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Aim: Chemosensory anhedonia refers to the lack of hedonic ability to experience pleasure through the senses of smell and taste, which reduces the pleasure and comfort of food, and increases the risk of nutritional and immune deficiencies. However, there is no direct scientific evidence regarding chemosensory anhedonia in patients with late‐life depression (LLD). The aim of this study was to investigate chemosensory anhedonia in patients with LLD, and its potential association with depressive symptoms and cognitive function. Methods: A total of 114 patients with LLD and 92 normal controls were included in this study. They experienced clinical assessment, Chemosensory Pleasure Scale assessment, 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale assessment and cognitive assessments, which contain the Verbal Fluency Test. The associations between chemosensory pleasure and depressive symptoms or cognitive function in patients with LLD were explored using partial correlation analysis and mediation analysis. Results: The Chemosensory Pleasure Scale scores were lower in the LLD group than in the normal control group, and were negatively correlated with the total scores and factors' scores (retardation, cognitive bias and anxiety/somatization) of the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and positively correlated with the Verbal Fluency Test scores. The scores for the Food and Imagination dimensions of the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale showed partial mediating effects on the differences in Cognitive bias (a factor of the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) between patients with LLD and normal controls. Conclusions: Patients with LLD showed significant chemosensory anhedonia, and both depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were associated with the severity of chemosensory anhedonia. Enhancing chemosensory pleasure in patients with LLD could potentially ameliorate their depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1022–1029. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is more prevalent among older adults compared to younger individuals. Late-life depression (LLD) poses the highest risk for suicide. However, early recognition of suicidal ideation is challenging. Dysfunction in odor identification (OI), a characteristic of LLD, may hold potential for early identification of suicidal ideation. This study aims to compare OI between LLD patients with suicidal ideation (LLD-S) and LLD patients without suicidal ideation (LLD-NS), and examine its relationship with cognitive function. A total of 262 LLD-NS patients, 63 LLD-S patients, and 316 healthy normal older adults (HOAs) underwent OI testing, standardized clinical interviews, and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. (1) LLD-S patients exhibited lower OI scores and poorer cognitive performance (including global cognition, information processing speed, memory, language, executive function, and visuospatial ability) compared to LLD-NS patients and HOAs. (2) There were interactive effects between suicidal ideation and OI dysfunction, leading to lower scores in information processing speed and visuospatial ability. (3) OI dysfunction mediated the differences in cognition between the LLD-NS and LLD-S groups. The present study was a cross-sectional design. LLD-S patients had worse odor identification than LLD-NS patients and HOAs, suggesting that OI testing could be a valuable approach for identifying suicidal ideation in LLD and screening for suicide risk. The presence of both OI impairment and suicidal ideation was associated with poorer cognitive performance in LLD. • LLD-S exhibited lower OI scores compared to LLD-NS and HOAs. • Interaction between SI and OI dysfunction contributed to lower information processing speed and visuospatial ability. • OI dysfunction mediated the differences in cognition between LLD-NS and LLD-S groups. • OI examination could be a valuable approach for identifying SI in LLD and screening for suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study the cooperative target‐fencing problem of multiple double‐integrator systems over a state‐dependent communication network. We propose a distributed control law to asymptotically fence a moving target while achieving both collision avoidance and connectivity preservation of the vehicles. In particular, a distributed observer is employed by each vehicle to estimate the position and the velocity of the target. Compared with the existing results, our approach can accommodate a larger class of target's trajectories. Furthermore, our control law is more practical since we do not require all vehicles to know the trajectory of the target. The effectiveness of our approach is illustrated by a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is one of the most lethal complications of late-life depression (LLD), and habenular dysfunction may be involved in depression-related suicidality and may serve as a potential target for alleviating suicidal ideation. This study aimed to investigate abnormal functional connectivity of the habenula in LLD patients with suicidal ideation. One hundred twenty-seven patients with LLD (51 with suicidal ideation (LLD-S) and 76 without suicidal ideation (LLD-NS)) and 75 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between the habenula and the whole brain were compared among the three groups, and correlation and moderation analyses were applied to investigate whether suicidal ideation moderated the relationships of habenular FC with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. The dFC between the right habenula and the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) increased in the following order: LLD-S > LLD-NS > control. No significant difference in the habenular sFC was found among the LLD-S, LLD-NS and control groups. The dFC between the right habenula and the left OFC was positively associated with global cognitive function and visuospatial skills, and the association between this dFC and visuospatial skills was moderated by suicidal ideation in patients with LLD. The increased variability in dFC between the right habenula and left OFC was more pronounced in the LLD-S group than in the LLD-NS group, and the association between habenular-OFC dFC and visuospatial skills was moderated by suicidal ideation in patients with LLD. • LLD-S exhibited increased dFC between habenula and OFC than LLD-NSl The association between dFC and cognition was moderated by suicidal ideation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional abnormalities of the habenula in patients with depression have been demonstrated in an increasing number of studies, and the habenula is involved in cognitive processing. However, whether patients with late‐life depression (LLD) exhibit disrupted habenular functional connectivity (FC) and whether habenular FC mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment remain unclear. Methods: Overall, 127 patients with LLD and 75 healthy controls were recruited. The static and dynamic FC between the habenula and the whole brain was compared between LLD patients and healthy controls, and the relationships of habenular FC with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were explored by correlation and mediation analyses. Results: Compared with the controls, patients with LLD exhibited decreased static FC between the right habenula and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG); there was no significant difference in dynamic FC of the habenula between the two groups. Additionally, the decreased static FC between the right habenula and IFG was associated with more severe depressive symptoms (especially psychomotor retardation) and cognitive impairment (language, memory, and visuospatial skills). Last, static FC between the right habenula and left IFG partially mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms (especially psychomotor retardation) and cognitive impairment (verbal fluency and working memory). Conclusions: Patients with LLD exhibited decreased static FC between the habenula and IFG but intact dynamic FC of the habenula. This decreased static FC mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placing blocking layers between electrodes has shown paramount prospects in suppressing the shuttle effect of Li–S batteries, but the associated ionic transport would be a concurrent obstacle. Herein, we present a Li-based crystal composited with carbon (LiPN2@C) by a one-step annealing of Li+ absorbed melamine