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With the continuous downsizing of solder joints, the influence of the grain characteristics of the under bump metallization (UBMs) on the interfacial reaction is exposed. In this paper, the effect of grain characteristics of Cu UBM on the growth of interfacial intermetallic compounds and the formation of Kirkendall voids in Cu/Sn/Cu micro solder joints during isothermal aging at 150 °C was investigated. Electroplated polycrystalline Cu (EP-Cu), (111) single crystal Cu ((111) Cu), and (111) nano-twinned Cu ((111) nt-Cu) were selected as UBMs. After reflow soldering, the Cu6Sn5 grains formed on (111) nt-Cu were near to the orientation (2 1 - 1 - 3) , while those were randomly formed on both EP-Cu and (111) Cu. During isothermal aging, the Cu6Sn5 grains exhibited the highest growth rate on (111) nt-Cu UBM, and the slowest growth rate on (111) Cu UBM, due to the differing number of diffusion routes among the three Cu UBMs with distinct grain characteristics. Furthermore, no Kirkendall voids were detected on the (111) Cu UBM, however, a significant number of Kirkendall voids were identified on the (111) nt-Cu UBM, which can be attributed to the diffusion path and impurities present in the three Cu UBMs. The results will offer theoretical and practical recommendations for the selection of Cu UBMs for micro solder joints in 3D packaging interconnection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of experiencing lower quality-of-life, fatigue, and depression. Few randomized controlled trials have studied the effect of physical activity (PA) on these in adult long-term CCS. This study investigated the effect of a 1-year individualized PA intervention on healthrelated quality-of-life (HRQOL), fatigue, and distress symptoms in adult CCS. Methods: The SURfit trial randomized 151 CCS =16 years old, <16 at diagnosis and =5 years since diagnosis, identified through the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. Intervention participants received personalized PA counselling to increase intense PA by =2.5 h/week for 1 year. Controls maintained usual PA levels. The authors assessed physical- and mental-HRQOL, fatigue, and distress symptoms at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. T-scores were calculated using representative normative populations (mean = 50, standard deviation = 10). Generalized linear mixed-effects models with intention-to-treat (ITT, primary), and three per-protocol allocations were used. Results: At 12 months, ITT (-3.56 larger decrease, 95% confidence interval -5.69 to -1.43, p = .001) and two per-protocol analyses found significantly lower fatigue. Physical-HRQOL improved significantly in two per-protocol analyses at 12 months. No other effects were found. Conclusion: SURfit showed that increased intense PA over 1 year improved fatigue in adult CCS. Survivors should be recommended PA to reduce the burden of late-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the magnetoresistance (MR) effect and magnetic properties in (Co/Pt)4/Co/IrMn (SFM) and (Co/Pt)4/Co/IrMn/(Co/Pt)2/Co (DFM) structures with (Co/Pt)4/Co and (Co/Pt)2/Co multilayers having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Despite the exchange bias field, the antiferromagnetic IrMn layer itself influences the coercivity (Hc) and MR differently for both types of structures when the IrMn layer is thin. A suppressed Hc and an enhanced MR in the DFM samples are obtained compared with those in the SFM samples. The maximum MR reaches up to (0.6 ± 0.1)% when the IrMn thickness (tIrMn) of the DFM samples varies from 1.5 to ∼5 nm, but the MR value of the SFM samples remains (0.1 ± 0.05)% with the same tIrMn range. The suppressed Hc and the enhanced MR in the DFM samples may be due to the formation of an antiferromagnetic-type contact when large antiferromagnetic domains in the IrMn layer are sandwiched by (Co/Pt)4/Co and (Co/Pt)2/Co multilayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uneven salt distribution in soil plays an important role in regulating plant growth. To explore the effect of heterogeneous soil salt stress on the growth of Pyrus calleryana Decne., container seedlings were placed in a split-root container for salt stress treatment. Five salt stress root treatments were performed, including a control non-salt stress treatment, two localized salt stress treatments, and two whole-root uniform salt-stress treatments. Our results indicate that salt stress was directly related to the reduced growth and photosynthesis. Seedlings under localized salt stress treatments (0/100 and 0/200) showed significantly larger increases in biomass than those under uniform salt stress treatments (100/100 and 200/200).Under localized salt stress treatment (0/100), the compensatory growth of fine roots (d < 2 mm) occurred in the salt-free side of the plant container, and the fine root biomass, root length, surface area, root volume, root tip number, branch number, and crossing number on the non-salt-stressed side were significantly higher compared to those on the salt-stressed side. Under the localized salt-stress treatment of 0/200, the salt concentration exceeded the lethal concentration for roots, which led to the growth of fine roots on the salt-free side. Our results indicate that the compensatory growth of L-side fine roots increased the photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation, and reduced the inhibition on the growth of Pyrus calleryana under local salt stress compared with uniform salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoe modifications are suggested to reduce the risks of injuries and improve sports performance in basketball. This review aimed to critically evaluate the effect of different basketball shoe modifications on biomechanical changes in basketball movements. Searches of four major databases for biomechanics studies which evaluated footwear construction/material in basketball yielded 442 records. After duplicates were removed and exclusion/inclusion criteria applied to the titles and abstracts, 20 articles remained for further quality assessment. Two reviewers independently confirmed 17 articles (n = 340 participants), with 95.5% of agreement between judgements, which were included for review. The results were categorised based on the following shoe modifications: (a) cushioning, (b) midsole hardness, (c) collar height, (d) outsole traction component, (e) forefoot bending stiffness and (f) shoe mass that influence lower limb biomechanics. The included articles revealed that 1) better shoe cushioning or softer midsole is related to better impact attenuation in passive/unanticipated situations, 2) high shoe collars are effective to improve ankle stability in jumping and cutting tasks, 3) increased shoe traction and forefoot bending stiffness can improve basketball jump, sprint and/or cut performances and 4) lighter shoe mass results in better jump and/or cut performances when the shoe mass is known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low sensitivity of working electrodes is usually the bottleneck of the electrochemical testing method. In this work, bismuth antimonate nanosheets have excellent electrochemical performance and are used as the modified materials for glassy carbon electrodes. Bismuth antimonate nanosheets were prepared by a simple coprecipitation method. By changing the calcination temperature and holding time, the effects of these factors on the morphology and structure of the bismuth antimonate nanosheets were investigated. The bismuth antimonate-modified electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of benzoic acid. The results showed that a pair of semi-reversible redox peaks appeared at − 0.48 V and + 0.05 V, and the intensity of the redox peaks gradually increased with the increase of benzoic acid concentration and scan rate. The bismuth antimonate nanomaterial-modified glassy carbon electrode has a wide linear detection range (0.0002–2 mM), low detection limit (0.053 µM) and good cycling performance for detecting benzoic acid. The good electrochemical performance shows that bismuth antimonate nanomaterials have potential application value in the detection of benzoic acid. The glassy carbon electrode modified by bismuth antimonate nanosheets can effectively detect benzoic acid, with linear detection range (0.0002–2 mM) and detection limit (0.053 µM) and good repeatability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Phosphorus (P) is a necessary nutrient for egg production and bone quality in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of low dietary available P (avP) on keel bone, 180 laying hens were fed either a control (C, 0.3% avP) or low phosphorus (LP, 0.15% avP) diet from 20–36 weeks of age (WOA). Each diet was replicated in six cages with 15 birds per cage. Keel samples were collected at 24, 28, 32, and 36 WOA to measure indicators. 