Direct Observation of Twisted Surface skyrmions in Bulk Crystals

Magnetic skyrmions in noncentrosymmetric helimagnets with D_{n} symmetry are Bloch-type magnetization swirls with a helicity angle of ±90°. At the surface of helimagnetic thin films below a critical thickness, a twisted skyrmion state with an arbitrary helicity angle has been proposed; however, its direct experimental observation has remained elusive. Here, we show that circularly polarized resonant elastic x-ray scattering is able to unambiguously measure the helicity angle of surface skyrmions, providing direct experimental evidence that a twisted skyrmion surface state also exists in bulk systems. The exact surface helicity angles of twisted skyrmions for both left- and right-handed chiral bulk Cu_{2}OSeO_{3}, in the single as well as in the multidomain skyrmion lattice state, are determined, revealing their detailed internal structure. Our findings suggest that a skyrmion surface reconstruction is a universal phenomenon, stemming from the breaking of translational symmetry at the interface.

Manipulation of skyrmion motion by magnetic field gradients

Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like, topologically protected magnetisation entities that are promising candidates as information carriers in racetrack memory. The transport of skyrmions in a shift-register-like fashion is crucial for their embodiment in practical devices. Here, we demonstrate that chiral skyrmions in Cu2OSeO3 can be effectively manipulated under the influence of a magnetic field gradient. In a radial field gradient, skyrmions were found to rotate collectively, following a given velocity-radius relationship. As a result of this relationship, and in competition with the elastic properties of the skyrmion lattice, the rotating ensemble disintegrates into a shell-like structure of discrete circular racetracks. Upon reversing the field direction, the rotation sense reverses. Field gradients therefore offer an effective handle for the fine control of skyrmion motion, which is inherently driven by magnon currents. In this scheme, no local electric currents are needed, thus presenting a different approach to shift-register-type operations based on spin transfer torque.

Effects of concentrate-to-forage ratios and 2-methylbutyrate supplementation on ruminal fermentation, bacteria abundance and urinary excretion of purine derivatives in Chinese Simmental steers

This study evaluated the effects of dietary concentrate levels and 2-methylbutyrate (2MB) supplementation on performance, ruminal fermentation, bacteria abundance, microbial enzyme activity and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in steers. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers (12 months of age; 389 ± 3.7 kg of body weight) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Moderate-concentrate (400 g/kg diet [MC]) or high-concentrate (600 g/kg diet [HC]) diets were fed with or without 2MB (0 g/day [2MB-] or 15.0 g/day [2MB+]). Dry matter intake and average daily gain increased, but feed conversion ratio decreased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Ruminal pH decreased, but total volatile fatty acid increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Molar proportion of acetate and acetate-to-propionate ratio decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. Propionate molar proportion and ruminal NH₃ -N content increased with the HC diet, but decreased with 2MB supplementation. Neutral detergent fibre degradability decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. Crude protein degradability increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Abundance of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Bufyrivibrio fibrisolvens as well as activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase, xylanase and pectinase decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. However, abundance of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus as well as activities of α-amylase and protease increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Total PD excretion also increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. The results suggested that growth performance, ruminal fermentation, CP degradability and total PD excretion increased with increasing dietary concentrate level from 40% to 60% or 2MB supplementation. The observed diet × 2MB interaction indicated that supplementation of 2MB was more efficacious for improving growth performance, ruminal fermentation and total PD excretion with promoted ruminal bacteria abundance and enzyme activity in the MC diet than in the HC diet.

[A comparison of clinical characteristics between 2 pedigrees of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A with different RET mutations]

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a hereditary syndrome. Here, two different RET proto-oncogen mutation were identified from family members of two MEN2A pedigrees by genetic screening. One RET mutations were found at codons 1893 and 1895 in exon 11 (1893-1895delCGA) from pedigree 1, which is a novel mutation, the other occurs at codon 634 (Cys634Arg) in exon 11 from pedigree 2. However, the clinical characteristics were similar in the patients of the two pedigrees. All the patients were in middle-age at onset. Most of them were firstly diagnosed with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma with different degrees of thyroid abnormalities (elevated serum calcitonin with or without thyroid mass, or had been diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma). Some family members were with elevated serum parathyroid hormone but with no other evidences for hyperparathyroidism.

