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Galaxy interactions and mergers can enhance or reduce star formation, but a complete understanding of the involved processes is still lacking. The effect of dwarf galaxy mergers is even less clear than their massive counterpart. We present a study on a dwarf merger remnant in the Virgo cluster, VCC322, which might form a triple system with VCC334 and VCC319. We identify a prominent long and straight tail-like substructure that has a size comparable to its host galaxy VCC322. By comparing the color–color (g − r versus r − H) distribution with simple stellar population models, we infer that the metallicity and stellar age of this tail are Z ⋆ ∼ 0.02 Z ⊙ and t ⋆ ∼ 10 Gyr, respectively. In VCC319, we find a sign of isophotal twisting. This suggests that VCC319 may be subject to tidal interaction. An analysis of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey optical spectra of VCC322 indicates mass- and light-weighted ages of about 109.8 yr and 107.5 yr, respectively, indicating an ongoing star formation activity. However, the star formation in VCC322 seems suppressed when compared to other star-forming dwarfs of comparable stellar masses. Our finding of shock excitation of optical emission lines indicates that interaction-induced shock may contribute to the heating of cold gas and suppression of star formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Although conventional and emerging treatment modalities have improved the survival outcomes of cancer patients to some extent, the prognosis for solid tumors remains notably grim. Tumor treating fields, as a novel approach for cancer therapy, have shown promising effects as both a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. However, the underlying mechanisms through which TTFields exert their anticancer effects remain incompletely understood. In recent years, many researchers have suggested that inducing anti-tumor immune responses may be one of the key mechanisms of the anticancer activity of TTFields. Several clinical trials are currently exploring the combination of TTFields with tumor immunotherapy and have achieved positive results. This article reviews the research progress on the mechanisms of TTFields-induced anti-tumor immune responses and discusses their clinical significance. The objective is to offer a streamlined and precise summary to facilitate the future exploration and advancement of TTFields. Tumor treating fields (TTFields), a biophysical therapy technology that uses alternating electric fields to inhibit tumor proliferation, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastomas (GBM) and malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPM). Clinical trials have confirmed that TTFields are effective in slowing the tumor growth and prolonging patient survival. In recent years, many researchers have found that TTFields can induce anti-tumor immune responses, and their main mechanisms include upregulating the infiltration ratio and function of immune cells, inducing the immunogenic cell death of tumor cells, modulating immune-related signaling pathways, and upregulating the expression of immune checkpoints. Treatment regimens combining TTFields with tumor immunotherapy are emerging as a promising therapeutic approach in clinical practice. Given the increasing number of recently published studies on this topic, we provide an updated review of the mechanisms and clinical implications of TTFields in inducing anti-tumor immune responses. This review not only has important reference value for an in-depth study of the anticancer mechanism of TTFields but also provides insights into the future clinical application of TTFields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of somatic stem cells is regulated by their niche. Interaction between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their niches are a representative model to understand stem cell‐niche interplay. Here, we provide an overview of crosstalk between HSCs and their niches in bone marrow and extramedullary organs following the life journey of HSCs from emergence, development, maturation until aging. We highlight the unique differences of HSC niches in different life stages within various organs focusing on recent literature to propose new speculations and hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compound, named 7-O-(4-β-glucopyranosyloxy-3-hydroxybenzoyl)secologanol (1), together with twelve known compounds (2–13), were isolated from the whole plants of Gentiana urnula Harry Sm. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Heilongjiang brown frog (Rana amurensis) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In particular, the oviduct and skin have been developed into various health products. However, limited numbers of complete genomes of amphibian species have been reported, excluding the Heilongjiang brown frog. Here, the transcriptomes of 45 samples from the liver, spleen, heart, ovaries, thigh muscles, skin, oviduct, stomach and intestine of five Heilongjiang brown frog were reassembled and analyzed. A total of 1,085,532 unigenes with an average length of 676.6 bp and N50 of 722 bp were obtained. Comparative transcriptomics of different tissues detected tissue-specific expression. There were 3248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovary, and the number of unique DEGs between the ovary and spleen was the largest. The results of DEGs enrichment showed there were many pathways and items related to protein synthesis and metabolism in the oviduct. The DEGs of the skin were enriched with many bacterial defense items, indicating that there were a large number of antimicrobial peptides in the skin. Thus, these were suitable as biological sources for the development and extraction of antimicrobial peptides. Through the assembly of transcriptome sequencing data and functional annotation of the Heilongjiang brown frog genome, this study provides reference materials for further exploring and utilizing functional gene resources of frogs and lays a foundation for medical research and the development of new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Top-gate TFTs with PPD-prepared ZnSnO channel layers have been fabricated. • The property of TFTs can be controllable by adjusting channel-layer structure. • The fabricated double-channel-layer ZnSnO TFT exhibits excellent performance. In this study, an inorganic–organic hybrid thin-film transistor (TFT) with a top-gate structure is prepared using an inorganic ZnSnO film prepared via pulse plasma deposition as the channel layer and an organic polymethyl methacrylate film prepared by the solution method as the dielectric layer. The effect of oxygen pressure during the preparation of the ZnSnO channel layer and channel-layer structure on ZnSnO TFT performance was studied. The results show that increasing the oxygen pressure during the preparation process can effectively inhibit the formation of oxygen vacancies in ZnSnO and reduce the concentration of electron carriers in ZnSnO, resulting in a reduced off current and a positive shift of the threshold voltage (V th) in the single-channel layer ZnSnO TFT. In addition, a high-resistivity ZnSnO layer (Lt; with a lower electron-carrier concentration) is embedded between the low-resistivity ZnSnO layer (Lb; with a higher electron-carrier concentration) and the dielectric layer to form a high-/low-resistivity double-channel-layer structure (Lt/Lb). By changing the thickness combination of Lt/Lb, the resistance of the channel layer and the number of carriers modulated by gate voltage in the channel layer can be optimized, thereby adjusting the device's on current (affecting device mobility) and key energy consumption parameters (i.e., V th and off current) to achieve independent control. Thus, the fabricated double-channel-layer ZnSnO TFT exhibits excellent performance: high mobility (3.28 cm2/Vs), positive V th close to 0 V (0.48 V), and on-to-off current ratio of > 105. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural scarcity and insufficient utilization of noble metal-based catalysts bring a heavy block in the way of the widespread applications of direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, we propose a feasible bottom-up approach to the construction of ultrasmall Pd nanocrystals confined into Co-based metal organic framework-decorated Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene (Pd/MOF-MX) nanoarchitectures via a controllable solvothermal process. The ultrathin MXene nanolamellas and porous Co-based MOFs constitute an ideal hybrid carrier with high electron conductivity and large accessible surface areas, which not only facilitates the size restriction and uniform dispersion of Pd nanocrystals, but also ameliorates their intrinsic catalytic activity through the direct electronic interactions. By virtue of the pronounced synergistic coupling effects, the newly-developed Pd/MOF-MX nanoarchitectures exhibit markedly enhanced electrocatalytic properties towards the methanol oxidation reaction, including a large electrochemically active surface area of 116.7 m2 g−1, a high mass activity of 1700.4 mA mg−1 as well as a satisfactory long-term durability, which are superior to those of traditional Pd electrocatalysts anchored on carbon blacks, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and undecorated MXene matrixes. A feasible bottom-up approach is developed to the stereo-formation of ultrasmall Pd nanocrystals confined into Co-MOF-decorated Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanoarchitectures via a controllable solvothermal process, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance for methanol electrooxidation. [Display omitted] • The bottom-up construction of Co-based MOF-decorated MXene matrix is achieved. • Ultrasmall Pd nanocrystals are uniformly confined into the MOF-MXene frameworks. • The MOF-MXene matrix affords strong electronic interactions with Pd component. • The optimized nanoarchitecture shows exceptional methanol oxidation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomedical magnesium (Mg) alloys have attracted widespread attention because of their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability as bone implants. However, the rapid rate of corrosion in the human environment and post-surgical bacterial infections have limited their clinical applications. It is a good way to prepare drug-loaded composite coatings on the surface of Mg alloys via esterification reaction, but the effects of molecules chain length on coating formation, degradation, drug loading and release behaviors are not really clear. Herein, mannitol (MAN) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) loaded with levofloxacin (Lvf) were selected to prepare corrosion-resistant and anti-bacterial coatings on micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coated AZ31 alloys. The results suggested that the composite coatings exhibited optimized corrosion resistance, superior antibacterial activity and outstanding biocompatibility. The drug released from both composite coatings was exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Lvf (0.5 μg/mL). Compared to MAN, PVA with longer molecular chains had better drug loading capacity and release rate, which ascribed to the mainly hydrogen-bond interaction between PVA and Lvf, except for esterification reaction. The porosity, pore diameter and roughness of MAO coating were decreased with the addition of MAN or PVA, promoting the adhesion and growth of the osteoblasts. The results provided a new insight into drug-controlled release coatings on Mg alloys as bone implants against bacterial infections. [Display omitted] • Mannitol and polyvinyl alcohol coatings loaded with levofloxacin were fabricated. • The roughness of polyvinyl alcohol coating can promote the adhesion of osteoblasts. • The effects of molecules with different chain lengths were discussed. • Coatings displayed anticorrosion and antibacterial ability with low cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Carotid ultrasound is a key tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of cardio disease, and the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and hemodynamic parameters is of paramount importance for the imaging method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of handheld ultrasound devices for measuring carotid parameters. METHODS: We performed a carotid ultrasound on 25 participants using a handheld ultrasound device and a conventional ultrasound machine. For each participant, max and mean CIMT of common carotid artery (CCA) and peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) of CCA, bilateral external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA) and the vertebral artery were measured. Agreement and repeatability were evaluated by linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: We found a good repeatability and consistent of handheld ultrasound device in measuring mean CIMT (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a moderate to good agreement between handheld and conventional ultrasound systems in measuring max IMT, mean IMT, PSV, EDV and RI of CCA (0.73, 0.79, 0.52, 0.58 and 0.84, respectively). CONCLUSION: Handheld ultrasound devices were able to provide carotid IMT and hemodynamic parameters measurements similar to those of conventional ultrasound. Such capabilities of handheld ultrasound devices might be useful for the primary assessment of carotid in clinical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood is an important non-reproductive tissue, but little is known about the sex-specific gene expressions in the blood. Therefore, we investigated sex-specific gene expression differences in the blood tissues of four primates, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), Tibetan macaques (M. thibetana), yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus), and humans. We identified seven sex-specific differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) in each non-human primate and 31 SDEGs in humans. The four primates had only one common SDEG, MAP7D2. In humans, immune-related SDEGs were identified as up-regulated, but also down-regulated in females. We also found that most of the X-Y gene pairs had similar expression levels between species, except pair EIF1AY/EIF1AX. The expression level of X-Y gene pairs of rhesus and Tibetan macaques showed no significant differential expression levels, while humans had six significant XY-biased and three XX-biased X-Y gene pairs. Our observed sex differences in blood should increase understanding of sex differences in primate blood tissue. • Identified the SDEGs of rhesus macaques, Tibetan macaques, yellow baboons, and humans. • The four primates had only one common SDEG, MAP7D2. • Most of the X-Y gene pairs showed X-biased (Y/X expression ratio < 1) expression levels in XY male individuals. • There were more XY-biased X-Y pair genes than XX-biased between XY male and XX female individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of star-shaped liquid crystal (LC), respectively, based on phloroglucinol, pentaerythritol and glucose as cores, rod-shaped molecules (MeOSBAA, MeSBAA and ClSBAA) containing a schiff base as mesogenic mesogen were synthesised. The molecular structures were confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR techniques. The LC textures and thermal phase behaviours were investigated by polarising optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that MeOSBAA and ClSBAA were thermally enantiotropic liquid crystals. Three-arm star LC macromolecules X-SBA3E and four-arm star LC macromolecules X-SBA4E were found to display enantiotropic nematic liquid crystals behaviour. While the five-arm star-shaped chiral LC molecules X-SBA5E exhibited enantiotropic chiral nematic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to test the hypothesis that disease duration may affect the response to generic tofacitinib (TOF) and investigate the influence of concomitant medications with TOF on elderly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study retrospectively collected 76 elderly patients (age > 60) treated with TOF from 2019 to 2023 and grouped them according to age of disease onset. Data were collected from baseline to the last follow-up visit within 24 months. The demographic characteristics and follow-up results were compared. TOF retention and the effect of concomitant drugs (methotrexate, MTX, prednisone) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier plots and COX regression analysis. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used to explore the correlation among demographic characteristics, medication regimen, and improved clinical outcomes. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving low disease activity (LDA) between different disease duration groups. Patients in the group of MTX had a shorter time of using TOF in follow-up (log-rank p = 0.041). Prednisone dosage at baseline had a predictive value for functionally disabled situation. We found significant associations between discontinuation of TOF in the last follow-up and getting LDA. A total result of CCA yielded a significant positive correlation with set 1 (demographic characteristics and medication regimen) and set 2 (improved clinical outcomes) (canonical coefficient = 0.887, p < 0.001). Disease duration may not affect response to generic TOF and medication regimen was the factor related to efficacy of generic TOF in elderly RA in the real world. Demographic characteristics and medication regimen were correlated positively with improved clinical outcomes. Key Points • There is scarce data from the western area of China regarding the use of tofacitinib in elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients, despite widespread use. • In this retrospective analysis of 76 elderly patients at a single center, we found disease duration may not affect response to generic TOF. • Concomitant MTX might contribute to better control of the disease activity. • Concomitant prednisone dosage at baseline was the independent risk factor for functionally disabled situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-order harmonics from helium atom in the orthogonally two-color (OTC) laser field are investigated by solving the two-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Non-integer high-order harmonics are obtained in some ratio of frequencies of two components. Pure odd and even harmonics from atoms could be separated in two components by adjusting the ratio of frequencies in OTC scheme, and the resolution of harmonics is improved at the same time. The physical mechanism is explained by the periodicity of dipole. With the same intensity of the incident laser, the intensity of the high-order harmonics from the OTC field scheme is improved by three orders of magnitude compared to the monochromatic laser field scheme. A theoretical scheme is provided for experimentally achieving improving energy resolution and separation of pure odd and even harmonics in atoms. Also, we provide a means for improving harmonic intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarization properties of high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in the two-color circularly polarized laser fields are investigated by numerically solving the two-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. By adding a wavelength of 1600-nm right-circular-polarized field to an 800-nm left-circular-polarized field, HHG is simulated from a real model of neon atom with p orbital, but not from a hydrogen-like atom model with s orbital. The orders of 3n+1 can be selected while the orders of 3n+2 are suppressed by adjusting the intensities of the two pulses. The physical mechanism is analyzed by time–frequency analysis and semiclassical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Utilizing glucose as "catalyst" can boost the formation of Ca-P barrier coating on Mg alloys to address their corrosion challenges. The yielded coatings exhibit a highly compact morphology with numerous individual block-shape particles as building unit. Highlights • A novel method for preparation of Ca-P coating on Mg via glucose is proposed. • An alkaline precursor solution instead of acidic solution for preparation of Ca-P coating is used. • The Ca-P coating exhibits a refined and compact morphology in presence of glucose. • The glucose-induced Ca-P coating on Mg surface shows better corrosion resistance. • The presence of glucose is favorable to the nucleation of Ca-P compounds on Mg. Abstract Glucose-induced composite coatings containing crystalline calcium phosphate and Mg(OH) 2 interlayer were prepared on pure Mg substrate through hydrothermal deposition from alkaline solution. Surface composition, morphology and corrosion resistance of the coatings were characterized through XRD, FTIR, SEM, XPS, electrochemical and hydrogen evolution measurements. Results reveal that calcium phosphate coatings were composed of dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite. Corrosion resistance of pure Mg specimens was improved by the formation of such a calcium phosphate coating. The findings provide a novel strategy to design calcium phosphate conversion coatings with satisfactory corrosion resistance for biodegradable Mg implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)) n coating was fabricated via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly dip coating method. The surface morphologies, chemical compositions and corrosion resistances of the coatings were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer and electrochemical and hydrogen evolution measurements. The results indicated that the (PVP/DNA) n coating shows a smooth surface with shallow scratches and some corrosion cracks, which possesses a good corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid, especially for n  = 20. The (PVP/DNA) n coating can be used as a inducer to construct a biomimetic biocompatible Ca-P coating on Mg alloys. Additionally, we suggest and discuss a corrosion mechanism for the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The karyotypes of Tulipa sinkiangensis and T. schrenkii were analyzed based on chromosome size and the physical mapping of 5S and 45S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The genomes from both species were consistent with the uniform karyotype formula, i.e., having four pairs of submedian and eight pairs of subterminal chromosomes (2 n =2 x =24=8sm+16st). Remarkably, the number and location of 5S rDNA loci were quite different between the two species. A single pair of 5S rDNA loci was detected on both chromosomes 5 in T. sinkiangensis , but the 5S rDNA loci were detected on almost all chromosomes in T. schrenkii , except for chromosomes 4 and 6. For both species, the 45S rDNA loci were localized to telomeric regions of the chromosome—on either the short or long arm. Interestingly, the 5S rDNA and 45S rDNA loci positions and numbers varied among different genotypes of T. schrenkii . We conclude that the two species are close relatives and that a series of genome modifications occurred during the diversification of these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of second phase Mg 2 Ca has remarkable impacts on the formation and degradation of MAO coating. Microstructure, formation and degradation behaviors of substrate and MAO coating were performed. Results revealed that pitting and filiform corrosion occurred on bare Mg-1Li-1Ca alloy. MAO coating significantly improved the corrosion resistance of alloy. The roles of Mg 2 Ca on the formation and degradation mechanisms of MAO coating were discussed. Micro-arc oxidation for the Mg-Li-Ca alloy initiated at α -Mg phase with depleted Ca content. The growth rate of coating on α -Mg phase is faster than that of GBs/Mg 2 Ca. The MAO