Search

The benefits of using glued laminated bamboo (GLB) as a structural material are numerous, such as its low weight, high specific strength, and low carbon footprint. However, as a viscoelastic material, GLB materials exhibit creep, which is a significant characteristic that needs to be considered. To ensure the safety and serviceability of structures that utilize GLB, it is essential to accurately estimate the long-term performance of GLB composites under external forces. This paper reports on an experimental investigation into the creep characteristics of GLB under tensile and compressive loads. The experiments were conducted at various load levels for a period of 500 h under a controlled environmental condition. The Burgers model and the five-parameter model were used to characterize creep behavior and predict the long-term deformation by extrapolating beyond the experimental period. The long-term deformation of the GLB may be overestimated by the Burgers model due to its constant creep rate for the viscous component. In contrast, the five-parameter model introduces a modification factor that results in a nonlinear viscous component, allowing a more accurate fit and a reasonable deformation estimate. Highlights • Creep characteristics of GLB were studied under tensile and compressive loads. • Burgers and five-parameter models were used to describe the creep behavior. • Extrapolation of Burgers model overestimates the creep deformation of GLB. • Five-parameter model provides reasonable deformation estimate for GLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the distribution information of lemon planting and the surface observation data during 1971-2017 from meteorological stations in Sichuan Province are adopted to reasonably plan the layout of lemon planting in Sichuan Province. Considering the elements of climate, soil and terrain affecting the planting distribution of lemon, 16 ecological factors are selected for the analysis and regionalization of the ecological suitability of lemon planting in Sichuan Province. Specifically, the maximum entropy model is used to establish the model for the relationship between the planting distribution of lemon and one of its potential influencing factors related to the climate. On this basis, dominant climatic factors affecting the planting distribution of lemon are investigated, and the distribution for corresponding suitability grades of these climatic factors are also revealed. The receiver operating characteristic curve is used to verify the simulation accuracy. The Jackknife method and correlation analysis are used to screen dominant climatic factors and analyze their relationship with the existence probability. Based on the ArcGIS platform, the spatial distributions for the regionalization indexes of soil and terrain are analyzed for the soil and terrain suitability regionalization of lemon planting in Sichuan Province. Furthermore, by using the ecological suitability analysis method and considering the weights of various indexes, the ecological suitability regionalization of lemon planting in Sichuan Province is obtained. The results show that the highly suitable regions for lemon planting with an area of 29,000 km2 are mainly concentrated in Guang'an City, Nanchong City, Suining City, Ziyang City, Neijiang City and Zigong City, and some regions scattered in the Sichuan Basin as well. In addition, there are also some highly suitable planting spots for lemon in Panzhihua City. The moderately suitable region covers an area of 39,000 km2, and most of which are distributed in the mountainous areas in eastern part of the basin, such as the Guang'an City, Dazhou City, Suining City and Zigong City. The slightly suitable region with an area of 67,000 km2 is mainly concentrated in the central Sichuan Province, surrounding the highly and moderately suitable regions. The unsuitable region covers an area of 53,000 km2, which is mainly concentrated in plateau and mountainous regions of the western and northern Sichuan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hazard rate function plays a fundamental role in survival analysis. Its statistical inference methods have been systemically and exclusively studied. When does the hazard rate reach a particular warning level? This is a basic question of interest to the investigator but largely left to be explored in practice. We define a level set of hazard rate to address this issue and propose a kernel smoothing estimator for such a level set. In terms of the Hausdorff distance, we establish the consistency, convergence rate and asymptotic distribution of the level set estimator. The validity of the proposed confidence set, based on the bootstrap method, for the level set of hazard rate function is theoretically justified. We conduct comprehensive simulation studies to assess the finite-sample performance of the proposed method, which is further illustrated with a breast cancer study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plexins are semaphorin receptors that play essential roles in mammalian neuronal axon guidance and in many other important mammalian biological processes. Plexin signaling depends on a semaphorin-induced dimerization mechanism and is modulated by small GTPases of the Rho family, of which RND1 serves as a plexin activator yet its close homolog RhoD an inhibitor. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we showed that RND1 reinforces the plexin dimerization interface, whereas RhoD destabilizes it due to their differential interaction with the cell membrane. Upon binding plexin at the Rho-GTPase-binding domain (RBD), RND1 and RhoD interact differently with the inner leaflet of the cell membrane and exert opposite effects on the dimerization interface via an allosteric network involving the RBD, RBD linkers, and a buttress segment adjacent to the dimerization interface. The differential membrane interaction is attributed to the fact that, unlike RND1, RhoD features a short C-terminal tail and a positively charged membrane interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regularization methods for the Cox proportional hazards regression with high-dimensional survival data have been studied extensively in the literature. However, if the model is misspeci fied, this would result in misleading statistical inference and prediction. To enhance the prediction accuracy for the relative risk and the survival probability, we propose three model averaging approaches for the high-dimensional Cox proportional hazards regression. Based on the martingale residual process, we define the delete-one cross-validation (CV) process, and further propose three novel CV functionals, including the end-time CV, integrated CV, and supremum CV, to achieve more accurate prediction for the risk quantities of clinical interest. The optimal weights for candidate models, without the constraint of summing up to one, can be obtained by minimizing these functionals, respectively. The proposed model averaging approach can attain the lowest possible prediction loss asymptotically. Furthermore, we develop a greedy model averaging algorithm to overcome the computational obstacle when the dimension is high. The performances of the proposed model averaging procedures are evaluated via extensive simulation studies, demonstrating that our methods achieve superior prediction accuracy over the existing regularization methods. As an illustration, we apply the proposed methods to the mantle cell lymphoma study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging for damage in plate structure by Lamb waves is one of the