polyphosphate, which simultaneously achieves alleviated polysulfide-shuttling and facilitated Li+ transport. As a homologous crystal, LiPN2 with abundant lithiophilic sites makes Li+ transport more efficient and sustainable. With a LiPN2@C-modified separator, the Li2S cathode exhibits a much-lower activation potential of 2.4 V and a high-rate capacity of 519 mA h g−1 at 2C. Impressively, the battery delivers a capacity of 726 mA h g−1 at 0.5C with a low decay rate of 0.25% per cycle during 100 continuous cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite natural image shadow removal methods have made significant progress, they often perform poorly for facial image due to the unique features of the face. Moreover, most learning‐based methods are designed based on pixel‐level strategies, ignoring the global contextual relationship in the image. In this paper, we propose a graph‐based feature fusion network (GraphFFNet) for facial image shadow removal. We apply a graph‐based convolution encoder (GCEncoder) to extract global contextual relationships between regions in the coarse shadow‐less image produced by an image flipper. Then, we introduce a feature modulation module to fuse the global topological relation onto the image features, enhancing the feature representation of the network. Finally, the fusion decoder integrates all the effective features to reconstruct the image features, producing a satisfactory shadow‐removal result. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed GraphFFNet over the state‐of‐the‐art and validate the effectiveness of facial image shadow removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow channel optimization is an important method to improve the water-gas transport capacity and enhance the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, the size ratio of the opposite sinusoidal wave flow channel (OSWFC) is optimized, and three-dimensional numerical models are developed to evaluate the comprehensive performance. The results show that OSWFCs obtain performance enhancement compared to the parallel flow channel. 1:1 wave channel has a maximum improvement of 19.53% in mass transfer capacity by the most frequent flow disturbance, while 1:3 has a maximum increasement of 37.5% in water removal performance by the virtue of gentle wave structure. Large pressure loss decreases the mass transfer efficiency, although it with the maximum mass transfer capacity, the mass transfer evaluation criterion of 1:1 wave channel is less than that of 1:3. Moreover, a significant correlation between water-gas transport capacity and electrochemical performance is demonstrated by Pearson correlation coefficient. [Display omitted] • The OSWFC has a significant performance enhancement at high current densities. • The wave flow channel with ratio of 1:1 has the best mass transfer capacity. • The wave flow channel with ratio of 1:3 has the best water removal performance. • MTEC is proposed to evaluate the mass transfer efficiency. • PCC is proposed to evaluate the comprehensive performance of PEMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both late-life depression (LLD) and short sleep duration increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Increased insular resting-state functional connectivity (FC) has been reported in individuals with short sleep duration and dementia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether short sleep duration is associated with impaired cognition and higher insular FC in patients with LLD. Methods: This case– control study recruited 186 patients with LLD and 83 normal controls (NC), and comprehensive psychometric assessments, sleep duration reports and resting-state functional MRI scans (81 LLD patients and 54 NC) were conducted. Results: Patients with LLD and short sleep duration (LLD-SS patients) exhibited more severe depressive symptoms and worse cognitive function than those with normal sleep duration (LLD-NS patients) and NC. LLD-SS patients exhibited higher FC between the bilateral insula and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) pars triangularis than LLD-NS patients and NC, while LLD-NS patients exhibited lower FC than NC. Increased insular FC was correlated with short sleep duration, severe depressive symptoms, and slower information processing speeds. Furthermore, an additive effect was found between sleep duration and LLD on global cognition and insular FC. Conclusion: LLD-SS patients exhibited impaired cognition and increased insular FC. Abnormal FC in LLD-SS patients may be a therapeutic target for neuromodulation to improve sleep and cognitive performance and thus decrease the risk of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instantaneous voltage overshoot caused by current loading is one of the important factors for the performance degradation of hydrogen-oxygen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, the dynamic response characteristic parameters, including first-stage delay (FTD), second-stage delay (STD), and voltage undershoot (VU), were studied quantitatively to analyze the voltage changes during current loading. The effects of loading range and operating parameters including temperature, stoichiometric ratio, and relative humidity on dynamic response characteristics were experimentally analyzed. The results show that the FTD and the STD were shortened by a smaller loading amplitude. The FTD under the loading range of 200 mA/cm2-600 mA/cm2 was 0.5 s shorter than that under 200 mA/cm2-1000 mA/cm2, and the STD was shortened by 7.5 s. The STD was reduced by 30.9% with the operating temperature increased from 55 °C to 75 °C. What's more, the FTD and VU reached minimum values with the relative humidity of the anode and cathode controlled at 50% and 70%, respectively. In addition, it was found that after the current loading experiment, the performance decreased by 2.5%, the charge transduction resistance increased by 8.94%, and the electrochemical active surface area decreased by 11.68%. The findings reported are expected to provide guidance for optimizing the working conditions of hydrogen-oxygen PEMFC, to reduce the performance degradation caused by current loading and thus improve its working life. • Dynamic response characteristic parameters during loading were studied quantitatively. • Gas transportation characteristics during loading was analyzed combining with real-time ohmic resistance variation. • Guidance of optimizing the working conditions for reducing the performance degradation was proposed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a palladium-catalyzed general synthetic strategy to access an attractive and decorated set of chiral spiro derivatives of benzoxazine compounds is unveiled utilizing vinyl benzoxazinanones reacted with pyrazolone 4,5-diones, which extends the application of vinyl benzoxazinanones with ketones. This asymmetric catalytic [4+2] cycloaddition reaction demonstrates a broad substrate scope with functional group tolerance in yields of up to 76% and up to 96% ee. A facile scale-up and straightforward conversion to diversely substituted products verify the synthetic utility of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrins (CM‐β‐CDs) with five kinds of degrees of substitution were synthesized and characterized. Analytical enantioseparation of six basic drugs containing N‐alkyl groups, including pheniramine, chlorpheniramine, labetalol, propranolol, venlafaxine, and trans‐paroxol, was achieved by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) using the synthesized CM‐β‐CD as chiral mobile phase additives. Key influence factors were optimized, including organic modifier, pH value, CM‐β‐CD with different degrees of substitution, and concentration of CM‐β‐CD. The mobile phase was composed of methanol and 10 mmol L−1 of phosphate buffer pH 4.0 containing 10 mmol L−1 of CM‐β‐CD. Peak resolution for six racemic drugs was gradually increased with an increasing degree of substitution of the synthesized CM‐β‐CD. The stoichiometric ratio and binding constants for the inclusion complex formed by CM‐β‐CD and enantiomer were determined, which showed that the stoichiometric ratio for each inclusion complex was 1:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present study aimed to compare temporal variability in the spontaneous fluctuations of activity and connectivity between amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI), which enhances the understanding of their different pathophysiologies and provides targets for individualized intervention. Methods: Sixty‐five naMCI and 48 aMCI subjects