Interest in parameterized time-frequency analysis for non-stationary signal processing is increasing steadily. An important advantage of such analysis is to provide highly concentrated time-frequency ...representation with signal-dependent resolution. In this paper, a general scheme, named as general parameterized time-frequency transform (GPTF transform), is proposed for carrying out parameterized time-frequency analysis. The GPTF transform is defined by applying generalized kernel based rotation operator and shift operator. It provides the availability of a single generalized time-frequency transform for applications on signals of different natures. Furthermore, by replacing kernel function, it facilitates the implementation of various parameterized time - frequency transforms from the same standpoint. The desirable properties and the dual definition in the frequency domain of GPTF transform are also described in this paper. One of the advantages of the GPTF transform is that the generalized kernel can be customized to characterize the time - frequency signature of non-stationary signal. As different kernel formulation has bias toward the signal to be analyzed, a proper kernel is vital to the GPTF. Thus, several potential kernels are provided and discussed in this paper to develop the desired parameterized time - frequency transforms. In real applications, it is desired to identify proper kernel with respect to the considered signal. This motivates us to propose an effective method to identify the kernel for the GPTF.
The present study was performed to investigate the effects of a commercially available probiotic product (compound probiotic) containing Bacillus subtilis 7.0 × 109 CFU g−1, Bacillus licheniformis ...3.0 × 109 CFU g−1, Lactobacillus spp. 5.0 × 108 CFU g−1 and Arthrobacter spp. 1.0 × 108 CFU g−1 on the growth performance, non‐specific immunity and protection against Vibrio harveyi infection in cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Fish were fed diets containing six graded levels of compound probiotic (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g kg−1) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the survival rate ranged from 81.1% to 84.4% with no significant difference among dietary treatments (P > 0.05) after feeding experiment. Dietary compound probiotic significantly increased the specific growth rate (SGR), serum lysozyme, alternative complement pathway (ACP) activity, phagocytosis percentage (PP) and respiratory burst activity of head‐kidney macrophages of cobia. Moreover, feeding of supplemented diets containing compound probiotic resulted in significantly lower mortality against the pathogens Vibrio harveyi compared with the control group. To elevate the growth and immune resistance ability of cobia, an optimal dose of dietary compound probiotic administration determined by second‐order polynomial regression analysis was 3.3 g kg−1, on the basis of the SGR and mortality after challenge with V. harveyi.
Abstract
We report an unusual pressure-induced superconducting state that coexists with an antiferromagnetic ordering of Eu
2+
moments and shows a large upper critical field comparable to the Pauli ...paramagnetic limit in EuTe
2
. In concomitant with the emergence of superconductivity with
T
c
≈ 3–5 K above
P
c
≈ 6 GPa, the antiferromagnetic transition temperature
T
N
(
P
) experiences a quicker rise with the slope increased dramatically from d
T
N
/d
P
= 0.85(14) K/GPa for
P
≤
P
c
to 3.7(2) K/GPa for
P
≥
P
c
. Moreover, the superconducting state can survive in the spin-flop state with a net ferromagnetic component of the Eu
2+
sublattice under moderate magnetic fields
μ
0
H
≥ 2 T. Our findings establish the pressurized EuTe
2
as a rare magnetic superconductor possessing an intimated interplay between magnetism and superconductivity.
Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an NAD-dependent deacetylase/deacylase/mono-ADP ribosyltransferase, a member of the sirtuin protein family. SIRT6 has been implicated in hepatic lipid homeostasis and liver ...health. Hepatic lipogenesis is driven by several master regulators including liver X receptor (LXR), carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1). Interestingly, these three transcription factors can be negatively regulated by SIRT6 through direct deacetylation. Fatty acid oxidation is regulated by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in the liver. SIRT6 can promote fatty acid oxidation by the activation of PPARα or the suppression of miR-122. SIRT6 can also directly modulate acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 5 (ACSL5) activity for fatty acid oxidation. SIRT6 also plays a critical role in the regulation of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol through the regulation of SREBP2 and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), respectively. Hepatic deficiency of Sirt6 in mice has been shown to cause hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, hallmarks of alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. SIRT6 can dampen hepatic inflammation through the modulation of macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 type. Hepatic stellate cells are a key cell type in hepatic fibrogenesis. SIRT6 plays a strong anti-fibrosis role by the suppression of multiple fibrogenic pathways including the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-SMAD family proteins and Hippo pathways. The role of SIRT6 in liver cancer is quite complicated, as both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting activities have been documented in the literature. Overall, SIRT6 has multiple salutary effects on metabolic homeostasis and liver health, and it may serve as a therapeutic target for hepatic metabolic diseases. To date, numerous activators and inhibitors of SIRT6 have been developed for translational research.
Summary
Background
Various trials have been conducted on the management of male pattern hair loss (MPHL), but the outcomes often seem to be limited. Adjuvant therapies are urgently needed.
Aim
To ...evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and 5% topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
Methods
In total, 19 Chinese men were enrolled in this randomized, controlled, split‐scalp trial. Participants received monotherapy with 5% topical minoxidil twice daily to one half of the scalp, while on the other half of the scalp the treatment with twice‐daily 5% topical minoxidil was combined with five sessions of FRM at 4‐week intervals. Mean hair count and hair thickness, global assessment by the investigators, subject self‐assessment and adverse effects were assessed.
