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This study develops a new class of Euler-buckled beam based nonlinear energy sink (EBNES) with three configurations, which is expected to attenuate the disturbance effects and further enhance vibration suppression under launching and on-orbit loads simultaneously. The effects of different arrangements on amplitude-frequency responses of the primary system are derived and analyzed through complexification-averaging method, and the approximate solutions are verified by fourth-order Runge Kutta method. Comparison results exhibit that the EBNES-I is much more effective with enhanced vibration reduction performance and stability in a broad frequency range. Furthermore, a two-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the flywheel system, which integrates the EBNES-I and the supporting structure in satellite, is established. The vibration reduction and bifurcation behaviors of the proposed EBNES-I are investigated, and the efficiency of the proposed EBNES-I in vibration reduction of the flywheel is compared to that of a traditional cubic-stiffness-type NES. It is found that the EBNES-I exhibits a good vibration reduction performance on the dynamic responses of the flywheel system in launching and on-orbit stage simultaneously. Additionally, the bifurcations of the coupled system are studied in order to investigate the influences of gravity and excitation amplitudes on the stability of the EBNES. Calculation results provide conditions for occurrence of the saddle-node (SN) and Hopf bifurcations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to effectively mitigate the micro-vibration energy from the on-orbit flywheel and high-level vibration transmitted to flywheel system in the launching stage, a nonlinear vibration absorber (NVA) with Euler-buckled beams is developed and investigated in this paper. The NVA is composed of a linear supporting spring and a set of parallel Euler-buckled beams which is used as a negative stiffness corrector. In order to evaluate vibration reduction performance and stability characteristics of this developed nonlinear coupled dynamic system with NVA. First of all, a multi-degree-of-freedom compound dynamic model, including the flywheel system, the NVA and the supporting structural plate in the satellite platform, is built. Then, based on the systematic dynamic equations, the approximate steady-state solutions are derived by using the complexification-averaging (CX-A) method under on-orbit and launching loads, respectively. The analytical method and solutions are validated by using the numerical method. The proposed NVA can realize excellent vibration mitigation performance for the three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) coupled nonlinear system under the launching and on-orbit excitations. Next, the slow-variable manifold equation is analyzed to address the dynamic bifurcation behaviors of the nonlinear compound system and the influences of the excitation amplitude on the bifurcation characteristics are focused on. The results show that a 3-DOF system is more prone to instability and requires larger external excitation to escape the instability region. The calculation results also show that the stiffness ratio and excitation amplitude have significant effects on the bifurcation characteristics, and a proper stiffness ratio can be chosen to avoid bifurcations. Finally, compared with typical pure cubic stiffness NVA, the proposed NVA exhibits greater adaptability, and can work efficiently for a relatively larger range of excitation amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely linked to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Curcumae Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese herb, has shown antitumor effects, primarily through its component curcumol (Cur), which has been shown to reduce NPC cell invasion and migration by targeting nucleolin (NCL) and Epstein–Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1). We constructed an EBV-positive NPC cell model using C666-1 cells and performed transcriptomics studies after treatment with curcumol, which revealed a significant enrichment of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, the PI3K-AKT and mTOR signaling pathways, cell cycle and apoptosis involved in tumor invasion and migration. To investigate the importance of NCL and EBNA1 in curcumol-resistant EBV-positive NPC, we performed a multi-omics study using short hairpin NCL (shNCL) and shEBNA1 EBV-positive NPC cells, and the proteomics results showed enrichment in complement and coagulation cascades and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis signaling pathways. Here, we focused on ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C), which plays an important role in the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis signaling pathway. In addition, metabolomics revealed that UBE2C is highly associated with 4-Aminobutanoic acid (GABA). In vitro studies further validated the function of the key targets, suggesting that UBE2C plays an important role in NCL and EBNA1-mediated curcumol resistance to nasopharyngeal carcinoma invasion and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) has been shown to activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) via distinct pathways dependent on either G‐protein or β‐arrestin. However, there has not been a systematic study of the regulatory process of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation by G protein‐ versus β‐arrestin‐dependent signaling since D2R stimulation of ERKs reflects the simultaneous action of both pathways. Here, we investigated that differential regulation of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation via these two pathways. Our results showed that G protein‐dependent ERKs activation was transient, rapid, reached maximum level at around 2 min, and importantly, the activated ERKs were entirely confined to the cytoplasm. In contrast, β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation was more sustained, slower, reached maximum level at around 10 min, and phosphorylated ERKs translocated into the nucleus. Src was found to be commonly involved in both the G protein‐ and β‐arrestin‐dependent pathway‐mediated ERKs activation. Pertussis toxin Gi/o inhibitor, GRK2‐CT, AG1478 epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, and wortmannin phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor all blocked G protein‐dependent ERKs activation. In contrast, GRK2 and β‐Arr2 played a main role in β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation. Receptor endocytosis showed minimal effect on the activation of ERKs mediated by both pathways. Furthermore, we found that the formation of a complex composed of phospho‐ERKs, β‐Arr2, and importinβ1 promoted the nuclear translocation of activated ERKs. The differential regulation of various cellular components, as well as temporal and spatial patterns of ERKs activation via these two pathways, suggest the existence of distinct physiological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trans-cyanostilbene derivatives were prepared, and their oxidative dimerizations promoted by horseradish peroxidase-H2O2 were investigated. An M5–M5-coupled biphenyl-type dimer was first synthesized from the biomimetic oxidative coupling reaction of 8-cyano-resveratrol. A novel M5–MO-4-coupled diarylether-type dimer was obtained through the oxidation of 3,5-dibromo-8-cyano-resveratrol and the following debromination reaction. The cyano group at the C-8 of two cyano-stilbenes had obvious influences on the regioselectivity of their coupling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class-A GPCR dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) plays a critical role in the proper functioning of neuronal circuits through the downstream activation of both G-protein- and β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Understanding the signaling pathways downstream of D2R is critical for developing effective therapies with which to treat dopamine (DA)-related disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Extensive studies have focused on the regulation of D2R-mediated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling; however, the manner in which ERKs are activated upon the stimulation of a specific signaling pathway of D2R remains unclear. The present study conducted a variety of experimental techniques, including loss-of-function experiments, site-directed mutagenesis, and the determination of protein interactions, in order to investigate the mechanisms underlying β-arrestin-biased signaling-pathway-mediated ERK activation. We found that the stimulation of the D2R β-arrestin signaling pathway caused Mdm2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and interact with tyrosine phosphorylated G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), which was facilitated by Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase. This interaction led to the ubiquitination of GRK2, which then moved to the plasma membrane and interacted with activated D2R, followed by the phosphorylation of D2R as well as the mediation of ERK activation. In conclusion, Mdm2-mediated GRK2 ubiquitination, which is selectively triggered by the