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Summary This paper considers multiuser downlink transmission and detection in a multiple input‐multiple output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system. We combine two promising techniques: space‐shift keying (SSK) and optical orthogonal codes (OOCs). Multiuser downlink transmission is realized by allowing each activated LED to transmit user‐specific OOC simultaneously. An OOC despreader is implemented at the front end of each user terminal (UT) to extract the desired signal and mitigate multiuser interference (MUI). The second part of UT receiver aims to extract the index of the corresponding active LED based on maximum likelihood (ML) or zero‐forcing (ZF) algorithm. The figure of merit we used to access the performance of the proposed downlink multiuser SSK system is the average symbol error rate (SER). Comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations have been undertaken for different system setup to evaluate SER at UT receiver. It is demonstrated that for a specified SER, the required SNR for ML‐based detection algorithm is 3 dB less than the ZF detector in the MUI‐free scenario. On the other hand, the ZF detector outperforms ML detector in the case with residual MUI and limited channel state information (CSI). Both algorithms are computationally attractive, hence can be put into practice in multiuser VLC MIMO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A novel method is developed for precise control over the structure of 3D anodic aluminum oxide templates, enabling fine-tuning of both the vertical pore diameter and interspace within the templates. 3D carbon tube nanoarrays featuring significantly thinner and denser tubes are constructed as high-quality electrodes for miniaturized filter capacitors. The 3D compactly arranged carbon tube-based capacitor achieves a remarkable specific areal capacitance of 3.23 mF cm−2 with a phase angle of − 80.2° at 120 Hz. Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) with fast frequency response are regarded as small-scale alternatives to the commercial bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Creating carbon-based nanoarray electrodes with precise alignment and smooth ion channels is crucial for enhancing EDLCs' performance. However, controlling the density of macropore-dominated nanoarray electrodes poses challenges in boosting the capacitance of line-filtering EDLCs. Herein, a simple technique to finely adjust the vertical-pore diameter and inter-spacing in three-dimensional nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (3D-AAO) template is achieved, and 3D compactly arranged carbon tube (3D-CACT) nanoarrays are created as electrodes for symmetrical EDLCs using nanoporous 3D-AAO template-assisted chemical vapor deposition of carbon. The 3D-CACT electrodes demonstrate a high surface area of 253.0 m2 g−1, a D/G band intensity ratio of 0.94, and a C/O atomic ratio of 8. As a result, the high-density 3D-CT nanoarray-based sandwich-type EDLCs demonstrate a record high specific areal capacitance of 3.23 mF cm−2 at 120 Hz and exceptional fast frequency response due to the vertically aligned and highly ordered nanoarray of closely packed CT units. The 3D-CT nanoarray electrode-based EDLCs could serve as line filters in integrated circuits, aiding power system miniaturization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain‐cultivated ginseng is typically harvested after 10 years, while ginseng aged over 15 years is considered wild ginseng. This study aims to differentiate mountain‐cultivated ginseng by age, as the fraudulent practice of selling low‐aged cultivated ginseng disguised as high‐aged one is damaging the market. In this study, LC‐MS analyzed 98 ginseng samples, and multivariate statistical analysis identified patterns between samples to select influential components. Machine learning models were developed to identify ginseng samples of different ages. The untargeted metabolomic analysis clearly divided samples aged 4‐20 years into three age groups. Twenty‐two potential age‐dependent biomarkers were discovered to differentiate the three sample groups. Three machine learning models were used to predict new samples, and the optimal model was selected. Some biomarkers could determine age phases according to the differentiation of mountain‐cultivated ginseng samples. These biomarkers were thoroughly analyzed for variation trends. The machine learning models established using the screened biomarkers successfully predicted the age group of new samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wen Dan decoction (WDD) has been a famous classic formula for resolving phlegm since ancient times in China. Currently, there are many types of WDD commercial preparations produced through modern technology. However, it is not known whether the holistic quality of WDD commercial preparations is consistent with the traditional decocting method to exert its proper effects. Therefore, the WDD material reference was studied and prepared, which can represent the traditional Chinese formulation WDD. Methods: A method based on UPLC-QTOF-MS was developed to evaluate the quality of WDD material reference and commercial prescriptions. At the same time, the multivariate statistical method was used to compare the differences between the material reference and the commercial prescription by principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap. Finally, the UPLC-QTOF-MS method was established to quantitatively study 11 representative components, including naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, adenosine, liquiritigenin, tangeretin, eriocitrin, naringenin and synephrine. Results: A total of 107 compounds were identified in the WDD material reference by comparing the retention time and fragment ion characteristics, including 54 flavonoids, 14 triterpenes, 10 organic acids, 7 alkaloids, 7 coumarins and 15 other components. The samples were almost evenly split into two groups, indicating a difference in quality between the WDD material reference and its commercial preparations in multivariate statistical analysis. Eleven major components of linearity, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery rate met the requirements, which were clearly different in commercial preparations and WDD material references. In terms of the content of 11 components in the commercial preparation, only CP8 is close to the material reference, which is in agreement with the statistical analysis of the heatmap. The concentrations of naringin and neohesperidin from the WDD material reference were higher than those from the commercial preparations. Conclusions: The quality evaluation method established in this study can be used to identify different sources of WDD but also proves that the WDD material reference contains higher naringin. Furthermore, this study confirmed that the preparation technology of WDD commercial prescriptions should be optimized on the basis of WDD material references, producing the closest possible clinical basis for the substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first comprehensive review for determining the ginseng age. • Advantages and disadvantages of various methods are presented. • The scope of application, and prospects of various methods are demonstrated. • A good basis for their food research and component analysis. Ginseng has garnered considerable attention as a primary subject of scientific inquiry in the fields of functional foods and dietary supplements worldwide. It is one of the best-selling natural health products due to its powerful health benefits. The market exhibits significant price discrepancies for ginseng of differing ages. The age of ginseng is pivotal in the food industry because it directly affects both its nutritional and economic worth. However, determining the age of ginseng is always challenging. This review summarizes the latest progress in the investigation of age discrimination in ginseng. We obtain a deeper understanding of their variations after investigating the advantages, disadvantages, applications, and economic aspects of various methods. This will aid the ginseng market in selecting more efficient methodologies. In conclusion, content determination represents the most mature and well-established approach presently, while morphology and spectroscopy remain the primary areas of research. These methods are highly promising but are not yet fully developed to meet market demand and further research to improve the methodologies is indicated. At the mechanistic level, systems biology provides different perspectives on the patterns during its ageing process. We believe that this review will facilitate researchers in conducting studies on the age of ginseng, thereby serving as a foundation for their research in the realm of food science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane original vinegar (SOV) is a healthy beverage worldwide. Almost all the countries or regions in the world have their own kinds of vinegar with special aromas and flavors, which come from the relative raw materials, microorganisms and production processes with vinegar. It is rich in phenolic substances, such as vanillin, coumarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p -coumaric acid, 10 types of luteolin in celery, cinnamic acid, and kaempferol, among which the vanillin, coumarin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids are relatively high (sugarcane original vinegar >5 mg/L, sugarcane vinegar drink >2 mg/L). This study assessed the influence of acetic acid fermentation from sodium alginate, corncobs and rice husk on SOV by immobilized fermentation processes. Volatile organic compounds were determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography (GC-MS). During the first and second fermentation