The Effects of APP-Based Intervention for Depression Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a self-management intervention delivered by mobile application (APP) for depression among community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: General communities in China. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling individuals with SCI who were diagnosed within 2 years were recruited in this study (N=98). It was a convenience sample with an average age of 41.71, 82.7% participants were men. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the intervention group (n=49) received 5 sessions on self-management training provided by nurse-led multidisciplinary team via APP at the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and 12th weeks, respectively, after they discharge from hospitals. Participants in the control group (n=49) received routine telephone counselling provided by follow-up nurses at the 12th week after they discharge. OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome of this study is depression, which is not the primary outcomes in the registration of this program. Depression was measured by version 2 of Beck Depression Inventory at discharge (T0), the 12th week after discharge from hospitals (T1), and the 24th week after discharge from hospitals (T2). RESULTS: There were 98 participants (49 in the intervention group and 49 in the control group) completing the intervention and data collection. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had lower level of depression at T2 (B=-5.76; 95% CI=-9.97, -1.54; P=.007). Small to moderate effect sizes on depression favoring the intervention were demonstrated at T1 (Cohen's d=-.178) and T2 (Cohen's d=-.535). CONCLUSIONS: APP-based self-management support can be a potential intervention to reduce depression among community-dwelling individuals with SCI.

Mg ion implantation and post-annealing effect on the photoelectrical performance of a ß-Ga2O3 photodetector.

The effects of magnesium ion implantation and post-annealing on the photoelectric performance of a ß-G a 2 O 3-based vertical structural Schottky photodetector (PD) were thoroughly investigated. After implantation and post-annealing, the Schottky barrier height and bandgap of the G a 2 O 3 surface can be slightly increased, while the dark current is significantly reduced, and the light-to-dark current ratio is immensely improved. The PD exhibited a photo-to-dark current ratio of 1733, responsivity of 5.04 mA/W, and specific detectivity of 3.979×1011 Jones under -2.6V bias, and the rise and decay times are 0.157 were 0.048 s, respectively. The large left shift of the open-circuit voltage is feasibly explained by applying the thermionic-emission diffusion theory.

Neural, adipocyte and hepatic differentiation potential of primary and secondary hair follicle stem cells isolated from Arbas Cashmere goats.

BACKGROUND: Arbas Cashmere goats are excellent domestic breeds with high yields of wool and cashmere. Their wool and cashmere can bring huge benefits to the livestock industry. Our studies intend to more fully understand the biological characteristics of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in order to further explore the mechanisms of wool and cashmere regular regeneration. And they have been increasingly considered as promising multipotent cells in regenerative medicine because of their capacity to self-renew and differentiate. However, many aspects of the specific growth characteristics and differentiation ability of HFSCs remain unknown. This study aimed to further explore the growth characteristics and pluripotency of primary hair follicle stem cells (PHFSCs) and secondary hair follicle stem cells (SHFCs). RESULTS: We obtained PHFSCs and SHFSCs from Arbas Cashmere goats using combined isolation and purification methods. The proliferation and vitality of the two types of HFSCs, as well as the growth patterns, were examined. HFSC-specific markers and genes related to pluripotency, were subsequently identified. The PHFSCs and SHFSCs of Arbas Cashmere goat have a typical cobblestone morphology. Moreover, the PHFSCs and SHFSCs express HFSC surface markers, including CD34, K14, K15, K19 and LGR5. We also identified pluripotency-associated gene expression, including SOX2, OCT4 and SOX9, in PHFSCs and SHFSCs. Finally, PHFSCs and SHFSCs displayed multipotent abilities. PHFSCs and SHFSCs can be directed to differentiate into adipocyte-like, neural-like, and hepatocyte-like cells. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study confirmed that the biological characteristics and differentiation potential of PHFSCs and SHFSCs from Arbas Cashmere goats. These findings broaden and refine our knowledge of types and characteristics of adult stem cells.