most effective methods in the field of structural health monitoring. In order to improve the accuracy of damage localization, a novel method is proposed to modify damage exponent probability imaging algorithm based on delay-and-sum imaging by using time reversal Lamb waves. A new probability distribution function is introduced to improve the damage index probability method and is combined with delay-and-sum method for damage localization. Experimental results on aluminum plate show that the hybrid algorithm achieves better accuracy of damage location and imaging quality than the conventional delay-and-sum method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study demonstrated that sphingosine kinase 1-interacting protein (SKIP, or Sphkap) is expressed in pancreatic ß-cells, and depletion of SKIP enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. We find here that SKIP is also expressed in intestinal K- and L-cells and that secretion of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as well as insulin are significantly increased, and blood glucose levels are decreased in SKIP-deficient (SKIP-/-) mice compared with those in wild-type mice. Plasma triglyceride (Tg), LDL cholesterol, and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines in adipose tissues, livers, and intestines were found to be significantly decreased in SKIP-/- mice. The phenotypic characteristics of SKIP-/- mice, including adiposity and attenuation of basal inflammation, were abolished by genetic depletion of GIP. The improvement of glucose tolerance and lipid profiles in SKIP-/- mice were cancelled by GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39) treatment. In summary, depletion of SKIP ameliorates glucose tolerance by enhancing secretion of insulin and incretins, improves lipid metabolism, and reduces basal inflammation levels. Thus, inhibition of SKIP action may emerge as a new option for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo) causes severe damage to rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. The major disease resistance gene, Xa3/Xa26, confers broad-spectrum and durable resistance to Xoo at both seedling and adult stages. However, the molecular mechanism of the Xa3/Xa26-initiated defense pathway against Xoo is still largely unknown. Here, we show that a triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), OsTPI1.1, is a key component in XA3/XA26-mediated resistance to Xoo. OsTPI1.1 is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the reversible interconversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. Transcriptional suppression of OsTPI1.1 in plants harboring Xa3/Xa26 largely impaired the XA3/XA26-mediated resistance to Xoo, and constitutive overexpression of OsTPI1.1 in susceptible rice plants without Xa3/Xa26 only slightly decreased the susceptibility to Xoo. Therefore, both XA3/XA26 and OsTPI1.1 are required in XA3/XA26-mediated resistance. We show that OsTPI1.1 participates in the resistance through its enzymatic activity, which was enhanced significantly by its binding with XA3/XA26. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide, accumulated in the OsTPI1.1-overexpressing plants, and suppression of OsTPI1.1 decreased ROS accumulation. The changes in ROS are associated with the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH, which may act as a redox cofactor to scavenge ROS, leading to reduced resistance to Xoo. These results suggest that OsTPI1.1 modulates ROS production as a resistance mechanism against Xoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Chinese electric vehicle industrial innovation, the focal firms, which are the key technological, manufacturing and business wise key players, are increasingly involved in the crossindustrial interactions. However, no studies have analysed how they interact across industrial boundaries as well as their consequences. The aim of this article is to explore the focal firms' cross-industrial interactions in the Chinese EV industrial innovation. Relying on the concept of gatekeeping and using the firms' public information during 2009 and 2014, this study identified that the focal firms' interaction activities include information-gatekeeping, platform-providing, and benefit-gatekeeping. A framework of 'industrial gatekeeping' was developed. It highlights that the focal firms' gatekeeping in the Chinese EV industry settings are transforming: they do not only concern technological information but also firms' benefits. Furthermore, the framework extends the scope of gatekeeping to the cross-industrial settings. Practical recommendations for industrial players and insights for policy-makers are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a common disease among the ageing society. Oxidative stress caused by excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the aetiology of osteoporosis. α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant in the body, which can eliminate excess ROS in the body and inhibits levels of oxidative stress in cells. Herein, we designed PEGylated hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNPs) loaded with ALA (mPEG@HGNPs-ALA) to remove ROS in the treatment of osteoporosis. First, mPEG@HGNPs with a particle size of ~63nm has been successfully synthesized. By comparing the drug loading of mPEG@HGNPs, it was concluded that the optimal mass ratio of mPEG@HGNPs (calculated by the amount of gold) to ALA was ~1:2. ABTS antioxidant assay showed that free radical removal ability. In vitro results revealed that the preparation had good biocompatibility. At the gold concentration of 1-150 lg/mL, the cell viability of mPEG@HGNPs was more than 100%, which indicated that it could promote the proliferation of osteoblasts. What's more, mPEG@HGNPs-ALA could effectively remove the ROS caused by H2O2 injury and improve the cell viability. According to these results, it can be considered that mPEG@HGNPs-ALA has the potential to treat osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiparent populations (MPP) have become popular resources for complex trait mapping because of their wider allelic diversity and larger population size compared with traditional two-way recombinant inbred (RI) strains. In mice, the collaborative cross (CC) is one of the most popular MPP and is derived from eight genetically diverse inbred founder strains. The strategy of generating RI intercrosses (RIX) from MPP in general and from the CC in particular can produce a large number of completely reproducible heterozygote genomes that better represent the (outbred) human population. Since both maternal and paternal haplotypes of each RIX are readily available, RIX is a powerful resource for studying both standing genetic and epigenetic variations of complex traits, in particular, the parent-of-origin (PoO) effects, which are important contributors to many complex traits. Furthermore, most complex traits are affected by .1 genes, where multiple quantitative trait locus mapping could be more advantageous. In this paper, for MPP-RIX data but taking CC-RIX as a working example, we propose a general Bayesian variable selection procedure to simultaneously search for multiple genes with founder allelic effects and PoO effects. The proposed model respects the complex relationship among RIX samples, and the performance of the proposed method is examined by extensive simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease affecting millions of individuals. Kainate receptors, especially kainate-type of ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GluK2), play an important role in epileptogenesis. Recent data showed that GluK2 could undergo post-translational modifications in terms of S-nitrosylation (SNO), and affect the signaling pathway of cell death in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. However, it is unclear whether S-nitrosylation of GluK2 (SNO-GluK2) contributes to cell death induced by epilepsy. Here, we report that kainic acid-induced SNO-GluK2 is mediated by GluK2 itself, regulated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the level of cytoplasmic calcium in vivo and in vitro hippocampus neurons. The whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed the influence of SNO-GluK2 on ion channel characterization of GluK2-Kainate receptors. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining results showed that inhibition of SNO-GluK2 by blocking nNOS or GluK2 or by reducing the level of cytoplasmic calcium-protected hippocampal neurons from kainic acid-induced injury. Finally, immunoprecipitation and western blotting data revealed the involvement of assembly of a GluK2-PSD95-nNOS signaling complex in epilepsy. Taken together, our results showed that the SNO-GluK2 plays an important role in neuronal injury of epileptic rats by forming GluK2-PSD95-nNOS signaling module in a cytoplasmic calcium-dependent way, suggesting a potential therapeutic target site for epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is associated with increased cell migration and invasion. In the present study, the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-mediated colon cancer cell invasion was investigated. The messenger RNA levels of STAT3 target genes were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, following USP22 knockdown by RNA interference in SW480 colon cancer cells. The matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) proteolytic activity and invasion potential of SW480 cells were measured by zymography and Transwell assay, respectively, following combined USP22 and STAT3 short interfering (si)RNA treatment or STAT3 siRNA treatment alone. Similarly, a cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation potential of SW480 cells. The protein expression levels of USP22, STAT3 and MMP9 were detected by immunohistochemistry in colon cancer tissue microarrays (TMAs) and the correlation between USP22, STAT3 and MMP9 was analyzed. USP22/STAT3 co-depletion partly rescued the MMP9 proteolytic activity and invasion of SW480 cells, compared with that of STAT3 depletion alone. However, the proliferaton of USP22/STAT3si-SW480 cells was decreased compared with that of STAT3si-SW480 cells. USP22 expression was positively correlated with STAT3 and MMP9 expression in colon cancer TMAs. In conclusion, USP22 attenuated the invasion capacity of colon cancer cells by inhibiting the STAT3/MMP9 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local hypoxia in tumors is an undesirable consequence of photodynamic therapy (PDT), which will lead to greatly reduced effectiveness of this therapy. Bioreductive prodrugs that can be activated at low-oxygen conditions will be highly cytotoxic under hypoxia in tumors. Based on this principle, double silica-shelled upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) nanostructure capable of co-delivering photosensitizer (PS) molecules and a bioreductive pro-drug (tirapazamine, TPZ) were designed (TPZ-UC/PS), with which a synergetic tumor therapeutic effect has been achieved first by UC-based (UC-) PDT under normal oxygen environment, immediately followed by the induced cytotoxicity of activated TPZ when oxygen is depleted by UC-PDT. Treatment with TPZ-UC/PS plus NIR laser resulted in a remarkably suppressed tumor growth as compared to UC-PDT alone, implying that the delivered TPZ has a profound effect on treatment outcomes for the much-enhanced cytotoxicity of TPZ under PDT-induced hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local hypoxia in tumors is an undesirable consequence of photodynamic therapy (PDT), which will lead to greatly reduced effectiveness of this therapy. Bioreductive prodrugs that can be activated at low-oxygen conditions will be highly cytotoxic under hypoxia in tumors. Based on this principle, double silica-shelled upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) nanostructure capable of co-delivering photosensitizer (PS) molecules and a bioreductive pro-drug (tirapazamine, TPZ) were designed (TPZ-UC/PS), with which a synergetic tumor therapeutic effect has been achieved first by UC-based (UC-) PDT under normal oxygen environment, immediately followed by the induced cytotoxicity of activated TPZ when oxygen is depleted by UC-PDT. Treatment with TPZ-UC/PS plus NIR laser resulted in a remarkably suppressed tumor growth as compared to UC-PDT alone, implying that the delivered TPZ has a profound effect on treatment outcomes for the much-enhanced cytotoxicity of TPZ under PDT-induced hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid population growth in many developing countries has raised concerns regarding food security and household welfare. To understand the consequences of population growth in a general equilibrium setting, we examine the dynamics of population density and its impacts on household outcomes using panel data from Indonesia, combined with district-level demographic data. Historically, Indonesia has adapted to land constraints through a mix of agricultural intensification, expansion of the land frontier, and non-farm diversification, with public policies playing a role in catalyzing all of these responses. In contemporary Indonesia we find that human capital determines the effect of increased population density on per capita household consumption expenditure. The effect of population density is positive if the average educational attainment is high (above junior high school), while it is negative otherwise. On the other hand, farmers with larger holdings maintain their advantage in farming regardless of population density. The paper concludes with some potential lessons for African countries from Indonesia's more successful rural development experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airway epithelium is the first line of host defense against pathogens. The short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (SPLUNC)1 protein is secreted in respiratory tracts and is a member of the bacterial/permeability increasing (BPI) fold-containing protein family, which shares structural similarities with BPI-like proteins. On the basis of its homology with BPIs and restricted expression of SPLUNC1 in serous cells of submucosal glands and surface epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract, SPLUNC1 is thought to possess antimicrobial activity in host defense. SPLUNC1 is also reported to have surfactant properties, which may contribute to anti-biofilm defenses. The objective of this study was to determine the in vivo functions of SPLUNC1 following Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanism by using a knockout (KO) mouse model with a genetic ablation of Splunc1. Splunc1 KO mice showed accelerated mortality and increased susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection with significantly decreased survival rates, increased bacterial burdens, exaggerated tissue injuries, and elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels as compared with those of their wild-type littermates. Increased neutrophil infiltration in Splunc1 KO mice was accompanied by elevated chemokine levels, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Ccl20. Furthermore, the expression of several epithelial