The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric an...The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric and Magnetic fields. Also, every moving particle has a De Broglie wavelength determined by its mass and velocity. This paper shows that all of these properties of a particle can be derived from a single wave function equation for that particle. Wave functions for the Electron and the Positron are presented and principles are provided that can be used to calculate the wave functions of all the fundamental particles in Physics. Fundamental particles such as electrons and positrons are considered to be point particles in the Standard Model of Physics and are not considered to have a structure. This paper demonstrates that they do indeed have structure and that this structure extends into the space around the particle’s center (in fact, they have infinite extent), but with rapidly diminishing energy density with the distance from that center. The particles are formed from Electromagnetic standing waves, which are stable solutions to the Schrödinger and Classical wave equations. This stable structure therefore accounts for both the wave and particle nature of these particles. In fact, all of their properties such as mass, spin and electric charge, can be accounted for from this structure. These particle properties appear to originate from a single point at the center of the wave function structure, in the same sort of way that the Shell theorem of gravity causes the gravity of a body to appear to all originate from a central point. This paper represents the first two fully characterized fundamental particles, with a complete description of their structure and properties, built up from the underlying Electromagnetic waves that comprise these and all fundamental particles.展开更多
AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint condition...AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint conditions at an orthopaedic clinic took the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS~? PF) computerized adaptive test(CAT), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(HOOS JR), and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(KOOS JR) from February 2014 to April 2017. MCIDs were calculated using anchorbased and distribution-based methods. Patient reports of meaningful change in function since their first clinic encounter were used as an anchor.RESULTS There were 2226 patients who participated with a mean age of 61.16(SD = 12.84) years, 41.6% male, and 89.7% Caucasian. Mean change ranged from 7.29 to 8.41 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT, from 14.81 to 19.68 for the HOOS JR, and from 14.51 to 18.85 for the KOOS JR. ROC cut-offs ranged from 1.97-8.18 for the PF CAT, 6.33-43.36 for the HOOS JR, and 2.21-8.16 for the KOOS JR. Distribution-based methods estimated MCID values ranging from 2.45 to 21.55 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT; from 3.90 to 43.61 for the HOOS JR, and from 3.98 to 40.67 for the KOOS JR. The median MCID value in the range was similar to the mean change score for each measure and was 7.9 for the PF CAT, 18.0 for the HOOS JR, and 15.1 for the KOOS JR.CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive study providing a wide range of MCIDs for the PROMIS? PF, HOOS JR, and KOOS JR in orthopaedic patients with joint ailments.展开更多
The International GNSS Service(IGS) final products(ephemeris and clocks-correction) have made the GNSS an indispensable low-cost tool for scientific research, for example sub-daily atmospheric water vapor monitoring. ...The International GNSS Service(IGS) final products(ephemeris and clocks-correction) have made the GNSS an indispensable low-cost tool for scientific research, for example sub-daily atmospheric water vapor monitoring. In this study, we investigate if there is a systematic difference coming from the choice between the Vienna Mapping Function 1(VMF1) and the Global Mapping Function(GMF) for the modeling of Zenith Total Delay(ZTD) estimates, as well as the Integrated Precipitable Water Vapor(IPWV) estimates that are deduced from them. As ZTD estimates cannot be fully separated from coordinate estimates, we also investigated the coordinate repeatability between subsequent measurements.For this purpose, we monitored twelve GNSS stations on a global scale, for each of the three climatic zones(polar, mid-latitudes and tropical), with four stations on each zone. We used an automated processing based on the Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2 by applying the Precise Point Positioning(PPP)approach, L3 Ionosphere-free linear combination, 7 cutoff elevation angle and 2 h sampling. We noticed an excellent agreement with the ZTD estimates and coordinate repeatability for all the stations w.r.t to CODE(the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe) and USNO(US Naval Observatory) products, except for the Antarctic station(Davis) which shows systematic biases for the GMF related results. As a final step, we investigated the effect of using two mapping functions(VMF1 and GMF) to estimate the IPWV,w.r.t the IPWV estimates provided by the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive(IGRA). The GPS-derived IPWV estimates are very close to the radiosonde-derived IPWV estimates, except for one station in the tropics(Tahiti).展开更多
Two-phase fluid properties such as entropy, internal energy, and heat capacity are given by thermodynamically defined fit functions. Each fit function is expressed as a temperature function in terms of a power series ...Two-phase fluid properties such as entropy, internal energy, and heat capacity are given by thermodynamically defined fit functions. Each fit function is expressed as a temperature function in terms of a power series expansion about the critical point. The leading term with the critical exponent dominates the temperature variation between the critical and triple points. With β being introduced as the critical exponent for the difference between liquid and vapor densities, it is shown that the critical exponent of each fit function depends (if at all) on β. In particular, the critical exponent of the reciprocal heat capacity c﹣1 is α=1-2β and those of the entropy s and internal energy u are?2β, while that of the reciprocal isothermal compressibility?κ﹣1T is γ=1. It is thus found that in the case of the two-phase fluid the Rushbrooke equation conjectured α +?2β + γ=2 combines the scaling laws resulting from the two relations c=du/dT and?κT=dlnρ/dp. In the context with c, the second temperature derivatives of the chemical potential μ and vapor pressure p are investigated. As the critical point is approached, ﹣d2μ/dT2 diverges as c, while?d2p/dT2 converges to a finite limit. This is explicitly pointed out for the two-phase fluid, water (with β=0.3155). The positive and almost vanishing internal energy of the one-phase fluid at temperatures above and close to the critical point causes conditions for large long-wavelength density fluctuations, which are observed as critical opalescence. For negative values of the internal energy, i.e. the two-phase fluid below the critical point, there are only microscopic density fluctuations. Similar critical phenomena occur when cooling a dilute gas to its Bose-Einstein condensate.展开更多