stages, the rice husk carrier enhanced the fermentation process at 24 h as compared to corncobs and sodium alginate. Fermentation with different immobilized carriers revealed 95–115 types of organic volatile compounds, with the relative content of each compound monitored through the area normalization method, representing 98% of the total peak area. The free fermented sugarcane vinegar has found 24 specific compounds. Fifty-seven aroma compounds were identified at different degrees by the ROAV method during fermentation with different immobilized carriers. The key flavor compound was isoamyl acetate and the modified flavor was phenylethyl alcohol. Isoamyl acetate was identified as significant aroma compound in SOV for the first time. Using plant sources as immobilized carriers to ferment fruit vinegar can effectively improve the aroma and acid production efficiency of vinegar. This study enriched the knowledge of the compounds and flavors of SOV and assisted in upgrading the production quality of vinegar. [Display omitted] • Volatile compounds were observed (95–115 types) at different immobilized carriers. • The free fermented original vinegar observed only 24 main specific compounds. • Key and modified flavor compounds are isoamyl acetate and phenylethyl alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has demonstrated that the expression of microRNA-21 (miR-21) is implicated in cervical cancer (CC). However, little is known regarding its associations with clinical parameters. We first conducted a meta-analysis using data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarrays and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, enrichment analysis and hub gene screening were performed by bioinformatic methods. Finally, the role of the screened target genes in CC was explored. According to the meta-analysis, the expression of miR-21 in cancer tissues was higher than in adjacent nontumor tissues (P < 0.05). In addition, 46 genes were predicted as potential targets of miR-21. After enrichment analyses, it was detected that these genes were enriched in various cancer pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol signaling system and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. In this study, bioinformatic tools and meta-analysis validated that miR-21 may function as a highly sensitive and specific marker for the diagnosis of CC, which may provide a novel approach to the diagnosis and treatment of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of prediction accuracy in network situation awareness, a network security situation prediction method based on a generalized radial basis function (RBF) neural network is proposed. This method uses the K-means clustering algorithm to determine the data center and expansion function of the RBF and uses the least-mean-square algorithm to adjust the weights to obtain the nonlinear mapping relationship between the situation value before and after the situation and carry out the situation prediction. Simulation experiments show that this method can obtain situation prediction results more accurately and improve the active security protection of network security. Compared with the PSO-RBF model, AFSA-RBF model, and IAFSA-RBF model, the maximum relative error and minimum relative error of the IAFSA-PSO-RBF model are reduced by 14.27%, 8.91%, and 32.98%, respectively, and the minimum relative error is reduced by 1.69%, 12.97%, and 0.61%, respectively. This shows that the IAFSA-PSO-RBF model has reduced the prediction error interval, and the average relative error is 5%. Compared with the other three models, the accuracy rate is improved by more than 5%, and it has met the requirements for the prediction of the network security situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks (PMOFs) are very appealing electrocatalytic materials, in part, due to their highly porous backbone, well‐defined and dispersed metal active sites, and their long‐range order. Herein a series of (Co)PCN222 (PCN: porous coordination network) (nano)particles with different sizes are successfully prepared by coordination modulation synthesis. These particles exhibit stability in 0.1 m HClO4 electrolyte with no obvious particle size or compositional changes observed after being soaked for 3 days in the electrolyte or during electrocatalysis. This long‐term stability enables the in‐depth investigation into the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction, and it is further demonstrated that the (Co)PCN222 particle size correlates with its catalytic activity. Of the three particle sizes evaluated (characteristic length scales of 200, 500, and 1000 nm), the smallest size demonstrates the highest mass activity while the largest size has the highest surface area normalized activity. Together these results highlight the importance of determining the structural stability of framework catalysts and provide insights into the important roles of particle size, opening new avenues to investigate and improve the electrocatalytic performance of this class of framework material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the feeding habits of black croaker (Atrobucca nibe) to fully understand its role in the food web in southern coastal waters of Zhejiang, China. In total, 225 black croakers were collected in a bottom trawl survey, of which 195 were used for the stomach contents analysis and 30 for high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Both approaches showed that the main prey was shrimp, with Alpheus japonicus being the most predominant. In addition, black croaker also fed on other benthic species, suggesting that it was a demersal predator. Feeding intensity also varied with black croaker body length, as did prey preference, from small-sized species to larger species with increases in fish size; in addition, prey species were more diverse in the large-bodied prey group. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the feeding habit of black croaker was most significantly correlated with temperature and dissolved oxygen. HTS was shown to be a feasible high precision semi-quantitative analytical approach, although it must be combined with morphological methods to obtain more complete feeding data; thus, it could provide an effective scientific basis for feeding ecology studies of marine organisms. • The feeding habits of common economic fish in China were analyzed. • A comprehensive analytical method combining stomach content analysis and high-throughput sequencing was applied. • The influence factors of feeding habits were analyzed as explanatory variables in canonical correspondence analysis. • The feasibility of applying high-throughput sequencing to the feeding habits analysis of black croaker was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Devonshire theory, the E-induced effects of polarization, dielectrics, hysteresis loop, and energy storage are investigated. Numerical simulations confirm that the ferroelectrics with soft ferroelectricity with properties of small and E-sensitive polarization, abrupt decrease of dielectric peak with increasing E, sloped and slender hysteresis loop with central narrow when approaching Tc, and symmetry energy storage peak, much less than Tc, towards high temperature with increasing E, can be the candidate of high energy storage materials. E-induced polarization effect is related with thermodynamic parameters of ferroelectrics. Peak of energy storage shifts to high temperature under high-E. Larger induced polarization is corresponding to higher energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the mechanism underlying Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated stimulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) activity and its association with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cervical cancer cells. SiHa cells were cultured and randomized to control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD)+LPS, ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC)+LPS, ST2825+LPS and small interfering (si) RNA TLR4+LPS treatment groups. Cell proliferation was quantified using an MTT assay, cell cloning was performed using soft agar colony formation and HIF-1α expression was detected by immunocytochemical staining and western blot analyses. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate and lucigenin luminescence assays were used to detect alterations in ROS and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase content, respectively. Co-localization of TLR4 and HIF-1α was detected by immunofluorescence staining and observed using fluorescence microscopy. Compared with the control group, cell proliferation was enhanced in the LPS-treated group and was not altered in the PDTC+LPS treatment group. Cell proliferation was reduced in all other treatment groups (P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, cell proliferation decreased in all other groups. Compared with the PDTC+LPS treatment group, cell proliferation significantly decreased when LPS was co-administered with ST2825, siTLR4 and MβCD (P<0.01). Treatment with MβCD+LPS exhibited an increased inhibitory effect on cell activity and proliferation. Compared with the control group, HIF-1α expression was enhanced following treatment with LPS, although it decreased when LPS was co-administered with ST2825, siTLR4 and MβCD (P<0.05). HIF-1α expression decreased following treatment with ST2825, siTLR4, MβCD and PDTC+LPS, compared with treatment with LPS alone. Compared with the PDTC+LPS group, HIF-1α activity decreased when LPS was co-administered with ST2825, siTLR4 and MβCD. NADPH oxidase and ROS levels increased in cells treated with LPS, compared with the control group, at 24 and 12 h following treatment, respectively, and decreased at 12 h when LPS was co-administered with ST2825, siTLR4 and MβCD. There