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Observational studies on the association between citrus fruit intake and risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have reported inconsistent results. We quantitatively assessed this association by conducting a meta‐analysis. PubMed and Embase databases search was conducted including relevant studies published up to January, 2020. We included epidemiological studies that reported relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between citrus fruit intake and RCC risk. A total of eight epidemiological studies consisting of five cohort and three case‐control studies were included. The overall analysis showed a significantly reduced risk of RCC for high intake of citrus fruit (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.95). No heterogeneity was detected among the included studies (p = 0.497 for heterogeneity; I2 = 0). There was no significant publication bias by Begg's test (p = 0.266) or Egger's test (P = 0.578). A statistically significant association between citrus fruit intake and RCC was observed in case‐control studies (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.98), while no association was observed in cohort studies (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.64–1.05). In addition, the dose–response analysis indicated that the RCC risk reduced by 13% (95%CI 1.0%‐27%, p = 0.04 for heterogeneity) for each 100 grams per day increment of citrus fruit intake. In summary, our findings suggest an inverse association between citrus fruit intake and RCC incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin superconductor state is the spin-polarized triplet exciton condensate, which can be viewed as a counterpart of the charge superconductor state. As an analogy of the charge Josephson effect, the spin Josephson effect can be generated in the spin superconductor/normal metal/spin superconductor junctions. Here we study the spin supercurrent in the Josephson junctions consisting of two spin superconductors with noncollinear spin polarizations. For the Josephson junctions with out-of-plane spin polarizations, the possible π -state spin supercurrent appears due to the Fermi momentum-splitting Andreev-like reflections at the normal metal/spin superconductor interfaces. For the Josephson junctions with in-plane spin polarizations, the anomalous spin supercurrent appears and is driven by the misorientation angle of the in-plane polarizations. The symmetry analysis shows that the appearance of the anomalous spin Josephson current is possible when the combined symmetry of the spin rotation and the time reversal is broken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, image processing techniques are employed to investigate the growth and detachment characteristics of initial bubbles in vertical glass tubes. The study explores the effects of different continuous phases (water and Therminol®66), nozzle diameters, air flow rates, and continuous phase liquid levels on the detachment diameter and shape of bubbles. Furthermore, based on the detachment characteristics obtained under various experimental conditions, a novel predictive model for bubble detachment diameter is established in both water and Therminol®66. The results show that the bubble detachment diameter in the continuous phase therminol® 66 is larger than the bubble detachment diameter in water, and that the shape of the bubbles in therminol® 66 is close to spherical, with an ellipsoidal shape in water. With the increase in nozzle diameter and airflow, the bubble detachment diameter increases, and the shape is stretched in the vertical direction. With the increase in the continuous phase liquid level, the bubble detachment diameter decreases, and the shape change is not significant. In addition, the accuracy of the bubble detachment diameter prediction model was validated through experimental data. Compared with the experimental values, the average absolute errors were 5.04% and 5.11% in water and Therminol®66, respectively. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of initial bubble growth and detachment, providing valuable references for nozzle design. [Display omitted] • The growth characteristics of initial bubbles under different working fluids are studied • The shape and diameter of the bubble detachment process are studied under different operating conditions. • A new bubble detachment diameter prediction model is established [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equiatomic CoCrNi medium-entropy alloys exhibit superior strength and ductility. In this work, a non-equiatomic CoCrNi alloy with low stacking fault energy was designed, and different fractions of V were added to control the stacking fault energy and lattice distortion. Mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests, and deformation microstructures were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The main deformation mechanisms of CoCrNiV alloy with low V content are dislocation slip, stacking faults, and deformation-induced HCP phase transformation, while the dominant deformation patterns of CoCrNiV alloy with high V contents are dislocation slip and stacking faults. The yield strength increases dramatically when the V content is high, and the strain-hardening behavior changes non-monotonically with increasing the V content. V addition increases the stacking fault energy (SFE) and lattice distortion. The lower strain-hardening rate of 6V alloy than that of 2V alloy is dominated by the SFE. The higher strain-hardening rate of 10V alloy than that of 6V alloy is dominated by the lattice distortion. The effects of V addition on the SFE, lattice distortion, and strain-hardening behavior are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of soy protein isolated at different pH values (1–9) on the self-assembly behaviors of bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate (BCNs/SPI) colloidal particles via anti-solvent precipitation were investigated. The results showed that the formation of BCNs/SPI at pH values of 1–5 was mainly driven by electrostatic interaction, while the formation of those at pH values of 5–9 was driven by weak molecular interactions including hydrogen bonding and steric-hindrance effect. The FTIR demonstrated that the conformation of protein involved a transition from order to disorder at the level of secondary structure as pH values were away from the isoelectric point. The fluorescence spectroscopy and UV–vis adsorption spectroscopy indicated that hydrophobic region of SPI at pH value of 5 displayed more exposed as compared with that at pH values away from the isoelectric point. The changes in structure conformation of SPI induced by pH values led to the changes in properties of the BCNs/SPI colloidal particles including particle size, microstructure, crystallinity, hydrophily, thermal stability, and rheological properties. Furthermore, the structures of BCNs/SPI colloidal particles at different pH values significantly affected the stability of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by the corresponding complex colloidal particles. This study provided a theoretical basis for the design of food-grade Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by BCNs/SPI complex colloidal particles. [Display omitted] • The self-assembly behaviors of BCNs/SPI induced by pH were compared. • The structure of SPI induced by pH affected the assembly behaviors of BCNs/SPI. • The properties of Pickering emulsion gels were markedly affected by BCNs/SPI at different pH. • This study provided a theoretical basis for design of edible Pickering emulsion gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical synapse is the basic component for optical neuromorphic computing and is attracting great attention, mainly due to its great potential in many fields, such as image recognition, artificial intelligence and artificial visual perception systems. However, optical synapse with infrared (IR) response has rarely been reported. InAs nanowires (NWs) have a direct narrow bandgap and a large surface to volume ratio, making them a promising material for IR detection. Here, we demonstrate a near-infrared (NIR) (750 to 1550 nm) optical synapse for the first time based on a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE))-coated InAs NW field-effect transistor (FET). The responsivity of the P(VDF-TrFE)-coated InAs NW FET reaches 839.3 A/W under 750 nm laser illumination, demonstrating the advantage of P(VDF-TrFE) coverage. The P(VDF-TrFE)-coated InAs NW device exhibits optical synaptic behaviors in response to NIR light pulses, including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and a transformation from short-term plasticity (STP) to long-term plasticity (LTP). The working mechanism is attributed to the polarization effect in the ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) layer, which dominates the trapping and de-trapping characteristics of photogenerated holes. These findings have significant implications for the development of artificial neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present single soliton states and soliton-antisoliton states with an adjoint Higgs field in 4D flat space. The action of a single soliton state diverges, while the action of soliton-antisoliton states converges. The interaction in a soliton-antisoliton state takes a logarithmic dependence on separation. Such soliton-antisoliton states exhibit stability under a scaling transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure change rate (PCR) of the brake chamber is the key control parameter and evaluation index in the pneumatic braking system for intelligent braking. The PCR threshold value of commercial vehicle brake chambers for braking comfort is analyzed. The PCR measurement method based on a laminar flow resistance tube is proposed, and the PCR test system is designed. The simulation model of a PCR test system for commercial vehicle brake chambers is presented. By analyzing the simulation and experimental results, it is validated that the PCR test system of commercial vehicle brake chambers has the function of measuring PCR in real time. Finally, according to the MSA (Measurement System Analysis) evaluation method, the performance of the PCR test system for commercial vehicle brake chambers is analyzed, and the correctness and applicability of the test system are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding sandwich-type shale oil reservoir characterized by diversified lithologies and complex fluid mobility, we combined one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) core analysis techniques to quantitatively study the movable oil and fluid saturations of rock samples with different lithologies. First, we used 2D T1-T2 NMR to analyze the spectrum curve of the dolomitic mudstone and siltstone samples from a sandwich-type shale oil reservoir at initial and oil-saturated states. We evaluated the occurrence of movable oil saturations in source and reservoir rocks. Then, we analyzed samples of the siltstone serving as the reservoir rock using a centrifuge combined with 1D NMR approach to evaluate the characteristics of movable fluid saturations inside the reservoir. The results showed that the samples of dolomitic mudstone serving as the source rock in the sandwich-type shale oil reservoir in the Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar had the occurrence of kerogen and bitumen signals, the development of small- and medium-scale organic matter pores, and an average movable oil saturation of 15.6%. The siltstone serving as the reservoir rock had an average movable oil saturation of 53.8%, and its movable fluid saturation was positively correlated with porosity and permeability. For samples whose porosity was greater than 12% and permeability was greater than 0.1 mD, their movable fluid saturations usually were higher than 40%. Therefore, siltstone was the preferable diagenetic facies for the development of high-quality reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney tubules are mostly responsible for pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Actively reabsorption of iron, high rate of lipid metabolism and exposure to concentrated redox-active compounds constructed the three main pillars of ferroptosis in tubular cells. However, limited evidence has indicated that ferroptosis is indispensable for diabetic tubular injury. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) processed strong benefits on kidney outcomes in people with diabetes. Moreover, GLP-1RA may have additive effects by improving dysmetabolism besides glucose control and weight loss. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the benefits of exendin-4, a high affinity GLP-1RA on kidney tubular dysregulation in diabetes and the possible mechanisms involved, with focus on ferroptosis and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mitochondrial lipid metabolism pathway. Our data revealed that exendin-4 treatment markedly improved kidney structure and function by reducing iron overload, oxidative stress, and ACSL4-driven lipid peroxidation taken place in diabetic kidney tubules, along with reduced GPX4 expression and GSH content. AMPK signaling was identified as the downstream target of exendin-4, and enhancement of AMPK triggered the transmit of its downstream signal to activate fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria and suppress lipid synthesis and glycolysis, and ultimately alleviated toxic lipid accumulation and ferroptosis. Further study suggested that exendin-4 was taken up by tubular cells via macropinocytosis. The protective effect of exendin-4 on tubular ferroptosis was abolished by macropinocytosis blockade. Taken together, present work demonstrated the beneficial effects of GLP-1RA treatment on kidney tubular protection in diabetes by suppressing ferroptosis through enhancing AMPK-fatty acid metabolic signaling via macropinocytosis. • GLP-1RA treatment attenuates ferroptosis of tubular cells in diabetes. • AMPK signal is the downstream target of GLP-1RA to relieve toxic lipid accumulation. • Macropinocytosis of GLP-1RA enhances AMPK-fatty acid metabolic signaling in tubules. • The benefits of GLP-1RA might be promising in various kidney diseases besides DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new apigenin cocrystal APG–PIP has been prepared with piperazine coformer. • The crystal structure of APG–PIP has been resolved and investigated. • The concentration of APG shows linear relationship with the dosage of APG–PIP. As a natural flavonoid, apigenin (APG) has garnered considerable attention for its broad pharmacological properties. Unfortunately, the extremely poor aqueous solubility greatly restricts its clinical efficacy. Cocrystallization has been taken as an important approach to modulate physicochemical properties of parent drug. In this paper, piperazine (PIP) has been selected to assembly with APG and APG–PIP cocrystal has been successfully fabricated and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and various analytical methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates APG–PIP crystallizes in the P 2 1 / c space group of monoclinic system and comprises neutral APG and PIP with the ratio of 1:1. APG and PIP are linked via O–H···N/N–H···O hydrogen bonds with a resulting 2D fes network. The 2D networks are further extended via π···π stacking interactions to afford its 3D architecture. The APG illustrates highly enhanced solubility and dissolving rate in APG–PIP cocrystal comparing with parent APG. It is notable that APG–PIP presents different equilibrium concentrations of APG along with insoluble residue when different dosages of APG–PIP are introduced. We speculate that APG and PIP may not be released equally within APG–PIP in aqueous medium due to their neutral nature and huge difference in solubility, and the existence of PIP can facilitate the dissolving of APG. This speculation has been further confirmed by investigation of relationship between equilibrium concentrations of APG and dosage of APG–PIP as well as powder dissolution experiment. The equilibrium concentrations are 0.118, 0.382, 0.556, 0.767, and 0.904 mg/mL when 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg APG–PIP was put into 5 mL H 2 O and reveals good linear relation. The "spring and parachute" phenomenon and final similar solubility with parent APG in powder dissolution profile can be ascribed to the synergetic effect of metastable supersaturation and decreased PIP concentration due to withdrawing-replenishing operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas reservoirs have pores of various sizes, in which gas flows in different patterns. The coexistence of multiple gas flow patterns is common. In order to quantitatively characterize the flow pattern in the process of shale gas depletion development, a physical simulation experiment of shale gas depletion development was designed, and a high-pressure on-line NMR analysis method of gas flow pattern in this process was proposed. The signal amplitudes of methane in pores of various sizes at different pressure levels were calculated according to the conversion relationship between the NMR T 2 relaxation time and pore radius, and then, the flow patterns of methane in pores of various sizes under different pore pressure conditions were analyzed as per the flow pattern determination criteria. It is found that there are three flow patterns in the process of shale gas depletion development, i.e., continuous medium flow, slip flow, and transitional flow, which account for 73.5%, 25.8%, and 0.7% of total gas flow, respectively. When the pore pressure is high, the continuous medium flow is dominant. With the gas production in shale reservoir, the pore pressure decreases, the Knudsen number increases, and the pore size range of slip flow zone and transitional flow zone expands. When the reservoir pressure is higher than the critical desorption pressure, the adsorbed gas is not desorbed intensively, and the produced gas is mainly free gas. When the reservoir pressure is lower than the critical desorption pressure, the adsorbed gas is gradually desorbed, and the proportion of desorbed gas in the produced gas gradually increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play important roles in many physiological processes of mosquitoes. Previous high-throughput sequencing studies have revealed that some OBPs of Culex quinquefasciatus might be involved in the development of resistance to insecticides. Methods: Based on the results of sequencing analyses, the OBP28 gene was selected for evaluation in this study. Three laboratory strains of Cx. quinquefasciatus [susceptible strain (SS), deltamethrin-resistant strain 1 (HN) and deltamethrin-resistant strain 2 (RR)] were first examined by using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassay, after which the expression level of the OBP28 gene in the susceptible and deltamethrin-resistant strains was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The OBP28 gene in deltamethrin-resistant strain RR was silenced using RNA interference technology. The expression level of OBP28 and the resistance level were tested in the silenced strain and control strain after microinjection of double-stranded RNA for a 48-h interference period. Four field-collected strains (henceforth 'field strains') of Cx. quinquefasciatus were also examined for their resistance to deltamethrin and levels of OBP28 expression. Finally, a correlation analysis between deltamethrin resistance and gene expression was carried out for all seven strains, i.e. the four field strains and the three laboratory strains. Results: In the bioassay, the mortality of SS, HN and RR was 100%, 21.33% and 1.67%, respectively. The relative expression levels of OBP28 in strains HN and RR were 6.30- and 6.86-fold higher, respectively, than that of strain SS. After silencing of the OBP28 gene, the mortality of strain RR was 72.20% and that of the control strain 26.32%. The mortality of strain RR increased significantly after interference compared to that of the control strain. There was a negative correlation between OBP28 gene expression and mortality in adult mosquitoes after exposure to deltamethrin. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study shows for the first time a correlation between the expression of a gene coding for OBP and insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. The potential resistance mechanism that was elucidated provides a new target gene for the surveillance of resistance in mosquitoes. Highlights: RNA sequencing showed that OBP28 gene expression was higher in the deltamethrin-resistant strains. The qPCR results verified that OBP28 gene expression was higher in the resistant strains. RNA interference silenced the OBP28 gene at an efficiency of more than 50%. The sensitivity of Cx. quinquefasciatus to deltamethrin increased after OBP28 had been silenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-angle neutron scattering and high-pressure mercury intrusion capillary pressure testing are integrated to analyze the pore size distribution of the broad sense shale oil reservoir samples of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, China. The results show that, compared with the measurement method integrating gas adsorption and mercury intrusion, combination of small-angle neutron scattering and mercury intrusion can more accurately characterize full-scale pore size distribution. The full-scale pore size distribution curve of the rock samples in the study area includes two types: the declining type and submicron pore-dominated type. The declining type is mainly found with silty mudstone and dolomitic mudstone, and most of its pores are smaller than 80 nm. Silt-fine sandstones and dolarenite are mostly of the submicron pores-dominated type, with most pores smaller than 500 nm. They also present large specific pore volumes and average pore diameters of macropores and are the favorable lithogenous facies for development of high-quality reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although several acupuncture and moxibustion therapies have been tested in managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), there is little consensus regarding the best options for treating this condition. This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of various acupuncture and/or moxibustion therapies for BCRL. Methods: Seven databases and two clinical registration centers were searched from their inception to December 1st, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias assessment tool evaluated the quality of included RCTs. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed in STATA 16.0, while a network meta-analysis was performed in R 4.2.2. Results: 18 studies were included in this analysis. Our results showed that acupuncture and moxibustion methods had great advantages in improving BCRL of patients with breast cancer. In particular, needle-warming moxibustion (NWM) could be the optimal acupuncture and moxibustion method for improving clinical effectiveness and reducing the degree of swelling of affected limbs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that NWM has great potential in treating BCRL. It may reduce arm circumference, lower swelling levels, and improve clinical effectiveness. Nevertheless, more multi-center, high-quality, and large sample RCTs will be needed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the off-resonant circularly polarized light on the Josephson current in the time-reversal broken superconducting Weyl semimetal junctions is investigated by using the Bogoliubov–de Gennes equation and the transfer matrix approach. Both the zero momentum BCS pairing states and the finite momentum Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov (FFLO) pairing states are considered for the Weyl superconductors. When a circularly polarized light is applied, it is shown that the current phase relation remains unchanged for the BCS pairing with the increasing of incident radiation intensity A0. For FFLO pairing, the Josephson current exhibits the 0–π transition and periodic oscillation as a function of A0. The dependence of free energy and critical current on A0 are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the effects of emulsion particle sizes on the properties of novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based emulsion films, four types of Pickering emulsions with different oil phase (10%, 30%, 50% and 70%, v/v) were prepared by the same stabilizers (2% BCNs/SPI colloidal particles dispersions) and added into the film-forming solutions to keep the same final oil content (0.2%, w/v) in all KGM-based emulsion films. The results showed that the average particle sizes of the prepared Pickering emulsion increased with the increase of the oil phase in emulsion system. The microstructure analyses indicated that the KGM-based emulsion films became smoother as the emulsion particle sizes increased. Moreover, the contact angle values of KGM-based emulsion films slightly increased with the increase of the emulsion particle sizes, while the thermal stability of KGM-based films was not significantly affected by the particle sizes. Furthermore, the KGM-based emulsion films formed mainly through the hydrogen bond interactions as analyzed by FTIR. In addition, with the increase of the emulsion particle sizes, physical and mechanical properties of KGM-based emulsion films were significantly affected. Taken together, these results suggested that the particle sizes of Pickering emulsions had remarkable effects on the properties of KGM-based emulsion films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is highly challenging to treat owing to its variable morphology and tendency for rupture and regrowth. In this study, we attempted to discuss the key techniques for overlapping low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) stent-assisted coil embolization, which is used for treating BBAs in our center. Clinical characteristics, endovascular treatment details, outcomes, and follow-up results of 13 patients with BBA treated at our center were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Overlapping LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization was successfully performed in all 13 patients of ruptured BBAs located in the ICAs. Recurrence of aneurysm was observed in 4 cases (30.8%) during the angiographic follow-up; in 2 of these cases, spontaneous healing was observed after discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy. Further, 2 patients with recurrence underwent endovascular treatment with complete obliteration of the aneurysm in one and occlusion of the parent artery after Onyx embolization and stent placement in the other. The overall obliteration rate of the BBAs was 92.3% (12/13). One patient (7.7%) developed intraoperative rupture of the aneurysm with coils protruding outside; however, no severe hemorrhage or neurological dysfunction occurred owing to timely embolization. Overlapping LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization is effective for management of BBA of the ICA. Appropriate adjustment in antiplatelet therapy may improve healing in recurrent cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is crucial for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed children because of their increased risk of morbidity and mortality from various vaccine-preventable diseases. However, studies have shown that they are at high risk of incomplete vaccination. Although China has developed prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programs substantially over the past decades, few studies have investigated the immunization levels of Chinese HIV-exposed children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate vaccination coverage and its associated factors among HIV-exposed children in China during 2016‒2018. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort review of all cases of Chinese HIV-exposed children born between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018 recorded in the Chinese information system on PMTCT. The vaccination coverage indicators refer to the percentage of children who received recommended basic vaccines, including Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), hepatitis B (HepB), polio, measles-containing vaccine (MCV), and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing (DTP) vaccine. