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The spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) of phosphorus‐based nanomaterials is widely studied and developed as passive nonlinear photonic devices for applications in all‐optical switches, logic gates, information converters, etc. In this work, violet phosphorus quantum dots (VP QDs) are prepared and characterized in three different solvents, their SSPM is investigated, and their spatial asymmetric light propagation performances are demonstrated. It is shown that VP QDs prepared in three different solvents exhibit different bandgaps, mainly due to the interaction between the dangling bonds of VP QDs and functional groups in different solvents. The SSPM experiment characterizes the nonlinear optical response of solvent‐dependent VP QDs. It is found that VP QDs exhibit strong nonlinear optical effect and their nonlinear refractive indexes are comparable to other phosphorus‐based 2D materials. Unlike the previously reported principle of spatial asymmetric light propagation (i.e., a cascaded sample based on SSPM composed of nanomaterials with excellent nonlinear refraction and SnS2 with reverse saturation absorption), the spatial asymmetric light propagation performance based on SSPM is demonstrated using a cascaded sample of VP QDs with significantly different nonlinear optical response prepared in two different solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-cell panels use sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. However, the performances of solar panels decline when they degrade, owing to defects. Some common defects in solar-cell panels include hot spots, cracking, and dust. Hence, it is important to efficiently detect defects in solar-cell panels and repair them. In this study, we propose a lightweight inception residual convolutional network (LIRNet) to detect defects in solar-cell panels. LIRNet is a neural network model that utilizes deep learning techniques. To achieve high model performance on solar panels, including high fault detection accuracy and processing speed, LIRNet draws on hierarchical learning, which is a two-phase solar-panel-defect classification method. The first phase is the data-preprocessing stage. We use the K-means clustering algorithm to refine the dataset. The second phase is the training of the model. We designed a powerful and lightweight neural network model to enhance accuracy and speed up the training time. In the experiment, LIRNet improved the accuracy by approximately 8% and performed ten times faster than EfficientNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, skin spectral information has been gradually applied in various fields, such as the cosmetics industry and clinical medicine. However, the high price and the huge size of the skin spectrum measurement device make the related applications of the skin spectrum unable to be widely used in practical applications. We used convolutional neural network (CNN) to achieve a satisfying accuracy of the Fitzpatrick skin-type classification by using a simple self-developed device in 2018. Leveraging on the hardware, firmware, and software app-developing experience, a low-cost miniature skin spectrum measurement system (LMSSMS) using deep neural network (DNN) technology was further studied, and the feasibility of the system is verified in this paper. The developed LMSSMS is divided into three parts: (1) miniature skin spectrum measurement device (MSSMD), (2) DNN model, and (3) mobile app. The MSSMD was developed with innovative low-cost MSSC, 3D printing, and a simple LED light source. The DNN model is designed to enhance measurement accuracy. Finally, the mobile app is used to control and show the measurement results. The developed app also includes a variety of skin-spectrum-related applications, such as erythema index and melanin index (EI/MI) measurement, Fitzpatrick skin-type classification, Pantone SkinTone classification, sun-exposure estimation, and body-fat measurement. In order to verify the feasibility of LMSSMS, we used the standard instrumentation device as a reference. The results show that the accuracy of the LMSSMS can reach 94.7%, which also confirms that this development idea has much potential for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning is one of the most potential ways to realize the function prediction of the incremental large-scale G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Prior research reveals that the key to determining the overall classification accuracy of GPCR is extracting valuable features and filtering out redundancy. To achieve a more efficient classification model, we put the feature synonym problem into consideration and create a new method based on functional word clustering and integration. Through evaluating the evolution correlation between features using the transition scores in mature molecular substitution matrices, candidate features are clustered into synonym groups. Each group of the clustered features is then integrated and represented by a unique key functional word. These retained key functional words are used to form a feature knowledge base. The original GPCR sequences are then transferred into feature vectors based on a feature re-extraction strategy according to the features in the knowledge base before the training and testing stage. We create multiple machine learning models based on Naïve Bayesian (NB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) algorithms. The established model is applied to classify two public data sets containing 8354 and 12,731 GPCRs, respectively. These models achieve significant performance in almost all evaluation criteria in comparison with state-of-the art. This work demonstrated the potential of the novel feature extraction strategy and provided an effective theoretical design for the hierarchical classification of GPCRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop an interactive, non-invasive artificial intelligence (AI) system for malignancy risk prediction in cystic renal lesions (CRLs). Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter diagnostic study, we evaluated 715 patients. An interactive geodesic-based 3D segmentation model was created for CRLs segmentation. A CRLs classification model was developed using spatial encoder temporal decoder (SETD) architecture. The classification model combines a 3D-ResNet50 network for extracting spatial features and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) network for decoding temporal features from multi-phase CT images. We assessed the segmentation model using sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), intersection over union (IOU), and dice similarity (Dice) metrics. The classification model's performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy score (ACC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: From 2012 to 2023, we included 477 CRLs (median age, 57 [IQR: 48–65]; 173 men) in the training cohort, 226 CRLs (median age, 60 [IQR: 52–69]; 77 men) in the validation cohort, and 239 CRLs (median age, 59 [IQR: 53–69]; 95 men) in the testing cohort (external validation cohort 1, cohort 2, and cohort 3). The segmentation model and SETD classifier exhibited excellent performance in both validation (AUC = 0.973, ACC = 0.916, Dice = 0.847, IOU = 0.743, SEN = 0.840, SPE = 1.000) and testing datasets (AUC = 0.998, ACC = 0.988, Dice = 0.861, IOU = 0.762, SEN = 0.876, SPE = 1.000). Conclusion: The AI system demonstrated excellent benign-malignant discriminatory ability across both validation and testing datasets and illustrated improved clinical decision-making utility. Critical relevance statement: In this era when incidental CRLs are prevalent, this interactive, non-invasive AI system will facilitate accurate diagnosis of CRLs, reducing excessive follow-up and overtreatment. Key Points: The rising prevalence of CRLs necessitates better malignancy