonic acid (NA) is a kind of ultra‐long‐chain monounsaturated fatty acid, which can repair nerve cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a nervous system disease and often accompanied by the decline of learning and memory capacity. In this study, the combined dose of D‐galactose/AlCl3 was used to establish a mouse model of AD. Meanwhile, the mice were treated with different doses of NA (10.95 and 43.93 mg/kg). The results showed that NA delayed the decline of locomotion and learning ability caused by D‐galactose/AlCl3, increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde in vivo. Besides, NA reduced the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, increased the levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, alleviated the cell morphology damage induced by D‐galactose/AlCl3 in hippocampus and liver tissue. Furthermore, the intervention of NA upregulated the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR genes and downregulated the expression levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β genes. Therefore, we speculate the intervention of NA could be an effective way in improving cognitive impairment through the activation of PI3K signaling pathway. These results suggest that NA has the potential to be developed as antioxidant drug for the prevention and early therapy of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diversity combining receiver is proposed for asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM). With the aid of symmetry recovering the odd and even signals of ACO-OFDM are distinguished directly in time domain without complex operation such as inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). Simulation results show that the diversity combining receiver we proposed gives a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement of 2 ∼ 3 dB. The receiver proposed also has the same SNR gain as the conventional diversity combining receiver distinguishing the odd and even signals in frequency domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovalbumin peptides are food protein-derived fragments comprised of amino acid residues. The bioactive properties of the peptides are determined by the inherent amino acid composition and sequence of the peptide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proteomics characteristics in Tibetan chicken egg ovalbumin peptides, compared to ordinary eggs, using isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification labelling technique (iTRAQ). The results showed that 165 proteins were identified and 56 proteins were significantly changed including 34 significantly upregulated and 22 significantly downregulated proteins. The more abundant proteins of the Tibetan ovalbumin peptides included vitellogenin-2, vitellogenin-1, vitellogenin, apolipoprotein A-I, and serum albumin, which were upregulated. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that these proteins mostly participated in biological processes and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that they may be associated with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway, which is related to lipid metabolism. The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis showed that these proteins significantly interacted. • The Tibetan egg ovalbumin peptide identification by proteome analysis was not reported before. • The difference of ovalbumin peptides of Tibetan egg and the ordinory in protein expression patterns and the difference of biochemical function on proteomic level are reported in this paper. • This study will help demonstrate molecular-level protein differences in ovalbumin peptides and may help reveal ovalbumin special effect on protein function of Tibetan egg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungal species and have been reported to be carcinogenic, genotoxic, teratogenic, nephro- and hepatotoxic. Economic losses and health concerns due to mycotoxins occur at all levels of food and feed production, and this has attracted research interest towards exploring novel approaches to decontaminate and/or detoxify mycotoxin-contaminated food and feed. Therefore, we reviewed various strategies for the detoxification of mycotoxins, including pre-harvest prevention strategies and post-harvest detoxification procedures. Strategies for pre-harvest prevention include appropriate environmental factors, good agricultural and manufacturing practices, and favourable storage practices. For post-harvest detoxification strategies, physical, chemical, biological and other developing innovative strategies are discussed. This review is meant to be beneficial to the food industry and to contribute to assuring pre- and post-harvest management and processing practices that maximize consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As far as we know, an ultrasonic evaluation of mycobacterium infection nodules has not yet been reported. I Mycobacterium marinum i is a pathogenic mycobacterium found in skin and soft tissue infections and is associated with fish and bodies of water.1 I Mycobacterium marinum i infections can be divided into four types: a solitary papulonodular lesion, sporotrichoid form, deep infection, and disseminated infection. [Extracted from the article]

Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) biofilms are of considerable interest in food safety because biofilms can increase the risk of food contamination and enhance the pathogenicity of bacteria. The ica -encoded polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) plays an important role in biofilm formation. In this study, the MIC of gallic acid against S. aureus in suspension and in biofilms was 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively. Quantitative crystal violet staining of biofilms showed that 2 mg/mL gallic acid can effectively inhibit biofilm formation and the ESEM images clearly showed the three-dimensional biofilm morphology of the S. aureus and the resulting anti-biofilm effect. The determination of viable bacteria in the biofilm revealed that gallic acid penetrated the biofilm to kill S. aureus , the bactericidal effect on the biofilm bacteria was comparable to that of planktonic bacteria. We further explored the influence of gallic acid on ica family gene expression and polysaccharide slime formation in S. aureus biofilm formation. The results showed that icaR was significantly activated that; icaA and icaD were downregulated in a dose-dependent manner with increasing concentrations of gallic acid; however, the expression of icaB and icaC was not significantly affected. The polysaccharide slime formation was reduced as well. Based on these results, gallic acid, as a natural substance, may play an important role in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed load has become a developing trend of power loading. Unlike traditional loads, pulsed loads with current abrupt and repeated charges will result in unstable Microgrid operations because of their small capacity and inertia. In this paper, an Average Magnitude Sum Function (AMSF) is proposed to calculate the frequency of the grid, and based on AMSF, the Relative Deviation Rate (RDR) that characterises the impact of pulsed load on the AC side of the grid is defined and its calculation process is described in detail. In addition, the system dynamic characteristics under a pulsed load are analysed using an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) to control the on/off state of the resistive load for simulating a pulsed load. Finally, the transient characteristics of a synchronous-rectifier system with a pulsed load are studied and validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with a double covering idea, the Sb@rGO@NSC (Sb covered by rGO and N, S doped carbons) with high performance is successfully synthesized by co-carbonizations using the SbCl 3 , GO, glucose, ammonium citrate and sulfocarbamide. The tremendous dispersions of Sb particles with nano sizes in carbon substrates and formations of 3D hierarchical porous structures make the Sb@rGO@NSC-0.3 composite material to possess the superior electrochemical performance. As can be seen, the Sb@rGO@NSC-0.3 manifests the high storage capacity (1121.2 mAh g−1) at 0.5 A g−1, over cycling 500 times. Concurrently, the storage capacity of Sb@rGO@NSC-0.3 has 721.1 mAh g−1 and 342.9 mAh g−1, even after carrying out the cycles 1000 times with current densities set as 1.0 A g−1 and 5.0 A g−1, respectively. The structural merits of Sb@rGO@NSC-0.3 can lead contents of Sb and contained carbons to develop their fundamental storage abilities as far as possible, which is a reason that the Sb@rGO@NSC-0.3 possesses exceedingly competitive storage performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the alkali-induced gelling behavior of ovalbumin, including its microstructure characteristics, intermolecular forces, and molecular structure changes, was investigated. The results showed that ovalbumin formed a three-dimensional gel with an ordered fibrous mesh structure under alkali conditions. The active force between gel molecules was maintained by a large number of ionic bonds (∼85%), a small number of disulfide bonds (∼5%), and very few hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that ovalbumin formed aggregates via ionic and disulfide bonds. ANS fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that strong alkali caused rapid denaturation of ovalbumin molecules to expose the hydrophobic core, thus greatly increasing the surface hydrophobicity. However, the hydrophobicity decreased during the gelation stage. FTIR analysis showed that strong alkali induced the secondary-level structure of ovalbumin molecules to interconvert, and most of them existed in a relatively stable α -folding structure. Endogenous fluorescence and UV spectroscopic analyses showed that the amino acid residues of ovalbumin in the gelation stage moved towards the polar environment. It was concluded that the secondary and tertiary structures of ovalbumin changed after treatment with strong alkali and that a crystal gel formed through the action of ionic and disulfide bonds. In addition, the long-term action of strong alkali gradually decreased the gelatinous property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-based division of labor among workers is a fundamental life-history trait of many social insects, including the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera L. Extensive studies of the causation of the most pronounced transition from performing tasks in the nest to outside foraging indicate hormonal regulation of complex physiological changes. However, the proximate neurobiological mechanisms that cause the behavioral repertoire to change are still not understood and require novel approaches to be fully characterized. Thus, we established the first comprehensive monoclonal antibody microarray in honey bees with 16,320 antibodies to directly identify proteins in the brain that regulate the transition to foraging. Major royal jelly protein (MRJP) 1 