Paired associative stimulation is a relatively new non-invasive brain stimulation technique that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. The effects of paired associative stimulati...Paired associative stimulation is a relatively new non-invasive brain stimulation technique that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. The effects of paired associative stimulation on the excitability of the cerebral cortex can vary according to the time interval between the transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. We established a model of cerebral ischemia in rats via transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. We administered paired associative stimulation with a frequency of 0.05 Hz 90 times over 4 weeks. We then evaluated spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze. Changes in the cerebral ultra-structure and synaptic plasticity were assessed via transmission electron microscopy and a 64-channel multi-electrode array. We measured mRNA and protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the hippocampus using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay. Paired associative stimulation treatment significantly improved learning and memory in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. The ultra-structures of synapses in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia were restored by paired associative stimulation. Long-term potentiation at synapses in the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus was enhanced as well. The protein and mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 increased after paired associative stimulation treatment. These data indicate that paired associative stimulation can protect cog-nition after cerebral ischemia. The observed effect may be mediated by increases in the mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1, and by enhanced synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, China(approval No. TJ-A20151102) on July 11, 2015.展开更多
Modelling and simulation of projectile flight is at the core of ballistic computer software and is essential to the study of performance of rifles and projectiles in various engagement conditions.An effective and repr...Modelling and simulation of projectile flight is at the core of ballistic computer software and is essential to the study of performance of rifles and projectiles in various engagement conditions.An effective and representative numerical model of projectile flight requires a relatively good approximation of the aerodynamics.The aerodynamic coefficients of the projectile model should be described as a series of piecewise polynomial functions of the Mach number that ideally meet the following conditions:they are continuous,differentiable at least once,and have a relatively low degree.The paper provides the steps needed to generate such piecewise polynomial functions using readily available tools,and then compares Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomial(PCHIP),cubic splines,and piecewise linear functions,and their variant,as potential curve fitting methods to approximate the aerodynamics of a generic small arms projectile.A key contribution of the paper is the application of PCHIP to the approximation of projectile aerodynamics,and its evaluation against a set of criteria.Finally,the paper provides a baseline assessment of the impact of the polynomial functions on flight trajectory predictions obtained with 6-degree-of-freedom simulations of a generic projectile.展开更多
This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries–New ...This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries–New Geometric Theory of Phyllotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci λ-Goniometry (λ > 0 is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scientific ideas-the “golden mean,” which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—the “metallic means,” which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.展开更多
This paper attempts to form a bridge between a sum of the divisors function and the gamma function, proposing a novel approach that could have significant implications for classical problems in number theory, specific...This paper attempts to form a bridge between a sum of the divisors function and the gamma function, proposing a novel approach that could have significant implications for classical problems in number theory, specifically the Robin inequality and the Riemann hypothesis. The exploration of using invariant properties of these functions to derive insights into twin primes and sequential primes is a potentially innovative concept that deserves careful consideration by the mathematical community.展开更多
This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov [1], a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries—New Geom...This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov [1], a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries—New Geometric Theory of Phyl-lotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci -Goniometry ( is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scien-tific ideas—The “golden mean,” which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—The “metallic means,” which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to give some analytic functions which are related to the generating functions for the central factorial numbers. By using these functions and p-adic Volkenborn integral, we derive many new ide...The aim of this paper is to give some analytic functions which are related to the generating functions for the central factorial numbers. By using these functions and p-adic Volkenborn integral, we derive many new identities associated with the Bernoulli and Euler numbers, the central factorial numbers and the Stirling numbers. We also give some remarks and comments on these analytic functions, which are related to the generating functions for the special numbers.展开更多
This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discove-ries—New...This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discove-ries—New Geometric Theory of Phyllotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci λ-Goniometry ( λ > 0 is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scientific ideas—the “golden mean”, which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—the “metallic means”, which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.展开更多
In analogy to the role of Lommel polynomials ?in relation to Bessel functions Jv(z) the theory of Associated Hermite polynomials in the scaled form ?with parmeter v to Parabolic Cylinder functions Dv(z) is developed. ...In analogy to the role of Lommel polynomials ?in relation to Bessel functions Jv(z) the theory of Associated Hermite polynomials in the scaled form ?with parmeter v to Parabolic Cylinder functions Dv(z) is developed. The group-theoretical background with the 3-parameter group of motions M(2) in the plane for Bessel functions and of the Heisenberg-Weyl group W(2) for Parabolic Cylinder functions is discussed and compared with formulae, in particular, for the lowering and raising operators and the eigenvalue equations. Recurrence relations for the Associated Hermite polynomials and for their derivative and the differential equation for them are derived in detail. Explicit expressions for the Associated Hermite polynomials with involved Jacobi polynomials at argument zero are given and by means of them the Parabolic Cylinder functions are represented by two such basic functions.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is a major contributor of long-term disability and a leading cause of death worldwide. A series of secondary injury cascades can contribute to cell death, tissue loss, and ultimately to the...Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is a major contributor of long-term disability and a leading cause of death worldwide. A series of secondary injury cascades can contribute to cell death, tissue loss, and ultimately to the development of functional impairments. However, there are currently no effective therapeutic interventions that improve brain outcomes following TBI. As a result, a number of experimental TBI models have been developed to recapitulate TBI injury mechanisms and to test the efficacy of potential therapeutics. The pig model has recently come to the forefront as the pig brain is closer in size, structure, and composition to the human brain compared to traditional rodent models, making it an ideal large animal model to study TBI pathophysiology and functional outcomes. This review will focus on the shared characteristics between humans and pigs that make them ideal for modeling TBI and will review the three most common pig TBI models–the diffuse axonal injury, the controlled cortical impact, and the fluid percussion models. It will also review current advances in functional outcome assessment measures and other non-invasive, translational TBI detection and measurement tools like biomarker analysis and magnetic resonance imaging. The use of pigs as TBI models and the continued development and improvement of translational assessment modalities have made significant contributions to unraveling the complex cascade of TBI sequela and provide an important means to study potential clinically relevant therapeutic interventions.展开更多