2. The incidence of keel bone damage in the LP group was higher than C group and increased with age throughout the experiment period. Keel bone length from laying hens in the LP group was shorter than C group (P < 0.05) at 32 and 36 WOA. 3. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and ratio of RANKL to osteoprotegerin (OPG) were upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of sclerostin and OPG was downregulated (P < 0.05) in the LP group in comparison to hens in the C group. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of the integrin-binding sialoprotein was increased at 24 and 28 WOA (P < 0.05), and decreased at 32 and 38 WOA (P < 0.05) in the LP group. 4. Laying hens in LP group had increased trabecular separation and bone surface fraction (P < 0.05), decreased bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular number and thickness, and bone mineral density (P < 0.05) at 32 WOA. The LP-fed hens had increased K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Se, Sr and Pb bone concentrations (P < 0.05), and decreased P and TI bone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 36 WOA. 5. Feeding hens a P-deficient diet with 0.15% avP and 3.37% Ca during the laying period impaired keel bone quality, which could be related to the osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laser molten pool model was built to research the influence of high-frequency ultrasound vibration (HFUV) on aircraft thin-walled structures using the COMSOL software. The acoustic pressure of the laser molten pool was simulated considering the position and number of sources, with both side-touch single vibration and dual vibration sources being used. The results indicate that the positive and negative acoustic pressures alternate with HFUV, and the temperature field is homogeneous. This phenomenon favors the generation and collapse of cavitation bubbles, resulting in the ultrasound cavitation effect and reduced residual stress. The distance and amplitude of the ultrasound are directly proportional to the acoustic pressure of the molten pool. The acoustic pressure of the molten pool will enlarge 2–3-fold with each 10-mm decrease in the distance from the ultrasound loading position to the molten pool and by 10 Pa with each 4-μm increase in the amplitude. HFUV primarily acts as a blender for the molten pool. The acoustic streaming effect will appear when the amplitude exceeds 7 μm and the distance is lower than 60 mm. The ultrasound cavitation effect dominates when the distance is lower than 15 mm. Dual vibration sources will not influence the acoustic pressure amplitude of the molten pool. Still, the gradients of acoustic pressure influenced by these conditions will be favorable for the homogeneous flow of metal liquid on the sides of the molten pool, achieving the aim of grain refinement and reduced residual stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A massive amount of multimodal data are continuously collected in the intensive care unit (ICU) along each patient stay, offering a great opportunity for the development of smart monitoring devices based on artificial intelligence (AI). The two main sources of relevant information collected in the ICU are the electronic health records (EHRs) and vital sign waveforms continuously recorded at the bedside. While EHRs are already widely processed by AI algorithms for prompt diagnosis and prognosis, AI-based assessments of the patients' pathophysiological state using waveforms are less developed, and their use is still limited to real-time monitoring for basic visual vital sign feedback at the bedside. This study uses data from the MIMIC-III database (PhysioNet) to propose a novel AI approach in ICU patient monitoring that incorporates features estimated by a closed-loop cardiovascular model, with the specific goal of identifying sepsis within the first hour of admission. Our top benchmark results (AUROC=0.92, AUPRC=0.90) suggest that features derived by cardiovascular control models may play a key role in identifying sepsis, by continuous monitoring performed through advanced multivariate modelling of vital sign waveforms. This work lays foundations for a deeper data integration paradigm which will help clinicians in their decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluid overload is associated with poor outcomes. Clinicians might be reluctant to initiate diuretic therapy for patients with recent vasopressor use. We estimated the effect on 30-day mortality of withholding or delaying diuretics after vasopressor use in patients with probable fluid overload.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults admitted to ICUs of an academic medical centre between 2008 and 2012. Using a database of time-stamped patient records, we followed individuals from the time they first required vasopressor support and had >5 L cumulative positive fluid balance (plus additional inclusion/exclusion criteria). We compared mortality under usual care (the mix of care actually delivered in the cohort) and treatment strategies restricting diuretic initiation during and for various durations after vasopressor use. We adjusted for baseline and time-varying confounding via inverse probability weighting.Results: The study included 1501 patients, and the observed 30-day mortality rate was 11%. After adjusting for observed confounders, withholding diuretics for at least 24 h after stopping most recent vasopressor use was estimated to increase 30-day mortality rate by 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-3.6%) compared with usual care. Data were consistent with moderate harm or slight benefit from withholding diuretic initiation only during concomitant vasopressor use; the estimated mortality rate increased by 0.5% (95% CI, -0.2% to 1.1%).Conclusions: Withholding diuretic initiation after vasopressor use in patients with high cumulative positive balance (>5 L) was estimated to increase 30-day mortality. These findings are hypothesis generating and should be tested in a clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects possess a fairly sophisticated olfactory system in their antennae to detect odorants essential for their survival and reproduction. Among them, insect first perceives odour sources by odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) to locate host‐plants. Methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate are major volatile components of Ulmus pumila and Ricinus communis and elicit strong responses of the scarab beetle Holotrichia oblita adults. However, olfactory perception of the scarab beetle to these odorant compounds is unclear. In the current study, we cloned the OBP6 and OBP7 of H. oblita. The expression pattern shows that the two genes were highly expressed in the antennae of female beetles. Binding assays verified that the HoblOBP6 had a better binding affinity to methyl salicylate, and so did HoblOBP7 to (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. The effect on the responses of female beetles to the three compounds was decreased significantly after these two genes were silenced by RNA interference. These results indicate that HoblOBP6 and HoblOBP7 are essential for female H. oblita perception of methyl salicylate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and dibutyl phthalate. Our study provides important insights into the olfactory mechanism of female H. oblita to ester plant volatiles and could facilitate the development of potential pest control strategies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase equilibria in the Ni-Al-Bi ternary system at 800 and 1000 °C were experimentally determined by x-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. The results show that: Bi is almost insoluble in any Ni-Al compounds and (Ni) phase. There are five and four three-phase regions existing in the isothermal section at 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. The Ni-Al binary compounds are all in equilibrium with the liquid phase in these two isothermal sections. No ternary compound was found at 800 and 1000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the extensive utilization of graphene nanomaterials, they inevitably enter our environment. The potential phytotoxicity and environmental impact of graphene oxide (GO) have recently attracted much attention. We designed the experiment based on seed germination, seedling morphology, physio-biochemical properties, and antioxidant enzyme activities of five rice genotypes (9311, MH63, R527, K866, and Nipponbare) under six concentrations of GO (0, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 150 mg dm-3). We studied the effects of different concentrations of GO on germination index (GI), shoot length (SL) and root length (RL), adventitious root number, shoot and root fresh masses, root/shoot ratio, chlorophyll (Chl) content, malondialdehyde content, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Graphene oxide treatments significantly enhanced seed germination and root growth and inhibited shoot growth of all genotypes. Furthermore, we found a significant genotype-dependent response to GO treatments. According to the relative increment trend of GI, SL, and RL, root/shoot ratio, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, POD, and SOD), and Chl content, 'R527' showed more tolerance to GO treatments than the other four genotypes. The 'MH63' and 'K866' were more sensitive than 'Nipponbare' and '9311'. It indicates that the GO-tolerant genotype might avoid free radicals damage from GO by increased antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, we should consider the genotype differences when evaluating the potential phytotoxicity of GO and environmental risk to ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most common features in the solar atmosphere, filaments are significant not only in solar physics but also in stellar and laboratory plasma physics. With the New Vacuum Solar Telescope and the Solar Dynamics Observatory , here we report on multi-wavelength observations of eruptions of a small (30 arcsec) filament (SF) and its consequences while interacting with ambient magnetic features including a large (300 arcsec) filament (LF). The eruptions of the SF drive a two-side-loop jet that is a result of magnetic reconnection between the SF threads and an overlying magnetic channel. As a consequence of the eruption, the heating in the footpoints of the SF destabilizes the barbs of the LF rooted nearby. Supersonic chromospheric plasma flows along the barbs of the LF are then observed in the H α passband and they apparently feed materials to the LF. We suggest that they are shock-driven plasma flows or chromospheric evaporations, which can both be the consequences of heating in the chromosphere by non-thermal particles generated in the magnetic reconnection associated with the two-side-loop jet. Our observations demonstrate that the destabilization in the vicinity of the footpoints of a barb can drive chromospheric plasma feeding to the filament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Uveitis is a serious intra‐ocular inflammatory disease that can lead to visual impairment even blindness worldwide. Notch signaling can regulate the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells, influencing the development of uveitis. DNA methylation is closely related to the autoimmune diseases. In this study, we measured the Notch1 DNA methylation level, determined the Notch1 and related DNA methylases mRNA expression and evaluated the ratio of T helper type 17 regulatory T cell (Th17/Treg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients and normal control subjects; we also tested the levels of relevant inflammatory cytokines in serum from the participants. Results indicated that compared with those in normal control individuals, the expression of ten–eleven translocation 2 (TET2) and Notch1 mRNA is elevated in uveitis patients, whereas the methylation level in Notch1 DNA promotor region [−842 ~ −646 base pairs (bp)] is down‐regulated, and is unrelated to anatomical location. Moreover, the Th17/Treg ratio is up‐regulated in PBMCs from uveitis patients, accompanied by the elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines [e.g. interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, IL‐17 and interferon (IFN)‐γ] in serum from uveitis patients. These findings suggest that the over‐expression of TET2 DNA demethylase may lead to hypomethylation of Notch1, activate the Notch1 signaling, induce naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate theTh17 subset and thus disturb the balance of the Th17/Treg ratio in uveitis patients. Overall, hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA is closely associated with the occurrence of uveitis. Our study preliminarily reveals the underlying mechanism for the occurrence of uveitis related to the hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA, providing a novel therapeutic strategy against uveitis in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strain on soft materials plays a fundamental role in understanding the mechanical behavior of engineering soft machines and devices. However, it is challenging to noninvasively measure strain distribution on soft materials in situ. Objective: In this study, we investigate the mechanism for the strain modulation of spectral reflectance in soft materials like silica gels. This mechanism is about the effect of strain-induced roughness variance on the spectral reflectance. Methods: Based on a simplified Torrance-Sparrow model, we established a theoretical relationship related the reflectance variance to the strain undergone by the specimen. By HSI, we measure the reflectance changes caused the strain; by CLSM experiment, we determine the surface roughness under different strains. Results: The theoretical model is verified by the reflectance analysis based HSI and the roughness analysis based on CLSM. The calibrated model parameters respectively from HSI and CLSM obtain a good agreement. Conclusions: For soft materials similar to silicone rubber, within the strain range covered in this paper, the surface roughness of the material has a linear relationship with strain, while the reflectance has an inverse quadratic relationship with roughness. Our proposed mechanism provides a possibility for non-contact strain measurement based on HSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate hydrogels were prepared by freeze‐thaw followed by calcium ion crosslinking. Chloramphenicol release behavior from the poly (vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate hydrogels in mimic conditions of gastrointestinal tract was examined. The effects of composition, number of freeze‐thaw cycles and calcium ion concentration on drug release process were investigated. The results showed that the cumulative release amount of chloramphenicol from the hydrogels (crosslinked through 4 freeze‐thaw cycles and immersed in 2 % calcium chloride solution) decreased from 84.3 % to 72.3 % as sodium alginate content increased from 0 % to 75 %. For the hydrogels containing 50 % sodium alginate and immersed in 2 % calcium chloride solution after the freeze‐thaw cycles, cumulative release amount of chloramphenicol decreased from 83.5 % to 76.6 % as the freeze‐thaw cycles increased from 2 to 6. Cumulative release amount of chloramphenicol from the hydrogels containing 50 % sodium alginate and with 4 freeze‐thaw cycles decreased from 79.8 % to 75.6 % when concentration of calcium chloride solution increased from 1 % to 4 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA) and the Rangeland Hydrology Erosion Model (RHEM) were used to evaluate conservation practices on the Cienega Creek watershed (CCW) that were implemented under the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) on Grazing Lands. CEAP on Grazing Lands is a multi-agency effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices and programs, and develop the science base for managing rangelands for environmental quality using conservation practices (Spaeth et al. 2013). The evaluation was performed on the CCW and the Empire Ranch, located in southeastern Arizona, where numerous conservation practices have been implemented to achieve their management goals of maintaining desired plant communities and watershed processes. To assess the effects of the conservation practices on long-term soil and water loss, RHEM was applied to the entire CCW using National Resources Inventory (NRI) data. Four analysis periods were selected based on climatic contrasts, conservation spending, and availability of NRI sample points. The CCW results showed that the simulations using RHEM parameters derived from NRI data could be used to demonstrate the impact of climate on vegetation condition and sediment yield. A subsection, dubbed "select treatment areas," of the CCW, which received extensive treatments with brush removal, prescribed burns, and stock ponds, was assessed using remotely sensed data. The select treatment areas were modeled over three different periods, representing preconservation spending, postconservation spending, and later postconservation spending. Remote sensing was capable of detecting and estimating the changes in vegetation cover from brush removal and prescribed burns. Simulations of sediment yield using pre- and posttreatment data indicated a modest reduction in sediment yield. Simulations in the select treatment areas indicated mechanical brush treatments were typically more effective than prescribed burns for improving watershed condition as estimated by reductions in sediment yield, but were more costly to implement. Stock ponds had a larger impact on sediment yield than the land treatments. The assessment demonstrated the utility of remotely sensed estimates of plant growth form and cover for model inputs to estimate changes in runoff and sediment yield with changing cover conditions over large areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brendan Behan's portraits of the Irish Republican Army and the working-class community brought many previously unseen characters to light, including prison inmates, prostitutes, homosexuals and so forth. However, the most notable aspect of Behan's dramas is not necessarily the realistic approach by which most Irish playwrights have delineated social plights, but his meta-theatrical manner, alongside ensuing alienation effects, that keep audiences critically aware of a highly politicized and sectarian society. Behan consistently attempts to unsettle nationalist propaganda, gender biases and the puritanical narrative that the state/church apparatus had reinforced. His depictions of prisons that rarely receive public exposure challenge the binary perception of being either a martyr or a betrayer, a terrorist or a pacifist, and a moral or immoral being. Given that the young Behan had been jailed in both England and Ireland for supporting republican causes, he was able to offer a personal yet revisionist view of prisoners from different political persuasions and cultural backgrounds. The three prison dramas to be discussed are The Quare Fellow (1954), The Hostage (1958) and Borstal Boy (1967) - the final one being a posthumous adaptation of Behan's novel. These plays map out an alternative viewpoint of Ireland from within and beyond political imprisonment, and last but not least, Behan's theatrical legacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome‐wide transcriptional studies have demonstrated that tens of thousands of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) genes are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and that they exhibit tissue‐ and cell‐type specificity. Their regulated and dynamic expression and their co‐expression with protein‐coding gene neighbours have led to the study of the functions of lncRNAs in CNS development and disorders. In this review, we describe the general characteristics, localization and classification of lncRNAs. We also elucidate the examples of the molecular mechanisms of nuclear and cytoplasmic lncRNA actions in the CNS and discuss common experimental approaches used to identify and unveil the functions of lncRNAs. Additionally, we provide examples of lncRNA studies of cell differentiation and CNS disorders including CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we review novel lncRNA‐based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the important biological roles of lncRNAs in CNS functions and disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effusion cooling of fan-shaped holes with constant exit width is investigated. • Adiabatic cooling effectiveness is measured with thermochromic liquid crystal. • Characteristic effects of blowing ratios and geometrical parameters are analyzed. • Vortex structures inside and downstream of the holes are discussed. • Correlations for cooling effectiveness and discharge coefficient are developed. In the present study, the full-coverage film cooling characteristics of the fan-shaped holes with a constant lateral width at the exits are investigated under a wide range of blowing ratio from 0.5 to 7.5. The fan-shaped holes with inclination angles of 20°, 25° and 30° and expansion angles of 10° and 13° are considered. Adiabatic film cooling effectiveness of the holes is measured using thermo-chromic liquid crystal technology. Meanwhile, the corresponding flow characteristics are illustrated by numerical simulation. Effects of the inclination angle and the expansion angle as well as the blowing ratio on the cooling effectiveness and discharge coefficient of the holes are analyzed. Compared to cylindrical holes, the fan-shaped holes have obvious advantages in terms of adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and discharge coefficient. The inclination angle of the fan-shaped hole shows a dominant impact on the separation motion inside the hole, which then governs the vortex structure and the film cooling effectiveness downstream. The row-by-row interaction of the coolant jets, as one of the important features of full-coverage film cooling, normally leads to the weakness of the vortices downstream the holes and therefore the better cooling performance. In order to further quantify the full-coverage film cooling performance and throughflow losses of the holes, correlations of experimental data for area-averaged effectiveness and discharge coefficient are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the effect of the thickness of catalytic Ni film for the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VA-CNFs) on glass substrates coated with a conductive underlayer of Cr. Both the pretreatment process through which the catalytic Ni nanoparticles were formed and the growth of well-aligned CNFs were carried out in an inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) system. The VA-CNFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, as well as field emission measurements. The results of VA-CNF growth shows that as the Ni film thicknesses decrease, not only the length but also the density of the CNFs drop, although the density of catalytic Ni nanoparticles increases. The variation of CNF density with Ni film thicknesses is believed to be a result of the detachment of the CNFs from the substrate, caused by the electrostatic force produced by the plasma sheath electric field, as well as an ion-enhanced chemical etching effect due to atomic/ionic hydrogen, during the ICP-CVD growth. A field emission measurement apparatus based on a metallic probe of spherical anode structure was also constructed in this study. An electrostatic image model was employed to determine the electric field distribution on the cathode surface. Along with the standard F-N field emission model, the dependence of field emission current density on the cathode surface electric field, as well as an effective field enhancement factor, were extracted from the current-voltage measurement