Vascular endothelial growth factor:a double-edged sword in the development of white matter lesions

As the population ages,the burden of age-related diseases becomes greater.Currently,over 55 million people suffer from dementia worldwide,with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form.However,it is becoming clearer that underlying vascular pathology such as cerebral small vessel disease(cSVD)may be a more detrimental cause for dementia(Cuadrado-Godia et al.,2018).It is estimated that 10%-30%of the elderly population and 35%-90%of all dementia patients exhibit signs of cSVD.The term cSVD refers to pathology affecting the small vessels of the brain,which can lead to lacunar cerebral infarcts,enlarged perivascular spaces,and cortical hemorrhages(Cuadrado-Godia et al.,2018).CSVD is often associated with cognitive decline,gait problems,and dementia(Cuadrado-Godia et al.,2018).

Effects of two kinds of transgenic poplar on protective enzymes system in the midgut of larvae of American white moth

The leaves of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic poplar (Populus nigra L.) and CpTI (Cowpea trypsin inhibitor) transgenic poplar ((P. tomentosa×P. bolleana)×P. Tomentosa) were taken to feed the 4th-5th-instar larvae of American white moth (Hyphantria cunea (Drury)) for determination of the activities of the protective enzyme system inside larvae’s body. The physiological and biochemical effects of the transgenic poplars on the larvae were studied. The results showed that the two kinds of transgenic poplars had similar effects on the protective enzyme system in the midgut of larvae. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in midgut of the larvae increased gradually, reached the highest value at a certain time, and then decreased suddenly. For the larvae that were fed with the leaves of Bt transgenic poplar, the peak value of superoxide dismutase and catalase presented at the time of 24-h feeding, while the peak of peroxidase took place at the time of 12-h feeding. The activities of these protective enzymes for the larvae that were fed with leaves of CpTI transgenic poplar peaked 12 h later than that of those fed with leaves of Bt transgenic poplar. The comparison of activities of the protective enzymes was also carried out between the larvae with different levels of intoxication. It was found that the activities of protective enzyme of the seriously intoxicant larvae were higher than that of the lightly intoxicant larvae. This difference was more obvious in the group treated with CpTI transgenic poplar.

Studying Some Physicochemical Characteristics of Crust Coated with White Egg and Chitosan Using a Deep-Fried Model System

In this paper, the effects of frying time, white egg (0%, 5% and 10% w/w) and chitosan (0%, 0.5% and 1.5% w/w) addition to the batter formulation on the quality of simulated crispy deep-fried Kurdish cheese nugget crusts was studied by using a deep-fried crust model. Moisture content, oil content, color and hardness of the samples were determined. Crust models were fried at 190℃ for 60, 120 and 180 s. Batter formulations and frying time significantly (p < 0.01) affected moisture, oil content, color and hardness of Crust models. Batter formulation contain 10% white egg was found to be an effective ingredient in decreasing oil content of Crust models. The mean moisture and fat content of Crust models formed with batter contained 10% white egg, fried at 190℃, for 180s were 6.207 ± 0.447 and 5.649 ± 0.394. Batters containing 5% white egg and 1.5% chitosan showed the lowest moisture content and the highest oil content among all the formulations. Crust models containing combination of white egg and chitosan were the darkest. Hardness of samples containing chitosan were the highest, specially for ch1.5 The mean hardness in 60, 120 and 180s of frying in this formulation were 21.518 ± 0.481, 36.871 ± 1.758 and 49.563 ± 1.847 respectively.