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses expressed as crude odds ratios (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs), each with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), were performed to compare the proportional differences of factors associated with vaccine coverage. Results: Among the enrolled 10 033 children, the vaccination rate was 54.1% for BCG, 84.5% for complete HepB vaccination, 54.5% for complete polio vaccination, 51.3% for MCV, and 59.5% for complete DTP vaccination. Children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) were 2.46‒3.82 times less likely to be vaccinated than HIV-exposed uninfected children. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that children of Han ethnicity (aOR = 1.33‒2.04), children with early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV (aOR = 1.86‒3.17), and children whose mothers had better education (college or above, aOR = 1.63‒2.51) had higher odds of being vaccinated. Most of the deceased children (aOR = 4.28‒21.55) missed vaccination, and PHIV (aOR = 2.46‒3.82) significantly affected immunization. Conclusions: Chinese HIV-exposed children had low vaccination coverage, which is a serious health challenge that needs to be addressed thoroughly. Interventions should be developed with a focus on minority HIV-exposed children whose mothers do not have formal education. Particularly, more attention should be paid to EID to increase access to immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcomas is a group of heterogeneous malignant tumors originated from mesenchymal tissue and different types of sarcomas have disparate outcomes. The present study aims to identify the prognostic value of immune-related genes (IRGs) in sarcoma and establish a prognostic signature based on IRGs.Methods: We collected the expression profile and clinical information of 255 soft tissue sarcoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 2498 IRGs from the ImmPort database. The LASSO algorithm and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the best candidate genes and construct a signature. The prognostic ability of the signature was evaluated by ROC curves and Kaplan-Meier survival curves and validated in an independent cohort. Besides, a nomogram based on the IRGs and independent prognostic clinical variables was developed.Results: A total of 19 IRGs were incorporated into the signature. In the training cohort, the AUC values of signature at 1-, 2-, and 3-years were 0.938, 0.937 and 0.935, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated that high-risk patients were significantly worse prognosis (P < 0.001). In the validation cohort, the AUC values of signature at 1-, 2-, and 3-years were 0.730, 0.717 and 0.647, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve also showed significant distinct survival outcome between two risk groups. Furthermore, a nomogram based on the signature and four prognostic variables showed great accuracy in whole sarcoma patients and subgroup analyses. More importantly, the results of the TF regulatory network and immune infiltration analysis revealed the potential molecular mechanism of IRGs.Conclusions: In general, we identified and validated an IRG-based signature, which can be used as an independent prognostic signature in evaluating the prognosis of sarcoma patients and provide potential novel immunotherapy targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Updated tuning methodology of vibration absorber to improve the machining stability. • Stability pocket relocation to maximize critical cutting depth at specified speed. • Design of stability pocket considering robustness of cutting parameter selection. • Fast and accurate identification of chatter stability boundary. • Two-dimensional chatter stability optimization and milling cutter application. The Equal Real Troughs optimization criterion of vibration absorber improves unconditionally stable cutting depth of single-dimensional chatter vibration. However, the stability pockets within the lobes are decreased after tuning, which therefore causes the machining efficiency reduction at certain spindle speed. Noting that the spindle speed is preferred as a constant in the workshop once the assembly of machine tool/cutter/workpiece are determined, an updated optimization methodology is proposed to maximize the critical cutting depth within specified spindle speed range by utilizing the lobing effect. The optimization routine is formulated based on the boundary identification of stability lobe diagram (SLD), which is derived by the Zero-Order Analytical (ZOA) solution. The tuning methodology is validated on the design of vibration absorber in order to raise the machining stability of slender milling/turning cutter with large length-diameter ratio. The updated methodology enables the stability lobes relocation of single/two-dimensional chatter vibration for achieving higher critical cutting depth at specified spindle speed, and assures the stability width assignable considering the robustness of cutting parameter selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The carotid plaque calcification is independently associated with the WMHs. • Intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis was not associated with the WMHs. • Carotid plaque characteristics may have closer association with the WMHs. This study aimed to investigate the associations of atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries with severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in symptomatic patients using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Patients with cerebrovascular symptoms and carotid plaque were recruited from the cross-sectional, multicenter study of CARE-II. Luminal stenosis of intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries, carotid plaque compositional features, and WMHs were evaluated by brain structural and vascular MR imaging. The atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries were compared between patients with and without moderate-to-severe WMHs (Fazekas score > 2), and their associations with severity of WMHs were analyzed using logistic regression. Of the recruited 622 patients (mean age, 58.7 ± 10.9 years; 422 males), 221 (35.5 %) had moderate-to-severe WMHs with higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe luminal stenosis (17.0 % vs. 10.4 %), intraplaque hemorrhage (15.7 % vs. 9.0 %), thin/ruptured fibrous cap (30.2 % vs. 20.4 %), calcification (44.4 % vs. 22.2 %) and lipid-rich necrotic core (63.8 % vs. 51.1 %) in carotid artery compared to those without (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that carotid calcification (OR, 1.854; 95 % CI, 1.187–2.898; P = 0.007) was independently associated with moderate-to-severe WMHs after adjusting for confounding factors. No significant association was found between intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and moderate-to-severe WMHs (P > 0.05). Carotid atherosclerotic plaque features, particularly presence of calcification, were independently associated with severity of WMHs, but such association was not found in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, suggesting that carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics may have closer association with severity of WMHs compared to intracranial atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to explore the prognostic risk factors of lung cancer (LC) patients and establish a line chart prediction model. Methods: A total of 322 LC patients were taken as the study subjects. They were randomly divided into a training set (n = 202) and a validation set (n = 120). Basic information and laboratory indicators were collected, and the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Single-factor and cyclooxygenase (COX) multivariate analyses were performed on the training set to construct a Nomogram prediction model, which was validated with 120 patients in the validation set, and Harrell's consistency was analyzed. Results: Single-factor analysis revealed significant differences in PFS (P< 0.05) between genders, body mass index (BMI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), treatment methods, treatment response evaluation, smoking status, presence of pericardial effusion, and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) at 0 and 1– 50%. Significant differences in OS (P< 0.05) were observed for age, tumor location, treatment methods, White blood cells (WBC), uric acid (UA), CA125, pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP), SCCA, cytokeratin fragment 21 (CYFRA21), and smoking status. COX analysis identified male gender, progressive disease (PD) as treatment response, and SCCA > 1.6 as risk factors for LC PFS. The consistency indices of the line chart models for predicting PFS and OS were 0.782 and 0.772, respectively. Conclusion: Male gender, treatment response of PD, and SCCA > 1.6 are independent risk factors affecting the survival of LC patients. The PFS line chart model demonstrates good concordance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S100A12 is a member of S100 calcium‐binding proteins with effect to promote inflammation in brain damage and stroke. However, the role of S100A12 in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains to be clarified. This study aimed to explore the effect of S100A12 on I/R and discover the possible mechanism. Oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) was