In this work, an extended Jacobian elliptic function expansion method is proposed for constructing the exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. The validity and reliability of the method are tested by its app...In this work, an extended Jacobian elliptic function expansion method is proposed for constructing the exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. The validity and reliability of the method are tested by its applications to Dynamical system in a new Double-Chain Model of DNA and a diffusive predator-prey system which play an important role in biology.展开更多
The aim of this review is to explore the role of mitochondria in regulating macrophage sterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses within the aetiology of atherosclerosis.Macrophage generation of oxysterol activator...The aim of this review is to explore the role of mitochondria in regulating macrophage sterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses within the aetiology of atherosclerosis.Macrophage generation of oxysterol activators of liver X receptors(LXRs),via sterol 27-hydroxylase,is regulated by the rate of flux of cholesterolto the inner mitochondrial membrane,via a complex of cholesterol trafficking proteins.Oxysterols are key signalling molecules,regulating the transcriptional activity of LXRs which coordinate macrophage sterol metabolism and cytokine production,key features influencing the impact of these cells within atherosclerotic lesions.The precise identity of the complex of proteins mediating mitochondrial cholesterol trafficking in macrophages remains a matter of debate,but may include steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and translocator protein.There is clear evidence that targeting either of these proteins enhances removal of cholesterol via LXRα-dependent induction of ATP binding cassette transporters(ABCA1,ABCG1) and limits the production of inflammatory cytokines; interventions which influence mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics also impact on removal of cholesterol from macrophages.Thus,molecules which can sustain or improve mitochondrial structure,the function of the electron transport chain,or increase the activity of components of the protein complex involved in cholesterol transfer,may therefore have utility in limiting or regressing atheroma development,reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.展开更多
In the present study, a biofertilizer on the basis of Streptomyces fumanus gn-2 was used for the treatment of wheat and soybean seeds (dose 104 spore/ml) before planting them in soil with low fertility in order to det...In the present study, a biofertilizer on the basis of Streptomyces fumanus gn-2 was used for the treatment of wheat and soybean seeds (dose 104 spore/ml) before planting them in soil with low fertility in order to determine the effect of this biological agent on germination rate;the growth of seedlings, shoots, and the maturation phase of plants;the rhizosphere’s functional biodiversity;and the resistance of these plants to pathogens. Seeds were soaked in the suspension for a period of two or three hours. During the growing season of the crop, no additional fertilizing and spraying of a biopesticide against diseases or pests occurred. Despite the soil having low fertility, low quantities of organic matter, and not having been before used for the cultivation of agricultural plants, this biofertilizer showed a strong stimulatory effect on the growth of seeds and seedlings of wheat and soybeans. The average germination and seed vigor increased by 1.5 - 2.0 times, and the phenophases were accelerated to three to five days. In all phases of vegetation, the ammonifying bacteria in the presence of an antagonist (a biological agent) developed rapidly and were constantly present in significant numbers in the rhizosphere. Streptomyces fumanus introduced into non-sterile soil entered into competition with the local soil microflora and had the ability to colonize the rhizosphere system of plants. The use of a formulation of Streptomyces gn-2 has improved the composition of rhizosphere microflora, attracting saprophytic microorganisms: ammonificators and oligotrophs. The presence of the biocontrol microorganism Streptomyces fumanus in the rhizosphere plays an important role in enhancing the growth and development of useful groups, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria.展开更多
Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divide...Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divided scientifically to clear its direction of development and protection. Therefore, based on ecological constraints, a beneficial discussion would be about the key ecological function areas adopting the concept of ecological protection restriction and supporting socioeconomic development for spatial function zoning. In this paper, the researchers, taking Tacheng Basin, Xinjiang of China as an example, choose township as basic research unit and set up an evaluation index system from three aspects, namely, ecological protection suitability, agricultural production suitability, and urban development suitability, which are analyzed by using spatial analysis functions and exclusive matrix method. The results showed that: 1) This paper formed a set of multilevel evaluation index systems for three types of spatial function zoning of the key ecological function areas based on a novel perspective by scientifically dividing Tacheng Basin into ecological space, agricultural space, and urban space,which realized the integration and scientific orientation for spatial function at the township scale. 2) Under the guidance of three types of spatial pattern, the functional orientation and suggestions of development and protection was clearly defined for ecological protection zones,ecological economic zones, agricultural production zones, and urban development zones. 3) A new idea of space governance is provided to promote the coordinated and sustainable development between ecology and economy, which can break the traditional mode of thinking about regional economic development, and offers a scientific basis and reference for macro decision-making.展开更多
