Comparative study of the lattice Boltzmann models for Allen-Cahn and Cahn-Hilliard equations

In this paper, a comparative study of the lattice Boltzmann (LB) models for the Allen-Cahn (A-C) and Cahn-Hilliard (C-H) equations is conducted. To this end, a new LB model for the A-C equation is first proposed, where the equilibrium distribution function and the source term distribution function are delicately designed to recover the A-C equation correctly. The gradient term in this model can be computed by the nonequilibrium part of the distribution function such that the collision process can be implemented locally. Then a detailed numerical study on several classical problems is performed to give a comparison between the present model for the A-C equation and the recently developed LB model [H. Liang et al., Phys. Rev. E 89, 053320 (2014)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.89.053320] for the C-H equation in terms of tracking the interface of two-phase flow. The results show that the present LB model for the A-C equation is more accurate and more stable, and also has a second-order convergence rate in space, while the convergence rate of the previous LB model for the C-H equation is only about 1.5.

A hitherto undescribed benign mesenchymal polyp of the gallbladder: edematous angiomyolipoma-like polyp

We report a case of two peculiar gallbladder polyps in a sixty-four year old male who presented with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Cholecystectomy was performed, which revealed two polyps measuring 0.6 cm and 1.9 cm, located in the body of the gallbladder. Microscopic examination of the polyps showed composite mesenchymal lesions with vascular proliferation of small-to-medium sized arterioles, myoid stroma, and lipomatous periphery. The myoid component was characterized by wisps of bland smooth muscle fibers loosely separated by proteinaceous and focally myxoid matrix. The surface of the polyps was lined by a single layer of bland epithelial cells. The unique histomorphologic features differentiate the lesions from other known mesenchymal polyps of the gallbladder. We propose the name "edematous angiomyolipoma-like polyp" for these rare lesions given their histomorphologic similarity to angiomyolipoma. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2016, 79, 371-374).

The Revision of Aluminum-containing Food Additive Provisions in China

The aim of this study was to revise the provisions for aluminum-containing food additives in GB 2760-2011 (The National Food Safety Standard for Use of Food Additives), in order to reduce aluminum exposure among the Chinese population. According to the latest risk assessment results of JECFA and China on aluminum and the actual use of aluminum-containing food additives in certain products, the aluminum-containing food additive-related provisions in GB 2760-2011 were revised. Those revisions included narrowing down the applicable food categories and adjusting the maximum use level of aluminum potassium sulfate and aluminum ammonium sulfate, repealing nine aluminum-containing food additives in puffed food and repealing the use of sodium aluminum phosphate, sodium aluminosilicate and starch aluminum octenylsuccinate in all food. After revision of the use of aluminum food additive provisions, the weekly dietary intake of aluminum in the Chinese population can be reduced to a safe level.

[Quantities and function of NK cells in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test and cytopenia]

OBJECTIVE

To test NK cell quantities and function in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (CBCPC) and cytopenia and to explore how NK cell participate in the progress of this disease.

METHODS

The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocytes, the expression of activating receptor (NKG2D, NKp46, NKp44), inhibitory receptor (CD158a, CD158b), perforin and granzyme-β were detected by flow cytometry. All samples were taken from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 12 healthy volunteers. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' clinical profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

①The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patients were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(10.04 ± 5.33)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%; (11.62 ± 6.80)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%, all P<0.01]. ② The expression of activating receptor NKG2D in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly higher than that in remission group and healthy control [(74.03±18.24)% vs (45.97±29.45)%; (74.03±18.24)% vs (41.89± 15.34)% , P <0.01]. ③The expression of inhibitory receptor CD158a in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly lower than that in remission group and healthy control (median: 3.72% vs 16.10%, P= 0.015; 3.72% vs 11.04%, P=0.025). ④The expression of perforin in new diagnosed and remitted CBCPC patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(75.71±10.14) % vs (57.20±18.85)%, P= 0.018; (77.88±22.82)% vs (57.20±18.85)%, P=0.008]. ⑤The product of NK cell percentage and perforin expression in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.68±4.54)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.011; (8.24±5.80)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.023]. The product of NK cell percentage and granzyme-β expression in the new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.83±5.26)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.008; (8.37 ± 6.83)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.012].