Telemedicine for Preventing and Treating Pressure Injury After Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pressure injury is a common complication after a spinal cord injury. Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is difficult after such patients have been discharged. Telemedicine promises to provide convenient and effective support for the prevention and treatment of pressure injury, but previous attempts to demonstrate that have produced inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in preventing and treating pressure injury among community-dwelling patients with spinal cord injury, and determine which telemedicine form is more effective. METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA-NMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Network Meta-Analysis) standards. Ten databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies related to the effectiveness of telemedicine intervention in patients with spinal cord injury. Two researchers worked independently and blindly selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The results were described as relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference and 95% CI. RESULTS: The 35 studies comprised 25 randomized controlled trials and 10 quasi-experimental studies involving 3131 patients. The results showed that telemedicine can significantly (P<.05) reduce the incidence of pressure injury (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.14-0.41; P<.05; I2=0%), promote faster healing (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.85; P<.05; I2=0%), and yield lower scores on the pressure ulcer scale of healing (weighted mean difference=-1.98, 95% CI -3.51 to -0.46; P<.05; I2=0%). Cumulative ranking estimates showed that combining telemedicine with conventional intervention (93.5%) was the most effective approach. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine is a feasible way to prevent pressure injury among patients with spinal cord injuries. It can decrease the incidence and severity of pressure injury and accelerate patients' healing without imposing economic burden. It is best used in tandem with other, more conventional interventions. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, large-scale and well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Association between familism and mental health in dementia caregivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dementia caregivers suffer from mental health problems while caring for dementia patients. As a core value, familism has been linked to the mental health of dementia caregivers. This study aims to systematically review the familism of dementia caregivers and to examine the association between familism and mental health of anxiety, depression, and burden in empirical research studies. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in various databases like Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases from inception till April 2021. Fisher's z was calculated with correlation coefficient or regression coefficient values for three familism dimensions and mental health of anxiety, depression, and burden. All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 2.0 software. RESULTS: A total of seven studies with 1178 participants were eligible for the meta-analysis. For caregivers' anxiety, three of seven studies, with 358 participants, were examined in terms of the average corrected correlation coefficient across the studies. It was found that dementia caregivers' familism was significantly related to anxiety. The pooled z-value was 0.148 (95% CI = 0.043-0.253). In addition, caregivers' familism significantly affected depression (z = 0.080; 95% CI = 0.003-0.156), as did familial obligation (z = 0.122; 95% CI = 0.034-0.211), but perceived family support was not associated with this (z = 0.051, 95% CI = -0.038-0.140). As for caregiver burden, there was no evidence that familism was significantly associated with it (z = -0.073; 95% CI = -0.297 to 0.151), including familial obligation and perceived family support (z = -0.087 and -0.089, respectively; 95% CI = -0.278 to 0.104 and -0.335 to 0.157, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: An association between caregiver familism and anxiety/depression exists in dementia patients. More research is needed to explore the relationship between familism and burden.

MicroRNA-301a-3p promotes diabetic retinopathy via regulation of six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered to play a crucial role in DR, but the mechanisms underlying the effects of miR-301a-3p on DR are poorly understood. This paper was designed to explore the possible role of miR-301a-3p in DR. METHODS: The diabetic rat model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The effects of miR-301a-3p on the biological functions of HRECs were determined through a series of experiments in vitro/vivo. RESULTS: The results revealed that interference with miR-301a-3p could decrease the expressions of inflammatory factors and apoptosis in the retinal tissue of DR. Furthermore, it can alleviate the oxidative stress in DR serum, reduce VEGF expression, increase endothelial cell marker expression, and inhibit (High Glucose) HG-induced apoptosis of HRECs. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (STEAP4) was the target of miR-301a-3p. All the effects of miR-301a-3p in DR model were reversed by STEAP4 inhibitor. CONCLUSION: miR-301a-3p promotes diabetic retinopathy via regulation of STEAP4. The findings in this study may provide a vital reference for the drug research and development in DR treatment.