results. The threshold electric field (Ethreshold, for a current density of 1 mA/cm2) increases from 9.2 V/μm to 13.1 V/μm, and then drops to 11.5 V/μm for the CNFs with Ni film thicknesses of 20 nm, 30 nm, and 40 nm, respectively. The electrostatic model results also indicate that the 20 nm case has the greatest space-charge effect on the emission current, consistent with the growth results that the 20 nm case has the lowest CNF density. On the other hand, the CNF length of the 40 nm case is longer than that of the 30 nm one, while the densities are nearly the same; as a result, Ethreshold for the 30 nm case is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel crossed twin disks of zinc oxide were fabricated by the vapor-phase transport method. • SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman were employed to characterize the nanodisks. • The formation mechanism of this type of nanodisks has been uniquely identified and discussed. Crossed twin disks of zinc oxide were fabricated by the vapor-phase transport method using a mixture of zinc oxide, indium oxide, and graphite powders as the source materials. The obtained nanostructure consisted of two crossed hexagonal disks, where the size of the disks was about 2.5 μm in diagonal and 300 nm in thickness. XRD result indicated that the as-obtained samples were well-crystallized wurtzite hexagonal ZnO nanostructures. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of the ZnO microdisks was characterized by fluorescent spectroscope with 250 nm picosecond LED. In the proposed growth mechanism, indium played the role of the doping element in the formation of special nucleation habits, which led to the crossed growth of the nanodisks. It is anticipated that this type of ZnO nanodisks would have application potentials in various types of nanodevices, such as light emitters and sensors, information storage devices, transducers, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a parametric study on the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by high-density inductively coupled plasma (ICP) chemical-vapor deposition are reported. We investigated the mechanisms that cause the detachment of CNFs during the growth process by high-density plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition with high substrate bias voltage and atomic hydrogen concentration. A simplified model, combining the Child law for sheath field, floating sphere model for field enhancement at the fiber tip and electric-field screening effect, was employed to estimate the detachment electrostatic force on individual CNFs induced by plasma sheath electric field. The force was found to increase with substrate bias voltage, bias current, and lengths of CNFs, consistent with the experimental observations that CNFs density decreases with ICP power, bias power, and growth time. However, the magnitude of the electrostatic force per se cannot explain the detachment phenomena. The other factor is believed to be the ion-assisted etch of CNFs by atomic hydrogen during the growth process since it was observed that the lower end of CNFs formed earlier in the synthesis process became thinner than the tip end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Amygdaloid administration of antioxidants or TRPA1 antagonists attenuated nociception and affective pain in neuropathy. • Blocking spinal 5-HT 1A receptors prevented the antinociception induced by the amygdaloid drug treatments. • In neuropathy, amygdaloid oxidative stress driving TRPA1 suppressed serotonergic feedback-inhibition of nociception. • Antioxidants and TRPA1 antagonists in the amygdala disinhibited the serotonergic feedback-inhibition of nociception. Abstract Earlier studies indicate that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) contributes to neuropathic pain. Here we studied whether amygdaloid administration of antioxidants or antagonists of TRPA1 that is among ion channels activated by oxidative stress attenuates nociceptive or affective pain in experimental neuropathy, and whether this effect involves amygdaloid astrocytes or descending serotonergic pathways acting on the spinal 5-HT 1A receptor. The experiments were performed in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI). Drugs were administered through a chronic cannula in the CeA or internal capsule (control site), and an intrathecal catheter. Nociception was assessed using monofilaments and affective pain using conditioned place-aversion. Antioxidants or TRPA1 antagonists in the CeA attenuated both nociceptive and affective pain in SNI animals but not in sham controls or in a control injection site. Drugs influencing astroglia (a gap junction decoupler or a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor) in the CeA had no effect on SNI rats, whereas local anesthesia of the CeA attenuated nociception. Spinally administered 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist at a dose that had no effect alone prevented the antinociceptive effect of amygdaloid TRPA1 blockers. The results suggest that injury-induced amygdaloid oxidative stress that drives TRPA1 promotes neuropathic pain behavior. This pronociceptive effect involves suppression of medullospinal serotonergic feedback-inhibition acting on the spinal 5-HT 1A receptor. While the CeA is involved in mediating the nerve injury-induced pronociception, it may not be a critical relay for the recruitment of medullospinal feedback-inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We present a new approach to model wheat yield; known as NARMAX (Nonlinear AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous inputs). • We demonstrate the NARMAX analytical approach for Rothamsted, UK where detailed meteorological variables and long term yield data are available. • We also demonstrate how the approach can be applied to regional wheat yield forecasting. Wheat is one of the most important global crops, understanding the drivers of wheat yield has significant societal benefits. Climate variables are particularly important in determining interannual variations in wheat yield, either as primary factors which directly influence the stages of wheat growth, or as secondary factors through their influence on pests, diseases and soil conditions. Here we present a new approach to model wheat yield; an empirical method based on nonlinear complex systems identification, known as NARMAX (Nonlinear AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous inputs model). We deploy the NARMAX analytical approach for a specific site, Rothamsted, UK, where detailed meteorological variables are available, together with specific information on site conditions and crop growth stages. NARMAX yield forecasts are compared with those from the WOFOST crop model and nine state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) models; experimental results show that NARMAX outperforms all the compared methods in both prediction accuracy and model interpretability. We also develop regional wheat yield forecasts derived from a new gridded meteorological data product. The NARMAX approach produces skillful forecasts (r = 0.78) of Rothamsted wheat yield for a validation period, with small errors. The NARMAX regional forecasts, based on less specific information than WOFOST, also show a high degree of skill (r = 0.73). In addition, the predictor terms chosen for the model are identifiable and can help to give insight into potential key processes involved in the determination of wheat yield at a specific location. This approach can be extended in principle to other crop types and locations. It is straightforward and inexpensive to implement, using a limited number of meteorological predictor variables, which can be taken from site-based observations, or from gridded meteorological datasets. The method is a new tool to understand the environmental drivers of wheat yields on an annual basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annealing is necessary to achieve giant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) values in sputtered CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). In this study three complementary techniques were used to study the resulting changes in junction microstructure. The