Histochemical distribution of four types of enzymes and mucous cells in the gastrointestinal tract of reared half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

The histochemical distribution of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), non-specific esterase (NSE), peroxidase (POD) and mucous-cell types was evaluated in the gastrointestinal tract of the half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. The enzymes were detected in the entire stretch of the gastrointestinal tract. ACP activity was found in the supranuclear region of enterocytes and the lamina propria of the intestine, as well as the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the stomach. The staining intensity of ACP in the anterior and posterior intestines was stronger than in the stomach. ALP activity was detected in the striated border of enterocytes and muscularis of the whole intestine, lamina propria and supranuclear cytoplasm of the enterocytes in the anterior intestine, as well as in the blood vessels of the stomach. The staining intensity for ALP in the anterior intestine was stronger than in the posterior segment and the latter was stronger than in the stomach. NSE activity was detected in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells in the entire gastrointestinal tract, with the anterior intestine showing stronger intensity than the stomach. POD activity was located in the blood cells of the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract and the levels in the stomach were similar to the anterior and posterior intestines. Alcian blue (pH 2·5) periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) histochemical results revealed three types of mucous cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Type I cells (PAS+AB-) were observed among the gastric mucosa columnar cells in the stomach and enterocytes in the basal region of the villi and in the middle and top regions of the intestinal villi. Type II cells (PAS-AB+) and type III cells (PAS+AB+) were not detected in the stomach but were distributed ubiquitously among enterocytes in the middle and top regions of the intestinal villi.

Self-cleaning by harnessing wrinkles in two-dimensional layered crystals

Two-dimensional (2D) layered crystals are prone to bending and folding owing to their ultra-low bending stiffness. Folds are traditionally viewed as defects that degrade the material performance. Here, we demonstrate that folds and cohesive forces in 2D layered crystals like graphene and MoS₂ can be exploited to collect and clean up interlayer impurities, wherein multiple separated impurities agglomerate into a single, large cluster. We combine classical molecular dynamics simulations and an analytical model to elucidate the competing roles of membrane bending and impurity-membrane cohesive energies in the self-cleaning process. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms by which the forces that are present in 2D layered crystals can positively impact, through the possibility of intrinsic cleaning and defect engineering, the synthesis of van der Waals homo- and heterostructures with improved reliability and functionalities.

[Effect and mechanism of intermittent alkaline stimulation on high phosphorus induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells of rats]

Objective: To explore the effect and possible mechanisms of intermittent alkaline on rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification induced by high phosphorus. Methods: VSMCs were isolated from rat thoracic aorta and cultured in vitro. The fourth generation VSMCs were randomly divided into control group, high phosphorus+ pH7.4, high phosphorus+ pH7.5, high phosphorus+ pH7.6 and high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group with random number table. The control group was cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum. Other groups were cultured in DMEM with 10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate and alkalized by 7.4% NaHCO(3) to adjust the pH respectively. After the intervention of 4 hours, the control group was replaced with the normal medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, the other 4 groups were replaced with high phosphorus based on the pH value of the culture medium, and then replaced the culture medium every other day. After 4 days intervention, the mRNA and protein expression of L type calcium channel β(3) subunit(LTCC β(3)) and Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. After 4 days intervention, the level of VSMC calcium ion was detected by Fluo-3/AM. After 14 days intervention, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the calcification was observed by measuring calcium content. Results: (1) Compared with control group, the gene and protein expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (0.49±0.03 vs. 0.23±0.02 and 0.45±0.03 vs. 0.26±0.02 respectively, all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the mRNA(0.86±0.05) and protein(0.62±0.04) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the mRNA(0.99±0.05) and protein(0.80±0.03) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the mRNA(1.16±0.05) and protein(0.93±0.03) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group (all P<0.05). (2) Compared with control group, calcium ion influx were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (124.61±6.06 vs. 75.68±7.82, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group(210.85±9.75, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group(298.44±11.42, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group(401.13±11.41, P<0.05). (3) Compared with control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2 and ALP were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (0.60±0.04 vs. 0.34±0.03, 0.42±0.04 vs. 0.21±0.02, 67.2±4.3 vs. 23.2±2.3 respectively, all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the mRNA(0.76±0.05) and protein(0.68±0.03) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(102.1±5.4) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the mRNA(0.90±0.05) and protein(0.90±0.05) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(139.3±4.9) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the mRNA(1.11±0.05) and protein(1.08±0.06) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(197.0±6.7) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group (all P<0.05). (4) Compared with control group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group ((75.4±4.3)mg/g pro vs.(25.2±2.1)mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group ((100.8±5.7) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group ((143.5±6.1) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group ((205.1±8.2) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Conclusion: Intermittent alkaline stimulation can promote high phosphorus induced rat VSMCs calcification possibly through upregulating LTCC β(3) subunit gene and protein expression, increasing calcium ion influx and enhancing VSMCs phenotypic transformation.

