Thermal optimization of a 3-D integrated circuit

In a 3-D integrated circuit the heat source distribution has a huge effect on the temperature distribution, so an optimal heat source distribution is needed. This paper gives a numerical approach to its thermal optimization, the result can be used for 3-D integrated circuit optimal design

Technique of using Cionni-modified capsular tension ring in the management of severely traumatic lens subluxation

AIM: To investigate the effect of Cionni-modified capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation in patients with severely traumatic subluxated cataracts. METHODS: All patients who totally had traumatic cataracts and lost zonule support and underwent cataract surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), extent of zonulysis, intraocular lens (IOL) position, intraoperative presentation, and complications were assessed. The primary outcomes included IOL centration stability and other postoperative complications. RESULTS: Twenty patients (20 eyes) were included in this study. The mean age in this study was 58.0±11.3y, and the average follow-up time was 17.3±12.8mo. Capsule bags were saved by Cionni-modified CTR. Nine eyes (45%) underwent simultaneously anterior vitrectomy due to the presence of vitreous in the anterior chamber. The preoperative mean CDVA was 0.83±0.24 logMAR, and the postoperative average CDVA was 0.23±0.30 logMAR (P<0.05). The horizontal and vertical IOL decentration after surgery was 0.27±0.12 mm and 0.41±0.19 mm, respectively; the vertical and horizontal IOL tilt after surgery was 5.5°±2.5° and 6.1°±2.2°, respectively. None of the eyes had obvious IOL decentration during the follow-up time. Eight eyes (40%) had posterior capsule opacification (PCO) that was severe enough to cause poor vision. Neodymium: YAG laser capsulotomy were performed on these eyes when the CTR was stabilized. CONCLUSION: With the help of Cionni-modified CTR, capsular bag preservation and better IOL concentration can be achieved without major complications in patients with severely traumatic subluxated cataracts

Predictive value of the SLC22A18 protein expression in glioblastoma patients receiving temozolomide therapy

BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that SLC22A18 downregulation and promoter methylation were associated with the development and progression of glioma and the elevated expression of SLC22A18 was found to increase the sensitivity of glioma U251 cells to the anticancer drug 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). In this study, we investigated the predictive value of SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients receiving temozolomide (TMZ) therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression were examined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and Western blotting respectively, then we compared SLC22A18 promoter methylation and protein expression in tumor cell explants in regard to prediction of TMZ response and survival time of 86 GBM patients. RESULTS: SLC22A18 promoter methylation was detected in 61 of 86 (71%) samples, whereas 36 of 86 (42%) cases were scored positive for SLC22A18 protein expression. Overall SLC22A18 promoter methylation was significantly related to SLC22A18 protein expression, but a subgroup of cases did not follow this association. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that SLC22A18 protein expression, but not promoter methylation, was significantly correlated with TMZ therapy. SLC22A18 protein expression predicted a significantly shorter overall survival in 51 patients receiving TMZ therapy, whereas no differences in overall survival were observed in 35 patients without TMZ therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that lack of SLC22A18 protein expression is superior to promoter methylation as a predictive tumor biomarker in GBM patients receiving temozolomide therapy

LIM-domain binding protein 2 was down-regulated by miRNA-96-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of lung cancer H1299 cells

&nbsp; Objectives: Lung cancer was one of the most common malignancies around the world. It has great significance in to search for the mechanism of occurrence and development of lung cancer. LIM Domain Binding protein 2 (LDB2) belongs to the LIM-domain binding family, it can be used as a binding protein that combined with other transcription factors to form the transcription complex for regulating the expression of target genes. The expression of microRNA-96-5p (miR-96-5p) has been investigated in various tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of LDB2 and miR-96-5p in lung cancer. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the expression of LDB2 and miR-96-5p. The proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of H1299 cells were analyzed by CCK8, transwell, and wound healing assay after LDB2 or miR-96-5p transfection. Luciferase activities assay and western blot were used to reveal the targeted regulation between LDB2 and miR-96-5p. Results: Here the authors found LDB2 was down-regulated in lung cancer tissues and negatively correlated with miR-96-5p expression, it could promote or inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of H1299 cells after LDB2 knockdown or overexpression and regulate the expression of cyclinD1, MMP9, Bcl-2, and Bax via ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, miR-96-5p exerted its function by directly binding to 3′-UTR of LDB2 and regulating expression of LDB2. miR-96-5p could promote the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of H1299 cells. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that LDB2 can act as a new regulator to inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and miR-96-5p may be a potential promising molecular by targeting LDB2 in lung cancer

3a,11b-Dihy­droxy-3a,11b-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-2(3H)-thione

The title compound, C13H10N4O2S, was prepared through a cyclization reaction of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and thio­urea. The dihedral angle between the pyridine rings is 8.22 (2)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are connected by N—H⋯O, O—H⋯N, N—H⋯S and O—H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network