CONCLUSION

Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function might play a role in pathogenesis of CBCPC.

Rapid and Sensitive Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay for the Determination of Neomycin Residues in Milk

Immunoassays greatly contribute to veterinary drug residue analysis. However, there are few reports on detecting neomycin residues by immunoassay. Here, a rapid and sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLIEA) was successfully developed for neomycin residue analysis. CLIEA demonstrated good cross-reactivity for neomycin, and the IC50 value was 2.4 ng/mL in buffer. The average recovery range was 88.5%-105.4% for spiked samples (10, 50, and 100 μg/kg), and the coefficient of variation was in the range of 7.5%-14.5%. The limit of detection of CLEIA was 9.4 μg/kg, and this method was compared with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method using naturally contaminated samples, producing a correlation coefficient of >0.95. We demonstrate a reliable CLIEA for the rapid screening of neomycin in milk.

Psychological characteristics of and counseling for carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities

Infertility as a psychological problem has gained increasing attention. Male partners among infertile couples have elevated levels of psychological distress, which could affect semen quality, result in hormonal abnormalities, and increase the occurrence of early miscarriage. Infertile women are more vulnerable to psychological distress and require psychological support. Subfertile women who conceive after assisted reproduction have higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Psychological interventions have been shown to have beneficial effects on infertility patients. However, psychosocial characteristics of carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities have not been studied. We report the characteristics of carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities and their influence on psychological counseling. Seventy-five patients were carriers of reciprocal translocations, 25 carried Robertsonian translocations, 17 carried inversions, 10 carried deletions, and 3 carried isochromosomes. The main clinical characteristics were recurrent spontaneous abortion, oligospermatism, azoospermatism, primary amenorrhea, and fetal death. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of women with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than those scores of women with normal karyotype. SAS and SDS scores of men with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than those of men with normal karyotype. SAS and SDS scores of women with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than their scores of men with structural chromosome abnormality. Women carriers with structural chromosome abnormality were more vulnerable to psychological distress. Psychosocial counseling for carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities should focus on self-confidence and treatment with assisted reproductive technology.

[Variation of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase DNA methylated modification and correlation with gene mRNA expression of early-onset preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome in trophoblast cells of placenta]

OBJECTIVE

By detecting the DNA methylation and gene expression of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase(LCHAD)in trophoblast cells, analyze the correlation of DNA methylation and gene expression in early-onset preeclampsia(EPE), hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets(HELLP)syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome(APS), to investigate the molecular basis of long-chain fatty acid oxidation changes in different preeclampsia and pathological pregnancy.

METHODS

Primary human cytotrophoblast cells and HTR8/Svneo cells were treated with serum from patients with EPE(14 cases), HELLP(12 cases), APS(14 cases), and normal pregnant women(NP, 14 cases). The methylation level of LCHAD gene promoter region through the MassARRAY platform and mRNA expression level by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technique were conducted.

RESULTS

(1)Cytosine-phosphate-guanine(CpG)sites in human LCHAD DNA promoter region: CpG sites were detected in the range of 558 bp before LCHAD gene transcription start site, the detected CpG sites were 11 sites including 8 single sites and 3 complex sites. The position of these sites were at-984,-960,-899,-853,-811,-796,-774,-727,-615,-595,-579 respectively.(2)The sites of-899,-853,-615 and-595 showed increased methylation level in EPE and HELLP groups. The methylation level at-899,-853 and-615 sites in EPE and HELLP groups were significantly higher than those in NP group(P<0.01). The methylation level at-853 site was higher in EPE group than that in HELLP group(P<0.05). The-595 site showed the unmethylated in EPE, HELLP and APS groups. There were significantly difference between the 3 groups and EPE group(P<0.01).(3)The gene expression of LCHAD mRNA in EPE(0.048±0.005), HELLP(0.045±0.006)and APS(0.044±0.004)groups were significantly lower than NP group(0.076±0.009; P<0.01).(4)The correlation of methylation level and gene expression in all groups: the methylation level at-899,-853,-727,-615 and-579 sites were negatively correlated with gene mRNA expression in EPE group(P<0.05). The methylation level at-899,-853 and-615 sites were negatively correlated with gene mRNA expression in HELLP group(P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The variation of LCHAD DNA methylation of trophoblast cells are found among EPE, HELLP syndrome and APS. The different correlation of LCHAD DNA methylation and gene expression are different in pathological groups. LCHAD DNA methylation of EPE and HELLP syndrome were significantly increased and negatively correlated with LCHAD gene mRNA expression. These results further revealed the molecular basis of long-chain fatty acid oxidation in different preeclampsia and pathological pregnancy.