used to induce I/R injury model in vitro. Knockdown or overexpression of S100A12 was utilized to explore the role of S100A12 in I/R‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. Results indicated that S100A12 expression was dramatically upregulated after OGD/R. Knockdown of S100A12 inhibited, while overexpression of S100A12 enhanced, the activation of ERK1/2 protein. OGD/R also triggered the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress, while these effects were blunted by S100A12 silencing and aggravated by S100A12 overexpression, and the presence of MAP kinase signaling system (ERK) inhibitor MK‐8353 counteracted the effect of S100A12 overexpression. Besides, S100A12 silencing abolished, while its overexpression restored, the OGD/R‐induced increased apoptosis rate and pro‐apoptotic proteins expression. Similarly, ERK inhibitor MK‐8353 reversed the effects of S100A12 overexpression. In conclusion, S100A12 promoted OGD/R‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis via activation of ERK signaling in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a family of intracellular polyester granules with sizes ranging from 100 to 500 nm. Due to their small sizes, it has been very difficult to separate the PHA granules from the bacterial broths. This study aims to engineer the PHA size control mechanism to obtain large PHA granular sizes beneficial for the separation. It has been reported that phasin (PhaP) is an amphiphilic protein located on the surface of PHA granules functioning to regulate sizes and numbers of PHA granules in bacterial cells, deletions on PhaPs result in reduced PHA granule number and enhanced granule sizes. Three genes phaP1 , phaP2 and phaP3 encoding three PhaP proteins were deleted in various combinations in halophilic bacterium Halomonas bluephagenesis TD01. The phaP1 -knockout strain generated much larger PHA granules with almost the same size as their producing cells without significantly affecting the PHA accumulation yet with a reduced PHA molecular weights. In contrast, the phaP2- and phaP3 -knockout strains produced slightly larger sizes of PHA granules with increased PHA molecular weights. While PHA accumulation by phaP3 -knockout strains showed a significant reduction. All of the PhaP deletion efforts could not form PHA granules larger than a normal size of H. bluephagenesis TD01. It appears that the PHA granular sizes could be limited by bacterial cell sizes. Therefore, genes minC and minD encoding proteins that block formation of cell fission rings (Z-rings) were over-expressed in various phaP deleted H. bluephagenesis TD01, resulting in large cell sizes of H. bluephagenesis TD01 containing PHA granules with sizes of up to 10 μm that has never been observed previously. It can be concluded that PHA granule sizes are limited by the cell sizes. By engineering a large cell morphology large PHA granules can be produced by PhaP deleted mutants. • The phaP1 -deleted H. bluephagenesis generated larger PHA granules with reduced number. • PHA granular sizes are limited by the cell sizes in PhaP deleted mutants of H. bluephagenesis. • Enlarged H. bluephagenesis (ΔphaP1) accumulates PHB granules with sizes of up to 10 μm. • Cells of H. bluephagenesis (ΔphaP1) were precipitated by weak centrifugation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The study was the first time that reported the disability prevalence attributed to neurotic disorder in China. • The study estimated the association between the disability attributed to neurotic disorders and some main social-demographic characters. • The prevalence of disability attributed to neurotic disorders is low in China and always leads to mild and moderate disability. Abstract This study estimated the prevalence, correlates, severity and functional impairment of disabilities attributed to neurotic disorders in the Chinese population. Data from a representative national sample of 2,526,145 non-institutionalized residents were obtained from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disabilities (CNSSD) in 2006. The data were analyzed to estimate prevalence, correlates, severity and functional impairment of disability attributable to neurotic disorders by gender, age, region, and other key socio-demographic and economic factors. The disability prevalence attributed to neurotic disorders was 0.032% (805/2,526,145) in China. Women, rural residents, unemployed job status, low education level and those who were divorced or widowed showed higher prevalence rates than their counterparts. Proportions of mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe of neurotic attributed disability only accounted for 78.48%, 9.14%, 6.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Finally, these findings provide evidence that, prevalence rates of disability attributable to neurotic disorders vary greatly among different population groups and regions. Multiple disabilities including disability attributable to neurotic disorders can bring much more impairment to individuals than disability attributable to neurotic disorder only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the impact of organizational legitimacy (OL) on the firm innovation? The extant literature shows ambiguous answers. This study argues that such an ambiguity stems from two neglected facts. First, OL is audience dependent. Second, OL varies across firm life cycle stages. This study clarifies political legitimacy (PL) and market legitimacy (ML) as two key types of OL, and distinguishes them in resources they provide access to and firm behaviors they result in. Then, it examines the impact of PL and ML on the product innovation in new ventures and established firms, respectively. Drawing on the data of 211 firms, this study finds that the relationship of PL to product innovation is inverted U-shaped in new ventures, while negative in established firms, and the linkage between ML and product innovation is positive in new ventures but inverted U-shaped in established firms. This study not only draws a more comprehensive picture about the impact of OL on the product innovation, but also lays down a threshold over which to elaborate the implications of OL. In addition, it guides new ventures and established firms in taking advantage of OL to foster the product innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel porphyrin-based porous organic polymer PPOP-1(Pd) with bifunctional catalytic sites was constructed via imine condensation of tetra(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin and acenaphthenequinone. PPOP-1(Pd) containing Pd(ii)-porphyrin and Pd(ii)-α-diimine moieties exhibits excellent catalytic activity and outstanding reusability for tandem catalytic reactions of C–H arylation and Suzuki coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for 20% of non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a subtype of non-coding RNA associated with the progression of various types of human cancer. MiR-186 has been demonstrated to act as an oncogene in human tumors. However, the role of miR-186 in cSCC remains unclear. The expression of miR-186 and apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (APAF1) was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunofluorescence. The correlation between miR-186 and APAF1 was determined using a dual-luciferase assay. Mimics or inhibitors of miR-186 were transfected into A-431 cells to establish cell lines with overexpressed or knocked-down miR-186, respectively. EdU staining and colony formation assays were performed to detect cell proliferation. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to analyze cell invasion and migration, respectively. Hoechst staining and flow cytometry were performed to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. MiR-186 expression was significantly increased, while APAF1 expression was significantly decreased in cSCC tissues compared with the controls. An miR-186 binding site was predicted in APAF1 and their expression was negatively correlated in cSCC tissues. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were significantly enhanced in the miR-186-overexpressed A-431 cells and attenuated in miR-186 knockdown cells compared with the control. APAF1 expression was regulated by miR-186, while APAF1 knockdown significantly promoted cell invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis. In summary, the results of the present study indicate that miR-186 serves as an oncogene in cSCC by inhibiting APAF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new curcumin cocrystal CUR-BPY has been prepared with 4,4′-bipyridine coformer. • The single crystal structure of CUR-BPY has been resolved and investigated. • CUR–BPY reveals expected weak O H⋯N hydrogen bonds by careful coformer selection. • The apparent solubility of CUR-BPY is about 7 times higher than that of raw CUR. The prime active ingredient of the herb curcuma longa , curcumin (CUR) has extensive pharmacological activities and high security. However, the low solubility severely restricts its investigation and application as a drug. In this paper, a new cocrystal, CUR–BPY, assembled by CUR and BPY (4,4′-bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by various analytical methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that CUR–BPY contains a pentameric BPY–CUR–BPY–CUR–BPY supramolecular architecture connected by O H⋯N hydrogen bonds and further extended to give a 1D loop-like chain through aromatic