Modulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum during early pregnancy.

The liver and intestine play a critical role in nutrient absorption, storage, and metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway that included PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1, PPARα, PTEN and FXR in the maternal liver and duodenum. Ovine livers and duodenums were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation, and RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that expression of PI3K, AKT1, p-mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN upregulated in the maternal liver, and PPARα upregulated in the duodenum. However, expression of FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in the duodenum downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of SREBP-1, PTEN and PPARα in the maternal liver, and PI3K in the duodenum peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of PI3K, p-mTOR and FoxO1 in the liver, and AKT1 and p-mTOR in the duodenum peaked at day 16 of pregnancy. Nevertheless, expression levels of FXR both in the maternal liver duodenum downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, early pregnancy regulated expression pattern of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum in a pregnancy stage-specific and tissue-specific manner, which may be necessary for the adaptations in maternal hepatic nutrient metabolism and intestinal nutrient absorption early pregnancy.

Mechanisms on salt tolerant of Paenibacillus polymyxa SC2 and its growth-promoting effects on maize seedlings under saline conditions.

Soil salinity negatively affects microbial communities, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity and has become a major agricultural problem worldwide. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with salt tolerance can benefit plant growth under saline conditions and diminish the negative effects of salt stress on plants. In this study, we aimed to understand the salt-tolerance mechanism of Paenibacillus polymyxa at the genetic and metabolic levels and elucidate the mechanism of strain SC2 in promoting maize growth under saline conditions. Under salt stress, we found that strain SC2 promoted maize seedling growth, which was accompanied by a significant upregulation of genes encoding for the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, polysaccharide, and fatty acid, the metabolism of purine and pyrimidine, and the transport of osmoprotectants such as trehalose, glycine betaine, and K+ in strain SC2. To further enhance the salt resistance of strain SC2, three mutants (SC2-11, SC2-13, and SC2-14) with higher capacities for salt resistance and exopolysaccharide synthesis were obtained via atmospheric and room-temperature plasma mutagenesis. In saline-alkaline soil, the mutants showed better promoting effect on maize seedlings than wild-type SC2. The fresh weight of maize seedlings was increased by 68.10% after treatment with SC2-11 compared with that of the control group. The transcriptome analysis of maize roots demonstrated that SC2 and SC2-11 could induce the upregulation of genes related to the plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and auxin and ethylene signaling under saline-alkaline stress. In addition, various transcription factors, such as zinc finger proteins, ethylene-responsive-element-binding protein, WRKY, myeloblastosis proteins, basic helix-loop-helix proteins, and NAC proteins, were up-regulated in response to abiotic stress. Moreover, the microbial community composition of maize rhizosphere soil after inoculating with strain SC2 was varied from the one after inoculating with mutant SC2-11. Our results provide new insights into the various genes involved in the salt resistance of strain SC2 and a theoretical basis for utilizing P. polymyxa in saline-alkaline environments.

Plasma-Induced 2D Electron Transport at Hetero-Phase Titanium Oxide Interface.

Interfaces of metal oxide heterojunctions display a variety of intriguing physical properties that enable novel applications in spintronics, quantum information, neuromorphic computing, and high-temperature superconductivity. One such LaAlO3 /SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) heterojunction hosts a 2D electron liquid (2DEL) presenting remarkable 2D superconductivity and magnetism. However, these remarkable properties emerge only at very low temperatures, while the heterostructure fabrication is challenging even at the laboratory scale, thus impeding practical applications. Here, a novel plasma-enabled fabrication concept is presented to develop the TiO2 /Ti3 O4 hetero-phase bilayer with a 2DEL that exhibits features of a weakly localized Fermi liquid even at room temperature. The hetero-phase bilayer is fabricated by applying a rapid plasma-induced phase transition that transforms a specific portion of anatase TiO2 thin film into vacancy-prone Ti3 O4 in seconds. The underlying mechanism relies on the screening effect of the achieved high-density electron liquid that suppresses the electron-phonon interactions. The achieved "adiabatic" electron transport in the hetero-phase bilayer offers strong potential for low-loss electric or plasmonic circuits and hot electron harvesting and utilization. These findings open new horizons for fabricating diverse multifunctional metal oxide heterostructures as an innovative platform for emerging clean energy, integrated photonics, spintronics, and quantum information technologies.

Sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea from Vineyards to Boscalid, Isofetamid, and Pydiflumetofen in Shandong Province, China.

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides are the most commonly and effectively used class of fungicides for controlling gray mold. Among them, only boscalid has been registered in China for controlling grape gray mold, whereas isofetamid and pydiflumetofen are two new SDHI fungicides that have demonstrated high efficacy against various fungal diseases. However, the sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea isolates from vineyards in China to these three fungicides is currently unknown. In this study, the sensitivity of 55 B. cinerea isolates from vineyards to boscalid, isofetamid, and pydiflumetofen was determined, with the effective concentrations for inhibiting 50% of spore germination (EC50) values ranging from 1.10 to 393, 0.0300 to 42.0, and 0.0990 to 25.5 µg ml-1, respectively. The resistance frequencies for boscalid, isofetamid, and pydiflumetofen were 60.0, 7.2, and 12.8%, respectively. Three mutations (H272R, H272Y, and P225F) were detected in the SdhB subunit, with H272R being the most prevalent (75.7%), followed by H272Y (16.2%) and P225F (8.1%). All three mutations are associated with resistance to boscalid, and of them, H272R mutants exhibited high resistance. Only P225F and H272Y mutants exhibited resistance to isofetamid and pydiflumetofen, respectively. A weakly positive cross-resistance relationship was observed between boscalid and pydiflumetofen (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). Additionally, the H272R mutants showed no significant fitness costs, whereas the remaining mutants exhibited reduced mycelial growth (P225F) and sporulation (H272Y and P225F). These results suggest that isofetamid and pydiflumetofen are effective fungicides against B. cinerea in vineyards, but appropriate rotation strategies must be implemented to reduce the selection of existing SDHI-resistant isolates.

Scalable Production of 2D Minerals by Polymer Intercalation and Adhesion for Multifunctional Applications.

Natural and sustainable 2D minerals have many unique properties and may reduce reliance on petroleum-based products. However, the large-scale production of 2D minerals remains challenging. Herein, a green, scalable, and universal polymer intercalation and adhesion exfoliation (PIAE) method to produce 2D minerals such as vermiculite, mica, nontronite, and montmorillonite with large lateral sizes and high efficiency, is developed. The exfoliation relies on the dual functions of polymers involving intercalation and adhesion to expand interlayer space and weaken interlayer interactions of minerals, facilitating their exfoliation. Taking vermiculite as an example, the PIAE produces 2D vermiculite with an average lateral size of 1.83 ± 0.48 µm and thickness of 2.40 ± 0.77 nm at a yield of ≈30.8%, surpassing state-of-the-art methods in preparing 2D minerals. Flexible films are directly fabricated by the 2D vermiculite/polymer dispersion, exhibiting outstanding performances including mechanical strength, thermal resistance, ultraviolet shielding, and recyclability. The representative application of colorful multifunctional window coatings in sustainable buildings is demonstrated, indicating the potential of massively produced 2D minerals.

TaqMan-MGB PCR Method for Rapid Detection of QoI Fungicide Resistance in Chinese Populations of Plasmopara viticola.