coating began to degrade from intermetallic compound Mg 2 Ca, then it underwent the attack from the solution and stress concentration caused by corrosion products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macaques (genus Macaca) are the most widely distributed non‐human primates, and their evolutionary history, gene expression profiles, and genetic differences have been extensively studied. However, the DNA methylomes of macaque species are not available in public databases, which hampers understanding of epigenetic differences among macaque species. Epigenetic modifications can potentially affect development, physiology, behavior, and evolution. Here, we investigated the methylation patterns of the Tibetan macaque (M. thibetana; TM), Chinese rhesus macaque (M. mulatta lasiota; CR), and crab‐eating macaque (M. fascicularis; CE) through whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing from peripheral blood. We compared genome‐wide methylation site information for the three species. We identified 12,128 (CR vs. CE), 59,165 (CR vs. TM), and 39,751 (CE vs. TM) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the three macaques. Furthermore, we obtained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the three macaque species. The differences between CR and CE were smaller at both the methylome and transcriptome levels than compared with TM (CR vs. TM and CE vs. TM). We also found a change in the density of single nucleotide mutations in DMRs relative to their flanking regions, indicating a potential mechanism through which genomic alterations may modulate methylation landscapes, thereby influencing the transcriptome. Functional enrichment analyses showed the DMR‐related genes were enriched in developmental processes and neurological functions, such as the growth hormone‐related pathway, insulin secretion pathway, thyroid hormone synthesis pathway, morphine addiction, and GABAergic synapses. These differences may be associated with variations in physiology and habitat among the macaques. Our study provides one of the first genome‐wide comparisons of genetic, gene expression, and epigenetic variations across different macaques. Our results should facilitate further research on comparative genomic and genetic differences in macaque species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating degradation rate and moderate pH micro-environment for biodegradable magnesium alloys face huge challenge. The chemical and morphological characteristics of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and chitosan (CS) composite coatings, fabricated on Mg-4Li-1Ca alloy, are analyzed through field-emission scanning electronic microcopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Corrosion resistance of the samples is evaluated via hydrogen evolution, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in Hank's solution. Results indicated that the MAO and CS coating enhances the corrosion resistance and antibacterial growth activity. With increasing immersion time, the degradation of the MAO/CS coatings gives rise to a decrease in pH value and leads to a rapid increase in hydrogen evolution rate after an immersion in Hank's solution after 100 h. The MAO/CS coatings retain the solution pH at a moderate level (≤8.25). A novel self-degradation mechanism of the MAO/CS coating on Mg-Li-Ca alloy is proposed due to the fact that MAO/CS coating is cathodic relative to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia depends on bacterial Nod factors (NFs) that trigger symbiosis-related NF signaling in host plants. NFs are modified oligosaccharides of chitin with a fatty acid moiety. NFs can be cleaved and inactivated by host enzymes, such as MtNFH1 (MEDICAGO TRUNCATULA NOD FACTOR HYDROLASE1). In contrast to related chitinases, MtNFH1 hydrolyzes neither chitin nor chitin fragments, indicating a high cleavage preference for NFs. Here, we provide evidence for a role of MtNFH1 in the symbiosis with Sinorhizobium meliloti. Upon rhizobial inoculation, MtNFH1 accumulated at the curled tip of root hairs, in the so-called infection chamber. Mutant analysis revealed that lack of MtNFH1 delayed rhizobial root hair infection, suggesting that excess amounts of NFs negatively affect the initiation of infection threads. MtNFH1 deficiency resulted in nodule hypertrophy and abnormal nodule branching of young nodules. Nodule branching was also stimulated in plants expressing MtNFH1 driven by a tandem CaMV 35S promoter and plants inoculated by a NF-overproducing S. meliloti strain. We suggest that fine-tuning of NF levels by MtNFH1 is necessary for optimal root hair infection as well as for NF-regulated growth of mature nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 3GR model, the relationships between energy consumption, economic effect and technical effect of countries at different stage of development (developed, developing and the least developed countries) was figured out. Comparing the equivalent value of GREC , GREO and GREI during the period from 1996 to 2013, the diverse development laws in different kinds of countries was found. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) based on 3GR model, there is a liner relationship between GREC and GREO or GREI and an inverse relationship between GREI and GREO when the equivalent value of (1+ GREO i ) or (1+ GREI i ) or (1+ GREC i ) is a constant. (2) The equivalent value of GREO are in the following orders, developed countries < developing countries < the least developed countries, while that of GREI have the opposite orders. The orders of the equivalent value of GREC are developed countries, the least developed countries and developing countries from small to large. The least developed countries own the largest potential to realize further development whether in economic expansion, technical innovation or in optimize industrial structure while these potential in developed countries are the smallest and in developing countries are at the middle level; the development in developing countries shows the most growth going forward. (3) The change in energy consumption is codetermined by EO effect, EI effect and their interactive effect. EO effect shows the leading position among the three effects, especially in developing countries and the least developed countries. In developed countries, EC change, EO effect and EI effect are both change in a tight range. While in developing countries and the least developed countries, these ranges are rather large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of glucose and amino acid (L-cysteine) on the degradation of pure magnesium have been investigated using SEM, XRD, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and immersion tests. The results demonstrate that both amino acid and glucose inhibit the corrosion of pure magnesium in saline solution, whereas the presence of both amino acid and glucose accelerates the corrosion rate of pure magnesium. This may be due to the formation of -C=N- bonding (a functional group of Schiff bases) between amino acid and glucose, which restricts the formation of the protective Mg(OH)2 precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A micro-arc oxidation (MAO)/polymethyltrimethoxysilane (PMTMS) hybrid coating was fabricated via MAO processing and subsequent sealing with alkaline treatment and PMTMS. The surface morphologies, chemical compositions and corrosion resistances of the coatings were investigated using FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD and electrochemical and hydrogen evolution measurements. The results indicated that the alkaline treatment was beneficial to the silane treatment and that the MAO coating was efficiently sealed by the PMTMS film. The MAO/PMTMS coating significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the AZ31 alloy due to its self-healing function. Additionally, we suggest and discuss a corrosion mechanism for the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology, porosity