stimulation of the D2R β-arrestin signaling pathway, is necessary for GRK2 membrane translocation and its interaction with D2R, which in turn mediates downstream ERK signaling. This study is primarily novel and provides essential information with which to better understand the detailed mechanisms of D2R-dependent signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based upon 2 years of ethnographic fieldwork, this study proposes "aspirational taste regime" as a critical concept through which to examine the emergence of a discursively constructed normative system in China's Pick-Up Artist (PUA) training programs. By unpacking how taste is practiced both digitally and corporeally in these programs, the paper argues that Chinese PUA learners carefully curate taste for an illusionary, at times even deceptive, presentation of idealized masculinities to increase their matrimonial chances. In doing so, this paper extends the literature on taste regimes by moving beyond its typically Western focus. It directs attention to an aspirational taste regime that capitalizes on young men's aspirations for idealized masculinities and prescribes a seemingly effortless but in fact highly curated online presentation of cultural-capital-oriented consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Cyclic peptides are composed of canonical and non-canonical amino acids in a rigid conformation, which endow them high binding affinity and specificity, proteolytic stability, and enhanced membrane permeation compared to linear analogs, thereby making them as promising therapeutics of the future. To date, more than 40 cyclic peptides from nature or derivatives are used as therapeutics, with an average of around one cyclic peptide drug approved per year. This review aims to highlight the past 5 years' advances in total synthesis of cyclic peptides including monocyclic peptides, bicyclic peptides, and tricyclic peptides, laying a solidly synthetic foundation for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR, NR3C2) mediates ion and water homeostasis in epithelial cells of the distal nephron and other tissues. Aldosterone, the prototypical mineralocorticoid, regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Cortisol binds to MR with equal affinity to aldosterone, but many MR-expressing tissues inactivate cortisol to cortisone via 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2). Dysregulated MR activation contributes to direct cardiovascular tissue insults. Besides aldosterone and cortisol, a variety of MR agonists and/or HSD11B2 inhibitors are putative players in the pathophysiology of low-renin hypertension (LRH), and cardiovascular and metabolic pathology. We developed an in vitro human MR (hMR) model, to facilitate screening for MR agonists, antagonists, and HSD11B2 inhibitors. The CV1 monkey kidney cells were transduced with lentivirus to stably express hMR and an MR-responsive gaussia luciferase gene. Clonal populations of MR-expressing cells (CV1-MRluc) were further transduced to express HSD11B2 (CV1-MRluc-HSD11B2). CV1-MRluc and CV1-MRluc-HSD11B2 cells were treated with aldosterone, cortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18OHB), 18-hydroxycortisol (18OHF), 18-oxocortisol (18oxoF), progesterone, or 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP). In CV1-MRLuc cells, aldosterone and DOC displayed similar potency (EC50: 0.45 nM and 0.30 nM) and maximal response (31- and 23-fold increase from baseline) on hMR; 18oxoF and 18OHB displayed lower potency (19.6 nM and 56.0 nM, respectively) but similar maximal hMR activation (25- and 27-fold increase, respectively); cortisol and corticosterone exhibited higher maximal responses (73- and 52-fold, respectively); 18OHF showed no MR activation. Progesterone and 17OHP inhibited aldosterone-mediated MR activation. In the MRluc-HSD11B2 model, the EC50 of cortisol for MR activation increased from 20 nM (CV1-MRLuc) to ∼2000 nM, while the EC50 for aldosterone remained unchanged. The addition of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), a HSD11B2 inhibitor, restored the potency of cortisol back to ∼70 nM in CV1-hMRLuc-HSD11B2 cells. Together, these two cell models will facilitate the discovery of novel MR-modulators, informing MR-mediated pathophysiology mechanisms and drug development efforts. • We developed two cell models with stable expression of human mineralocorticoid receptor (hMR)+/- HSD11B2. • In tandem, these models enable the evaluation of hMR agonists, antagonists, and HSD11B2 inhibitors. • Aldosterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone displayed similar hMR potency and maximal response. • The hybrid steroids 18-oxocortisol and 18-hydroxycortisol had minimal or no hMR agonistic effects, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The novel dual-defect AgBiO 3 /DCN S-scheme heterojunction was constructed. • Oxygen and nitrogen vacancy and S-scheme heterojunction played significant role in optimized band structures and improved charge carrier separation and transfer. • The intermediate degradation products and their environmental toxicity degree were analyzed by UPLC-HRMS and the T.E.S.T software, respectively. • The generation path of 1O 2 was proposed and the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism was deeply studied. Antibiotics pollution may pose a great risk to ecosystem and human health. In this work, an innovative dual-defect AgBiO 3 /DCN S-scheme heterojunction was constructed to overcome the sluggish charge separation and transfer issue and showed exceptional photodegradation performance towards norfloxacin (NFL) pollution under the visible light. The degradation efficiency of NFL reached 95.30 % within 120 min respectively, the rate constant was 3.64 times higher than that of defective g-C 3 N 4 (DCN). The systematically characterizations proved that the enhanced photocatalytic activity was benefited from optimized band structures, improved carrier separation efficiency, due to dual defects and S-scheme heterojunction in AgBiO 3 /DCN. the intermediate degradation products and degradation pathway of NFL were speculated by UPLC-HRMS, and the environmental toxicity degree of degradation products was analyzed according to the T.E.S.T software. The charge transfer pathway was confirmed as an S-scheme mechanism through a combination of band structure analysis, alongside electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments.The quenching experiments and ESR analyses indicated that h+ and O 2 •− radicals played predominant roles. The efficient and stable photocatalytic NFL degradation efficiency and broad environmental adaptability proved potential practical application. This work may shed light on designing new dual-defect heterojunction with photocatalytic antibiotic removal capability in the innovative water treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel device for both vibration reduction and energy harvesting has been developed by merging an Euler-buckled beam nonlinear energy sink and a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEBNES). To assess the output voltage and power from the PEBNES, a simplified standard energy harvesting (SEH) circuit based upon the equivalent impedance method (EIM) is proposed. The approximate steady-state solutions of such electromechanical coupled system, which are verified through numerical calculation method, are derived by using the complexification-averaging (CX-A) method. Based on the calculation results, it can be found that the PEBNES exhibits desired vibration reduction and energy harvesting (EH) functions over a wide frequency band. Additionally, in order to reduce the primary system's response amplitude and boost harvesting voltage, a multi-objective optimization according to the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-Ⅱ (NSGA-Ⅱ) is used to optimize the design parameters of PEBNES. For these optimized parameters, the vibration mitigation performance of PEBNES on the main vibration system is not only improved by 54.82%, but the energy harvesting capacity, including open voltage and collected power, are increased by 68.67% and 62.73%. Compared with the traditional linear vibration absorber (TLVA) and the Euler-buckled beam nonlinear energy sink (EBNES), the PEBNES exhibits better vibration reduction performance and wider operating frequency band. In experiments, the effectiveness of the theoretical model and the calculation results have been proved, providing an innovative solution for broadband vibration control and energy harvesting in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro cavity structures are extensively utilized in semiconductor micro- and nanosensor devices, especially spherical microcavity, whose high Q value not only significantly improves the sensitivity of the sensors, but also enhances their reliability in complex environments. The integration of this structure not only optimizes the performance of the sensor, but also provides the possibility for high-precision detection. In this study, a thermoelectric coupling method for controllable migration of microsphere cavity inside silicon materials is proposed in order to achieve stable formation of the internal microsphere cavity structure. The directional migration mechanism of atoms on the surface of