SEM Comparison of Penetration in Artificial White Spots Lesion between an Infiltrant Resin and Two Adhesive Systems

White spot infiltration emerged as an alternative of non-invasive treatment to halt progression of the lesion, through the use of low viscosity resins that would permeate the porous enamel and form a physical barrier that would prevent the acid diffusion produced by micro-organisms. Purpose: To compare penetration levels in artificial white spot lesions, of infiltrant resin ICON&trade;and 2 conventional adhesives systems, XP-Bond&trade;and Single Bond 2&trade;. Methodology: White spot lesions (ICDAS code 2) were caused in 75 premolars or third molars were extracted in good conditions, by immersion in a 0.1 M lactic acid solution (pH 4.5) at 37℃ for 8 weeks. They were divided randomly into 3 groups of 25 samples and applied the following resins, Group A: ICON&trade;, B: XP-Bond&trade;and C: Single Bond 2&trade;. Subsequently, the enamel was removed with hydrochloric acid to expose resin saturated area and the samples were metalized with Au-Pd for SEM observation. The resin tags lengths were measured on microphotographs through software, and the values were analyzed with the statistics ANOVA and Scheffé post-test. Results: There were significant differences (p &trade;(82.7 μm ± 26.8 μm) compared to adhesive systems XP-Bond&trade;(58.5 μm ± 29.3 μm) and Single Bond 2&trade;(44.8 μm ± 32.5 μm). We found no significant differences between the two adhesive systems (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Under the conditions tested, the penetration of infiltrant ICON was significantly higher than the adhesive systems;however, it removes the surface layer of the enamel.

Nonstationary probability densities of system response of strongly nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom system subject to modulated white noise excitation

The nonstationary probability densities of system response of a single-degree- of-freedom system with lightly nonlinear damping and strongly nonlinear stiffness subject to modulated white noise excitation are studied. Using the stochastic averaging method based on the generalized harmonic functions, the averaged Fokl^er-Planck-Kolmogorov equation governing the nonstationary probability density of the amplitude is derived. The solution of the equation is approximated by the series expansion in terms of a set of properly selected basis functions with time-dependent coefficients. According to the Galerkin method, the time-dependent coefficients can be solved from a set of first-order linear differential equations. Then, the semi-analytical formulae of the nonstationary probability density of the amplitude response as well as the nonstationary probability density of the state response and the statistic moments of the amplitude response can be obtained. A van der Pol-Duffing oscillator subject to modulated white noise is given as an example to illustrate the proposed procedures. The effects of the system parameters, such as the linear damping coefficient and the nonlinear stiffness coefficient, on the system response are discussed.

Dynamics of a prey-predator system under Poisson white noise excitation

The classical Lotka-Volterra （LV） model is a well-known mathematical model for prey-predator ecosystems. In the present paper, the pulse-type version of stochastic LV model, in which the effect of a random natural environment has been modeled as Poisson white noise, is in- vestigated by using the stochastic averaging method. The averaged generalized It6 stochastic differential equation and Fokkerlanck-Kolmogorov （FPK） equation are derived for prey-predator ecosystem driven by Poisson white noise. Approximate stationary solution for the averaged generalized FPK equation is obtained by using the perturbation method. The effect of prey self-competition parameter e2s on ecosystem behavior is evaluated. The analytical result is confirmed by corresponding Monte Carlo （MC） simulation.

Biodegradation Behavior of Starch in Simulated White Water System of Old Corrugated Cardboard Pulping Process

