Search

Hydrogen metallurgy technology reduces the energy consumption and CO 2 emissions of the ironmaking systems. With the development and promotion of hydrogen metallurgy technology, the reducing gases have affected the refractory materials of metallurgical equipment, placing new demands on the refractories. Si 3 N 4 –SiC ceramic is a type of refractory material with a wide range of applications in blast furnace linings, aluminium reduction cell linings and ceramic kiln furniture, etc. In this study, Si 3 N 4 –SiC ceramic samples were used to conduct gas corrosion experiments for 6 h at different reducing atmospheres (H 2 , CO and 50 vol%H 2 -50 vol%CO) and temperatures (600, 800, 1000 and 1200 °C). The corrosion mechanism was mainly assessed via thermodynamic calculations and analyses of the change in mass, changes in the phase composition and micro-morphological evolution. The results indicated that the reducing gas penetrated the interior of the material and underwent a series of chemical reactions with the sample. Solid products accumulated on the surface of the sample and the gaseous products were released from the surface of the sample. The Si 3 N 4 –SiC ceramic was stable in pure H 2 atmosphere, and a solid product film was generated on the surface in pure CO atmosphere. However, under the mixed H 2 –CO atmosphere, the reduction of the solid product, SiO 2 , by H 2 formed gaseous products, which were released from the sample and degraded the solid film, increasing sample corrosion. This study aims to provide a basis for the selection of refractories for different hydrogen metallurgy technologies and to improve the lifetime and operational efficiency of high-temperature equipment for hydrogen metallurgy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions pose a significant threat to ecosystems, disrupting local biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The genomic underpinnings of invasiveness, however, are still largely unknown, making it difficult to predict and manage invasive species effectively. The common reed (Phragmites australis) is a dominant grass species in wetland ecosystems and has become particularly invasive when transferred from Europe to North America. Here, we present a high-quality gap-free, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Phragmites australis consisting of 24 pseudochromosomes and a B chromosome. Fully phased subgenomes demonstrated considerable subgenome dominance and revealed the divergence of diploid progenitors approximately 30.9 million years ago. Comparative genomics using chromosome-level scaffolds for three other lineages and a previously published draft genome assembly of an invasive lineage revealed that gene family expansions in the form of tandem duplications may have contributed to the invasiveness of the lineage. This study sheds light on the genome evolution of Arundinoideae grasses and suggests that genetic drivers, such as gene family expansions and tandem duplications, may underly the processes of biological invasion in plants. These findings provide a crucial step toward understanding and managing the genetic basis of invasiveness in plant species. We provide a complete, telomere to telomere gap-free genome assembly for common reed that includes its B chromosome. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that tandem duplications may have contributed to the invasiveness potential of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males and females have long shown disparities in body weight and height; yet, the underlying mechanisms influencing growth and development remain unclear. Male and female Zhedong White Geese (ZDW) geese have long been selected for large body size and egg production, respectively. This led to a large difference in body weight between males and females, making them a unique model for studying the effects of sex on growth and development. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by comparing the transcriptomes of muscle and pituitary tissues in male and female ZDW geese to identify the critical genes responsible for the effects of sex on growth performance. Our analysis revealed 1101 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leg musculature (507 upregulated, 594 downregulated), 773 DEGs in breast musculature (311 upregulated, 462 downregulated), and 517 DEGs in the pituitary gland (281 upregulated, 236 downregulated) between male and female geese. These DEGs were significantly enriched in gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with endocrine metabolism (e.g., hormonal activities), muscle formation (e.g., sarcomere and myofibril), and bone formation (e.g., bone morphogenesis and cartilage formation). The upregulated genes in males were enriched in KEGG pathways involving nutrient digestion and absorption (vitamin and protein), as well as the secretion of digestive juices (gastric acid and bile). Through protein–protein interaction analyses, we also observed high-density gene networks related to muscle fiber development, calcium ion metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and bone development. Therefore, our multi-tissue transcriptome analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex and systematic gender-driven effects on growth and development in geese. IGF1, GHRHR, and NCAPG-LCORL and pathways related to myogenesis might play vital roles in gender differences before hormones exert their effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The backwardness of n‐type organic semiconductors still exists compared with the p‐type counterparts. Thus, the development of high‐performance n‐type organic semiconductors is of great importance for organic electronic devices and their integrated circuits. In recent years, azabenzannulated perylene diimide (PDI), as one of immense bay‐region‐annulated PDI derivatives, has drawn considerable attentions. However, the electronic mobilities of azabenzannulated PDI derivatives are barely satisfactory. In this contribution, the peripheral benzene ring in azabenzannulated PDI 2 was fused to the ortho position by intramolecular C−H arylation cyclization. This endows the resultant azabenzannulated PDI 4 a planar configuration as well as electron deficient pentagonal ring. As a result, the electronic mobility of 4 is almost two orders of magnitude higher than that of the nonfused azabenzannulated PDI 2. This work shall pave a new avenue in elevating the performance of azabenzannulated PDI in organic electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether there is any postnatal abnormality in brainstem auditory function in late preterm small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. We investigated the functional integrity of the brainstem auditory pathway at 4 months after term in late preterm