Transluminal attenuation gradient and corrected models in coronary CT angiography for determining stenosis severity: a primary study using dual-source CT

AIM

To compare the incremental value of transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG), TAG with corrected contrast opacification (TAG-CCO), and TAG with exclusion of calcified coronary segments (TAG-ExC) in determining the stenosis severity of coronary arteries using coronary angiography (CAG) as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifteen patients who underwent computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG) were included in the retrospective analysis. TAG, TAG-CCO, and TAG-ExC were calculated in 311 major epicardial coronary arteries. Changes in different TAG models were compared with corresponding stenosis severities ascertained by CAG. The diagnostic performances of TAG, TAG-CCO, TAG-ExC, and the TAG/CTCA, TAG-CCO/CTCA, and TAG-ExC/CTCA combinations over CTCA alone in evaluating stenosis severity were then analysed and compared. Furthermore, the incremental value of the TAG and the corrected models in the reclassification of CTCA-evaluated stenosis severity were calculated.

RESULTS

TAG, TAG-CCO, and TAG-ExC decreased gradually with increased stenosis severity (p<0.001 for all TAG models). TAG and TAG-ExC improved the diagnostic performance over CTCA in total vessel evaluation (c statistic= 0.926 versus 0.907, p=0.018; c statistic= 0.922 versus 0.907, p=0.030, respectively), but TAG-CCO did not. Meanwhile, adding TAG to CTCA enabled a significant reclassification in calcified vessels (n=95; net reclassification improvement = 0.143, p=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

TAG and TAG-ExC improved the diagnostic performance of CTCA in all vessels. Adding TAG to CTCA significantly reclassified the calcified vessels. The additional value of TAG-CCO over CTCA alone in determining the stenosis severity is limited.

Chronic subdural hematoma management: clarifying the definitions of outcome measures to better understand treatment efficacy - a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A long history of inconsistencies in the definitions of the outcome measures for chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) has contributed to the controversy over the optimal surgical strategy for CSDH treatment. Clarifying these definitions, reassess the available data, and systematically review the prior literature may provide better insight into the differences in treatment efficacy for CSDH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical course of CSDH was described with a series of strictly defined outcome measures. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for comparative studies of two main surgical techniques for CSDH, including burr hole craniotomy (BHC) and twist drill craniotomy (TDC). Data were collected with uniform criteria and analyzed using a random-effects model to estimate the mortality, recurrence, operative failure, and cure rates of each treatment.

RESULTS

Twelve comparative studies that examined 2,027 CSDH patients were included. The analysis results indicated that TDC and BHC treatments were similar in the mortality rates (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.83-1.87; I2 = 0%; p = 0.28) and the recurrence rates (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.87-1.92; I2 = 13%; p = 0.21) for CSDH patients. However, TDC had a significantly higher operative failure rate compared with BHC (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.83; I2 = 0%; p = 0.02), whereas patients treated by a TDC approach tended to achieve higher cure rates compared with BHC (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99; I2 = 55%; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The clarification of the definitions related to CSDH outcome facilitates the interpretation of differences in treatment efficacy. The TDC approach manifested a significantly higher operative failure rate compared with the BHC approach; however, TDC showed a tendency in achieving a long-term neurologic cure.

[Expression of PAI-2 mRNA in peripheral blood leucocytes and regulation by sGC activator in pulmonary hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mRNA expression level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) in peripheral blood leucocytes and regulation by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator in pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

The human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells were treated with sGC activator Cinaciguat. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PAI-2 were detected with Real-time PCR and Western blot. The fresh blood samples of 8 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (collected at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from November 2014 to March 2015), 16 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) (collected at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from November 2014 to March 2015), 24 age- and gender- matched healthy controls (collected at Beijing Hospital in March 2015) were treated with Cinaciguat for 8 hours. Then RNA of peripheral leukocytes was extracted and performed with reverse transcription and Real-time PCR to detect the mRNA level of PAI-2, which was compared between healthy controls and patients with pulmonary hypertension, before and after the treatment of Cinaciguat. At last, the correlation of PAI-2 mRNA level and the clinic severity of pulmonary hypertension were identified.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein expression levels of PAI-2 were promoted by Cinaciguat in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. The baseline mRNA level of PAI-2 in peripheral leukocytes was significantly lower in PAH patients compared to the healthy controls (0.201±0.152, 0.660±0.440, P=0.021). There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of PAI-2 between the CTEPH patients and controls (0.428±0.364, 0.769±0.682, P=0.152). After Cinaciguat treatment, the mRNA expression levels of PAI-2 were up-regulated in PAH patients and CTEPH patients (1.352±1.127, 1.203±1.008), there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of PAI-2 among the PAH patients, CTEPH patients and controls (P=0.130, P=0.534). The baseline mRNA level of PAI-2 was negative correlated with echocardiography-estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (r=-0.744, P=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

The mRNA expression level of PAI-2 is significantly down-regulated in peripheral blood leucocytes and up-regulated by sGC activator in pulmonary hypertension. PAI-2 could be used as potential biomarker of pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH.