prediction strategies. The AI system demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in identifying malignant CRL. The AI system illustrated improved clinical decision-making utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V(D)J recombination generates mature B cells that express huge repertoires of primary antibodies as diverse immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (IgH) and light chain (IgL) of their B cell antigen receptors (BCRs). Cognate antigen binding to BCR variable region domains activates B cells into the germinal center (GC) reaction in which somatic hypermutation (SHM) modifies primary variable region-encoding sequences, with subsequent selection for mutations that improve antigen-binding affinity, ultimately leading to antibody affinity maturation. Based on these principles, we developed a humanized mouse model approach to diversify an anti-PD1 therapeutic antibody and allow isolation of variants with novel properties. In this approach, component Ig gene segments of the anti-PD1 antibody underwent de novo V(D)J recombination to diversify the anti-PD1 antibody in the primary antibody repertoire in the mouse models. Immunization of these mouse models further modified the anti-PD1 antibodies through SHM. Known anti-PD1 antibodies block interaction of PD1 with its ligands to alleviate PD1-mediated T cell suppression, thereby boosting antitumor T cell responses. By diversifying one such anti-PD1 antibody, we derived many anti-PD1 antibodies, including anti-PD1 antibodies with the opposite activity of enhancing PD1/ligand interaction. Such antibodies theoretically might suppress deleterious T cell activities in autoimmune diseases. The approach we describe should be generally applicable for diversifying other therapeutic antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 epidemic and government intervention measures may have adverse effects on people's mental health. To explore the influence of pets on the intervention of people's psychological problems during the COVID-19 epidemic, an online survey was carried out between April 9 and April 29, 2020. A total of 756 participants replied to this questionnaire. Mental health variables were assessed, and the comparison of behavior changes among pet owners and pets on positive mental well-being during COVID-19 epidemic. Comparative analysis was performed; compared with individuals without pets (n = 575), pet owners (n = 181) had a higher prevalence of insomnia (p = 0.006). Living in Wuhan city was a risk factor for people with psychological stress (p < 0.05). Dog owners exhibited lower than average scores of insomnia and uncertainty of infection than cat owners (p = 0.004). People with more than one pet exhibited lower than average scores of depression than having one pet (p = 0.040). For analysis of psychological effects of pets on people, the role of pets in subjective feeling and positive psychological changes of pet owner was significantly different. Pet owners relieve that psychological pressure through behavioral changes towards their pets in early stage. Pets provided positive subjective wellbeing and psychological effects for their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the use of environmental samples to assess avian influenza virus activity in chickens at live poultry markets in China. Results of environmental and chicken samples correlate moderately well. However, collection of multiple environmental samples from holding, processing, and selling areas is recommended to detect viruses expected to have low prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brownian escape from a spherical cavity through small holes and force-driven transport through periodic spherical cavities for finite-size particles have been investigated by Brownian dynamic simulations and scaling analysis. The mean first passage time and force-driven mobility are obtained as a function of particle diameter a, hole radius RH, cavity radius RC, and external field strength. In the absence of external field, the escape rate is proportional to the exit effect, (RH/RC)(1-a/2RH)3/2. In weak fields, Brownian diffusion is still dominant and the migration is controlled by the exit effect. Therefore, smaller particles migrate faster than larger ones. In this limit the relation between Brownian escape and force-driven transport can be established by the generalized Einstein–Smoluchowski relation. As the field strength is strong enough, the mobility becomes field dependent and grows with increasing field strength. As a result, the size selectivity diminishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size separation of Brownian particles with the same free mobility in an electrophoretic microchannel with alternating thick regions and narrow constrictions is studied theoretically. The electrophoretic mobility is field dependent and generally increases with field strength. In weak fields, Brownian diffusion dominates and the migration is controlled by the entrance effect. Therefore, smaller particles migrate faster than larger ones. In strong fields, however, the particle tends to follow electric field lines. Smaller particles are susceptible to Brownian motion and thus influenced by the nonuniform electric field in the well significantly. As a result, larger particles possess higher mobilities. Our simulation results agree with the experimental observations and provide guidance for efficient nanofluidic separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of solvent quality on the equilibrium structure of a densely branched comb polymer is investigated based on the structure factor analyses by off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations. First, theta temperature (θ∞) must be determined to identify the solvent condition. We locate the characteristic temperature θA(N) at which the second virial coefficient vanishes and the transition temperature θR(N) at which radius of gyration Rg of the chain varies most rapidly with temperature, i.e., d2Rg/dT2|θR=0. N represents the total number of monomers of a comb. As N→∞, θA and θR coincide to a point that is identified as the true theta temperature (θ∞). The structure factors of the main chain, the side chain, and the whole polymer are calculated, respectively. It is found that at T=θ∞, the structural factors S(qRg) for the overall comb polymers match quite well with those of their Gaussian counterparts. When T<θ∞, the overall comb polymer assumes collapsed conformations, similar to a homogeneous sphere. However, the structure factor of the side chain indicates that it always remains in an expanded state regardless of the solvent condition. It is attributed to the strong interactions between side chains. The same effect leads to enhanced rigidity of the main chain in comparison to the linear chain, as clearly observed from the rescaled Kratky plot. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species are fundamental units in biological research and can be defined on the basis of various operational criteria. There has been growing use of molecular approaches for species delimitation. Among the most widely used methods, the generalized mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) were designed for the analysis of single-locus data but are often applied to concatenations of multilocus data. In contrast, the Bayesian multispecies coalescent approach in the software Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP) explicitly models the evolution of multilocus data. In this study, we compare the performance of GMYC, PTP, and BPP using synthetic data generated by simulation under various speciation scenarios. We show that in the absence of gene flow, the main factor influencing the performance of these methods is the ratio of population size to divergence time, while number of loci and sample size per species have smaller effects. Given appropriate priors and correct guide trees, BPP shows lower rates of species overestimation and underestimation, and is generally robust to various potential confounding factors except high levels of gene flow. The single-threshold GMYC and the best strategy that we identified in PTP generally perform well for scenarios involving more than a single putative species when gene flow is absent, but PTP outperforms GMYC when fewer species are involved. Both methods are more sensitive than BPP to the effects of gene flow and potential confounding factors. Case studies of bears and bees further validate some of the findings from our simulation study, and reveal the importance of using an informed starting point for molecular species delimitation. Our results highlight the key factors affecting the performance of molecular species delimitation, with potential benefits for using these methods within an integrative taxonomic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate tire-pavement noise prediction model is highly needed by transportation agencies and pavement designers during the porous asphalt mixture design to reduce the tire-pavement noise which has been recognized as a dominant contributor to the overall traffic noise. In this paper, the surface texture level and distributions of porous asphalt mixture are acquired by a recently developed program named as 2-Dimensional Image Texture Analysis Method (2D-ITAM). The acoustic absorption coefficient of porous asphalt mixture is calculated using a proposed sound absorption model based on the micro-structure of porous asphalt mixture. Also, a prediction model correlating the tire-pavement noise level with macro-texture and short wavelength of mega-texture of pavement is established using a multivariate non-linear regression analysis. This prediction model is validated through laboratory experiment demonstrating its effectiveness of predicting the tire-pavement noise level. The model is anticipated to serve as an improved tool which could be considered by practitioners in an optimized porous asphalt mixture design incorporating the evaluation of noise produced by asphalt pavement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequence classification is crucial in predicting the function of newly discovered sequences. In recent years, the prediction of the incremental large-scale and diversity of sequences has heavily relied on the involvement of machine-learning algorithms. To improve prediction accuracy, these algorithms must confront the key challenge of extracting valuable features. In this work, we propose a feature-enhanced protein classification approach, considering the rich generation of multiple sequence alignment algorithms, N-gram probabilistic language model and the deep learning technique. The essence behind the proposed method is that if each group of sequences can be represented by one feature sequence, composed of homologous sites, there should be less loss when the sequence is rebuilt, when a more relevant sequence is added to the group. On the basis of this consideration, the prediction becomes whether a query sequence belonging to a group of sequences can be transferred to calculate the probability that the new feature sequence evolves from the original one. The proposed work focuses on the hierarchical classification of G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which begins by extracting the feature sequences from the multiple sequence alignment results of the GPCRs sub-subfamilies. The N-gram model is then applied to construct the input vectors. Finally, these vectors are imported into a convolutional neural network to make a prediction. The experimental results elucidate that the proposed method provides significant performance improvements. The classification error rate of the proposed method is reduced by at least 4.67% (family level I) and 5.75% (family Level II), in comparison with the current state-of-the-art methods. The implementation program of the proposed work is freely available at: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many structural variations (SVs) detection methods have been proposed due to the popularization of next-generation sequencing (NGS). These SV calling methods use different SV-property-dependent features; however, they all suffer from poor accuracy when running on low coverage sequences. The union of results from these tools achieves fairly high sensitivity but still produces low accuracy on low coverage sequence data. That is, these methods contain many false positives. In this paper, we present CNNdel, an approach for calling deletions from paired-end reads. CNNdel gathers SV candidates reported by multiple tools and then extracts features from aligned BAM files at the positions of candidates. With labeled feature-expressed candidates as a training set, CNNdel trains convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to distinguish true unlabeled candidates from false ones. Results show that CNNdel works well with NGS reads from 26 low coverage genomes of the 1000 Genomes Project. The paper demonstrates that convolutional neural networks can automatically assign the priority of SV features and reduce the false positives efficaciously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the current study was to study the antitumor effects of iridomyrmecin against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Its effects on apoptosis induction, cell cycle phase distribution, PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) were also investigated. Cytotoxic effects of iridomyrmecin were evaluated by MTT assay while the apoptotic effect was assessed by flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC assay. Western blot assay was used to study effects on PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Results exhibited that iridomyrmecin led to concentration-dependent as well as timedependent growth inhibitory effects. Iridomyrmecin-treated cells showed signs of early and late apoptosis. Iridomyrmecin treatment also led to sub-G1 cell cycle arrest as well as induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Further, Western blot assay revealed that iridomyrmecin treatment resulted in down-regulation of PI3K/Akt protein expressions in a dosedependent manner while as it up-regulated lncRNA CCAT2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A utilization study was performed in a 2200-bed tertiary care teaching hospital. Data mining was performed on all nasogastric medication prescriptions for patients hospitalized in 2011. Nurses were interviewed by questionnaire. A PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle was used for continuous quality improvement. The proportion of patients with nasogastric tubes (NGT) was 3.2%. A large number of medical orders (n = 6261) involved nasogastric medications with a package insert particularly noting that they should not be crushed or opened (group 1) or medications without a specific formulation recommendation in the package insert but having evidence discouraging NGT dosing (group 2). Of the nasogastrically administered sustained-release or controlled-release formulations, a sustained-release sodium valproate tablet formulation was the most prescribed drug and a sustained-release 2.5 mg felodipine tablet was prescribed with the highest proportion of NGT dosing [NGT/(NGT + oral) = 12.3%]. Among the nasogastrically administered enteric-coated formulations, a myrtol-standardized enteric-coated capsule formulation was the most prescribed drug and a pantoprazole tablet formulation was prescribed with the highest proportion of NGT dosing [NGT/(NGT + oral) = 19.3%]. Proportions of NGT dosing for amiodarone and carbamazepine (group 2) were 4.8% and 6.3%, respectively. The percentage of nurses with adequate knowledge about pharmaceutical dosage formulations was 60%. The rate of answering correctly as to whether medications in group 1 could be crushed or opened was only 