SGA infants and defined differences from appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants. The maximum length sequence brainstem evoked response (MLS BAER) was recorded and analyzed in 24 SGA (birthweight < 3rd centile) infants and 28 AGA infants (birthweight > 10th centile). All infants were born at 33–36-week gestation without major perinatal and postnatal problems. We found that I-V interval in SGA infants was shorter than in AGA infants at higher click rates and significantly shorter at the highest rate of 910/s. Of the two smaller intervals, I-III interval was significantly shorter in SGA infants than in AGA infants at higher click rates of 455 and 910/s clicks, whereas III-V interval was similar in the two groups. The III-V/I-III interval ratio in SGA infants tended to be greater than in AGA infants at all rates and was significantly greater at 455 and 910/s clicks. The slope of I-III interval-rate functions in SGA infants was moderately smaller than in AGA infants. Conclusions: The main and fundamental difference between late preterm SGA and AGA infants was a significant shortening in the MLS BAER I-III interval in SGA infants at higher click rates, suggesting moderately faster neural conduction in the caudal brainstem regions. Postnatal neural maturation in the caudal brainstem regions is moderately accelerated in late preterm SGA infants. What is Known: • At 40 weeks of postconceptional age, late preterm SGA infants manifested a mild delay in neural conduction in the auditory brainstem. What is New: • At 56 weeks of postconceptional age, late preterm SGA infants manifested moderately faster neural conduction in the caudal brainstem regions. • Postnatal neural maturation is moderately accelerated in the caudal brainstem regions of late preterm SGA infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first completely characterize the complex symmetric Toeplitz operators T φ on the Hardy spaces H 2 (D) with conjugations C p i , j and C n . Next, we give a method to determine the coefficients of φ (z) when T φ is complex symmetric on H 2 (D) with the conjugation C σ , which partially solves a problem raised by [2]. Finally, we consider the complex symmetric Toeplitz operators T φ on the weighted Bergman spaces A 2 (B n) and the pluriharmonic Bergman spaces b 2 (B n) with conjugations C V , where V is a symmetric permutation matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study published in the Clinical Kidney Journal describes a rare occurrence of enterogenic bacterial peritonitis and delayed chylous ascites in a 78-year-old female patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The patient experienced abdominal pain after receiving overheated peritoneal dialysate, which was promptly drained. However, two days later, the patient developed peritonitis and was treated with antibiotics. The patient later developed chylous ascites, which resolved after four weeks. The study suggests that thermal injury and persistent inflammation may have contributed to the delayed response in managing peritonitis and the development of chylous ascites. [Extracted from the article]

A series of Molybdenum-containing dendritic mesoporous silica nanosphere (Mo-DMSN) catalysts were prepared by a one-step synthesis method and used as highly efficient catalysts for the transesterification of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PM) and methyl acetate (MA) to propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PMA). The nMo-DMSN catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, FT-IR, N2 adsorption–desorption and NH3-TPD. The results of FT-IR and XPS confirmed that Mo species enter into the framework of DMSN. Compared with those of the DMSN catalyst, the pore diameters and the acid density of the catalysts increased after the introduction of Mo. According to the results of NH3-TPD, the nMo-DMSN had both weak and medium acid sites, and the acid density increased with the increase of Mo content. The catalytic performance of these catalysts increases in the order of 0.075Mo-DMSN≈0.053Mo-DMSN≈0.036Mo-DMSN > 0.017Mo-DMSN > DMSN, which is consistent with the acid density of the catalysts. The 0.036Mo-DMSN catalyst still had excellent catalytic activity after 5 cycles. Therefore, the Mo-DMSN had significant activity and stability in the transesterification of PMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N6-methyladenosine (M6A) modification is the most common internal chemical modification of RNA molecules in eukaryotes. This modification can affect mRNA metabolism, regulate RNA transcription, nuclear export, splicing, degradation, and translation, and significantly impact various aspects of physiology and pathobiology. Radiotherapy is the most common method of tumor treatment. Different intrinsic cellular mechanisms affect the response of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) and the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in understanding the roles and mechanisms of RNA M6A methylation in cellular responses to radiation-induced DNA damage and in determining the outcomes of cancer radiotherapy. Insights into RNA M6A methylation in radiation biology may facilitate the improvement of therapeutic strategies for cancer radiotherapy and radioprotection of normal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate whether the use of norepinephrine during the management of patients with sepsis affects the perfusion index (PI) and patient outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients with septic shock between January 2014 and December 2018 who had undergone Pulse index Continuous Cardiac Output-Plus cardiac output monitoring and received norepinephrine during the management. We collected data regarding basic clinical characteristics. Hemodynamic parameters, including lactate, PI, and norepinephrine dose at T0 and 24 h after Pulse index Continuous Cardiac Output catheterization (T24) were obtained. Results: The PI of the nonsurvivor group (n = 44) was significantly lower than that of the survivor group (n = 144) at T24, and the lactate level of the nonsurvivor group was significantly higher than that of the survivor group. The multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that the norepinephrine dose and PI were the most independent risk and protective factors, respectively, for intensive care unit mortality. The area under the curve for a poor prognosis was 0.847 (95% confidence interval, 0.782-0.912). The optimal cutoff value of the PI at T24 to predict intensive care unit mortality was 0.6, with a sensitivity of 77.1% and a specificity of 80%. Based on this optimal cutoff value, we divided patients into groups with PI ≥ 0.6 (n = 125) and PI < 0.6 (n = 59). The lactate level of the PI < 0.6 group was higher than that of the PI ≥ 0.6 group at T24. The PI < 0.6 group showed a significantly higher sublingual dose of norepinephrine indicators than the PI ≥ 0.6 group. The PI showed a strong negative correlation with norepinephrine dose (r = −0.344, P <.001) and lactate (r = −0.291, P <.001). Conclusions: A higher PI is a protective factor, and a higher dose of norepinephrine is a risk factor for the prognosis of critically ill patients with septic shock. A lower PI was associated with a higher dose of norepinephrine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ATF5 overexpression rescues seizure-induced ROS production and neuronal apoptosis and ATF5 knockdown reversed these effects. • ATF5 may inhibit ERS by preventing the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS. • MitoQ reduced the effects of ATF5 interference on seizure-induced ERS and apoptosis. Mitochondrial stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are known to be closely linked. ATF5 is a key regulator of mitochondrial stress and is involved in ERS regulation. Previously, we used a seizure model to demonstrate that ATF5 regulates mitochondrial stress. However, whether ATF5 affects ERS in epilepsy models has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ATF5 on low-magnesium-induced ERS and the potential mechanisms that underlie these effects. We found that lentiviral overexpression of ATF5 significantly improved low-magnesium-induced ERS, as confirmed by the reduced expression levels of GRP78, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP. In addition, ATF5 overexpression reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, thus demonstrating that ATF5 plays a key role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Furthermore, ATF5 overexpression rescued low-magnesium-induced neuronal apoptosis, as evidenced by the reduced expression levels of Cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, and the restored levels of Bcl2. However, these effects were significantly eliminated by lentiviral transduction with ATF5 interference. In addition, treatment of neurons with the mitochondrial antioxidant mitoquinone attenuated the onset of oxidative stress caused by ATF5 interference, partially restored the effect on ERS, and rescued cells from apoptosis. Collectively, these data show that ATF5 attenuates low-magnesium-induced neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting ERS through preventing the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-like growth factors 2 (IGF2) is an insulin-like growth factor that plays a major role in animal growth, cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as reproduction. IGF2 is well-known to be a candidate gene of growth and reproductive traits in many agricultural animals. Our previous study revealed that the G63A (Chr2: G26541617A) mutation within IGF2 exon 1 showed a significant association with egg numbers (E180d) of Sanhua goose population (p < 0.05). However, little work focus on the correlation between the IGF2 mutations and goose growth traits. In this study, qPCR indicated that the IGF2 mRNA highly expressed in leg muscle, liver, ovary and pituitary gland. Meanwhile, association analysis showed that the G63A mutation was significantly associated with the body weight of first-hatched Zhedong-White geese (BW0, p < 0.05), and strongly significantly associated with the BW2, BW4, BW6, BW8 and BW10 (p < 0.01). The GG homozygous had the lowest BW (from 4 weeks to 10 weeks) than those of AA and AG genotypes (p < 0.01), and the allele A was also positively correlated with the BW of the Zhedong-White goose population. Therefore, the G63A mutation in IGF2 may be an important genetic marker for goose breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TGFB1, which encodes TGF-β1, a potent cytokine regulating varies cellular processes including immune responses. TGF-β1 plays context-dependent roles in cancers and is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic target to enhance immunotherapy responses. We comprehensively evaluated expression of TGFB1 and its clinical and biological effects across hematological malignancies. TGFB1 expression was first explored using data from the GTEx, CCLE, and TCGA databases. The expression and clinical significances of TGFB1 in hematological malignancies were analyzed using Hemap and our In Silico curated datasets. We also analyzed the relationship between TGFB1 with immune scores and immune cell infiltrations in Hemap. We further assessed the value of TGFB1 in predicting immunotherapy response using TIDE and real-world immunotherapy datasets. TGFB1 showed a hematologic-tissue-specific expression pattern both across normal tissues and cancer types. TGFB1 expression were broadly dysregulated in blood cancers and generally associated with adverse prognosis. TGFB1 expression were associated with distinct TME properties among different blood cancer types. In addition, TGFB1 expression was found to be a useful marker in predicting immunotherapy responses. Our results suggest that TGFB1 is broadly dysregulated in hematological malignancies. TGFB1 might regulate the immune microenvironment in a cancer-type-specific manner, which could be applied in the development of new targeted drugs for immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brittle layer of carbon brick in a Chinese 4000 m3 blast furnace hearth is investigated in detail, and its formation mechanism is proposed correspondingly. The occurrence form of the brittle layer in carbon brick is characterized by chemical analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that obvious harmful element (K, Na, and Zn) erosion on the sidewall of the blast furnace hearth is observed, in which Zn erosion is dominant. The K2O, Na2O, and KCl produced in the carbon brick by K and Na are the inducement of the brittle layer formation, and the ZnO formed by Zn is the main reason for the brittle layer formation. The thermal stress caused by temperature gradients in carbon brick is greater than its bending strength, which will increase the microcracks in carbon brick. The brittle layer has a lower thermal conductivity due to higher porosity, resulting in a large temperature difference. The resulting thermal stress will aggravate the embrittlement degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosensitizers for sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) often rely on precious heavy metals, whereas coordination complexes based on abundant first‐row transition metals are less common. This is mainly because long‐lived triplet excited states are more difficult to obtain for 3d metals, particularly when the d‐subshell is only partially filled. Here, we report the first example of sTTA‐UC based on a 3d6 metal photosensitizer yielding an upconversion performance competitive