Results
After 5 months of treatment, mean hair count increased from 44.12 ± 21.58 to 73.14 ± 25.45 on the combined‐therapy side and from 46.22 ± 18.77 to 63.21 ± 19.22 on the monotherapy side, while mean hair thickness increased from 53 ± 13 μm to 71 ± 15 μm and from 52 ± 16 μm to 66 ± 14 μm, respectively. Compared with the monotherapy side, the combined‐therapy side had a higher degree of improvement in both hair count (P = 0.01) and hair thickness (P = 0.02).
Conclusions
Combined treatment with fractional radiofrequency microneedle and 5% topical minoxidil could be an effective and safe treatment option for male pattern hair loss.
Systemic acquired resistance DURRANT, W. E; DONG, X
Annual review of phytopathology,
01/2004, Letnik:
42, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a mechanism of induced defense that confers long-lasting protection against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. SAR requires the signal molecule salicylic acid ...(SA) and is associated with accumulation of pathogenesis-related proteins, which are thought to contribute to resistance. Much progress has been made recently in elucidating the mechanism of SAR. Using the model plant Arabidopsis, it was discovered that the isochorismate pathway is the major source of SA during SAR. In response to SA, the positive regulator protein NPR1 moves to the nucleus where it interacts with TGA transcription factors to induce defense gene expression, thus activating SAR. Exciting new data suggest that the mobile signal for SAR might be a lipid molecule. We discuss the molecular and genetic data that have contributed to our understanding of SAR and present a model describing the sequence of events leading from initial infection to the induction of defense genes.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Carbon-coated Fe Fe(C) nanocapsules were synthesized by a modified arc-discharge method, and their microstructure and electromagnetic (EM) properties (2-18 GHz) were investigated by means of ...transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and a network analyser. The reflection loss R of less than -20 dB was obtained in the frequency range 3.2-18 GHz. A minimum reflection loss of -43.5 dB was reached at 9.6 GHz with an absorber thickness of 3.1 mm. The in-depth study of relative complex permittivity and permeability reveals that the excellent microwave absorption properties are a consequence of a proper EM match in microstructure, a strong natural resonance, as well as multi-polarization mechanisms, etc.
The objective of this study was to examine the dependence of the elastic properties of cortical bone as a transversely isotropic material on its porosity. The longitudinal Young's modulus, transverse ...Young's modulus, longitudinal shear modulus, transverse shear modulus, and longitudinal Poisson's ratio of cortical bone were determined from eighteen groups of longitudinal and transverse specimens using tensile and torsional tests on a servo-hydraulic material testing system. These cylindrical waisted specimens of cortical bone were harvested from the middle diaphysis of three pairs of human femora. The porosity of these specimens was assessed by means of histology. Our study demonstrated that the longitudinal Young's and shear moduli of human femoral cortical bone were significantly (
p<0.01) negatively correlated with the porosity of cortical bone. Conversely, the elastic properties in the transverse direction did not have statistically significant correlations with the porosity of cortical bone. As a result, the transverse elastic properties of cortical bone were less sensitive to changes in porosity than those in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the anisotropic ratios of cortical bone elasticity were found to be significantly (
p<0.01) negatively correlated with its porosity, indicating that cortical bone tended to become more isotropic when its porosity increased. These results may help a number of researchers develop more accurate micromechanics models of cortical bone.
Autophagy plays a critical role in cell survival from prolonged starvation and recycling of aggregated proteins and damaged organelles. One of the essential genes involved in the autophagic ...initiation is autophagy-related 14 (Atg14), also called Barkor for Beclin 1-associated autophagy-related key regulator. Although its crucial role in the autophagic process has been reported, the gene regulation of Atg14 and its metabolic functions remain unclear. In this work we have identified that the Atg14 gene is regulated by forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors and circadian rhythms in the mouse liver. Luciferase reporter analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have revealed well conserved cis-elements for FoxOs and Clock/Bmal1 in the proximal promoter of the Atg14 gene. To examine the functions of hepatic Atg14, we have performed the gene knockdown and overexpression in the mouse livers. Remarkably, knockdown of Atg14 leads to elevated levels of triglycerides in the liver and serum as well. Conversely, overexpression of Atg14 improves hypertriglyceridemia in both high fat diet-treated wild-type mice and FoxO1/3/4 liver-specific knock-out mice. In summary, our data suggest that Atg14 is a new target gene of FoxOs and the core clock machinery, and this gene plays an important role in hepatic lipid metabolism.
Background: Atg14 is critical for the autophagy initiation.
Results: Our data show that the Atg14 gene can be regulated by FoxO and Clock transcription factors, and it has striking impacts on hepatic autophagy and triglycerides.
Conclusion: Atg14 is controlled by FoxOs and circadian rhythms, and it modulates hepatic lipid homeostasis.
Significance: These findings suggest that Atg14 is crucial for hepatic autophagy and lipid metabolism.
Sestrin proteins have been implicated in multiple biological processes including resistance to oxidative and genotoxic stresses, protection against aging-related pathologies, and promotion of ...metabolic homeostasis; however, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Some evidence suggests that sestrins may inhibit mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) through inhibition of RagA/B GTPases or activation of AMPK; however, whether sestrins are also involved in mTORC2 regulation and function is unclear. To investigate the functions and mechanisms of Sestrin 3 (Sesn3), we generated Sesn3 liver-specific transgenic and knockout mice. Our data show that Sesn3 liver-specific knockout mice exhibit insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, and Sesn3 transgenic mice were protected against insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet. Using AMPK liver-specific knockout mice, we demonstrate that the Sesn3 insulin-sensitizing effect is largely independent of AMPK. Biochemical analysis reveals that Sesn3 interacts with and activates mTORC2 and subsequently stimulates Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. These findings suggest that Sesn3 can activate Akt via mTORC2 to regulate hepatic insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
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