An Extended VIKOR Method for Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making with Triangular Fuzzy Neutrosophic Numbers

In this article, we combine the original VIKOR model with a triangular fuzzy neutrosophic set to propose the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic VIKOR method. In the extended method, we use the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic numbers (TFNNs) to present the criteria values in multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems. Firstly, we summarily introduce the fundamental concepts, operation formulas and distance calculating method of TFNNs. Then we review some aggregation operators of TFNNs. Thereafter, we extend the original VIKOR model to the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic environment and introduce the calculating steps of the TFNNs VIKOR method, our proposed method which is more reasonable and scientific for considering the conflicting criteria. Furthermore, a numerical example for potential evaluation of emerging technology commercialization is presented to illustrate the new method, and some comparisons are also conducted to further illustrate advantages of the new method

Anti-osteoporotic effect of Gengnian Jianshen decoction in rats

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of Gengnian Jianshen Decoction (GJD) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (control), and five ovariectomy (OVX) sub-groups, that is, OVX with vehicle (OVX), OVX with Xianling Gubao capsule (positive control drug, 120 mg/kg/day), and OVX with GJD doses (70, 140, and 280 mg/kg/day). The treatments were given orally daily for 16 weeks (starting 4 weeks after the rats were subjected to ovariectomy. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the L4 vertebrae and right femur of each rat was estimated. Serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) of rats in all the groups were determined using ELISA.Results: The results showed that GJD dose-dependently inhibited BMD reduction in L4 vertebrae and femur, and significantly increased serum E2, FSH and LH levels (p < 0.05) in the osteoporotic rats. Moreover, GJD significantly decreased serum IL-6 levels and increased levels of IGF-1 (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These findings indicate that GJD prevents OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats without hyperplastic effects on the uterus. Thus, GJD has potential for use in the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis.Keywords: Gengnian Jianshen decoction, Osteoporosis, Ovariectomy, Bone mineral densit

Multistaged discharge constructing heterostructure with enhanced solid-solution behavior for long-life lithium-oxygen batteries.

Inferior charge transport in insulating and bulk discharge products is one of the main factors resulting in poor cycling stability of lithium-oxygen batteries with high overpotential and large capacity decay. Here we report a two-step oxygen reduction approach by pre-depositing a potassium carbonate layer on the cathode surface in a potassium-oxygen battery to direct the growth of defective film-like discharge products in the successive cycling of lithium-oxygen batteries. The formation of defective film with improved charge transport and large contact area with a catalyst plays a critical role in the facile decomposition of discharge products and the sustained stability of the battery. Multistaged discharge constructing lithium peroxide-based heterostructure with band discontinuities and a relatively low lithium diffusion barrier may be responsible for the growth of defective film-like discharge products. This strategy offers a promising route for future development of cathode catalysts that can be used to extend the cycling life of lithium-oxygen batteries

Crystal structure of 3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-2,3-dihydro-2-thioxoquinazolin-4(1H)-one, C12H15N3OS

Abstract C12H15N3OS, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 7.9840(18) Å, b = 11.331(3) Å, c = 14.428(3) Å, β = 105.702(4)°, V = 1256.5(5) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0639, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1293, T = 296K

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of hESC-Derived 3D Retinal Organoids Reveals Novel Genes Regulating RPC Commitment in Early Human Retinogenesis.

The development of the mammalian retina is a complicated process involving the generation of distinct types of neurons from retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in a spatiotemporal-specific manner. The progression of RPCs during retinogenesis includes RPC proliferation, cell-fate commitment, and specific neuronal differentiation. In this study, by performing single-cell RNA sequencing of cells isolated from human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived 3D retinal organoids, we successfully deconstructed the temporal progression of RPCs during early human retinogenesis. We identified two distinctive subtypes of RPCs with unique molecular profiles, namely multipotent RPCs and neurogenic RPCs. We found that genes related to the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, as well as chromatin remodeling, were dynamically regulated during RPC commitment. Interestingly, our analysis identified that CCND1, a G1-phase cell-cycle regulator, was coexpressed with ASCL1 in a cell-cycle-independent manner. Temporally controlled overexpression of CCND1 in retinal organoids demonstrated a role for CCND1 in promoting early retinal neurogenesis. Together, our results revealed critical pathways and novel genes in early retinogenesis of humans

Antidiabetic Rosiglitazone Reduces Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Level in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background. We investigated the level of soluble adhesion molecules in diabetic patients and the effect of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist rosiglitazone on plasma levels of adhesion molecules and an inflammation marker in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods. A total of 116 diabetic patients with CAD who had undergone PCI were randomized to receive rosiglitazone (4 mg/d) or not for 6 months. Plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecules (sICAM-1) and P-selectin (sP-selectin) were measured on ELISA. Results. After 6-month rosiglitazone treatment, plasma levels of sICAM-1 were lower than baseline and control group levels (370.4 (332.4–421.9) pg/mL versus 423.5 (327.4–500.3) pg/mL and 404.6 (345.2–483.4) pg/mL, P < .001). In addition, plasma levels of C-reactive protein were significantly reduced from baseline levels. However, plasma level of sP-selectin was not significantly lowered with rosiglitazone treatment than with control treatment after 6-month follow-up. Conclusions. Rosiglitazone reduces chronic inflammatory responses and improves levels of markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with diabetes and CAD. PPAR-γ agonist may have a beneficial effect on the vascular endothelium through its anti-inflammatory mechanism and may be useful as therapy in patients undergoing PCI