Development and characterization of Rift Valley fever virus-like particles

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, febrile zoonotic disease that is caused by the RVF virus (RVFV) and spread by arthropod vectors. RVF is currently prevalent in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and causes substantial economic losses. Furthermore, this disease poses a serious threat to animal and human health in regions worldwide, making it a serious public health concern. However, RVFV vaccines for human use are still unavailable, and hence there is an urgent need for novel efficient vaccines against RVFV. Vaccine preparation techniques have become a crucial factor in developing new vaccines. In the current study, the N and G protein genes of RVFV were inserted into the pFastBacDual baculovirus expression vector downstream of the pP10 and pPH promoters. The resultant recombinant vector, pFastBacDual-S-M, was transfected into Sf9 insect cells by lipofection. The recombinant baculovirus, named rBac-N-G, was retrieved and infected into Sf9 insect cells to generate RVFV virus-like particles (VLPs). Using polyclonal antibodies against RVFV proteins in immunofluorescence and western blot analyses, we positively identified the presence of the RVFV proteins in VLP preparations. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of the RVFV VLPs was consistent with previous reports of RVFV virions. This study describes a technique for efficient production of RVFV VLPs, and has laid the foundation for future VLP-based RVFV vaccines.

Effects of Coated Compound Proteases on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients and Apparent Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids for Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of coated compound proteases (CC protease) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen (N) and energy, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) and nutrients in diets for pigs. In Exp. 1, 12 crossbred barrows (initial body weight: 20.14±1.71 kg) were housed in individual metabolism crates and allotted into 2 treatments with 6 piglets per treatment according to weight in a randomized complete block design. The 2 diets were corn-soybean meal basal diets with (0.2 g/kg) or without CC protease supplementation. The CC protease supplementation increased (p<0.05) the digestible and metabolizable N and energy values and the digestibility and retention rate of N in the diet. The ATTD of energy and nutrients had been improved (p<0.05) in the diet supplemented with CC protease. In Exp. 2, 12 crossbred barrows (initial body weight: 20.79±1.94 kg), fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum, were blocked by body weight into 2 groups with 6 pigs each. The diets were the same as those in Exp. 1. The CC protease increased (p<0.05) the AID of crude protein and some essential AA including arginine, isoleucine and leucine. The AID and ATTD of energy and nutrients had been improved (p<0.05) by supplemental CC protease, but the hindgut digestibility of nutrients was unaffected. Overall, the CC protease improved the ATTD of N and energy and AID of some indispensible AA and nutrients in the corn-soybean meal diet for pigs. Therefore, the CC protease supplement could improve the utilization of protein in the corn-soybean meal diet and thus contribute to lower N excretion to the environment.

Impact of Maintenance Therapy for the Prevention of Peri-implant Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