secretory proteins and antimicrobial molecules was considerably suppressed in the lungs of Splunc1 KO mice. The deficiency of Splunc1 in mouse airway epithelium also results in increased biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Taken together, our results support that the ablation of Splunc1 in mouse airways affects the mucociliary clearance, resulting in decreased innate immune response during Pseudomonas-induced respiratory infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasoactive drugs are normally utilized to elevate mean artery pressure and maintain adequate organ perfusion in clinical treatment. During the injection, morphological changes and the subsequent oxygen supply alteration in the brain, e.g., possible hypoxia, are prone to introduce serious damage and even dysfunction to the brain. Therefore, multiparameter monitoring of cerebral microvasculature is necessary during drug injection. An optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy was used to assess the effects of norepinephrine on microvasculature in the brain cortex of mice. In our experiments, the diameter, total hemoglobin (HbT) and oxygen saturation (SO2)of single cerebral microvessels during tail vein injection of norepinephrine were analyzed. Following the injection, vasoconstriction was observed, and HbT and SO2 were decreased in turn. The vessel diameter and HbT recovered back to the base value without further injection, while the SO2 remained low throughout the observation period. Arterioles showed more acute constriction but a smaller decline in HbT during the injection compared with venules, while SO2 in arterioles increased slightly without further drug injection but not in venules. Our results suggested that photoacoustic microscopy may become a new method for early and comprehensive evaluation of the effect of drugs on microvasculature in brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations into the biochemical processes and regulatory mechanisms of nitrogen (N) utilization can aid in understanding how N is used efficiently in plants. This report describes a deficiency in N utilization in an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transfer DNA insertion mutant of the mitochondrial folylpolyglutamate synthetase gene DFC, which catalyzes the conjugation of glutamate residues to the tetrahydrofolate during folate synthesis. The mutant seedlings displayed several metabolic changes that are typical of plant responses to low-N stress, including increased levels of starch and anthocyanin synthesis as well as decreased levels of soluble protein and free amino acid, as compared with those in wild-type seedlings when external N was sufficient. More striking changes were observed when dfc seedlings were grown under N-limited conditions, including shorter primary roots, fewer lateral roots, higher levels of glycine and carbon-N ratios, and lower N content than those in wild-type seedlings. Gene expression studies in mutant seedlings revealed altered transcript levels of several genes involved in folate biosynthesis and N metabolism. The biochemical and metabolic changes also suggested that N assimilation is drastically perturbed due to a loss of DFC function. The observation that elevated CO2 partly rescued the dfc phenotypes suggests that the alterations in N metabolism in dfc may be mainly due to a defect in photorespiration. These results indicate that DFC is required for N utilization in Arabidopsis and provide new insight into a potential interaction between folate and N metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on albuminuria levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), we performed comprehensive searches on Medline database, Cochrane Library, CNKI database, CBM database, Wanfang database, and VIP database up to December 2012. A total of 29 trials including 2440 participants with DN met the selection criteria. CHM was tested to be more effective in reducing urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) (MD -82.95 μg/min, [-138.64, -27.26]) and proteinuria (MD -565.99 mg/24h, [-892.41, -239.57]) compared with placebo. CHM had a greater beneficial effect on reduction of UAER (MD -13.41 μg/min, [-20.63, -6.19]) and proteinuria (MD -87.48 mg/24h, [-142.90, -32.06]) compared with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Combination therapy with CHM and ACEI/ARB showed significant improvement in UAER (MD -28.18 μg/min, [-44.4, -11.97]), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (MD -347.00, [-410.61, -283.39]), protein-creatinine ratio (MD -2.49, [-4.02, -0.96]), and proteinuria (MD -26.60 mg/24h, [-26.73, -26.47]) compared with ACEI/ARB alone. No serious adverse events were reported. CHM seems to be an effective and safe therapy option to treat proteinuric patients with DN, suggesting that further study of CHM in the treatment of DN is warranted in rigorously designed, multicentre, large-scale trials with higher quality worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea cirrhosa is a natural plant with advantageous properties in both health care and dyeing. In this work, cotton fabric was dyed with Dioscorea cirrhosa dry extract by the traditional, repeated, dip-spray dyeing process and single-side sunlight fixation method. The color characteristics, surface morphology and structure, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the dyed cotton fabric were characterized. The flame-retardant and waterproof functions of the dyed cotton fabric were also evaluated. The results showed that the dyed cotton fabric presented the limiting oxygen index (LOI) with one side displaying a reddish-brown coating and the other side being red. The limiting oxygen index of the cotton fabric increased from 18% to 28% after dyeing treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of calcium compounds with α-diimine ligands, [L−Ca-(μ2-Cl)(THF)2]2(1, L = LiPr; 2, L = LMes), [(LiPr)2−2CaK2(THF)]n(3), [(LMes)2−Na(THF)2]2Ca (4), and [Ca(LiPr)2−Li(THF)(μ3-Cl)Li(THF)2(μ3-Cl)]2(5), where LiPr= [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]2and LMes= [(2,4,6-Me3C6H2)NC(Me)]2, have been synthesized by the reaction of the lithium, sodium, or potassium salts of the reduced ligands (L−or L2−) with calcium chloride. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that compounds 1and 2are isostructural dinuclear compounds bridged by chloride ions, compound 3forms a left-handed 21helical structure, while 4features a metallocene-like structure, and 5forms a laddered aggregate. The ligand exists as the doubly reduced dianionic form in 3−5and appears as the radical anion in compounds 1and 2. The coordination modes of the alkali metal and calcium ions in these complexes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leguminous crops have the ability to fix nitrogen (N) biologically from the atmosphere. This can benefit not only the legumes themselves but also any intercropped or subsequent crops, thus reducing or removing the need to apply N fertilizers. Improved quantification of legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) will provide better guidance for farmers on managing N to optimise productivity and reduce harmful losses to the environment. There are many techniques available for the direct quantitative measurement of legume BNF in the field and in controlled environments. However, these are time-consuming and therefore expensive, and generate data relevant only to the time and place of measurement. Alternatively, legume BNF can be estimated by either empirical models or dynamic mechanistic simulation models. Comparatively, simulation