An LES Turbulent Inflow Generator using A Recycling and Rescaling Method

The present paper describes a recycling and rescaling method for generating turbulent inflow conditions for Large Eddy Simulation. The method is first validated by simulating a turbulent boundary layer and a turbulent mixing layer. It is demonstrated that, with input specification of mean velocities and turbulence rms levels (normal stresses) only, it can produce realistic and self-consistent turbulence structures. Comparison of shear stress and integral length scale indicates the success of the method in generating turbulent 1-point and 2-point correlations not specified in the input data. With the turbulent inlet conditions generated by this method, the growth rate of the turbulent boundary/mixing layer is properly predicted. Furthermore, the method can be used for the more complex inlet boundary flow types commonly found in industrial applications, which is demonstrated by generating non-equilibrium turbulent inflow and spanwise inhomogeneous inflow. As a final illustration of the benefits brought by this approach, a droplet-laden mixing layer is simulated. The dispersion of droplets in the near-field immediately downstream of the splitter plate trailing edge where the turbulent mixing layer begins is accurately reproduced due to the realistic turbulent structures captured by the recycling/rescaling method.

[Association between OR2T3 gene and pulmonary arterial hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathogenic genes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and validate the association between OR2T3 gene and PAH.

METHODS

Whole exome sequencing was performed in four patients and one healthy person as control in two pulmonary arterial hypertension pedigree; patient-specific variations were screened by bioinformatics methods and comparison between groups. To further analyze the association between these variations and PAH, Sanger sequencing was used to analyze the genotype of patient-specific variations of 30 patients with idiopathic PAH, 90 healthy people and 30 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

RESULTS

The preliminary findings of whole exome sequencing were 57 variations may be associated with PAH; Among them, there were 6 AG heterozygotes due to OR2T3rs148748995 in the 30 idiopathic PAH patients, while no G allele carrier was found in other healthy people of two pulmonary arterial hypertension pedigree (AⅠ-1, AⅡ-3, BⅡ-1) and 90 normal control, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The variation also didn't exist in 30 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients.

CONCLUSION

OR2T3 gene may be the pathogenic gene of PAH and OR2T3rs148748995 could have a role in the development of PAH.

Muon-spin relaxation study of the double perovskite insulators Sr2 BOsO6 (B = Fe, Y, ln)

We present the results of zero-field muon-spin relaxation measurements made on the double perovskite insulators Sr2 BOsO6 (B = Fe,Y, In). Spontaneous muon-spin precession indicative of quasistatic long range magnetic ordering is observed in Sr2FeOsO6 within the AF1 antiferromagnetic phase for temperatures below [Formula: see text] K. Upon cooling below T2≈67 K the oscillations cease to be resolvable owing to the coexistence of the AF1 and AF2 phases, which leads to a broader range of internal magnetic fields. Using density functional calculations we identify a candidate muon stopping site within the unit cell, which dipole field simulations show to be consistent with the proposed magnetic structure. The possibility of incommensurate magnetic ordering is discussed for temperatures below TN = 53 K and 25 K for Sr2YOsO6 and Sr2InOsO6, respectively.

Humanized Mice as Preclinical Models in Transplantation

Animal models have been instrumental in our understanding of the mechanisms of rejection and the testing of novel treatment options in the context of transplantation. We have now entered an exciting era with research on humanized mice driving advances in translational studies and in our understanding of the function of human cells in response to pathogens and cancer as well as the recognition of human allogeneic tissues in vivo. In this chapter we provide a historical overview of humanized mouse models of transplantation to date, outlining the distinct strains and share our experiences in the study of human transplantation immunology.

Clinical Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Plasmid pUDK-HGF Expressing Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease and a major unmet public health care need. This phase I clinical study was performed to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of naked plasmid DNA (pUDK-HGF) expressing human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

DESIGN

Twenty-one patients with CLI were enrolled and randomly divided into four dose groups (4-16 mg) to receive local injection of pUDK-HGF into ischemic calf and/or thigh muscles twice on days 1 and 15. Safety, including adverse events and physiological parameters, and preliminary efficacy, including pain severity score (VAS), ulcer size, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), and ankle brachial index (ABI), were evaluated throughout a 3 month follow up period.