as-deposited TMR was modest, 5%, but rose to 101% after annealing at 325 °C for 1 h, corresponding to the tunneling spin polarization rising from 16% to 58%. Soft x-ray resonant magnetic scattering showed a roughening of the magnetic interfaces of the MTJ free layer, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, which also showed the changes in the CoFeB and MgO to a lattice-matched polycrystalline form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we present a novel concept for a linear magnetoresistance sensor using a spin valve with the free and reference ferromagnetic layers having out of plane and in plane magnetic anisotropies, respectively. The giant magnetoresistance of such a device is measured with the electrical current perpendicular to the film plane resulting in a linear magnetoresistance of up to 2% with an applied field of 1000 Oe. This design is highly advantageous, in terms of sensor cost, space usage, and for the fabrication of a three dimensional magnetic field sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with structures of Ta(5)/Cu(10)/Ta(5)/Ir21Mn79(10)/Co75Fe25(2)/Ru(0.75)/Co40Fe40B20(3)/Al(0.6)–O/Co40Fe40B20(2.5)/Ta(3)/Ru(7) (units in nanometers) were deposited via ultrahigh vacuum magnetron sputtering (ULVAC). Microscale ring-type magnetic tunnel junctions (RMTJs) with an outer radius of 2 μm and an inner radius of 1 μm were patterned using standard UV lithography combined with ion milling. Both reference and free layers were Co40Fe40B20 and a very thin Al–O (0.6 nm) barrier layer was used. Tunneling magnetoresistances (TMRs) of up to 81% at room temperature and 107% at 4.2 K were observed. These RMTJs with high TMR and low coercivity, of about 26 Oe, combined with the ring-type geometry, which greatly reduces stray magnetic field, are ideal for certain magnetic field sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The skin imaging analysis instruments are widely used to record and measure the surface and subsurface skin conditions. The main aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring wrinkle, skin texture, coloration/evenness, vascular features, and pore between two commercially available instruments. Methods Twenty-eight subjects were enrolled in the study. A 2*2 cm cardboard was used to make sure the two instruments analyze the same area. Pictures were taken and analyzed by the VISIA® from Canfield and the ANTERA 3D® CS from Miravex, in sequence. Results The spot, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, red area, texture values measured with VISIA® were positively correlated with age, while the pore and wrinkle values showed no significance. The wrinkle, texture, melanin, hemoglobin, pore index, pore volume values measured with ANTERA 3D® had a significantly positive correlation with age. The spot, brown spot values from VISIA® were positively correlated with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Texture value measured with the two instruments revealed positive linear correlation. Strong correlation was found between the red area value from VISIA®and the hemoglobin value from ANTERA 3D®. Ultraviolet spot from VISIA® showed no linear correlation with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Neither of the wrinkle and pore measured with the two instruments showed linear correlation. Conclusions ANTERA 3D® relies on multidirectional illumination obtained by LEDs of different wavelengths from different directions which make it advanced at the qualitative evaluation of various dermatologic conditions. Compared with VISIA®, ANTERA 3D® is more sensitive in the assessment of wrinkle and it may also be available to evaluate the aging-related enlarged pore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel nanocontacts have been fabricated by focused ion-beam (FIB) milling of e-beam patterned planar contacts, FIB milling of conical-shaped nanoperforations in a silicon nitride membrane, and nanoimprinting using an atomic force microscope. Their sizes ranged from 1 to 30 nm. Magnetoresistance of up to 3% is developed in a field of a few millitesla. This is interpreted in terms of ballistic magnetoresistance across a wide domain wall whose structure is determined by dipolar interactions at the contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new critical plane-energy model is proposed in this paper for multiaxial fatigue life prediction of metals. A brief review of existing methods, especially on the critical plane-based and energy-based methods, is given first. Special focus is on the Liu-Mahadevan critical plane approach, which has been shown to work for both brittle and ductile metals. One potential drawback of the Liu-Mahadevan model is that it needs an empirical calibration parameter for non-proportional multiaxial loadings because only the strain terms are used and the out-of-phase hardening cannot be explicitly considered. An energy-based model using the Liu-Mahadevan concept is proposed with the help of the Mróz-Garud plasticity model. Thus, the empirical calibration for non-proportional loading is not needed because the out-of-phase hardening is naturally included in the stress calculation. The model predictions are compared with experimental data from open literature, and the proposed model is shown to work for both proportional and non-proportional multiaxial loadings without the empirical calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial value problem for fractional Bagley–Torvik equations is investigated by considering variable coefficients and the fractional order as. Making use of the integration method, a Volterra integral equation of the second kind is obtained. Then the contraction operator theorem in Banach spaces is further used to address the uniqueness of the solution for the obtained Volterra integral equation. A novel numerical method is proposed to find the approximate solution of the given Volterra integral equation. Moreover, the convergence and error estimate of the approximate solution are analysed. Finally, some numerical examples are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing with the existing ones. The developed method will be helpful for finding a good approximation solution of fractional differential equations in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the antiphase domain (APD) and the elastic energy on the morphology evolution of γ′ precipitates in Ni-Al binary alloy during aging process are studied with the phase-field method. The merging-splitting phenomenon between the two neighboring γ′ precipitates is observed. The changes of γ′ area fraction and average γ′ size are analyzed for different APDs and for different elastic energies, respectively. It is shown that the merging-splitting phenomenon may occur when the radii of neighboring γ′ precipitates with different APDs are smaller than 24 nm and the critical size for the merged γ′ precipitate splitting is about 108 nm. Besides, the coarsening of γ′ precipitates is significantly impeded by the APDs but accelerated by the elastic energy, and the change of average γ′ size can be divided into two stages with different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to explore the extent to which the dietary CP level can be reduced for maintaining muscle protein deposition in growing pigs as well as the related mechanism and whether the response to dietary protein restriction is diversely modified throughout the 2 trial periods. A total of 36 pigs (9.57 ± 0.64 kg initial BW) were individually penned and fed 1 of 3 diets for 10 or 25 d. During each period, the diets contained 20, 17, and 14% CP, respectively. Both the 17% CP diet and the 14% CP diet were supplemented with Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp to provide the same total concentrations as those in the 20% CP diet. Results showed that feeding the 14% CP diet for 10 or 25 d seriously impaired (P < 0.05) growth performance of the pigs compared with those fed the 20 or 17% CP diets. Pigs fed the 20% CP diet for 25 d had a higher (P < 0.05) serum content of urea nitrogen than those fed the 17 and 14% CP diets. In addition, the free AA (FAA) profile in skeletal muscle of the pigs was evidently changed (P < 0.05) by the