by a dynamic model is preferable for quantifying legume BNF, because of its capability to simulate the response of N fixation to a wide range of environmental variables and legume growth status. Currently there is no published review of the approaches used to simulate, rather than measure, legume BNF. This review of peer-reviewed literature shows that most simulation models estimate the N fixation rate from a pre-defined potential N fixation rate, adjusted by the response functions of soil temperature, soil/plant water status, soil/plant N concentration, plant carbon (C) supply and crop growth stage. Here, we highlight and compare the methods used to estimate the potential N fixation rate, and the response functions to simulate legume BNF, in nine widely-cited models over the last 30 years.We then assess their relative strengths in simulating legume BNF with varying biotic and abiotic factors, and identify the discrepancies between experimental findings and simulations. After this comparison, we identify the areas where there is the potential to improve legume BNF simulation in the future. These include; (1) consideration of photosynthetic C supply, (2) refining the various effects of soil mineral N concentration, (3) characterization and incorporation of excess soil water stress and other factors into models, and (4) incorporation of the effects of grazing, coexistence and competition with intercrops and weeds into models to improve their practical relevance to sustainable agricultural systems. This review clarifies, for the first time, the current progress in legume BNF quantification in simulation models, and provides guidance for their further development, combining fundamental experimental and modelling work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye Brilliant Green (BG) is shown to be an excellent fluorogenic probe for the detection of double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA). Typically, the detection limit of a 21-mer is as low as 6 nM ((3σ), and the method can clearly distinguish between fully complementary ds-DNA and a ds-DNA with a single mismatch. Labeling is not required, hybridization and detection occur in homogenous aqueous solution in short time, and the dye is easily accessible, commercially available, and affordable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of the dependence of acoustic trapping capability on the orientation and shape of particles to be trapped in different media. In the experimental investigation, two sharp edges of metal strips in ultrasonic vibration are used to trap particles in air. Experimental particles are made of clay, having the same mass and volume but different shapes. In the theoretical investigation, a method which combines the analysis of finite element method and theory of acoustic radiation force is used to calculate the acoustic radiation force acting on particles with different shapes and orientations. Both the experimental and theoretical results show that the acoustic trapping capability depends on the orientation and shape of particles. It is found that both in air and in water, for a particle with a given shape, the trapping capability is different at different orientations; for some commonly shaped particles, such as rectangular cuboid, cylinder, cone, cube, sphere, and hollow cylinder; the trapping capability for each particle shape at its best trapping orientation decreases in the listed sequence of shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As biological studies become more expensive to conduct, statistical methods that take advantage of existing auxiliary information about an expensive exposure variable are desirable in practice. Such methods should improve the study efficiency and increase the statistical power for a given number of assays. In this article, we consider an inference procedure for multivariate failure time with auxiliary covariate information. We propose an estimated pseudopartial likelihood estimator under the marginal hazard model framework and develop the asymptotic properties for the proposed estimator. We conduct simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in practical situations and demonstrate the proposed method with a data set from the studies of left ventricular dysfunction ( SOLVD Investigators, 1991 , New England Journal of Medicine 325, 293–302). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the ultrasonic trapping of small particles by a vibrating rod is proposed and analyzed. An aluminum rod, which is driven by an actuator and operates in the 0th order vibration mode (back and forth vibration mode), can trap small particles in water. The experimental phenomena and the trapping mechanism are theoretically analyzed, and the acoustic radiation force acting on a spherical particle near the surface of the vibrating rod is estimated. The effects of operating frequency, rod radius, particle radius and other physical parameters are investigated experimentally and theoretically, and useful guidelines to optimize the trapping capability are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Zn−Zn-bonded compound, [K(THF) 2] 2[(L iPr )Zn−Zn(L iPr )] ( 2) and three mononuclear zinc compounds, [Zn(L Me) 2Na 2(Et 2O) 2] ( 3), [Zn(L Et) 2Na 2(THF) 2] ( 4), and [Zn(L Et) 2K 2] n( 5), with N-aryl substituted α-diimine ligands L iPr , L Me, and L Et(L = [(2,6-R 2C 6H 3)N(Me)C] 2, R = iPr, Me, Et, respectively) have been synthesized from the reduction of the LZnCl 2precursors by the alkali metal Na or K. X-ray structural analyses show that the compounds have a [Zn 2L 2] 2−( 2) or [ZnL 2] 2−( 3− 5) core incorporating Na +or K +ions solvated by THF or Et 2O molecules, except for 5, which displays a 2D polymeric structure formed by intermolecular K−C bonds due to the lack of K−solvent interactions. In compound 2, the formal Zn 2+ion in the precursor is reduced to Zn +, while in 3− 5it remains unreduced. The neutral ligands in the precursor, however, are doubly reduced to a dianion, L 2−, in all compounds, as evidenced by the bond lengths of the N–CC–N moiety of the ligands. Effects of the ligand substituent, reducing agent, and solvent on the products have been studied, which reveal that the steric bulk of the ligand is the most important factor that determines whether the Zn−Zn bond can be formed. DFT computations show that the Zn−Zn bond in 2is formed mainly by the 4s orbitals of zinc. The results of natural charge and orbital analyses also confirm the reduction of the ligands to their dianionic forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of sodium and magnesium complexes with α-diimine ligands, [Na 2(L iPr )(Et 2O)] 2( 1, L iPr = [(2,6- iPr 2C 6H 3)N(Me)C] 2), [Na 2(L Mes)(solv) 2] 2(L Mes= [(2,4,6-Me 3C 6H 3)N(Me)C] 2, 2a, solv = Et 2O; 2b, solv = THF), [Na 4(L Et) 2] n( 3, L Et= [(2,6-Et 2C 6H 3)N(Me)C] 2), and [Mg(L Mes)(THF) 3] ( 4), have been synthesized by reduction of the diimine ligands with sodium or magnesium metal. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the sodium complexes have a 2:1 [Na 2L] unit that aggregates to dimeric ( 1, 2a, 2b) or polymeric ( 3) structures, while the magnesium complex ( 4) shows a monomeric 1:1 structure. In all compounds 1− 4, the ligand is doubly reduced to a dianion. The two Na +ions in 1, 2a, 2b, and 3show different coordination modes, one of which is chelated by the N donors of a ligand with supplementary Na−C bonds to the phenyl ring of another ligand within the [Na 2L] 2dimer, while the other is bonded by the central C 2N 2core of the ligand and solvent molecules ( 1, 2a, and 2b). Compound 3displays a novel three-dimensional network. The Mg 2+ion in 4is coordinated by a ligand molecule and three THF molecules. Density functional theory (DFT) computations on the sodium and magnesium complexes 1and 4confirmed their electronic structures and the dianionic character of the ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photodynamic properties of a new hypocrellin B (HB) derivative bearing a bispyrrolecarboxamide pendant (HB-Net) were investigated in detail. EPR experiments revealed that the generation ability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HB-Net is inferior to that of HB. DNA melting temperature measurements and ethidium bromide (EB) displacement assay illustrated the affinity of HB-Net toward dsDNA as the result of the bispyrrolecarboxamide unit, which is structurally related to the well-known minor groove binder netropsin. The radical generation abilities of HB and HB-Net can be enhanced by ascorbic acid via the photoinduced electron transfer from ascorbic acid to the photosensitizer, however, only the DNA photodamage capability of HB-Net can be improved significantly by ascorbic acid due to the stronger affinity of HB-Net to DNA. Consequently, the combination of HB-Net and ascorbic acid may lead to efficient DNA photodamage even in anaerobic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorph selection of biominerals is an interesting phenomenon as observed in some natural shells, which contain distinct polymorphs of calcium carbonate in one organism. The reason why distinct polymorphs present in different portions of organisms has attracted increasing attention. In this work, we selectively synthesized calcite nanoparticles and vaterite hexagonal plates under conditions with different morphologies of chitosan chains. Calcite nanoparticles were homogeneously nucleated in the chitosan sol, and capsulated by semirigid polycation chitosan chains through electrostatic attraction. The metastable vaterite crystals in hexagonal symmetry were heterogeneously nucleated at the interface of chitosan gel, and stabilized through stereochemically matched hydrogen bonding interactions with flexible chitosan chains, which reduces the unstable (001) faces surface energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish some common fixed point theorems satisfying expansive type conditions for two infinite families of surjection and six self-mappings in cone metric spaces over Banach algebras without the continuity of the mappings and the normality of the cone. We also give an example to support the validity of the obtained result. The main results generalize and improve the known common fixed point theorems on metric spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates two important issues relating to the role of scleral collagen in the development of high myopia, using the well characterized tree shrew model of myopia. Establishment whether general collagen synthesis, collagen degradation, or a combination of the two, underlies reduced scleral collagen accumulation and tissue loss in eyes with progressive myopia.

The large-scale use of zinc–air batteries (ZABs) has been limited by their sluggish OER and ORR kinetics. The current synthesis of catalysts for air electrodes requires harsh conditions. The design and manufacture of bifunctional catalysts under mild conditions are of great significance. Herein, an electric field-induced phosphorization at room temperature is proposed to prepare bifunctional electrocatalysts designed by coupling N-doped carbon and CoP nanoparticles based on a multi-active site-integration strategy. The simple, safe, non-toxic and highly controllable electric field-induced reaction creates CoP active sites. The catalyst exhibits a remarkably narrow potential gap (ΔE) of 0.65 V between the half-wave potential of the ORR and the potential of the OER. The low ΔE signifies a superior catalytic bifunctionality of CoP@NWC. Aqueous ZABs with an optimized catalyst achieve a high discharge specific capacity of 805.8 mA h gZn−1 and long-term cycling stability over 1200 cycles. Quasi-solid-state ZABs show a discharge-specific capacity of 760.5 mA h gZn−1. The outstanding bifunctional catalytic activities originate from the synergistic effect of dual active sites between CoP and NWC induced by the electric field. This work provides a new perspective for building advanced catalysts from biomass under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is a common cause of pulmonary disease worldwide, few studies have focused on epidemiological and therapeutic factors related to NTM cases in Anhui Province, China. This retrospective study aimed to identify aetiological and clinical factors, and treatment outcomes of patients with NTM pulmonary disease (NTMPD) in Anhui. Methodology: Retrospective clinical data obtained from medical records of NTMPD patients seeking care at Anhui Chest Hospital from July 2019 to June 2022 were analyzed. Treatment outcomes were compared between two patient groups: one receiving a standardised NTM treatment regimen and the other receiving precision treatment regimens. Results: Genotypic analysis of 672 clinical NTMPD-associated isolates revealed that most were Mycobacterium intracellulare, while drugsusceptibility test results demonstrated diverse antibiotic resistance profiles for these isolates. Cough was the most common symptom for 101 NTMPD patients. After patients of both groups received treatment, symptoms improved, sputum culture conversion was observed for some patients, imaging findings stabilised; however, no statistically significant intergroup differences in treatment outcomes were found. Conclusions: In this study, M. intracellulare was the predominant NTM species identified in isolates obtained from NTMPD patients. Drug resistance profiles of our patient isolates were complex, highlighting the need for administration of timely, more effective, standardised treatments for patients with NTMPD in Anhui Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the concept of functions ψ and Φ, some new common fixed point theorems for the weak Meir-Keeler type function are established in cone metric spaces. In addition, an application to integral equations is given to illustrate the usability of the obtain results. The presented theorems generalize and improve many existing results in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A zinc−zinc-bonded compound with a monoanionic α-diimine ligand, [LZn−ZnL] (L = [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]2−) (3), has been synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl2and [Na2L]. The Zn−Zn bond distance (2.3403(18) Å) is shorter than that in the analogues with the dianionic ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) is a negative suppressor of Wnt signal and newly identified as an important regulator in tumorigenesis and development. However, the pan-cancer analysis of ZNRF3 has not been reported. We found that ZNRF3 was significantly decreased in six tumors including CESC, KIRP, KIRC, SKCM, OV, and ACC, but increased in twelve tumors, namely LGG, ESCA, STES, COAD, STAD, LUSC, LIHC, THCA, READ, PAAD, TGCT, and LAML. Clinical outcomes of cancer patients were closely related to ZNRF3 expression in ESCA, GBM, KIRC, LUAD, STAD, UCEC, LGG, and SARC. The highest genetic alteration frequency of ZNRF3 occurred in ACC. Abnormal expression of ZNRF3 could be attributed to the differences of copy number variation (CNV) and DNA methylation as well as ZNRF3-interacting proteins. Besides, ZNRF3 were strongly associated with tumor heterogeneity, tumor stemness, immune