Grape downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine worldwide. Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides are commonly used for the control of the pathogen in grape fields across China. However, their recurrent use could lead to the emergence of resistance against these compounds. Based on the most common mutation in resistant isolates, a glycine to alanine substitution at amino acid position 143 (G143A) in the cytochrome b protein, a TaqMan-MGB PCR was developed for the rapid detection of resistance to the QoI fungicide azoxystrobin in P. viticola. Specificity and sensitivity of this method showed it could specifically detect the point mutations linked with QoI resistance in P. viticola, and the detection limit was 0.2 pg. It could also quantify the resistance allele even in isolate mixtures containing as little as 5% QoI-resistant P. viticola strains. With this method, a large P. viticola population (n = 2,373) was screened, and QoI-resistant isolates were identified for the first time in China. The average frequencies of the resistant genotype from eight major-grapevine regions were up to 66%. Taken together, the results not only provide a novel tool for the rapid distinction and quantification of the QoI-resistant allele in P. viticola but also provide important references for fungicide selection and application, which will facilitate resistance management of grape downy mildew and improve grape production systems in Chinese vineyards.

Overcoming Ion Transport Barrier by Plasma Heterointerface Engineering: Epitaxial Titanium Carbonitride on Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Anatase TiO2 is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high specific capacity, low cost, and excellent cycle stability. However, low electrical conductivity and poor Na+ ion transport in TiO2 limit its practical applications. Here, substantially boosted Na+ ion transport and charge transfer kinetics are demonstrated by constructing a near-ideal non-rectifying titanium carbonitride/nitrogen-doped TiO2 (TiCx N1- x /N-TiO2 ) heterostructure. Owing to the fast plasma effects and metastable hybrid phases, the TiCx N1- x is epitaxially grown on TiO2 . Energy band engineering at the interface induces high electron densities and a strong built-in electric field, which lowers the Na+ diffusion barrier by a factor of 1.7. As a result, the TiCx N1- x /N-TiO2 electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. The reversible specific capacities at rates of 0.1 and 10 C reach 312.3 and 173.7 mAh g-1 , respectively. After 600 cycles of charge and discharge at 10 C, the capacity retention rate is 98.7%. This work discovers an effective non-equilibrium plasma-enabled process to construct heterointerfaces that can enhance Na+ ion transport and provides generic guidelines for the design of heterostructures for a broader range of energy storage, separation, and other devices that rely on controlled ionic transport.

2D Functional Minerals as Sustainable Materials for Magneto-Optics.

Liquid crystal devices using organic molecules are nowadays widely used to modulate transmitted light, but this technology still suffers from relatively weak response, high cost, toxicity and environmental concerns, and cannot fully meet the demand of future sustainable society. Here, an alternative approach to color-tunable optical devices, which is based on sustainable inorganic liquid crystals derived from 2D mineral materials abundant in nature, is described. The prototypical 2D mineral of vermiculite is massively produced by a green method, possessing size-to-thickness aspect ratios of >103 , in-plane magnetization of >10 emu g-1 , and an optical bandgap of >3 eV. These characteristics endow 2D vermiculite with sensitive magneto-birefringence response, been several orders of magnitude larger than organic counterparts, as well as capability of broad-spectrum modulation. The finding consequently permits the fabrication of various magnetochromic or mechanochromic devices with low or even zero-energy consumption during operation. This work creates opportunities for the application of sustainable materials in advanced optics.

Identification and field verification of an aggregation pheromone from the white-spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

The white-spotted flower chafer (WSFC), Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis, is native to East Asia. Although their larvae are considered a potential resource insect for degrading plant residues, producing protein fodder, and processing to traditional medicine, adult WSFCs inflict damage to dozens of fruit and economic crops. The control of the WSFC still relies heavily on pesticides and the inefficient manual extraction of adults. Here, we report the identification and evaluation of the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. From the headspace volatiles emitted from WSFC adults, anisole, 4-methylanisole, 2-heptanone and 2-nonanone were identified as WSFC-specific components. However, only anisole and 4-methylanisole elicited positive dose-response relationship in electroantennography tests, and only 4-methylanisole significantly attracted WSFCs of both sexes in olfactometer bioassays and field experiments. These results concluded that 4-methylanisole is the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. Furthermore, we developed polyethylene vials as long-term dispensers of 4-methylanisole to attract and kill WSFCs. The polyethylene vial lures could effectively attracted WSFCs for more than four weeks. Pheromone-based lures can be developed as an environmentally friendly protocol for monitoring and controlling WSFC adults.