and 75 healthy controls were recruited. A sliding window analysis was used to evaluate the dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (dALFF), dynamic regional homogeneity (dReHo), and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC). The caudal/rostral hippocampus was selected as the seeds for calculating dFC. Results: Both aMCI and naMCI exhibited abnormal dALFF, dReHo, and hippocampal dFC compared with healthy controls. Compared with individuals with naMCI, those with aMCI exhibited (1) higher dALFF variability in the right putamen, left Rolandic operculum, and right middle cingulum, (2) lower dReHo variability in the right superior parietal lobule, and (3) lower dFC variability between the hippocampus and other regions (left superior occipital gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, inferior cerebellum, precuneus, and right superior frontal gyrus). Additionally, variability in dALFF, dReHo, and hippocampal dFC exhibited different associations with cognitive scores in aMCI and naMCI patients, respectively. Finally, dReHo variability in the right superior parietal lobule and dFC variability between the right caudal hippocampus and left inferior cerebellum exhibited partially mediated effects on the different memory scores between people with aMCI and naMCI. Conclusion: The aMCI and naMCI patients exhibited shared and specific patterns of dynamic brain activity and connectivity. The dReHo of the superior parietal lobule and dFC of the hippocampus‐cerebellum contributed to the memory heterogeneity of MCI subtypes. Analyzing the temporal variability in the spontaneous fluctuations of brain activity and connectivity provided a new perspective for exploring the different pathophysiological mechanisms in MCI subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This new in-situ passivation (ISP) strategy is compatible with thermally evaporated perovskite films. • The MFCl can induce surface reconstruction and interact with various types of defects in perovskite films. • The blue PeLEDs obtained a maximum EQE of 9.2 % and a maximum luminance of 1820 cd/m−2(−|-). Thermally evaporated perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising for next-generation displays, yet process-compatible passivation strategies for performance enhancement are still lacking. Herein, an effective in-situ surface passivation strategy using post-evaporated metformin hydrochloride (MFCl) is introduced in co-evaporated PeLEDs. MFCl post-deposited onto the perovskite film induces surface reconstruction, improving surface uniformity and healing grain boundaries. Additionally, MFCl penetrates deeply into the perovskite film, passivating both undercoordinated Pb and halide ions at grain boundaries. By employing this strategy, we achieve thermally evaporated blue PeLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9.2 % and a maximum luminance of 1820 cd/m−2(−|-), emitting at a peak wavelength of 488 nm. Furthermore, this strategy effectively suppresses ion migration, significantly enhancing the spectral stability and device lifetime of the blue PeLEDs. This work provides a process-compatible defect passivation strategy for thermally evaporated PeLEDs, laying the foundation for further advancements in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extending the retention time of cement paste flowability with the addition of admixtures containing slow-release components is standard practice for ensuring the continued building quality of cement-based materials. This study aims to control the release rate of PCE and enhance its time-varying dispersion effect in fresh cement paste by utilizing Time-dependent Release PCEs (TRPCEs) with varying side-chain structures. The structural characterization of the synthesized TRPCEs was investigated using GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and 1H NMR (Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) techniques. Furthermore, experiments were carried out on time-varying flowability with different dosages of TRPCEs to investigate the flowability changes under the time-varying release effect. The influence of TRPCEs on cement hydration was examined using isothermal calorimetry by measuring the early hydration heat of cement paste. The time-dependent adsorption behaviors of TRPCEs were also examined using a TOC (Total Organic Carbon) analyzer. The findings show that TRPCEs have a minor effect on the cement hydration process's rapid reaction period but little effect on its induction and acceleration periods because of variations in the initial dispersion effect. Additionally, the adsorption behaviors of TRPCEs on cement particles vary significantly due to the hydrolysis of slow-release groups. The varying adsorption and consumption of TRPCEs on cement particles and hydration products in different hydration phases are key controlling factors for the time-varying flowability changes in cement paste. Finally, this innovative approach offers a novel perspective for designing and preparing new types of PCEs with a strong capability for time-varying flowability retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, a 3-D numerical model based on the olaFlow solver to study the vegetation effects on flow characteristics and turbulent structure as well as wave attenuation under combined regular wave-unidirectional current conditions. The results show that following currents can either promote or suppress wave attenuation within the velocity magnitude specified in the paper, whereas opposing currents always enhance wave damping. Moreover, the emergent canopy and a staggered configuration resulted in increased wave-height attenuation. The time-averaged velocity patterns are various for submerged and emergent scenarios with different configurations. Furthermore, the time-averaged velocity magnitude inside the canopy decreases as the wave height increases for following flow conditions, while it increases in opposing currents. The time-averaged turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) inside the canopy follows the same distribution pattern as that of time-averaged velocity, and the maximum values of time-averaged TKE for the submerged and emergent canopies appear at the free surface, and above, respectively. The flow field characteristics show different patterns for various wave-current combinations and vegetation configurations, which provides a microscopic perspective to understand the interaction of vegetation-wave-current. • A three-dimensional numerical model using cyclic boundary based on the OlaFlow solver was developed. • Time-averaged velocity and turbulent kinetic energy within submerged/emergent canopy present different patterns. • Microscopic flow fields characteristic within the vegetation in following and opposing currents are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the maximum span of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridges has substantially increased to nearly 700 m, rendering it a preferred bridge type for traffic nodes located in mountainous regions and deep canyons owing to its robust earthquake resistance and adaptability to varying terrain. Construction defects, particularly debonding gaps, significantly diminish the structural bearing capacity of these bridges. This study aims to realize the accurate quantitative calculation of debonding gaps in CFSTs through ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The first wave's acoustic time and overall ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were employed as the state variables of ultrasonic pulse propagation in CFSTs with debonding gaps. Ultrasonic non-destructive tests were conducted on CFST specimens produced in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Guangxi. An approximate calculation path of ultrasonic propagation in CFSTs was proposed, and the differences in the UPVs of CFSTs produced at different air pressures were analyzed. A calculation model of the UPVs of CFSTs was formulated using different air pressure influence coefficients. Additionally, a numerical simulation of the ultrasonic energy transfer in CFSTs with diverse debonding gaps was performed, elucidating the propagation mechanism of ultrasonic energy across the three-phase steel-concrete-air interface in CFSTs. The propagation law of ultrasonic waves in CFSTs was verified through dynamic ultrasonic energy snapshots and the state variable calculation results. Based on the experimental and numerical findings, a quantitative analysis method and correlation model for CFST debonding gaps were proposed, based on their UPVs