30%. Awareness of evidence discouraging NGT dosing of medications in group 2 was zero. Most nurses (90%) left physicians and pharmacists with the entire responsibility for knowledge and decision-making concerning route of drug administration. After a 3-month preliminary intervention, irrational medical orders involving nasogastric administration of medications in group 1 were successfully abolished. The rate of answering correctly as to whether medications in group 1 could be crushed or opened increased to 100%. This utilization study indicates poor awareness concerning nasogastric administration of medication on the part of physicians and nurses, and preliminary intervention measures were efficient in improving knowledge through team cooperation and effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work identifies the cyanobacterial and algal extracellular products (ECPs) and their derived byproducts during preozonation. Laboratory experiments were performed on two cyanobacterial species ( Oscillatoria tenuisa and Microcystis aeruginosa) and one algal species ( Chlorella sp.) dominating eutrophic reservoirs. Gas chromatography, coupled with high-resolution electron-impact mass spectrometry (GCEI-MS), and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was adopted. Over 20 compounds were detected in the mass spectra analyses of the cyanobacterial and algal extracts (including cells and filtrates). The main identified ECPs were classified as monosaccharides, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and aldehydes. Odor-causing substances were also present in the cyanobacteria, such as trans-1,10-dimethyl- trans-9-decalol (geosmin) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB). The results from ozonated cyanobacteria and algae indicated that the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of culture suspensions increased during ozonation. Most of the additional DOC is produced by the increased liberation of ECPs to the bulk phase. Several byproducts were present in the ozonated cyanobacterial and algal cultures a total of 22 different organic compounds were detectedmostly aldehydes and phthalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) is a promising alternative material for a wide range of paving applications from preventive maintenance and repair, to new pavement construction. However, the reported higher moisture susceptibility of CMA relative to traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) presents a challenge that limits the more widespread usage of CMA in the field up to date. To identify the potential of moisture susceptibility for CMA, a simple and effective test procedure based on modifications to the Boiling Test specified in ASTM D3625 is proposed in this paper. The modified boiling test can provide a quick measurement of moisture susceptibility for CMA in the material selection stage of the mix design. Digital imaging is used to quantify the coating of CMA mixture samples before and after the boiling test instead of subjective visual assessment. The “Coating Ratio” parameter is proposed as an index to evaluate the coating quality of CMA, and as a means to ensure adequate bonding between asphalt and aggregate. The results from the modified boiling test were verified by AASHTO TP-91 Binder Bond Strength (BBS) test and the AASHTO T-283 Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) test of the compacted mixture. It is found that the results from modified boiling test correlated very well with those from BBS test and TSR test, indicating that the modified boiling test can be used as an effective tool to evaluate the moisture damage potential of CMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of acupuncture on hypertension treatment is inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the influence of acupuncture on hypertension, based on findings from mechanistic studies over the course of decades particularly those conducted at the University of California, Irvine. Low-current and low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) at P5-6 (overlying the median nerve) and S36-37 (overlying the deep peroneal nerve) reduced high blood pressure in a subset of patients (~70 %) with mild-to-moderate hypertension, in a slow-onset (4-8 weeks) but long-lasting (1-2 months) manner. EA inhibited cardiovascular sympathoexcitatory neurons through activation of neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray in the midbrain and the nucleus raphe pallidus in the medulla, through inhibiting the activity of premotor sympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). Several neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, opioids, GABA, nociceptin, serotonin and endocannabinoids were involved in this EA-induced hypotensive response. The long-lasting inhibition of hypertension induced by EA was related to opioids and GABA in the rVLM, neural circuitry between the arcuate and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, and prolongation of the increase in preproenkephalin mRNA levels and enkephalin levels in the rVLM and arcuate. Moreover, the long-lasting inhibition of sympathetic activity by EA was conirmed in EA-treated hypertensive patients with decreased levels of norepinephrine, renin and aldosterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With introduction of the first-order strain-gradient of surface micro-beams into the energy density function, we developed a two-dimensional dynamic model for a compound quartz crystal resonator (QCR) system, consisting of a QCR and surface micro-beam arrays. The frequency shift that was induced by micro-beams with consideration of strain-gradients is discussed in detail and some useful results are obtained, which have important significance in resonator design and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A divergent synthesis of three core pentacyclic lactones of nine rearranged cholestane sapogenins, saundersiosides A-H (1-8) and candicanoside A (9), is reported. Key features include a one-flask CBS reduction/Brown hydroboration-oxidation, a SmI2-mediated intramolecular Reformatskii reaction, and an intramolecular transesterification. This synthesis provides a general strategy and key precursors for the collective synthesis of natural and designed saundersiosides. An efficient formal synthesis of candicanoside A is also achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolite identification remains a bottleneck in mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics. Currently, this process relies heavily on tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra generated separately for peaks of interest identified from previous MS runs. Such a delayed and labor-intensive procedure creates a barrier to automation. Further, information embedded in MS data has not been used to its full extent for metabolite identification. Multimers, adducts, multiply charged ions, and fragments of given metabolites occupy a substantial proportion (40-80%) of the peaks of a quantitation result. However, extensive information on these derivatives, especially fragments, may facilitate metabolite identification. We propose a procedure with automation capability to group and annotate peaks associated with the same metabolite in the quantitation results of opposite modes and to integrate this information for metabolite identification. In addition to the conventional mass and isotope ratio matches, we would match annotated fragments with low-energy MS/MS spectra in public databases. For identification of metabolites without accessible MS/MS spectra, we have developed characteristic fragment and common substructure matches. The accuracy and effectiveness of the procedure were evaluated using one public and two in-house liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data sets. The procedure accurately identified 89% of 28 standard metabolites with derivative ions in the data