Sublethal Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Moth: Implication for Attract-And-Kill Strategy.

The integrated use of plant-derived volatile attractants and synthetic insecticides in attract-and-kill programs is a useful tool for integrated pest management programs reducing pesticide input. Efficient alternative insecticides are critically needed to replace methomyl, which has been banned on cruciferous vegetables in China because it is also highly toxic to nontarget organisms. In the present study, among 15 commonly used insecticides were screened for toxicity against S. litura moths, where chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, and emamectin benzoate was found to have the highest levels of toxicity (LC50 of 0.56, 3.85, and 6.03 mg a.i. L-1 respectively). After exposure to the low lethal concentration LC50 of chlorantraniliprole, fecundity of the moths was substantially reduced. Egg-hatching was lower for LC20- and LC50-treated moth pairs than for untreated control pairs. Net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly reduced in LC50♀ × LC50♂ cohorts. Larval mortality was significantly higher in subsequent generations in pairs of LC50-treated moths. Chlorantraniliprole, which was most toxic and had significant sublethal effects on moths, can be used as an alternative insecticide to methomyl in the attracticide for controlling S. litura moths, and the LC50 indicated a high potential for efficacy in the control S. litura through attract-and-kill schemes.

Influence of Trap Color, Type, and Placement on Capture Efficacy for Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

In recent years, Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis has gradually become an important pest of several crops including grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and peach (Amygdalus persica L.) in Xinjiang, China. Toward improving trapping efficacy as part of a management program, various colors, types, and placement of traps and the use of an attractant were evaluated in field and laboratory studies. Laboratory color-choice tests and field tests indicated that P. brevitarsis adults preferred red. In trap placement tests, more adults were captured on traps placed 1 or 1.5 m above the ground and on top of the horizontal grape canopy. Before grape ripening, more adults were captured in traps placed in a 0.5-m border around the outside edge of the vineyard; during grape ripening, more were caught within the vineyard. Newly designed traps that were red, with a triangular baffle and a landing plate, were more efficient than traditional bucket-shaped traps. When P. brevitarsis adults were trapped and killed from June to July 2018, the population of P. brevitarsis adults in August to early September 2018 was significantly lower than in August to early September 2017, when adults had not been trapped and killed in the prior 2 mo.

Detection and Characterization of Carboxylic Acid Amide-Resistant Plasmopara viticola in China Using a TaqMan-MGB Real-Time PCR.

Grape production is increasing globally and so are problems with downy mildew, one of the main constraints in grape production. Downy mildew on grape is caused by Plasmopara viticola, an obligate biotrophic pathogen belonging to the oomycetes. Control of the disease is usually performed by fungicide applications, of which carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides represent one of the most widely used groups of fungicides. Our previous research showed that the extensive application of CAA fungicides can result in fungicide resistance and in China, CAA-resistant isolates of P. viticola were collected from the field in 2014. To monitor the distribution and spread of CAA fungicide resistance, we developed a TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB) real-time PCR-based method designed on a functional mutation in the PvCesA3 gene that allows efficient identification of CAA fungicide resistant and sensitive genotypes. The assay was validated on 50 isolates using Sanger sequencing and fungicide bioassays and exploited in a comprehensive survey comprising 2,227 single-sporangiophore isolates from eight major grapevine regions in China. We demonstrate that CAA fungicide resistance in P. viticola is widespread in China. On average, 53.3% of the isolates were found to be resistant, but marked differences were found between locations with percentages of resistant isolates varying from 0.3 to 96.6%. Furthermore, the frequency of CAA-resistant isolates was found to be significantly correlated with the exposure to CAA fungicides (P < 0.05). We further discussed the possibilities to apply the TaqMan-MGB real-time PCR assay to assess the frequency of fungicide-resistant P. viticola isolates in each region or vineyard, which would facilitate the correct choice of fungicide for grape downy mildew and resistance management strategies.