RESULTS

All doses of pUDK-HGF were well tolerated by the patients. None of the adverse effects was considered to be related to pUDK-HGF injection. Two significant clinical results were observed after pUDK-HGF administration. The mean VAS value of all patients decreased from 4.52 at baseline to 0.30 (p < .01), and pain had disappeared in 14 out of 17 evaluable patients by day 91. Two of four ulcers had completely healed, with the other two patients having more than 25% ulcer size reduction in the long axis diameter. Of five patients with gangrene, one gangrenous wound had healed completely and two patients showed marked size reduction by day 91. The mean hemodynamic parameters (ABI, TcPO2) were also improved.

CONCLUSION

Intramuscular injection of pUDK-HGF is safe, and may provide symptomatic relief for CLI patients. A larger, randomized, double blinded phase II trial will provide more information on safety and efficacy.

Association between loop diuretic use and fracture risk

SUMMARY

Loop diuretic use has been shown to be associated with an increased fracture risk, but the findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis suggests that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and, specifically, hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Despite being widely used, there is limited, prospective randomized trial evidence regarding the skeletal effects of loop diuretics. Previous observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures.

METHODS

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases were searched for prospective cohort and case-control studies. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout the analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (4 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included, involving 842,644 participants and 108,247 fracture cases. Compared with non-users, people who had taken loop diuretics had an approximately 15% higher risk of total fractures (95% CI, 1.04-1.26; p<0.01), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=80.5%; p<0.01). The RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08-1.19) for hip fractures and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.05) for lower arm or wrist fractures. The RR was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.11) in prospective cohort studies and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00-1.44) in case-control studies. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and hip fractures.

Removal of emerging contaminants by pre-mixed PACl and carbonaceous materials

In this study, pre-mixed poly aluminum chloride (PACl) and super powdered activated carbon (SPAC)/carbon nanotubes (CNT) were employed for the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) from various water sources.

Correction: Removal of emerging contaminants by pre-mixed PACl and carbonaceous materials

Correction for ‘Removal of emerging contaminants by pre-mixed PACl and carbonaceous materials’ by W. Jiang et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 35461–35468.

The MNS16A polymorphism in the TERT gene in peri-centenarians from the Han Chinese population

MNS16A, a variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism in the TERT gene, has been suggested to regulate telomerase activity. As telomerase activity has been reported to be related to life-span, we hypothesized that this polymorphism might affect human longevity by controlling the length of the telomere. To test this hypothesis, we collected 446 unrelated pericentenarian individuals (age[Symbol: see text]90, mean 94.45±3.45 years) and 332 normal controls (age 22-53, mean 35.0±12.0 years) from Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China. We typed the MNS16A polymorphism in both groups, and compared the allele and genotype frequencies between the peri-centenarian and control groups using the chi-squared test. There was no significant difference between the peri-centenarian and control groups. Thus, the MNS16A polymorphism in TERT might not influence human life-span, at least in the Han Chinese population studied here.

MicroRNA-885-3p inhibits the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cell xenografts by disrupting angiogenesis via targeting BMPR1A and blocking BMP/Smad/Id1 signaling

The previous studies in this lab discovered that microRNA-885-3p (miR-885-3p) was regulated by a sulfated polysaccharide that bound to bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type IA (BMPR1A) to inhibit angiogenesis. However, its specific role and its mechanism of action in tumor cells have not been elucidated. We show that miR-885-3p markedly suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. MiR-885-3p inhibits Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and downregulates DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-1 (Id1), a proangiogenic factor, by targeting BMPR1A, leading to impaired angiogenesis. Overexpression or silencing of BMPR1A affects angiogenesis in a Smad/Id1-dependent manner. We further show that miR-885-3p impairs the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cell xenografts in nude mice by suppressing angiogenesis through disruption of BMPR1A and Smad/Id1 signaling. These results support a novel role for miR-885-3p in tumor angiogenesis by targeting BMPR1A, which regulates a proangiogenic factor, and provide new evidence that targeting miRNAs might be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving colon cancer treatment.

Slc26a3 deficiency is associated with loss of colonic HCO3 (-) secretion, absence of a firm mucus layer and barrier impairment in mice

AIM

Downregulated in adenoma (DRA, Slc26a3) is a member of the solute carrier family 26 (SLC26), family of anion transporters, which is mutated in familial chloride-losing diarrhoea (CLD). Besides Cl(-) -rich diarrhoea, CLD patients also have a higher-than-average incidence of intestinal inflammation. In a search for potential explanations for this clinical finding, we investigated colonic electrolyte transport, the mucus layer and susceptibility against dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis in Slc26a3(-/-) mice.

METHODS

HCO3 (-) secretory (JHCO3 (-) ) and fluid absorptive rates were measured by single-pass perfusion in vivo and in isolated mid-distal colonic mucosa in Ussing chambers in vitro. Colonocyte intracellular pH (pHi ) was assessed fluorometrically, the mucus layer by immunohistochemistry and colitis susceptibility by the addition of DSS to the drinking water.

