•TDR measured θ values are subjected to errors when σa exceeds the value of 1.0 dS m−1.•As σa exceeds a threshold of 2.71 dS m−1, it became difficult to read the TDR waveform for estimating ...θ.•Salinity had negligible effects on HP measured thermal properties in the studied salinity range (σa < 7.59 dS m−1).•HP-based method provided relatively accurate θ and ρb values in high-salinity soils.
Heat-pulse (HP) and thermo-time domain reflectometry (thermo-TDR) methods have been used to determine soil thermal properties, water content (θ) and bulk density (ρb) simultaneously. Their performances on salt-affected soils, however, remain unknown. This study investigated the effect of salinity on HP signals and thermo-TDR measured electromagnetic waveforms, and the derived θ and thermal property values of packed soil columns with various textures, saturations and bulk electrical conductivities (σa). The thermo-TDR and HP-based methods for estimating ρb values were also evaluated. The results showed that: (1) at σa values lower than 1.0 dS m−1, the TDR method provided reliable θ with relative errors within 5%; salt effects became apparent at σa values greater than 1.0 dS m−1 due to the distortion of TDR waveforms; the TDR method failed to estimate θ at σa > 2.71 dS m−1 because the 2nd reflection point on the waveform was undetectable; (2) salinity had negligible effects on soil thermal property values in the studied range (σa < 7.59 dS m−1), and the HP-based approach was able to derive θ and ρb values from thermal property measurements, with root mean square errors within 0.02 m3 m−3 for θ and within 0.12 Mg m−3 for ρb. Thus, the HP-based approach outperformed the thermo-TDR approach for determining θ and ρb values in soils with σa > 1.0 dS m−1.
High‐performance bio‐based liquid crystal copolyesters derived from 6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenoic acid (HNA), 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl (BP), bio‐based 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and suberic acid ...(Sa) were successfully designed and prepared by “one‐pot” melt polycondensation method. The influence of small amount (1–5 mol%) of FDCA on structure and properties of the copolyesters were fully investigated. Aromatic heterocyclic FDCA units had unique effect on molecular structure and properties of the copolyesters ascribed to its high stiffness and nonlinearity. The glass transition temperature, melting temperature and initial decomposition temperature of the copolyester was improved. In addition, a small amount of FDCA addition was conducive to crystallization, which can be attributed to FDCA addition increasing the molecular chain interaction. The copolyesters exhibited a broad liquid crystal phase temperature range and viscous behavior, which provided great convenience for its melt processing. The tensile strength and modulus of injected splines were in range of 82.38 ~ 121.30 MPa and 2.68 ~ 3.95 GPa, respectively, which were much higher than those of PET, PLA and other biobased polyesters. The obtained copolyester has good thermal stability, melt processing ability, mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, which indicates that they have great potential for medical and packaging applications.
High performance biobased liquid crystal copolyesters derived from mesogenic monomer p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl and biomonomer suberic acid and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid were prepared via one‐pot melt polymerization method.
Increasing evidence shows that melatonin protected against age-related mitochondrial oxidative damage. However, the protective effects of melatonin against ovarian aging has not been explored. Young ...Kunming females (aged 2-3 months) were fed with melatonin added to drinking water for 6 or 12 months (mo). We found that long-term (12 mo) melatonin treatment significantly reduced ovarian aging, as indicated by substantial increases in litter size, pool of follicles, and telomere length as well as oocyte quantity and quality. Melatonin treatment suppressed ovarian mitochondrial oxidative damage by decreasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generation, inhibiting apoptosis, repressing collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and preserving respiratory chain complex activities. Female mice fed with melatonin had enhanced mitochondrial antioxidant activities, thus reducing the risk of mitochondrial oxidative damage cause by free radicals. Notably, melatonin treatment enhanced SIRT3 activity but not the protein expression level, and increased the binding affinity of FoxO3a to the promoters of both superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT). In conclusion, melatonin exerted protection against aging-induced fertility decline and maintenance of mitochondrial redox balance.