at different air pressures. The quantitative calculation model was modified by analyzing the values measured at an actual CFST bridge, enabling the accurate quantitative analysis and calculation of the degree and scope of debonding gaps in CFSTs. • The transmission mechanism of ultrasonic pulse in debonding gaps of CFSTs was studied. • The ultrasonic tests of CFSTs under different air pressure were carried out. • The rationality of the calculation path for ultrasonic pulse in CFSTs was validated. • Calculation model for the gaps with different characteristics in CFSTs was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sevoflurane anesthesia during neonatal period was reported to sensitize the rodent animals to stress later in life. The authors tested the hypothesis that repeated sevoflurane exposures in neonatal rats increased the brain vulnerability to future stress exposure and resulted in fear extinction deficit and investigated whether the neonatal brain depolarizing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) is involved in mediating these abnormalities. Neonatal Sprague–Dawley male rats, pretreated with vehicle or the NKCC1 inhibitor, bumetanide, received sequential exposures to 3% sevoflurane for 2 h on postnatal days (P) 5, P6, and P7 and then were exposed to electric foot shock stress in fear conditioning training at P14. Juvenile rats at different developmental brain stage receiving identical sevoflurane exposures on P25, P26, and P27 were also studied. The results showed repeated sevoflurane exposures in neonatal rats and increased the cation-chloride cotransporters NKCC1/KCC2 ratio in the PFC at P14. Repeated exposures to sevoflurane in neonatal rather than juvenile rats enhanced the stress response and exacerbated neuroapoptosis in the PFC after exposed to electric foot shock in fear conditioning training. Neonatal rather than juvenile sevoflurane-exposed rats exhibited deficits in fear extinction training and recall. Pretreatment of neonatal rats prior to sevoflurane exposures with bumetanide reduced the NKCC1/KCC2 ratio at P14 and ameliorated most of the subsequent adverse effects. Our study indicates that repeated sevoflurane exposures in neonatal rats might increase the brain vulnerability to future stress exposure and resulted in fear extinction deficit, which might be associated with the neonatal enhanced brain depolarizing GABAAR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: What are the main findings? Principal component regressions revealed the climate sensitivity of Tibetan arid desert scrubs. Plant nutrient traits and soil nutrient availability regulate desert scrubs' climate sensitivity. What is the implication of the main finding? Scrubs' sensitivity to temperature is mainly regulated by the nitrogen contents of soils and leaves. Scrubs' sensitivity to precipitation is affected by the leaf carbon content of dominant species. Neither soil nor plant nutritional properties alone can well explain scrubs' sensitivity to droughts. Climate models predict the further intensification of global warming in the future. Drylands, as one of the most fragile ecosystems, are vulnerable to changes in temperature, precipitation, and drought extremes. However, it is still unclear how plant traits interact with soil properties to regulate drylands' responses to seasonal and interannual climate change. The vegetation sensitivity index (VSI) of desert scrubs in the Qaidam Basin (NE Tibetan Plateau) was assessed by summarizing the relative contributions of temperature (SGST), precipitation (SGSP), and drought (temperature vegetation dryness index, STVDI) to the dynamics of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) during plant growing months yearly from 2000 to 2015. Nutrient contents, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in topsoils and leaves of plants, were measured for seven types of desert scrub communities at 22 sites in the summer of 2016. Multiple linear and structural equation models were used to reveal how leaf and soil nutrient regimes affect desert scrubs' sensitivity to climate variability. The results showed that total soil nitrogen (STN) and leaf carbon content (LC), respectively, explained 25.9% and 17.0% of the VSI variance across different scrub communities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that STN and total soil potassium (STK) mediated desert scrub's VSI indirectly via SGST (with standardized path strength of −0.35 and +0.32, respectively) while LC indirectly via SGST and SGSP (with standardized path strength of −0.31 and −0.19, respectively). Neither soil nor leave nutrient contents alone could explain the VSI variance across different sites, except for the indirect influences of STN and STK via STVDI (−0.18 and 0.16, respectively). Overall, this study disentangled the relative importance of plant nutrient traits and soil nutrient availability in mediating the climatic sensitivity of desert scrubs in the Tibetan Plateau. Integrating soil nutrient availability with plant functional traits together is recommended to better understand the mechanisms behind dryland dynamics under global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PbF, a valuable candidate for measuring the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM), is of great significance in measuring its spectrum and deriving its molecular constants in experiment. In the present work, the rovibronic spectrum of the B2ÎŁ+â€"X12Î 1/2 transition of PbF in a wavelength range of 260 nmâ€"285 nm is studied by the laser ablation/laser induced fluorescence method. The molecular parameters of the X12Î 1/2 (v ″ = 0) and B2ÎŁ+ (v ′ = 0, 1) states are derived from the recorded spectra of the (0, 0) and (1, 0) bands of the B2ÎŁ+â€"X12Î 1/2 transition. Also, the Franckâ€"Condon factors (FCFs) of the transitions between the B2ÎŁ+ and X12Î 1/2 states are calculated by the RKR/LEVEL method and the Morse potential method, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a putative Alzheimer's disease (AD) precursor without objective neuropsychological deficits. The hippocampus plays an important role in cognitive function and emotional responses and is generally aberrant in SCD. However, previous studies have mainly focused on static functional connectivity (sFC) by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in SCD individuals, and it remains unclear whether hippocampal dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) changes exist in SCD and whether those changes are associated with subtle changes in cognitive function or affect. Methods: Seventy SCD patients and 65 healthy controls were recruited. Demographic data, comprehensive neuropsychology assessments, and resting-state fMRI data were collected. The bilateral anterior and posterior hippocampi were selected as seeds to investigate the static and dynamic functional connectivity alterations in SCD. Results: Compared to healthy controls, subjects with SCD exhibited: (1) decreased sFC between the left caudal hippocampus and left precuneus; (2) decreased dFC variability between the bilateral caudal hippocampus and precuneus; (3) increased dFC variability between the bilateral rostral hippocampus and caudate nucleus; and (4) increased dFC variability between the left rostral hippocampus and left olfactory cortex. Additionally, the attention scores were positively correlated with dFC variability between the left posterior hippocampus and left precuneus, and the dFC variability between the bilateral anterior hippocampus and caudate nucleus was positively correlated with depression scores and negatively correlated with global cognition scores. Conclusion: SCD individuals exhibited abnormal sFC and dFC in the anterior-posterior hippocampus, and abnormal dFC was more widespread than abnormal sFC. A combination of sFC and dFC provides a new perspective for exploring the brain pathophysiological mechanisms in SCD and offers potential neuroimaging biomarkers for the early diagnosis and intervention of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ciprofol is a recently developed, short-acting γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist sedative that is more potent than propofol, but there have been few clinical studies of this agent to date. Here, we sought to examine the safety and efficacy of ciprofol use for the induction of general anesthesia in individuals undergoing gynecological surgery. Methods: Women between the ages of 18 and 60 years (ASA physical status 1 or 2) who were scheduled to undergo elective gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to two equally sized groups in which anesthesia induction was performed using either ciprofol or propofol. General anesthesia induction success rates were the primary outcome for this study, while secondary outcomes included changes in BIS during the 10 min following the first administration of the study drug, the duration of successful induction, and adverse event incidence. Results: A total of 120 women were included in the study. A 100% rate of successful induction was achieved in both the ciprofol and propofol groups, with no significant differences between these groups with respect to the duration of successful induction (34.8 ± 15.5 s vs 35.4 ± 9.5 s, P = 0.832), the time to the disappearance of the eyelash reflex (33.7 ± 10.6 s vs 34.0 ± 6.5 s, P = 0.860), or tracheal intubation (58.2 ± 31.1 s vs 53.9 ± 25.4 s, P = 0.448). Adverse event rates, including intubation responses, were significantly lower in the ciprofol group as compared to the propofol group(20% vs 48.33%, P = 0.0019). Ciprofol was associated with reduced injection pain relative to propofol (16.7% vs 58.