Plasma Enabled Fe2O3/Fe3O4 Nano-aggregates Anchored on Nitrogen-doped Graphene as Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Low electrical conductivity severely limits the application of Fe2O3 in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. In respect of this, we design and fabricate Fe2O3/Fe3O4 nano-aggregates anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene as an anode for sodium-ion batteries with the assistance of microwave plasma. The highly conductive Fe3O4 in the composite can function as a highway of electron transport, and the voids and phase boundaries in the Fe2O3/Fe3O4 heterostructure facilitate Na+ ion diffusion into the nano-aggregates. Furthermore, the Fe-O-C bonds between the nano-aggregates and graphene not only stabilize the structural integrity, but also enhance the charge transfer. Consequently, the Fe2O3/Fe3O4/NG anode exhibits specific capacity up to 362 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, excellent rate capability, and stable long-term cycling performance. This multi-component-based heterostructure design can be used in anode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, and potential opens a new path for energy storage electrodes.

Tetra-primer ARMS PCR for rapid detection and characterisation of Plasmopara viticola phenotypes resistant to carboxylic acid amide fungicides.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of Plasmopara viticola populations resistant to carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides is becoming a serious problem in the control of grapevine downy mildew worldwide. The resistance is caused by point mutations in the PvCesA3 gene. These isolates with this mutation have been detected mainly by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of fungicides, which is always time consuming and inefficient. RESULTS: To establish a suitable method for rapid detection of the G1105S mutation in P. viticola, an efficient and simple molecular method was developed, based on tetra-primer ARMS PCR. A set of four primers were designed and optimised to distinguish the different genotypes within one step. Only 2 h was required from the sampling of symptoms to the phenotyping of fungicide resistance. Using this method, CAA-resistant P. viticola were identified for the first time in China. Also, the finding of sensitive heterozygotes indicated that the resistant allele is spreading in the population in Ziyuan. CONCLUSION: This new method proved to be useful as an early warning system for resistance outbreaks of P. viticola to CAA fungicides in the field and may be helpful in decisions concerning rotation of different fungicide groups. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Sublethal Effects of ß-Ecdysterone, a Highly Active Compound from Achyranthes bidentata Blume, on Grape Phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch.

Grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) (Hemiptera, Phylloxeridae), is a very destructive insect pest of grapevines. Intercropping of Achyranthes bidentata Blume (f. Amaranthaceae) and Vitis spp. grapevines can be useful to control this pest. In the present study, the toxicity of 22 compounds, known to be present in A. bidentata, to grape phylloxera was evaluated. All treatments were toxic towards grape phylloxera but the degree of toxicity differed between treatments. Among the 22 tested compounds, several of which proved toxic towards grape phylloxera. However ß-ecdysterone had higher toxic effects against grape phylloxera, with LC50 values of 175.73 mg a.i. liter-1. In addition, we assessed the sublethal effects of LC10, LC20 and LC40 of ß-ecdysterone on grape phylloxera. The fourth instar and adult developmental periods and total life span were significantly prolonged by LC40 of ß-ecdysterone. Fecundity decreased when grape phylloxera were exposed to LC20 and LC40 of ß-ecdysterone. In addition, LC40 of ß-ecdysterone decreased the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ) and prolonged the population doubling time (DT). The net reproductive rate (R0) was significantly reduced by both the LC20 and LC40 ß-ecdysterone treatments. Our results demonstrated that ß-ecdysterone had higher toxic effects and significant sublethal effects on grape phylloxera, and showed potential control of grape phylloxera.

Development and application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of Plasmopara viticola.