was no difference between the LPS and PDTC+LPS groups with respect to NADPH and ROS levels. Compared with the PDTC+LPS group, NADPH oxidase activity and ROS content decreased when LPS was co-administered with ST2825, siTLR4 and MβCD. NADPH oxidase activity and ROS content were lowest in the MβCD+LPS treatment group, and immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that TLR4 was localized to the cell surface and HIF-1α was primarily localized to the cytoplasm. TLR4 was co-expressed with HIF-1α in cervical cancer cells. The results of the present study suggested that TLR4 signaling primarily promoted HIF-1α activity via activation of lipid rafts/NADPH oxidase redox signaling and may be associated with the initiation and progression of cervical cancer. This promoting effect was stronger in TLR4/lipid rafts/NADPH oxidase pathway than that in TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, the TLR4/lipid raft-associated redox signal may be a target for therapeutic intervention to prevent the growth of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attapulgite (ATP) clay as an important ceramic raw material appears with natural nano-rod like morphology and widely co-exists with other minor minerals. To improve the mechanical performance and to reduce the sintering temperature of aluminium titanate (AT) ceramic membrane support, porous aluminium titanate ceramic has been prepared from Al 2 O 3 -TiO 2 system mixed with attapulgite clay by solid-phase reaction at relative low temperature 1300 °C. The added contents of attapulgite clay were 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% in weight percent ratio, respectively. The phase composition, open porosity, strength, sintering behavior and microstructure as well as pore size distribution of porous aluminium titanate ceramic were systematically investigated. The XRD analysis suggests that the enhanced secondary phase mullite was produced when sintering temperature was above 1200 °C with added attapulgite clays. The SEM images show that microcracks caused by the grain anisotropy of generated aluminium titanate were increased with the rising of sintering temperature. Both the maximum pore size and average pore size decrease with the increasing sintering temperature as the specimen was reacted with some attapulgite clay. Under the condition of 25 wt% attapulgite clay addition and sintering temperature of 1300 °C, the obtained porous ceramic membrane support of aluminium titanate has a open porosity of 32.41% and bending strength of 45.48 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-associated acute liver injury contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and is associated with increased mortality. Currently, no specific therapeutics for sepsis-associated liver injury are available. With excess levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) being implicated as key players in sepsis-induced liver injury, we hypothesize that ROS-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) formed via the self-assembly of diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS) may function as an effective drug delivery system for alleviating sepsis-induced liver injury by preferentially releasing drug molecules at the disease site. However, there are no reports available on the biocompatibility and effect of PEG-b-PPS-NPs in vivo. Herein, this platform was tested for delivering the promising antioxidant therapeutic molecule melatonin (Mel), which currently has limited therapeutic efficacy because of its poor pharmacokinetic properties. The mPEG-b-PPS-NPs efficiently encapsulated Mel using the oil-in-water emulsion technique and provided sustained, on-demand release that was modulated in vitro by the hydrogen peroxide concentration. Animal studies using a mouse model of sepsis-induced acute liver injury revealed that Mel-loaded mPEG-b-PPS-NPs are biocompatible and much more efficacious than an equivalent amount of free drug in attenuating oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and subsequent liver injury. Accordingly, this work indicates that mPEG-b-PPS-NPs show potential as an ROS-mediated on-demand drug delivery system for improving Mel bioavailability and treating oxidative stress-associated diseases such as sepsis-induced acute liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Oxidative stress induced by hemorrhagic shock (HS) is known to initiate a systemic inflammatory response, which leads to subsequent acute lung injury. This study is aimed to assess the efficacy of exendin-4 (Ex-4) in attenuating lung injury in a rat model of HS and resuscitation (HS/R). Methods HS was induced in sodium pentobarbital–anesthetized adult male Wistar rats by withdrawing blood to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 30-35 mm Hg for 50 min. Then, the animals received Ex-4 (5 μg/kg) or vehicle (saline) intravenously and were resuscitated with a volume of normal saline 1.5 times that of the shed blood volume. Mean arterial pressure was measured throughout the experiment, and acid-base status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lung injury were evaluated at 2 h after resuscitation. Results Ex-4 infusion reduced the methemoglobin content, the malondialdehyde content, the myeloperoxidase activity, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the lungs. The histologic injury was also markedly decreased in the Ex-4 group compared with the vehicle group. Conclusions Ex-4 ameliorates the oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and subsequent acute lung injury occurring after HS/R. Although future studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanism, our results indicate that Ex-4 infusion may be a promising strategy for improving lung injury in the treatment of HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress induced by hemorrhagic shock (HS) initiates a systemic inflammatory response, which leads to subsequent kidney injury. This study assessed the efficacy of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in attenuating kidney injury in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R). Sodium pentobarbital-anesthetized adult male Wistar rats underwent HS induced by the withdrawal of blood to a mean arterial pressure of 30-35 mmHg for 50 min. Then, the animals received CNP (25 μg/kg) or vehicle (saline) intravenously, followed byresuscitation with 1.5 times the shed blood volume in the form of normal saline. Mean arterial pressure was measured throughout the experiment, and acid-base status, oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue injury and kidney function were evaluated after resuscitation. CNP infusion reduced the malondialdehyde content, lowered the myeloperoxidase activity and decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the kidney. The histologic injury score and the plasma creatinine concentration were also significantly decreased after CNP treatment compared to the vehicle group. CNP treatment ameliorates oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and consequently acute kidney injury after HS/R. Thus, CNP may represent a promising strategy to improve resuscitation for the treatment of HS and deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation involves overwhelming reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and subsequent tissue injury. We investigated the effects of the potent antioxidant carboxyfullerene (C 3 ) on acute liver injury during hemorrhage shock/resuscitation. C 3 infusion reduced the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, methemoglobin content, malondialdehyde content, myeloperoxidase activity and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor -α and interleukin-6; it increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver. The histologic injury score and apoptotic index were also markedly decreased after C 3 treatment compared with the vehicle group. Additionally, C 3 -treated rats showed a significant decrease in nuclear factor-κB DNA binding capacity, which was preceded by reduced phosphorylation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit in the liver. C 3 nanoparticles ameliorate oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and subsequent acute liver injury after hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation. These protective effects appear to be mediated through the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB pathway. C 3 treatment may be a promising strategy to improve tissue injury in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent medical need to develop effective therapies that can ameliorate damage to the radiation-exposed hematopoietic system. Nanozymes with robust antioxidant properties have a therapeutic potential for mitigating radiation-induced hematopoietic injury. However, enhancing nanozyme recruitment to injured tissues in vivo while maintaining their catalytic activity remains a great challenge. Herein, we present the design and preparation of a biomimetic nanoparticle, a mesenchymal stem cell membrane camouflaged Prussian blue nanozyme (PB@MSCM), which exhibits biocompatible surface properties and demonstrates enhanced injury site-targeting towards the irradiated murine bone marrow niche. Notably, the constructed PB@MSCM possessed redox enzyme-mimic catalytic activity and could scavenge overproduced reactive oxygen species in the irradiated bone marrow cells, both in vitro and ex vivo. More importantly, the administration of PB@MSCM significantly mitigated hematopoietic cell apoptosis and accelerated the regeneration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Our findings provide a new targeted strategy to improve nanozyme therapy in vivo and mitigate radiation-induced hematopoietic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RBCs undergo numerous changes during storage