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Ciprofol exhibits comparable efficacy to that of propofol when used for the induction of general anesthesia in individuals undergoing gynecological surgery and is associated with fewer adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two anionic β‐cyclodextrins as chiral selectors were successfully applied in the enantioseparation of N‐methyl duloxetine, duloxetine, and fluoxetine by countercurrent chromatography. Sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin showed opposite enantioselectivity for both duloxetine and N‐methyl duloxetine enantiomers. Two biphasic solvent systems, n‐hexane: 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer pH 7.6 with 50 mmol/L of sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (1:1, v/v) and n‐hexane: 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer pH 7.2 with 50 mmol/L of carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (1:1, v/v), were selected for N‐methyl duloxetine. Enantioseparation of duloxetine was achieved by recycling countercurrent chromatography using a solvent system composed of n‐butyl acetate: 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer pH 7.2 with 20 mmol/L of sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin or carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (1:1, v/v). A solvent system composed of n‐hexane: n‐butyl acetate: 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer pH 7.6 containing 20 mmol/L of sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (6:4:10, v/v) was selected for enantioseparation of fluoxetine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The olfactory system is affected early in Alzheimer's disease and olfactory loss can already be observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Olfactory training is effective for improving olfactory and cognitive function by stimulating the olfactory pathway, but its effect on patients with MCI remains unclear.Objective: The aim of this randomized, prospective, controlled, blinded study was to assess whether a 4-month period of olfactory training (frequent short-term sniffing various odors) may have an effect on olfactory function, cognitive function, and morphology of medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions and olfactory bulb in MCI patients.Methods: A total of thirty-seven MCI patients were randomly assigned to the training group or a placebo group, which were performed twice a day for 4 months. Olfactory assessments, cognitive tests and magnetic resonance imaging were performed at the baseline and follow-up period.Results: After the training, there was an increase in odor discrimination, and increased cortical thickness of bilateral hippocampus (CA23DG and CA1) and mean MTL. Additionally, the change of olfactory score was positively associated with change of volume of olfactory bulb and hippocampus; the change of global cognition was positively associated with change of cortical thickness of hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and mean MTL; the change of cortical thickness of entorhinal cortex was positively associated with change of executive function.Conclusion: Olfactory training was associated with an increase in cortical thickness of the hippocampus but not olfactory bulb volume in patients with MCI. Olfactory training may serve as an early intervention of preventing hippocampal atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The lumped parameter model of the hydrogen system based on exhaust hydrogen recirculation and the CFD model of PEMFC stack were established in this paper. The system simulation results were used as the input of the stack model. The purge characteristics of the stack were studied and the purge strategy was formulated considering the hydrogen utilization and performance characteristics. The results show that during anode purging, the anode pressure fluctuated significantly and the nitrogen concentration decreased rapidly. The output voltage of the stack fluctuates greatly, and the fluctuation of voltage intensifies with the extension of emission duration. In addition, the voltage fluctuation range of unit cell decreases gradually from inlet to outlet. After the system stabilizes, the component distribution of anode was improved and the stack performance was recovered to the initial state. During the purge interval, the performance of the stack degrades due to the increase of anode nitrogen concentration. The hydrogen utilization rate of the hydrogen system was directly related to the purge strategy, and the purge strategy of short period‐short duration was beneficial to reduce the fluctuation of the stack performance in the purging process, and reduce the differences of performance and component distribution of different single cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical enantioseparations of five N‐alkyl drugs, fluoxetine hydrochloride, labetalol, venlafaxine hydrochloride, trans‐paroxol, and atropine sulfate, were investigated by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral mobile phase additive. Effects of various factors such as composition of mobile phase, concentration of cyclodextrins, and column temperature on retention and enantioselectivity were studied. Apparent formation constant between methanol, acetonitrile, and sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin were determined to be 2.90 × 10−3 and 1.00 × 10−4 L mmol−1 under 25°C using UV‐spectrophotometry. Van't Hoff plots were used to investigate thermodynamic parameters for enantiomers–stationary phase interaction and formation of inclusion complex. Two retention models were employed individually for evaluation of inclusion complexation between five racemates and sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin. The second model with complex adsorption was more accord with the retention behavior of fluoxetine hydrochloride, labetalol, and venlafaxine hydrochloride enantiomers, while the first model was more consistent with the retention behaviors of trans‐paroxol and atropine sulfate. In the selected mobile phase, stoichiometric ratio for both of inclusion complex was found to be 1:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Odor identification (OI) impairment increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and brain abnormalities in patients with late-life depression (LLD). However, it remains unclear whether abnormal functional connectivity (FC) of olfactory regions is involved in the relationship between OI impairment and dementia risk in LLD patients. The current study aims to explore the olfactory FC patterns of LLD patients and how olfactory FCs mediate the relationship between OI and cognition.Methods: A total of 150 participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and psychometric and olfactory assessments. The primary and secondary olfactory regions were selected as regions of interest to investigate olfactory FC patterns and their association with OI and cognitive performance in LLD patients.Results: Compared with LLD patients without OI impairment and normal controls, LLD patients with OI impairment exhibited increased FC between the left orbital frontal cortex (OFC) and left calcarine gyrus, between the left OFC and right lingual gyrus, between the right OFC and right rectus gyrus, and decreased FC between the right piriform cortex and right superior parietal lobule. Additionally, these abnormal FCs were associated with scores of OI, global cognition and language function. Finally, the FC between the right piriform cortex and right superior parietal lobule exhibited a partially mediated effect on the relationship between OI and MMSE scores.Limitations: The present study did not exclude the possible effect of drugs.Conclusion: LLD patients with OI impairment exhibited more disrupted olfactory FC (a decrease in the primary olfactory cortex and an increase in the secondary olfactory cortex) than LLD patients with intact OI, and these abnormal FCs may serve as potential targets for neuromodulation in LLD patients to prevent them from developing dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic bowel inflammatory disease affecting the colorectum. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been demonstrated to be effective to counteract UC. However, there exists the gastrointestinal challenges such as stomach acid, enzyme and bile salts for oral delivery of EGF. Herein, calcium alginate microsphere was prepared by the microfluidic technique to encapsulate EGF. The morphology of EGF-loaded microsphere (MS-EGF) was spherical and its average particle size was 80 ± 23 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of EGF was reaching to 93.8 % ± 1.6 %. In vitro release experiments showed that MS-EGF presented the good pH-sensitive properties, that was, it could effectively resist the gastric acid and small intestinal fluids, and undergone the rapid dissolution in the artificial colon fluid. In vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that the bioactivity of EGF was well preserved by microsphere. Moreover, in vivo murine colitis model showed that MS-EGF presented the obvious colitis alleviation. Furthermore, the colonic morphology of colitis mice was effectively recovered and the tight junction between the gut epithelium was obviously repaired. In conclusion, calcium alginate microsphere might be a promising vehicle of EGF for UC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Performance disparity is more significant at low temperature and high potential. • Performance degradation is attributed to the increase in charge transfer impedance. • Thickness of the anode catalyst layer is significantly reduced near the CCM outlet. • Catalyst dissolution, migration and agglomeration phenomena were discovered. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) exhibits significant potential as a technology for hydrogen production driven by sustainable energy sources. In this study, the performance degradation characteristics of PEMWE under severe bubble accumulation condition lasting 100 h were investigated through in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques. The results show that an increasing performance disparity with higher voltage, notably at lower temperatures, reaching a 58.2 % current density degradation rate at 50 °C and 2.0 V. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis suggests that electrolyzer performance degradation is mainly due to increased charge transfer impedance, especially at the anode. In addition, the degraded electrolyzer exhibits a significant delay in reaching a stable current density during the abrupt voltage loading process, and its Tafel slope and electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) increased and decreased by 12.8 % and 13.5 %, respectively. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, post-experiment analysis reveals pronounced thinning and noticeable cracks in both cathode and anode catalyst layers near the outlet, particularly on the anode side. Additionally, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mappings and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirm substantial Pt/C and IrO 2 catalyst particle dissolution, migration, and agglomeration. The findings of this study contribute to enhancing understanding of the performance degradation mechanisms in PEMWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work delineates a Michael‐initiated ring‐closing [3+2] cycloaddition of newly designed 3‐(1‐benzyl‐2‐oxoindolin‐3‐yl)pentane‐2,4‐diones with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. During the chiral secondary amine‐catalyzed cascade reaction, highly functionalized spirocyclopentane oxindole derivatives containing five consecutive stereogenic centers were formed, two of which were tetrasubstituted carbon. All the desired products are smoothly obtained in good yields (up to 90 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99 : 1 er) and diastereoselectivities (up to >95 : 5 dr). Meanwhile, the practicality of this strategy was highlighted by the further gram‐scale experiment and a set of synthetic transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the semi‐global leader–following output consensus of heterogeneous multi‐agent linear systems over a directed communication graph with both the leader agent and the follower agents subject to input saturation. Via the low gain feedback design technique, both the state feedback and output feedback consensus protocols are constructed. In the state feedback case, a fully distributed observer is given to estimate the state of the leader agent. In the output feedback case, for both the informed follower agents and the uninformed follower agents, a state observer and a distributed leader state observer for each follower are designed to estimate the state of the follower itself and the state of the leader agent, respectively. In the distributed leader state observer, additional discontinuous functions are designed to suppress the influence of the bounded input of the leader agent. In both consensus protocols, a term under a condition similar to that used in the robust control is used to compensate for the control input of the leader agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ageing population combined with decades of economic growth has correlated with a rise in inheritance disputes. While many of these disputes involve wills, non‐probate instruments known as 'will substitutes' that operate during the donor's lifetime but also transfer specific assets upon death are playing a significant role. To date, the academic literature has not adequately addressed how undue influence claims against will substitutes have been, or should be, resolved. Our case survey reveals two distinct doctrinal approaches taken by the English courts to resolve these claims. The first approach treats will substitutes as estate‐planning instruments on par with wills; the second focuses on the lifetime operations of will substitutes. We argue that the first 'testamentary' approach is preferred to the second 'lifetime' approach. The testamentary approach not only better promotes testamentary intent and respects relational norms, it also decreases the risk of discrimination and paternalism against elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The T cell-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response is critical for elucidating cellular immune mechanisms, especially the role of memory T cells upon antigen re-exposure. This study aimed to investigate the specific effects of the immunosuppressive drugs Cyclophosphamide (CY) and Dexamethasone (DEX) on intestinal immunity and microbiota in a DTH mouse model, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of their immunomodulatory mechanisms. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were sensitized to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and randomly allocated into control, CY, and DEX groups. The impact of CY and DEX on immune function was assessed through measurement of thymus and spleen indices, lymphocyte proliferation in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) using MTT assay, and flow cytometric analysis of T cell subsets and TCR expression. Intestinal secretory IgA (sIgA) was quantified by ELISA, and gut microbiota diversity was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: CY and DEX significantly reduced the immune function in DNFB-induced sensitized mice, as indicated by decreased thymus and spleen indices, MLN enlargement, intestinal sIgA content, and ear swelling degree. Flow cytometry revealed that CY increased the proportion of total CD3+ T cells but reduced CD3+CD69+ activated T cells and CD3+TCRγ/δ+ T cells, while DEX increased CD3+CD4+ helper T cells. Both drugs induced distinct changes in gut microbiota diversity and structure, with CY enhancing α diversity and DEX reducing it. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that CY and DEX have distinct regulatory effects on the immune organ index, distribution of T cell subsets, and diversity and structure of gut microbiota on DTH-induced immune responses mice, suggesting their differential influence on intestinal mucosal immunity. These findings have implications for the development of targeted immunotherapies and understanding the interplay between immunosuppressive drugs and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemosensory (gustatory and olfactory) dysfunction contributes to obesity, but the association between body mass index (BMI) and chemosensory dysfunction are inconsistently reported. The present study included 4,390 subjects at a Smell and Taste Clinic. Results suggested that both the obesity class II group (BMI ≥ 35) and underweight group (BMI < 18.5) exhibited impaired taste function compared with the normal weight group (p <.05). Comparing with the other groups, the obesity class II group exhibited a higher proportion of impaired bitter identification (8.6%), and the underweight group showed a higher proportion of impaired salty identification (7.9%). When investigating differences for individual tastes, subjects with impaired bitter identification had higher BMI (t = 2.79, p =.005) and lower olfactory scores (p <.05) compared with those with intact bitter identification. Finally, reduced taste scores are associated with an increased BMI (r = −.04, p =.022). This correlation becomes more pronounced with age (F = 1.42, p <.001). Practical Application: The nonlinear association between chemosensory dysfunction and BMI suggested that maintaining the gustatory and olfactory function is of significance for normal metabolism. In obesity regulating bitter taste appears to be more important than the other tastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Z-scheme TiO 2-x /Cu/ZnO heterojunction was successfully constructed. • The enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the SPR effect and Z-scheme heterojunction. • ZnO coating nanolayer by ALD improves the antioxidant ability of Cu. • A possible mechanism for the enhanced performance was briefly discussed. Poor visible light utilization and charge separation efficiency of TiO 2 restrict its extensive application in the photocatalytic field. Herein, a specific Z-scheme TiO 2-x /Cu/ZnO heterojunction was successfully constructed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique and spray pyrolysis technology. Benefited from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Cu and Z-scheme heterojunction, the visible light absorption capacity was greatly enhanced. Meanwhile, ZnO nanolayer coating, prepared by ALD technique, protects Cu element to hinder its oxidation, thus enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance was significant improved, exhibiting a maximum value of 342.0 µmol·g−1·h−1 for the optimal B-T-0.1C-10Z (black TiO 2 /0.1Cu/10 nm ZnO) sample without any noble-metal cocatalyst, which is higher than pure TiO 2 (310.7 µmol·g−1·h−1, with 3 wt% Pt) synthesized by spray pyrolysis method under equal conditions. In addition, a possible mechanism for the enhanced performance was briefly discussed based on the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The olfactory system is affected very early in Alzheimer's disease and olfactory loss can already be observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of AD.Objective: The aim of this randomized, prospective, controlled, blinded study was to evaluate whether olfactory training (OT) may have an effect on olfactory function, cognitive impairment, and brain activation in MCI patients after a 4-month period of frequent short-term exposure to various odors.Methods: A total of 38 MCI outpatients were randomly assigned to OT or a control training condition, which were performed twice a day for 4 months. Olfactory testing, comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and a passive odor perception task based on magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after training.Results: The results suggested that OT exhibited no significant effect on olfaction and cognitive function. Additionally, OT exhibited a positive effect on frontal lobe activation (left middle frontal gyrus and orbital-frontal cortex) but exhibited no effect on grey matter volume. Moreover, the change of olfactory scores was positively associated with the change of frontal activation.Conclusion: OT was found to have a limited effect on olfaction and cognition in patients with MCI compared to a non-OT condition but increased their functional response to odors in frontal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum Number of Twos in Two Consecutive Terms We are interested in the eventual behavior of HT ht . The fact that HT ht means that we are in case 2 of Lemma 3. (1-stable sequences) I Suppose i HT ht I is a i 1 I stable sequence. The term HT ht depends on the first two terms of the sequence, which we will specify if needed. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Patients with chemosensory dysfunction frequently report symptoms of depression. The current study aims to clarify whether the type (smell dysfunction, taste dysfunction, and mixed smell and taste dysfunction), severity, duration, or cause of dysfunction have differential impacts on the symptoms of depression.Methods: 899 patients with chemosensory disorders and 62 controls were included. Following a structured interview and an otorhinolaryngological examination, subjects underwent olfactory tests (Sniffin' Sticks), gustatory tests (taste sprays) and an assessment of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). Information on the cause and duration of disorders was also collected.Results: Patients with combined olfactory/gustatory dysfunction had higher depression scores than patients with smell dysfunction only and controls, and no significant difference was found between the smell dysfunction and controls. Anosmia patients, but not hyposmia patients, exhibited higher depression scores than controls. Among various causes of chemosensory disorders, patients from the posttraumatic group had higher depression scores than patients with other causes of chemosensory dysfunction (sinonasal, idiopathic, or postinfectious). Multiple linear regression analyses suggested that reduced olfactory function was associated with enhanced depression scores in the olfactory disorders group (B = -0.326, t = -2.294, and p = 0.02) and in all patients with chemosensory disorders (B = -0.374, t = -2.550, p = 0.017).Discussion/conclusion: Simultaneously decreased input of olfaction and gustation seems to have an additive effect on the exacerbation of emotional dysfunction. Early intervention should be considered for depression symptoms in patients with mixed olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the isomeric species of metal complexes in solution is difficult. 19F NMR herein was used to determine the abundance of isomeric species and dynamic properties of lanthanide binding tags. The results suggest that 19F is an efficient reporter in assessing and screening paramagnetic tags suitable for protein NMR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Odor identification dysfunction occurs early in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is considered a preclinical symptom along with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Nevertheless, whether subjects with SCD are co-symptomatic with odor identification dysfunction remains unclear.Objective: To compare the degree of odor identification dysfunction and assess the relation between odor identification and cognitive performance in the AD spectrum (including SCD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD).Methods: Patients (84 SCD, 129 MCI, 52 AD) and 35 controls underwent the Sniffin' Sticks Screen 16 test and comprehensive neuropsychological examination.Results: Odor identification scores were progressively lower moving from normal older adult to SCD, MCI, and AD. Additionally,the proportion of odor identification dysfunction were increasingly higher in the AD spectrum (p for trend <0.001), but no significant difference was found in the proportion of subjective olfactory dysfunction. No significant correlation was found between odor identification and cognition in the normal older adults and SCD subjects, but odor identification correlated with global cognition in the MCI (r = 0.199, p = 0.033) and in the AD (r = 0.300, p = 0.036) patients. Multiple linear regression showed that odor identification dysfunction was most strongly associated with memory among different cognitive subdomains and was most strongly