Considering the serious barriers/issues induced by the accumulated starch generated in white water system of old corrugated cardboard(OCC)pulping process,large amounts of accumulated starch in white water would be decomposed by microorganisms and could not be utilized,thereby resulting in severe resource wastage and environmental pollution.This study mainly explored the effects of biodegradation/hydrolysis conditions of the two types of starch substrates(native starch and enzymatically(α-amylase)hydrolyzed starch),which were treated via microorganism degradation within the simulated white water from OCC pulping system and their biodegradation products on the key properties were characterized via X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),and gel permeation chromatography(GPC)technologies.The effects of system temperature,pH value,starch concentration,and biodegradation time on starch biodegradation ratio and the characteristics of obtained biodegradated products from the two types of starches were studied.In addition,the effect ofα-amylase dosage on the biodegradation ratio of enzymatically hydrolyzed starch and its properties was investigated.It was found that the native starch presented a maximal degradation ratio at a system temperature of 55℃and pH value range of 5-7,respectively,the corresponding starch concentration within simulated white water system was 200 mg/L.Whereas the enzymatically hydrolyzed starch exhibited a highest degradation ratio at a system temperature of 50℃and pH value of 5.5,respectively,and the corresponding starch concentration within simulated white water system was 100 mg/L.It was verified that native starch is more readily bio-hydrolyzed and biodegradation-susceptive by microorganisms in simulated white water system of OCC pulping process,while the enzymatically hydrolyzed starch exhibits better biodegradation/hydrolysis resistance to the microbial degradation than that of native starch.This study provides a practical and interesting approach to investigate the starch hydrolysis or biodegradation behaviors in white water system of OCC pulping process,which would greatly contribute to the full recycling and valorized application of starch as a versatile additive during paperboard production.

EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR STATIONARY RESPONSES OF SEVERAL CLASSES OF NONLINEAR SYSTEMS TO PARAMETRIC AND/OR EXTERNAL WHITE NOISE EXCITATIONS

The exact solutions for stationary responses of one class of the second order and three classes of higher order nonlinear systems to parametric and/or external while noise excitations are constructed by using Fokkcr-Planck-Kolmogorov et/ualion approach. The conditions for the existence and uniqueness and the behavior of the solutions are discussed. All the systems under consideration are characterized by the dependence ofnonconservative fqrces on the first integrals of the corresponding conservative systems and arc catted generalized-energy-dependent f G.E.D.) systems. It is shown taht for each of the four classes of G.E.D. nonlinear stochastic systems there is a family of non-G.E.D. systems which are equivalent to the G.E.D. system in the sense of having identical stationary solution. The way to find the equivalent stochastic systems for a given G.E.D. system is indicated and. as an example, the equivalent stochastic systems for the second order G.E. D. nonlinear stochastic system are given. It is pointed out and illustrated with example that the exact stationary solutions for many non-G.E.D. nonlinear stochastic systems may he found by searching the equivalent G.E.D. systems.

In vivo 3-photon fluorescence microscopy of white matter in mouse brain excited at the 1700 nm window

White matter,a densely packed collection of myelinated axons,plays an essential part in neural networks.With high spatial resolution and deep penetration,multi-photon microscopy(MPM)is promising for white matter imaging in animal models in vivo.The third harmonic generation(THG)signal can be generated from white matter,but the bottom part of the white matter layer generates weak THG due to its high scattering.Here,we demonstrate an in vivo labeling and imaging technology,capable of visualizing the white matter layer in the mouse brain,combining°uorescence labeling with MitoTracker Red and three-photon°uorescence(3PF)microscopy excited at the 1700 nm window.3PF signals are several times higher than THG signals,resulting in deeper imaging of the white matter layer with the former.Our results indicate that 3PF microscopy is a promising technology for white matter imaging in the deep brain in vivo.

GAUSS WHITE NOISE PERTURBATIONS OF NONHOLONOMIC MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

The perturbations of nonholonomic mechanical systems under the Gauss white noises are studied in this paper. It is proved that the differential equations of the first-order moments of the solution process coincide with the corresponding equations in the non-perturbational case, and that there are e2 -terms but no e-terms in the differential equations of the second-order moments. Two propositions are obtained. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the application of the results.

Stochastic stability of FitzHugh-Nagumo systems perturbed by Gaussian white noise

The current paper is devoted to the study of the stochastic stability of FitzHugh-Nagumo systems perturbed by Gaussian white noise. First, the dynamics of stochastic FitzHugh-Nagumo systems are studied. Then, the existence and uniqueness of their invariant measures, which mix exponentially are proved. Finally, the asymptotic behaviors of invariant measures when size of noise gets to zero are investigated.