Role of lipocalin 2 in stroke Zhao, Ruo-Yu; Wei, Peng-Ju; Sun, Xin ...
Neurobiology of disease,
April 2023, 2023-04-00, 20230401, 2023-04-01, Letnik:
179
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide; however, the treatment choices available to neurologists are limited in clinical practice. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a secreted protein, belonging ...to the lipocalin superfamily, with multiple biological functions in mediating innate immune response, inflammatory response, iron-homeostasis, cell migration and differentiation, energy metabolism, and other processes in the body. LCN2 is expressed at low levels in the brain under normal physiological conditions, but its expression is significantly up-regulated in multiple acute stimulations and chronic pathologies. An up-regulation of LCN2 has been found in the blood/cerebrospinal fluid of patients with ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, and could serve as a potential biomarker for the prediction of the severity of acute stroke. LCN2 activates reactive astrocytes and microglia, promotes neutrophil infiltration, amplifies post-stroke inflammation, promotes blood–brain barrier disruption, white matter injury, and neuronal death. Moreover, LCN2 is involved in brain injury induced by thrombin and erythrocyte lysates, as well as microvascular thrombosis after hemorrhage. In this paper, we review the role of LCN2 in the pathological processes of ischemic stroke; intracerebral hemorrhage; subarachnoid hemorrhage; and stroke-related brain diseases, such as vascular dementia and post-stroke depression, and their underlying mechanisms. We hope that this review will help elucidate the value of LCN2 as a therapeutic target in stroke.
•Increased lipocalin 2 (LCN2) occurs in brains under pathological conditions.•LCN2 has potential predictive value for acute stroke severity.•We review the role of LCN2 in the pathology of stroke and related disorders.•The findings will help elucidate the therapeutic target value of LCN2 in stroke.
Recently, the nodal line semimetals have attracted considerable interest in condensed matter physics. We show that their distinct band structure can be detected by measuring the collective modes. In ...particular, we find that the dependence of the plasmon frequency omega sub()pon the electron density n follows a omega sub()pn1/4 law in the long wavelength limit. Our results will be useful in the ongoing search for new candidates of nodal line semimetals.
Abstract The DSM-5 proposed the diagnostic criteria of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and suggested that more evidence is necessary before it is included as a standard disorder in the DSM system. The ...aims of this study were to: 1) evaluate the diagnostic validity of individual criteria of IGD in the DSM-5 and the criteria of craving and irritability; 2) determine the optimal cut-off point for the IGD criteria in the DSM-5. We recruited 75 subjects with IGD, 75 without IGD, and 75 in remission from IGD based on the Diagnostic Criteria of Internet Addiction for College Students (DC-IA-C). All participants underwent a diagnostic interview based on the diagnostic criteria of IGD in the DSM-5 and completed the CIAS and QGU-B. Except for the “deceiving” and “escape” criteria, all criteria of IGD had diagnostic accuracy ranging from 77.3% to 94.7% to differentiate university students with IGD from remitted students. The criterion of craving had diagnostic accuracy of 88% and the criteria of irritability had an accuracy of 68.7%. Fulfilling 5 or more criteria of IGD in the DSM-5 was the best cut-off point to differentiate young adults with IGD from healthy or remitted users.