The main symptom of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease is mainly diagnosed based on changes in brain structure. Functional connectivity reflects the synchrony of function...The main symptom of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease is mainly diagnosed based on changes in brain structure. Functional connectivity reflects the synchrony of functional activities between non-adjacent brain regions, and changes in functional connectivity appear earlier than those in brain structure. In this study, we detected resting-state functional connectivity changes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease to provide reference evidence for disease prediction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with Alzheimer’s disease were used to show whether particular white and gray matter areas had certain functional connectivity patterns and if these patterns changed with disease severity. In nine white and corresponding gray matter regions, correlations of normal cognition, early mild cognitive impairment, and late mild cognitive impairment with blood oxygen level-dependent signal time series were detected. Average correlation coefficient analysis indicated functional connectivity patterns between white and gray matter in the resting state of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Functional connectivity pattern variation correlated with disease severity, with some regions having relatively strong or weak correlations. We found that the correlation coefficients of five regions were 0.3–0.5 in patients with normal cognition and 0–0.2 in those developing Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, in the other four regions, the range increased to 0.45–0.7 with increasing cognitive impairment. In some white and gray matter areas, there were specific connectivity patterns. Changes in regional white and gray matter connectivity patterns may be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease;however, detailed information on specific connectivity patterns is needed. All study data were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Library of the Image and Data Archive Database.展开更多
Objective:To judge the efficacies of neural stem cell(NSC)transplantation on functional recovery following contusion spinal cord injuries(SCIs).Data sources:Studies in which NSCs were transplanted into a clinically re...Objective:To judge the efficacies of neural stem cell(NSC)transplantation on functional recovery following contusion spinal cord injuries(SCIs).Data sources:Studies in which NSCs were transplanted into a clinically relevant,standardized rat model of contusion SCI were identified by searching the PubMed,Embase and Cochrane databases,and the extracted data were analyzed by Stata 14.0.Data selection:Inclusion criteria were that NSCs were used in in vivo animal studies to treat contusion SCIs and that behavioral assessment of locomotor functional recovery was performed using the Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan lo-comotor rating scale.Exclusion criteria included a follow-up of less than 4 weeks and the lack of control groups.Outcome measures:The restoration of motor function was assessed by the Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale.Results:We identified 1756 non-duplicated papers by searching the aforementioned electronic databases,and 30 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria.A total of 37 studies reported in the 30 articles were included in the meta-analysis.The meta-analysis results showed that transplanted NSCs could improve the motor function recovery of rats following contusion SCIs,to a moderate extent(pooled standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.73;95%confidence interval(CI):0.47–1.00;P<0.001).NSCs obtained from different donor species(rat:SMD=0.74;95%CI:0.36–1.13;human:SMD=0.78;95%CI:0.31–1.25),at different donor ages(fetal:SMD=0.67;95%CI:0.43–0.92;adult:SMD=0.86;95%CI:0.50–1.22)and from different origins(brain-derived:SMD=0.59;95%CI:0.27–0.91;spinal cord-derived:SMD=0.51;95%CI:0.22–0.79)had similar efficacies on improved functional recovery;however,adult induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs showed no significant efficacies.Furthermore,the use of higher doses of transplanted NSCs or the administration of immunosuppressive agents did not promote better locomotor function recovery(SMD=0.45;95%CI:0.21–0.70).However,shorter periods between the contusion induction and the NSC transplantation showed slightly higher efficacies(acute:SMD=1.22;95%CI:0.81–1.63;subacute:SMD=0.75;95%CI:0.42–1.09).For chronic injuries,NSC implantation did not significantly improve functional recovery(SMD=0.25;95%CI:–0.16 to 0.65).Conclusion:NSC transplantation alone appears to be a positive yet limited method for the treatment of contusion SCIs.展开更多
The two ubiquitous, outside the retina, G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)adapter proteins, β-arrestin-1 and-2(also known as arrestin-2 and-3,respectively), have three major functions in cells: GPCR desensitization, i....The two ubiquitous, outside the retina, G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)adapter proteins, β-arrestin-1 and-2(also known as arrestin-2 and-3,respectively), have three major functions in cells: GPCR desensitization, i.e.,receptor decoupling from G-proteins; GPCR internalization via clathrin-coated pits; and signal transduction independently of or in parallel to G-proteins. Bothβ-arrestins are expressed in the heart and regulate a large number of cardiac GPCRs. The latter constitute the single most commonly targeted receptor class by Food and Drug Administration-approved cardiovascular drugs, with about onethird of all currently used in the clinic medications affecting GPCR function.Since β-arrestin-1 and-2 play important roles in signaling and function of several GPCRs, in particular of adrenergic receptors and angiotensin II type 1 receptors,in cardiac myocytes, they have been a major focus of cardiac biology research in recent years. Perhaps the most significant realization coming out of their studies is that these two GPCR adapter proteins, initially thought of as functionally interchangeable, actually exert diametrically opposite effects in the mammalian myocardium. Specifically, the most abundant of the two β-arrestin-1 exerts overall detrimental effects on the heart, such as negative inotropy and promotion of adverse remodeling post-myocardial infarction(MI). In contrast, β-arrestin-2 is overall beneficial for the myocardium, as it has anti-apoptotic and antiinflammatory effects that result in attenuation of post-MI adverse remodeling,while promoting cardiac contractile function. Thus, design of novel cardiac GPCRligands that preferentially activate β-arrestin-2 over β-arrestin-1 has the potential of generating novel cardiovascular therapeutics for heart failure and other heart diseases.展开更多
文摘The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric and Magnetic fields. Also, every moving particle has a De Broglie wavelength determined by its mass and velocity. This paper shows that all of these properties of a particle can be derived from a single wave function equation for that particle. Wave functions for the Electron and the Positron are presented and principles are provided that can be used to calculate the wave functions of all the fundamental particles in Physics. Fundamental particles such as electrons and positrons are considered to be point particles in the Standard Model of Physics and are not considered to have a structure. This paper demonstrates that they do indeed have structure and that this structure extends into the space around the particle’s center (in fact, they have infinite extent), but with rapidly diminishing energy density with the distance from that center. The particles are formed from Electromagnetic standing waves, which are stable solutions to the Schrödinger and Classical wave equations. This stable structure therefore accounts for both the wave and particle nature of these particles. In fact, all of their properties such as mass, spin and electric charge, can be accounted for from this structure. These particle properties appear to originate from a single point at the center of the wave function structure, in the same sort of way that the Shell theorem of gravity causes the gravity of a body to appear to all originate from a central point. This paper represents the first two fully characterized fundamental particles, with a complete description of their structure and properties, built up from the underlying Electromagnetic waves that comprise these and all fundamental particles.