and stored RBCs may induce adverse effects, ultimately resulting in organ injury in transfusion recipients. We tested the hypothesis that the addition of SP to stored RBCs would improve the quality of the stored RBCs and mitigate liver injury after transfusion in a murine model. RBCs were harvested from C57BL/6J mice and stored for 14 days in CPDA-1 containing either a solution of SP in saline or saline alone. Haemolysis, the 24-hour posttransfusion recovery, the oxygen-carrying capacity, and the SOD activity of stored RBCs were evaluated. The plasma biochemistry, hepatic MDA level, MPO activity, IL-6, TNF-α concentrations, and histopathology were measured two hours after the transfusion of stored RBCs. Compared with RBCs stored in CPDA-1 and saline, the addition of SP to stored RBCs restored their oxygen-carrying capacity and SOD activity, reduced the AST activity, BUN concentrations, and LDH activity in the plasma, and decreased the MDA level, MPO activity, and concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the liver. These data indicate that the addition of SP to RBCs during storage has a beneficial effect on storage lesions in vitro and subsequently alleviates liver injury after the transfusion of stored RBCs in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a complex health issue and it can cause many health and social problems. Previous studies reported that lipase is a main target for obesity treatment. We synthesized R- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate and S- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate as potential pseudomonas lipase inhibitors to probe the enantioselectivity of the enzyme and demonstrated that R- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate had better enzyme enantioselectivity, ki and the docking model with Pseudomonas species lipase in our previous studies. In this article, we reported the property of the Pseudomonas species lipase inhibitors, R-and S- endo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate and compared the docking models of these two compounds with R- and S- exo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamates by AutoDock. We found that S- endo-2-norbornyl- N- n-butylcarbamate has the best enantioselectivity, ki and docking model and this study could provide useful information about enzyme enantioselectivity for the development of Pseudomonas species lipase inhibitors for obesity treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic studies and drug designs of butyrylcholinesterase play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. In this research, automated docking studies were performed to provide useful insights into butyrylcholinesterase inhibition binding modes with designed 4-acyloxy-biphenyl-4′- N-butylcarbamates (compounds 1- 8). Moreover, several significant linear correlations between experimental and calculated docking results are observed. Among compounds 1- 7, compound 3, which exhibits the strongest hydrophobicity and has four carbonyl hydrogen bindings, shows the highest binding affinity ( Ki = 1.4 μmol/L) with a binding energy of −7.99 kcal/mol. The observed linear correlation of experimental and calculated inhibition constants ( Ki) indicates that the molecular docking results are reliable. Moreover, a good linear correlation is observed between calculated binding energies and experimental p Ki. The experimental Hansch hydrophobicity constants (π values) are also correlated with the docked binding energy. This study reveals important correlations between butyrylcholinesterase experimental and docking results that contribute to the kinetic based identification of antagonists for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, these docked models provide important insights into a potential series of 4,4′-biphenol-based inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leonurus japonicus Houtt., also known as motherwort, is a traditional Chinese medicine that was first identified in Shennong Bencao Jing , the first and essential pharmacy monograph in China. L. japonicus has been regarded as a good gynecological medicine since ancient times. It has been widely used in clinical settings for treatment of gynecological diseases and postnatal rehabilitation with good efficacy and low adverse effects. The main purpose of this study was to determine the angiogenic and wound healing effects of total alkaloid fraction from L. japonicus Houtt. (TALH) in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the main bioactive components of total alkaloids were to be identified and analyzed in this study. First, the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS method was used to identify and quantify the major components in the TALH extract. The wound healing activity was evaluated in vivo using a rat full-thickness cutaneous wound model. Histological study of wound healing in rat model was performed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for detection of cell migration. The effect on tube formation was determined by tube formation assay in HUVECs. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of relative proteins and genes respectively. Knock-down of SRC by siRNA was done to verify the crucial role of SRC in promotion of angiogenesis induced by TALH. Seven characteristic peaks were recognized in the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS spectrum, while four of the main components were quantified. The wound model in rats showed that treatment of TALH promoted wound healing by stimulating cellular proliferation and collagen deposition. In vitro experiments showed that co-treatment of TALH and VEGF increased cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in HUVECs. Mechanistic studies suggested that the co-treatment increased gene expressions of SRC, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, as well as the phosphorylation levels of these proteins. Furthermore, the effect of co-treatment was attenuated after SRC knockdown, suggesting that SRC plays an important role in angiogenesis and wound healing induced by TALH and VEGF co-treatment. Our results showed that TALH was one of the main active components of L. japonicus that promoted angiogenesis and wound healing by regulating the SRC/MEK/ERK pathway. Our study provided scientific basis for better clinical application of L. japonicas. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial activation elicited by inflammatory agents is regarded as a key event in the pathogenesis of several vascular inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanism of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on LPS-induced endothelial activation were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The effect of CNP on adhesion molecule expression was assessed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blotting analyses. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated HUVECs were investigated using western blotting analyses, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using a fluorescence method. Pretreatment with CNP inhibited LPS-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin in a concentration-dependent manner. CNP suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated cells. Moreover, CNP reduced ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation induced by LPS but not JNK. Furthermore, CNP induced Akt phosphorylation and activation of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. CNP significantly inhibited the production of intracellular ROS. These results suggest that CNP effectively attenuated LPS-induced endothelial activation by inhibiting the NF-κB and p38 signaling pathways, eliminating LPS-induced intracellular ROS production, and activating the PI3K/Akt/HO-1 pathway in HUVECs; thereby, demonstrating that CNP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis and inflammatory vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mechanical properties of cellular microenvironments play important roles in regulating cellular functions. Studies of the molecular response of endothelial cells to alterations in substrate stiffness could shed new light on the development of cardiovascular disease. Quantitative real-time PCR is a current technique that is widely used in gene expression assessment, and its accuracy is highly dependent upon the selection of appropriate reference genes for gene expression normalization. This study aimed to evaluate and identify optimal reference genes for use in studies of the response of endothelial cells to alterations in substrate stiffness. Methodology/Principal Findings: Four algorithms, GeNormPLUS, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and the Comparative ΔCt method, were employed to evaluate the expression of nine candidate genes. We observed that the stability of potential reference genes varied significantly in human umbilical vein endothelial cells on substrates with different stiffness. B2M, HPRT-1, and YWHAZ are suitable for normalization in this experimental setting. Meanwhile, we normalized the expression of YAP and CTGF using various reference genes and demonstrated that the relative quantification varied according to the reference genes. Conclusion/Significance:: Consequently, our data show for the first time that B2M, HPRT-1, and YWHAZ are a set of stably expressed reference genes for accurate gene expression normalization in studies exploring the effect of subendothelial matrix stiffening on endothelial cell function. We furthermore caution against the use of GAPDH and ACTB for gene expression normalization in this experimental setting because of the low expression stability in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood viscosity plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Under normal physiological conditions, blood viscosity is kept