microsphere cavities in silicon substrates under an electric field is explored using a phase field model. The model indicates that changes in the total free energy density induce a solid-gas phase transition on the surface of the microsphere cavity. It is shown that the migration velocity of the microsphere cavity increases proportionally with the electric field strength, and the migration distance increases by approximately 9 % for every 10 % increase in electric field strength. The migration direction aligns with the direction of the electric field. Simulation results validate the theoretical accuracy, the feasibility of controllable migration by thermoelectric coupling effect in conductive materials through experimental studies. This study provides novel methods and insights for fabricating high-quality spherical cavity in silicon materials and preparing highly sensitive micro- and nanosensor devices. • New idea for processing high-quality microsphere cavity in silicon materials. • Atom migration mechanism on the surface of microsphere cavity analyzed by phase field modelling. • Demonstrating that electric field can drive microsphere cavity in silicon to migrate. • The greater the electric field strength, the faster the microsphere cavity migrates. • The direction of microsphere cavity migration is aligns with the electric field direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] AKT, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), serves as a crucial regulator of numerous biological functions, including cell growth, metabolism, and tumorigenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that the kinase activity of AKT is regulated via ubiquitination by various E3 ligase enzymes in response to different stimuli. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin-induced AKT ubiquitination are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that activation of the insulin receptor (IR) leads to enhanced ubiquitination of AKT1 at K8 and K14 residues, facilitated by the cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme, TRAF6. Further investigation using AKT1 mutants with modified nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties reveals that TRAF6-mediated AKT1 ubiquitination occurs within the nucleus in a β-Arr2-dependent manner. The nuclear entry of TRAF6 depends on importin β1, while β-Arr2 regulates this process by facilitating the interaction between TRAF6 and importin β1. Additionally, the ubiquitination of AKT1 is essential for its translocation to the activated IR on the plasma membrane, where it plays a functional role in recruiting Glut4 and facilitating glucose uptake. This study uncovers the cellular components and processes involved in insulin-induced ubiquitination and activation of AKT1, providing insights and detailed strategies for manipulating AKT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-puerperal uterine inversion is a rare condition with diagnostic and surgical challenges. Clinically, the inverted uterus appears as a mass protruding from the vagina and is often misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor and surgically removed. An 11-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency room due to spontaneous vaginal mass protrusion. The pudendum examination showed an irregular and dark red neoplasm protruding from the vagina. The final diagnosis was non-puerperal uterine inversion with an endometrial polyp. MRI is the key to the diagnosis of uterine inversion. Our review confirmed that the 11-year-old girl was the youngest in the world to suffer from non-puerperal uterine inversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stiffness and damping of a structure usually show the opposite change so that the resonant frequency and the static load bearing capacity of a mechanical system often exhibit contradiction. To solve this dilemma, a novel high-damping oscillator which is constructed by a nested diamond structure with the purpose of enhancing the damping property is proposed in this study without reducing the overall systematic stiffness. The mathematical model and geometrical relationships are established at first. And then, the steady-state solutions under base excitation are derived by using the harmonic balance method and further verified by numerical simulation. In addition, the effects of some design parameters on the equivalent damping ratio for the high-damping oscillator are studied to reveal the nonlinear characteristic. Besides, the natural frequency of the nonlinear oscillator is also presented and investigated. By using the displacement transmissibility and comparing with the traditional linear isolator with the same overall stiffness, the vibration suppression performance of the high-damping oscillator is addressed. The obtained calculating results demonstrate that the vibration control performance of the high-damping oscillator outperforms the linear counterpart around resonant frequency. Moreover, the influences of systematic parameters of the high-damping oscillator for the base excitation case on the vibration transmissibility are also discussed, respectively. Finally, an experimental campaign is conducted on an in-house-built test rig to corroborate the accuracy of the analytical solutions of the high-damping oscillation system. The results discussed in this study provide a useful guideline, which can help to design this class of high-damping oscillation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new configuration of an integrated quasi-zero isolator is proposed. • Analytical solutions of IQZS-VCS isolator are derived. • Dynamic performance of isolators is compared through force transmissibility. • Experiments are conducted to verify the developed model and analytical solutions. In this research, a new passive-type integrated quasi-zero stiffness isolator with variable cross-section (IQZS-VCS) characteristic is proposed in order to extend the application fields. Compared with the integrated quasi-zero stiffness isolator with uniform cross-section (IQZS-UCS), the IQZS-VCS isolator has more adjustable structural parameters and can enhance vibration attenuation performance in lower-frequency region. Based on the developed static model, the nonlinear force and nonlinear stiffness characteristics of the IQZS-VCS isolator are evaluated using different design parameters. Furthermore, the effects of different factors on vibration reduction ability of the isolating system are addressed in terms of amplitude-frequency response and force transmissibility. Compared with a traditional linear, IQZS-UCS and conventional three-spring-type quasi-zero stiffness isolators, the proposed isolator exhibits better low-frequency and wide-band isolation performance. Quasi-static and electromagnetic exciting tests reveal that the developed theoretical models and related calculation results of the IQZS-VCS isolator are correct, providing an innovative solution and insight for broadband isolator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with structural vibration reduction using a four-parameter isolator designed as a scissor-like structure, which can induce geometric nonlinearity during the deformation process. The displacement transmissibility of the isolator including the geometric nonlinearity under base excitations is thoroughly investigated. First, the dynamic model of the four-parameter isolator is presented. Then, by utilizing the harmonic balanced method (HBM), the steady-state solutions of the inertia mass and auxiliary spring of the proposed isolator are derived. The analytical solutions are validated by comparing with those obtained by the direct numerical integrating method. Besides, the natural frequency of the nonlinear isolation system is presented and investigated. Moreover, the isolation performance of the four-parameter isolator is assessed in terms of the relative and absolute displacement transmissibilities, and compared with that of the linear Zener model, by which the advantages of the present isolator have been clearly revealed. The effects of various design parameters on the displacement transmissibility of the isolator are also analyzed. Finally, a further comparison between the analytical and experimental results under base excitation also shows that the mechanical model used for the four-parameter isolator is accuracy enough. The present results may provide a useful theoretical basis for the design of the four-parameter isolator in engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnocypris namensis, the only commercial fish in Namtso Lake of Tibet in China, is rated as nearly threatened species in the Red List of China's Vertebrates. As one of the highest-altitude schizothorax fish in China, G. namensis has strong adaptability to the plateau harsh environment. Although being an indigenous economic fish with high value in research, the biological characterization, genetic diversity, and plateau adaptability of G. namensis are still unclear. Here, we used Pacific Biosciences single molecular real time long read sequencing technology to generate full-length transcripts of G. namensis. Sequences clustering analysis and error correction with Illumina-produced short reads to obtain 319,044 polished isoforms. After removing redundant reads, 125,396 non-redundant