基金National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health,No.U01AR067138.
文摘AIM To establish minimum clinically important difference(MCID) for measurements in an orthopaedic patient population with joint disorders.METHODS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking care for joint conditions at an orthopaedic clinic took the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS~? PF) computerized adaptive test(CAT), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(HOOS JR), and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction(KOOS JR) from February 2014 to April 2017. MCIDs were calculated using anchorbased and distribution-based methods. Patient reports of meaningful change in function since their first clinic encounter were used as an anchor.RESULTS There were 2226 patients who participated with a mean age of 61.16(SD = 12.84) years, 41.6% male, and 89.7% Caucasian. Mean change ranged from 7.29 to 8.41 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT, from 14.81 to 19.68 for the HOOS JR, and from 14.51 to 18.85 for the KOOS JR. ROC cut-offs ranged from 1.97-8.18 for the PF CAT, 6.33-43.36 for the HOOS JR, and 2.21-8.16 for the KOOS JR. Distribution-based methods estimated MCID values ranging from 2.45 to 21.55 for the PROMIS~? PF CAT; from 3.90 to 43.61 for the HOOS JR, and from 3.98 to 40.67 for the KOOS JR. The median MCID value in the range was similar to the mean change score for each measure and was 7.9 for the PF CAT, 18.0 for the HOOS JR, and 15.1 for the KOOS JR.CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive study providing a wide range of MCIDs for the PROMIS? PF, HOOS JR, and KOOS JR in orthopaedic patients with joint ailments.
基金the innovation carrier project by Zhejiang provincial science and Technology Department (2017F10008)the French Space Agency (CNES) for their funding, through a DAR grant to the Geodesy Observatory of Tahiti
文摘The International GNSS Service(IGS) final products(ephemeris and clocks-correction) have made the GNSS an indispensable low-cost tool for scientific research, for example sub-daily atmospheric water vapor monitoring. In this study, we investigate if there is a systematic difference coming from the choice between the Vienna Mapping Function 1(VMF1) and the Global Mapping Function(GMF) for the modeling of Zenith Total Delay(ZTD) estimates, as well as the Integrated Precipitable Water Vapor(IPWV) estimates that are deduced from them. As ZTD estimates cannot be fully separated from coordinate estimates, we also investigated the coordinate repeatability between subsequent measurements.For this purpose, we monitored twelve GNSS stations on a global scale, for each of the three climatic zones(polar, mid-latitudes and tropical), with four stations on each zone. We used an automated processing based on the Bernese GNSS Software Version 5.2 by applying the Precise Point Positioning(PPP)approach, L3 Ionosphere-free linear combination, 7 cutoff elevation angle and 2 h sampling. We noticed an excellent agreement with the ZTD estimates and coordinate repeatability for all the stations w.r.t to CODE(the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe) and USNO(US Naval Observatory) products, except for the Antarctic station(Davis) which shows systematic biases for the GMF related results. As a final step, we investigated the effect of using two mapping functions(VMF1 and GMF) to estimate the IPWV,w.r.t the IPWV estimates provided by the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive(IGRA). The GPS-derived IPWV estimates are very close to the radiosonde-derived IPWV estimates, except for one station in the tropics(Tahiti).