sets. With respect to effectiveness, the procedure confidently identified the correct chemical formula of at least 42% of metabolites with derivative ions via MS/MS spectrum, characteristic fragment, and common substructure matches. The confidence level was determined according to the fulfilled identification criteria of various matches and relative retention time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel CuII coordination polymers, [Cu4O(L¹)4(N3)2]n(ClO4)4n·3nH2O (1) and [Cu7(L²)2(N3)14]n (2), have been synthesized from two zwitterionic carboxylate ligands, 1-carboxylatomethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (L1) and 1-carboxylatomethyl-4,4'-dimethylenedipyridinium (L2). Compound 1 exhibits interpenetrated 3D diamond networks in which the unusual µ4-O-centred tetrahedral Cu4 clusters with peripheral 1,1-N3 and COO bridges are cross-linked by 4,4'-dipyridinium-1-methylene spacers. In compound 2, pentanuclear and dinuclear units with double azide bridges are linked into a unique 2D layer by μ3-1,1,3-N3, (1,1-N3)- (COO) and the organic backbone of the zwitterionic ligand. Magnetic studies reveal that compound 1 exhibits ferromagnetic coupling through (µ4-O)(1,1-N3) and antiferromagnetic coupling through the µ4-O-only and (µ4-O)(COO)2 pathways. Compound 2 exhibits ferromagnetic coupling within the (1,1-N3)2 bridged polynuclear units and weak antiferromagnetic coupling through μ3-1,1,3-N3, and (1,1-N3)(COO) between the units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the root canal preparation ability of rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) Hero 642 and K3 files in curved mandibular or maxillary molars. A total of 40 extracted mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals, an apical width of approximately size =15 and a root canal curvature of 15-30° were randomly divided into two groups and instrumented using Hero 642 (n=20) or K3 files (n=20). Canal straightening, working length, transportation, cross-sectional area, minimum dentin thickness and the canal angle curvature degree were examined, and a systematic review of the literature was conducted. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to the mean degree of straightening, mean change in working length, mean transportation, amount of dentin removed or remaining minimum dentin thickness (P>0.05). The canal angle curvature decreased in the two groups postoperatively. The systematic review identified six studies, and overall the two files performed similarly in the majority of categories examined. Therefore, the rotary NiTi Hero 642 and K3 files demonstrated comparable shaping abilities and maintenance of working length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported an efficient and accurate liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of seventeen mycotoxins in Puerariae lobatae radix, a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The effects of four different clean-up methods, including TC-M160, TC-T220, Mycosep 227, and QuEChERS method, on the recoveries of mycotoxins were investigated and compared. Finally, TC-M160 was chosen for better recovery and repeatability for mycotoxins analysis. The analytes were separated on an Agilent ZORBAX SB C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm particle size), and eluted with a mobile phase consisting of (A) water containing 0.1% formic acid and (B) acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The separated compounds were detected by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in positive electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The results of method validation accorded with the requirement of analytical method for mycotoxins in COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 401/2006. The developed method was successfully applied for determination of mycotoxins in seventeen batches of Puerariae lobatae radix collected from different provinces of China. Three batches of them were found with contamination of mycotoxins AFB1 at (0.751 ± 0.176) μg/kg, T-2 at (1.10 ± 0.01) μg/kg, and T-2 at (0.853 ± 0.044) μg/kg, respectively. The results demonstrated that the proposed method was suitable for monitoring mycotoxins residues in Puerariae lobatae radix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Computed tomography is commonly used to exclude occult injuries in patients with trauma, but imaging can reveal findings that are of uncertain etiology or clinical significance. We present a case of unsuspected pancreatic abnormality in a female patient with trauma who sustained an isolated blunt head injury. Case presentation A 25-year-old female Caucasian patient sustained massive blunt and penetrating head trauma, secondary to a large object penetrating through the vehicle windshield. Based on the mechanism of injury and clinical evaluation, it was felt to be an isolated head injury. However, computed tomography of her abdomen revealed an occult, intra-abdominal finding of significant pancreatic enlargement and peripancreatic fluid. There was no computed tomography evidence of parenchymal pancreatic laceration. The appearance of her pancreas on computed tomography was identical to that of acute pancreatitis or low-grade pancreatic injury, but her clinical history and laboratory values were not consistent with this, hence the term 'pseudopancreatitis'. Later surgery for organ donation confirmed diffuse pancreatic and peripancreatic edema, but no hematoma, contusion or other evidence for direct traumatic injury. This was an isolated intra-abdominal abnormality. Conclusion The routine use of computed tomography in patients who have sustained trauma has led to increasing detection of unexpected findings. Clinical information such as mechanism of injury and blood work, along with careful evaluation of ancillary imaging findings (or lack of), is important for the provision of an appropriate differential diagnosis. We discuss the possible mechanism and differential diagnosis of an isolated pancreatic abnormality in the setting of non-abdominal trauma, which includes shock pancreas, overhydration, traumatic pancreatic injury and pancreatitis secondary to other etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MrBayes is model-based phylogenetic inference tool using Bayesian statistics. However, model-based assessment of phylogenetic trees adds to the computational burden of tree-searching, and so poses significant computational challenges. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have been proposed as high performance, low cost acceleration platforms and several parallelized versions of the Metropolis Coupled Markov Chain Mote Carlo (MC3) algorithm in MrBayes have been presented that can run on GPUs. However, some bottlenecks decrease the efficiency of these implementations. To address these bottlenecks, we propose a tight GPU MC3 (tgMC3) algorithm. tgMC3 implements a different architecture from the one-to-one acceleration architecture employed in previously proposed methods. It merges multiply discrete GPU kernels according to the data dependency and hence decreases the number of kernels launched and the complexity of data transfer. We implemented tgMC3 and made performance comparisons with an earlier proposed algorithm, nMC3, and also with MrBayes MC3 under serial and multiply concurrent CPU processes. All of the methods were benchmarked on the same computing node from DEGIMA. Experiments indicate that the tgMC3 method outstrips nMC3 (v1.0) with speedup factors from 2.1 to 2.7×. In addition, tgMC3 outperforms the serial MrBayes MC3 by a factor of 6 to 30× when using a single GTX480 card, whereas a speedup factor of around 51× can be achieved by using two GTX 480 cards on relatively long sequences. Moreover, tgMC3 was compared with MrBayes accelerated by BEAGLE, and achieved speedup factors from 3.7 to 5.7×. The reported performance improvement of tgMC3 is significant and appears to