Optimal and suboptimal white noise smoothers for nonlinear stochastic systems

A new approach of smoothing the white noise for nonlinear stochastic system was proposed. Through presenting the Gaussian approximation about the white noise posterior smoothing probability density fimction, an optimal and unifying white noise smoothing framework was firstly derived on the basis of the existing state smoother. The proposed framework was only formal in the sense that it rarely could be directly used in practice since the model nonlinearity resulted in the intractability and infeasibility of analytically computing the smoothing gain. For this reason, a suboptimal and practical white noise smoother, which is called the unscented white noise smoother （UWNS）, was further developed by applying unscented transformation to numerically approximate the smoothing gain. Simulation results show the superior performance of the proposed UWNS approach as compared to the existing extended white noise smoother （EWNS） based on the first-order linearization.

The formation of neutron star systems through accretion-induced collapse in white-dwarf binaries

The accretion-induced collapse(AIC)scenario was proposed 40 years ago as an evolutionary end state of oxygen-neon white dwarfs(ONe WDs),linking them to the formation of neutron star(NS)systems.However,there has been no direct detection of any AIC event so far,even though there exists a lot of indirect observational evidence.Meanwhile,the evolutionary pathways resulting in NS formation through AIC are still not thoroughly investigated.In this article,we review recent studies on the two classic progenitor models of AIC events,i.e.,the single-degenerate model(including the ONe WD+MS/RG/He star channels and the CO WD+He star channel)and the double-degenerate model(including the double CO WD channel,the double ONe WD channel and the ONe WD+CO WD channel).Recent progress on these progenitor models is reviewed,including the evolutionary scenarios leading to AIC events,the initial parameter space for producing AIC events and the related objects(e.g.,the pre-AIC systems and the post-AIC systems).For the single-degenerate model,the pre-AIC systems(i.e.,the progenitor systems of AIC events)could potentially be identified as supersoft X-ray sources,symbiotics and cataclysmic variables(such as classical novae,recurrent novae,Ne novae and He novae)in the observations,whereas the post-AIC systems(i.e.,NS systems)could potentially be identified as low-/intermediate-mass X-ray binaries,and the resulting low-/intermediate-mass binary pulsars,most notably millisecond pulsars.For the double-degenerate model,the pre-AIC systems are close double WDs with short orbital periods,whereas the post-AIC systems are single isolated NSs that may correspond to a specific kind of NS with peculiar properties.We also review the predicted rates of AIC events,the mass distribution of NSs produced via AIC and the gravitational wave(GW)signals from double WDs that are potential GW sources in the Galaxy in the context of future spacebased GW detectors,such as LISA,TianQin,Taiji,etc.Recent theoretical and observational constraints on the detection of AIC events are summarized.In order to confirm the existence of the AIC process,and resolve this long-term issue presented by current stellar evolution theories,more numerical simulations and observational identifications are required.

Random vibration of hysteretic systems under Poisson white noise excitations

Hysteresis widely exists in civil structures,and dissipates the mechanical energy of systems.Research on the random vibration of hysteretic systems,however,is still insufficient,particularly when the excitation is non-Gaussian.In this paper,the radial basis function(RBF)neural network(RBF-NN)method is adopted as a numerical method to investigate the random vibration of the Bouc-Wen hysteretic system under the Poisson white noise excitations.The solution to the reduced generalized Fokker-PlanckKolmogorov(GFPK)equation is expressed in terms of the RBF-NNs with the Gaussian activation functions,whose weights are determined by minimizing the loss function of the reduced GFPK equation residual and constraint associated with the normalization condition.A steel fiber reinforced ceramsite concrete(SFRCC)column loaded by the Poisson white noise is studied as an example to illustrate the solution process.The effects of several important parameters of both the system and the excitation on the stochastic response are evaluated,and the obtained results are compared with those obtained by the Monte Carlo simulations(MCSs).The numerical results show that the RBF-NN method can accurately predict the stationary response with a considerable high computational efficiency.