文摘Two-phase fluid properties such as entropy, internal energy, and heat capacity are given by thermodynamically defined fit functions. Each fit function is expressed as a temperature function in terms of a power series expansion about the critical point. The leading term with the critical exponent dominates the temperature variation between the critical and triple points. With β being introduced as the critical exponent for the difference between liquid and vapor densities, it is shown that the critical exponent of each fit function depends (if at all) on β. In particular, the critical exponent of the reciprocal heat capacity c﹣1 is α=1-2β and those of the entropy s and internal energy u are?2β, while that of the reciprocal isothermal compressibility?κ﹣1T is γ=1. It is thus found that in the case of the two-phase fluid the Rushbrooke equation conjectured α +?2β + γ=2 combines the scaling laws resulting from the two relations c=du/dT and?κT=dlnρ/dp. In the context with c, the second temperature derivatives of the chemical potential μ and vapor pressure p are investigated. As the critical point is approached, ﹣d2μ/dT2 diverges as c, while?d2p/dT2 converges to a finite limit. This is explicitly pointed out for the two-phase fluid, water (with β=0.3155). The positive and almost vanishing internal energy of the one-phase fluid at temperatures above and close to the critical point causes conditions for large long-wavelength density fluctuations, which are observed as critical opalescence. For negative values of the internal energy, i.e. the two-phase fluid below the critical point, there are only microscopic density fluctuations. Similar critical phenomena occur when cooling a dilute gas to its Bose-Einstein condensate.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81272156(to TCG)
文摘Paired associative stimulation is a relatively new non-invasive brain stimulation technique that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. The effects of paired associative stimulation on the excitability of the cerebral cortex can vary according to the time interval between the transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. We established a model of cerebral ischemia in rats via transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. We administered paired associative stimulation with a frequency of 0.05 Hz 90 times over 4 weeks. We then evaluated spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze. Changes in the cerebral ultra-structure and synaptic plasticity were assessed via transmission electron microscopy and a 64-channel multi-electrode array. We measured mRNA and protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the hippocampus using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay. Paired associative stimulation treatment significantly improved learning and memory in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. The ultra-structures of synapses in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia were restored by paired associative stimulation. Long-term potentiation at synapses in the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus was enhanced as well. The protein and mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 increased after paired associative stimulation treatment. These data indicate that paired associative stimulation can protect cog-nition after cerebral ischemia. The observed effect may be mediated by increases in the mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1, and by enhanced synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, China(approval No. TJ-A20151102) on July 11, 2015.
文摘Modelling and simulation of projectile flight is at the core of ballistic computer software and is essential to the study of performance of rifles and projectiles in various engagement conditions.An effective and representative numerical model of projectile flight requires a relatively good approximation of the aerodynamics.The aerodynamic coefficients of the projectile model should be described as a series of piecewise polynomial functions of the Mach number that ideally meet the following conditions:they are continuous,differentiable at least once,and have a relatively low degree.The paper provides the steps needed to generate such piecewise polynomial functions using readily available tools,and then compares Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomial(PCHIP),cubic splines,and piecewise linear functions,and their variant,as potential curve fitting methods to approximate the aerodynamics of a generic small arms projectile.A key contribution of the paper is the application of PCHIP to the approximation of projectile aerodynamics,and its evaluation against a set of criteria.Finally,the paper provides a baseline assessment of the impact of the polynomial functions on flight trajectory predictions obtained with 6-degree-of-freedom simulations of a generic projectile.
文摘This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries–New Geometric Theory of Phyllotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci λ-Goniometry (λ > 0 is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scientific ideas-the “golden mean,” which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—the “metallic means,” which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.
文摘This paper attempts to form a bridge between a sum of the divisors function and the gamma function, proposing a novel approach that could have significant implications for classical problems in number theory, specifically the Robin inequality and the Riemann hypothesis. The exploration of using invariant properties of these functions to derive insights into twin primes and sequential primes is a potentially innovative concept that deserves careful consideration by the mathematical community.
文摘This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov [1], a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discoveries—New Geometric Theory of Phyl-lotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci -Goniometry ( is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scien-tific ideas—The “golden mean,” which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—The “metallic means,” which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.
文摘The aim of this paper is to give some analytic functions which are related to the generating functions for the central factorial numbers. By using these functions and p-adic Volkenborn integral, we derive many new identities associated with the Bernoulli and Euler numbers, the central factorial numbers and the Stirling numbers. We also give some remarks and comments on these analytic functions, which are related to the generating functions for the special numbers.
文摘This article refers to the “Mathematics of Harmony” by Alexey Stakhov in 2009, a new interdisciplinary direction of modern science. The main goal of the article is to describe two modern scientific discove-ries—New Geometric Theory of Phyllotaxis (Bodnar’s Geometry) and Hilbert’s Fourth Problem based on the Hyperbolic Fibonacci and Lucas Functions and “Golden” Fibonacci λ-Goniometry ( λ > 0 is a given positive real number). Although these discoveries refer to different areas of science (mathematics and theoretical botany), however they are based on one and the same scientific ideas—the “golden mean”, which had been introduced by Euclid in his Elements, and its generalization—the “metallic means”, which have been studied recently by Argentinian mathematician Vera Spinadel. The article is a confirmation of interdisciplinary character of the “Mathematics of Harmony”, which originates from Euclid’s Elements.
文摘In analogy to the role of Lommel polynomials ?in relation to Bessel functions Jv(z) the theory of Associated Hermite polynomials in the scaled form ?with parmeter v to Parabolic Cylinder functions Dv(z) is developed. The group-theoretical background with the 3-parameter group of motions M(2) in the plane for Bessel functions and of the Heisenberg-Weyl group W(2) for Parabolic Cylinder functions is discussed and compared with formulae, in particular, for the lowering and raising operators and the eigenvalue equations. Recurrence relations for the Associated Hermite polynomials and for their derivative and the differential equation for them are derived in detail. Explicit expressions for the Associated Hermite polynomials with involved Jacobi polynomials at argument zero are given and by means of them the Parabolic Cylinder functions are represented by two such basic functions.