and MRJP3 were identified as potential protein effectors and further investigated. A series of experimental manipulations of the workers' behavioral transition led to changes in MRJP1 and MRJP3 quantities in accordance with their presumed functional role. Injection of MRJPs into the brain resulted in increased task-reversal from foraging to nursing and decreased task-progression from nursing to foraging, while the latter was increased by injection with MRJP antibodies. Finally, down-regulation of MRJP1 and MRJP3 expression via RNAi injection into the brain increased the transition from in-hive nursing to outside foraging, confirming a causal role of these two proteins in the proximate regulation of behavior and life-history of honey bee workers. Interaction partners of MRJP1 and MRJP3 in the honey bee brain included other regulators of honey bee behavior and life history. Thus, our transformative methodological advancement of proteome analysis in honey bees reveals novel regulators of honey bee behavior, extends our understanding of the functional pleiotropy of MRJPs, and supports a general nutrition-based model of the regulation of the age-based division of labor in honey bees. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaponics is a green and efficient agricultural production model that combines aquaculture and vegetable cultivation. It is worth looking into optimizing the proportion of fish and plants to improve the quality and yield. However, there is little non-destructive monitoring of plant growth in aquaponics monitoring systems currently. In this paper, based on the Internet of Things technologies, a monitoring system is designed with miniaturization, modularization, and low-cost features for cultivation-breeding ratio research. The system can realize remote monitoring and intelligent control of parameters needed to keep fish and plants under optimal conditions. First, a 32-bit chip is used as the Microcontroller Unit to develop the intelligent sensing unit, which can realize 16 different data acquisitions as stand-alone extensible modules. Second, to achieve plant data acquisition and upload, the Raspberry Pi embedded with image processing algorithms is introduced to realize edge-computing. Finally, all the collected data is stored in the Ali-cloud through Wi-Fi and a WeChat Mini Program is designed to display data and control devices. The results show that there is no packet loss within 90 m for wireless transmission, and the error rate of environment parameters is limited to 5%. It was proven that the system is intelligent, flexible, low-cost, and stable which is suitable for small-scale aquaponics well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in gel microstructure characteristics and in intermolecular interactions of preserved egg whites during pickling were investigated. Spin–spin relaxation times of preserved egg whites significantly decreased in the first 8 days and remained unchanged after the 16th day. SEM images revealed a three-dimensional gel network, interwoven with a loose linear fibrous mesh structure. The protein gel mesh structure became more regular, smaller, and compacted with pickling time. Free sulfhydryl contents in the egg whites increased significantly, while total sulfhydryl contents dramatically decreased during pickling. The primary intermolecular forces in the preserved egg white gels were ionic and disulfide bonds. Secondary forces included hydrophobic interaction and relatively few hydrogen bonds. During the first 8 days, the proportion of ionic bonds sharply decreased, and that of disulfide bonds increased over the first 24 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the influence of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) on the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells (a kind of human hepatoma cells) and the related mechanism. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the flow cytometer (FCM) were used to test the changes of the cellular morphology, cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm). The kit was used to measure the activities of caspase-3/9, and Western Blot was used to detect the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins including p53, Bcl-2/Bax, Cyt-c and PARP. The results showed that the cells cycle of HepG2 arrested at the S-phase by PPPs and the amount of the early apoptotic cells and ROS level were increased obviously, the level of Cyt-c and the activity of Caspase-3/9 markedly were also increased by PPPs, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the protein expressions of P53. It was concluded that PPPs could inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells by blocking the cell cycle and inducing the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we use a two-layer model to study the dynamics of the intrusion of the Kuroshio onto the continental shelf. Results show that the interaction of the Kuroshio water and shelf water produces a stable upwelling zone above 100 m depth northeast of Taiwan, which provides a dynamical explanation to the presence of the cold core previously observed by satellite. The affected shelf water from the interaction has an onshore portion, which turns right and becomes a northward alongshore flow when it moves closer to shore. This implies that the Kuroshio water cannot penetrate deep onto the inner part of the continental shelf, but it generates a strong northward jet that is formed mainly by the shelf water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]