Premature axon-oligodendrocyte interaction contributes to stalling of experimental axon regeneration after injury to the white matter

Studies from nearly 3 decades ago suggested that,in the central nervous system(CNS),myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes not only helps improve axonal conductivity but also stabilizes circuitry(Colello and Schwab,1994).Over the years,myelin sheaths produced by oligodendrocytes have been found to contain multiple molecules that are inhibitory to axonal growth(e.g.,MAG,NogoA,OMgp,Semaphorins)(Yiu and He,2006;Silver et al.,2014).After white matter injury in the adult CNS,myelin debris from damaged axons and dead oligodendrocytes accumulates in the forming glial scar and exposes these myelin-associated axon growth-inhibitory molecules to the injured axonal stumps,thereby contributing to the inhibition of axonal regrowth.During development,CNS axons reach their postsynaptic targets and stop growing before oligodendrocytes appear and myelinate them(Foran and Peterson,1992;Dangata et al.,1996).Therefore,myelin-associated axon growth-inhibitory molecules interacting with already grown axons during myelination were thought to block axons from promiscuous sprouting and miswiring,thereby stabilizing neural circuitry in the CNS(Colello and Schwab,1994).

A real-time calibration method based on time-to-digital converter for accelerator timing system

The high-intensity heavy-ion accelerator facility(HIAF)is a scientific research facility complex composed of multiple cas-cade accelerators of different types,which pose a scheduling problem for devices distributed over a certain range of 2 km,involving over a hundred devices.The white rabbit,a technology-enhancing Gigabit Ethernet,has shown the capability of scheduling distributed timing devices but still faces the challenge of obtaining real-time synchronization calibration param-eters with high precision.This study presents a calibration system based on a time-to-digital converter implemented on an ARM-based System-on-Chip(SoC).The system consists of four multi-sample delay lines,a bubble-proof encoder,an edge controller for managing data from different channels,and a highly effective calibration module that benefits from the SoC architecture.The performance was evaluated with an average RMS precision of 5.51 ps by measuring the time intervals from 0 to 24,000 ps with 120,000 data for every test.The design presented in this study refines the calibration precision of the HIAF timing system.This eliminates the errors caused by manual calibration without efficiency loss and provides data support for fault diagnosis.It can also be easily tailored or ported to other devices for specific applications and provides more space for developing timing systems for particle accelerators,such as white rabbits on HIAF.

The shaping of milk-flavored white tea:More than a change in appearance

Tea’s popularity and flavor are influenced by factors like cultivation and processing methods and shaping techniques also have an impact on tea flavor.This study employed targeted metabolomics and chemometrics to investigate how shaping techniques affect the flavor of milk-flavored white tea(MFWT).The results showed that the tea cake sample with the shortest pressing time(Y90)has the highest amino acid content and milky aroma intensity.There were variations in amino acids,catechins,and soluble sugars among MFWT samples with different shaping techniques.The total contents of amino acids and catechins in tea cake sample(Y90)were significantly lower than those in the loose tea sample(SC)and bundle-like tea sample(SG),while the total sugar content was significantly higher than that in SC(P<0.05).Additionally,the content of volatiles presenting milky aroma(VIP&OAV>1)in Y90 remained lower relative to SC and SG(P<0.05),but the proportion was not different from that in SC and SG,minimally affecting the overall flavor.The short-time pressing method might be suitable for mass production of MFWT.These findings provide insights into improving the tightness of the appearance of MFWT with minimal impact on tea flavor.