with precious metal‐based analogues. Using a newly developed Cr0 photosensitizer featuring equally good photophysical properties as an OsII benchmark complex in combination with an acetylene‐decorated anthracene annihilator, red‐to‐blue upconversion is achievable. The upconversion efficiency under optimized conditions is 1.8 %, and the excitation power density threshold to reach the strong annihilation limit is 5.9 W/cm2. These performance factors, along with high photostability, permit the initiation of acrylamide polymerization by red light, based on radiative energy transfer between delayed annihilator fluorescence and a blue light absorbing photo‐initiator. Our study provides the proof‐of‐concept for photon upconversion with elusive first‐row analogues of widely employed precious d6 metal photosensitizers, and for their application in photochemical reactions triggered by excitation wavelengths close to near‐infrared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosensitizers for sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) often rely on precious heavy metals, whereas coordination complexes based on abundant first‐row transition metals are less common. This is mainly because long‐lived triplet excited states are more difficult to obtain for 3d metals, particularly when the d‐subshell is only partially filled. Here, we report the first example of sTTA‐UC based on a 3d6 metal photosensitizer yielding an upconversion performance competitive with precious metal‐based analogues. Using a newly developed Cr0 photosensitizer featuring equally good photophysical properties as an OsII benchmark complex in combination with an acetylene‐decorated anthracene annihilator, red‐to‐blue upconversion is achievable. The upconversion efficiency under optimized conditions is 1.8 %, and the excitation power density threshold to reach the strong annihilation limit is 5.9 W/cm2. These performance factors, along with high photostability, permit the initiation of acrylamide polymerization by red light, based on radiative energy transfer between delayed annihilator fluorescence and a blue light absorbing photo‐initiator. Our study provides the proof‐of‐concept for photon upconversion with elusive first‐row analogues of widely employed precious d6 metal photosensitizers, and for their application in photochemical reactions triggered by excitation wavelengths close to near‐infrared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the role of the LCORL gene in regulating the growth performance of Zhedong white (ZDW) geese, belonging to the swan geese (Anser cygnoides), and identify possible selective signatures in diverse goose breeds. Single nucleotide polymorphisms around LCORL were genotyped, and their associations with body‐size‐related (BSR) traits were estimated. The results showed that the genotyped loci upstream of LCORL were significantly related to the body weight and breast width of ZDW geese aged 10 weeks (p < 0.05). A genome scan comparing expected heterozygosity among different breeds identified a ~150 kb long genomic region with extremely low heterozygosity downstream of LCORL among swan geese. Further, significant associations of variants within the low heterozygosity region among ZDW geese with BSR traits, including body weight, body length and breast width (p < 0.05) were also detected. Overall, mutations adjacent to LCORL were related to the growth performance of swan geese, and the significant effects of variants in a low‐heterozygosity region on BSR traits provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of artificial selection reshaping body stature in swan geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Whether polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) exert a protective role upon chlamydial infection by expressing inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and producing NO remains unclear. Methods This issue was addressed using BALB/c mice infected with Chlamydia psittaci 6BC strain. Methods included flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Results The number of PMN was significantly increased during C. psittaci infection, which was accompanied by increased iNOS expression and NO production in the mouse lungs. PMN were the major source of NO during pulmonary C. psittaci infection and inhibited C. psittaci multiplication in an iNOS/NO-dependent manner. Depletion of PMN aggravated C. psittaci -induced disease and increased C. psittaci burden. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and STAT1 signaling pathways, but not MAPK signaling pathways, were required for the induction of iNOS expression and NO production in PMN by C. psittaci infection. Thus, our findings highlight the protective role of NO-producing PMN in C. psittaci infection. Conclusions NO-producing PMN confer a protective role during pulmonary C. psittaci infection in mice, and thus our study sheds new light on PMN function during Chlamydia infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) belongs to the member of the insulin-like growth factors family, which plays key roles in animal growth, differentiation and proliferation, as well as reproduction and the regulation of ovarian follicle development. However, little is known about the goose IGF2 gene. In this study, a 1879 bp fragment that covered the complete coding region (CDS) of goose IGF2 cDNA was identified for the first time. The cDNA consists of an open reading frame of 574 nucleotides with the capacity to encode a prepro-IGF-II protein of 187 amino acids, which comprises a signal peptide (24 residues), IGF-II peptide (67 residues), and C-terminal peptide (96 residues), and is closely related to that of chicken. qPCR indicates that the goose IGF2 mRNA is differentially expressed in all examined tissues of fertilized eggs (28 days) and laying Zhedong White geese (270 days). Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in exon 1 (G63A, Chr2: G26541617A) and intron 1 (G38A, Chr2: G26541479A) regions, and the synonymous mutation G63A showed a significant association with egg numbers (E180d) of Sanhua goose population (p < 0.05). All the information derived from this study could be valuable and facilitate further studies on the functions of goose IGF2 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), characterized by a lack of antigen receptors, have been regarded as an important component of type 2 pulmonary immunity. Analogous to Th2 cells, ILC2s are capable of releasing type 2 cytokines and amphiregulin, thus playing an essential role in a variety of diseases, such as allergic diseases and virus-induced respiratory diseases. Interferons (IFNs), an important family of cytokines with potent antiviral effects, can be triggered by microbial products, microbial exposure, and pathogen infections. Interestingly, the past few years have witnessed encouraging progress in revealing the important role of IFNs and IFN-producing cells in modulating ILC2 responses in allergic lung inflammation and respiratory viral infections. This review underscores recent progress in understanding the role of IFNs and IFN-producing cells in shaping ILC2 responses and discusses disease phenotypes, mechanisms, and therapeutic targets in the context of allergic lung inflammation and infections with viruses, including influenza virus, rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine heterogeneous trajectories of 8-year gait speed among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to develop a nomogram prediction model. We analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) assessed at baseline and follow-up over 8 years (n = 1289). Gait speed was measured by the 20-m walk test. The gait speed trajectories among patients with KOA were explored by latent class growth analysis. A nomogram prediction model was created based on multivariable logistic regression. Three gait speed trajectories were identified: the fast gait speed group (30.4%), moderate gait speed group (50.5%) and slow gait speed group (19.1%). Age ≥ 60 years, female, non-white, nonmarried, annual income < $50,000, obesity, depressive symptoms, comorbidity and WOMAC pain score ≥ 5 were risk factors for the slow gait trajectory. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.775 (95% CI 0.742–0.808). In the external validation cohort, the AUC was 0.773 (95% CI 0.697–0.848). Heterogeneous trajectories existed in the gait speed of patients with KOA and could be predicted by multiple factors. Risk factors should be earlier identified, and targeted intervention should be carried out to improve physical function of KOA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aryl‐to‐vinyl nickel 1,4‐migration (1,4‐Ni migration) reaction has been reported for the first time. The generated alkenyl Ni species undergo a reductive coupling reaction with unactivated brominated alkanes affording a series of trisubstituted olefins. This tandem reaction exhibits mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, high regioselectivity, and excellent Z/E stereoselectivity. A series of controlled experiments have shown that the critical 1,4‐Ni migration process is reversible. In addition, the alkenyl nickel intermediates obtained after migration are highly Z/E stereoselective and do not undergo Z/E isomerization. The obtained trace isomerization products are caused by the instability of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aryl‐to‐vinyl nickel 1,4‐migration (1,4‐Ni migration) reaction has been reported for the first time. The generated alkenyl Ni species undergo a reductive coupling reaction with unactivated brominated alkanes affording a series of trisubstituted olefins. This tandem reaction exhibits mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, high regioselectivity, and excellent Z/E stereoselectivity. A series of controlled experiments have shown that the critical 1,4‐Ni migration process is reversible. In addition, the alkenyl nickel intermediates obtained after migration are highly Z/E stereoselective and do not undergo Z/E isomerization. The obtained trace isomerization products are caused by the instability of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The TyG index is an indicator of insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to summarize the relationship between the TyG index and the risk, severity, and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from inception until May 1, 2023. Cross-sectional studies, retrospective or prospective cohort studies recruiting patients with CAD were included. For the analysis of CAD severity, the outcomes were coronary artery calcification, coronary artery stenosis, coronary plaque progression, multi-vessel CAD, and in-stent re-stenosis. For the analysis of CAD prognosis, the primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: Forty-one studies were included in this study. Compared to patients with the lowest TyG index, those with the highest TyG index had a higher CAD risk [odds ratio (OR): 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–3.14, I2 = 91%, P = 0.007]. Additionally, these patients were more likely to have stenotic coronary arteries (OR: 3.49, 95% CI 1.71–7.12, I2 = 0%, P = 0.0006), progressed plaques (OR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.28–2.19, I2 = 0%, P = 0.002), and with more vessels involved (OR: 2.33, 95% CI 1.59–3.42, I2 = 0%, P < 0.0001). When calculated as a categorized variable, it appears that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with higher TyG index levels may have a higher incidence rate of MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 2.09, 95% CI 1.68–2.62, I2 = 87%, P < 0.00001], whereas chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) or stable CAD patients with higher TyG index levels showed a trend towards an increased incidence rate of MACE (HR: 1.24, 95% CI 0.96–1.60, I2 = 85%, P = 0.09). When calculated as a continuous variable, ACS patients had an HR of 2.28 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.44–3.63, I2 = 95%, P = 0.0005). Similarly, CCS or stable CAD patients had an HR of 1.49 per 1-unit/1-standard deviation increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.21–1.83, I2 = 75%, P = 0.0001). Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries patients had an HR of 1.85 per 1-unit increment of the TyG index (95% CI 1.17–2.93, P = 0.008). Conclusions: The TyG index is a simple new synthetic index that has been proven to be a valuable tool in the whole-course management of CAD patients. Patients with higher TyG index levels are at a higher risk of CAD, more severe coronary artery lesions, and worse prognosis compared to those with lower TyG index levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deep karst reservoirs, the internal environment is complex, and thermal stratification isnot the only factor controlling the vertical distribution of the DIC concentration. Previous studies have not fully understood the migration and transformation of DIC in a deep-water reservoir. In this study, a deep-water reservoir in southwest China was chosen, and the spatial and temporal characteristics of the DIC concentration, pCO2, δ13CDIC value, and SIc were investigated. It was found that the Pingzhai Reservoir is a double temperature leapfrog reservoir. The DIC concentration, pCO2, Sic, and δ13CDICvalues showed annual cycle variation. During the thermal stratification phase, the DIC concentration, pCO2, Sic, and δ13CDICvalues were significantly different between the surface layer and the lower layer. However, during the mixing and mixed phases, the differences