scale well with increasing dataset sizes. In addition, the strategy proposed in tgMC3 could benefit the acceleration of other Bayesian-based phylogenetic analysis methods using GPUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catadromous Platyeriocheir formosa is a crab endemic in Taiwan. To conserve P. formosa population diversity and ensure the sustainable use of this natural resource, we have developed new genetic markers, 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci, to promote the study of its population genetics in the future. In this study, more than 70 microsatellite sequences were found. Among these, 18 loci were selected to analyze the genetic diversity of P. formosa. With the exception of the Pfo15 locus, all of the remaining loci were polymorphic with allelic numbers ranging from 3-14. Heterozygosity within all 17 polymorphic loci ranged from 0.2-0.95 with an average of 0.55, which suggested that these loci are proper markers for studying population genetics. After we tested cross-specific amplification, eight and six primer sets could be successfully used for the amplification of microsatellite loci in morphologically similar Eriocheir sinensis and E. japonica, respectively; this suggests that they are useful markers for closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the formulation of alcohol-free, lecithin microemulsionbased gels (MBGs) prepared with gelatin as gelling agent. The influence of oil, water, lecithin and hydrophilic and lipophilic additives (linkers) on the rheological properties and appearance of these gels was systematically explored using ternary phase diagrams. Clear MBGs were obtained in regions of single phase microemulsions (μEs) at room temperature. Increasing the water content in the formulation increased the elastic modulus of the gels, while increasing the oil content had the opposite effect. The hydrophilic additive (PEG-6-caprylic/capric glycerides) was shown to reduce the elastic modulus of gelatin gels, particularly at high temperatures. In contrast to anionic (AOT) μEs, the results suggest that in lecithin (nonionic) μEs, the introduction of gelatin "dehydrates" the μE. Finally, when the transdermal transport of lidocaine formulated in the parent μE and the resulting MBG were compared, only a minor retardation in the loading and release of lidocaine was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epimedii herba is one of the most frequently used herbs in formulas that are prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in China and its main constituent is Epimedium pubescen flavonoid (EPF). However, it is unclear whether EPF during chronic exposure to cigarette smoke may have a protective influence on the skeleton.The present study investigated the effect of EPF on bone mineral status and bone turnover in a rat model of human relatively high exposure to cigarette smoke.Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: controls, passive smoking groups and passive smoking rats administered EPF at three dosage levels (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 4 months.A rat model of passive smoking was prepared by breeding male rats in a cigarette-smoking box. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, bone histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical properties were examined.Results: Smoke exposure decreased BMC and BMD, increased bone turnover (inhibited bone formation and stimulated its resorption), affected bone histomorphometry (increased trabecular separation and osteoclast surface per bone surface; decreased trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, cortical thickness, bone formation rate and osteoblast surface per bone surface), and reduced mechanical properties.EPF supplementation during cigarette smoke exposure prevented smoke-induced changes in bone mineral status and bone turnover.Conclusion: The results suggest that EPF can prevent the adverse effects of smoke exposure on bone by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone turnover and bone resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by dysregulated energy metabolism. Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic animals. However, its overall in vivo effects on energy metabolism and the underlying mechanism require further investigation. In the present study, electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the urine and plasma metabolomes of control, streptozotocin-induced DM and RSV-treated DM rats. Using principal component analysis (PCA) and heat map analysis, we discovered significant differences among control and experimental groups. RSV treatment significantly reduced the metabolic abnormalities in DM rats. Compared with the age-matched control rats, the level of carnitine was lower, and the levels of acetylcarnitine and butyrylcarnitine were higher in the urine and plasma of DM rats. RSV treatment ameliorated the deranged carnitine metabolism in DM rats. In addition, RSV treatment attenuated the diabetic ketoacidosis and muscle protein degradation, as evidenced from the attenuation of elevated urinary methyl-histidine and plasma branched-chain amino acids levels in DM rats. The beneficial effects of RSV in DM rats were correlated with activation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase and SIRT1 expression, increase of hepatic and muscular mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibition of muscle NF-κB activities. We concluded that RSV possesses multiple beneficial metabolic effects in insulin-deficient DM rats, particularly in improving energy metabolism and reducing protein wasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dimensions of neuronal dendrites, axons, and synaptic terminals are reproducibly specified for each neuron type, yet it remains unknown how these structures acquire their precise dimensions of length and diameter. Similarly, it remains unknown how active zone number and synaptic strength are specified relative the precise dimensions of presynaptic boutons. In this paper, we demonstrate that S6 kinase (S6K) localizes to the presynaptic active zone. Specifically, S6K colocalizes with the presynaptic protein Bruchpilot (Brp) and requires Brp for active zone localization. We then provide evidence that S6K functions downstream of presynaptic PDK1 to control synaptic bouton size, active zone number, and synaptic function without influencing presynaptic bouton number. We further demonstrate that PDK1 is also a presynaptic protein, though it is distributed more broadly. We present a model in which synaptic S6K responds to local extracellular nutrient and growth factor signaling at the synapse to modulate developmental size specification, including cell size, bouton size, active zone number, and neurotransmitter release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three isomorphous metal-organic frameworks of formula [M(ppdc)(H2O)2]n [M = Mn(II), Fe(II), and Co(II)] were synthesized from sodium p-phenylenediacrylic (Na2ppdc). Crystallographic studies revealed that the compounds are layer-pillared 3D frameworks in which the square-grid M(II) layers with single carboxylate bridges are interlinked by long organic spacers with large interlayer separations of about 13 Å. Magnetic investigations indicated that they all display intralayer antiferromagnetic interactions through the carboxylate bridges in the unusual skew-skew coordination mode but the bulk behaviors are quite different. The Co(II) compound, like most compounds containing similar M-O-C-O-M layers, shows no 3D magnetic ordering down to 2 K, while the Mn(II) and Fe(II) compounds exhibit spin-canted ordering, behaving as a weak ferromagnet (TC = 3.8 K) and a metamagnet (TN = 3.8 K, Hc = 650 Oe), respectively. Spin-canted ordering is still a rarity in this series of materials. Magnetostructural comparisons with analogous compounds indicate that the occurrence of spin-canted ordering