interactions. Powder dissolution experiment reveals that CUR–BPY exhibits obvious spring phenomenon and about 7 times higher apparent solubility than that of raw curcumin. The improved dissolution performance should be ascribed to the careful selection of BPY coformer and expected O H⋯N weak hydrogen bonding in CUR-BPY cocrystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important signaling molecule, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) secreted externally by the cells influences cell migration, immunity generation, and cellular communications. Herein, we have developed a microfluidic approach with droplets in combination with Au nanoclusters for the sensitive detection of H2O2 secreted by a single cell. Isolated in the ultrasmall volume (4.2 nL) of a microdroplet, single-cell secreted H2O2 can initiate dramatic fluorescence changes of horseradish peroxidase-Au nanoclusters. We have demonstrated an ultrahigh sensitivity (200-400 attomole H2O2 directly measured from a single cell) with good specificity. It offers a useful research tool to study the cell-to-cell differences of H2O2 secretion at the single-cell level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With lots of points, large range, wide distribution for slope monitoring, the centralized mode of monitoring was not only long in time consumption, low in efficiency for collecting signal with serial processing (polled mode), but also huge in disturbance among cables, decay in signal, serious in distortion, limited in precision, heavy in wiring workload and high in cost. The parallel-distributed mode of measurement control and the technology of serial communication RS485 are merged, the interface technology of supporting for multiple sensors, the signal collecting technology with photoelectric isolation, the automatic switching technology of the internal and external excitation source are used, the collecting method of slope monitoring data is carried out based on the centralized-distributed mode of measurement control and the corresponding design scheme of circuit is worked out. The serial processing is adopted in the signal collecting of sensor for the collector, the parallel processing is adopted among collectors, the bus communication is adopted between the collecting apparatus and the collector. Test and application shows that the method is simple in wiring, strongly universal in signal processing unit, freely arranged in signal collector, no limited in type of accessing sensor, low in cost. The method is short in time consuming, and it is high in precision. The method can be used in safety monitoring of slope projects for civil engineering, water conservancy, transportation, railway and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an algorithm of barrier objective penalty function for inequality constrained optimization is studied and a conception–the stability of barrier objective penalty function is presented. It is proved that an approximate optimal solution may be obtained by solving a barrier objective penalty function for inequality constrained optimization problem when the barrier objective penalty function is stable. Under some conditions, the stability of barrier objective penalty function is proved for convex programming. Specially, the logarithmic barrier function of convex programming is stable. Based on the barrier objective penalty function, an algorithm is developed for finding an approximate optimal solution to an inequality constrained optimization problem and its convergence is also proved under some conditions. Finally, numerical experiments show that the barrier objective penalty function algorithm has better convergence than the classical barrier function algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this work, the dissolution behaviors of a series of sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates (NaLAS) tablets with different moisture contents and neutralization degrees were investigated in aqueous solution. The ANOVA-based, model-independent and model-dependent methods were employed to perform comparison analyses on dissolution profiles. The measurements of powder X-ray diffraction patterns and mechanical properties elucidate distinct differences in each formula. The results show that ANOVA provides a possibility for finding the source of differences among different variables, and the model-independent methods including the k values and mean dissolution time are easy to interpret and perform comparison analyses. The Hixson-Crowell model gives satisfactory correlation results for the dissolution data and the dissolution kinetics parameters are obtained. The inhibition effects of neutralization degree and moisture content on NaLAS dissolution were examined, which reveals that the increase in lamellar phase proportion leads to the reduction of dissolution rate. The comparison analyses performed in this work form part of a methodology for dissolution profile prediction and comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, nanocellulose has gained growing interests in food science due to its many advantages including its broad resource of raw materials, renewability, interface stability, high surface area, mechanical strength, prebiotic characteristics, surface chemistry versatility and easy modification. Since then, this review summarized the sources, morphology, and structure characteristics of nanocellulose. Meanwhile, the mechanical, chemical, and combined treatment methods for the preparation of nanocellulose with desired properties were elaborated. Furthermore, the application of nanocellulose in Pickering emulsions, reinforced food packaging, functional food ingredient, food-grade hydrogels, and biosensors were emphasized. Finally, the safety, challenges, and future perspectives of nanocellulose were discussed. This work provided key developments and effective benefits of nanocellulose for future research opportunities in food. [Display omitted] • The preparation methods and properties of nanocellulose were summarized. • The potential applications of nanocellulose in food science were emphasized. • The characteristics, challenges, and prospects of nanocellulose were discussed. • This review provided strategies for promotion of nanocellulose in food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The double-layered emulsions were fabricated using layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. • The double-layered emulsions displayed pH-sensitive property. • The double-layered emulsions showed the best curcumin-loading properties. • The double-layered emulsions improved the bioaccessibility of curcumin effectively. In this work, double-layered emulsions stabilized by bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate/chitosan complex were prepared using layer-by-layer self-assembly technology and used for the delivery of curcumin, and the physical and delivery properties of the prepared double-layered emulsions were investigated. The zeta-(ζ) potential of colloidal particles confirmed that the chitosan was adsorbed on surface of the single-layered emulsion droplets by attractive electrostatic interactions. Meanwhile, the physical properties showed that the double-layered emulsions displayed high pH-sensitivity and showed relatively higher stability under acid environment. Furthermore, the in vitro digestion result showed that the curcumin loaded by double-layered emulsions were more stable during simulated gastric digestion as compared with that loaded by single-layered emulsions. Especially, the bioaccessibility of curcumin delivered by the double-layered emulsions (77.4 ± 3.25%) was significantly higher than that of curcumin delivered by single-layered emulsions (32.8 ± 2.56%). Therefore, it can be concluded that the prepared double-layered emulsions showed a great potential application in the delivery of fat-soluble bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoCrNi alloys exhibit excellent strength and ductility. In this work, the CoCrNiV multi-principal alloy with single-phase fine grained (FG) structure was prepared by rolling and heat treatment. The characteristics of deformation microstructures and mechanical properties were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicate that the CoCrNiV alloy successfully attains a yield strength of 1060 MPa while maintaining a uniform elongation of 24.1%. The enhanced strength originates from FG structure and severe lattice distortion induced by V addition. Meanwhile, the exceptional ductility arises from the stable strain-hardening ability facilitated by dislocations and stacking faults. The deformation mechanisms and the optimization strategies for attaining both strength and ductility are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oat was dehulled at different levels by using polishing machine. The oat bran and grain after dehulling of different time-periods were then collected. The aleurone layer residual of oat grain was evaluated by using fluorescene microscopy. The influence of the technology parameters on oat dehulling effect was analyzed by using single factor and orthogonal experiments. Then, the variance analysis of dehulling rate, whiteness and broken rate for oat was further performed. The results showed that the aleurone layer of oat grain retained well under the dehulling rate of 9.82%. Based on the above dehulling rate, the optimal dehulling process was as follows: moisture content 9%, tempering time 180 min, grinding wheel 60# and friction time 20 s. Under the technological conditions, oat flour produced with higher white degree, better taste, uniform colour and luster, and higher milled rice rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrier-free Chinese herbal small molecules nano self-assembly with a novel 3D-porous crystal framework possessed Fickian diffusion-controlled sustained release ability, synergistic anti-AD activities and virtually no neurotoxicity. [Display omitted] • A nanoassembly formed by BER and RHE via electrostatic interaction and π-π stacking. • The assembly with 3D-porous frame crystal structure may be used as a drug carrier. • The assembly had sustained release behavior and better drug loading efficiency. • The assembly had synergistic anti-AD activity and virtually no neurotoxicity. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease caused by multiple factors. Single-target drugs have limited efficacy for AD treatment. Therefore, multi-target intervention strategy has great potential. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is mostly used in the form of compound prescription, which has the polypharmacology behavior. Rhizoma Coptidis and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei are frequently used as the couplet medicines of TCM for AD therapy. In this study, the novel carrier-free nanoassembly with 3D-porous frame crystal structure has formulated from supramolecular self-assembly of berberine (BER) and rhein (RHE), the main active components of Rhizoma Coptidis and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei , respectively. Combining with the spectral data and single crystal structure, the self-assembly process was clarified as dominated by electrostatic interaction and π-π stacking. In vitro release property, cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition, β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation regulation, radical elimination, metal ions chelation and cytotoxicity assay indicated that the obtained BER-RHE assembly had the Fickian diffusion-controlled sustained release ability, synergistic biological activities and virtually no neurotoxicity. In addition, in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) level evaluation showed that the assembly could reduce the accumulation of intracellular ROS in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Meanwhile, BER-RHE assembly could also be used as a novel potential carrier for drug delivery due to its superior 3D-porous frame. This green and facile strategy for carrier-free nanoassembly microscopic construction via supramolecular self-assembly might provide inspiration for the development of multi-target therapy for AD and the design of the novel drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Commercial elastomer is functionalized via a simple and economical method. • Recyclable and malleable cross-linked elastomers are fabricated based on dynamic boroxines. • The obtained elastomers can be recycled in various manners. • The chemical structure and performances can be tuned owing to the incorporation of versatile acetoacetyl. A variety of dynamic covalent bonds have been exploited to build covalent adaptable networks (CANs), which is considered to be an effective approach to recycle thermosets and has gained widespread attention. However, how to prepare CANs with tunable properties via an effective strategy is still unsatisfactory and challenging. Here, acetoacetyl was grafted into commercial polybutadiene and utilized as a platform to tune the properties of boroxine-based CANs. The chemical structures were characterized clearly. The obtained CANs named as PBKB-x was demonstrated not only to be recyclable through multiple routes, but also to exhibit malleability and shape memory effect. Compared with other CANs, the performances of PBKB-x were tunable based on the versatile acetoacetyl, including mechanical properties, light irradiation behaviors, and surface properties, which was important for improving the practical application value of CANs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of current paper-fluidic diagnostic devices is limited by their imperfect control of reagent incubation and delivery. Valves providing complete fluid obstruction and multiple actuation steps within a single paper-fluidic diagnostic would increase the range of diagnostic bioassays in these porous membranes. Here, we report the rapid fabrication of tunable wax-ink valves that are thermally actuated within porous membranes. Varying width bands of wax-ink were printed onto strips of nitrocellulose and cellulose membranes and characterized by their triggered obstruction and release of fluid wicking through the membranes. To demonstrate the utility of these wax-ink valves, we have transformed a traditional lateral flow immunoassay into a multi-step, semi-autonomous assay that enhances bacterial detection signal intensity 6-fold. The wax-ink valves are applicable to other paper fluidic assays by fully obstructing fluid flow for a sustained reaction time and are able to be actuated multiple times for sequential fluid delivery with minimal user involvement. These easily fabricated wax-ink valves are a versatile addition to the toolkit of fluidic control mechanisms required to develop more sensitive paper-based diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is aimed at studying the effects of soluble and insoluble oat β-glucan on colon carcinogenesis in mice. One hundred and twenty male Kunming mice were divided into normal control (NC), model control (MC), high doses (100 mg/kg body weight) of soluble (H-SOG) and insoluble β-glucan (H-IOG), and low doses (50 mg/kg body weight) of soluble (L-SOG) and insoluble β-glucan (L-IOG) groups. The mice except those in the NC group were given subcutaneous injections of DMH to induce colon cancer. The bile acid content was significantly reduced but the colonic short-chain fatty acid content was enhanced (p < .05) in mice administered β-glucan, moreover, the tumor cells apoptosis was significantly promoted (p < .05), compared to the MC group. The effect of high doses β-glucan was better than the low doses, but there is little difference between the SOG and IOG. Results suggested that both SOG and IOG exert favorable effects in preventing colon cancer in a doses-dependent manner while the specific mechanism maybe different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel series of xanthone derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated. • Compound 2a might be used as a potent quadruplex stabilizer and antitumor agent. • Effects of substitution on quadruplex binding and cytotoxicity have been discussed. A series of xanthone derivatives (2a - 2e) as telomeric quadruplex stabilizing ligands were designed, synthesized and evaluated by molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, spectroscopy assay, melting profiles, PCR stop analysis. The ligands possessed the rigid aromatic xanthone scaffold and the flexible basic side chain with the appropriate length. Molecular docking and quadruplex binding property studies revealed that the ligands could stack on the external G-quartets, and the basic side chain could contribute to the stabilizing ability. Introduction of a tertiary amine group with high p K a value and small steric hinderance was favorable for improving the binding ability. Such as bis-dimethylamine derivative (2a), exhibited stronger binding ability and higher affinity toward G-quadruplex than duplex DNA. Cytotoxicity assay showed that the xanthone derivatives could inhibit the viabilities of HeLa, MCF-7, SGC-7901 and A549 cells in different degrees. AO/EB staining and flow cytometry assay indicated that the cytotoxicity of xanthones was related to induced apoptosis. These results suggested that the ligands could be further studied as potential new G-quadruplex stabilizers and potent antitumor agents, especially 2a. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Slice-based and time-specific metrics were proposed for carotid hemodynamics. • Hemodynamic metrics are associated with presence of vulnerable plaque features. • Combining hemodynamics with plaque burden could better discriminate presence of IPH. Hemodynamic patterns play key roles in progression of carotid vulnerable plaques. However, most of previous studies utilized maximum or averaged value of hemodynamic measurements which is not an ideal representative of hemodynamic patterns. This study aimed to investigate the association of slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements with carotid vulnerable plaque using magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging and histology. Thirty-two patients (mean age: 63.9±8.1 years; 25 males) with carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (≥50% stenosis) referred to carotid endarterectomy were recruited and underwent MR vessel wall imaging. Carotid plaque burden was evaluated on MR images and vulnerable plaque features including calcification, lipid-rich necrotic core, and intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH) were identified by histology. The slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements were extracted from computational fluid dynamics simulation of 3D carotid arterial model. Correlation coefficients between hemodynamic measurements and carotid plaque features were calculated and the logistic regressions with generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted. The value in discriminating carotid vulnerable plaque features was determined by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Of 102 MR-histology matched slices from 32 patients, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) (r=0.263, p=0.008), oscillatory shear index (OSI) (r=-0.374, p<0.001), and peakWSS (r=0.232, p=0.019) were significantly associated with carotid IPH. The logistic regression with GEE revealed that peakWSS (OR, 1.206; 95% CI, 1.026-1.418; p, 0.023) and TAWSS (OR, 0.364, 95% CI, 0.138-0.959; p, 0.041) were significantly associated with presence of IPH after adjusting for age and BMI. In discriminating carotid IPH, the AUC of TAWSS, OSI, combined TAWSS with maximum wall thickness (MWT) and combined OSI with MWT was 0.656, 0.722, 0.761, and 0.764, respectively. Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic characteristics could effectively discriminate carotid IPH. Combination of hemodynamic measurements with carotid plaque burden might be a stronger indicator for carotid vulnerable plaque features than each measurement alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In straw return fields, nitrogen-fertilizers are added to mitigate microbial competition for nitrogen with plants. However, in arsenic (As)-contaminated paddy fields, the specific effects of different nitrogen fertilizers on As mobility after straw incorporation and the interactions among iron(Fe)/carbon(C)/nitrogen(N)/As are not well understood. In the reported microcosm experiment we monitored As-mobility as a function of different dosages of KNO 3 , NH 4 Cl and rice straw incorporation. Addition of both KNO 3 and NH 4 Cl significantly inhibited the As mobilization induced by straw incorporation. Following the KNO 3 addition, the As concentration in porewater dropped by 51–66% after 2 days of the incubation by restraining Fe reduction and enhancing Fe oxidation. High-dose NH 4 Cl addition reduced As in porewater by 22–43% throughout the incubation by decreasing porewater pH. High-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that KNO 3 addition enriches both the denitrifying and Fe-oxidizing bacteria, while diminishing Fe-reducing bacteria; NH 4 Cl addition has the opposite effect on Fe-reducing bacteria. Network analysis revealed that As and Fe concentrations in porewater were positively correlated with the abundance of denitrifying and Fe-reducing bacteria. This study broadens our insight into the As biogeochemistry associated with the N/C/Fe balance in soil, which are of great significance for agronomic management and mitigation the risk of As-contaminated paddy fields. [Display omitted] • KNO 3 immobilized As by enhancing Fe oxidation and restraining Fe dissolution. • NH 4 Cl immobilized As by decreasing soil pH and inhibiting anammox. • KNO 3 enriched iron-oxidizing bacteria but reduced iron-reducing bacteria. • NH 4 Cl addition increased the relative abundance of iron-reducing bacteria. • KNO 3 showed short-term but NH 4 Cl exhibited long-term As immobilization function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of disubstituted xanthones was obtained by cationic modification of xanthone’s C2 and C7 with amine groups of different p K a values. Modified structures by using moieties with high p K a values had good antitumor activity according to the MTT assay, AO/EB staining and flow cytometry assay, especially bis-dimethylamine derivative ( 5a ). Further study indicated that compound 5a had good binding activity to telomeric G-quadruplex DNA, as detected by using spectroscopy methods, melting profiles, polymerase chain reaction stop assay and molecular modeling study. The results suggested that the antitumor activity of 5a might be associated with its stabilization of G-quadruplex DNA, which could be developed as new G-quadruplex DNA stabilizer and potent antitumor agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented Lagrangian function is one of the most important tools used in solving some constrained optimization problems. In this article, we study an augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function and a modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function for inequality constrained optimization problems. First, we prove the dual properties of the augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function, which are at least as good as the traditional Lagrangian function's. Under some conditions, the saddle point of the augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function satisfies the first-order Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition. This is especially so when the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition holds for convex programming of its saddle point existence. Second, we prove the dual properties of the modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function. For a global optimal solution, when the exactness of the modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function holds, its saddle point exists. The sufficient and necessary stability conditions used to determine whether the modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function is exact for a global solution is proved. Based on the modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function, an algorithm is developed to find a global solution to an inequality constrained optimization problem, and its global convergence is also proved under some conditions. Furthermore, the sufficient and necessary calmness condition on the exactness of the modified augmented Lagrangian objective penalty function is proved for a local solution. An algorithm is presented in finding a local solution, with its convergence proved under some conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• HCBD can be co-metabolically dechlorinated by Dehalococcoides. • OHRB employ bifunctional RDases to dechlorinate HCBD and PCE. • ATPase inhibition by HCBD results in the co-metabolic dechlorination of HCBD. • Metabolic, co-metabolic and RDase-active-only dehalogenation mechanisms are elucidated. Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD) as one of emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) poses potential risk to human health and ecosystems. Organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB)-mediated reductive dehalogenation represents a promising strategy to remediate HCBD-contaminated sites. Nonetheless, information on the HCBD-dechlorinating OHRB and their dechlorination pathways remain unknown. In this study, both in vivo and in vitro experiments, as well as quantum chemical calculation, were employed to successfully identify and characterize the reductive dechlorination of HCBD by Dehalococcoides. Results showed that some Dehalococcoides extensively dechlorinated HCBD to (E)-1,2,3-tri-CBD via (E)-1,1,2,3,4-penta-CBD and (Z,E)-1,2,3,4-tetra-CBD in a co-metabolic way. Both qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analyses suggested that the HCBD-dechlorinating Dehalococcoides coupled their cell growth with dechlorination of perchloroethene (PCE), rather than HCBD. The in vivo and in vitro ATPase assays indicated ≥78.89% decrease in ATPase activity upon HCBD addition, which suggested HCBD inhibition on ATPase-mediated energy harvest and provided rationality on the Dehalococcoides -mediated co-metabolic dechlorination of HCBD. Interestingly, dehalogenation screening of organohalides with the HCBD-dechlorinating enrichment cultures showed that debromination of bromodichloromethane (BDCM) was active in the in vitro RDase assays but non-active in the in vivo experiments. Further in vitro assays of hydrogenase activity suggested that significant inhibition of BDCM on the hydrogenase activity could block electron derivation from H 2 for consequent reduction of organohalides in the in vivo experiments. Therefore, our results provided unprecedented insight into metabolic, co-metabolic and RDase-active-only dehalogenation of varied organohalides by specific OHRB, which could guide future screening of OHRB for remediation of sites contaminated by HCBD and other POPs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels at admission were associated with short-term functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a cohort Chinese sample. We prospectively studied 378 patients with AIS who were admitted within 24 h after the onset of symptoms. PCT and NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) were measured at the time of admission. Short-term functional outcome was measured by modified Rankin scale (mRS) 90 days after admission. The results indicated that the serum PCT levels were significantly higher in AIS patients as compared to normal controls ( P < 0.0001). In the 114 patients with an unfavorable functional outcome, serum PCT levels were higher compared with those in patients with a favorable outcome (2.40 (IQR, 1.10-3.69) ng/mL and 0.42 (IQR, 0.10-1.05) ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). PCT was an independent prognostic marker of functional outcome [odds ratio (OR) 3.45 (2.29-4.77), adjusted for the NIHSS and other possible confounders] in patients with ischemic stroke, added significant additional predictive value to the clinical NIHSS score. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the prognostic accuracy of PCT was higher compared to Hs-CRP and NIHSS score. PCT is an independent predictor of short-term functional outcome after ischemic stroke in Chinese sample even after correcting for possible confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]