associated with immediate verbal recall among different memory subdomains.Conclusion: Odor identification dysfunction is already present with SCD and deepens with disease severity in the AD spectrum, and it may contribute to predicting cognitive decline and identifying SCD subjects who are at risk of developing AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a three-dimensional multi-phase proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrochemical model coupled with a cooling channel (CC) was developed, to comprehensively analyze the heat transfer characteristics. The membrane temperature, index of uniform temperature (IUT), net power, and the Nusselt number were applied to evaluate the heat transfer performance. The results indicate that a smaller IUT value achieves better PEMFC performance at close temperatures, and the best performance is achieved with a coolant inlet temperature of 343.15 K. Although increasing the coolant flow velocity improves the cooling effect, thereby enhancing PEMFC performance. However, it inevitably leads to an increase in parasitic power, resulting in a decrease in the output power of the PEMFC system. Moreover, with the coolant temperature difference less than 6K, PEMFC shows better performance when the coolant flow direction is the same as O 2. On the contrary, with the coolant temperature difference greater than 6K, the coolant flow direction should be the same as H 2 to ensure good performance. In addition, with the temperature difference between the coolant inlet and outlet of 10K, 6K, and 3K, respectively, the surface Nusselt number of wavy CC is 5.46%, 8.92%, and 18.71% higher than the straight CC, respectively. • A three-dimensional multi-phase PEMFC electrochemical model coupled with cooling channel is developed. • IUT, net power and Nusselt number are applied to evaluate the heat transfer performance. • The effect of coolant flow direction on performance depends on the flow velocity. • Performance of PEMFC with wave cooling channel is slightly better than that of straight cooling channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effect of bonding methods on chiral recognition ability of magnetic nanoparticles. • Enantioseparations by liquid–liquid extraction using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. • Magnetic nanoparticles bonded with sulfobutylether- β -cyclodextrin were synthesized. Chiral recognition ability of five racemic drugs/intermediates in enantioselective liquid–liquid extraction of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was studied, which were synthesized by three different bonding methods using SBE- β -CD as functional molecule. The synthesis of three functionalized magnetic nanoparticles using SBE- β -CD as a functional molecular were studied and the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The loading amount of SBE- β -CD on the surface was determined to be functionalized magnetic nanoparticles II (13.04 %) > functionalized magnetic nanoparticles I (7.15 %) > functionalized magnetic nanoparticles III (less than 6.22 %). Enantioselective liquid–liquid extractions of five racemates were optimized using the three functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as chiral extractant, respectively, and the ideal chiral extractant for each enantiomer was found. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles III was found to be the best chiral extractant for trans -paroxol and N-methyl duloxetine, with the optimum enantioseparation factors of 1.824 and 1.480, respectively, while functionalized magnetic nanoparticles I was ideal for fluoxetine, tropic acid and acetyltropic acid, with the optimum enantioseparation factors of 1.201, 1.226 and 1.484, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effect of bonding methods on chiral recognition ability of magnetic nanoparticles. • Enantioseparations by liquid–liquid extraction using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. • Magnetic nanoparticles bonded with sulfobutylether- β -cyclodextrin were synthesized. Chiral recognition ability of five racemic drugs/intermediates in enantioselective liquid–liquid extraction of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was studied, which were synthesized by three different bonding methods using SBE- β -CD as functional molecule. The synthesis of three functionalized magnetic nanoparticles using SBE- β -CD as a functional molecular were studied and the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The loading amount of SBE- β -CD on the surface was determined to be functionalized magnetic nanoparticles II (13.04 %) > functionalized magnetic nanoparticles I (7.15 %) > functionalized magnetic nanoparticles III (less than 6.22 %). Enantioselective liquid–liquid extractions of five racemates were optimized using the three functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as chiral extractant, respectively, and the ideal chiral extractant for each enantiomer was found. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles III was found to be the best chiral extractant for trans -paroxol and N-methyl duloxetine, with the optimum enantioseparation factors of 1.824 and 1.480, respectively, while functionalized magnetic nanoparticles I was ideal for fluoxetine, tropic acid and acetyltropic acid, with the optimum enantioseparation factors of 1.201, 1.226 and 1.484, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the journal "Unmanned Systems" that celebrates Professor Zongli Lin's 60th birthday. It provides a summary of his educational background and career achievements in the field of control theory and its applications. The editorial also mentions his contributions to research, publications, professional service, and leadership in various organizations. Additionally, the document introduces a special issue that features 18 papers from Professor Lin's former classmates, collaborators, and friends, covering topics related to autonomous systems and automation technologies. The editorial expresses gratitude to the authors and reviewers who contributed to the special issue. [Extracted from the article]

The fine and hyperfine interactions in PbF have been studied using the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy method. Cold PbF molecular beam was produced by laser-ablating a Pb rod under jet-cooled conditions, followed by the reaction with SF6. The LIF excitation spectrum of the (0, 0) band in the B2Σ+–X2Π1/2 system of the 208PbF, 207PbF, and 206PbF isotopologues has been recorded with rotational, fine structure, and hyperfine-structure resolution. Transitions in the LIF spectrum were assigned and combined with the previous X2Π3/2–X2Π1/2 emission spectrum in the near-infrared region [Ziebarth et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 191, 108–116 (1998)] and the X2Π1/2 state pure rotational spectrum of PbF [Mawhorter et al., Phys. Rev. A 84, 022508 (2011)] in a global fit to derive the rotational, spin–orbit, spin–rotation, and hyperfine interaction parameters of the ground (X2Π1/2) and the excited (B2Σ+) electronic states. Molecular constants determined in the present work are compared with previously reported values. Particularly, the significance of the hyperfine parameters, A⊥ and A‖, of 207Pb is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke not only induces neuron death in the infarct area but also structural and functional damage of the surviving neurons in the surrounding peri-infarct area. In the present study, we first identified cofilin rod, a pathological rod-like aggregation, formed in neurons of in vivo ischemic stroke animal model and induced neuronal impairment. Cofilin rods formed only on the ipsilateral side of the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO-R) rat brain and showed the highest density in peri-infarct area. Our real-time live cell imaging, immunostaining and patch clamp studies showed that cofilin rod formation in neurons led to dendritic mitochondrial transportation failure, as well as impairment of synaptic structure and functions. Overexpression of LIM kinase or activation of its upstream regulator Rho, suppressed ischemia-induced cofilin rod formation and showed protective effect on synaptic function and structure impairment in both cultured neurons and MCAO-R rat model. In summary, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism of ischemic stroke-induced neuron injury in peri-infarct area and provide a potential target for the protection of neuronal structure and function against brain ischemia insult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]