and corrosion resistance of MAO coatings on as-extruded Mg-Ca alloys were analysed using SEM, XRD, EDS and electrochemical tests. The roles of non-through and through-pores in the MAO coating were identified. The results demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of the MAO-coated Mg-Ca alloys is related to the corrosion resistance of the substrates, the porosity of the MAO coating and the galvanic effect. Chemical and electrochemical corrosion alternately occurred on the MAO coatings. The alternating chemical and electrochemical corrosion mechanisms for the MAO coating are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the theoretical relations among the growth rate of energy intensity, energy consumption, and economic output are inferred and named as the “3GR” model. In some economic entities, the growth rate of energy consumption is equal to the corresponding growth rate of energy intensity and economic output, and their product. Based on the “3GR” model, some conclusions could be obtained: (1) for the expected goal of growth rate of economic output and energy intensity of some economic entities, there is a linear relationship among the growth rate of energy intensity or economic output; (2) for the expected goal of growth rate of energy consumption of some economic entities, there is an inverse relationship between the growth rate of economic output and energy intensity; (3) energy consumption of an economy is equal to the product of the initial level of energy consumption, product of “one plus growth rate of economic output”, and product of “one plus growth rate of energy intensity”. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article investigated the major air pollutants and its spatial and seasonal distribution in 74 Chinese cities. Factor analysis and Cluster analysis are employed to indentify major factors of air pollutants. The following results are obtained (1) major factors are obtained in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The first factor in spring includes NO 2 , PM10, CO, and PM2.5; the first factor in summer and autumn includes PM10, PM2.5, CO and SO 2 ; in winter, the first factor includes NO 2 , PM10, PM2.5, and SO 2 . (2) In spring, cities of cluster 5 are the severest polluted by emission sources of SO 2 , CO, PM10, and PM2.5; the emission sources of O 3 would significantly influence the air quality in cities of cluster 2; the emission sources of NO 2 could significantly influence the air quality in cities of cluster 3 and cluster 5. (3) In summer, cities of cluster 5 are the severest polluted by automotive emissions and coal flue gas. Cities of cluster 1 are the lightest polluted. Cities of cluster 3 and cluster 2 are polluted by emission sources of SO 2 and O 3 . (4) In Autumn, cities of cluster 3 and 4 are the severest polluted by the emission sources of SO 2 , CO, PM10, and PM2.5; the emission sources of NO 2 would significantly influence the air quality in cities of cluster 5; the emission sources of O 3 could significantly influence the air quality in cities of cluster 1 and cluster 4. (5) In winter, cities of cluster 5 are the severest polluted by the emission sources of SO 2 , CO, PM10, PM2.5, and CO; the emission sources of O 3 could significantly influence the air quality in cities of cluster 1 and cluster 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxidative variant of the thiol-ene reaction has been developed, achieving the direct addition of thiols to olefins to form sulfoxides. The reaction uses tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant and methanesulfonic acid as catalyst. The latter is believed to catalyze the oxidation of the intermediate sulfide to the sulfoxide. No special precautions are necessary to exclude oxygen, yet the products are formed without oxidation at the β-position. Styrenes, acrylic acid derivatives, alkynes, and thiophenols gave the highest yields, while aliphatic olefins and thiols were less effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucin 1 (MUC1) was the first discovered transmembrane protein of the mucin family; it normally covers epithelial cells of the mucous membrane, providing lubrication and protection. However, aberrant expression of MUC1 is involved in cancer development, invasion and metastasis. It has been reported that MUC1 upregulation is highly associated with the progression of different epithelial cancer types, such as lung, liver, pancreatic and breast cancer. Therefore, MUC1 can be used as a specific marker and a target for immunotherapy in clinical applications, and the detection of MUC1 expression levels can be used to diagnose the occurrence, metastasis, prognosis and recurrence of cancer. The present review summarizes the abnormal expression of MUC1 in different tumours and discusses its clinical significance, thereby highlighting the potential diagnostic and therapeutic significance of MUC1 in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal evolutions of a one-dimensional collisionless decaying plasma bounded by two electrodes with an externally applied electrostatic field are studied by theoretical analyses and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations with the ion extraction process in a laser-induced plasma as the major research background. Based on the theoretical analyses, the transport process of the charged particles including electrons and ions can be divided into three stages: electron oscillation and ion matrix sheath extraction stage, sheath expansion and ion rarefaction wave propagation stage and the plasma collapse stage, and the corresponding criterion for each stage is also presented. Consequently, a complete analytical model is established for describing the ion extraction flux at each stage during the decaying of the laser-induced plasmas under an electrostatic field, which is also validated by the PIC modeling results. Based on this analytical model, influences of the key physical parameters, including the initial electron temperature and number density, plasma width and the externally applied electric voltage, on the ratio of the extracted ions are predicted. The calculated results show that a higher applied electric potential, smaller initial plasma number density and plasma width lead to a higher ratio of the extracted ions during the first stage; while in this stage, the initial electron temperature shows little effect on it. Meanwhile, more ions will be extracted before the plasma collapse once a higher electric potential is applied. The theoretical model presented in this paper is helpful not only for a deep understanding to the charged particle transport mechanisms for a bounded decaying plasma under an applied electrostatic field, but also for an optimization of the ion extraction process in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral microbleeds are strongly linked to cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Iron accumulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intracranial hemorrhage. Deferoxamine ( DFX), a metal chelator, removes iron overload and protects against brain damage in intracranial hemorrhage. In this study, the protective effects of DFX against microhemorrhage were examined in mice. C57 BL6 and Thy-1 green fluorescent protein transgenic mice were subjected to perforating artery microhemorrhages on the right posterior parietal cortex using two-photon laser irradiation. DFX (100 mg/kg) was administered 6 h after microhemorrhage induction, followed by every 12 h for three consecutive days. The water maze task was conducted 7 days after induction of microhemorrhages, followed by measurement of blood-brain barrier permeability, iron deposition, microglial activation, and dendritic damage. Laser-induced multiple microbleeds in the right parietal cortex clearly led to spatial memory disruption, iron deposits, microglial activation, and dendritic damage, which were significantly attenuated by DFX, supporting the targeting of iron overload as a therapeutic option and the significant potential of DFX in microhemorrhage treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study we investigated the role of the corpus callosum, particularly the gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) projection neurons involved in interhemispheric inhibition (IHI). In order to explore IHI in primary visual cortices, we adopted a protocol whereby we performed a direct current lesion of the unilateral primary visual cortex with or without posterior callosotomy, and used two-photon Ca 2 + in vivo imaging on the opposite unaffected region to detect neural activities in mice. Following this procedure, the numbers of vesicular GABAergic transporters (VGATs) and GABAergic interneurons in the unaffected primary cortex were determined using immunofluorescence staining. Results indicated that following unilateral visual cortical lesioning without callosotomy, the neuronal Ca 2 + activities in the opposite side were significantly increased. However, the neuronal activities of the unaffected visual cortex in animals with unilateral cortical lesion with callosotomy were not significantly different. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the numbers of GABAergic interneurons in the unaffected region between each group, while the number of VGATs in the unaffected region was significantly decreased following unilateral visual cortical lesion without callosotomy, which was unchanged once with callosotomy. Finally, callosotomy alone without cortical lesioning produced no change in neuronal activities, the number of GABAergic interneurons or VGATs. Our results demonstrate that IHI between the homologous primary visual cortices occurs via the corpus callosum, and further indicate the important involvement of long-range GABAergic interneurons in transcallosal inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microinfarcts are common in patients with cognitive decline and dementia. Allopurinol (ALLO), a xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme inhibitor, has been found to reduce proinflammatory molecules and oxidative stress in the vasculature. We here examined the effect of pre-treatment with allopurinol on the cortical microinfarction. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a permanent single penetrating arteriole occlusion induced by two-photon laser irradiation. Infarction volume, the activation of glial cells and nitrosative stress in the ischemic brain was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Pre-treatment with ALLO achieved 42% reduction of infarct volume and significantly reduced microglia infiltration, astrocyte proliferation and nitrosative stress in the ischemic brain. These data indicate that ALLO protects against microinfarcts possibly through inhibition of nitrosative stress and attenuation of microglia infiltration as well as astrocytes reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 45S rDNA presented a typical evolutionary trend among Tulipa sections. • Differences in 5S rDNA loci number ranged from two to several dozen. • 5S rDNA sequences with complete coding regions are necessary in Tulipa species. • Sequences differing in 11 bases can be distinguished by part over-lap probes using FISH. • T. edulis is the most primitive of all Chinese Tulipa species. Tulips are commercially important garden and cut flowers. With numerous wild species, China is one of the distribution centers of Tulipa. It is of great significance to tulip breeding to clarify the genetic relationships between wild species and the cultivars. We conducted rDNA oligo-FISH, karyotype analysis and rDNA sequencing of eight wild species and four cultivars. The results indicated that the 45S rDNA distribution presented a typical interspecies evolutionary trend among different Tulipa sections. The differences in 5S rDNA manifested mainly in the number of loci, which ranged from two to several dozen. Surprisingly, 11 base deletions appeared in the coding region of 5S rDNA in three wild species and three cultivars. The probes we designed clearly revealed that 5S rDNA sequences containing a complete coding region are necessary in each species, regardless of whether they can be detected by PCR using universal primers. Compared with data based on phenotype and molecular markers, our results provide clearer and more stable evidence for the classification of tulips. We concluded that among the wild Tulipa species studied, Tulipa edulis is the most primitive, whereas T. schrenkii and T. tianschanica are the most similar to cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supramolecular compound with the molecular formula (Hbipy) 3 [PMo 12 O 40 ]·3H 2 O(bipy ​= ​4,4-bipyridyl) (1) was prepared and characterized by one-step hydrothermal method. Single-crystal structure analysis shows, a cluster consists of 4,4-Hbipy bonded to four [PMo 12 O 40 ]3- anions by hydrogen bonds, which forms two distinct two-dimensional structures through supramolecular interactions, then further extended to 4,4,12-connected {427·638·8}{45·6}{46} 2 three-dimensional topology by π-π stacking and hydrogen bonds. The supercapacitor performance of compound 1 under different collector conditions was studied. In the three-electrode system, capacitance of nickel foam (263.9 ​F ​g-1, 1 ​A ​g-1) is higher than that of carbon cloth (60 ​F ​g-1, 1 ​A ​g-1). The energy density (5.34 ​Wh kg-1) and power density (399.67 ​W ​kg-1) of compound 1 are better in the nickel foam symmetric double-electrode system. Moreover, the compound 1 has a good photocatalytic degradation effect on methylene blue (MB) (95.8%) and rhodamine B (RhB) (93.54%). [Display omitted] ∙ Synthesis crystal material (Hbipy) 3 [PMo 12 O 40 ]·3H 2 O by one-step hydrothermal method. ∙(Hbipy) 3 [PMo 12 O 40 ]·3H 2 O electrode has a specific capacitance of 263.9 ​F ​g-1 at 1 ​A ​g-1. ∙The symmetrical supercapacitor for (Hbipy) 3 [PMo 12 O 40 ]·3H 2 O has an energy density of 5.34 ​Wh Kg-1 and a power density of 399.67 ​W ​kg-1. ∙The photocatalytic degradation rates of MB and RhB by (Hbipy) 3 [PMo 12 O 40 ]·3H 2 O were both higher than 93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial near-infrared (NIR) treatment of neurological diseases has gained recent momentum. However, the low NIR dose available to the brain, which shows severe scattering and absorption of the photons by human tissues, largely limits its effectiveness in clinical use. Hereby, we propose to take advantage of the strong scattering effect of the cranial tissues by applying an evenly distributed multiunit emitter array on the scalp to enhance the cerebral photon density while maintaining each single emitter operating under the safe thermal limit. By employing the Monte Carlo method, we simulated the transcranial propagation of the array emitted light and demonstrated markedly enhanced intracranial photon flux as well as improved uniformity of the photon distribution. These enhancements are correlated with the source location, density, and wavelength of light. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first systematic analysis of the intracranial light field established by the scalp-applied multisource array and reveal a strategy for the optimization of the therapeutic effects of the NIR radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs), such as echinacoside, wiedemannioside C, forsythoside B and verbascoside, were isolated and purified from the Tibetan medicinal herb Pedicularis longiflora Rudolph. var. tubiformis (Klotz) Tsoong by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) combined with macroporous resin (MR) column separation for the first time. In the present study, the two-phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (10 : 6:15, v/v/v) was used for HSCCC separation. A total of 3.5 mg of echinacoside, 12.6 mg of wiedemannioside C, 22.7 mg of forsythoside B and 48.7 mg of verbascoside with the purity of 93.6, 97.9, 97.8 and 98.1%, respectively, were obtained from 120 mg of crude sample. The HSCCC fractions were analyzed by HPLC, and the chemical structures were identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The results demonstrate thatMRcoupledwith HSCCC is a powerful technique for separation of PPGs from natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the present study, we establish two swine models of iliac vein occlusion (IVO) with spontaneous thrombosis to understand the mechanisms linking IVO and thrombosis. Methods: Two IVO models were established in 12 swine either by ligating the common iliac vein (CIVO) or both the common and external iliac veins (CEIVO). Venography was performed to assess each model and the associated thrombosis. Invasive blood pressure was also measured, and the vessels were examined histologically to analyse the pathological changes after ligation. ResultS: On venography, the CIVO model showed common iliac vein (CIV) occlusion and reflux in the collateral veins whereas the CEIVO model showed occlusion in the CIV and external iliac vein (EIV), stasis in the EIV, and decreased collateral vasculature on venography. Thrombosis was only observed in the CEIVO model, which was with significantly higher venous blood pressure in the EIV and with significantly more thickened venous wall with lymphocytic infiltration histologically. ConclusionS: Two IVO models can be feasibly and reliably established in swine. The CEIVO model had a higher prevalence of thrombosis than the CIVO model. This CEIVO model produces comparatively less collateral drainage and greater inflammation that can contribute to the thrombosis prone to this type of model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Frontoparietal networks (FPNs) including the regions of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have been implicated in visuospatial attention. However, the functional interactions among different regions of dorsal FPNs remain elusive. The Attention Network Test (ANT) and continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) were used to investigate the functional interactions in healthy subjects. During the ANT task, subjects receiving right PPC cTBS responded significantly slower in spatial cue condition, had deficits in both alerting and orienting indices compared with those receiving either the sham cTBS or left PPC cTBS. In addition, subjects receiving left-DLPFC cTBS showed significant improvements on alerting and conflict indices whereas significant deficits on the orienting index compared with those receiving the sham cTBS. Moreover, compared with subjects exposed to the sham cTBS condition, subjects exposed to cTBS to the right-DLPFC exhibited significant decreases in the efficiency of the alerting and conflict indices whereas significant increases in the orienting index. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the alerting, orienting and conflict effect indices between subjects receiving the left-DLPFC-cTBS and those receiving the right-DLPFC-cTBS. These results suggest that the right DLPFC played a pivotal role in executive control process, whereas the right PPC was associated with orienting attentional function. The current study not only supports the model of inter-hemispheric rivalry for visuospatial attention, but also indicates inter-regional competition between the different areas of the FPNs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We examined the timing of physiological swallowing events in patients before and after completion of an exercise-based dysphagia intervention (McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program; MDTP) and compared their performance to that of healthy volunteers. Methods: Eight adults (mean age, 57.5 years) with chronic dysphagia (mean, 45 months) completed 3 weeks of the MDTP. Before and after the MDTP we measured lingual-palatal and pharyngeal manometric pressures during swallows of thin liquid, thick liquid, and pudding material in 5-mL volumes. Using the pressure peak of the pharyngoesophageal segment clearing wave as the anchor point, we measured the relative timing of pressure peaks from the anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the tongue and the manometric peaks from the base of the tongue, the hypopharynx, and the nadir of the pharyngoesophageal segment. We compared these results to identical measures obtained from 34 healthy adults (mean age, 44.0 years). Results: The timing of physiological events before the MDTP was significantly slower than that of the group of healthy volunteers. The timing data from after the MDTP were not significantly different from those of the healthy group. The magnitude change was greatest for thin liquid. Conclusions: Dysphagia therapy with the MDTP improves the timing of physiological events during swallowing. Temporal coordination of swallowing components after therapy approximates that of healthy adults, suggesting a normalization of swallow timing after the MDTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The disability of visuospatial attention can lead to poor volitional movement and functional recovery in patients with brain lesions. However, the accurate clinical method to assess visuospatial attention is limited. The frontoparietal network including the posterior parietal cortex and the frontal eye fields has been shown to involve in visuospatial attention. The Attention Network Test provided measures for three different components of visuospatial attention: alerting, orienting and executive control. This study was to probe the deficit and relationship of visuospatial attention using Attention Network Test paradigm in patients with frontoparietal network lesions. During this task, patients responded significantly slower on each cue condition and target type than controls, and showed deficits in the alerting and orienting networks. The efficiency of resolving conflict was decreased in patients with frontal lesions whereas this was increased in patients with parietal lesions. These findings suggest that the frontoparietal network is involved in the alerting and orienting attentional function and the executive function is possibly selectively associated with the frontal lobe. The Attention Network Test paradigm produces sensitive, valid and reliable subject estimates of visuospatial attention function in patients with brain lesions, and may be useful for clinical rehabilitation strategy selection for patients with the frontoparietal network lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An improved automated continuous sample introduction system for microfluidic capillary electrophoresis (CE) is described. A sample plate was designed into gear-shaped and was fixed onto the shaft of a step motor. Twenty slotted reservoirs for containing samples and working electrolytes were fabricated on the “gear tooth” of the plate. A single 7.5-cm long Teflon AF-coated silica capillary serves as separation channel, sampling probe, as well as liquid-core waveguide (LCW) for light transmission. Platinum layer deposited on the capillary tip serves as the electrode. Automated continuous sample introduction was achieved by scanning the capillary tip through the slots of reservoirs. The sample was introduced into capillary and separated immediately in the capillary with only about 2-nL gross sample consumption. The laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method with LCW technique was used for detecting fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled amino acids. With electric-field strength of 320V/cm for injection and separation, and 1.0-s sample injection time, a mixture of FITC-labeled arginine and leucine was separated with a throughput of 60/h and a carryover of 2.7%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• There is a debate about how to assess long-term adverse outcome of older patients after elective noncardiac surgeries. • Frailty is an independent risk of one-year mortality after elective