文摘Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is a major contributor of long-term disability and a leading cause of death worldwide. A series of secondary injury cascades can contribute to cell death, tissue loss, and ultimately to the development of functional impairments. However, there are currently no effective therapeutic interventions that improve brain outcomes following TBI. As a result, a number of experimental TBI models have been developed to recapitulate TBI injury mechanisms and to test the efficacy of potential therapeutics. The pig model has recently come to the forefront as the pig brain is closer in size, structure, and composition to the human brain compared to traditional rodent models, making it an ideal large animal model to study TBI pathophysiology and functional outcomes. This review will focus on the shared characteristics between humans and pigs that make them ideal for modeling TBI and will review the three most common pig TBI models–the diffuse axonal injury, the controlled cortical impact, and the fluid percussion models. It will also review current advances in functional outcome assessment measures and other non-invasive, translational TBI detection and measurement tools like biomarker analysis and magnetic resonance imaging. The use of pigs as TBI models and the continued development and improvement of translational assessment modalities have made significant contributions to unraveling the complex cascade of TBI sequela and provide an important means to study potential clinically relevant therapeutic interventions.
文摘In this work, an extended Jacobian elliptic function expansion method is proposed for constructing the exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. The validity and reliability of the method are tested by its applications to Dynamical system in a new Double-Chain Model of DNA and a diffusive predator-prey system which play an important role in biology.
文摘The aim of this review is to explore the role of mitochondria in regulating macrophage sterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses within the aetiology of atherosclerosis.Macrophage generation of oxysterol activators of liver X receptors(LXRs),via sterol 27-hydroxylase,is regulated by the rate of flux of cholesterolto the inner mitochondrial membrane,via a complex of cholesterol trafficking proteins.Oxysterols are key signalling molecules,regulating the transcriptional activity of LXRs which coordinate macrophage sterol metabolism and cytokine production,key features influencing the impact of these cells within atherosclerotic lesions.The precise identity of the complex of proteins mediating mitochondrial cholesterol trafficking in macrophages remains a matter of debate,but may include steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and translocator protein.There is clear evidence that targeting either of these proteins enhances removal of cholesterol via LXRα-dependent induction of ATP binding cassette transporters(ABCA1,ABCG1) and limits the production of inflammatory cytokines; interventions which influence mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics also impact on removal of cholesterol from macrophages.Thus,molecules which can sustain or improve mitochondrial structure,the function of the electron transport chain,or increase the activity of components of the protein complex involved in cholesterol transfer,may therefore have utility in limiting or regressing atheroma development,reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.
文摘In the present study, a biofertilizer on the basis of Streptomyces fumanus gn-2 was used for the treatment of wheat and soybean seeds (dose 104 spore/ml) before planting them in soil with low fertility in order to determine the effect of this biological agent on germination rate;the growth of seedlings, shoots, and the maturation phase of plants;the rhizosphere’s functional biodiversity;and the resistance of these plants to pathogens. Seeds were soaked in the suspension for a period of two or three hours. During the growing season of the crop, no additional fertilizing and spraying of a biopesticide against diseases or pests occurred. Despite the soil having low fertility, low quantities of organic matter, and not having been before used for the cultivation of agricultural plants, this biofertilizer showed a strong stimulatory effect on the growth of seeds and seedlings of wheat and soybeans. The average germination and seed vigor increased by 1.5 - 2.0 times, and the phenophases were accelerated to three to five days. In all phases of vegetation, the ammonifying bacteria in the presence of an antagonist (a biological agent) developed rapidly and were constantly present in significant numbers in the rhizosphere. Streptomyces fumanus introduced into non-sterile soil entered into competition with the local soil microflora and had the ability to colonize the rhizosphere system of plants. The use of a formulation of Streptomyces gn-2 has improved the composition of rhizosphere microflora, attracting saprophytic microorganisms: ammonificators and oligotrophs. The presence of the biocontrol microorganism Streptomyces fumanus in the rhizosphere plays an important role in enhancing the growth and development of useful groups, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
基金Under the auspices of Grant Program of Clean Development Mechanism Fund of China(CDMF)(No.2014092)Task 2 of Key Service Project 5 for the Characteristic Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.TSS-2015-014-FW-5-2)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41571159)The Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA20010301)Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation(No.BK20181105)
文摘Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divided scientifically to clear its direction of development and protection. Therefore, based on ecological constraints, a beneficial discussion would be about the key ecological function areas adopting the concept of ecological protection restriction and supporting socioeconomic development for spatial function zoning. In this paper, the researchers, taking Tacheng Basin, Xinjiang of China as an example, choose township as basic research unit and set up an evaluation index system from three aspects, namely, ecological protection suitability, agricultural production suitability, and urban development suitability, which are analyzed by using spatial analysis functions and exclusive matrix method. The results showed that: 1) This paper formed a set of multilevel evaluation index systems for three types of spatial function zoning of the key ecological function areas based on a novel perspective by scientifically dividing Tacheng Basin into ecological space, agricultural space, and urban space,which realized the integration and scientific orientation for spatial function at the township scale. 2) Under the guidance of three types of spatial pattern, the functional orientation and suggestions of development and protection was clearly defined for ecological protection zones,ecological economic zones, agricultural production zones, and urban development zones. 3) A new idea of space governance is provided to promote the coordinated and sustainable development between ecology and economy, which can break the traditional mode of thinking about regional economic development, and offers a scientific basis and reference for macro decision-making.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.61401308,61572063(both to XHW)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing of China,No.L172055(to XHW)+3 种基金the Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission Research Fund of China,No.Z171100000417004(to XHW)the China Postdoctoral Fund,No.2018M631755(to XHW)the Special Fund for Improving Comprehensive Strength of Hebei University in the Midwest of China,No.801260201011(to XHW)the High-Level Talent Funding Project—Selective Post-doctoral Research Project Fund of Hebei Province of China,No.B2018003002(to XHW)