At the present time, peri-implantitis has become a global burden that occurs with a frequency from 1% to 47% at implant level. Therefore, we aimed herein at assessing the impact of peri-implant maintenance therapy (PIMT) on the prevention of peri-implant diseases. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by 3 independent reviewers using several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, for articles up to June 2015 without language restriction. Articles were included if they were clinical trials aimed at demonstrating the incidence of peri-implant diseases under a strict regime or not of PIMT. Implant survival and failure rate were studied as secondary outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of PIMT and other reported variables upon peri-implant diseases. Thirteen and 10 clinical trials were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Mucositis was affected by history of periodontitis and mean PIMT at implant and patient levels, respectively. Similarly, significant effects of history of periodontal disease were obtained for peri-implantitis for both implant and patient levels. Furthermore, mean PIMT interval was demonstrated to influence the incidence of peri-implantitis at implant but not patient level. PIMT interval showed significance at both levels. For implant survival, implants under PIMT have 0.958 the incident event than those with no PIMT. Within the limitations of the present systematic review, it can be concluded that implant therapy must not be limited to the placement and restoration of dental implants but to the implementation of PIMT to potentially prevent biologic complications and hence to heighten the long-term success rate. Although it must be tailored to a patient's risk profiling, our findings suggest reason to claim a minimum recall PIMT interval of 5 to 6 mo. Additionally, it must be stressed that even in the establishment of PIMT, biologic complications might occur. Thus, patient-, clinical-, and implant-related factors must be thoroughly explored.

Morphological analysis and muscle-associated gene expression during different muscle growth phases of Megalobrama amblycephala

Skeletal muscle growth is regulated by both positive and negative factors, such as myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and myostatin (MSTN), and involves both hyperplasia and hypertrophy. In the present study, morphological changes during muscle development in Megalobrama amblycephala were characterized and gene expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis in juvenile [60, 90, 120, and 180 days post-hatching (dph)] and adult fish. Our results show that during muscle development, the frequency of muscle fibers with a diameter <20 μm dramatically decreased in both red and white muscles, with a concomitant increase in the frequency of >30 μm fibers in red muscle and >50 μm fibers in white muscle. At 90-120 dph, the ratio of hyperplastic to hypertrophic areas in red and white muscles increased, but later decreased at 120-180 dph. The effect of hypertrophy was significantly larger than hyperplasia during these phases. qRT-PCR indicated MRF and MSTN (MSTNa and MSTNb) genes had similar expression patterns that peaked at 120 dph, with the exception of MSTNa. This new information on the molecular regulation of muscle growth and rapid growth phases will be of value to the cultivation of M. amblycephala.

Clinical significance and levels of blood brain natriuretic peptides in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation before and after catheter ablation

The aim of this study was to observe levels of blood brain natriuretic peptides (BNPs) in patients with persistent atrial fibril-lation (AF) before and after catheter ablation. Thirty-six patients with persistent AF (28 successful surgeries and eight recurrent cases) and 36 healthy controls with normal sinus rhythm were recruited for this study. BNP levels in the AF and control groups were measured before and after catheter ablation. BNP levels before surgery were significantly higher in the persistent AF group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The successful surgery group had distinctly lower BNP levels before ablation than the recurrent group (P < 0.01). In the recurrent group, BNP levels 2 h after ablation were significantly lower than those be-fore ablation (P < 0.01); these levels increased after AF recurrence (P < 0.01) and were comparable with those before ablation (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the BNP level was an inde-pendent factor for and predictor of AF recurrence (P < 0.01). The BNP level in patients with persistent AF is clinically important in predicting and evaluating AF recurrence after ablation.

Aerobic Stability and Effects of Yeasts during Deterioration of Non-fermented and Fermented Total Mixed Ration with Different Moisture Levels

The present experiment evaluated the influence of moisture level and anaerobic fermentation on aerobic stability of total mixed ration (TMR). The dynamic changes in chemical composition and microbial population that occur after air exposure were examined, and the species of yeast associated with the deterioration process were also identified in both non-fermented and fermented TMR to deepen the understanding of aerobic deterioration. The moisture levels of TMR in this experiment were adjusted to 400 g/kg (low moisture level, LML), 450 g/kg (medium moisture level, MML), and 500 g/kg (high moisture level, HML), and both non-fermented and 56-d-fermented TMR were subjected to air exposure to determine aerobic stability. Aerobic deterioration resulted in high losses of nutritional components and largely reduced dry matter digestibility. Non-fermented TMR deteriorated during 48 h of air exposure and the HML treatment was more aerobically unstable. On dry matter (DM) basis, yeast populations significantly increased from 10(7) to 10(10) cfu/g during air exposure, and Candida ethanolica was the predominant species during deterioration in non-fermented TMR. Fermented TMR exhibited considerable resistance to aerobic deterioration. Spoilage was only observed in the HML treatment and its yeast population increased dramatically to 10(9) cfu/g DM when air exposure progressed to 30 d. Zygosaccharomyces bailii was the sole yeast species isolated when spoilage occurred. These results confirmed that non-fermented and fermented TMR with a HML are more prone to spoilage, and fermented TMR has considerable resistance to aerobic deterioration. Yeasts can trigger aerobic deterioration in both non-fermented and fermented TMR. C. ethanolica may be involved in the spoilage of non-fermented TMR and the vigorous growth of Z. bailii can initiate aerobic deterioration in fermented TMR.