can be related to the uncommon skew-skew and anti-anti coordination modes of carboxylate bridges, which induce stronger antiferromagnetic interactions than the common syn-anti mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report new approaches for the fabrication of Gd-Ba-Cu-O (GdBCO) bulk with a large size and promising superconducting properties, applying the cold-seeding melt-textured (MT) method. Firstly, NdBCO thin films were used as seeds because of their superheating properties and an additional mini pellet was inserted between the seed and the bulk precursor. This approach allows to reach a higher maximum processing temperature ( Tmax) and a wider window for single grain growth, leading to the growth of large-sized bulk, 56 mm in diameter. Secondly, the use of both air and pure oxygen atmosphere in the growth process of GdBCO bulks indicates that high oxygen partial pressure has little impact on superconducting properties, which, however, effectively facilitates the growth rate. Thus, an oxygen-rich MT process is promisingly suggested for producing large-sized GdBCO bulks with insignificant degradation of superconducting properties. Finally, a new Ba-rich precursor was applied by adding an Sm242 compound. It was deduced that the addition of a substantial amount of Sm242 may enhance the critical current density Jc with an insignificant reduction of Tc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new Zn(ii) metal–organic coordination polymers, [Zn3(STDC)3(py)2] (1), [Zn3(STDC)3(4,4′-bpy)] (2), [Zn3(STDC)3(bpea)] · 3H2O (3), where H2STDC = trans-stilbene-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, py = pyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, bpea = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, were prepared by solvothermal reactions of Zn(ii) acetate with H2STDC in the presence of py or linear bis(pyridyl) molecules. Compound 1is a 2D triangle-tessellated layered network based on a pinwheel trinuclear zinc-carboxylate clusters as secondary building unit with py as the terminal ligand. Compounds 2and 3contain similar layers, which are linked into layer-pillared 3D frameworks by the ditopic bipy or bpea ligand in place of py. Comparing the structures of 2and 3, the increase in pillar length does not lead to increased multiplicity in interpenetration, due to the limitation of the intralayer space dimensions, but it induces expanded and unequal interlayer separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonolysis reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3Ln(μ-Cl)Li(THF)3(Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) with 3 equiv of 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thiol (dmpymtH) gave rise to the four Ln(III) pyrimidine-2-thionate complexes Li[Ln(dmpymt)4] (Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), Sm (3), Eu (4)). Compounds 1−4were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the structures of 1−4are similar and each eight-coordinate Ln(III) ion is chelated by four dmpymt ligands. Complexes 1−4display excellent catalytic performance in the cyclodimerization of isocyanates to produce substituted ureas via elimination of CO, which represents the first example of lanthanide thiolates exhibiting a high catalytic activity and a high selectivity in the cyclodimerization of isocyanates. The effects of the solvents, temperatures, catalyst loadings, and rare-earth metals on the catalytic activities of the complexes were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish a triple-stacking capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation method to monitor methotrexate (MTX) and its eight metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three stacking methods with different mechanisms were combined and incorporated into CE separation. Complete stacking and sharp peaks were achieved. Firstly, the optimized buffer (60 mM phosphate containing 15% THF and 100 mM SDS) was filled into the capillary, which was followed by the higher conductivity buffer (100 mM phosphate, 2 psi for 45 s). The analytes extracted from CSF were injected at 2 psi for 99.9 s, which provided long sample zones and pH junction for focusing. Finally, the stacking step was performed by sweeping, and separation was achieved by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The results of the linear regression equations indicated high linearity ( r ≥ 0.9981) over the range of 0.5-7 μM. In intra- and inter-batch results, all data of RSD and RE were below 11%, indicating good precision and accuracy of this method. The LODs (S/ N = 3) were 0.1 μM for MTX, 7-hydroxymethotrexate (7-OHMTX) and MTX-polyglutamates (MTX-(Glu)), 0.2 μM for MTX-(Glu), and 0.3 μM for 2,4-diamino- N-methylpteroic acid (DAMPA) and MTX-(Glu). Our method was implemented for analysis of MTX and its metabolites in the CSF, and could be used for evaluation of its curative effects of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. The data were also confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results showed good coincidence. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized moment balancing templates for spectral null codes are investigated in this paper. A new approach based on the insertion of a determined number of vectors at determinate indices of a spectral null code word, is found to balance the moment of the code word. Moment balanced code words preserve the spectral null properties and can guarantee the correction of one insertion or one deletion error. As compared to the universal template for an uncoded sequence, the redundancy is determined by the structure of the original spectral null code, however, it can be kept small. The new approach involves the applications of the optimized moment balancing template and nonbinary enumeration of the balancing moment values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvothermal reactions of Zn(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Co(II), or Ni(II) salts and 2-pyrimidinecarbonitrile (pymCN) in the presence of NaN3in DMF yielded seven metal−organic coordination polymers formulated as [Zn(pymtz)2]n(1), [NaMII(pymtz)3]n·G (M = Zn 2, Cd 3, Mn 4, Co for 5, and Ni for 6; G = DMF and/or H2O) and [Cd(pymtz)2]n(7) [pymtz = 5-(2′-pyrimidyl)tetrazolato]. Compounds 2−6are isomorphous and all contain neutral honeycomb layers in which pymtz serves as a bis(chelating) bridge between M(II) (M = Zn for 2, Cd for 3, Mn for 4, Co for 5, and Ni for 6) and Na, and the ellipse stacking of the layers generates one-dimensional hexagonal channels. Compounds 1and 7exhibit different (4,4) square grid networks. In 1, the Zn ions are octahedrally coordinated and linked by pymtz ligands in the μ2tridentate bridging mode, while in 7, the Cd(II) ions are eight-coordinated with a square prismatic geometry and bridged by bis(chelating) pymtz ligands. Compounds 2and 3can transform into 1and 7, respectively, by immersing the sample in appropriate solvents. Interestingly, photoluminescence measurements on Zn(II) and Cd(II) compounds show that the emission bands can be correlated to the coordination modes of the pymtz ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation is a commonly adopted process as a pretreatment step for minimizing membrane fouling. Three coagulants, polyaluminum chloride (PACl), alum, and FeCl3 were tested under four mixing-settling schemes for turbidity and natural organic matters (NOM) removal. The organic matters in the raw waters were fractionated by high performance size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC) system and were characterized using the excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra. Sufficient rapid mixing and slow mixing or applying two-stage coagulation benefit turbidity removal using PACl or FeCl3 under “electrostatic patch coagulation” (EPC) mechanism. The EPC mechanism is not efficient for alum coagulation. At higher coagulant