at a relatively stable level by a variety of regulatory mechanisms. However, under pathological conditions, disorders in these regulatory mechanisms mediated by endothelial cell dysfunction result in the pathogenesis and development of certain diseases, such as cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hemorrhagic shock. Therefore, monitoring and regulating blood viscosity are important for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of disease. This article reviews the role of blood viscosity regulation and its importance in disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pyroelectric and dielectric properties of glycolipid thin films have been investigated. The glycolipid under studied is (2-n-decyl-n-tetradecyl)-4-O-maltoside. From the thin film observations using polarizing optical microscopy, glycolipid molecules were found to align homeotropically, which results in non-zero temperature-dependent spontaneous polarization. The pyroelectric coefficient, dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent and figure of merit of the glycolipid thin films are found to be in the range of 70–105μC m−2 K−1, 5.9–16, 0.242–0.523 and 24–88μC m−2 K−1 respectively, depending on the glycolipid concentration. Higher concentration of glycolipid renders higher pyroelectric coefficient but lower dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent, which then results in a higher figure of merit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The female reproductive system comprises the internal and external genitalia, which communicate through intricate endocrine pathways. Besides secreting hormones that maintain the female secondary sexual characteristics, it also produces follicles and offspring. However, the in vitro systems have been very limited in recapitulating the specific anatomy and pathophysiology of women. Organ-on-a-chip technology, based on microfluidics, can better simulate the cellular microenvironment in vivo, opening a new field for the basic and clinical research of female reproductive system diseases. This technology can not only reconstruct the organ structure but also emulate the organ function as much as possible. The precisely controlled fluidic microenvironment provided by microfluidics vividly mimics the complex endocrine hormone crosstalk among various organs of the female reproductive system, making it a powerful preclinical tool and the future of pathophysiological models of the female reproductive system. Here, we review the research on the application of organ-on-a-chip platforms in the female reproductive systems, focusing on the latest progress in developing models that reproduce the physiological functions or disease features of female reproductive organs and tissues, and highlighting the challenges and future directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau has been the source of strong earthquakes in the region. In its middle segment, the Jinqianghe fault is an important active fault within the Tianzhu seismic gap; however, little is known about its slip behavior. To present a new horizontal displacement distribution along this fault, we used WorldView‐2 stereo pairs and unmanned aerial vehicle‐based photogrammetry to construct digital elevation models to obtain a detailed tectono‐geomorphic interpretation and geomorphic offsets. The offset marker measurements yielded 135 geomorphic displacements and 8 offset clusters. Radiocarbon dating was used to establish the regional age sequence of the geomorphic units in offset fluvial terraces at four study sites. The displacements and ages linked the offset clusters with the geomorphic unit sequence; the Holocene strike‐slip rate of the Jinqianghe fault was estimated to 4.8–5.6 mm/a at ∼4–12 ka and 2.9–4.7 mm/a from ∼4 ka. Three recent earthquakes (with a recurrence interval of ∼1000 years) represent an active seismic period, revealing the potential seismic hazard along this fault because it has not ruptured in the last 1500 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen is necessary for life and plays a key pivotal in maintaining normal physiological functions and treat of diseases. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been studied and developed as a replacement for red blood cells (RBCs) in oxygen transport due to their similar oxygen-carrying capacities. However, applications of HBOCs are hindered by vasoactivity, oxidative toxicity, and a relatively short circulatory half-life. With advancements in nanotechnology, Hb encapsulation, absorption, bioconjugation, entrapment, and attachment to nanomaterials have been used to prepare nanomaterial-related HBOCs to address these challenges and pend their application in several biomedical and therapeutic contexts. This review focuses on the progress of this class of nanomaterial-related HBOCs in the fields of hemorrhagic shock, ischemic stroke, cancer, and wound healing, and speculates on future research directions. The advancements in nanomaterial-related HBOCs are expected to lead significant breakthroughs in blood substitutes, enabling their widespread use in the treatment of clinical diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yulin River in the northern Tibetan Plateau, consists of multiple geomorphological features, including alluvial fans, fluvial terraces, and river profile knickpoints. Collectively, these provide a natural laboratory for exploring the late Quaternary fluvial landform evolution in response to both climatic change and tectonic activities in the region of the Altyn Tagh Fault. In this study, we investigated the distribution, sequences and sediment characteristics of the fluvial landforms along the Yulin River based on high-precision (0.5 m-resolution) Worldview satellite images and field observations. Mid-Pleistocene alluvial fans formed the highest fluvial landform surface into which ten major inset fluvial terraces were developed, distributed along three stream segments. Real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK-GPS) measurement of terrace surfaces and the modern river longitudinal profiles was conducted across the Dongbatu Shan to show fluvial landform geometry and tectonic deformation. Fluvial terrace surfaces were deformed due to fault uplift as illustrated by spatially variable surface geometries. The chronological sequences of terraces along the Yulin River since 160 ka were reconstructed based on 10Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides (TCNs) dating. Results indicated that river incision occurred mainly during periods of climate transition, suggesting that terrace evolution was partly controlled by climate changes. Moreover, terrace exposure ages showed an upstream younging trend along the river, demonstrating a probable response to knickpoint retreat. Combined with terrace deformation and ages, fault uplift rates were constrained, which were lower than the river incision rates during the Late Quaternary, indicating that crustal shortening was mainly absorbed by the growth of the regional anticline. Collectively, our results suggest that the evolution of fluvial landforms along the Yulin River is a function of interplay between regional tectonic activities and climatic changes, which is significant to understand the NW-outward splay of the Altyn Tagh Fault. • Yulin River fluvial landform sequences since 160 ka were established via 10Be dating. • Knickpoint recession plays a significant role in terrace evolution along Yulin River. • Fault uplift rates were lower than the river incision rates in the Late Pleistocene. • Tectonic deformation was absorbed mainly by the uplift of the entire anticline. • Climate and tectonic uplift control river incision and fluvial landform evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a membrane with a relatively loose 'active layer' opened a new paradigm for the application of osmotically driven processes. An effective way of imparting the osmotic pressure difference across the 'active layer' is to employ divalent salts as the draw solute, whose negative effects on the organic fouling have been documented in the literature. This study was targeted on investigating the fouling by clay suspensions when performing the forward osmosis (FO) with a nanofiltration (NF)-like membrane. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was exploited to analyze the fouling phenomena in a way of determining the critical point of the initial flux, below which the fouling could be completely or partially inhibited. In comparison with the flux-decline measurements, the OCT-based characterization generated a series of digitalized cake layers for numerically evaluating the surface coverage and specific deposit, which provides direct evidence to support the hypothesis that the back diffusion of the draw solute could have significant impact on the initial deposition of the clay particles. That is, the presence of the draw solute in the boundary layer could favor the slow growth of the cake layer even if the initial flux was lower than the critical point. Mapping the local growth rates also indicates that the increase in affinity between the membrane and the clay particles could vary the characteristics of the instability-induced streamwise vortices. In particular, the markedly decreased critical point of the initial flux highlights the role of divalent cations in forming coordinate bonds between the clay particles and the NF-like membrane. All the characterization results offer valuable knowledge to enhance the design of the novel osmotically driven processes. • Forward osmosis was implemented using an NF-like membrane. • Fouling by clay suspensions was studied via the OCT-based characterization. • The critical point was identified by the surface coverage and specific deposit. • The draw solute varied the interplay between the clay particles and membrane. • The