Determination and prediction of the amino Acid digestibility of sunflower seed meals in growing pigs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and amino acid (AA) digestibility of sunflower seed meal (SFSM) and to use this data to develop prediction equations for estimating AA digestibility for growing pigs. Ten SFSM were collected from five provinces in China. Twelve barrows (38.8±4.6 kg), fitted with ileal T-cannula were allotted into two 6×6 Latin square designs. Each of six experimental periods comprised a 5-d adaption period followed by a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The ten test diets contained 50% SFSM as the sole source of AA. Another nitrogen-free diet was used to measure the basal endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was used as an inert marker in each diet. There was considerable variation (CV>10%) among the ten SFSM in chemical composition (dry matter [DM]). The concentration of CP and ether extract (EE) ranged from 29.33% to 39.09% and 0.88% to 11.33%, respectively. Crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre ranged from 21.46% to 36.42%, 38.15% to 55.40%, and 24.59% to 37.34%, respectively. There was variation among the ten SFSM in apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) for lysine and threonine, which ranged from 63.16 to 79.21 and 55.19% to 72.04% for AID and 67.03% to 82.07% and 61.97% to 77.01% for SID, respectively. The variation in CP and methionine ranged from 60.13% to 74.72% and 74.79% to 88.60% for AID and 66.70% to 79.31% and 77.16% to 90.27% for SID, respectively. Methionine was a good indicator to predict AA digestibility. These results indicate that conventional chemical composition of SFSM was variable (CV>10%) among the ten SFSM (DM). The results of AID, SID and prediction equations could be used to evaluate the digestibility of SFSM in growing pigs.

Effect of prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy on reducing myocardial infarction rate after percutaneous coronary intervention

This paper aimed to review the interferential effect of prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and the influence on reducing the myocardial infarction rate. A computer search was carried out in the relevant libraries and databases, regarding all the short-term (≤ 6 months) and long-term (> 6 months) dual anti-platelet therapies, and the curative and observational studies on the effects and safety of interventional therapy. RevMan5.1 software was used to meta-analyze the standard research. A total of 8 papers were finally selected. In the randomized controlled research, meta-analysis showed that the myocardial infarction rate of a long-term dual antiplatelet treatment group was lower than the short-term treatment group [OR=0.74, 95% CI (0.56, 0.98), P < 0.0001]. The meta-analysis of observational research showed that the myocardial infarction rate of the long-term treatment group was lower than the short-term treatment group [OR=0.7, 95% CI (0.45, 1.08), P=0.11]; the incidence rate of late stent thrombosis in the long-term treatment group was lower than in the short-term treatment group [OR=0.40, 95% CI (0.15, 1.07), P=0.07]. It can be concluded that in the long-term group (>6 months) dual anti-platelet therapy after PCI can reduce the incidence rate of myocardial infarction or death. In addition, long-term treatment can reduce the occurrence tendency of late stent thrombosis. Furthermore, in the long-term treatment group, serious bleeding events did not increase.