noncardiac surgeries. • Routine assessment of older individuals with frailty before surgery should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To clarify the concept of oral frailty to provide a clear and standardized conceptual basis for further research in older people. Design: Rodgers and Knafl's evolutionary concept analysis approach. Methods: The narrative analysis detailedly extracted and synthesized the attributes of oral frailty, as well as its antecedents, consequences and related terms under the guidance of Rodgers' evolutionary method. Data Sources: Multiple databases including Pubmed, CINAHL and Cochrane were searched using selected search terms 'oral frail*', 'oral health' and 'aged' respectively. Articles written between 2013 and 2023 were included, and grey literature was excluded. Results: A total of 32 articles were included for further analysis and synthesis. The attributes of oral frailty were hypofunction, predisposing in nature, non‐specific and multidimensional. Antecedents of prefrailty were classified into four categories, namely, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, physical function and psychosocial factors. Consequences of oral frailty include three themes: increased risk of adverse outcomes, poor nutritional status and possibility of social withdrawal. Related terms that had shared attributes with oral frailty were oral health, functional dentition, oral hypofunction and deterioration of oral function. Conclusions: Oral frailty is an age‐related phenomenon reflected in decreased oral function. The findings of this concept analysis are conducive to understanding and clarifying the oral frailty, which can help clinicians or other healthcare providers to consider how to distinguish oral frailty in older adults and further promote the development of this field. Impact: Oral frailty is increasingly recognized as an age‐related phenomenon reflected in decreased oral function. As it is newly proposed, no consensus has been reached regarding the theoretical and operational concept of it. Through clarifying the concept, this paper will guide future healthcare research on oral frailty regarding the influencing factors, mechanisms and interventions, thus raising the awareness with regard to oral health among older adults. What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?: In the context of older adults, oral frailty is a concept that requires further research to guide future theoretical development, and the influencing factors, mechanisms and interventions need to be further studied.Raise awareness with regard to oral health among older people and more attention will be paid to the early identification and intervention of oral frailty, so as to further improve the quality of life of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China strives to balance rapid urbanization with environmental conservation, increasing attention is being paid to the pursuit of green production efficiency (GPE) in the real estate industry. The undesirable super-SBM model was used to calculate the GPE of China's real estate industry from 2001 to 2020. Additionally, GPE spatial distribution characteristics in China's real estate industry were analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse (SDE), Moran's index, Theil index, random kernel density estimation (RKDA), and spatial Markov chain (SMC) methods. The GPE exhibited a U-shaped trend, with 2008 as the inflection point, first decreasing and then increasing. It reached a maximum value of 0.747 in 2020. The Theil index increased from 0.043 to 0.121 nationwide, indicating the overall characteristics of low-level slow growth, and imbalance. Discrepancies in input–output scales, the southward shift of economic centers, and population movements contribute significantly to the disparities between the east and west, north and south, and regions divided by the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line). The GPE exhibited club convergence characteristics; however, polarization phenomena exist in local areas. Spatial spillover effects were also observed in GPE. Finally, we provide recommendations for promoting green development in the real estate industry, including green building technology, fiscal subsidy investment, and population migration management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a distinctive mammal known for its reliance on a diet primarily consisting of bamboo. The gut microbiota and overall health of animals are strongly influenced by diets and environments. Therefore, conducting research to explore the taxonomical and functional variances within the gut microbiota of red pandas exposed to various dietary and environmental conditions could shed light on the dynamic complexities of their microbial communities. In this study, normal fecal samples were obtained from red pandas residing in captive and semi‐free environments under different dietary regimes and used for metabolomic, 16S rRNA, and metagenomic sequencing analysis, with the pandas classified into four distinct cohorts according to diet and environment. In addition, metagenomic sequencing was conducted on mucus fecal samples to elucidate potential etiological agents of disease. Results revealed an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases in red pandas consuming bamboo shoots due to the heightened presence of pathogenic bacteria, although an increased presence of microbiota‐derived tryptophan metabolites appeared to facilitate intestinal balance. The red pandas fed bamboo leaves also exhibited a decrease in gut microbial diversity, which may be attributed to the antibacterial flavonoids and lower protein levels in leaves. Notably, red pandas residing in semi‐free environments demonstrated an enriched gut microbial diversity. Moreover, the occurrence of mucus secretion may be due to an increased presence of species associated with diarrhea and a reduced level of microbiota‐derived tryptophan metabolites. In summary, our findings substantiate the influential role of diet and environment in modulating the gut microbiota of red pandas, offering potential implications for improved captive breeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper limb motor impairment commonly occurs after stroke, impairing quality of life. Brain network reorganization likely differs between subgroups with differing impairment severity. This study explored differences in functional connectivity (FC) and corticospinal tract (CST) integrity between patients with mild/moderate versus severe hemiplegia poststroke to clarify the neural correlates underlying motor deficits. Method: Sixty chronic stroke patients with upper limb motor impairment were categorized into mild/moderate and severe groups based on Fugl‐Meyer scores. Resting‐state FC was assessed using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to compare connectivity patterns between groups across motor regions. CST integrity was evaluated by inducing motor evoked potentials (MEP) via transcranial magnetic stimulation. Results: Compared to the mild/moderate group, the severe group exhibited heightened premotor cortex–primary motor cortex (PMC–M1) connectivity (t = 4.56, p < 0.01). Absence of MEP was also more frequent in the severe group (χ2 = 12.31, p = 0.01). Bayesian models effectively distinguished subgroups and identified the PMC–M1 connection as highly contributory (accuracy = 91.30%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.86). Conclusion: Distinct patterns of connectivity and corticospinal integrity exist between stroke subgroups with differing impairments. Strengthened connectivity potentially indicates recruitment of additional motor resources to compensate for damage. These findings elucidate the neural correlates underlying motor deficits poststroke and could guide personalized, network‐based therapies targeting predictive biomarkers to improve rehabilitation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]