role of divalent cations was highlighted in the fouling by clay particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG), which is considered the highest quality Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is priced higher than cultivated ginseng (CG) due to its longer growth period in the forest. However, accurately determining their age has been a persistent challenge. In this study, we examined the concentration of ginsenoside Rg 1 , Re, Rb 1 , and Rd in MCG and CG by analyzing their terahertz spectroscopic peaks. We found that MCG exhibited significant absorption peaks at 5.11, 8.23, and 9.07 THz in the range of 2–12 THz, while CG showed remarkable peaks at 8.67 and 10.57 THz. By combining the absorption raw data with multivariate statistical analysis OPLS-DA and machine learning, we were able to effectively distinguish MCG from CG with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 97.5 % and a predictive rate (Q2) of 94.5 %. Additionally, using the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm, we accurately classified MCG samples aged 5–20 years into three distinct groups with an accuracy of 96.0 %. In contrast, the ginsenoside content analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography only provided broad categories for species and age groups. The terahertz method proved to be a fast and time-saving technique without the need for additional preparation. This method not only enables the differentiation of MCG from CG, but also allows for age-based categorization. [Display omitted] • Terahertz method developed to differentiate mountain-cultivated and cultivated ginseng. • The age identification of mountain cultivated ginseng was investigated. • The method is rapid with microgram samples, without additional extraction. • The results suggests longer growing ginseng possesses more bioactive components. • The method is comparable to the analytical method based on HPLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryopreservation in dimethyl sulfoxide and storage at -80 °C extends the shelf life of platelets to at least 2 years, allowing greater availability in rural and military areas. While cryopreserved platelets (CPPs) have been extensively characterized for coagulation and thrombin generation, reports on the mechanism of adverse reactions to CPPs transfusion are scarce. Here, we tested the hypothesis that CPPs facilitate phagocytosis by Kupffer cells and subsequently promote the inflammatory response in Kupffer cells.Study Design and Methods: P-selectin expression, glycoprotein Ibα clustering and phosphatidylserine (PS) surface exposure on platelets stored at 22 °C, 4 °C and - 80 °C for 3 days were examined by flow cytometry. The phagocytosis of mepacrine-labeled platelets coincubated with THP-1 cells was examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, and the release of cytokines from THP-1 cells was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: CPPs showed a marked enhancement of exposed PS but dramatically reduced glycoprotein Ibα expression and clustering compared with platelets stored at 4 °C. Activation of THP-1 cells was stronger by CPPs than by platelets stored at 22 °C and 4 °C. CPP interference tests using annexin V and anti-P-selectin showed that CPPs induced increases in PS- and P-selectin-mediated phagocytosis, as well as secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins IL-1β and IL-6, but a decrease in transforming growth factor-β production in THP-1 cells. Surface-exposed PS was more effective than P-selectin for the activation of THP-1 cells.Conclusion: CPPs triggered PS and P-selectin-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages and stimulated the inflammatory response of macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquake-triggered landslides (EQTLs) are affected by both seismogenic faults and topography. Using landslide data associated with the 2008 MW7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, the distribution characteristics of EQTLs were identified. And the influence of topographical changes and fault dip angle changes on the distribution of EQTLs was analyzed. Fault dip angle had a controlling impact on EQTL spatial distribution. When the dip angle increased, EQTL distribution was concentrated in a certain range on both sides of the fault and decayed rapidly with distance from the fault. When dip angle decreased, the hanging wall effect became more obvious, and the number of landslides on the hanging wall gradually decreased with distance from the fault. In terms of topography, EQTLs were closely related to relative elevation differences, forming a single peak for a local relief range of 400–1600 m. For > 70% of statistical units, EQTL density increased with local relief; the landslide distribution conformed to an exponential relationship with relief. Peak local relief and dominant local relief were highly negatively correlated with fault dip angle. Fault geometry and motion characteristics control the propagation of seismic waves, directly affecting the distribution of EQTLs; moreover, as tectonic activity controls local relief, it also indirectly affects the distribution of EQTLs. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the rapid assessment of EQTL distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tian Shan is one of the most active intracontinental orogenic belts in the world. It has undergone complex deformation that has resulted in the formation of several fold-and-thrust belts (FTBs) in the piedmonts and intermontane basins. Investigating the deformation histories of these FTBs is important for understanding the tectonic propagation processes of the Tian Shan. Here, we gain insight into these crustal shortening processes by deciphering the Houyanshan structure, a typical fold-thrust belt in the eastern Chinese Tian Shan. We first describe a curved thrust ramp and related fold pairs of the structure using high-resolution remote sensing photography, deformation of fluvial terraces, and field-based geological cross-section. Combined with deformed terrace records and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating results, the kinematic style allows us to yield a geologic shortening rate of 1.6 ± 0.2 mm/a since ~52 ka. Second, to reduce uncertainty in the seismic interpretation and quantify the amount and time of crustal shortening, we interpret three seismic reflection profiles by using the theory of quantitative fault-related fold, area-depth-strain (ADS), and reverse modeling analyses. These profiles provide direct evidence that this structure connects by means of a listric thrust ramp to a shallow detachment level. ADS analysis reveals that the maximum shortening of the Huoyanshan structure is ~4.5 km, which is consistent with the result of quantitative inverse modeling. Each of the structural analysis methods gives similar parameters, and the high consistency of results greatly improves the soundness of a given geologic interpretation. Finally, the shortening rate and total shortening amount suggest that the structure may have formed at 1.8–3.7 Ma, which is nearly synchronous around the Tibetan Plateau. Together, these results indicate that this combined geological and geomorphological analysis provides greater insight into deformation information than can be achieved by any individual technique in studying fold-and-thrust belts worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fascinating dielectric property of relaxor ferroelectrics is investigated on the basis of phase-transition dynamics within the mean-field theory. With a power-law distribution of the Curie temperature for the second order phase transition ferroelectrics, the complex dielectric permittivity is derived. The result shows that the modified Curie–Weiss relation in the paraelectric phase follows the power-law distribution directly. The significant conclusion is that the "rediscovered" distributed Curie temperature can describe the universal dielectric dispersion for both real part and imaginary part of dielectric permittivity with temperature and frequency in relaxor ferroelectrics, and it conforms well to experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of social media in contributing to participatory democracy in a cross-national context. By examining the Sunflower social movement in Taiwan and targeting a particular subgroup—Taiwanese citizens abroad—this study assesses factors that influence citizens abroad to engage in social media use for social movements as well as how different activities on social media contribute to political participation. The findings show that individual’s personal attitude and civic attitude exert a positive influence on political participation through opinion expression and activism on social media. Similarly, negative emotions toward the government’s handling of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) also promote political participation through expressing opinion and joining movement-related groups on social media. The paths signify the importance of attitude, emotion, and active use of social media for social movement in cross-national mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate door-to-puncture time (DPT) and door-to-recanalization time (DRT) without directing healthcare by neuro-interventionalist support in the emergency department (ED) by workflow optimization and improving patients' outcomes.Methods: Records of 98 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who had undergone endovascular therapy (EVT) between 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed in a single-center study. Patients were divided into three groups: pre-intervention (2018-2019), interim-intervention (2020), and post-intervention (January 1st 2021 to August 16th, 2021). We compared door-to-puncture time, door-to-recanalization time (DRT), puncture-to-recanalization time (PRT), last known normal time to-puncture time (LKNPT), and patient outcomes (measured by 3 months modified Rankin Scale) between three groups using descriptive statistics.Results: Our findings indicate that process optimization measures could shorten DPT, DRT, PRT, and LKNPT. Median LKNPT was shortened by 70 min from 325 to 255 min(P < 0.05), and DPT was shortened by 119 min from 237 to 118 min. DRT shortened by 132 min from 338 to 206 min, and PRT shortened by 33 min from 92 to 59 min from the pre-intervention to post-intervention groups (all P < 0.05). Only 21.4% of patients had a favorable outcome in the pre-intervention group as compared to 55.6% in the interventional group (P= 0.026).