Ash removal from inferior coal via ammonium fluoride roasting and simultaneous yield of white carbon black

The quality upgrading and deashing of inferior coal by chemical method still faces great challenges.The dangers of strong acid,strong alkali,waste water and exhaust gas as well as high cost limit its industrial production.This paper systematically investigates the ash reduction and desilicification of two typical inferior coal utilizing ammonium fluoride roasting method.Under the optimal conditions,for fat coal and gas coal,the deashing rates are 69.02%and 54.13%,and the desilicification rates are 92.64%and 90.27%,respectively.The molar dosage of ammonium fluoride remains consistent for both coals;however,the gas coal,characterized by a lower ash and silica content(less than half that of the fat coal),achieves optimum deashing effect at a reduced time and temperature.The majority of silicon in coal transforms into gaseous ammonium fluorosilicate,subsequently preparing nanoscale amorphous silica with a purity of 99.90%through ammonia precipitation.Most of the fluorine in deashed coal are assigned in inorganic minerals,suggesting the possibility of further fluorine and ash removal via flotation.This research provides a green and facile route to deash inferior coal and produce nano-scale white carbon black simultaneously.

Clinical features and possible pathogenesis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome with different retinal diseases and events:a narrative review

●Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome(MEWDS)is a rare fundus disease,characterized by acute vision loss and visual field defects.Many previous studies have explained the possible pathogenesis and clinical features of primary MEWDS.However,as the number of reported cases increases,secondary MEWDS occurs in other related retinal diseases and injuries,exhibiting some special characteristics.The associated retinal diseases include multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy(MFC/PIC),acute zonal occult outer retinopathy,best vitelliform macular dystrophy,pseudoxanthoma elasticum,and ocular toxoplasmosis.The related retinal injury is laser photocoagulation,surgery,and trauma.Although primary MEWDS often have a self-limiting course,secondary MEWDS may require treatment in some cases,according to the severity of concomitant diseases and complications.Notably,MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC that is prone to forming choroidal neovascularization and focal choroidal excavation,needs positive treatment with corticosteroids.The possible underlying pathogenesis of secondary MEWDS is the exposure of choroidal antigen after the disruption of Bruch’s membrane.The MEWDS-related features in secondary MEWDS are still evanescent under most circumstances.Its prognosis and treatment depend on the severity of complications.Current studies propose that the etiology is associated with immune factors,including viral infection,inflammation in choroid and Bruch’s membrane,and antigen exposure caused by retinal and/or choroidal insults.More pathogenic studies should be conducted in the future.Accurate diagnosis for secondary MEWDS could benefit patients in aspects of management and prognosis.

Barley chitinase genes expression revamp resistance against whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Chitinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin,a major component of the exoskeleton of insects,including plant pests like whiteflies.The present study aimed to investigate the expression of chemically synthesized barley ch1 and chi2 genes in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.Fifty-five putative transgenic cotton plants were obtained,out of which fifteen plants successfully survived and were shifted to the field.Using gene-specific primers,amplification of 447 bp and 401 bp fragments confirmed the presence of the ch1 and chi2 genes in five transgenic cotton plants of the T0 generation.These five plants were further evalu-ated for their mRNA expression levels.The T0 transgenic cotton plants with the highest mRNA expression level and better yield performance in field,were selected to raise their subsequent progenies.Results The T1 cotton plants showed the highest mRNA expression levels of 3.5-fold in P10(2)for the ch1 gene and 3.7-fold in P2(1)for the chi2 gene.Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed a single copy number of ch1 and chi2(hemizygous)on chromosome no.6.Furthermore,the efficacy of transgenes on whitefly was evaluated through an insect bioassay,where after 96 h of infestation,mortality rates of whitefly were calculated to be 78%–80%in transgenic cotton plants.The number of eggs on transgenic cotton plants were calculated to be 0.1%–0.12 per plant compared with the non-transgenic plants where egg number was calculated to be 0.90–1.00 per plant.Conclusion Based on these findings,it can be concluded that the chemically synthesized barley chitinase genes(ch1 and chi2)have the potential to be effective against insects with chitin exoskeletons,including whiteflies.The transgenic cotton plants expressing these genes showed increased resistance to whiteflies,resulting in reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates.