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Two novel tetra‐ and hepta‐nuclear Ni(II) salamo‐type clusters, [Ni4(L)2(μ2‐Cl)2(μ3‐OH)2(EtOH)2]⋅4CH2Cl2 (1) and [Ni7(L)3(μ3‐OEt)2(μ3‐OH)6(EtOH)2] (2), were constructed by modulating different anions (Cl− and NO3−). X‐ray crystallographic researches revealed that cluster 1 is a tetranuclear cluster consisting of a symmetric binuclear structure in which chloride ions are involved in coordination. Although cluster 2 consists of seven Ni(II) ions, three deprotonated (L)2− parts, two μ3‐ethoxy groups, six μ3‐OH− anions, and two coordinated ethanol molecules, in which it is quite rare for a large number of water molecules to be deprotonated to participate in the bridging of the cluster due to the alkaline environment. TEM electron scanning displayed the distinct shapes. Comparison of DFT calculations revealed that cluster 2 is less chemically reactive and more kinetically stable, which is in accordance with the analytical results of weak interactions, where the stronger weak interaction forces were presented, the more stable the molecule is. Finally, a comparative analysis of UV–Vis, IR, and fluorescence spectra were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders, and affects many people's daily activities. Although the pathogenesis and treatments of anxiety disorder have been studied for several decades, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we provide evidence that olfactory stimuli with inhaled linalool or 2-phenylethanol decreased mouse anxiety-like behaviors and increased the activities of hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs). RNA-sequencing analysis identified retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, which is a critical pathway for mood regulation and neuron activation, is altered in the hippocampus of both linalool- and 2-phenylethanol-exposed mice. Further studies found that selective inhibition of endocannabinoid signaling by injecting rimonabant abolished the activation of DGCs and the anxiolytic effect induced by linalool or 2-phenylethanol. Together, these results uncovered a novel mechanism by which linalool or 2-phenylethanol decreases mouse anxiety-like behaviors and increases DG activity likely through activating hippocampal retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely detected in pregnant women and associated with adverse outcomes related to impaired placental function. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone that can indicate placental toxicity. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to quantify the association of serum PFAS with placental hCG, measured as an intact molecule (hCG), as free alpha- (hCGα) and beta-subunits (hCGβ), and as a hyperglycosylated form (h-hCG), and evaluate effect measure modification by social determinants and by fetal sex. METHODS: Data were collected from 326 pregnant women enrolled from 2015 to 2019 in the UPSIDE study in Rochester, New York. hCG forms were normalized for gestational age at the time of blood draw in the first trimester [multiple of the median (MoM)]. Seven PFAS were measured in second-trimester maternal serum. Multivariate imputation by chained equations and inverse probability weighting were used to evaluate robustness of linear associations. PFAS mixture effects were estimated by Bayesian kernel machine regression. RESULTS: Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) [hCGβ: 0.29 log MoM units per log PFHxS; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.51] and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (hCG: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.16, -0.02) were associated with hCG in the single chemical and mixture analyses. The PFAS mixture was negatively associated with hCGα and positively with hCGβ. Subgroup analyses revealed that PFAS associations with hCG differed by maternal race/ethnicity and education. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was associated with hCGβ only in Black participants (-0.23; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.09) and in participants with high school education or less (-0.14; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.02); conversely, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was negatively associated with hCGα only in White participants (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.27, -0.03) and with hCGβ only in participants with a college education or greater (-0.19; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.01). These findings were robust to testing for selection bias, confounding bias, and left truncation bias where PFAS detection frequency was <100%. Two associations were negative in male (and null in female) pregnancies: Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) with hCGα, and PFNA with h-hCG. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence was strongest for the association between PFHxS and PFDA with hCG in all participants and for PFPeA and PFNA within subgroups defined by social determinants and fetal sex. PFAS mixture associations with hCGα and hCGβ differed, suggesting subunit-specific types of toxicity and/or regulation. Future studies will evaluate the biological, clinical and public health significance of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a new splitting method for the semi-linear system of ordinary differential equation, where the linear part is stiff. Firstly, the stiff part is split into two parts. The first stiff part, that is called the stiff-cutter and expected to be easily inverted, is implicitly treated. The second stiff part and the remaining nonlinear part are explicitly treated. Therefore, such stiff-cut method can be fast implemented and save the CPU time. Theoretically, we rigorously prove that the proposed method is unconditionally stable and convergent, if the stiff-cutter is chosen to be well-matched in the stiff part. As an application, we apply our method to solve a spatial-fractional reaction-diffusion equation and give a way for how to choose a suitable stiff-cutter. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed stiff-cut method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of modern industrial production equipment developing towards the direction of structure, automation, and intelligence, motor is still the main power output equipment. If the data flow classification occurs during the operation of the motor, it will lead to problems such as the reduction of its operation efficiency and the increase in system energy consumption. In serious cases, it will even cause motor damage, and the overall system equipment will be shut down for maintenance for a long time, resulting in serious economic losses. Therefore, the research on intelligent multilabel data stream classification technology of motor is of great significance to ensure the stability and reliability of efficient operation of production equipment. In order to improve the recognition efficiency and accuracy of ms-1dcnn's multilabel data stream classification method in the environment of variable motor conditions and strong noise interference, a multiscale feature fusion framework is constructed based on the residual network structure. The implementation principles of two kinds of attention mechanism algorithms, squeeze and excitation module and convolution attention module, are studied, respectively. The attention module suitable for one-dimensional residual network is designed and embedded into the residual module to build a multiscale attention residual network model. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model are verified by using the experimental platform data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Binuclear and trinuclear Ni(II) complexes of asymmetrical salamo-based ligand was constructed. • The effects of counteranions and solvents on the two Ni(II) complexes were investigated. • Theoretical calculations have verified the stability and electroneutrality of the Ni(II) complexes. An asymmetrical salamo-based ligand H 2 L was synthesized, its binuclear and trinuclear Ni(II) complexes, [Ni 2 L 2 (MeOH) 2 ] (1) and [{NiL(EtOH)(μ -OAc)} 2 Ni]∙2EtOH (2), were obtained firstly by adding a certain amount of Ni(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O/Ni(OAc) 2 ·4H 2 O solution to the ligand H 2 L methanol/ethanol solution, respectively. The binuclear complex 1 consists of two utterly deprotonated (L)2- anions, two Ni(II) ions, and two methanol solvents. However, complex 2 consists of two utterly deprotonated (L)2- anions, three Ni(II) ions, two μ -OAc- counter-ions, and two ethanol molecules. The reason why the two complex′s crystal structures have different nucleation numbers and geometries is likely owing to the different reaction solvents and Ni(II) salts applied in single crystal cultivation. The complexes were elucidated via Infrared spectral analysis and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. Using DFT theoretical calculation, Molecular electrostatic potential, Interaction Region Indicator and Hirshfeld surface analysis to analyze further the molecular interactions and reaction sites. Ultimately, the fluorescence characteristics of H 2 L and its complexes 1 and 2 were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the numerical discretization of two-dimensional fractional Laplacian diffusion equations. After discretizing the space derivative, we split the discrete fractional Laplacian into two parts. One is the τ preconditioner multiplying a constant, solved using the leap-frog scheme, while the other part and the remaining nonlinear term are treated with an explicit scheme. This results in what is termed the stiff-cut leap-frog scheme, which is more efficient than the traditional leap-frog scheme. The main advantage of the proposed scheme is that the coefficient matrices of the generated linear systems belong to τ algebra, which can be diagonalized by fast discrete sine transform with the complexity of O (N log N) , where N is the freedom of unknowns. Hence, no iterative method is required at each time integration. Moreover, we theoretically prove that the proposed scheme is unconditionally stable and converges in second order. Ultimately, numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the precision and effectiveness of the stiff-cut leap-frog scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), an important cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), is considered the pathological basis for various spinal degenerative diseases. A series of factors, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, autophagy, abnormal mechanical stress, nutritional deficiency, and genetics, lead to reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and accelerate IDD progression. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a vital role in diverse degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that mTOR signalling is involved in the regulation of autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, ECM homeostasis, cellular senescence, and apoptosis in IVD cells. Accordingly, we reviewed the mechanism of mTOR signalling in the pathogenesis of IDD to provide innovative ideas for future research and IDD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight loss interventions focus on dietary and physical activity changes to induce weight loss. Both through weight loss and independent of it, diet quality is important for reducing chronic disease risk. However, whether and how diet quality changes over the course of a behavioral intervention is unclear. To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effect of behavioral interventions on diet quality as defined by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) among adults with overweight and obesity. PubMed, Ebscohost CINAHL, Embase, OVID APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through May 2021. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trial design, a primary or secondary aim of weight loss, a sample of US adults with overweight or obesity, measurement using the HEI-2005, 2010, or 2015, and assessment of the time by treatment effect. Interventions must have included behavioral components and lasted at least 3 months. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. The systematic review protocol was published on Open Science Framework. Of 3,707 citations retrieved, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. A wide array of behavioral interventions were assessed, including in-person and mobile health interventions as well as those prescribing intake of specific foods. Risk of bias in the included studies primarily arose from the measurement of the outcome variable. Sample sizes ranged from 34 to 413 participants. Nine studies used multiple dietary recalls, with few using the recommended method of Healthy Eating Index calculation. Changes in diet quality ranged from no improvement to a 20-point improvement. More often, improvement was in the 4- to 7-point range. The evidence for the efficacy of behavioral weight loss interventions for improving diet quality among adults with overweight and obesity is limited. Modest improvements in HEI scores were observed in the reviewed studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the air coherent detection of the terahertz (THz) technique, a high voltage signal with a square waveform offers a modulated biased field over the air sensor. In this technique, a temporal THz waveform can be obtained routinely. However, its field strength has to be calibrated separately by other techniques. In this paper, we propose a method to calibrate the field strength of the THz pulse by means of applying a positive square wave instead of an alternating square wave as the modulated biased field. In this method, the ratio of the THz signal to the background signal is used for the calibration of the field strength of the THz pulse. Using this method, both the waveform and the electric field strength of the THz pulse can be easily obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain is a common symptom of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The abnormal apoptosis and senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of IDD. Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are polyphenolic compounds with anti-apoptosis and anti-aging effects. However, their functions in NP cells are not yet clear. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the effects of PACs on NP cell apoptosis and aging and the underlying mechanisms of action. Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The apoptosis rate was determined TUNEL assays. Levels of apoptosis-associated molecules (Bcl-2, Bax, C-caspase-3 and Caspase-9) were evaluated via western blot. The senescence was observed through SA-β-gal staining and western blotting analysis was performed to observe the expression of senescence-related molecules (p-P53, P53, P21 and P16). Pretreatment with PACs exhibited protective effects against IL-1β-induced NP cell apoptosis including apoptosis rate, expressions of proapoptosis and antiapoptosis related genes and protein. PACs could also alleviate the increase of p-p53, P21, and P16 in IL-1β-treated NP cells. SA-β-gal staining showed that IL-1β-induced senescence of NP cells was prevented by PACs pertreatment. In addition, PACs activated PI3K/Akt pathway in IL-1β-stimulated NP cells. However, these protected effects were inhibited after LY294002 treatment. The results of the present study showed that PACs inhibit IL-1β-induced apoptosis and aging of NP cells by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and suggested that PACs have therapeutic potential for IDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) overuse is associated with decreased bone mass and osseous vasculature destruction, leading to severe osteoporosis. Platelet lysates (PL) as a pool of growth factors (GFs) were widely used in local bone repair by its potent pro-regeneration and pro-angiogenesis. However, it is still seldom applied for treating systemic osteopathia due to the lack of a suitable delivery strategy. The non-targeted distribution of GFs might cause tumorigenesis in other organs. Results: In this study, PL-derived exosomes (PL-exo) were isolated to enrich the platelet-derived GFs, followed by conjugating with alendronate (ALN) grafted PEGylated phospholipid (DSPE-PEG-ALN) to establish a bone-targeting PL-exo (PL-exo-ALN). The in vitro hydroxyapatite binding affinity and in vivo bone targeting aggregation of PL-exo were significantly enhanced after ALN modification. Besides directly modulating the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), respectively, PL-exo-ALN also facilitate their coupling under GCs' stimulation. Additionally, intravenous injection of PL-exo-ALN could successfully rescue GCs induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in vivo. Conclusions: PL-exo-ALN may be utilized as a novel nanoplatform for precise infusion of GFs to bone sites and exerts promising therapeutic potential for GIOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) overuse is associated with decreased bone mass and osseous vasculature destruction, leading to severe osteoporosis. Platelet lysates (PL) as a pool of growth factors (GFs) were widely used in local bone repair by its potent pro-regeneration and pro-angiogenesis. However, it is still seldom applied for treating systemic osteopathia due to the lack of a suitable delivery strategy. The non-targeted distribution of GFs might cause tumorigenesis in other organs. Results: In this study, PL-derived exosomes (PL-exo) were isolated to enrich the platelet-derived GFs, followed by conjugating with alendronate (ALN) grafted PEGylated phospholipid (DSPE-PEG-ALN) to establish a bone-targeting PL-exo (PL-exo-ALN). The in vitro hydroxyapatite binding affinity and in vivo bone targeting aggregation of PL-exo were significantly enhanced after ALN modification. Besides directly modulating the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), respectively, PL-exo-ALN also facilitate their coupling under GCs’ stimulation. Additionally, intravenous injection of PL-exo-ALN could successfully rescue GCs induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in vivo. Conclusions: PL-exo-ALN may be utilized as a novel nanoplatform for precise infusion of GFs to bone sites and exerts promising therapeutic potential for GIOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A salamo-type probe NJS was designed and synthesized. • The probe NJS was used to detect B 4 O 7 2− ions by colorimetric and fluorescence dual-channel. • The probe NJS can detect B 4 O 7 2− ions in real water samples. • The NJS probe can be mounted on a portable test strip as well as a swab for the actual testing of B 4 O 7 2− ions. A novel yet facile dual-channel salamo-type fluorescent probe NJS was synthesized successfully in this study. The probe NJS can efficiently detect B 4 O 7 2− ions through colorimetric and fluorescent dual channels. Under sunlight, when B 4 O 7 2− ionic solution was added to NJS solution, the mixed solution became a distinct yellow color, in sharp contrast to other anions. The fluorescence detection results showed that fluorescence strength of probe NJS is increased in a short time with the increasement of B 4 O 7 2− ion content. In addition, the detection limit LOD of probe NJS for B 4 O 7 2− ions was 2.81 × 10−8 M and the binding constant Ka was 2.20 × 104 M −1 by fluorescence titration. According to nuclear magnetic titration and relevant DFT calculations, it was speculated that after adding B 4 O 7 2− ions into the probe solution, the probe NJS is deprotonated, triggering ICT and FRET effect, resulting in an increase of fluorescence intensity accompanied by redshift, and achieving the specific recognition of B 4 O 7 2− ions by probe NJS. Finally, the practical application of probe NJS was studied. It was found that the probe can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of B 4 O 7 2− ions through swab, paper test and actual water sample experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fluorescent probe Cu–ZTS single crystals with ESIPT and ICT effect coupling system were synthesized. • Cu–ZTS Dual-Channel fluorescence and colorimetric identification of S2- by fluorescence enhancement and peak shifting. • The identification is characterized by high selectivity, fast reaction speed and low detection limit. • Theoretical calculations were carried out and good results were obtained from test paper tests and actual water sample tests. A new double-salamo-type tetranuclear copper complex [Cu 4 (L) 2 ](ClO 4) 2 .2CH 2 Cl 2 was designed and prepared, in which the metal atoms in the complex crystals have two different coordination systems, forming a symmetric structure as a whole. As a complex probe molecule, the addition of S2- in solution can achieve a red shift in the fluorescence spectrum, revealing bright green fluorescence, colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel specific recognition ability and excellent anti-interference ability. The probe can be used to detect S2- by adding acidic and alkaline solutions to adjust the pH of the system for several cycles, which is suitable for ion recognition in most organisms and environments under pH conditions. The working mechanism of S2-recognition by Cu–ZTS was determined to be a synergistic action of ESIPT effect and ICT effect by correlation spectroscopy experiments, HR-MS and XPS tests, and this conclusion was subsequently further verified using theoretical calculations. Finally, the probe molecule showed good practical application value, and the portable test strips were prepared to qualitatively detect the ions, and by testing four different water samples, it was shown that the quantitative recognition of S2- could be realized almost without interference in real water samples. It proves that the coordination probe molecule has good prospects for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fluorescent probe Cu–ZTS single crystals with ESIPT and ICT effect coupling system were synthesized. • Cu–ZTS Dual-Channel fluorescence and colorimetric identification of S2- by fluorescence enhancement and peak shifting. • The identification is characterized by high selectivity, fast reaction speed and low detection limit. • Theoretical calculations were carried out and good results were obtained from test paper tests and actual water sample tests. A new double-salamo-type tetranuclear copper complex [Cu 4 (L) 2 ](ClO 4) 2 .2CH 2 Cl 2 was designed and prepared, in which the metal atoms in the complex crystals have two different coordination systems, forming a symmetric structure as a whole. As a complex probe molecule, the addition of S2- in solution can achieve a red shift in the fluorescence spectrum, revealing bright green fluorescence, colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel specific recognition ability and excellent anti-interference ability. The probe can be used to detect S2- by adding acidic and alkaline solutions to adjust the pH of the system for several cycles, which is suitable for ion recognition in most organisms and environments under pH conditions. The working mechanism of S2-recognition by Cu–ZTS was determined to be a synergistic action of ESIPT effect and ICT effect by correlation spectroscopy experiments, HR-MS and XPS tests, and this conclusion was subsequently further verified using theoretical calculations. Finally, the probe molecule showed good practical application value, and the portable test strips were prepared to qualitatively detect the ions, and by testing four different water samples, it was shown that the quantitative recognition of S2- could be realized almost without interference in real water samples. It proves that the coordination probe molecule has good prospects for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we exploit the Strang splitting technique for solving the multidimensional Allen-Cahn equations with anisotropic spatial fractional Riesz derivatives. Fully discrete numerical methods are proposed using exponential Strang's splitting schemes for the time integration with finite difference discretization in space. It is proved that the proposed methods can preserve the discrete maximum principle unconditionally. Furthermore, the fully discrete methods are theoretically confirmed to be convergent with second-order accuracy in both of time and space. In practical implementation, the proposed algorithms require to compute the matrix exponential associated with only one-dimensional discretized matrices that possess Toeplitz structure. Meanwhile, a fast algorithm is further developed for evaluating the product of the Toeplitz matrix exponential with a vector. Numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gestational weight gain (GWG) range of Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. Our objective was to identify the ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM and to investigate the associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), GWG and maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Cases of GDM women who delivered singletons from 2013 to 2018 in a public hospital were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the joint effects of prepregnancy BMI and GWG on maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Ultimately, 14,578 women were collected. The ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM were different from the National Academy of Medicine's (NAM) recommendation. The ranges of GWG of Chinese women with GDM in the underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 5.95–21.95 kg, 4.23–21.83 kg, 0.88–21.12 kg and − 1.76 to 19.95 kg, respectively. The risks of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and caesarean delivery were significantly increased with the increasing prepregnancy BMI. Furthermore, the risks of LGA, macrosomia and caesarean delivery were significantly higher in the normal weight group with a GWG higher than the NAM recommendation. Similarly, in the overweight group with a GWG higher than the NAM recommendation, the risks of LGA were significantly higher, while the risks of macrosomia were significantly lower. Overall, we determined the range of GWG in different prepregnancy BMI groups. And GDM women with high prepregnancy BMI and excessive GWG were associated with the higher risks of maternal-infants adverse outcomes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel salamo‐Co (II) coordination polymer probe CP was synthesized firstly, and its crystal structure, [Co3(L)2(PTA)(H2O)2]n·4nDMF, was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The probe has a rare aggregation‐induced luminescence enhancement (AIEE) effect. When applied to amino acid detection, it was found to have a high selective recognition of tyrosine. With the increase of tyrosine, the fluorescent strength of the probe was enhanced in a short period of time. In addition, the binding ratio of probe to Tyr was determined by fluorescence titration experiment, and the detection limit LOD of probe CP for Tyr was calculated to be 2.57 × 10−9 M, and the binding constant Ka was 2.96 × 105 M−1. According to UV absorption spectrum, FT‐IR spectra, ESI mass spectrometry, and DFT calculation, it was speculated that Tyr can bind to the probe after adding Tyr into the probe solution, triggering FRET and ICT effects, resulting in increased fluorescence intensity and blue shift, and finally achieving the specific recognition of tyrosine by probe CP. Finally, the practical application of probe CP was studied. Through strip test and real water sample test, it was found that the probe can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of tyrosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A salamo‐type biscompartmental ligand was successfully prepared. On this basis, two novel pentanuclear zinc (II) salamo‐type complexes possessing solvent effect were self‐assembled successfully with different zinc (II) salts: [Zn5(L)2(μ‐OAc)2(CH3COCH3)] (1) and [Zn5(L)2(μ‐OAc)2(CH3CN)] (2). Complex 1 contains two fully deprotonated (L)4− units, five Zn(II) atoms, two coordinating acetate anions, and one coordinating acetone molecule. The zinc (II) atoms are all in a slightly distorted triangular bipyramidal geometrical configurations. Complex 2 consists of two fully deprotonated (L)4− units, five zinc (II) atoms, two coordinating acetate anions and a coordinating acetonitrile molecule. The different structures of the self‐assembling complexes may be attributed to various solvent effects applied in the self‐assembly. As a result, the acetate anions are involved in bridging coordination, thereby expanding the distance between secondary building units (SBUs). In addition, polar nonprotonic solvents, especially acetonitrile and acetone molecules, were involved in the coordination process. Finally, the reaction sites and intermolecular interactions were further discussed by MEP, IRI, and Hirshfeld surfaces, and their fluorescence properties were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salamo‐type ligand H2L was designed and synthesized and reacted with Cu (II) and Zn (II) acetate, respectively, to obtain two binuclear Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes: [Cu2(L)2]·2CH3OH (1) and [Zn2(L)2] (2) having the same coordination number but distinct geometries. Complex 1 is a Cu (II) complex containing two crystalline ethanol molecules, where two Cu (II) atoms are surrounded by two utterly deprotonated (L)2− parts, forming slightly twisted tetragonal pyramidal configurations of pentacoordinate. In complex 2, two utterly deprotonated (L)2− parts surround two Zn (II) atoms, forming pentadentate twisted triangular bipyramidal configurations. The complexes were elucidated via IR analyses and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Using DFT theoretical calculation, MEPs, IRI, and Hirshfeld surface analysis to investigate further the molecular interactions and reaction sites. Ultimately, the fluorescence characteristics of H2L and its complexes 1 and 2 were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a fast numerical method for solving the time-dependent Riesz space fractional diffusion equations with a nonlinear source term in the convex domain. An implicit finite difference method is employed to discretize the Riesz space fractional diffusion equations with a penalty term in a rectangular region by the volume-penalization approach. The stability and the convergence of the proposed method are studied. As the coefficient matrix is with the Toeplitz-like structure, the generalized minimum residual method with a preconditioner based on the sine transform is exploited to solve the discretized linear system, where the preconditioner is constructed in view of the combination of two approximate inverse τ matrices, which can be diagonalized by the sine transform. The spectrum of the preconditioned matrix is also investigated. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the main causes of low back pain (LBP), which severely reduces the quality of life and imposes a heavy financial burden on the families of affected individuals. Current research suggests that IDD is a complex cell-mediated process. Inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mechanical load, telomere shortening, DNA damage, and nutrient deprivation contribute to intervertebral disc cell senescence and changes in matrix metabolism, ultimately causing IDD. Natural products are widespread, structurally diverse, afford unique advantages, and exhibit great potential in terms of IDD treatment. In recent years, increasing numbers of natural ingredients have been shown to inhibit the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells through various modes of action. Here, we review the pharmacological effects of natural products on nucleus pulposus cells and the mechanisms involved. An improved understanding of how natural products target signalling pathways will aid the development of anti-IDD drugs. This review focuses on potential IDD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose first- and second-order exponential scalar auxiliary variable (ESAV) schemes for solving the phase field crystal equation with the periodic boundary condition. Specifically, the scalar auxiliary variable (SAV) in this work is constructed based on an exponential function, which differs from the square root form commonly used in the traditional SAV method. This feature allows the proposed schemes that only need to solve one linear system with constant coefficients at each time step. To construct the first-order ESAV scheme, we utilize the backward Euler method. Combining the ESAV method with the leapfrog approach, the second-order ESAV scheme is developed. Theoretically, the proposed schemes are proven to be uniquely solvable and unconditionally energy stable. Furthermore, the error estimates of the second-order ESAV scheme is rigorously proved. The numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. • The scalar auxiliary variable in this study is constructed based on an exponential function. • The proposed schemes only need to solve one linear system with constant coefficients at each time step. • We use the leapfrog approach to develop the second-order scheme. • The error estimates of the second-order scheme is rigorously proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a fast algorithm for solving the space-fractional Gross-Pitaevskii equation while preserving the law of mass conservation. First we discretize this equation by using a second-order weighted and shifted Grünward difference operator and obtain a system of semilinear differential equations with linear and nonlinear parts. Afterwards, we employ a Strang splitting method to solve this semi-discretization scheme. To further reduce computational time, we propose a two-level Strang splitting method from the linear part. This method significantly reduces computational complexity to O (n log ⁡ n) by implementing the fast Fourier transform. Importantly, our proposed method ensures the unconditional preservation of mass conservation and achieves second-order convergence. At last, we demonstrate the validity of our approach through numerical experiments and graphical results presented. • A fast second-order method for high dimensional space-fractional Gross-Pitaevskii equations. • Split the Toeplitz matrix into the circulant and skew-circulant matrices. • Discrete mass conservation preserved unconditionally and global error estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies automatic balancing of a flexible supported rotor with two disks by two ball balancers. Firstly, reduced dynamic descriptions of different components in the rotor are derived using a special method according to Lagrangian equation, based on which a general vibration model of the rotor system is then constructed. Secondly, equations governing frequency responses of the rotor are derived and working principles of the balls in the rotor are illustrated based on basic dynamic phenomena. Thirdly, an autonomous model of the rotor system is built with equations governing movement of the balls derived. Three equilibrium solutions are discovered whose dynamic characteristics are then studied using numerical bifurcation analysis method. Finally, locations of the balls at the steady state are observed using a high speed camera, and the capability of the two balancers for automatic balancing under different conditions is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found to be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development, a maternal health disorder in pregnancy with negative effects that can extend beyond pregnancy. Studies that report on this association are difficult to summarize due to weak associations and wide confidence intervals. One way to advance this field is to sharpen the biologic theory on a causal pathway behind this association, and to measure it directly by way of molecular biomarkers. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature that supports a novel pathway between PFAS exposure and GDM development. Epidemiological studies demonstrate a clear association of biomarkers of thyroid hormones and glucose metabolism with GDM development. We report biologic plausibility and epidemiologic evidence that PFAS dysregulation of maternal thyroid hormones and thyrotropin (TSH) may disrupt glucose homeostasis, increasing the risk of GDM. Overall, epidemiological studies demonstrate that PFAS were positively associated with TSH and negatively with triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). PFAS were generally positively associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnancy. We propose dysregulation of thyroid function and glucose metabolism may be a critical and missing component in the accurate estimation of PFAS on the risk of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two enantiopure chiral organic ligands 2-[(S)-4-isopropyl-2-oxazolyl]quinoline (L1) and 2-[(S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolyl]quinoline (L2) react with different silver salts to give rise to three new silver complexes [Ag(L1)2](SbF6) (1), [Ag(L1)(CH3CN)](ClO4) (2), and [Ag(L2)(NO3)] (3), which have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Complexes 1–3 all display discrete mononuclear structures. The nonlinear optical properties of 1–3 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the electric field tuning of the phonon-assisted hole spin relaxation in single self-assembled In1-xGaxAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs), using an atomistic empirical pseudopotential method. We find that the electric field along the growth direction can tune the hole spin relaxation time for more than one order of magnitude. The electric field can prolong or shorten the hole spin lifetime and the tuning shows an asymmetry in terms of the field direction. The asymmetry is more pronounced for the taller dot. The results show that the electric field is an effective way to tune the hole spin-relaxation in self-assembled QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Most often, in centralized distributed computing, users are getting impatient by experiencing the delays in loading the content of the web applications over the internet; it is usually caused by the poor latency management and is becoming a catastrophic situation in availing the services and applications of the centralized‐cloud computing; cloud being a distributed platform, its customers are facing the latencies issues at the various tiers of the cloud. Workloads distributions are occurring concurrently on various virtual cloud platforms. Latency‐oriented applications and services usually in cloud platform are running over various virtual machines and possess the high complexities while interacting and face the difficulties in the consolidations of the various applications containing heterogenetic workloads. In this paper, we study the fog computing and consider that it will be a feasible platform to get rid of the cloud high‐latency issues and to reduce the delay time and workflow across the network. The main purpose is to enhance the latency across the various nodes in a network. The factors like interference, availability, and interaction among various participating nodes with nearer VMware are of importance for reducing the latencies. Reduced latencies will enhance the quality of service parameters, resources, and services availability. Latency can be an important factor for the resource optimization issues in cloud computing. The comparisons with existing technologies greatly show that latency in fog is quite efficient than in the cloud paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of 2D-STI and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE) in assessing changes in left atrial (LA) structure and function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 PAF patients who underwent RFCA at BA Hospital from March 2022 to March 2023. An age- and gender-matched control group of 32 healthy individuals was also included. Comprehensive echocardiographic parameters including LA dimensions (LAAPD, LALRD), volumes (LAVmin, LAVmax), ejection fraction (LAEF), and tissue velocities (a’, Ar) were compared between groups. Post-RFCA changes in these parameters were also assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Pre-RFCA, PAF patients demonstrated larger LA dimensions and volumes with reduced LAEF and tissue velocities compared to controls. Post-RFCA, there was a significant improvement in LAEF and left ventricular ejection fraction at 1, 3, and 6 months, with the most pronounced changes observed at 6 months. LA dimensions increased initially but then decreased from 1 to 6 months post-RFCA. Notably, strain rate (SRS, SRE, SRA) measurements in various LA segments improved progressively, with the most significant enhancements at 6 months, suggesting improved atrial mechanics. Conclusion: The application of 2D-STI and RT-3DE provides a quantitative means to evaluate the structural and functional changes in the LA of PAF patients following RFCA. The progressive improvements in LA dimensions, volumes, and strain measurements up to 6-month post-RFCA indicate the potential of these techniques in monitoring treatment efficacy and patient recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop two fast implicit difference schemes for solving a class of variable‐coefficient time–space fractional diffusion equations with integral fractional Laplacian (IFL). The proposed schemes utilize the graded L1 formula for the Caputo fractional derivative and a special finite difference discretization for IFL, where the graded mesh can capture the model problem with a weak singularity at initial time. The stability and convergence are rigorously proved via the M‐matrix analysis, which is from the spatial discretized matrix of IFL. Moreover, the proposed schemes use the fast sum‐of‐exponential approximation and Toeplitz matrix algorithms to reduce the computational cost for the nonlocal property of time and space fractional derivatives, respectively. The fast schemes greatly reduce the computational work of solving the discretized linear systems from O(MN3+M2N) by a direct solver to O(MN(logN+Nexp)) per preconditioned Krylov subspace iteration and a memory requirement from 𝒪(MN2) to 𝒪(NNexp), where N and (Nexp ≪) M are the number of spatial and temporal grid nodes, respectively. The spectrum of preconditioned matrix is also given for ensuring the acceleration benefit of circulant preconditioners. Finally, numerical results are presented to show the utility of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a fast algorithm for the variable-order (VO) Caputo fractional derivative based on a shifted binary block partition and uniform polynomial approximations of degree r. Compared with the general direct method, the proposed algorithm can reduce the memory requirement from O (n) to O (r log n) storage and the complexity from O (n 2) to O (r n log n) operations, where n is the number of time steps. As an application, we develop a fast finite difference method for solving a class of VO time-fractional diffusion equations. The computational workload is of O (r m n log n) and the active memory requirement is of O (r m log n) , where m denotes the size of spatial grids. Theoretically, the unconditional stability and error analysis for the proposed fast finite difference method are given. Numerical results of one and two dimensional problems are presented to demonstrate the well performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Uncovering the importance of soil and plant characteristics in driving the legacy effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on plant community nutrient stoichiometry would improve our understanding of plant-soil interaction during restoration of historically N-enriched ecosystems. Methods: Based on a field experiment with the cessation of six-year N addition in a temperate steppe of northern China, we measured concentrations and stoichiometry of N and phosphorus (P) in soils and different plant functional groups, under both mown and unmown conditions. Results: Historical N addition did not affect soil total and available N and P concentrations and stoichiometry, but significantly altered plant community composition. Plant nutrient concentrations and N:P ratios significantly differed among four plant functional groups. The concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of N and P between soils and plants were generally not correlated. The positive legacy effects of N addition on community N:P stoichiometry were caused by the biomass enhancement of tall bunchgrass, the functional group with the highest N:P ratios. Conclusions: Changes in plant community composition instead of soil nutrient status were the main driver for the positive legacy effects of N enrichment on plant community stoichiometry. Given that the recovery of community composition after the cessation of N deposition is generally slow, our findings indicate that the legacy effects of N deposition on soil nutrient cycling would persist in long-term due to the importance of plant-mediated pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terahertz (THz) air coherent detection is a broadband coherent detection technique, which has been used widely in the THz science and technology. In this paper, a frequency-dependent response function of THz air coherent detection is defined based on the nonlinear polarization of gas molecules induced by the ultrashort laser pulses and the THz pulses. Calculations show that the response function of this technique has a half of Gaussian-like profile, which has a high sensitivity in the low frequency range and low sensitivity in the high frequency range of THz waves. Two fitted functions are given based on the calculated results, which can provide a good reference bandwidth when using the air coherent detection with a given probe laser pulse. The distortions of THz pulses induced by the air coherent detection in the detection process are discussed as well. This study will help to understand the response bandwidth and the limitation of detection bandwidth of the air coherent detection technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of big data remarked by high dimensionality and large sample size, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) problems demand efficient algorithms. Both static and dynamic strategies based on screening test principle have been proposed recently, in order to safely filter out irrelevant atoms from the dictionary. However, such strategies only work well for LASSO problems with large regularization parameters, and lose their efficiency for those with small regularization parameters. This paper presents a novel greedy screening test strategy to accelerate solving LASSO problems with small regularization parameters, as well as its effectiveness through adoption of a relatively larger regularization parameter which filters out irrelevant atoms in every iteration. Further more, the convergence proof of the greedy strategy is given, and the computational complexity of LASSO solvers integrated with this strategy is investigated. Numerical experiments on both synthetic and real data sets support the effectiveness of this greedy strategy, and the results show it outperforms both the static and dynamic strategies for LASSO problems with small regularization parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the discretized linear systems arising from the space-fractional diffusion equations with piecewise continuous coefficients. Using the implicit finite difference scheme with the shifted Grünwald discretization, the resulting linear systems are Toeplitz-like which can be written as the sum of a scaled identity matrix and two diagonal-times-Toeplitz matrices. Standard circulant preconditioners and the existing approximate circulant-inverse preconditioner do not work for such Toeplitz-like linear systems since the discontinuous diffusion coefficients cannot be well approximated by interpolation polynomials. The main aim of this paper is to propose a new approximate circulant-inverse preconditioner to handle the fractional diffusion equations when the diffusion coefficients are piecewise continuous with finite jump discontinuities. Our idea is to approximate the eigenvalues of circulant matrices by the interpolation formula instead of approximating the diffusion coefficients as done by the existing algorithms. Therefore, the discontinuity of the diffusion coefficients does not influence the efficiency of the preconditioner. Theoretically, the spectra of the resulting preconditioned matrices are shown to be clustered around one, which can guarantee the fast convergence rate of the proposed preconditioner. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3,5-Tri(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (H3L) reacts with Ni(ClO4)2 · 6H2O under hydrothermal conditions at T = 100°C to yield a new complex: [Ni(H2L)2] · 5.5H2O (1). The product is characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and exhibits a binodal (3,6)-connected 2D kgd network structure with (43)2(46.66.83) topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3,5-Tri(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene (H3L) reacts with Ni(ClO4)2 · 6H2O under hydrothermal conditions at T = 100°C to yield a new complex: [Ni(H2L)2] · 5.5H2O (1). The product is characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and exhibits a binodal (3,6)-connected 2D kgd network structure with (43)2(46.66.83) topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the expression level and potential mechanism of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques were used to examine the protein expression of HIF‐1α in paraffin‐embedded myeloid tissues from 82 patients with MDS and 33 controls (patients with lymphoma that is not invading myeloid tissues). In addition, the associations between the protein expression of HIF‐1α and clinical parameters were examined. To further investigate the significance of HIF‐1α expression in MDS patients, the researchers not only extracted the data about HIF‐1α expression from MDS‐related microarrays but also analyzed the correlation between the level of HIF‐1α expression and MDS. The microRNA (miRNA) targeting HIF‐1α was predicted and verified with a dual luciferase experiment. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed that the positive expression rate of HIF‐1α in the bone marrow of patients with MDS was 90.24%. This rate was remarkably higher than that of the controls (72.73%) and was statistically significant (P < .05), which indicated that HIF‐1α was upregulated in the myeloid tissues of MDS patients. For the GSE2779, GSE18366, GSE41130, and GSE61853 microarrays, the average expression of HIF‐1α in MDS patients was higher than in the controls. Particularly for the GSE18366 microarray, HIF‐1α expression was considerably higher in MDS patients than in the controls (P < .05). It was predicted that miR‐93‐5p had a site for binding with HIF‐1α, and a dual luciferase experiment confirmed that miR‐93‐5p could bind with HIF‐1α. Conclusion: The upregulated expression of HIF‐1α was examined in the myeloid tissues of MDS patients. The presence of HIF‐1α (+) suggested an unsatisfactory prognosis for patients, which could assist in the diagnosis of MDS. In addition, miR‐93‐5p could bind to HIF‐1α by targeting, showing its potential to be the target of HIF‐1α in MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐brightness coherent ultrashort X‐ray free‐electron lasers (XFELs) are promising in resolving nanoscale structures at the highest temporal resolution (∼10 fs). The feasibility is explored of resolving ultrafast fragmentation of liquids at the nanoscale with single‐shot small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) on the basis of large‐scale molecular dynamics simulations. Fragmentation of liquid sheets under adiabatic expansion is investigated. From the simulated SAXS patterns, particle‐volume size distributions are obtained with the regularization method and average particle sizes with the weighted Guinier method, at different expansion rates. The particle sizes obtained from simulated SAXS are in excellent agreement with direct cluster analysis. Pulse‐width effects on SAXS measurements are examined. The results demonstrate the feasibility of resolving the nanoscale dynamics of fragmentation and similar processes with SAXS, and provide guidance for future XFEL experiments and data interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of current study was to investigate the lactation performance and rumen fermentation characteristics of dairy cows fed a diet with alfalfa hay replaced by corn stover but supplemented with molasses. Methods: Sixteen Holstein cows in mid-lactation were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: i) alfalfa based diet (AH), and ii) corn stover based diet supplemented with molasses (CSM). The experiment was conducted according to a 2×2 crossover design with 22-d each period, consisting of 17 d for adaptation and 5 d for data and samples collection. Results: Dry matter intake and milk yield were higher for cows fed AH than CSM (p<0.01). Milk protein content and nitrogen conversion were higher (p<0.05), while milk urea nitrogen was lower (p<0.01) for cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Contents of milk total solids, fat and lactose were not different between two groups (p>0.10). Total rumen volatile fatty acid concentration tended to be higher (p = 0.06) for cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Molar proportion of acetate was lower (p = 0.04), but valerate was higher (p = 0.02) in cows fed AH than CSM-fed cows. Rumen concentration of propionate, and isobutyrate, and ratio of acetate to propionate tended to be different (p<0.10) between two groups. The feed cost per kilogram of milk was lower in CSM than AH (p<0.01). No differences were found in feed efficiency and most plasma parameters tested (p>0.10). Conclusion: In comparison with AH diet, CSM diet could be fed to dairy cows without negative effect on feed efficiency, ruminal fermentation, but economically beneficial, indicating that CSM could be an alternative choice for dairy farms instead of AH to feed midlactation dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American cockroach (CR) allergy has been recognized as important IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity. Per a 9 is an arginine kinase, reacting with IgE in sera of all CR allergic Thai patients. Per a 9 gene was cloned and expressed in eukaryotic systems (baculovirus-infected insect cells). The expressed Per a 9 was purified by Nickel column. The antigenicities were analyzed by ELISA, immunoblot analysis and basophile activation test. The results show that 13 out of 16 (81.3%) sera from American CR patients reacted to Per a 9, confirming that Per a 9 is a major allergen of CR. The IgE reactivity of Per a 9 in the sera from American CR patients was increased 8.3-fold in comparison with the sera from healthy controls. Per a 9 at 1.0 µg/ml induced an approximately up to 5.6-fold increase in CD63 and CCR3 double positive cells when incubating with passively sensitized basophils from by sera from American CR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the free join- and meet-completions of an L-ordered set are built and characterized. Then we give the definitions of Δ1-directed objects and intermediate structures, and show that the Δ1-directed object precisely is the Dedekind-MacNeille completion of the intermediate structure in the bounded L-lattice case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal reaction of Co(II) nitrate with 5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalic acid (H2L) yields a new complex [Co(L)(H2O)5] · 4(H2O) (1). When 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) as auxiliary ligand and Zn(II) nitrate were used in the same reaction system, [Zn(L)(bpy)] · 0.5(DMF) · 0.5(H2O) (2) could be obtained. Complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex 1 displays a discrete mononuclear structure, whereas 2 exhibits a binodal (3,5)-connected twofold interpenetrated three-dimensional hms framework architecture with (63)(69,8) topology. The fluorescence properties of 2 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight new, unusual C C type biflavonoids with lavandulyl units, sophobiflavonoids A–H, were isolated from the dried roots of Sophora flavescens. Evaluated compounds 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 all showed strong inhibitory activity against PTP1B. • Eight new biflavonoids were isolated from the dried roots of Sophora flavescens. • They possessed unusual connection modes through a rare C 5′ -C β or C 3 -C β bond. • Compounds 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 showed significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B. In the course of studying the components from the roots of Sophora flavescens , eight new unusual biflavonoids consisting of a flavanone fused with a dihydrochalcone skeleton were isolated. These new chemical structures were elucidated by means of UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR and ECD spectroscopic data and a comparison of experimental ECD spectra with calculated ECD spectra. Some compounds were subjected to an antidiabetic bioassay on human recombinant PTP1B inhibition, and showed strong inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the unsolvability of inverse singular value problems almost everywhere is discussed. Applying the method described by Sun and Ye [J Comput Math. 1986;4:212-226], a sufficient condition is given such that the inverse singular value problems are unsolvable almost everywhere. This result shows that inverse singular value problems are unsolvable almost everywhere if the multiplicity of zero singular values is sufficiently large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The interaction and the coupling between the plasma filaments introduce some ultrafast phenomena, which not only reveal deep physical mechanisms, but also provide clues to develop the plasma filament-based applications. In this paper, the terahertz (THz) radiation from two plasma filaments with opposite directions, which are produced by focusing two counter propagating femtosecond laser pulses with a pair of off-axis-parabolic mirrors, is measured using electro-optic sampling detection method. The experimental results show that the pre-plasma weakens the THz radiation in the cases of with and without an external biased field. The lifetime of the plasma filament is estimated using the time evolution of the THz peaks. It is found that the THz radiation keeps weaker even when one pump pulse is 300 ps before the other one, which indicates that the lifetime of the plasma filament is longer than 300 ps. In addition, the THz pulses have similar shapes at different time delays between two pump laser pulses. Its underlying physical mechanisms are discussed as well. Highlights • Two plasma filaments with opposite directions are produced by two counter propagation laser beams. • The terahertz radiation from such configuration is measured with electro-optic sampling method. • The results show that the pre-plasma decreases the terahertz generation. • Such ultrafast phenomenon is used to estimate the lifetime of the filament plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For studying cancer and genetic diseases, the issue of identifying high correlation genes from high-dimensional data is an important problem. It is a great challenge to select relevant biomarkers from gene expression data that contains some important correlation structures, and some of the genes can be divided into different groups with a common biological function, chromosomal location or regulation. In this paper, we propose a penalized accelerated failure time model CHR-DE using a non-convex regularization (local search) with differential evolution (global search) in a wrapper-embedded memetic framework. The complex harmonic regularization (CHR) can approximate to the combination and ℓq (1 ≤ q < 2) for selecting biomarkers in group. And differential evolution (DE) is utilized to globally optimize the CHR’s hyperparameters, which make CHR-DE achieve strong capability of selecting groups of genes in high-dimensional biological data. We also developed an efficient path seeking algorithm to optimize this penalized model. The proposed method is evaluated on synthetic and three gene expression datasets: breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. The experimental results demonstrate that CHR-DE is a more effective tool for feature selection and learning prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Excessive bone resorption activity of osteoclasts is a common characteristic of osteolytic conditions such as osteoporosis and inflammatory bone diseases. Natural compounds with antiosteoclastogenic function seem to be beneficial for the treatment of osteolytic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), a phenolic compound in Ganoderma bambusicola, on osteoclastogenesis induced in vitro by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). DHAP inhibited the differentiation, actin ring formation, and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. In particular, DHAP inhibited the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor of activated T -cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) during osteoclastogenesis. This inhibition resulted in reduced expression levels of cathepsin k (Ctsk), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap), and NFATc1 (Nfatc1), thereby reducing the differentiation of osteoclasts. However, DHAP did not affect reactive oxygen species production or activator protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Our findings suggest that DHAP inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the NFATc1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]