Granularity controlled nonsaturating linear magnetoresistance in topological insulator Bi2Te3 films

We report on the magnetotransport properties of chemical vapor deposition grown films of interconnected Bi2Te3 nanoplates. Similar to many other topological insulator (TI) materials, these granular Bi2Te3 films exhibit a linear magnetoresistance (LMR) effect which has received much recent attention. Studying samples with different degree of granularity, we find a universal correlation between the magnitude of the LMR and the average mobility (⟨μ⟩) of the films over nearly 2 orders of magnitude change of ⟨μ⟩. The granularity controlled LMR effect here is attributed to the mobility fluctuation induced classical LMR according to the Parish-Littlewood theory. These findings have implications to both the fundamental understanding and magnetoresistive device applications of TI and small bandgap semiconductor materials.

One-step synthesis of graphene-Au nanoparticle hybrid materials from metal salt-loaded micelles

In this study, we present a facile one-step method to synthesize graphene-Au nanoparticle (NP) hybrid materials by using HAuCl4-loaded poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-P2VP) micelles as solid carbon sources. N-doped graphene with controllable thickness can be grown from PS-P2VP micelles covered by a Ni capping layer by an annealing process; simultaneously, the HAuCl4 in the micelles were reduced into Au NPs under a reductive atmosphere to form Au NPs on graphene. The decoration of Au NPs leads to an obviously enhanced electrical conductivity and a slightly increased work function of graphene due to the electron transfer effect. The graphene-Au NP hybrid materials also exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance feature of Au NPs. This work provides a novel and accessible route for the one-step synthesis of graphene-Au NP hybrid materials with high quality, which might be useful for future applications in optoelectronic devices.

Protective effect of Ginkgo flavonoids, amifostine, and leuprorelin against platinum-induced ovarian impairment in rats

Platinum-induced ovarian impairment is a consequence of treatment for malignant ovarian tumors. We compared the protective effects of Ginkgo flavonoids, amifostine, and leuprorelin on ovarian impairment in rats. Fifty rats were randomly divided into the A, B, C, D, and E groups, which were given saline, cisplatin, cisplatin plus Ginkgo flavonoids, cisplatin plus amifostine, and cisplatin plus leuprorelin, respectively. Ovarian weight was significantly greater in groups C and D compared with group B (83.5 ± 6.7 and 86.8 ± 10 vs 56.8 ± 5.4 mg). The total follicle numbers were higher in groups C, D, and E than in group B (60.5 ± 3.9, 63.8 ± 5.1, and 67.7 ± 3.5 vs 49.6 ± 4.5), and the apoptotic index was reduced in groups C, D, and E compared with group B (35.7 ± 2.0, 37.4 ± 1.6, and 30.5 ± 2.9 vs 65.3 ± 2.9%). The ovaries in groups B, C, and D had higher protein and mRNA expression levels of cytoplasmic Cytochrome c (Cyt-c) and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apf-1) compared to group A; the Cyt-c mRNA expression was five-fold higher. The mRNA expression of Cyt-c and Apf-1 were significantly lower in groups C, D, and E compared with group B. Administration of leuprorelin, flavonoids, or amifostine protected rats against the ovarian impairment induced by prior intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. The efficacy of leuprorelin was superior to that of Ginkgo flavonoids and amifostine, but there was no difference between the effects of Ginkgo flavonoids and amifostine.

Scaling of spin Hall angle in 3d, 4d, and 5d metals from Y3Fe5O12/metal spin pumping

We have investigated spin pumping from Y3Fe5O12 thin films into Cu, Ag, Ta, W, Pt, and Au with varying spin-orbit coupling strengths. From measurements of Gilbert damping enhancement and inverse spin Hall signals spanning 3 orders of magnitude, we determine the spin Hall angles and interfacial spin mixing conductances for the six metals. The spin Hall angles largely vary as Z(4) (Z: atomic number), corroborating the role of spin-orbit coupling. Amongst the four 5d metals, the variation of the spin Hall angle is dominated by the sensitivity of the d-orbital moment to the d-electron count, confirming theoretical predictions.