[Effect of mandibular advancement device upon nuclear factor κB and tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 in genioglossus of rabbit with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the effects of mandibular advancement device (MAD) upon nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the genioglossus. Methods: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits (male, six months old), in accordance with the random number table, were equally divided into three groups, the control group, obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) group and MAD group. All animals were induced to sleep in supine position for 2 hours every morning in the next 8 weeks. The specimens of genioglossus were prepared. The relative expression of NF-κB p65 was measured with Western blotting and the mass concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The relative expressions of NF-κB p65 protein in genioglossus in the control group, OSAHS group and MAD group were 0.24±0.07, 0.44±0.08 and 0.30±0.09, respectively. The mass concentrations of TNF-α in genioglossus in the control group, OSAHS group and MAD group were (0.065±0.020), (0.097±0.018) and (0.071±0.020) μg/L, respectively. The mass concentrations of IL-6 in genioglossus in the control group, OSAHS group and MAD group were (0.063±0.013), (0.093±0.017), and (0.069±0.014) μg/L, respectively. For the above indicators, the data in OSAHS group were all significantly higher than that in MAD group and the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between MAD group and the control group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Treatment of OSAHS with MAD decreased the mass concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 leading to fatigue of genioglossus, reduced the activation of NF-κB and played a significant role in protecting genioglossus.

Two-Fold Anisotropy Governs Morphological Evolution and Stress Generation in Sodiated Black Phosphorus for Sodium Ion Batteries

Phosphorus represents a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries owing to its extremely high theoretical capacity. Recent in situ transmission electron microscopy studies evidenced anisotropic swelling in sodiated black phosphorus, which may find an origin from the two intrinsic anisotropic properties inherent to the layered structure of black phosphorus: sodium diffusional directionality and insertion strain anisotropy. To understand the morphological evolution and stress generation in sodiated black phosphorus, we develop a chemo-mechanical model by incorporating the intrinsic anisotropic properties into the large elasto-plastic deformation. Our modeling results reveal that the apparent morphological evolution in sodiated black phosphorus is critically controlled by the coupled effect of the two intrinsic anisotropic properties. In particular, sodium diffusional directionality generates sharp interphases along the [010] and [001] directions, which constrain anisotropic development of the insertion strain. The coupled effect renders distinctive stress-generation and fracture mechanisms when sodiation starts from different crystal facets. In addition to providing a powerful modeling framework for sodiation and lithiation of layered structures, our findings shed significant light on the sodiation-induced chemo-mechanical degradation of black phosphorus as a promising anode for the next-generation sodium ion batteries.

First-principles study on structural, thermal, mechanical and dynamic stability of T'-MoS2

Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the structure, stability, optical modes and electronic band gap of a distorted tetragonal MoS₂ monolayer (T'-MoS₂). Our simulated scanning tunnel microscopy (STM) images of T'-MoS₂ are dramatically similar to those STM images which were identified as K _x (H₂O) _y MoS₂ from a previous experimental study. This similarity suggests that T'-MoS₂ might have already been experimentally observed, but due to being unexpected was misidentified. Furthermore, we verify the stability of T'-MoS₂ from the thermal, mechanical and dynamic aspects, by ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, elastic constants evaluation and phonon band structure calculation based on density functional perturbation theory, respectively. In addition, we calculate the eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors of the optical modes of T'-MoS₂ at [Formula: see text] point and distinguish their Raman and infrared activity by pointing out their irreducible representations using group theory. At the same time, we compare the Raman modes of T'-MoS₂ with those of H-MoS₂ and T-MoS₂. Our results provide useful guidance for further experimental identification and characterization of T'-MoS₂.