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that multidisciplinary cooperation was associated with shortened DPT, DRT, PRT, and LKNPT despite challenges posed to the healthcare system such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These practice paradigms may be transported to other stroke centers and healthcare providers to improve endovascular time metrics and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. A radius neck fracture in children is a common fracture that not only affects the growth and development of children but also has a certain impact on the function of children's elbow joints. Objective. To probe into the application value of ultrasonography- (US-) guided combination with elbow arthrography in the minimally invasive treatment of radial neck fractures in young children, summarize its clinical effect and provide a minimally invasive, safe, effective, and reliable method for treating radial neck fractures in young children. Methods. Seventy-three patients with type III or IV radial neck fractures were treated from June 2013 to December 2020 and were divided into the Métaizeau group (n = 31 , treatment group) and Kirschner wire (k -wire) k -wire group (n = 42 , control group). The Métaizeau group was given US-guided combination with elbow arthrography-assisted modified Métaizeau technique, the k -wire group received open reduction and internal fixation with k -wire and compared the surgical effect of the two groups. Results. In comparison with the k -wire group, time of operation, intraoperative bleeding volume, and hospital stay were signally junior to those in the Métaizeau group (P < 0.05). After surgery, in comparison with the k -wire group, the number of degrees to contralateral flexion or forearm rotation was visually lower in the Métaizeau group (P < 0.05), and postoperative complication incidence in the Métaizeau group was visually lower than that in k -wire group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. In the minimally invasive treatment of radial neck fractures, US-guided combination with elbow arthrography in young children has better efficacy and high safety. It can be widely promoted and applied clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Coal fly ash by NaOH roasting enhances the volatilization of mercury at lower temperatures. • More water-soluble arsenic and selenium compounds are generated by NaOH roasting. • More acid-soluble lead and cadmium compounds are obtained by NaOH roasting. • NaOH roasting can effectively improve the recovery of rare earth elements in coal fly ash. Coal fly ash (CFA) has been considered an important alternative resource for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical metals such as Ge, Ga, U, etc. Concerns regarding the migration and transformation of harmful trace elements (HTEs: Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, Cr) from CFA to the environment are of great significance for the technical design of the recovery of REEs from CFA as well as its economic evaluation and environmental impact assessment. Here, the migration and transformation of these HTEs during the recovery of REEs from CFA activated by NaOH roasting were investigated. The recovery of REEs from CFA was above 90% under the conditions of the alkali-to-ash ratio of 1.2 and roasting temperature of 318 °C. In the NaOH roasting process, mercury compounds, i.e., Hg 2 Cl 2 , HgCl 2 , and HgSO 4 , were converted into HgO, which was then partially reduced to elemental Hg (Hg0) in the water generated during the roasting process and promoted the release of Hg from CFA. In addition, other HTEs, e.g., As, Se, Pb, Cd, and Cr, were also transformed into compounds during the NaOH roasting process that were easier to be leached out during the following water and acid leaching process compared to that without the roasting process. For example, As compounds (As 2 O 5 , As 2 O 3 , Ca 3 (AsO 4) 2 , and FeAsO 4) were converted into Na 3 AsO 4. Se compounds (Se, SeO 2 , and CaSeO 3) were converted into Na 2 SeO 3. PbSO 4 and PbCl 2 were converted into PbO. CdCl 2 and CdSO 4 were converted into CdO. CrO 3 , CrCl 3 , and Cr 2 (SO 4) 3 were converted into Na 2 CrO 4 and NaCrO 2. The experimental results of this work provided insights into understanding the migration and transformation of these HTEs and the associated leaching behavior during the recovery of REEs from CFA activated using a NaOH roasting approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients can be at risk of carotid artery dissection and ischemic stroke after cervical chiropractic manipulation. However, such risks are rarely reported and raising awareness can increase the safety of chiropractic manipulations. Case Report: We present two middle-aged patients with carotid artery dissection leading to ischemic stroke after receiving chiropractic manipulation in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. Both patients had new-onset pain in their necks after receiving chiropractic manipulations. Excess physical force during chiropractic manipulation may present a risk to patients. Patient was administered with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator after radiological diagnoses. They were prescribed 100 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg daily for 3 months as dual antiplatelet therapy. There were no complications over the follow-up period. Conclusion: These cases suggest that dissection of the carotid artery can occur as the result of chiropractic manipulations. Patients should be diagnosed and treated early to achieve positive outcomes. The safety of chiropractic manipulations should be increased by raising awareness about the potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developing novel catalysts with tailorable structure and morphology is recognized as a promising strategy in environmental catalysis. • Catalyst pore structure plays a major role in improving the structural stability, substance migration and transport, and specific surface area. • The catalytic activity and N 2 selectivity can be enhanced via pore structure and morphology tuning. • Adjusting the exposure degree and crystal phase of specific crystal facets allows for precise control of catalyst activity and N 2 selectivity. • Tailoring structure and morphology is an effective and economical method to overcome the bottlenecks in the development of deNO x catalysts. The increasing severity of nitrogen oxide (NO x) pollution has drawn significant attention to the development of novel and promising flue gas denitrification technologies. Among them, the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology has been widely applied in flue gas denitrification for coal-fired power plants, waste incineration facilities, steel mills and other industries. Developing novel catalysts with controllable structure and tailorable morphology is recognized as one of the most challenging strategies in environmental catalysis. From both macro- and microscopic perspectives, this review summarizes the recent progress in the structure of NH 3 -SCR catalysts, with an emphasis on classification, synthesis methods, catalytic performance as well as structure-performance relationships, and the findings in the crystal morphology, along with the development trends related to SCR catalysts. This work can provide a guideline for optimizing SCR catalyst design and performance in different industrial fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Two major forms of inherited J-wave syndrome (JWS) are recognized: early repolarization syndrome (ERS) and Brugada syndrome (BrS).Objectives: This study sought to assess the distinct features between patients with ERS and BrS carrying pathogenic variants in SCN5A.Methods: Clinical evaluation and next-generation sequencing were performed in 262 probands with BrS and 104 with ERS. Nav1.5 and Kv4.3 channels were studied with the use of patch-clamp techniques. A computational model was used to investigate the protein structure.Results: The SCN5A+ yield in ERS was significantly lower than in BrS (9.62% vs 22.90%; P = 0.004). Patients diagnosed with ERS displayed shorter QRS and QTc than patients with BrS. More than 2 pathogenic SCN5A variants were found in 5 probands. These patients displayed longer PR intervals and QRS duration and experienced more major arrhythmia events (MAE) compared with those carrying only a single pathogenic variant. SCN5A-L1412F, detected in a fever-induced ERS patient, led to total loss of function, destabilized the Nav1.5 structure, and showed a dominant-negative effect, which was accentuated during a febrile state. ERS-related SCN5A-G452C did not alter the inward sodium current (INa) when SCN5A was expressed alone, but when coexpressed with KCND3 it reduced peak INa by 44.52% and increased the transient outward potassium current (Ito) by 106.81%.Conclusions: These findings point to SCN5A as a major susceptibility gene in ERS as much as it is in BrS, whereas the lower SCN5A+ ratio in ERS indicates the difference in underlying electrophysiology. These findings also identify the first case of fever-induced ERS