score, stromal score and ESTIMATE score in certain cancers. In terms of immune cell infiltration, ZNRF3 was positively correlated to infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts in CESC, HNSC, OV, PAAD, PRAD, and THYM, but negatively associated with infiltration of CD8 T cells in HNSC, KIRC, KIRP and THYM. Moreover, ZNRF3 expression was correlated with most immune checkpoint genes in SARC, LUSC, LUAD, PRAD, THCA, UVM, TGCT, and OV, and associated with overwhelming majority of immunoregulatory genes in almost all cancers. Most RNA modification genes were also remarkably related to ZNRF3 level in KIRP, LUAD, LUSC, THYM, UVM, PRAD, and UCEC, indicating that ZNRF3 might have an important effect on cancer epigenetic regulation. Finally, we verified the expression and role of ZNRF3 in clinical specimens and cell lines of renal cancer and liver cancer. This study provides a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of ZNRF3 and reveals the complexity of its carcinogenic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is critical in the regulation of fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis in the liver. Interestingly, Chrebp-/- mice show reduced levels of plasma cholesterol, which is critical for steroid hormone synthesis in adrenal glands. Furthermore, Chrebp mRNA expression was previously reported in human adrenal glands. Thus, it remains to be investigated whether ChREBP plays a role directly or indirectly in steroid hormone synthesis and release in adrenal glands. In the present study, we find that Chrebp mRNA is expressed in mouse adrenal glands and that ChREBP binds to carbohydrate response elements. Histological analysis of Chrebp-/- mice shows no adrenal hyperplasia and less oil red O staining compared with that in WT mice. In adrenal glands of Chrebp-/- mice, expression of Fasn and Scd1, two enzymes critical for fatty acid synthesis, was substantially lower and triglyceride content was reduced. Expression of Srebf2, a key transcription factor controlling synthesis and uptake of cholesterol and the target genes, was upregulated, while cholesterol content was not significantly altered in the adrenal glands of Chrebp-/- mice. Adrenal corticosterone content and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels were not significantly altered in Chrebp-/- mice. Consistently, expression of genes related to steroid hormone synthesis was not altered. Corticosterone secretion in response to two different stimuli, namely 24-h starvation and cosyntropin admini stration, was also not altered in Chrebp-/- mice. Taking these results together, corticosterone synthesis and release were not affected in Chrebp-/- mice despite reduced plasma cholesterol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present high resolution photoassociation spectroscopy of ultracold 23Na133Cs molecules in a long-range c3Σ+ state below the (3S1/2 + 6P3/2) asymptote. We perform photoassociation spectroscopy in a dual-species magneto-optical trap (MOT) and detect the photoassociation resonances using trap-loss spectroscopy. By fitting the experimental data with the semi-classical LeRoy–Bernstein formula, we deduce the long-range molecular coefficient C6 and derive the empirical potential energy curve in the long-range region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study which suggested a pleiotropic messenger strategy based on near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered on-demand nitric oxide (NO) release at the lesion area for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. Topics discussed include synthesis and characterization of UCZN, cytocompatibility and spatiotemporally controlled NO release of UCZN, and neurite growth-promoting property of UCZN.

A better understanding of all immune components involved in protecting against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is urgently needed to inform strategies for novel immunotherapy and tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development. Although cell-mediated immunity is critical, increasing evidence supports that antibodies also have a protective role against TB. Yet knowledge of protective antigens is limited. Analyzing sera from 97 US immigrants at various stages of M. tuberculosis infection, we showed protective in vitro and in vivo efficacy of polyclonal IgG against the M. tuberculosis capsular polysaccharide arabinomannan (AM). Using recently developed glycan arrays, we established that anti-AM IgG induced in natural infection is highly heterogeneous in its binding specificity and differs in both its reactivity to oligosaccharide motifs within AM and its functions in bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination and/or in controlled (latent) versus uncontrolled (TB) M. tuberculosis infection. We showed that anti-AM IgG from asymptomatic but not from diseased individuals was protective and provided data suggesting a potential role of IgG2 and specific AM oligosaccharides. Filling a gap in the current knowledge of protective antigens in humans, our data support the key role of the M. tuberculosis surface glycan AM and suggest the importance of targeting specific glycan epitopes within AM in antibody-mediated immunity against TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel strand bamboo has extensive potential applications as a structural material for construction. Studying longitudinal stress-strain relationships is essential as a means to build a constitutive law for parallel strand bamboo composites and to conduct an inelastic analysis for structural members constructed by this material. For this reason, failure modes and the damage mechanisms were investigated for tension and compression in parallel strand bamboo composites in the longitudinal direction. An analytical stress-strain formula for the parallel strand bamboo composites was developed for tension and compression related calculations. Tensile failure was caused by the damage of the longitudinal fibers and showed brittle characteristics. The compressive failure resulted from the buckling of the fibers near the damage area. In addition, three types of failure modes were observed; longitudinal buckling failure, compressive-shearing failure, and longitudinal crush failure. The stress-strain relationship in the longitudinal direction of parallel strand bamboo composites exhibited linear behaviour for tension. However, the stress-strain relationship for compression remained linear within the proportional limit, while becoming nonlinear, which can be simulated by a quadratic polynomial, once the stress exceeded the limit. The experimental data agreed well with the model predictions, showing that the present model had high prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a constructive approach to estimating sparse, high-dimensional linear regression models. The approach is a computational algorithm motivated from the KKT conditions for the ℓ0-penalized least squares solutions. It generates a sequence of solutions iteratively, based on support detection using primal and dual information and root finding. We refer to the algorithm as SDAR for brevity. Under a sparse Riesz condition on the design matrix and certain other conditions, we show that with high probability, the ℓ2 estimation error of the solution sequence decays exponentially to the minimax error bound in O(log(R√J)) iterations, where J is the number of important predictors and R is the relative magnitude of the nonzero target coefficients; and under a mutual coherence condition and certain other conditions, the ℓ∞ estimation error decays to the optimal error bound in O(log(R)) iterations. Moreover the SDAR solution recovers the oracle least squares estimator within a finite number of iterations with high probability if the sparsity level is known. Computational complexity analysis shows that the cost of SDAR is O(np) per iteration. We also consider an adaptive version of SDAR for use in practical applications where the true sparsity level is unknown. Simulation studies demonstrate that SDAR outperforms Lasso, MCP and two greedy methods in accuracy and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the synthesis and structure of [K(THF)3]2[LMg-MgL] (L = [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]22-) in magnesium-magnesium bond. It notes that this bond was stabilized by reduced ;-diimine. Study reveals that the dimagnesium(I) compound has dianionic ligands which incorporates solvated potassium+ ions.