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) Self-Report.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional psychometric study. OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the Chinese version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III-Self Report (SCIM-SR). SETTING: Four rehabilitation centers in Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shiyan, China. METHODS: Translation and cultural adaptation of the Chinese version of the SCIM-SR was conducted according to Brislin guidelines. A total of 147 spinal cord injury patients self-rated their functional independence using translated instrument. The psychometric properties of content validity, criterion-related validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability were examined. RESULTS: The content validity index of the new scale was 0.99. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the total SCIM-SR and SCIM III scores was 0.935, and the coefficients for its three subscales were 0.899, 0.760, and 0.942. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between the total SCIM-SR and SCIM III scores was 2.35 (95% confidence interval -0.58 to 5.28), and differences for the three subscales were 0.75 (-0.51-2.01), 1.30 (-0.63-3.23), and 0.30 (-0.80-1.40). The Cronbach's α coefficients for the total scale, the self-care subscale, and the mobility subscale were 0.908, 0.913, and 0.895, respectively. The α for the respiration and sphincter management subscale was 0.581. Test-retest reliability after 2 weeks yielded a Spearman coefficient for the total scale of and subscale values all above 0.73. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate acceptable validity and reliability of the Chinese version of SCIM-SR. It may facilitate long-term evaluations of independence in Chinese spinal cord injury patients in the community and at home.

Excretory dysfunction and quality of life after a spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the aspects of excretory dysfunction most influential in determining the quality of life of survivors of spinal cord injury. BACKGROUND: Excretory dysfunction is one of the most common and troublesome sequelae of spinal cord injury. Previous studies have shown that it can restrict social participation restriction, cause readmission and generally influence quality of life substantially. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of hospital inpatients following STOBE guidelines. METHODS: A convenience sample of 101 patients with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury were asked about their experiences of excretory dysfunction, and management and their self-perceived quality of life. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were performed to isolate the most important relationships. RESULTS: Only 2 of the 101 subjects professed to be unaffected by excretion dysfunction. Bladder-related dysfunction was the most frequently mentioned type of problem. Quality of life impairment was found to be most often associated with bladder accidents, bowel accidents and having more than one bladder complications. CONCLUSIONS: Excretory dysfunction substantially impacts quality of life after a spinal cord injury. Bladder accidents, bowel accidents and more than one bladder complication are factors independently influencing the quality of life of spinal cord injury survivors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To improve excretion-related QOL, patients' bladder and bowel self-management training should be strengthened seeking to prevent complications and reduce the risk of bladder and bowel accidents.

Inflammation-induced Occludin Downregulation Limits Epithelial Apoptosis by Suppressing Caspase-3 Expression.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epithelial tight junctions are compromised in gastrointestinal disease. Processes that contribute to the resulting barrier loss include endocytic occludin removal from the tight junction and reduced occludin expression. Nevertheless, the relatively-normal basal phenotype of occludin knockout (KO) mice has been taken as evidence that occludin does not contribute to gastrointestinal barrier function. We asked whether stress could unmask occludin functions within intestinal epithelia. METHODS: Wildtype (WT), universal and intestinal epithelial-specific occludin KO, and villin-EGFP-occludin transgenic mice as well as WT and occludin knockdown (KD) Caco-2BBe cell monolayers were challenged with DSS, TNBS, staurosporine, 5-FU, or TNF. Occludin and caspase-3 expression were assessed in patient biopsies. RESULTS: Intestinal epithelial occludin loss limited severity of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis due to epithelial resistance to apoptosis; activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways was blocked in occludin KO epithelia. Promoter analysis revealed that occludin enhances CASP3 transcription and, conversely, that occludin downregulation reduces caspase-3 expression. Analysis of biopsies from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients and normal controls demonstrated that disease-associated occludin downregulation was accompanied by and correlated with reduced caspase-3 expression. In vitro, cytokine-induced occludin downregulation resulted in reduced caspase-3 expression and resistance to intrinsic and extrinsic pathway apoptosis, demonstrating an overall protective effect of inflammation-induced occludin loss. CONCLUSIONS: The tight junction protein occludin regulates apoptosis by enhancing caspase-3 transcription. These data suggest that reduced epithelial caspase-3 expression downstream of occludin downregulation is a previously-unappreciated anti-apoptotic process that contributes to mucosal homeostasis in inflammatory conditions.