were not significant. The vertical divergence of the DIC in the Pingzhai Reservoir was influenced by the subtemperate layer, human activities, and sources. The formation of the subtemperate layer was due to the submerged flow formed when river water enteredthe reservoir, which provides a channel for DIC from the river to enter the lower layer of the reservoir. Human activities increased the solubility of carbonate rocks in the reservoir, and the source of DIC was one of the factors contributing to the concentration stratification of DIC in the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the heat transfer properties of the slag crust is critical to the safe operation of copper staves. The distribution of metallic iron and bubbles in the slag crust is detected by X‐ray computed tomography. The thermal conductivity of the slag crust is modified based on an effective thermal conductivity model and laser thermal conductivity measurements to predict the effect of metallic iron and bubbles on the heat transfer in the slag crust. The results show that the average volume fractions of metallic iron and air bubbles in the slag crust are 3% and 4.5%, respectively. The measured value is consistent with the trend of the effective thermal conductivity calculation model, and the calculation result of the Maxwell–Eucken effective thermal conductivity model is very accurate. Variations in the volume fraction of metallic iron in the slag crust have a greater effect on the thickness of the slag crust, while variations in the volume fraction of bubbles have a smaller effect on the thickness of the slag crust. It is recommended to keep it between 10 and 30 mm in blast furnace production to help improve the operational life of the copper stave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) used for treating cancer relies on the generation of highly reactive oxygen species, for example, singlet oxygen 1O2, by light‐induced excitation of a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of molecular oxygen, inducing DNA damage in close proximity of the PS. Although many precious metal complexes have been explored as PS for PDT and received clinical approval, only recently, the potential of photoactive complexes of non‐noble metals as PS has been discovered. Using the DNA origami technology that can absolutely quantify DNA strand break cross sections, we assessed the potential of the luminescent transition metal complex [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd=N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐dipyridine‐2‐ylpyridine‐2,6‐diamine) to damage DNA in an air‐saturated aqueous environment upon UV/Vis illumination. The quantum yield for strand breakage, that is, the ratio of DNA strand breaks to the number of absorbed photons, was determined to 1–4 %, indicating efficient transformation of photons into DNA strand breaks by [Cr(ddpd)2]3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disturbances, frailty, and body pain are widespread in middle-aged and older adults with depression, and have been identified as depression risk factors. However, there is a scarcity of research on the benefits of sleep improvement, frailty amelioration, and pain management on incident depression. A total of 8895 respondents aged above 45 years were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2011 and 2018. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the 7-year risks of depression under independent hypothetical interventions on nighttime sleep duration (NSD), daytime napping duration (DND), perceived sleep quality (PSQ), frailty, and pain, as well as their various combinations. The observed depression risk was 41.77 %. The independent intervention on frailty was the most effective in lowering incident depression, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.61 (95 % CI: 0.57–0.64), followed by PSQ (RR: 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.73–0.78), pain (RR: 0.90, 95 % CI: 0.87–0.91), and NSD (RR: 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.93–0.98). In subgroup analysis, intervention on NSD was more effective in men, PSQ was more effective in middle-aged individuals, and frailty and pain were more effective in older persons. The combined intervention of NSD, PSQ, frailty, and pain lowered the risk the greatest (RR: 0.35, 95 % CI: 0.32–0.37). Generalizing our results to other populations should be possible if they have the same distribution of effect modifiers and interference patterns because of the calculation principle of the parametric g-formula. Interventions for sleep disturbances, frailty, and body pain can minimize the risk of depression. • The parametric g-formula can effectively predict the risk of depression. • Interventions for nighttime sleep duration, perceived sleep quality, frailty and pain can minimize the risk of depression. • Gender-difference exists for intervention on nighttime sleep duration, which is more effective in male than in female. • Age-differences exist for interventions targeting the perceived sleep quality, frailty and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites that use fly ash and slag as alkali-activated materials instead of cement can overcome the defects and negative effects of alkali-activated cementitious materials prepared with the use of an alkali-activated material. In this study, fly ash and slag were used as raw materials to prepare alkali-activated composite cementitious materials. Experimental studies were carried out on the effects of the slag content, activator concentration and curing age on the compressive strength of the composite cementitious materials. The microstructure was characterized using hydration heat, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its intrinsic influence mechanism was revealed. The results show that increasing the curing age improves the degree of polymerization reaction and the composite reaches 77~86% of its 7-day compressive strength after 3 days. Except for the composites with 10% and 30% slag content, which reach 33% and 64%, respectively, of their 28-day compressive strength at 7 days, the remaining composites reach more than 95%. This result indicates that the alkali-activated fly ash–slag composite cementitious material has a rapid hydration reaction in the early stage and a slow hydration reaction in the later stage. The amount of slag is the main influencing factor of the compressive strength of alkali-activated cementitious materials. The compressive strength shows a trend of continuous increase when increasing slag content from 10% to 90%, and the maximum compressive strength reaches 80.26 MPa. The increase in the slag content introduces more Ca2+ into the system, which increases the hydration reaction rate, promotes the formation of more hydration products, refines