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of serious infections. Linezolid and teicoplanin are widely used in the treatment of infections caused by MRSA. However, the efficacy and safety of linezolid compared with teicoplanin remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of linezolid versus teicoplanin for the treatment of MRSA infections. Methodology: A meta-analysis was performed on the published studies. Pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to determine whether there were significant differences between the linezolid group and the teicoplanin group on the efficacy and safety. Results: Seventeen studies were included, involving 2,040 patients. The results showed that linezolid was associated with better clinical cure rate (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.08-1.21, p < 0.00001) and microbiological eradication rate (RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.18-1.39, p < 0.00001) compared with teicoplanin. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the treatment of MRSA infections regarding the adverse events (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.97-1.35, p = 0.10) and the mortality (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.61-1.18, p = 0.33). Conclusions: The results suggest that linezolid may be a better choice for the treatment of patients with MRSA infections. However, our recommendation is that the decision about treating MRSA infections with linezolid or with teicoplanin should depend on local availability, patient population, dosage regimens, costs and safety, rather than presumed differences in efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer in women worldwide and it is considered the leading cause of tumor-related death and malignancy. As part of complexes involved in epigenetic control, the proteins of the chromobox (CBX) family have been found to have a role in the growth of malignancies by preventing differentiation and increasing proliferation. Here, by a thorough investigation, we investigated the expression, prognostic significance, and immune infiltration of CBX in patients with CC. Materials and Methods: Differential expression, clinicopathological parameters, immune cell infiltration, enrichment analysis, genetic alteration, and prognostic value of CBXs in patients with CC were examined using TIMER, Metascape, STRING, GeneMANIA, cBioPortal, UALCAN, The Human Protein Atlas, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Oncomine. Results: In CC tissues, CBX 2/3/4/5 and CBX 8 expression levels were considerably higher, whereas CBX 6/7 expression levels were lower. In CC, the CBX 5/6/8 promoters have elevated levels of methylation. The expression of CBX 2/6/8 and the pathological stage were connected. A 37% mutation rate of the differentially expressed CBX genes was observed. Also, there was a strong correlation of the CBXs expression with immune cell infiltration, such as T CD4+ cells, macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, T CD8+ cells, and dendritic cells. Conclusion: The investigation discovered that members of the CBXs family may be therapeutic targets for CC patients and may play significant roles in the development of CC tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key issue in China's urban development, urbanization creates increasing pressure on the environment. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment is necessary for Chinese policy makers to realize sustainable urbanization development. Making reference to physical coupling models, we developed a coupling coordination degree model in order to examine the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment in Shanghai, using data from 1980 to 2013. The comprehensive level of Shanghai's urbanization process during the study period was estimated using an index composed of four primary indicators, namely: demographic urbanization, spatial urbanization, social urbanization, and economic urbanization. We also developed an index system for the eco-environment, which was based on four primary indicators: the environmental level, eco-environmental endowment, eco-environmental pressure and eco-environment response. The entropy method was subsequently employed in order to identify the contribution made by each indicator to the compound system during the study period. The results show that: (1) economic urbanization and eco-environmental response made the greatest contributions to the urbanization subsystem and the eco-environmental subsystem, respectively-these are thus the key factors to consider in policy decisions aiming to adjust the coupling coordination degree between the two subsystems; (2) the two parameters α-urbanization and β-eco-environment were found to have minimal effect on the coupling coordination system; (3) the coupling coordination between urbanization and the eco-environment produced an S-shaped curve, and both subsystems were found to have evolved from seriously unbalanced development at the start of the study period into superiorly balanced development at the close of the study period. The results of this study hold important implications for efforts to achieve the coordinated development of both urbanization and the eco-environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to detect the alterations in histone methylation and acetylation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Global histone H3/H4 acetylation and H3K4/H3K9 methylation were detected by the EpiQuik™ global histone H3/H4 acetylation and H3K4/H3K9 methylation assay kits. The mRNA expression of selected chromatin modifier genes was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results found that the global histone H3/H4 hypoacetylation in the CD19+ B cells of patients with CLL (P=0.028 and P=0.03, respectively) and the global histone H3K9 methylation in patients with CLL were significantly increased compared with controls (P=0.02), while there was no significant difference in the global histone H3K4 methylation between the two groups. The level of SIRT1 and EZH2 mRNA expression was upregulated in patients with CLL (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively), which increased significantly with progression from Binet stage A to stage C (P=0.015 and P=0.01, respectively) and Rai good to high risk stage (P=0.007 and P=0.008, respectively). The level of HDAC1 and HDAC7 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P=0.02 and P=0.008, respectively) and HDAC2 and P300 mRNA expression was reduced in patients with CLL (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, it is observed that the aberrant histone modification plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]