low-protein diets for 25 d; of note, the 14% CP diet increased (P < 0.05) the size of muscle FAA pool compared with the 20% CP diet. Meanwhile, on d 25, reducing dietary CP levels also influenced (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of specific AA transceptors expressed in skeletal muscle, especially revealing the striking differences between the 14 and 20% CP diet–fed pigs. Most importantly, we observed a globally decreased (P < 0.05) activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in skeletal muscle of pigs fed the 14% CP diet, whereas only partial inhibition was observed for those fed the 17% CP diet compared with those fed the 20% CP diet. However, feeding the low-protein diets for 10 d had minimal effects on serum parameters, muscle FAA profile, and muscle mTORC1 pathway of the pigs. Taken together, our results indicate that supplementing with limiting AA to the 14% CP diet is not highly effective for the pigs in restoring protein synthesis and muscle growth, whereas the 17% CP diet likely maintains the pigs' muscle mass, which were regulated, at least in part, by mediating AA transceptors expression, FAA profile, and activation of the mTORC1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-period field trial was conducted to determine the effects of feeding regimen on weight gain, semen characteristics, libido, and lameness in 170- to 200-kg (period 1) and 200- to 250-kg (period 2) boars. Sixty-one Duroc boars were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments and 15 g/d fish oil was also provided for each experimental boar, to maintain the n-6:n-3 intake ratio at approximately 6.1:1. The energy intakes of the 3 treatment groups were controlled by basing the feed intake on a corn–soybean meal-based diet (3.11 Mcal/kg of ME) to create: 1) low energy intake group (L, n = 20, 7.3 Mcal/d of ME), 2) medium energy intake group (M, n = 20, 7.7 Mcal/d of ME), and 3) high energy intake group (H, n = 21, 8.3 Mcal/d of ME) in period 1. Feed intake was then increased to 7.6, 8.2, and 8.6 Mcal/d of ME for the 3 groups, respectively, in period 2. During the 28-wk experimental period, boar weight gain, testis volume, semen characteristics, libido, toe measurements, claw lesions, and lameness were examined, and the number of boars culled in each group was recorded to calculate the culling rate. Although there were no differences in testis volume, sperm concentration, and motility, the percentage of abnormal sperm, the percentage of claw lesions, and claw lesion scores differed among treatments (P > 0.05), and ADG was significantly increased with the increase of energy intake between the 2 periods (P < 0.05). The M and H boars had significantly greater total sperm number and functional sperm number than the L boars (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the M and H groups (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the H boars took more time to mount the collection dummy and produce an ejaculate and, in particular, showed a greater percentage of lameness than the L and M boars (P < 0.05). Therefore, the medium energy intake regimen (energy intakes of 7.7 and 8.2 Mcal/d of ME with ADG of 454.5 and 375.3 g/d in 2 periods, respectively) improved the total sperm number and functional sperm number, and meanwhile decreased the occurrence of lameness in 170- to 250-kg Duroc boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to investigate physical symptoms in renal transplant recipients as well as the correlation between self-efficacy and symptom distress. Methods A total of 274 consecutive renal transplant recipients were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. The basic characteristics of renal transplant recipients were collected using a general situation questionnaire. Physical symptom distress and self-efficacy were assessed by the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire and the Perceived Health Competence Scale, respectively. Correlations between self-efficacy and symptom distress were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. Results Among 274 patients, 254 (92.7%) reported physical symptoms. Forgetfulness (29.56%), fatigue (28.1%), and tremor (27.37%) were the most frequent symptoms. The median score for the distress caused by physical symptoms was 5.33 (interquartile range, 4.29–6.33), suggesting that the perceived physical symptoms did not cause serious distress to patients overall. Uncertainty/fear was the most important factor affecting the quality of the life, whereas appearance seemed to be the factor that contributed least to a poor quality of life. The median self-efficacy of the participants was 27.0 (interquartile range, 24.0–30.0), suggesting a relatively high self-efficacy among kidney transplant recipients. There was a positive correlation between self-efficacy and symptom distress scores ( r s = 0.33; P < .001). Conclusions Patients are encouraged to enhance their self-efficacy with help and support from family and communities to reduce the level of distress and improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OAT-affected patients have significant difficulties in achieving pregnancy through spontaneous intercourse, and ICSI is the clinical treatment of choice for these patients. Here, we identified a novel nonsense I PNLDC1 i variant in a patient with Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) and poor clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from a consanguineous Chinese family. [Extracted from the article]

Presents a study which demonstrated a three-terminal voltage-controllable negative differential resistance device with a high-room peak-to-valley current ratio in an N-AlGaAs/p[sup+]GaAs/n-GaAs structure using the combination of carrier injection modulation and channel blocking effect. Characteristics of negative differential resistance; Method used in implementing the proposed structure; Overview of the current-voltage characteristics between anode cathode with a gate bias parameter.

Focuses on a study that observed the photoeffect in an atomic-planar-doped gallium arsenide-aluminum arsenide/gallium arsenide heterostructure in Shubnikov-de Haas measurements. Discussion of the positive persistent photoconductivity; Research on the Shubnikov-de Haas effect of the two-dimensional electron gas; Plotting of the results of the extensive transport measurements.

James Connolly (1868–1916) has been an underrepresented figure in Irish history, despite the fact that he was one of the signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. The controversy surrounding Connolly centres mostly on his questionable role in this radical nationalist siege, even though he had been one of the most prolific Marxist theorists of his day. Interestingly, Connolly’s political ambivalence has yielded plenty of scope for the imagination of playwrights in envisaging his final few days before he was executed by the British government. Their theatrical conjectures – backed by archival research to varying degrees – allow audiences different alternatives for learning about, interpreting, assessing, or even celebrating, the legacy of this controversial Marxist. Most importantly, they are able to look beyond the selectiveness of historians in re-creating Connolly as a material figure. The three plays under discussion are Margaretta D’Arcy and John Arden’sThe Non-stop Connolly Show(1975), Larry Kirwan’sBlood(1993), and Terry Eagleton’sThe White, the Gold and the Gangrene(1993). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormal reciprocal social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. However, the widely accepted biomarkers for autism are still lacking. In this study, we carried out a quantitative proteomic profiling study of cortical brain tissue from BTBR T + Itpr3 tf (BTBR) mice, a mouse model that displays an autism-like phenotype. Using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with LC–MS/MS, a total of 3611 proteins were quantitated in mouse cortices. As compared to C57BL/6J (B6) mice, 126 differentially expressed proteins were found in the brain from BTBR mice. The functional annotation and categories of differentially expressed proteins were analyzed. Especially, the stable tubule only polypeptide (STOP) protein and myelin-related proteins down-regulated significantly in BTBR mice were confirmed by Western blotting. Furthermore, the BTBR mice displayed reduced levels of staining with ferric alum in comparison to B6 controls, indicative of myelin disruption. Finally, we propose that reduced STOP expression in the brain could be involved in the mediation of autism-like behaviors through impairments of myelination in oligodendrocytes and synaptic function in neurons. Manipulation of STOP protein could be a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions to autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) generated from arachidonic acid (AA) have been recognized as the most reliable marker of nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation in vivo. F2-IsoPs are initially produced in esterified form on phospholipids, and then released into body fluids in free form. The same mechanism can lead to generation of F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NPs) and F2-dihomo-IsoPs from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and adrenic acid, respectively. In addition, isofurans (IsoFs) and neurofurans (NFs) may be preferentially produced from AA and DHA, respectively, under high oxygen tension. The detection of F2-IsoPs using gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectrometry (GC/NICI-MS) has been widely employed, which is important for human body fluids containing low quantity of free-form F2-IsoPs. F4-NPs have also been detected using GC/NICI-MS, but multiple peaks need to be quantified. In this paper, we summarize the basic workflow of the GC/NICI-MS method for analyzing F2-IsoPs and F4-NPs, and various formats of assays conducted by different groups. We then discuss the feasibility of simultaneous analysis of IsoFs, NFs, and F2-dihomo-IsoPs with F2-IsoPs or F4-NPs. Representative GC chromatograms for analyzing these markers in human body fluids and rat brain tissue are demonstrated. Furthermore, we discuss several factors that may affect the performance of the analysis, such as those related to the sample processing steps, interference from specimens, types of GC liners used, and the addition of electron multiplier voltage in the method setting for the MS detector. Finally, we question the appropriateness of measuring total (free plus esterified) levels of these markers in body fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The isobaric yield ratio difference (IBD) method is found to be sensitive to the density difference of neutron-rich nucleus induced reaction around the Fermi energy. Purpose: An investigation is performed to study the IBD results in the transport model. Methods: The antisymmetric molecular dynamics (AMD) model plus the sequential decay model GEMINI are adopted to simulate the 140A MeV 58-64Ni + 9Be reactions. A relative small coalescence radius Rc = 2.5 fm is used for the phase space at t = 500 fm/c to form the hot fragment. Two limitations on the impact parameter (b 1 = 0-2 fm and b2 -- 0-9 fm) are used to study the effect of central collisions in IBD. Results: The isobaric yield ratios (IYRs) for the large-/4 fragments are found to be suppressed in the symmetric reaction. The IBD results for fragments with neutron excess 1 = 0 and 1 are obtained. A small difference is found in the IBDs with the b\and bl limitations in the AMD simulated reactions. The IBD with b 1 and b2 are quite similar in the AMD + GEMINI simulated reactions. Conclusions: The IBDs for the / = 0 and 1 chains are mainly determined by the central collisions, which reflects the nuclear density in the core region of the reaction system. The increasing part of the IBD distribution is found due to the difference between the densities in the peripheral collisions of the reactions. The sequential decay process influences the IBD results. The AMD + GEMINI simulation can better reproduce the experimental IBDs than the AMD simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid laser gas metal arc (GMA) welding can provide higher productivity than either autogenous laser welding or GMA welding alone. In order to further enhance the welding efficiency of the hybrid laser arc welding process, a novel triple-heat-source welding system entitled hybrid laser double GMA welding was proposed in this study. This hybrid welding system was established based on a double GMA welding and laser welding system. During the hybrid welding process, two consumable electrodes kept alternative arcing at relatively low welding current while they changed to arc synchronically at relatively high welding current. This research is mainly focused on the mechanism of the alternative arcing phenomena and the influences of wire feed speed and laser beam on the arc alternating process. It was found that the arcing period decreased with the increase of wire feed speed which was positively correlated with the welding current. The arcing period also decreased with the introduction of the laser beam into the arc welding system. The arcing period can be decreased as short as possible until it was equal to the pulse period of the welding power source. Based on the analysis of the driving forces acting within the molten weld pool, it can be inferred that the hybrid laser double GMA welding process could be in favor of homogeneous alloying elements distribution and weld metal microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-electrode gas metal arc welding (DE-GMAW) was recently developed to control the current through the workpiece at a desired level when the welding productivity was increased. A novel welding method entitled consumable double electrode with a single arc GMAW (consumable DESA-GMAW) was proposed to further enhance the welding productivity by replacing the non-consumable electrode in DE-GMAW with a consumable electrode. The consumable DESA-GMAW system can work stably with appropriate welding parameters. In this paper, the effects of control variables including the voltage of the main power source and slave power source as well as the wire feed speed of the main wire and bypass wire on the current distribution between the workpiece and bypass wire were studied. The effects of the variables on arc behavior and metal transfer process were also studied. The ratio of the current through the bypass wire to the main wire can be increased by decreasing the main power source voltage, increasing the slave power source, or increasing the main wire feed speed. However, a higher ratio obtained by modifying a single control parameter may negatively influence the regular metal transfer process.The ratio of the current through the workpiece to the main filler wire can be most effectively decreased with a combination of relatively lower main power source voltage and higher slave power source voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is an immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecule that is aberrantly expressed in a wide variety of human tumors, including melanoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, bladder cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This wide spectrum of human malignancies makes ALCAM a prospective pan-cancer immunoPET target to aid in detection and diagnosis in multiple malignancies. In this study, we assess site-specific versus non-site-specific conjugation strategies for 64Cu-DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) immunoPET imaging of a fully human ALCAM cys-diabody (cDb) with a reduced linker length that retains its bivalent binding ability. ALCAM constructs with linker lengths of eight, five and three amino acids were produced to make true non-covalent site-specifically modified cDbs. Characterization by gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry of the various constructs was performed. To demonstrate the increased utility of targeting multiple malignancies expressing ALCAM, we compare the targeting of the site-specific versus non-site-specific conjugated cDbs to the human colorectal cancer xenograft LS174T. Interestingly, the conjugation strategy not only affects tumor targeting but also hepatic and renal uptake/clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]