We experimentally demonstrate a simultaneous generation of baseband (BB) and RF signals, using only one single-electrode Mach-Zehnder modulator (SD-MZM) based on double-sideband with optical carrier ...suppression (DSBCS) scheme. With optimal modulation index (MI =V p-p /2V pi ) equal to 0.43 for driving MZM, the receiver sensitivity of the RF signal can have 1-dB improvement. Based on this result, only one SD-MZM is needed to generate optical microwaves using DSBCS scheme, thus eliminating the requirement of a high-cost dual-electrode MZM without degrading the signal performance. Following 75-km standard single-mode fiber, the power penalties of both BB and RF signals are less than 0.3 dB
Background and Aims: Aberrant transcriptional programs are highly regulated processes that play important roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence ...suggests that super-enhancers (SEs) often drive critical oncogene expression. However, SE-associated genes in HCC pathogenesis are still poorly understood. Methods: We performed integrative ChIP-seq and Hi-C analyses of HCC cells and identified ajuba LIM protein (AJUBA) as a SE-associated gene. We evaluated AJUBA expression in HCC using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to demonstrate that transcription factor 4 (TCF4) bound to AJUBA-associated SEs. We then assessed the role of AJUBA in HCC using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. Furthermore, we used immunoprecipitation and BiFC assays to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: We identified AJUBA as a SE-associated oncogene in HCC regulated by TCF4. High AJUBA expression was related to an aggressive phenotype and unfavorable outcome in HCC patients. AJUBA knockdown significantly reduced cell migration and invasion capacities both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, AJUBA overexpression in HCC recruited tumor necrosis factor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), enhancing the phosphorylation of Akt and increasing Akt activity toward GSK-3β, thus promoting EMT. Conclusions: Our results provide functional and mechanistic links between the SE-associated gene AJUBA and tumor EMT in aggressive HCC.
Abstract Background In adolescent populations worldwide, Internet addiction is prevalent and is often comorbid with depression, hostility, and social anxiety of adolescents. This study aimed at ...evaluating the exacerbation of depression, hostility, and social anxiety in the course of getting addiction to Internet or remitting from Internet addiction among adolescents. Method This study recruited 2293 adolescents in grade 7 to assess their depression, hostility, social anxiety and Internet addiction. The same assessments were repeated one year later. The incidence group was defined as subjects classified as non-addicted in the first assessment and as addicted in the second assessment. The remission group was defined as subjects classified as addicted in the first assessment and as non-addicted in the second assessment. Results The incidence group exhibited increased depression and hostility more than the non-addiction group and the effect of on depression was stronger among adolescent girls. Further, the remission group showed decreased depression, hostility, and social anxiety more than the persistent addiction group. Conclusions Depression and hostility worsen in the addiction process for the Internet among adolescents. Intervention of Internet addiction should be provided to prevent its negative effect on mental health. Depression, hostility, and social anxiety decreased in the process of remission. It suggested that the negative consequences could be reversed if Internet addiction could be remitted within a short duration.
Flavonoids are one of the key secondary metabolites determining the quality of tea. Although exogenous brassinosteroid (BR), a steroidal plant hormone, can stimulate polyphenol biosynthesis in tea ...plants (Camellia sinensis L.), the relevance of endogenous BR in flavonoid accumulation and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that BR enhances flavonoid concentration in tea leaves by inducing an increase in the endogenous concentration of nitric oxide (NO). Notably, exogenous BR increased levels of flavonoids as well as NO in a concentration dependent manner, while suppression of BR levels by an inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, brassinazole (BRz), decreased the concentrations of both flavonoids and NO in tea leaves. Interestingly, combined treatment of BR and BRz reversed the inhibitory effect of BRz alone on the concentrations of flavonoids and NO. Likewise, exogenous NO also increased flavonoids and NO levels dose-dependently. When the NO level in tea leaves was suppressed by using a NO scavenger, 2,4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), flavonoid concentration dramatically decreased. Although individual application of 0.1μM BR increased the concentrations of flavonoids and NO, combined treatment with exogenous NO scavenger, cPTIO, reversed the effect of BR on flavonoid concentration. Furthermore, BR or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) promoted but cPTIO inhibited the transcription and activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in leaves, while combined treatment of BR with SNP or cPTIO had no additive effect. The results of this study suggest that an optimal level of endogenous NO is essential for BR-induced promotion of flavonoid biosynthesis in tea leaves. In conclusion, this study unveiled a crucial mechanism of BR-induced flavonoid biosynthesis, which might have potential implication in improving the quality of tea.
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