Matched Field Processing Based on Bayesian Estimation.

In order to improve the robustness and positioning accuracy of the matched field processing (MFP) in underwater acoustic systems, we propose a conditional probability constraint matched field processing (MFP-CPC) algorithm in this paper, which protects the main-lobe and suppresses the side-lobe to the AMFP by the constraint parameters, such as the posterior probability density of source locations obtained by Bayesian criterion under the assumption of white Gaussian noise. Under such constraint, the proposed MFP-CPC algorithm not only has the same merit of a high resolution as AMFP but also improves the robustness. To evaluate the algorithm, the simulated and experimental data in an uncertain shallow ocean environment is used. From the results, MFP-CPC is robust to the moored source, as well as the moving source. In addition, the localization and tracking performances of using the proposed algorithm are consistent with the trajectory of the moving source.

Optimizing oxygen functional groups in graphene quantum dots for improved antioxidant mechanism.

The development of new antioxidants with quick absorbance of free radicals and excellent biocompatibility has drawn intensive attention in recent years. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) seemed to be one of the most promising antioxidants because of their appropriate antioxidant activity, unique structure, excellent biocompatibility, and low toxicity. However, the relatively low antioxidant activity in comparison with inorganic semiconductor materials and unclear antioxidant mechanism limited their application in cells. In this paper, we further explored their antioxidant mechanism by focusing on the relationship between antioxidant activity and surface oxygen functional groups. The total oxygen fraction was controlled by post-preparation reduction using NaBH4 and the type of oxygen functional groups was adjusted by free radicals during the preparation of GQDs. The degree of reduction and content of surface oxygen groups were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the antioxidant activity was obtained by scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH˙) and hydroxyl (˙OH) free radicals. Based on the analysis of XPS, Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, the relationship between antioxidant activity and the surface oxygen groups of GQDs was obtained, and the antioxidant mechanism of GQDs was revealed with a particular specification of each oxygen group in the antioxidant activity of GQDs, meanwhile, the biocompatibility of GQDs has been demonstrated by cytotoxicity tests. We hope that our results will provide a new insight into a complete antioxidant mechanism of GQDs.

Effect of underwater suspended particles on the transmission characteristics of polarized lasers.

The complex problem related to the transmission channel of underwater polarized lasers is caused by underwater suspended particles. In order to study the effect of suspended particles on underwater optical communication links and laser polarization characteristics, a method based on a combination of Mie scattering theory and Monte Carlo numerical simulation is used to establish the transmission model of underwater photons. This method is applied to analyze the effect of suspended particles on normalized received energy and channel delay. We also investigate the effects of particle and channel length on the polarization characteristics of four different types of polarized lasers. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the optical coefficients of particles increase with increasing particle size. Thus, when the transmission channel length is the same, the received normalized energy and light intensity will decrease, and the channel time delay will increase. Meanwhile, a depolarization phenomenon with respect to the laser will be generated with increasing particle size, and particle size has a greater effect on linearly polarized light than circularly polarized light. Therefore, circularly polarized light maintains good polarization characteristics in the underwater laser transmission process.

Noise Suppression for Direction of Arrival Estimation in Co-located MIMO Sonar.

Noise suppression capacity in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) sonar signal processing is derived under the assumption of white Gaussian noise. However, underwater noise mainly includes white Gaussian noise and colored noise. There exists a certain correlation between the noise signals received by each MIMO sonar array element. The performance of traditional direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation methods decreases obviously in complex marine noise. In this paper, we propose a marine environment noise suppression method for MIMO applied to multiple targets' DOA estimation. The noise field can be decomposed into a symmetric noise component and an asymmetric noise component. We use the covariance matrix imaginary component to pre-estimate the signal sources, then use the dimension reduction transformation to reconstruct the real component of the covariance matrix. The Toeplitz technique is utilized to reduce the correlation of the reconstructed covariance matrix. Thus, the subspace decomposition-based techniques such as multiple signal classification (MUSIC) can be used for multiple targets' DOA estimation. To reduce the computational complexity of the methods, search-free direction-finding techniques such as the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) can be utilized. As a result, the proposed methods can achieve better direction-finding performance in the condition of limited snapshots with lower computational cost. The corresponding Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is deduced and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain obtained by dimension reduction processing is discussed. Simulation results also show the superiority of the proposed method over the existing methods.