isoforms were obtained. Among all transcripts, 103,286 were annotated to public databases. Natural selection has acted on 42 genes for G. namensis, which were enriched on the functions of mismatch repair and Glutathione metabolism. Total 89,736 open reading frames, 95,947 microsatellites, and 21,360 long non-coding RNAs were identified across all transcripts. This is the first study of transcriptome in G. namensis by using PacBio Iso-seq. The acquisition of full-length transcript isoforms might accelerate the transcriptome research of G. namensis and provide basis for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed reality technology can be applied to simulation training, improve surgical performance, enhance 3D game experience, and so on, attracting extensive attention of researchers. The perception of the user about head‐mounted display MR using HoloLens is critical, especially for precision applications such as virtual hoisting. Designing and adding appropriate depth cues in MR scenes is an effective way to improve users' depth perception. In this study, taking virtual hoisting training system as an example, the depth perception strategy of multi‐cue fusion is proposed to improve the perception effect. Based on the mechanism of human depth perception, five kinds of depth cues are designed. The depth perception effect of adding single cue is studied by perceptual matching experiment. Based on the principle of fuzzy clustering, a multiple‐cue comprehensive depth optimization strategy on viewing distance scale is proposed. Finally, the perceptual matching results demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi‐cue fusion strategy, and the average error is reduced by 20.68% compared with the single‐cue strategy, which can significantly improve the spatial depth perception. This research can provide a reference for improving users' depth perception in interactive MR simulation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new [3+2+1] annulation strategy based on the heteroatom‐free tri‐atom donor to synthesize 3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrans has been developed. In this method, 2‐arylpropylene served as tri‐atom donor to contribute three carbon atoms, the heteroatom was provided by aldehyde, and DMSO served as one carbon donor and solvent. This annulation reaction gave 3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrans in moderate to good yields. Based on the control experiments, a possible mechanism was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triplophysa is an endemic fish genus of the Tibetan Plateau in China. Triplophysa tibetana, which lives at a recorded altitude of ~4,000 m and plays an important role in the highland aquatic ecosystem, serves as an excellent model for investigating high‐altitude environmental adaptation. However, evolutionary and conservation studies of T. tibetana have been limited by scarce genomic resources for the genus Triplophysa. In the present study, we applied PacBio sequencing and the Hi‐C technique to assemble the T. tibetana genome. A 652‐Mb genome with 1,325 contigs with an N50 length of 3.1 Mb was obtained. The 1,137 contigs were further assembled into 25 chromosomes, representing 98.7% and 80.47% of all contigs at the base and sequence number level, respectively. Approximately 260 Mb of sequence, accounting for ~39.8% of the genome, was identified as repetitive elements. DNA transposons (16.3%), long interspersed nuclear elements (12.4%) and long terminal repeats (11.0%) were the most repetitive types. In total, 24,372 protein‐coding genes were predicted in the genome, and ~95% of the genes were functionally annotated via a search in public databases. Using whole genome sequence information, we found that T. tibetana diverged from its common ancestor with Danio rerio ~121.4 million years ago. The high‐quality genome assembled in this work not only provides a valuable genomic resource for future population and conservation studies of T. tibetana, but it also lays a solid foundation for further investigation into the mechanisms of environmental adaptation of endemic fishes in the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local injection of a multimodal cocktail including corticosteroid is commonly used for postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, it is inconclusive whether additional corticosteroid is beneficial. This meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an additional, local injection of corticosteroid in terms of pain relief and knee function recovery after TKA. Methods: RCTs in electronic literature databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Of 1,628 records identified, 9 RCTs involving 727 knees were eligible for data extraction and meta‐analysis. Results: Local injection of a multimodal cocktail including corticosteroid did not contribute to pain relief within 12 hours postoperatively (P > 0.05). However, from 24 hours to 72 hours, it significantly decreased pain scores (P < 0.05, all) at rest and reduced total rescue opioid consumption postoperatively (P < 0.05). Knee range of motion (ROM) was improved at postoperative day 1 (POD1) and POD2 (P < 0.05), and hospital stay (P < 0.05) was shortened after local injection of corticosteroid. However, the other outcomes, including knee ROM after POD2, C‐reactive protein level, Knee Society score, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and wound complication occurrences, were not significantly different (P > 0.05, all). Conclusions: Additional corticosteroid added to a multimodal cocktail improved postoperative pain, enhanced knee functional recovery, and shortened hospital stays following TKA, but local injection of corticosteroids had no effect on reducing nausea and vomiting based on our outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel sulfide (NiS 2) is a promising cathode material for Lithium (Li) thermal batteries due to its abundant resources and high theoretical capacity (870 mAh/g). However, its practical discharge capacity is much lower than the theoretical capacity, especially at high current densities. Structure modification is a feasible strategy for optimizing its electrochemical performance. Hence, a Co doping NiS 2 (Ni 1-x Co x S 2 , x = 0.03, 0.05 and 0.08) cathode was designed and constructed using a structural modification strategy. The Ni 0.95 Co 0.05 S 2 cathode demonstrates an optimal specific capacity of 729.3 mAh/g in comparison with NiS 2 (641.6 mAh/g) with a cut-off voltage of 0.5 V at 100 mA/cm2 at 500 °C. Even at a high current density of 500 mA/cm2, the specific capacity of Ni 0.95 Co 0.05 S 2 can reach 671.6 mAh/g. Pulse test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveal that Co doping can effectively reduce internal resistance and elevate electron conductivity and ionic transfer rate of NiS 2. Moreover, ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) of discharge products of NiS 2 and Ni 0.95 Co 0.05 S 2 suggests that Co doping facilitates the sufficient reaction of NiS 2 , boosting the discharge performance of Li thermal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is one of the most devastating types of pediatric cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that the dysregulated expression of long non-coding (lnc)-RNAs is associated with various pathologies of the CNS. However, the expression patterns and prognostic roles of lncRNAs in DIPG have not yet been systematically determined. In the present study, lncRNA expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database using the lncRNA-mining approach and a differential expression analysis for lncRNAs was performed between DIPG and low-grade brainstem glioma and DIPG and normal pediatric brainstem tissue. Using a two-tailed t-test, 58 and 197 lncRNAs were found to be significantly deferentially expressed (Fold change >2 or <0.5, FDR adjusted P<0.05). To identify the prognostic value of these 255 differentially expressed lncRNAs, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed and a 9-lncRNA signature as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of DIPG was constructed. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group exhibited a reduced survival time compared with patients in the low-risk group (median survival of 230 vs. 460 days, log-rank test P<0.001). Moreover, this lncRNA-signature could be used as an independent prognostic marker for DIPG patient survival. The present study provided novel candidates for the investigation of potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets of DIPG, as well as a novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of DIPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous noncoding small RNAs frequently 21 nucleotides long. miRNAs act as negative regulators of their target genes through sequence-specific mRNA cleavage, translational repression, or chromatin modifications. Alterations of the expression of a miRNA or its targets often result in a variety of morphological and physiological abnormalities, suggesting the strong impact of miRNAs on plant development. Here, we review the recent advances on the functional studies of plant miRNAs. We will summarize the regulatory networks of miRNAs in a series of developmental processes, including meristem development, establishment of lateral organ polarity and boundaries, vegetative and reproductive organ growth, etc. We will also conclude the conserved and species-specific roles of plant miRNAs in evolution and discuss the strategies for further elucidating the functional mechanisms of miRNAs during plant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine leiomyomas are common clinical gynecological tumors, which are a major health concern for many women. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of paclitaxel (PTX) on uterine leiomyomas. A mouse model of uterine leiomyomas was established by estradiol benzoate, followed by treatment with increasing doses of PTX. PTX showed no dose-limiting toxicity that affected the survival of mice, and was able to restore the apoptosis level of uterus tissues of the model mice to normal levels. In this study, we discovered that PTX played a critical role in promoting apoptosis in the mouse model of uterine leiomyomas, which provides a new insight into the therapy of uterine leiomyomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Niyang River, a main tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is an important and typical plateau river ecosystem in Tibet, China. At present, few studies have focused on its aquatic living resources and river ecology. In this study, the composition, abundance, and diversity of periphytic protozoa were investigated across four seasons from 2008 to 2009 to better understand their spatio-temporal patterns and relationship to the environment. Our investigation shows that periphytic protozoa in the Niyang River contained 15 genera, belonged to Tubulinea, Alveolata, Discosea and Rhizaria, Alveolata possessed most genera, up to nine, with highest share in abundance, exceeding 50%, Difflugia and Glaucoma were dominant genera. Moreover, four diversity indices of periphytic protozoa, including species richness, total abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index, displayed a significant descending trend as the seasons continued, in the order of winter, spring, summer and autumn; with a significant difference existing between winter and summer (or autumn) for Shannon-Wiener diversity index and species richness ( P<0.05). Four of these diversity indices also presented a V-shaped pattern between the upper middle course of the Niyang River and the confluence of the Niyang River and Yarlung Zangbo River, with the lowest value occurred in the middle course of the Niyang River. However, no significant variation was found through the Niyang River ( P>0.05). In addition, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) shows that the densities of Difflugia, Glaucomais, Enchelydium, Cyphoderia, and Enchelys correlate with water temperature, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and dissolved oxygen, respectively. Lastly, the relationship between periphytic protozoa diversity and the environmental factors of the Niyang River can be predicted using classification and regression trees (CART) annalysis, which suggests that the total abundance and Shannon-Wiener diversity index would be higher when the elevation is above 3 308 m. On the other hand, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index would be lower when pH and ammoniacal nitrogen have lower or higher values. Finally yet importantly, close attention should be paid to periphytic protozoa and its environment to ensure sustainable development of the Niyang River ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-vibration reduction devices are widely utilized to mitigate disturbances from on-board flywheel in order to enhance the performance for high precision payloads in satellite. However, the conventional micro-vibration suppression devices cannot endure the high-level loadings and effectively control the dynamic responses of the flywheel in launching stage. In this paper, firstly, a new type of dual-stage variable stiffness friction damper (DS-VSFD) is proposed and investigated under the on-orbit and launch loads. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed damper, the mechanism and hysteresis characteristics of the device are introduced in detail and the variable sliding force and displacement of the DS-VSFD are theoretically analyzed. Based on the relationship between output force and displacement of the device, a double-tail-shaped hysteresis curve is illustrated and corresponding stiffness and energy dissipation capacity at different stages are provided. Secondly, a single-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the flywheel system with the DS-VSFD is constructed. The Harmonic Balance Method (HBM) is adopted to derive the force and displacement transmissibility curves in the frequency domain based on the dynamic model under different excitation conditions. In on-orbit stage, it can be observed that the resonance frequency is shifted to higher frequency and the amplitude is lower than that of the linear case in higher frequencies. In launching stage, the peak of displacement transmissibility of the flywheel system has been decreased in the resonance region comparing with the conventional linear isolator. Besides, the resonant frequency of the system has shifted to higher frequency region. Effects of the external excitation amplitude on the force transmissibility are also examined. Finally, comparison between the theoretical and experimental results has been carried out through static and dynamic tests. According to the static mechanical experimental results, it can be demonstrated that the DS-VSFD with wedge-block configuration exhibits stable and reliable hysteresis characteristics. The actual experimental results agree with the calculation results of the system dynamics model with the DS-VSFD in terms of force and displacement transmissibility. The results discussed in this research indicate that the DS-VSFD guarantees both the structural safety of the flywheel system under the launch loads and the micro-vibration reduction of the flywheel under the on-orbit condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiCo 2 S 4 as a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) with rich redox potential and high theoretical specific capacity, but suffers the poor conductivity and severe volume expansion. The electrode materials with a three-dimensional (3D) framework can facilitate the migration of ions/electrons, enhance structural stability, and alleviate the volume expansion during charging/discharging. Herein, we report the NiCo 2 S 4 nanoparticles anchored on a 3D interpenetrating framework consisting of graphene nanosheets (GNs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to solve the above issues. Benefiting from the structural stability and superior conductivity in special 3D structure, the as-prepared NCS@GNs@CNTs electrode delivers a high initial discharge/charge capacity (558.1/538.8 mAh g1 at 100 mA g−1), superior cyclic stability (362.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1) and an excellent rate capability (311.8 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1). Furthermore, the sodium-ion full-cell Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @C-NCS@GNs@CNTs test demonstrates that NCS@GNs@CNTs exhibits good cycling stability and further illustrates the possibility in practical applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, which is critical to normal tissue remodelling during embryogenesis and wound healing. In patients with endometriosis, increased expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 have been observed in ectopic endometrium, but the plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with endometriosis and their relation to disease severity have not been clear. The aim of the study was to investigate the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in plasma and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis.Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in Jinan Military General Hospital between January 2010 and December 2013. Fifty patients with proven endometriosis and 26 endometriosis-free controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with endometriosis were evaluated and divided into moderate/severe endometriosis group (stage I-II, n = 26) and minimal/mild endometriosis group (stage III-IV, n = 24) according to the revised criteria of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Blood samples and peritoneal fluid were obtained from both patients and controls. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and peritoneal fluid. The concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 between different groups was compared and its correlation to disease severity was analysed.Results: Plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with endometriosis were higher than that in controls. In addition, those patients with moderate/severe endometriosis had significantly higher plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 compared to those with minimal/mild endometriosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations in plasma and peritoneal fluid were both positively correlated with severity of endometriosis and plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations had a positive correlation with peritoneal fluid matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations in patients with endometriosis.Conclusions: Increased concentrations of plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 appear to be associated with disease severity of endometriosis and may serve as an alternative biomarker to determine disease severity of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new heterometallic poly(dihydrate-one and a half terephthalate–cadmium calcium) coordination polymer, namely [CdCa(pdc) 1.5 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ( 1 , H 2 pdc = terephthalic acid), has been successfully obtained by the solvothermal reactions of H 2 pdc, Cd(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O and Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 features a 3D porous framework based on 1D chain subunits. Moreover, compound 1 is luminescent and exhibits high adsorption capacities for H 2 , CH 4 and CO 2 at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • LNMTO sample exhibits the excellent cycling stability at high temperature in half cells and full cells. • The relevance of Ti4+ doping and safety of LNMO as cathode material was revealed from aspects of structure stability and evaluated temperature properties by experimental and theoretical study. • The enhancement mechanism on safety by Ti4+ doping was put studied. The proposal of net-zero emissions policy promotes the research on safety property of cathode material in lithium ion batteries. Herein, to improve the safety of high voltage LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) as cathode material in lithium ion batteries, Ti4+ ions were doped into LNMO(LNMTO) and the enhancement mechanisms on safety property were investigated from aspects of structure stability and elevated-temperature properties by experimental and theoretical study. In experimental, the influence of Ti4+ doping on cathode/electrolyte interface stability and cathode thermal stability is explored by differential scanning calorimetry test(DSC), thermal diffusion and In-situ-XRD. Ti4+ doping can effectively improve the structure-stability of LNMO by infusing the stronger Ti-O bands, promoting thermal diffusion and suppressing the unexpected two-phase reactions. Compared with LNMO, LNMTO exhibits superior cycling stability at elevated-temperature with the 100th capacity of 124.1 mAh·g−1, which is equal to 98.8% of the 1st discharge capacity under 2C at 55 °C. Furthermore, we also verified the effectiveness of Ti4+ doping on improving thermal stability in LNMO/Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) full cells. This work systematically investigates the effect of Ti4+ doping on safety of LNMO from aspects of structure-stability and elevated-temperature properties, which can be easily stretched into other cathode materials and speed up wider application of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /graphene materials have been successfully synthesized by a solid state-assembly method. As the anode materials for lithium ion batteries, nanosized Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /graphene exhibits higher specific capacity, much improved rate capability, and better cycle stability than the pure Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 . In the potential range of 1.0-2.0 V at room temperature, Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /graphene with weight ratio of LTO:GO to 1000:5 shows discharge capacities of more than 144 and 96.2 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 1C and 3C charge-discharge rates, while the correspond discharge capacities of pure Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 are only 108 and 75.4 mAh g −1 , respectively. The resulting Li 4 Ti 5 O 15 /graphene (1000:5) sample demonstrates remarkable rate capability in that it delivers a reversible capacity of 53.4 mAh g −1 in the 1000th cycle at 10C charge-discharge rate, about 240% that of pristine Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 particles (22.2 mAh g −1 ). The low charge-transfer resistance and large lithium ion diffusion coefficients confirmed that Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /graphene materials possessed better electronic conductivity and lithium ion mobility. The present work demonstrates that Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /graphene composite is a promising anode material for high-rate and long life lithium ion batteries and this simple preparation method makes its production on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to determine the relation of serum omentin-1 concentration with the presence and severity of preeclampsia. It states that the study was conducted by measuring serum concentrations of omentin-1 in 128 women with preeclampsia and 96 women with uncomplicated pregnancies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. It is inferred that decreased concentrations of serum omentin-1 is observed to be linked with the presence and severity of preeclampsia.

Highlights: [•] A novel assay method based on FRET between fluorescent SiNPs and AuNPs was developed. [•] The method was based on the conformation change of aptamer lead by target recognition. [•] The aptamer toward adenosine without modification was split into two fragments. [•] The method was label-free without the modification of fluorescent SiNPs or AuNPs. [•] The detection limit of adenosine was as low as 45nM with excellent specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Production conditions of ZrC, Zr and C(graphite) condensed phases in the chemical vapor deposition process with ZrCl4–CH4–H2–Ar precursor system have been investigated based on thermodynamic analyses using the FactSage code. The yields of condensed phases have been examined as functions of the injected reactant ratios of ZrCl4/(ZrCl4 +CH4), H2/(ZrCl4 +CH4) and Ar/(ZrCl4 +CH4), the temperature and the pressure. The results show that the yields strongly depend on the molar ratios of the ZrCl4/(ZrCl4 +CH4) and H2/(ZrCl4 +CH4) injected reactant and on the temperature, but are insensitive to the inert gas Ar ratio and pressure. The co-deposition of ZrC with Zr or C(graphite) can be easily controlled by changing the ratios of ZrCl4/CH4 and H2/(ZrCl4 +CH4). Process conditions such as high input amount of H2, relatively low amount of Ar, low pressure and temperature above 1300K are favorable for the deposition of ZrC. The results of this work will be helpful for further experimental investigation on different deposition conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is the most common benign hepatocellular tumor, and its causes remain unclear. In Western countries, HCA is usually seen in the women of reproductive age who have a history of long - term use of oral contraceptives ( OCs) . In the latest 2010 WHO Histological Classification of Hepatobiliary Tumors, which is mainly based on the research results in European countries, it is proposed that HCA is classified into four molecular subtypes, i. e., type I: HNF1ct - inactivated HCA; type II: p - catenin - activated HCA; type III: inflammatory HCA; type IV: unclassified HCA. The research progress in the molecular pathology of HCA in foreign countries is reviewed. In addition, the main results of a recent study of 189 patients with HCA who underwent hepatectomy in our hospital are outlined. It was shown that 70% of HCA patients were middle - aged men, and 50% were overweight or obese; even female patients seldom had a history of long - term use of OCs. The gene sequencing showed that the mutational hotspots and frequency of HNF1ct in this group of HCA patients were significantly different from those reported in European countries, and no p - catenin and gp130 mutations were found. Therefore, based on the above results, it is considered that the population and pathogenesis of HCA are diiferent in China than in European countries. In light of the reports of malignant transformation of HCA in literature, a feasibility study is conducted to assess the risk of malignant transformation of HCA by detecting the microsatellite instability or loss of heterozygosity, which may provide a molecular pathological basis for developing individualized treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A class of hydrophilic, photostable, biocompatiable, and highly fluorescent streptavidin-functionalized silica nanoparticles were developed, in which Rhodamine B isothiocyanate molecules were covalently embedded by using Stöber method. The silica nanoparticles were ∼60 nm in size and had average fluorescence intensity 4000 times higher than dye molecules. To reduce the severe aggregation, silica nanoparticles were modified with amino groups on the surface by adding (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane together with methylphosphonate groups using 3-trihydroxysilylpropylmethylphosphonate, followed by functionalization with streptavidin. The resulting streptavidin-functionalized silica nanoparticles were used for the detection of by reverse-phase protein microarrays based on classical linkage system constituted by biotin-streptavidin conjugation. The calibration curve was linear over the range from 40 amol to 640 amol and the limit of detection was 10 amol, which was 8 times lower than that of streptavidin-labeled cyanine fluorescent dyes. This promising technology may be potential applied for multiplexed signaling and bioassays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Li3V2− x Sn x (PO4)3/C cathode materials with uniform and fine particle sizes were successfully and fast synthesized by a microwave solid-state synthesis method. X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated that the appropriate addition of Sn did not destroy the lattice structure of Li3V2(PO4)3/C, but decreased the unit cell volume. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the main chemical state of V in the Li3V1.95Sn0.05(PO4)3/C composite is +3 valence, while the chemical state of Sn in the Li3V1.95Sn0.05(PO4)3/C is +4 valence. Scanning electron microscope analysis illustrated that the addition of Sn slightly affected the morphology of samples. As the cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, Li3V2− x Sn x (PO4)3/C (x ⩽0.10) exhibited higher discharge capacity and better cycle stability than the pure one. At a discharge rate of 0.5C in the potential range of 2.5–4.5V at room temperature, the initial discharge capacity of Li3V1.95Sn0.05(PO4)3/C was 136mAh/g. The low charge-transfer resistances and large lithium ion diffusion coefficients confirmed that Sn-doped Li3V2(PO4)3/C samples possessed better electronic conductivity and lithium ion mobility. These improved electrochemical performances can be attributed to the appropriate amount of Sn doping in Li3V2(PO4)3/C system by enhancing structural stability and electrical conductivity. The present study also demonstrates that the microwave processing is a fast, simple and useful method for the fabrication of Li3V2(PO4)3/C crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microscale Li4Ti5−x Zn x O12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) particles with high phase purity were synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction. The effect of the zinc doping on the physicochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) was extensively studied by TG-DSC, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, CV, EIS, and galvanostatic charge–discharge testing. The crystallization of lithium titanate oxide forms at about 750 °C. The lattice parameter of the Zn-doped LTO samples is slightly smaller than that for the pure LTO samples, and zinc doping does not change the basic Li4Ti5O12 structure. Even though the material has a particle size of 1–2 μm, Zn-doped LTO shows very high excellent capacity retention between 0 and 2.5 V. Especially, in rate performance, the Li4Ti4.8Zn0.2O12 sample maintains capacity of about 180 mAh g−1 until 5 C rates after 200 cycles, while the pure LTO sample shows severe capacity decline at corresponding rates. The reason for the high rate performance of Zn-doped LTO anode is ascertained to the diffusion coefficient (D Li) and reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ion. The superior cycling performance and wide discharge voltage range, as well as simple synthesis route and low synthesis cost of the Zn-doped LTO are expected to show a potential commercial application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Eggplant ( Solanum melongena) is an economically important vegetable requiring investigation into its various genomic functions. The current limitation in the investigation of genomic function in eggplant is the lack of effective tools available for conducting functional assays. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has played a critical role in the functional genetic analyses. In this paper, TRV-mediated VIGS was successfully elicited in eggplant. We first cloned the CDS sequence of PDS ( PHYTOENE DESATURASE) in eggplant and then silenced the PDS gene. Photo-bleaching was shown on the newly-developed leaves four weeks after agroinoculation, indicating that VIGS can be used to silence genes in eggplant. To further illustrate the reliability of VIGS in eggplant, we selected Chl H, Su and CLA1 as reporters to elicit VIGS using the high-pressure spray method. Suppression of Chl H and Su led to yellow leaves, while the depletion of CLA1 resulted in albino. In conclusion, four genes, PDS, Chl H, Su ( Sulfur), CLA1, were down-regulated significantly by VIGS, indicating that the VIGS system can be successfully applied in eggplant and is a reliable tool for the study of gene function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a Chinese adaptation of the play "Desire Under the Elms," by American dramatist Eugene O'Neill and how a unique Chinese perspective has been added to the play. The play was translated to as a traditional Chinese play, a Sichuan opera, and as a Henan qu opera. Translations of the play were written by Xu Fen and Meng Hua. The popularity of O'Neill's plays in post-Cultural Revolution China is discussed as is the constraints that were put upon Chinese theater because of communism. Both adapters altered the religious aspects of the original text because the references to Puritanism were not interesting to a Chinese audience or replaced them with references to Buddhism or the Tao.

Abstract: The effect of methyl group on the cooperativity of CH···O blue-shifted hydrogen bond in HCHO–HCHO–HCHO cyclic complex has been studied with quantum chemical calculations at the MP2/6-31+G(d,p) level. We report herein the optimized geometries of the stable structures, their vibrational frequencies, NMR chemical shifts, stabilization energies, and binding energies. The cooperativity of CH···O blue-shifted hydrogen bond varies from −0.57kcal/mol in triformaldehyde through −0.65kcal/mol in trimethyltriformaldehyde to −0.79kcal/mol in trifluorotriformaldehyde. The result indicates that the methyl group has a little enhancing effect on the cooperativity of CH···O blue-shifted hydrogen bond in the cyclic complex. A negative nonadditivity of methyl group is evaluated in enhancing the cooperativity of three CH···O blue-shifted hydrogen bonds. In the formation of the CH···O blue-shifted hydrogen bond, the methyl group in the proton-acceptor plays a positive contribution, whereas that in the proton-donor plays a negative contribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The longest central nervous system (CNS) specific isoform of the major myelin-associated inhibitor of neurite growth, Nogo-A, has previously been shown to be expressed largely in oligodendrocytes. Using an antibody raised against a recombinant fusion protein comprising amino acids 223–399 of Nogo-A, we show in this report that Nogo-A is also expressed in the cell body of a distinct set of CNS neurons. The antibody detects a single protein band of 220 kDa in rat brain lysate and neuroblastoma cell lysates. Immunofluorescent analyses reveal that Nogo-A is found largely in the endoplasmic reticulum of neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y and NIE-115. In the mouse CNS, Nogo-A can be found in specific subsets of neuronal cell bodies in addition to oligodendrocytes, but not glial fibrillary associated protein positive astrocytes or MAC-1 positive microglia. Our results provide a conclusive demonstration of the expression of Nogo-A in CNS neurons, which suggests that Nogo-A may have distinct endogenous roles in neurons other than its known ability to inhibit neurite growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and aims: The effect of body fat deposition on the kidney has received increasing attention. The Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) is an important indicator of recent research. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of CVAI and other organ obesity indicators in predicting CKD in Chinese residents. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 5355 subjects was performed. First, the study utilized locally estimated scatterplot smoothing to describe the dose–response relationship between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and CVAI. The L1-penalized least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm was used for covariation screening, and the correlation between CVAI and eGFR was quantified using multiple logistic regression. At the same time, the diagnostic efficiency of CVAI and other obesity indicators was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. Results: CVAI and eGFR were negatively correlated. Using group one as the control, an odds ratio (OR) was calculated to quantify CVAI quartiles (ORs of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 2.21, 2.99, and 4.42, respectively; P for trend < 0.001). CVAI had the maximum area under the ROC curve compared with other obesity indicators, especially in the female population (AUC: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.71–0.76). Conclusions: CVAI is closely linked to renal function decline and has certain reference value for the screening of CKD patients, particularly in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and overweight, as determined by the body mass index (BMI), are harmful to metabolic health. However, the BMI can not reflect body composition or fat distribution. The fat-free mass index (FFMI) and the fat mass index (FMI) can provide more information on body composition. The aim of the observational research was to determine whether the FMI and the FFMI are significantly associated with the risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes. Methods: The investigators included data for 10,085 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018) participants aged over 20 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The FFMI and the FMI were determined based on total fat mass and lean mass measured by DXA. Diabetes and prediabetes status were determined by medical history and laboratory examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the correlations between the FMI/FFMI and the risk of developing diabetes/prediabetes. Restricted cubic spline analysis was used to explore underlying nonlinear associations. Results: In the present study, 1,135 patients were diagnosed with diabetes, 3,258 had prediabetes, and 5,692 were classified as control participants. The FFMI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.16) and the FMI (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04–1.12) were independently related to an increased risk of developing diabetes. Moreover, the FFMI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.16) and the FMI (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13) also independently correlated with a rising risk of developing prediabetes. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) outcomes suggested that the associations are approximately linear. Conclusions: Both the FMI and the FFMI significantly correlated with the danger of developing diabetes and prediabetes, and the correlations are approximately linear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composite materials are widely used in aerospace, the military and nuclear energy. The outstanding mechanical qualities of C/C composites mean that they are difficult to crush and recycle using traditional technology. The current recycling methods primarily involve stacking and landfill disposal. Therefore, achieving efficient and environmentally friendly recycling of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites is an urgent and challenging issue. In this work, we reported a simple high-value recycling approach for carbon–carbon frictional composite material (CFCM). The solid-state shear milling (S3M) technology is employed to achieve ultrafine milling of carbon matrices in carbon/carbon (C/C) composite materials while preserving carbon fibers. By this means, carbon fibers and the carbon matrix were mainly split, and the prepared composite powder had combined functionalities of conductivity, thermal conductivity, reinforcement, and wear resistance. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of the material increased from 64.35 MPa to 72.79 MPa after being compounded with PA6, and the thermal conductivity increased from 0.211 W/mK to 0.611 W/mK. The friction coefficient was reduced from 0.51 to 0.36, a reduction of 25.4%, and the heat deflection temperature was increased from 47.2 °C to 108.2 °C. The S3M technique proposed in this work is an efficient, high-value, and scalable recycling strategy for CFCM, which can be used to produce value-added products and has great application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The three-dimensional network structure of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrode materials for LIBs and SIBs was constructed. • The NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrode materials exhibit superior electrochemical performance. • The conversion mechanism of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrode materials and the cycle reversibility of conversion products were proved. • The energy storage behavior of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrodes (the combination of capacitance and diffusion) during the process of charge and discharge was indicated by CV curves of different scanning scans. The three-dimensional network structure of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrode materials for LIBs and SIBs composing NiCo 2 S 4 nanoflakes anchored on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which was prepared by electrostatic adsorption through a two-step solvothermal method. This composite structure is helpful to alleviate the volume expansion effect of NiCo 2 S 4 materials and enhance the conductivity of composite electrode materials. Therefore, NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs anode materials exhibit good cycle stability (after 80 cycles, the NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrodes deliver the capacities of 783.17 mAh g−1 for LIBs and 291.10 mAh g−1 for SIBs) and rate performance (the NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrodes show 517.64 mAh g−1 in LIBs and 169.29 mAh g−1 in SIBs at 1000 mA g−1). Moreover, the conversion mechanism of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrode materials was revealed combined with in-situ XRD, ex-situ XRD, ex-situ Raman spectrum and HRTEM. The cycle reversibility of conversion products in lithium and sodium storage process were also proved. Furthermore, the energy storage behavior of NiCo 2 S 4 @CNTs electrodes (the combination of capacitance and diffusion) during the process of charge and discharge both in LIBs and SIBs was indicated by CV curves of different scanning scans. Such conversion reaction mechanism provides a reference for the research of this kind of materials in other alkali metal ion batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mixed reality (MR) environment, the task of target motion perception is usually undertaken by vision. This approach suffers from poor discrimination and high cognitive load when the tasks are complex. This cannot meet the needs of the air traffic control field for rapid capture and precise positioning of the dynamic targets in the air. Based on this problem, we conducted a multimodal optimization study on target motion perception judgment by controlling the hand tactile sensor to achieve the use of tactile sensation to assist vision in MR environment. This allows it to adapt to the requirements of future development-led interactive tasks under the mixed reality holographic aviation tower. Motion perception tasks are usually divided into urgency sensing for multiple targets and precise position tracking for single targets according to the number of targets and task division. Therefore, in this paper, we designed experiments to investigate the correlation between tactile intensity-velocity correspondence and target urgency, and the correlation between the PRS (position, rhythm, sequence) tactile indication scheme and position tracking. We also evaluated it through comprehensive experiment. We obtained the following conclusions: (1) high, higher, medium, lower, and low tactile intensities would bias human visual cognitive induction to fast, faster, medium, slower, and slow motion targets. Additionally, this correspondence can significantly improve the efficiency of the participants' judgment of target urgency; (2) under the PRS tactile indication scheme, position-based rhythm and sequence cues can improve the judgment effect of human tracking target dynamic position, and the effect of adding rhythm cues is better. However, when adding rhythm and sequence cues at the same time, it can cause clutter; (3) tactile assisted vision has a good improvement effect on the comprehensive perception of dynamic target movement. The above findings are useful for the study of target motion perception in MR environments and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the cognitive mechanism and quantitative of tactile indication in MR environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p), which functions as a tumor suppressor, has been reported to be downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and to be associated with cancer invasion. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of curcumol in the malignant progression of CRC remains unknown. MTT, Transwell, scratch, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assays were performed to examine how curcumol inhibited CRC cell viability, invasion and migration, and to detect the role of miR-30a-5p and curcumol in the invasion and Hippo signaling pathways of CRC cells. The present study revealed that miR-30a-5p expression was downregulated in human CRC tissues and cells. The results demonstrated that miR-30a-5p downregulation was accompanied by the inactivation of the Hippo signaling pathway, which was demonstrated to promote CRC cell viability, invasion and migration. Curcumol treatment was identified to increase miR-30a-5p expression and to activate the Hippo signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the invasion and migration of CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-30a-5p enhanced the effects of curcumol on cell invasion and migration, and the Hippo signaling pathway in CRC cells. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-30a-5p reversed the effects of curcumol on cell invasion and migration, and the Hippo signaling pathway in CRC cells. These findings identified novel signaling pathways associated with miR-30a-5p and revealed the effects of curcumol on miR-30a-5p expression. Therefore, curcumol may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to delay CRC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]