文摘The main symptom of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease is mainly diagnosed based on changes in brain structure. Functional connectivity reflects the synchrony of functional activities between non-adjacent brain regions, and changes in functional connectivity appear earlier than those in brain structure. In this study, we detected resting-state functional connectivity changes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease to provide reference evidence for disease prediction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with Alzheimer’s disease were used to show whether particular white and gray matter areas had certain functional connectivity patterns and if these patterns changed with disease severity. In nine white and corresponding gray matter regions, correlations of normal cognition, early mild cognitive impairment, and late mild cognitive impairment with blood oxygen level-dependent signal time series were detected. Average correlation coefficient analysis indicated functional connectivity patterns between white and gray matter in the resting state of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Functional connectivity pattern variation correlated with disease severity, with some regions having relatively strong or weak correlations. We found that the correlation coefficients of five regions were 0.3–0.5 in patients with normal cognition and 0–0.2 in those developing Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, in the other four regions, the range increased to 0.45–0.7 with increasing cognitive impairment. In some white and gray matter areas, there were specific connectivity patterns. Changes in regional white and gray matter connectivity patterns may be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease;however, detailed information on specific connectivity patterns is needed. All study data were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Library of the Image and Data Archive Database.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81171147“Key Medical Talents of Qiangwei Project” Research Foundation of Health Department of Jiangsu Province of China,No.ZDRCA2016010+1 种基金“Xingwei Project” Key Personal Medical Research Foundation of Health Department of Jiangsu Province of China,No.RC201156Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline of Medicine of China,No.XK201117(all to LXL)
文摘Objective:To judge the efficacies of neural stem cell(NSC)transplantation on functional recovery following contusion spinal cord injuries(SCIs).Data sources:Studies in which NSCs were transplanted into a clinically relevant,standardized rat model of contusion SCI were identified by searching the PubMed,Embase and Cochrane databases,and the extracted data were analyzed by Stata 14.0.Data selection:Inclusion criteria were that NSCs were used in in vivo animal studies to treat contusion SCIs and that behavioral assessment of locomotor functional recovery was performed using the Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan lo-comotor rating scale.Exclusion criteria included a follow-up of less than 4 weeks and the lack of control groups.Outcome measures:The restoration of motor function was assessed by the Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale.Results:We identified 1756 non-duplicated papers by searching the aforementioned electronic databases,and 30 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria.A total of 37 studies reported in the 30 articles were included in the meta-analysis.The meta-analysis results showed that transplanted NSCs could improve the motor function recovery of rats following contusion SCIs,to a moderate extent(pooled standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.73;95%confidence interval(CI):0.47–1.00;P<0.001).NSCs obtained from different donor species(rat:SMD=0.74;95%CI:0.36–1.13;human:SMD=0.78;95%CI:0.31–1.25),at different donor ages(fetal:SMD=0.67;95%CI:0.43–0.92;adult:SMD=0.86;95%CI:0.50–1.22)and from different origins(brain-derived:SMD=0.59;95%CI:0.27–0.91;spinal cord-derived:SMD=0.51;95%CI:0.22–0.79)had similar efficacies on improved functional recovery;however,adult induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs showed no significant efficacies.Furthermore,the use of higher doses of transplanted NSCs or the administration of immunosuppressive agents did not promote better locomotor function recovery(SMD=0.45;95%CI:0.21–0.70).However,shorter periods between the contusion induction and the NSC transplantation showed slightly higher efficacies(acute:SMD=1.22;95%CI:0.81–1.63;subacute:SMD=0.75;95%CI:0.42–1.09).For chronic injuries,NSC implantation did not significantly improve functional recovery(SMD=0.25;95%CI:–0.16 to 0.65).Conclusion:NSC transplantation alone appears to be a positive yet limited method for the treatment of contusion SCIs.
基金a NSU’s President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant(PFRDG)
文摘The two ubiquitous, outside the retina, G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)adapter proteins, β-arrestin-1 and-2(also known as arrestin-2 and-3,respectively), have three major functions in cells: GPCR desensitization, i.e.,receptor decoupling from G-proteins; GPCR internalization via clathrin-coated pits; and signal transduction independently of or in parallel to G-proteins. Bothβ-arrestins are expressed in the heart and regulate a large number of cardiac GPCRs. The latter constitute the single most commonly targeted receptor class by Food and Drug Administration-approved cardiovascular drugs, with about onethird of all currently used in the clinic medications affecting GPCR function.Since β-arrestin-1 and-2 play important roles in signaling and function of several GPCRs, in particular of adrenergic receptors and angiotensin II type 1 receptors,in cardiac myocytes, they have been a major focus of cardiac biology research in recent years. Perhaps the most significant realization coming out of their studies is that these two GPCR adapter proteins, initially thought of as functionally interchangeable, actually exert diametrically opposite effects in the mammalian myocardium. Specifically, the most abundant of the two β-arrestin-1 exerts overall detrimental effects on the heart, such as negative inotropy and promotion of adverse remodeling post-myocardial infarction(MI). In contrast, β-arrestin-2 is overall beneficial for the myocardium, as it has anti-apoptotic and antiinflammatory effects that result in attenuation of post-MI adverse remodeling,while promoting cardiac contractile function. Thus, design of novel cardiac GPCRligands that preferentially activate β-arrestin-2 over β-arrestin-1 has the potential of generating novel cardiovascular therapeutics for heart failure and other heart diseases.