doses, the NOM removal is not affected by mixing condition. Intensive rapid mixing alone benefits NOM removal using PACl or FeCl3. Alum is a poor coagulant for NOM removal under EPC mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slow transit time of the colon in females with constipation is due to impairment of agonist-induced contraction. The impairment is associated with downregulation of G proteins that mediate contraction and upregulation of Gs proteins that mediate relaxation. These changes are caused by overexpression of progesterone (P4) receptors in the colon, rendering its muscle cells sensitive to physiological P4 concentrations. Downregulation of Gq/11 is mediated by P4 receptor B (PR-B). We examined whether upregulation of Gs proteins increased the inhibition of contraction and whether the increase is mediated by the P4 receptor A (PR-A). These studies were conducted in colon-isolated colon muscle cells from human control and slow-transit constipation (STC) females and from guinea pigs. Muscle cell contraction was induced by CCK-8. Inhibition of contraction was induced by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and 8'bromo-c'AMP (8B-c'AMP) G protein levels were determined by Western blot. VIP-induced inhibition of contraction was greater in muscle cells from STC and P4-treated muscle cells. There were no differences in the inhibition induced by 8B-c'AMP between muscle cells from SIC and P4-treated controls. The increased VIP- induced inhibition of muscle cells treated with P4 was blocked by pretreatment with PR-A antibodies and unaffected by PR-B antibodies. These antibodies had no effect on 8B-c'AMP induced-inhibition. The P4 upregulation of Gs proteins was blocked by PR-A antibodies and unaffected by PR-B antibodies. Similar results were obtained in muscle cells from guinea pig colons. We concluded that P4 upregulation of Gs proteins increases VIP-induced inhibition of contraction mediated by PR-A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a highly selective enzymeless approach for the determination of phosphate (PO43-) by flow injection analysis (FIA). In this system, the activation of barrel plated nickel electrode (Ni-BPE) in alkaline media to form a Ni(OH)2/NiO(OH) film was found to trigger the adsorption of phosphate at the electrode surface. Based on the suppressed current of the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose at the activated Ni-BPE in 0.1 M NaOH solution caused by adsorption of phosphate, we develop an FIA detection scheme for the determination of phosphate. Under the optimized conditions of flow rate =300 μL/min and detection potential =0.55 V vs Ag/AgCl with 25 μM glucose in 0.1 M NaOH as carrier solution, the calibration curve showed a linear range up to 1 mM. Possible interferences from the coexisting ions were also investigated. The results demonstrated that sensor could be used for the determination of phosphate in the presence of nitrate, chloride, sulfate, acetate, oxalate, carbonate, and some anionic species of toxicological and environmental interest, such as chlorate, chromate, and arsenate ions. The electrode can be effectively regenerated without extra treatment under the hydrodynamic condition. For eight continuous injections of 40 μM PO43-, a relative standard deviation of 0.28% was obtained, indicating good reproducibility of the proposed method. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was calculated as 0.3 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our previous study showed that, in basal cell carcinoma cells, arecoline reduces levels of the tumor cell survival factor interleukin-6 (IL-6), increases levels of tumor suppressor factor p53, and elicits cell cycle arrest, followed by apoptosis. In preliminarily studies, we observed that arecoline induces detachment of the human-derived hepatoma cell line HA22T/VGH from the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we explored the fate of the detached HA22T/VGH cells and investigated the underlying mechanism. Methods: HA22T/VGH cells or primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with arecoline, then changes in morphology, viability, apoptosis, and the expression of surface β1-integrin, apoptosis-related proteins, and IL-6 were examined. Furthermore, activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and the RhoA/Rock signaling pathway, including p190RhoGAP and Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase SHP2, was examined. Results: A low concentration of arecoline (≤ 100 μg/ml) caused cytoskeletal changes in HA22T/VGH cells, but not hepatocytes, and this was accompanied by decreased β1-integrin expression and followed by apoptosis, indicating that HA22T/VGH cells undergo anoikis after arecoline treatment. IL-6 expression and phosphorylation of STAT3, which provides protection against anoikis, were inhibited and levels of downstream signaling proteins, including Bcl-XL and Bcl-2, were decreased, while Bax expression, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activity were increased. In addition, phosphorylation/activation of p190RhoGAP, a RhoA inhibitor, and of its upstream regulator, SHP2, was inhibited by arecoline treatment, while Rho/Rock activation was increased. Addition of the RhoA inhibitor attenuated the effects of arecoline. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that arecoline induces anoikis of HA22T/VGH cells involving inhibition of STAT3 and increased RhoA/Rock activation and that the STAT3 and RhoA/Rock signaling pathways are connected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a 62 year old Chinese woman admitted to the emergency department after complaints of shortness of breath with a past medical history of hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes with multiple end-organ complications and dialysis-dependent end-stage renal failure. She was diagnosed with fluid overload and was found to have HbG-Honolulu which involves the substitution of a negatively charged glutamate of a uncharged glutamine at codon 31 of the a-globin gene.

The low volume shrinkage phenomena occurring during thermal treatments of gibbsite (Al(OH)3) crystal were examined using TEM techniques. Normally, gibbsite shows a pseudomorphic transformation. The outward gibbsite crystal form can be preserved despite the fact that phase transformation proceeds from gibbsite to χ-, to κ-, then to α-phase alumina. Examinations revealed that a sequential nanocrystal habit evolution developed, from χ-flak to κ-pillar or pole, then to α-pea pods, as phase transformation proceeded. Calculations relating the increases in sequential density with the corresponding new packing patterns exhibited as transition phases occur demonstrate that pseudomorphic transformation can be performed perfectly. It is this mechanism that eventually leads to the low volume shrinkage of gibbsite aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis  The pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is related to aging in the pelvic organ support, and mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major contributors to aging. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between alternations of mitochondrial DNA and progression of POP. Methods  Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied in the present study. Uterosacral ligaments (UL) were obtained from 45 POP patients and 38 myoma patients without POP. Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation analysis were applied in the comparison between POP and non-POP patients. Results  The results revealed that significant depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and an increase in the incidence of 4977 deletion of mtDNA (mtDNA4977) in the UL tissue of POP patients. Conclusions  The alternations of mtDNA may play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis and process of POP formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]