Promoter methylation and downregulation of SLC22A18 are associated with the development and progression of human glioma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Downregulation of the putative tumor suppressor gene <it>SLC22A18 </it>has been reported in a number of human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between <it>SLC22A18 </it>downregulation, promoter methylation and the development and progression of human glioma.</p> <p>Method</p> <p><it>SLC22A18 </it>expression and promoter methylation was examined in human gliomas and the adjacent normal tissues. U251 glioma cells stably overexpressing <it>SLC22A18 </it>were generated to investigate the effect of <it>SLC22A18 </it>on cell growth and adherence <it>in vitro </it>using the methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry and the growth of <it>SLC22A18 </it>overexpressing U251 cells was measured in an <it>in viv</it>o xenograft model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>SLC22A18 </it>protein expression is significantly decreased in human gliomas compared to the adjacent normal brain tissues. <it>SLC22A18 </it>protein expression is significantly lower in gliomas which recurred within six months after surgery than gliomas which did not recur within six months. <it>SLC22A18 </it>promoter methylation was detected in 50% of the gliomas, but not in the adjacent normal tissues of any patient. SLC22A18 expression was significantly decreased in gliomas with <it>SLC22A18 </it>promoter methylation, compared to gliomas without methylation. The <it>SLC22A18 </it>promoter is methylated in U251 cells and treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine increased <it>SLC22A18 </it>expression and reduced cell proliferation. Stable overexpression of <it>SLC22A18 </it>inhibited growth and adherence, induced apoptosis <it>in vitro </it>and reduced <it>in vivo </it>tumor growth of U251 cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>SLC22A18 </it>downregulation via promoter methylation is associated with the development and progression of glioma, suggesting that <it>SLC22A18 </it>is an important tumor suppressor in glioma.</p

NCAM mimetic peptide P2 synergizes with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in promoting functional recovery after stroke

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) promotes neural development and regeneration. Whether NCAM mimetic peptides could synergize with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in stroke treatment deserves investigation. We found that the NCAM mimetic peptide P2 promoted BMSC proliferation, migration, and neurotrophic factor expression, protected neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation through ERK and PI3K/AKT activation and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in vitro. Following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, P2 alone or in combination with BMSCs inhibited neuronal apoptosis and induced the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. P2 combined with BMSCs enhanced neurotrophic factor expression and BMSC proliferation in the ischemic boundary zone. Moreover, combined P2 and BMSC therapy induced translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, upregulated heme oxygenase-1 expression, reduced infarct volume, and increased functional recovery as compared to monotreatments. Treatment with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) and PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) decreased the neuroprotective effects of combined P2 and BMSC therapy in MCAO rats. Collectively, P2 is neuroprotective while P2 and BMSCs work synergistically to improve functional outcomes after ischemic stroke, which may be attributed to mechanisms involving enhanced BMSC proliferation and neurotrophic factor release, anti-apoptosis, and PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways activation

Dendrobium officinale

Background. Dendrobium officinale (DO) Kimura et Migo is a precious Chinese herb that is considered beneficial for health due to its antioxidant and antidiabetes properties, and so on. In this research, we try to determine the preventive effect of DO on the early complications of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods. Type 1 diabetic rats were produced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). DO (1 g/kg/day) was then orally administered for 5 weeks. Blood glucose, TC, TG, BUN, CREA, and GSH-PX levels were determined, and electroretinographic activity and hypoalgesia were investigated. Pathological sections of the eyes, hearts, aortas, kidneys, and livers were analyzed. Results. Treatment with DO significantly attenuated the serum levels of TC, TG, BUN, and CREA, markedly increased the amplitudes of ERG a- and b-waves and Ops, and reduced the hypoalgesia and histopathological changes of vital organs induced by hyperglycemia. The protective effect of DO in diabetic rats may be associated with its antioxidant activity, as evidenced by the marked increase in the serum level of glutathione peroxidase. However, DO had no significant effect on blood glucose levels and bodyweight of diabetic rats. Conclusions. DO supplementation is an effective treatment to prevent STZ-induced diabetic complications

Aerial Violence Recognition Based on Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Networks and Attention Model

The violence in public areas occurs frequently and video surveillance is of great significance for maintaining public safety.Compared with fixed cameras,unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have surveillance mobility.However,in aerial images,the rapid movement of UAVs as well as the change of posture and height cause the problem of motion blur and large-scale change of target.To solve this problem,an attention spatial-temporal convolutional network (AST-GCN) combining attention mechanism is designed to realize the identification of violent behavior in aerial video.The proposed method is divided into two steps:the key frame detection network completes the initial positioning,and the AST-GCN network completes the behavior identification through the sequence features.Firstly,aiming at video violence localization,a key frame cascade detection network is designed to realize violence key frame detection based on human posture estimation,and preliminarily judge the occurrence time of violence.Secondly,the skeleton information of multiple frames around key frames is extracted from the video sequence,and the skeleton data is pre-processed,including normalization,screening and completion,so as to improve the robustness of different scenes and the partial missing of key nodes.And the skeleton temporal-spatial representation matrix is constructed according to the extracted skeleton information.Finally,AST-GCN network analyzes and identifies multiple frames of human skeleton information,to integrate attention module,improve feature expression ability,and complete the recognition of violent behavior.The method is validated on self-built aerial violence data set,and experimental results show that the AST-GCN can realize the recognition of aerial scene violence,and the recognition accuracy is 86.6%.The proposed method has important engineering value and scientific signifi-cance for the realization of aerial video surveillance and human pose understanding applications