and demonstrate a critical role of Ito in JWS and a higher risk for MAE in JWS probands carrying multiple pathogenic variants in SCN5A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a model of learning dynamics and learning energy, one that analyzes learning systems scientifically. This model makes response to the learner action by means of some equations relating to learning dynamics, learning energy, learning speed, learning force, and learning acceleration, which is analogous to the notion of Newtonian mechanics in some way; therefore, this model is named Learning Response Dynamics. First, in this paper, the relationship between learning dynamics and learning speed has been investigated in a learning system, and then the changes of learning energy are inferred from the relationships obtained. The learning effect is estimated according to the changes of the learning energy. Based on the learning portfolios of the learners, the model is designed to investigate the changes of learning speed over time. Various dynamics will influence the learning speed. These dynamics include the traits of the learners, the traits of the learning materials, and the stimulation of the learning activities. How to use different dynamics to motivate the learners is crucial to the success of learning. This model converts the factors in a learning system to quantified and comprehensible data, deducing the relationships between those factors. It makes the study of the learning system more efficient and scientific. With the experience of the two-year ongoing experiments on distance learning, and with the learning information discovered from the web-based-distance-class learners'' learning portfolios by means of data mining techniques, the learning model mentioned above is inferred, tested and verified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries involve a reversible conversion reaction between sulfur and lithium sulfide (Li2S) via a series of soluble lithium polysulfide intermediates (LiPSs), enabling a high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g–1. However, this process exhibits large polarization and low sulfur utilization and suffers critical capacity fade. The primary approach to tackle the problem has so far been to infiltrate sulfur into nanostructured carbon. However, most studies using porous carbon as host materials have tested with high electrolyte to sulfur ratios (E/S) (generally > 15 µL mg−1) that compromise the cell‐level energy density. Here, a flower‐shaped porous carbon structure with nickel nanoparticles that can address the problems discussed above is designed. First, the 3D flower‐shaped carbon structure enables short ionic transport lengths. Second, the small pore diameters <10 nm and high specific surface areas > 3300 m2 g−1 with sufficient pore volume are ideal for charging performance for low E/S ratios. Finally, Ni nanoparticles are employed onto the flower‐shaped network to improve the reaction kinetics. Collectively, it is successfully demonstrated that the batteries with a high mass loading of 5 mg cm−2 and a 5 µL mg−1 E/S ratio can retain cycle retention of 70% after 150 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell and water relationship regulates morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics to optimize carboxylation for enhanced biomass yield in sugarcane. Insufficient water irrigation is one of the serious problems to impair potential yield of agriculturally important sugarcane cash crop by loss in plant performance. Our study aims to reveal consequences of foliar spray of silicon (Si) using calcium metasilicate powder (Wollastonite, CaO.SiO 2) to alleviate the adverse effects of limited water irrigation in sugarcane. Silicon (0, 50, 100 and 500 ppm) was applied as foliar spray on normally grown 45 days old sugarcane plants. Further, these plants were raised at half field capacity (50%) using water irrigation precisely up to 90 days under open environmental variables. Consequently, restricted irrigation impaired plant growth-development, leaf relative water content (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD unit, photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll fluorescence variable yield (Fv/Fm) and biomass yield. Notably, it has enhanced values of proline, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidative defense enzyme molecules viz., catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The foliar spray of Si defended sugarcane plants from limited water irrigation stress as Si quenched harmful effect of water-deficit and also enhanced the operation of antioxidant defense machinery for improved sugarcane plant performance suitably favored stomatal dynamics for photosynthesis and plant productivity. • Silicon enhances biomass productivity, tolerance to environmental stresses and protection. • Foliar application of Si mitigated negative impacts of limited water irrigation. • Si quenches harmful effects of water-deficit with operation of antioxidant defense machinery. • Silicon extends photosynthetic performance in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground deformation is usually used as direct evidence for early warning of geological hazards. The Weihe Graben, located in the southern margin of the Ordos Plateau, is surrounded by many active faults. Earthquakes (e.g., the 1556 Huaxian M 8 earthquake), mine accidents and ground fissures are the major hazards that pose great threats to this densely populated region. In order to characterise both tectonic and anthropogenic activities in the Weihe Graben, we use Envisat data from 2003 to 2010 and Sentinel-1 data from 2014 to 2021, combined with levelling data from 1970 to 2014, to investigate the long-term ground deformation. We generate four InSAR rate maps using the small-baseline subset (SBAS) algorithm. The uncertainties of the InSAR rates are 1–2 mm/year by calculating the differences between the InSAR and levelling measurements. From the deformation time series, we found that most of the faults surrounding the Weihe Graben move at a relatively slow rate (<3 mm/year). Elastic dislocation modelling based on the InSAR and levelling data yields a slip rate of 2.3 ± 0.3 mm/year for the Huashan Fault, the seismogenic fault for the 1556 Huaxian earthquake. Anthropogenic deformation is much stronger than the tectonic deformation. We identified localised subsidence of 12 mines with a deformation rate ranging from 5 to 17 mm/year. The cities of Xi'an and Xianyang also show evident subsidence, which is likely to be caused by groundwater extraction. Land subsidence in Xi'an has slowed down from an average rate of 10–20 mm/year between 2003 and 2010 to about 5–10 mm/year between 2017 and 2020, but in Xianyang, subsidence has increased dramatically in the past five years from 1 mm/year to 7 mm/year. This is because new industrial and urban development centres have gradually moved from Xi'an to Xianyang. We identified a region bounded by the Kouzhen-Guanshan and Fufeng-Liquan Faults with strong subsidence, as a result of excessive extraction of groundwater. To quantify the effects of crustal groundwater unloading on faults, we calculated the static Coulomb stress changes on the two faults and found that Coulomb stress changes are localised in the upper 5 km with a magnitude of 0.01–0.02 bar/year. The Coulomb stress changes might be large enough (0.1 bar) to affect local seismicity if such excessive extraction of groundwater continued for 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impact from hydrological change was overwhelming relative to climate factors. • Dry season advanced by one month due to the impoundment in TGD. • Bank storage is meant to block the discharge from alluvial aquifer to river. • Recovery of the groundwater storage deficit would be harder than the surface water. In low-lying fluvial-lacustrine plain, anthropogenic activities and climatic variation could have a comprehensive influence on the interactions between surface water and groundwater (SW-GW) involving lake-river-aquifer. Quantification of the changes in SW-GW interaction in spatial and temporal scale causing by the two driving sources could help to the understanding of the regional water cycle mechanism and the adjustment of the decision making. However, it is usually difficult to distinguish the impact of anthropogenic activities from the climatic variation on a regional scale. Here, by using a regional three-dimensional groundwater numerical model with long term monitoring of the hydrological dynamic in Poyang Lake Basin (PLB), China, we found that groundwater storage variation in the bank storage districts can be used as an indicator to quantify each source and sink in the process of SW-GW interactions. And surface water infiltration plays a more dominant role in constructing bank storage which is meant to preserve groundwater storage. Our research in PLB demonstrates that the hydrological change caused by the operation of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) since 2003 is mainly responsible for the autumn drought in PLB. The surface water recession due to the impoundment in TGD from September to October has an impact about 7 times stronger than the rainfall reduction. Moreover, the groundwater storage deficit caused by the insufficient recharge from the surface water infiltration would maintain the whole year, unlike the surface water system which would easily recover at the end of the year. The results demonstrate the chain interactions among lake-river-aquifer. Failing to distinguish the magnitude of each influence factor may lead to underestimating the impact on the whole water system. The results also highlight the function and the vulnerability of the groundwater system which might be vital to the riparian and estuarine-wetland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]