ReaxFF Reactive Force-Field Study of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)

Two-dimensional layers of molybdenum disulfide, MoS₂, have been recognized as promising materials for nanoelectronics due to their exceptional electronic and optical properties. Here we develop a new ReaxFF reactive potential that can accurately describe the thermodynamic and structural properties of MoS₂ sheets, guided by extensive density functional theory simulations. This potential is then applied to the formation energies of five different types of vacancies, various vacancy migration barriers, and the transition barrier between the semiconducting 2H and metallic 1T phases. The energetics of ripplocations, a recently observed defect in van der Waals layers, is examined, and the interplay between these defects and sulfur vacancies is studied. As strain engineering of MoS₂ sheets is an effective way to manipulate the sheets' electronic and optical properties, the new ReaxFF description can provide valuable insights into morphological changes that occur under various loading conditions and defect distributions, thus allowing one to tailor the electronic properties of these 2D crystals.

[Polymorphism at the miR-502 binding site in the 3' untranslated region of SET8 gene is associated with the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism of SET8 gene and the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).

METHODS

We selected 140 CCRCC patients and 130 healthy controls in this case-control study.Genotype of single nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) at the miR-502 binding site in the 3'UTR of SET8 mRNA in the CCRCC patients and healthy controls was tested and the association between genotype and risk of cancer was assessed. The expression of SET8 was determined by immunohistochemistry and the relationship between expression of SET8 and genotype of rs16917496 was analyzed.

RESULTS

In the control group, CC, CT and TT genotypes were found in 30, 32 and 68 persons, respectively, while in the CCRCC patients, CC, CT and TT genotypes were found in 14 , 47 and 79 cases, respectively.The frequencies of rs16917496 CT and TT genotypes in the CCRCC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the CC genotype, patients with CT and TT genotypes were more susceptible to develop CCRCC (P<0.05). CT and TT genotypes of rs16917496 at the miR-502 binding site of the SET8 gene were associated with expression of SET8.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotype of the SNP rs16917496 at the miR-502 binding site in the 3' untranslated region of the SET8 gene is associated with the expression of SET8 protein. Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites may help to identify the subgroups of population susceptible to CCRCC.

[Comparison on metabolic disorders and uric acid levels between patients with primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension]

Objective: To compare the incidence of metabolic disorders and uric acid (UA) levels between patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and essential hypertension (EH), and to explore factors associated with UA levels in these patients. Methods: A total of 117 PA and 117 EH patients individually matched by sex, age, blood pressure and duration of hypertension were recruited from in-hospital patients who were hospitalized in our department because of suspicion of secondary hypertension from January 2008 to December 2014. Clinical data including metabolic disorders and UA levels were analyzed. Results: (1) Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, plasma triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acid (FFA) were significantly higher in EH than in PA group (all P<0.05). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance (DM+ IGT) was significantly higher in EH than in PA group (41.9% (49/117) vs. 17.1% (20/117), P<0.01). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was also significantly higher in EH than in PA group (51.3% (60/117) vs. 24.8% (29/117), P<0.01). (2) EH patients had higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lower insulin sensitivity index composite (ISI comp) than PA patients, but basic insulin secretion index (HOMA-β) and modified β cell function index (MBCI) were significantly lower in PA than in EH group (P<0.05). (3) With regard to target organs damages, PA patients revealed higher 24-hour urinary protein, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), urinary IgG, urinary α-1 microglobulin, left ventricular mass index and lower urine specific gravity than EH patients (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between two groups (P=0.103). (4) UA level was significantly lower in PA group than in EH group ((314.00±89.52) μmol/L vs. (379.16±101.25) μmol/L, P<0.01). Higher plasma aldosterone concentration and lower plasma renin activity were associated with lower UA level in PA group. Conclusions: Compared with sex, age and hypertension duration matched EH patients, PA patients revealed lower UA level and less severe abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism, but are associated with severer renal and cardiac damages. The reduced UA level in PA patients is possibly due to the high plasma aldosterone concentration and low plasma renin activity.

[Autophagy and its research progress in thyroid cancer]

To summarize the autophagy and its research progress in thyroid cancer.In combination with available literatures published in recent years involving the relationship between autophagy and thyroid cancer, the characteristics of autophagy, the role in thyroid cancer were reviewed. The changes of autophagy level will directly or indirectly participate in the pathogenesis and progression of thyroid cancer.Reagents regulating autophagy will have broad prospect of application in thyroid cancer therapy. The autophagy in the thyroid cancer is still poorly understood, and to clarify the molecular mechanism of autophagy and kill thyroid cancer cells by reasonable regulation of autophagy still needs more further studies.

Multidomain Skyrmion Lattice State in Cu2OSeO3

Magnetic skyrmions in chiral magnets are nanoscale, topologically protected magnetization swirls that are promising candidates for spintronics memory carriers. Therefore, observing and manipulating the skyrmion state on the surface level of the materials are of great importance for future applications. Here, we report a controlled way of creating a multidomain skyrmion state near the surface of a Cu2OSeO3 single crystal, observed by soft resonant elastic X-ray scattering. This technique is an ideal tool to probe the magnetic order at the L3 edge of 3d metal compounds giving an average depth sensitivity of ∼50 nm. The single-domain 6-fold-symmetric skyrmion lattice can be broken up into domains, overcoming the propagation directions imposed by the cubic anisotropy by applying the magnetic field in directions deviating from the major cubic axes. Our findings open the door to a new way to manipulate and engineer the skyrmion state locally on the surface or on the level of individual skyrmions, which will enable applications in the future.

Reversible host cell remodeling underpins deformability changes in malaria parasite sexual blood stages

The sexual blood stage of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergoes remarkable biophysical changes as it prepares for transmission to mosquitoes. During maturation, midstage gametocytes show low deformability and sequester in the bone marrow and spleen cords, thus avoiding clearance during passage through splenic sinuses. Mature gametocytes exhibit increased deformability and reappear in the peripheral circulation, allowing uptake by mosquitoes. Here we define the reversible changes in erythrocyte membrane organization that underpin this biomechanical transformation. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the length of the spectrin cross-members and the size of the skeletal meshwork increase in developing gametocytes, then decrease in mature-stage gametocytes. These changes are accompanied by relocation of actin from the erythrocyte membrane to the Maurer's clefts. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals reversible changes in the level of coupling between the membrane skeleton and the plasma membrane. Treatment of midstage gametocytes with cytochalasin D decreases the vertical coupling and increases their filterability. A computationally efficient coarse-grained model of the erythrocyte membrane reveals that restructuring and constraining the spectrin meshwork can fully account for the observed changes in deformability.

[Effects of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on erectile dysfunction of hypertensive rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of autologous adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injection into corpora cavernosa on the hypertension-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) in rats and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Healthy male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at 30-week (n=40) and homologous rats with normal blood pressure (WKY) (n=20) were selected. Noninvasive blood pressure meter was used to measure the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at the tail. Cervical subcutaneous injection of apomorphine was applied to test penile erectile function. The rats with ED were divided into hypertension-associated ED rats treated with autologous SVF injection into corpora cavernosa (ED-SHR-SVF group) (n=8) and hypertension-associated ED rats treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection into corpora cavernosa (ED-SHR-PBS group) (n=8). The intracavernosal pressure (ICP) was measured in each group. Western blot and RT-PCR were conducted to test protein and mRNA expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in corpora cavernosa.

RESULTS

The tail SBP in SHR rats was significantly higher than that in WKY rats ((197.47±6.82) mmHg vs (125.23±4.65) mmHg, P<0.05). The erectile rate in SHR rats was 60% (24/40), and that in WKY rats was 100% (20/20). After 5 V electrical stimulation, the ICP in the ED-SHR-SVF group was significantly higher than in the ED-SHR-PBS group ((83.42±3.21) mmHg vs (52.37±3.11) mmHg, P<0.05). The protein and mRNA expressions of eNOS in the ED-SHR-SVF group were significantly higher than in the ED-SHR-PBS group (0.43±0.03 vs 0.18±0.05, 0.92±0.05 vs 0.41±0.06, both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High blood pressure can cause ED in rats, which could be mitigated by autologous SVF injection. The mechanism may be related to up-regulation of eNOS expression in corpus cavernosa.

[Incidence and influencing factors of term small for gestational age infants in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of term small for gestational age infants (SGA ) in China.

METHODS

This study is a multicenter study. Data were collected from Chinese Neonatal Network with term infants, born from May 1st 2010 to February 28th 2014, from 83 nationwide hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 170 565 neonates were recorded from 83 nationwide hospitals; 144 659 cases were term newborn, and 3 543 neonates were found to be term SGA. The incidence of term SGA was 2.45%. In term SGA, the girl's incidence (2.88%, 1 985/69 003) was higher than boy (2.05%, 1 531/74 707), P<0.001. Furthermore, the incidence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial fertilization of term SGA was 9.12% (66/724), which was higher than the natural conception (2.42%, 3 465/143 283), P<0.001. The incidence of term SGA in multiple births (30.37%, 741/2 440) was higher than that of single birth (1.97%, 2 787/141 366), P<0.001. The incidence of SGA with maternal age <18 years old was 4.86% (27/556) and was 3.20% (307/9 592) with maternal age > 35 years old, meanwhile both were higher than that with maternal age as 18-35 years old (2.39%, 3 197/133 662). The incidence of SGA with maternal occupation as farmers was 4.67% (854/18 284), which was significantly higher than other professions. The incidence of SGA with maternal education as illiterate and elementary education was 8.65% (187/2 162), 5.17% (397/7 678), respectively, both were significantly higher than those with mother graduated from university (1.72%, 853/49 692). Moreover, the geographical distribution of the main residence of the term SGA mothers showed Northeast Area (1.54%, 30/1 946)and East Area (2.21%, 1 267/57 334) had lower incidence of term SGA than those of Central South Area (2.71%, 493/18 223) and Southwest Area (3.67%, 876/23 852).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of term SGA was 2.45% in this study, which was influenced significantly by gender, IVF, multiple births, maternal factors (age, maternal occupation, level of education) and geographical distribution. This multicenter study with large data, to a certain extent, reflected status of the incidence and influencing factors of term SGA in China, which will help prevent and treat term SGA.

[Incidence and influencing factors of term small for gestational age infants in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of term small for gestational age infants (SGA ) in China.

METHODS

This study is a multicenter study. Data were collected from Chinese Neonatal Network with term infants, born from May 1st 2010 to February 28th 2014, from 83 nationwide hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 170 565 neonates were recorded from 83 nationwide hospitals; 144 659 cases were term newborn, and 3 543 neonates were found to be term SGA. The incidence of term SGA was 2.45%. In term SGA, the girl's incidence (2.88%, 1 985/69 003) was higher than boy (2.05%, 1 531/74 707), P<0.001. Furthermore, the incidence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial fertilization of term SGA was 9.12% (66/724), which was higher than the natural conception (2.42%, 3 465/143 283), P<0.001. The incidence of term SGA in multiple births (30.37%, 741/2 440) was higher than that of single birth (1.97%, 2 787/141 366), P<0.001. The incidence of SGA with maternal age <18 years old was 4.86% (27/556) and was 3.20% (307/9 592) with maternal age > 35 years old, meanwhile both were higher than that with maternal age as 18-35 years old (2.39%, 3 197/133 662). The incidence of SGA with maternal occupation as farmers was 4.67% (854/18 284), which was significantly higher than other professions. The incidence of SGA with maternal education as illiterate and elementary education was 8.65% (187/2 162), 5.17% (397/7 678), respectively, both were significantly higher than those with mother graduated from university (1.72%, 853/49 692). Moreover, the geographical distribution of the main residence of the term SGA mothers showed Northeast Area (1.54%, 30/1 946)and East Area (2.21%, 1 267/57 334) had lower incidence of term SGA than those of Central South Area (2.71%, 493/18 223) and Southwest Area (3.67%, 876/23 852).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of term SGA was 2.45% in this study, which was influenced significantly by gender, IVF, multiple births, maternal factors (age, maternal occupation, level of education) and geographical distribution. This multicenter study with large data, to a certain extent, reflected status of the incidence and influencing factors of term SGA in China, which will help prevent and treat term SGA.

Inward lithium-ion breathing of hierarchically porous silicon anodes

Silicon has been identified as a highly promising anode for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The key challenge for Si anodes is large volume change during the lithiation/delithiation cycle that results in chemomechanical degradation and subsequent rapid capacity fading. Here we report a novel fabrication method for hierarchically porous Si nanospheres (hp-SiNSs), which consist of a porous shell and a hollow core. On charge/discharge cycling, the hp-SiNSs accommodate the volume change through reversible inward Li breathing with negligible particle-level outward expansion. Our mechanics analysis revealed that such inward expansion is enabled by the much stiffer lithiated layer than the unlithiated porous layer. LIBs assembled with the hp-SiNSs exhibit high capacity, high power and long cycle life, which is superior to the current commercial Si-based anode materials. The low-cost synthesis approach provides a new avenue for the rational design of hierarchically porous structures with unique materials properties.