Electrochemical synthesis of phosphorus-doped graphene quantum dots for free radical scavenging.

In this work, phosphorus-doped graphene quantum dots (P-GQDs) with a high phosphorus doping content (>7 at%) are synthesized via an electrochemical approach. Sodium phytate (C6H6Na12O24P6), a green food antioxidant additive, is used as the electrolyte for providing both a phosphorus source and an electrolysis environment. The obtained P-GQDs exhibit excellent scavenging activity of free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Combined with Raman, FT-IR, and XPS spectral analyses, the reason for high phosphorus content and the mechanism of free radical scavenging of P-GQDs are investigated in our work.

Matched Field Processing Based on Least Squares with a Small Aperture Hydrophone Array.

The receiver hydrophone array is the signal front-end and plays an important role in matched field processing, which usually covers the whole water column from the sea surface to the bottom. Such a large aperture array is very difficult to realize. To solve this problem, an approach called matched field processing based on least squares with a small aperture hydrophone array is proposed, which decomposes the received acoustic fields into depth function matrix and amplitudes of the normal modes at the beginning. Then all the mode amplitudes are estimated using the least squares in the sense of minimum norm, and the amplitudes estimated are used to recalculate the received acoustic fields of the small aperture array, which means the recalculated ones contain more environmental information. In the end, lots of numerical experiments with three small aperture arrays are processed in the classical shallow water, and the performance of matched field passive localization is evaluated. The results show that the proposed method can make the recalculated fields contain more acoustic information of the source, and the performance of matched field passive localization with small aperture array is improved, so the proposed algorithm is proved to be effective.

Structural modulations in the rare-earth metal digermanides REAl1-xGe2 (RE = Gd-Tm, Lu, Y; 0.8 < x < 0.9). Correlations between long- and short-range vacancy ordering.

Rare-earth metal aluminum germanides with the general formula REAl(1-x)Ge(2) (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu, and Y) have been synthesized by direct fusion of the corresponding elements. The structures have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). The average structure represents a randomly "stuffed" variant of the orthorhombic ZrSi(2) structure type, also known as the CeNi(1-x)Si(2) type (Pearson symbol oC16; space group Cmcm). The SAED patterns for selected members of the family suggest the coexistence of commensurate and incommensurate structural modulations. The most prominent model for long-range vacancy ordering is the Tb(4)FeGe(8) type (Pearson symbol mP26; space group P21/n), which is the commensurate 4-fold superstructure of CeNi(1-x)Si(2) (x = (3)/4). Short-range correlations cause additional deviations in the 4-fold superlattice. These results shed more light on the structural complexity as a function of the aluminum vacancies and size of the rare-earth metal. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are presented and discussed. The measured ordering temperatures and calculated ones based on empirical rules and Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interactions are shown to be in close agreement.

Dynamic migration of γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes requires occludin.

γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are located beneath or between adjacent intestinal epithelial cells and are thought to contribute to homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Using in vivo microscopy to image jejunal mucosa of GFP γδ T-cell transgenic mice, we discovered that γδ IELs migrate actively within the intraepithelial compartment and into the lamina propria. As a result, each γδ IEL contacts multiple epithelial cells. Occludin is concentrated at sites of γδ IEL/epithelial interaction, where it forms a ring surrounding the γδ IEL. In vitro analyses showed that occludin is expressed by epithelial and γδ T cells and that occludin derived from both cell types contributes to these rings and to γδ IEL migration within epithelial monolayers. In vivo TNF administration, which results in epithelial occludin endocytosis, reduces γδ IEL migration. Further in vivo analyses demonstrated that occludin KO γδ T cells are defective in both initial accumulation and migration within the intraepithelial compartment. These data challenge the paradigm that γδ IELs are stationary in the intestinal epithelium and demonstrate that γδ IELs migrate dynamically to make extensive contacts with epithelial cells. The identification of occludin as an essential factor in γδ IEL migration provides insight into the molecular regulation of γδ IEL/epithelial interactions.

[Effects of intrauterine growth restriction and high-fat diet on serum lipid and transcriptional levels of related hepatic genes in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and high-fat diet on the growth, lipid metabolism, and related hepatic genes in rat offspring. METHODS: The rat model of IUGR was established by food restriction during the entire pregnancy. After weaning, 32 normal rats and 24 offspring rats with IUGR were randomly allocated to standard diet group or high-fat diet group. At the age of 10 weeks, fasting plasma glucose and blood lipid were examined. Additionally, pathological sections for hepatic tissues were observed, and the transcriptional levels of related hepatic genes were measured. RESULTS: At the age of 10 weeks, there was a significant difference in body weight between IUGR rats and normal rats on standard diets, but no significant difference in body weight was observed between the two groups on high-fat diets. Compared with the normal rats, IUGR rats showed increased energy intake and increased levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride on both standard and high-fat diets. High-fat diets reduced the concentration of serum triglyceride in both normal rats and IUGR rats. IUGR and high-fat diets aggravated the fat accumulation in the liver. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that at the age of 10 weeks, the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in the liver, PGC-1α, CPT-1, SREBF-2, HMGR, LDLR and SREBF-1, differed significantly between IUGR and normal rats. Compared with standard diets, high-fat diets increased the expression of PPARα, SREBF-1, SREBF-2, ABCG5, and CYP7A1 in both normal rats and IUGR rats. IUGR and high-fat diets had an interactive effect on LDLR expression. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipidemia and fat accumulation in the liver observed in IUGR rats may be related to increased appetite and regulation disorder in genes related to fatty acid oxidation at the transcriptional level. High-fat diets may aggravate fat accumulation in the liver in rats, which may be related to increased expression of genes related to regulation of fatty acid synthesis at the transcriptional level and reduction in secretion of triglyceride.

Phosphorylation of CLIP-170 by Plk1 and CK2 promotes timely formation of kinetochore-microtubule attachments.

CLIP-170 is implicated in the formation of kinetochore-microtubule attachments through direct interaction with the dynein/dynactin complex. However, whether this important function of CLIP-170 is regulated by phosphorylation is unknown. Herein, we have identified polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and casein kinase 2 (CK2) as two kinases of CLIP-170 and mapped S195 and S1318 as their respective phosphorylation sites. We showed that a CK2 unphosphorylatable mutant lost its ability to bind to dynactin and to localize to kinetochores during prometaphase, indicating that the CK2 phosphorylation of CLIP-170 is involved in its dynactin-mediated kinetochore localization. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Plk1 phosphorylation of CLIP-170 at S195 enhances its association with CK2. Finally, we detected defects in the formation of kinetochore fibres in cells expressing the CLIP-S195A and -S1318A, but not the CLIP-S195E and -S1318D, confirming that Plk1- and CK2-associated phosphorylations of CLIP-170 are involved in the timely formation of kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitosis.

The Numerical Simulations and Experimental Study of an 8-Inch SiC Single Crystal with Reduced BPD Density.

The basal plane dislocation (BPD) density is one of the most important defects affecting the application of SiC wafers. In this study, numerical simulations and corresponding experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of cooling processes, seed-bonding methods, and graphite crucible materials on the BPD density in an 8-inch N-type 4H-SiC single crystal grown by the physical vapor transport (PVT) method. The results showed that the BPD density could be effectively reduced by increasing the cooling rate, optimizing the seed-bonding method, and adopting a graphite crucible with a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the SiC single crystal. The BPD density in the experiments showed that a high cooling rate reduced the BPD density from 4689 cm-2 to 2925 cm-2; optimization of the seed-bonding method decreased the BPD density to 1560 cm-2. The BPD density was further reduced to 704 cm-2 through the adoption of a graphite crucible with a smaller thermal expansion coefficient.