Angled cavity photonic crystal laser diodes with tilted sidewalls for improving far-field patterns

Angled laser diodes based on the longitudinal photonic band crystal (PBC) waveguide are first proposed and fabricated at a wavelength of 905 nm. Tilted sidewalls are utilized to reflect the light downward, thus enlarging the transverse mode size. In the experiment, continuous wave (CW) output power of 630  mW/facet is achieved, and stable and narrow divergence angles are obtained in the fast and slow axes, simultaneously. The transverse angle is reduced by 44% compared with that of the conventional broad area (BA) laser based on the same wafer, and the lateral angle is only 1.65° with on-axis main-lobe emission. This device shows a promising future for laser emission with ultra-narrow divergence and easy fabrication.

Changes in tau phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex following chronic stress

Studies have indicated that early-life or early-onset depression is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, aggregation of an abnormally phosphorylated form of the tau protein may be a key pathological event. Tau is known to play a major role in promoting microtubule assembly and stabilization, and in maintaining the normal morphology of neurons. Several studies have reported that stress may induce tau phosphorylation. The main aim of the present study was to investigate possible alterations in the tau protein in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and then re-exposed to CUMS to mimic depression and the recurrence of depression, respectively, in humans. We evaluated the effects of CUMS, fluoxetine, and CUMS re-exposure on tau and phospho-tau. Our results showed that a single exposure to CUMS caused a significant reduction in sucrose preference, indicating a state of anhedonia. The change in behavior was accompanied by specific alterations in phospho-tau protein levels, but fluoxetine treatment reversed the CUMS-induced impairments. Moreover, changes in sucrose preference and phospho-tau were more pronounced in rats re-exposed to CUMS than in those subjected to a single exposure. Our results suggest that changes in tau phosphorylation may contribute to the link between depression and AD.

Risk analysis of sulfites used as food additives in China

This study was to analyze the risk of sulfites in food consumed by the Chinese people and assess the health protection capability of maximum-permitted level (MPL) of sulfites in GB 2760-2011. Sulfites as food additives are overused or abused in many food categories. When the MPL in GB 2760-2011 was used as sulfites content in food, the intake of sulfites in most surveyed populations was lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Excess intake of sulfites was found in all the surveyed groups when a high percentile of sulfites in food was in taken. Moreover, children aged 1-6 years are at a high risk to intake excess sulfites. The primary cause for the excess intake of sulfites in Chinese people is the overuse and abuse of sulfites by the food industry. The current MPL of sulfites in GB 2760-2011 protects the health of most populations.

Probing the spin pumping mechanism: exchange coupling with exponential decay in Y3Fe5O12/barrier/Pt heterostructures

It is widely believed that the mechanism for spin pumping in ferromagnet-nonmagnet bilayers is the exchange interaction between the ferromagnet and nonmagnetic material. We observe 1000-fold exponential decay of spin pumping from thin Y3Fe5O12 films to Pt across insulating barriers, from which exponential decay lengths of 0.16, 0.19, and 0.23 nm are extracted for oxide barriers having band gaps of 4.91, 3.40, and 2.36 eV, respectively. This archetypal signature of quantum tunneling through a barrier underscores the importance of exchange coupling for spin pumping and reveals its dependence on the characteristics of the barrier material.

Polymorphism in PGLYRP-2 gene by PCR-RFLP and its association with somatic cell score and percentage of fat in Chinese Holstein

Peptidoglycan recognition protein 2 (PGLYRP-2), which belongs to the PGRP family, is the only member that has no direct bactericidal activity but has N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase activity. This feature of PGLYRP-2 indicates that it may play an important role in eliminating the pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP), such as peptidoglycan (PGN), which can reduce leukocytes in blood and lower somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. To investigate whether the PGLYRP-2 gene is associated with mastitis and milk production traits in dairy cattle, the polymorphism of this gene was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in a population of 546 Chinese Holstein cows. A total of five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were identified. The association analysis of a single SNP locus showed that the C+4867T locus was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with somatic cell score (SCS). Surprisingly, all loci were significantly associated (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) with percentage of fat. Association analysis between combined genotypes and SCS and milk production traits indicated that H2H2 was associated with higher percentage of fat (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrated that SNPs in PGLYRP-2 gene were related to mastitis resistance and percentage of fat, and that H2H2 would be a useful genetic marker of combined genotypes for breeding of Chinese Holstein.