A rapid LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) detection method was developed on the basis of the ITS sequence of P. viticola, the major causal agent of grape downy mildew. Among the 38 fungal and oomycete species tested, DNA isolated exclusively from P. viticola resulted in a specific product after LAMP amplification. This assay had high sensitivity and was able to detect the presence of less than 33 fg of genomic DNA per 25-µL reaction within 30 min. The infected leaves may produce sporangia that serve as a secondary inoculum. The developed LAMP assay is efficient for estimating the latent infection of grape leaves by P. viticola. When combined with the rapid and simple DNA extraction method, this assay's total detection time is shortened to approximately one hour; therefore it is suitable for on-site detection of latent infection in the field. The sporangia levels in the air are strongly associated with disease severity. The LAMP method was also demonstrated to be able to estimate the level of sporangia released in the air in a certain period. This assay should make disease forecasting more accurate and rapid and should be helpful in decision-making regarding the control of grape downy mildew.

The Efficacy of Chinese Medicinal Herbs towards Grape Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) (Hemiptera, Phylloxeridae).

Bio-insecticidal effects of seven Chinese medicinal herbs on mortality, fecundity, developmental periods and life table parameters of the grape phylloxera were investigated. In an excised root bioassay experiment aqueous extracts from seven Chinese medicinal herbs increased grape phylloxera first instar mortality (26.00-38.50%) compared to other instars. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), fecundity rate and net reproductive rate (R0) were significantly reduced by A. bidentata, A. tataricus, O. basilicum, P. frutescens and N. cataria. In a glasshouse pot trial, eggs, nymphs, adults and total population were significantly reduced before population establishment compared to those after its population established, by A. bidentata, A. tataricus and O. basilicum. Overall, A. bidentata, A. tataricus and O. basilicum can be used to suppress all life-stages of grape phylloxera.

Identification and characterization of Pestalotiopsis-like fungi related to grapevine diseases in China.

Pestalotiopsis-like fungi are an important plant pathogenic genus causing postharvest fruit rot and trunk diseases in grapevine in many countries. Pestalotiopsis-like fungi diseases were studied in vineyards in nine provinces across China. Multi-gene (ITS, ß-tubulin and tef1) analysis coupled with morphology showed that a Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola are associated in causing grapevine fruit rot and trunk diseases in China. Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola is reported as the causative agent of grapevine diseases in the world for the first time. Neopestalotiopsis sp. caused significantly longer lesions than the other taxon present. This study represents the first attempt to identify and characterize the Pestalotiopsis-like fungi causing grapevine diseases in China using both morphological and molecular approaches.

Ischemic stroke associated with immune thrombocytopenia.

The objective of this study was to review all cases in literature in which the clinical manifestations of ischemic stroke and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) were presented in the same patient including a new case of our own and discuss the possible mechanism and management of this syndrome. We reviewed 12 reports in which 18 cases were diagnosed as ischemic stroke and ITP. The clinical manifestations and ischemic lesion patterns of the 18 cases and our new case were analyzed in detail to elucidate the characteristics and management of this kind of syndrome. Of all the cases, 8 females and 10 males, 10 of them were Koreans; 3 were Americans; 3 were Japanese; 1 was British and 1 was Australian. The age of eight patients was no more than 50 years old. Most of them had a low platelet count. CT and/or MRI of brain were seen in all tested cases. Prognosis of ischemic stroke was good in 18 of the 19 patients. Although extremely rare, ischemic stroke and ITP may present in the same patient with variant characteristics. This paradoxical mechanism and management of ischemic stroke associated with ITP requires further investigation.

Method for refractive index measurement of nanoparticles.

A new method of measuring the refractive indices of nanoparticles has been proposed based on refractive index matching between nanoparticles and surrounding organic solvents. By finding the most transparent point of the transmittance spectrum, the refractive index of the nanoparticles is equal to that of the solvents at the corresponding wavelength. Utilizing a Rayleigh scattering model, the effects of refractive index mismatching (Δn) on the transmittance are investigated under different conditions. Some criteria for getting highly transparent nanoparticle dispersion and accurate refractive index measurements are suggested, which can support practical applications for nanomaterials in optical and optoelectronic applications.