RESULTS

HCO3 (-) secretory (JHCO3- ) and fluid absorptive rates were strongly reduced in Slc26a3(-/-) mice compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. Despite an increase in sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) mRNA and protein expression, and intact acid-activation of NHE3, the high colonocyte pH in Slc26a3(-/-) mice prevented Na(+) /H(+) exchange-mediated fluid absorption in vivo. Mucin 2 (MUC2) immunohistochemistry revealed the absence of a firm mucus layer, implying that alkaline secretion and/or an absorptive flux may be necessary for optimal mucus gel formation. Slc26a3(-/-) mice were highly susceptible to DSS damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion of DRA results in severely reduced colonic HCO3 (-) secretory rate, a loss of colonic fluid absorption, a lack of a firmly adherent mucus layer and a severely reduced colonic mucosal resistance to DSS damage. These data provide potential pathophysiological explanations for the increased susceptibility of CLD patients to intestinal inflammation.

A yellow-emitting phosphor of Mn(2+)-doped Na2CaP2O7

A yellow-emitting Na2CaP2O7:Mn(2+)phosphors have been synthesized by solid state reaction. The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties as well as concentration quenching mechanism have been investigated. The (4)T1-(6)A1 emission of Mn(2+)in Na2CaP2O7 phosphor ranges from 500 to 650 nm and exhibits a red shift while increasing the Mn(2+)concentration. The crystal field strength is calculated based on the combination of excitation spectrum and Tanabe-Sugano diagram. The chromaticity coordinates of Na2CaP2O7:Eu(2+), Mn(2+)phosphors were discussed in order to develop the potential application in white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Investigation of the shape change of bio-flocs and its influence on mass transport using particle image velocimetry

In this laboratory study, an advanced flow visualization technique - particle image velocimetry (PIV) - was employed to investigate the change of shape of activated sludge flocs in water and its influence on the material transport characteristics of the flocs. The continuous shape change of the bio-flocs that occurred within a very short period of time could be captured by the PIV system. The results demonstrate that the fluid turbulence caused the shift of parts of a floc from one side to the other in less than 200 ms. During the continuous shape change, the liquid within the floc was forced out of the floc, which was then refilled with the liquid from the surrounding flow. For the bio-flocs saturated with a tracer dye, it was shown that the dye could be released from the flocs at a faster rate when the flocs were swayed around in water. The experimental results indicate that frequent shape change of bio-flocs facilitates the exchange of fluid and materials between the floc interior and the surrounding water. This mass transfer mechanism can be more important than molecular diffusion and internal permeation to the function and behavior of particle aggregates, including bio-flocs, in natural waters and treatment systems.

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on β-arrestin-1 expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

β-arrestins are expressed proteins that were first described, and are well-known, as negative regulators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) is a new anti-cholinergic drug that can inhibit biomembrane lipid peroxidation, and decrease cytokines and oxyradicals. However, to date, no reports on the effects of PHC on β-arrestin-1 in cells have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PHC on β-arrestin-1 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC). Cultured HPMEC were pretreated with PHC, followed by LPS treatment. Muscarinic receptor mRNAs were assayed by real-time quantitative PCR. Cell viability was assayed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) conversion test. The dose and time effects of PHC on β-arrestin-1 expression in LPS-induced HPMEC were determined by Western blot analysis. Cell malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. It was found that the M3 receptor was the one most highly expressed, and was activated 5 min after LPS challenge. Furthermore, 2 μg/mL PHC significantly upregulated expression of β-arrestin-1 within 10 to 15 min. Compared with the control group, MDA levels in cells were remarkably increased and SOD activities were significantly decreased in LPS pretreated cells, while PHC markedly decreased MDA levels and increased SOD activities. We conclude that PHC attenuated ROS injury by upregulating β-arrestin-1 expression, thereby implicating a mechanism by which PHC may exert its protective effects against LPS-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell injury.

Bi3+ sensitized Y2WO6:Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu, and Sm) phosphors for solar spectral conversion

The phosphors of Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) were synthesized by solid-state reaction in this study. The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanism were investigated. By introducing Bi3+ ions, the excitation band of the phosphors was broadened to be 250-380 nm, which could be absorbed by the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The overlap between excitation of W-O groups/Bi3+ and the emission of Ln3+ (Dy, Eu, and Sm) indicated that the probability of energy transfer from W-O groups and Bi3+ to Ln3+. The energy transfer efficiency from Bi3+ to Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) are calculated to be 16%, 20% and 58%. This work suggested that Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln=Dy, Eu and Sm) might be a promising ultraviolet-absorbing luminescent converter to enhance the photoelectrical conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Development of a novel adenovirus-alphavirus hybrid vector with RNA replicon features for malignant hematopoietic cell transduction

To improve the expression levels of transgenes in malignant hematopoietic cells, we developed a novel adenoviral-alphavirus hybrid vector Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP that contains a Semliki Forest Virus (SFV) replicon and chimeric fibers of Ad5 and Ad11p. Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP infected >95% of K562, U937 or Jurkat cells and 23.65% of HL-60 cells, and led to moderate Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) transgene expression intensity. The infection efficiency of Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP in primary human leukemia cells ranged from 9.34-89.63% (median, 28.58%) at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100, compared with only 3.37-44.54% (median, 10.42%) in cells infected by Ad5/F11p-GFP. Importantly, Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP led to a significantly higher transgene expression level in primary leukemia cells, as indicated by the relative fluorescence intensity, compared to cells infected with Ad5/F11p-GFP. The increased expression of EGFP in Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP-infected cells was associated with the accumulation of abundant subgenomic mRNA. Additionally, infection of K562, U937 or Jurkat cells by Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP was significantly inhibited by blocking CD46 receptor; however, other factors may affect the gene-transfer efficiency of Ad5/F11p-SFV-GFP in primary leukemia cells. In conclusion, we successfully developed a novel adenoviral-alphavirus hybrid vector with RNA replicon features, which represents a promising vector for gene modifications during the production of cell-based vaccines for leukemia patients.

New constraint on the existence of the μ+ → e+ γ decay

The analysis of a combined data set, totaling 3.6 × 10(14) stopped muons on target, in the search for the lepton flavor violating decay μ(+) → e(+)γ is presented. The data collected by the MEG experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institut show no excess of events compared to background expectations and yield a new upper limit on the branching ratio of this decay of 5.7 × 10(-13) (90% confidence level). This represents a four times more stringent limit than the previous world best limit set by MEG.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Wilt of Dendrobium candidum in Zhejiang Province, China

White Dendrobium (Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is used raw or processed for health care products in China (4). It is propagated by tissue-cultured seedlings largely because of its dramatic decrease in the wild from heavy market demand. In July 2011, a wilt disease was observed on 1-year-old seedlings in a cultivated field in Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province, China. Initial symptoms were one to several chlorotic leaves in a cluster of plants. As the disease progressed, leaves wilted before dropping. Vascular discoloration was not observed in infected stems. Individual plants wilted, bent, and rotted starting from the base and eventually all plants in a cluster wilted. Three strains isolated from stem tissues collected at different sites were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA) under a 12-h alternating cycle of light and dark at a temperature of 25°C. Macroconidia were sparse, three-septate, slightly curved, and ranged from (21.1) 23.9 to 32.7 (36.9) × (2.8) 3.3 to 4.2 (4.8) μm. Microconidia were abundant, unicellular, oval to reniform, and ranged from (5.3) 6.0 to 8.2 (9.4) × (2.2) 2.5 to 3.3 (3.6) μm on PDA. Abundant chlamydospores formed after 3 weeks on CLA. Chlamydospores were single and sometimes in pairs, terminal and intercalary, rough walled, and measured (6.7) 7.6 to 10.2 (11.9) × (5.9) 6.8 to 8.8 (10.4) μm. Strains were identified as Fusarium oxysporum on the basis of morphological features (2). PCR amplification of genomic DNA using the primers ITS6 and ITS4 as well as ef1 and ef2 (translation elongation factor 1-α gene) generated sequences of approximately 500 bp and 670 bp, respectively. ITS sequences were submitted to the NCBI database (Accession Nos. JQ809654, JQ809655, and JQ809656), and were identical to the sequence for F. oxysporum, Accession No. HQ379654 (3). Three sequences of a portion of TEF-1α (Accession Nos. JQ809657, JQ809658, and JQ809659) had 99% similarity with an isolate of F. oxysporum isolate from chickpea (Accession No. HQ731057) (1), thus confirming the identity of the pathogen. The roots of five to seven transplanted seedlings of a cluster grown for 2 months in pasteurized potting media (primarily chipped pine bark) were inoculated with 15 ml of a 10⁷ conidia ml^-1 suspension of each isolate. There were 10 replicates for each isolate treatment. Sterile water was used as a negative control. Plants were grown in the greenhouse at 28 ± 2°C. Lateral roots turned brown 15 days after inoculation. Leaves started to turn yellow 1 month after inoculation and the plants began to wilt 2 months after inoculation. Noninoculated controls did not develop disease symptoms. The pathogenic isolates were reisolated from all diseased plants. Isolates have been deposited at the Biotechnology Institute, Zhejiang University (F_01, F_02 and F_03). To the best of our knowledge, this is first record of Fusarium wilt of D. candidum in China. References: (1) D. Jiménez-Fernández et al. Plant Dis. 95:860, 2011. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) N. Rajmohan et al. Plant Pathol. 131:631, 2011. (4) J. Z. Zhang et al. Plant Pathol. 57:370, 2008.

Intranasal administration of TAT-haFGF(₁₄₋₁₅₄) attenuates disease progression in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (haFGF), a neurotrophin-like growth factor in the brain, plays important roles in the development, differentiation and regeneration of brain neurons, which makes it potential to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, haFGF(14-154) and TAT-haFGF(14-154) (haFGF(14-154) fused with the cell-penetrating peptide transactivator of transcription protein transduction domain (TAT-PTD)) were intranasally administrated for 5 weeks to investigate the effects on senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice (a mouse model of AD). Results showed that TAT-PTD could increase the concentration of haFGF in the brain significantly, and TAT-haFGF(14-154) was more effective than haFGF(14-154) in the same dosage (300 μg/kg). Importantly, TAT-haFGF(14-154) improved the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice in the behavioral test, and promoted the function of cholinergic system by measuring the relevant biomarkers (acetylcholine (ACh) level, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities). TAT-haFGF(14-154) also significantly reduced β-amyloid protein(1-42) (Aβ(1-42)) deposits as well as the levels of Aβ soluble forms in the mice brains and prevented the neurons from apoptosis. Besides, the oxidative stress impairment in the brain and serum was also ameliorated. The results suggest that TAT-haFGF(14-154) could attenuate the disease progression of SAMP8 AD mice, and the mechanism is related to the regulation of neurons microenvironment including neurotransmitters, Aβ pathology and oxidative stress.

Robust Local Search for Solving RCPSP/max with Durational Uncertainty

Scheduling problems in manufacturing, logistics and project management have frequently been modeled using the framework of Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problems with minimum and maximum time lags (RCPSP/max). Due to the importance of these problems, providing scalable solution schedules for RCPSP/max problems is a topic of extensive research. However, all existing methods for solving RCPSP/max assume that durations of activities are known with certainty, an assumption that does not hold in real world scheduling problems where unexpected external events such as manpower availability, weather changes, etc. lead to delays or advances in completion of activities. Thus, in this paper, our focus is on providing a scalable method for solving RCPSP/max problems with durational uncertainty. To that end, we introduce the robust local search method consisting of three key ideas: (a) Introducing and studying the properties of two decision rule approximations used to compute start times of activities with respect to dynamic realizations of the durational uncertainty; (b) Deriving the expression for robust makespan of an execution strategy based on decision rule approximations; and (c) A robust local search mechanism to efficiently compute activity execution strategies that are robust against durational uncertainty. Furthermore, we also provide enhancements to local search that exploit temporal dependencies between activities. Our experimental results illustrate that robust local search is able to provide robust execution strategies efficiently.

Novel ferromagnetic nanoparticle composited PACls and their coagulation characteristics

Effects of magnetic nanoparticles on inorganic coagulants and their coagulation performances were studied in the present work. The Fe(3)O(4)-SiO(2) core-shell particle (FSCSP) and superfine iron (SI), were compounded with polyaluminium chloride of basicity 2.0 (PACl2.0), providing magnetic PACl2.0s (MPACl2.0s). The physiochemical properties of ferromagnetic nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the BET method and a zeta potentiometric analyzer. The Al species distributions of the MPACl2.0s and PACl2.0 were examined by liquid (27)Al NMR. Jar tests were employed to evaluate the coagulation performances. Floc properties were assessed by use of the electromotive microscope (EM) and small angle laser light scattering (SALLS). The results showed that modified layers of nanoparticles mitigated agglomeration. FSCSP had a larger specific area and pore volume than SI. The addition of ferromagnetic nanoparticles obviously increased the content of Al(un). MPACl2.0s performed better than PACl2.0 in turbidity removal and DOC removal when dosed less than 0.06 mmol/L as Al. Generally, PACl2.0 + FSCSP (50 mg/L) performed best. Large, loose and weak flocs were produced by MPACl2.0s, which were preferred for the magnetic powder recycling. A plausible structure, Al species-nanoparticles cluster, contributing to the unique properties of MPACl2.0 flocs, was proposed.

New limit on the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ+→e+γ

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ(+)e(+)γ. The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1.8×10(14) muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2.4×10(-12) on the branching ratio of the μ(+)→e(+)γ decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

Dual inhibition of SRC and Aurora kinases induces postmitotic attachment defects and cell death

Increased activity of SRC family kinases promotes tumor invasion and metastasis, and overexpression of the mitotic regulator Aurora kinase A (AURKA) drives tumor aneuploidy and chromosomal instability. These functions nominate SRC and AURKA as valuable therapeutic targets for cancer, and inhibitors for SRC and Aurora kinases are now being used in the clinic. In this study, we demonstrate potent synergy between multiple inhibitors of Aurora and SRC kinases in ovarian and colorectal cancer cell lines, but not in normal ovarian epithelial cell lines. Combination of Aurora and SRC inhibitors selectively killed cells that have undergone a preceding aberrant mitosis, and was associated with a postmitotic reattachment defect, and selective removal of aneuploid cell populations. Combined inhibition of Aurora kinase and SRC potentiated dasatinib-dependent loss of activated (Y(416)-phosphorylated) SRC. SRC and AURKA share a common interaction partner, NEDD9, which serves as a scaffolding protein with activities in cell attachment and mitotic control, suggesting SRC and AURKA might interact directly. In vitro, we observed physical interaction and mutual cross-phosphorylation between SRC and AURKA that enhanced SRC kinase activity. Together, these findings suggest that combination of SRC and Aurora-targeting inhibitors in the clinic may be a productive strategy.

A red-emitting Ca8MgLa(PO4)7:Ce3+,Mn2+ phosphor for UV-based white LEDs application

Ca(8)MgLa(PO(4))(7):Ce(3+),Mn(2+) phosphors have been prepared by a conventional solid state reaction under a weak reductive atmosphere. The crystal structure and photoluminescent properties were investigated. It was found that the red emission at 640nm originated from the (4)T(1)((4)G)→(6)A(1)((6)S) transition of Mn(2+) increases dramatically by a factor of 6.4 with the optimum Ce(3+) co-doping. The energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Mn(2+) was proposed to be resonance-type via an electric dipole-dipole mechanism and the energy transfer efficiency was also calculated by the relative emission intensity. With the broadband ultraviolet (UV) absorption of Ce(3+) and the suitable color coordinates, Ca(8)MgLa(PO(4))(7):Ce(3+),Mn(2+) phosphors might be a promising candidate as red phosphors in the field of UV-based white light-emitting diodes.

Enhanced red light emission from LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R=Bi or Sm) phosphors

Polycrystalline LaBSiO5:Eu3+,R3+ (R=Bi or Sm) phosphors have been synthesized by a facile sol-gel method. The phosphors have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/different scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer and fluorescence measurements. It was found that the emission intensity of LaBSiO5:Eu phosphors increases clearly and reaches a maximum at 30 mol% with increasing of Eu3+ concentration. The incorporation of Bi3+ ions and/or Sm3+ ions have greatly enhanced the emission intensity of Eu3+ upon excitation with 391 nm light. The possible sensitization mechanisms of Sm3+ and/or Bi3+ on Eu3+ emission intensity have been investigated and discussed. The high brightness and short luminescence decay times make it promising red-emitting candidates for white light-emitting diodes.

Recent advances in the molecular and functional characterization of acid/base and electrolyte transporters in the basolateral membranes of gastric and duodenal epithelial cells

All segments of the gastrointestinal tract are comprised of an elaborately folded epithelium that expresses a variety of cell types and performs multiple secretory and absorptive functions. While the apical membrane expresses the electrolyte transporters that secrete or absorb electrolytes and water, basolateral transporters regulate the secretory or absorptive rates. During gastric acid formation, Cl⁻/HCO₃⁻ and Na(+) /H(+) exchange and other transporters secure Cl⁻ re-supply as well as pH and volume regulation. Gastric surface cells utilize ion transporters to secrete HCO₃⁻, maintain pH(i) during a luminal acid load and repair damaged surface areas during the process of epithelial restitution. Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+)/HCO₃⁻ cotransport serve basolateral acid/base import for gastroduodenal HCO₃⁻ secretion. The gastric and duodenal epithelium also absorbs salt and water. Recent molecular information on novel ion transporters expressed in the gastric and duodenal epithelium has exploded; however, a function has not been found yet for all transporters. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the molecular identity and cellular function of basolateral ion transporters in the gastric and duodenal epithelium.

White light generation in Eu- and Mn-codoped Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24) phosphor for white light-emitting diodes

Polycrystalline Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):Eu(2+),Mn(2+) phosphors were prepared by a solid-state reaction under a weak reductive atmosphere. The phosphors have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the obtained phosphors are of single-phase rhombohedral Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24). Upon excitation of 355nm ultraviolet (UV) light, two intense broad bands have clearly been observed due to the allowed 5d-4f transition of Eu(2+) and the forbidden (4)T(1)-(6)A(1) transition of Mn(2+), respectively. A white light has been obtained from Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):0.035Eu(2+),0.5Mn(2+) phosphor with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (x=0.32, y=0.29) and color temperature of 6175K. These results suggest that Ca(7)Mg(2)P(6)O(24):Eu(2+),Mn(2+) phosphors could be a promising candidate for UV-converting white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

S-nitrosothiols as selective antithrombotic agents - possible mechanisms

S-nitrosothiols have a number of potential clinical applications, among which their use as antithrombotic agents has been emphasized. This is largely because of their well-documented platelet inhibitory effects, which show a degree of platelet selectivity, although the mechanism of this remains undefined. Recent progress in understanding how nitric oxide (NO)-related signalling is delivered into cells from stable S-nitrosothiol compounds has revealed a variety of pathways, in particular denitrosation by enzymes located at the cell surface, and transport of intact S-nitrosocysteine via the amino acid transporter system-L (L-AT). Differences in the role of these pathways in platelets and vascular cells may in part explain the reported platelet-selective action. In addition, emerging evidence that S-nitrosothiols regulate key targets on the exofacial surfaces of cells involved in the thrombotic process (for example, protein disulphide isomerase, integrins and tissue factor) suggests novel antithrombotic actions, which may not even require transmembrane delivery of NO.

Bluish-green color emitting Ba2Si3O8:Eu2+ ceramic phosphors for white light-emitting diodes

This paper reports on the structural and optical properties of Eu(2+) activated Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) ceramic phosphors synthesized by a sol-gel method. The ceramic phosphors have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and fluorescence measurements. The structural characterization results suggest that the as-prepared phosphors are of single phase monoclinic Ba(2)Si(3)O(8) with rod-like morphology. A broad excitation band ranging from 300 to 410 nm matches well with the ultraviolet (UV) radiation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Upon 380 nm UV light excitation, these phosphors emit bluish-green emission centered at 500 nm with color coordination (x=0.25, y=0.40). All the obtained results indicate that the Ba(2)Si(3)O(8):Eu(2+) ceramic phosphors are promising bluish-green candidates for the phosphor-converted white LEDs.

Warm white light from Y4MgSi3O13:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphor for white light-emitting diodes

Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors have been prepared by a facile sol-gel method. The products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the nanophosphors are of single phase hexagonal Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) with size-distribution of 50-90 nm in diameter. White-light emission has been obtained from Bi(3+) and Eu(3+) co-doped Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) nanophosphors upon excitation of 350 nm ultraviolet light. It is noted that Bi(3+) ions can occupy two different Y(3+) sites and generate different emissions from the (3)p(1) --> (1)s(0) transition. Warm white light has been obtained from Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors according to Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and color temperature (T(c)) with appropriately adjusted contents of Bi(3+) and Eu(3+). The results indicate that Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):0.08Bi(3+), 0.04Eu(3+) (x = 0.31, y = 0.31, T(c) = 6907 K) are potential nanophosphors for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) applications.

Quantum effects in a weakly frustrated s=1/2 two-dimensional heisenberg antiferromagnet in an applied magnetic field

We have studied the two-dimensional S=1/2 square-lattice antiferromagnet Cu(pz)_{2}(ClO4)_{2} (where pz denotes pyrazine), using neutron inelastic scattering and series expansion calculations. We show that the presence of antiferromagnetic next-nearest-neighbor interactions enhances quantum fluctuations associated with resonating valence bonds. Intermediate magnetic fields lead to a selective tuning of resonating valence bonds and a spectacular inversion of the zone-boundary dispersion, providing novel insight into 2D antiferromagnetism in the quantum limit.

Enlarged extracellular space of aquaporin-4-deficient mice does not enhance diffusion of Alexa Fluor 488 or dextran polymers

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels expressed on glia have been implicated in maintaining the volume of extracellular space (ECS). A previous diffusion study employing small cation tetramethylammonium and a real-time iontophoretic (RTI) method demonstrated an increase of about 25% in the ECS volume fraction (alpha) in the neocortex of AQP4(-/-) mice compared to AQP4(+/+) mice but no change in the hindrance imposed to diffusing molecules (tortuosity lambda). In contrast, other diffusion studies employing large molecules (dextran polymers) and a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) method measured a decrease of about 10%-20% in lambda in the neocortex of AQP4(-/-) mice. These conflicting findings on lambda would imply that large molecules diffuse more readily in the enlarged ECS of AQP4(-/-) mice than in wild type but small molecules do not. To test this hypothesis, we used integrative optical imaging (IOI) to measure tortuosity with a small Alexa Fluor 488 (molecular weight [MW] 547, lambda(AF)) and two large dextran polymers (MW 3000, lambda(dex3) and MW 75,000, lambda(dex75)) in the in vitro neocortex of AQP4(+/+) and AQP4(-/-) mice. We found that lambda(AF)=1.59, lambda(dex3)=1.76 and lambda(dex75)=2.30 obtained in AQP4(-/-) mice were not significantly different from lambda(AF)=1.61, lambda(dex3)=1.76, and lambda(dex75)=2.33 in AQP4(+/+) mice. These IOI results demonstrate that lambda measured with small and large molecules each remain unchanged in the enlarged ECS of AQP4(-/-) mice compared to values in AQP4(+/+) mice. Further analysis suggests that the FRAP method yields diffusion parameters not directly comparable with those obtained by IOI or RTI methods. Our findings have implications for the role of glial AQP4 in maintaining the ECS structure.