the pore size distribution of the structure, reduces the porosity, and forms a denser microstructure. Therefore, it improves the mechanical properties of the cementitious material. The compressive strength shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing when the activator concentration increases from 0.20 to 0.40, and the maximum compressive strength is 61.68 MPa (obtained at 0.30). The increase in the activator concentration improves the alkaline environment of the solution, optimizes the level of the hydration reaction, promotes the formation of more hydration products, and makes the microstructure denser. However, an activator concentration that is too large or too small hinders the hydration reaction and affects the strength development of the cementitious material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-depth investigation into the adsorption of CO2 on graphene vacancies is essential for the understanding of their applications in various industries. Herein, we report an investigation of the effects of vacancy defects on CO2 gas adsorption behavior on graphene surfaces using the density functional theory. The results show that the formation of vacancies leads to various deformations of local carbon structures, resulting in different adsorption capabilities. Even though most carbon atoms studied can only trigger physisorption, there are also carbon sites that are energetically favored for chemisorption. The general order of the adsorption capabilities of the local carbon atoms is as follows: carbon atoms with dangling bonds > carbon atoms shared by five- and six-membered rings and a vacancy > carbon atoms shared by two six-membered rings and a vacancy. A stronger interaction in the adsorption process generally corresponds to more obvious changes in the partial density of states and a larger amount of transferred charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to assess the eradication efficacy and factors that influencing it of high‐dose dual therapy (HDDT) in Gansu region, Northwest China. Methods: A total of 216 treatment‐naive patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were randomly assigned to two groups for the 14‐day eradication treatment: the HDDT group (amoxicillin 750 mg q.i.d. and esomeprazole 40 mg t.i.d.) and the amoxicillin and clarithromycin‐containing bismuth quadruple therapy group (ACBQT: esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth potassium citrate 2 g, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg; b.i.d.). The eradication rates, adverse effects and patient compliance of these two groups were compared. Eradication efficacy was determined by 13C urea breath test (13C UBT) 4–8 weeks after finishing treatment. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the Epsilometer testing (E‐test) method. Results: The eradication rates for the HDDT and ACBQT groups were 71.0% and 74.7% (P =.552) by per‐protocol analysis, and 65.7% and 68.5% (P =.664) by intention‐to‐treat analysis. The overall adverse event rates in the HDDT and ACBQT groups were 2.0% and 43.4% (P <.001), respectively. The resistance rates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, tetracycline, levofloxacin and metronidazole were 15.2%, 42.0%, 5.4%, 35.7% and 83.0%, respectively. Amoxicillin resistance and delta over baseline (DOB) of 13C UBT ≥ 20 before treatment significantly reduced the eradication rate in 112 participants with H. pylori cultured. Conclusion: The HDDT as first‐line treatment for H. pylori was unsatisfactory in Gansu. Amoxicillin resistance and DOB of 13C UBT ≥ 20 before treatment were significantly correlated with H. pylori eradication failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel lead coordination compound based on an extend viologen derivated ligand, [Pb4(TTVTC)Cl6(H2O)2] was successfully assembled under solvothermal condition and characterized. Single crystal structure study reveals that compound 1 is a 2D layer. Adjacent Pb2+ ions are doubly bridged by isophthalates and µ2-Cl ions to form an infinite one dimensional (1D) ladder-like chain. The chains are further interlinked by the TTV moieties to generate a 2D layer. And hydrogen bond interaction based on C–H···Cl and C–H···O forms the supramolecular 3D structure. Additionally, Solid- state fluorescence shows that 1 emits pale green fluorescence, which can be assigned to the inter-ligand π*–π and/or π*–n transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclization–aromatization of enamines is a powerful method for the establishment of aza-aromatic cycles. We report herein the development of a simple and practical [3 + 3] aldol cyclization–aromatization of β,γ-dioxobutanoate with amines for the synthesis of p-aminophenols. Reactions with primary, secondary, benzyl and aryl amines all proceeded smoothly under mild reaction conditions, without catalysts and additives. Sensitive functionalities and heterocycles such as alcohol, ether, halogen, carboxylic acid, alkyne, pyridine, imidazole and free (N–H) indole, which could interfere with metal-, or acid-mediated processes, were well tolerated. The high degree of compatibility and practicability of this method is demonstrated by the late-stage cyclization–aromatization of structurally complex drug molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium(III) complexes can show phosphorescence from the spin-flip excited doublet states 2E/2T1 in the near-infrared with high photoluminescence quantum yields and extremely long lifetimes in the absence of dioxygen. The prototype molecular ruby, [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd = N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dipyridine-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine), has a photoluminescence quantum yield and a luminescence lifetime of 13.7% and 1.1 ms in deaerated acetonitrile, respectively. However, its luminescence is strongly quenched by 3O2via an efficient Dexter-type energy transfer process. To enable luminescence applications of molecular rubies in solution under aerobic conditions, we explored the potential of sterically demanding ddpd ligands to shield the chromium(III) center from O2 using steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The structures of the novel complexes with sterically demanding ligands were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemically by density functional theory calculations. The O2 sensitivity of the photoluminescence was derived from absolutely measured photoluminescence quantum yields and excited state lifetimes under inert and aerobic conditions and by Stern–Volmer analyses of these data. Optimal sterically shielded chromium(III) complexes revealed photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 5.1% and excited state lifetimes of 518 µs in air-saturated acetonitrile, underlining the large potential of this ligand design approach to broaden the applicability of highly emissive chromium(III) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a member of the insulin-like growth factor mRNA binding proteins (IGFBPs) family, IGF2BP3 plays important role in skeletal muscle development by regulating IGF2, which has been considered a key gene related to growth and reproductive traits in many agricultural animal species. However, study on the goose IGF2BP3 gene is still scarce. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of goose IGF2BP3 gene was cloned and characterized. The goose IGF2BP3 cDNA is 1825 bp in length, containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1755 bp that encodes a protein of 584 amino acids, which consists of two RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs) and four K-homologous (KH) domains. RT-qPCR analysis indicates that the IGF2BP3 mRNA expression level is the highest in ovary tissue, followed in hypothalamus, spleen, leg muscle and liver, and low level in breast muscle and muscular stomach of the adult Zhedong White goose. Meanwhile, 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 5 insertions/deletions (InDels) variants were identified in about 10,764 bp of goose IGF2BP3 genomic DNA sequence. These results serve as a foundation for further investigations of the function of IGF2BP3 gene in geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to provide a theoretical method to accurately calculate the stress and strain of steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) columns under long-term axial compression. First, considering the cross-sectional stress redistribution and the influence of each stress increment in the process, the theoretical formula of stress and strain under long-term loading was deduced. Then, the stress and strain calculation program of SRC columns under long-term axial compression was programmed by using object-oriented Visual C++ language. Finally, an experimental study on the long-term deformation performance of SRC axial compression columns was performed to validate the accuracy of the proposed theoretical method. By comparing the calculated results with the experimental results, the influence of steel bars on the long-term stress and strain of SRC columns under axial compression was analyzed and the corresponding long-term stress–strain variation law was studied. Results show that the changing trend of the long-term strain of plain concrete (PC) and SRC with loading time is basically the same, increasing rapidly in the first 270 days and gradually tending to be stable beyond 270 days. After 750 days, the maximum difference in the total strain between the PC columns and SRC columns reaches 26.60%, and the steel bars have a strong influence on the long-term strain of the concrete columns. The errors between the measured values of the two SRC columns, and the calculated results are 2.96% and 5.78%, respectively. Therefore, the derived stress–strain calculation formula and calculation program of SRC columns under long-term loads are accurate and reliable. When the loading time is 750 days, the tensile stress increment of 1.92 MPa and a compressive stress increment of 168.26 MPa are produced in concrete and steel bars. The long-term stress of concrete columns is markedly influenced by steel bars. In the first three years, the stress and strain of the concrete and steel bars develop rapidly and then gradually slow down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the association between night-time sleep duration and hand grip strength (HGS) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants aged ≥45 years were included in a nationally representative investigation clinical study in 2015. HGS was measured using dynamometers. The data on night-time sleep duration, sociodemographic information, and health-related variables were systematically collected. For analysis, sleep duration was categorized as <5 h, 5–7 h, 7 h, 7–9 h, and >9 h. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine the possible association between the night-time sleep duration and HGS. Our results indicated that the shortest (<5 h) or the longest sleep duration (>9 h) was relevant to high risk of weaker HGS in females. In males, the shortest (<5 h) sleep duration was correlated to lower HGS. Thus, our findings clearly suggest that health care providers should focus on the potential influence of sleep duration on HGS among COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly and common primary brain tumor. Poor prognosis is linked to high proliferation and cell heterogeneity. Sex differences may play a role in patient outcome. Previous studies showed that ER‐α36, a variant of the estrogen receptor (ER), mediated non‐genomic estrogen signaling and is highly expressed in many ER‐negative malignant tumors. ER‐α36 also associates with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the cross talk between ER‐α36 and EGFR in estrogen‐mediated GBM cell proliferation. Here, we showed that ER‐α36 was highly expressed and confirmed that ER‐α36 co‐labels with EGFR in human GBM samples using immunohistochemical techniques. We also investigated the mechanisms of estrogen‐induced proliferation in ER‐α‐negative cell lines. We found that GBM cells showed varying responsive to mitogenic estrogen signaling which correlated with ER‐α36 expression, and knockdown of ER‐α36 diminished the response. Exposure to estrogen also caused upregulation of cyclin protein expression in vitro. We also found that low concentration of estrogen promoted SRC‐Y‐416 and inhibited SRC‐Y‐527 phosphorylation, corresponding with activated SRC signaling. Inhibiting SRC or EGFR abolished estrogen‐induced mitogenic signaling, including cyclin expression and MAPK phosphorylation. Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that ER‐α36 promotes non‐genomic estrogen signaling via the EGFR/SRC/MAPK pathway in GBM. This may be important for the treatment of ER‐α‐negative GBMs that retain high level of ER‐α36, since estrogen may be a viable therapeutic target for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review the measurement properties of performance-based measures to assess physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched in May 2022. Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Clinical trials on the psychometric properties of performance-based tools for measuring physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis were included. Two reviewers independently rated measurement properties using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). "Best evidence synthesis" was made using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments outcomes and the quality of findings. Results: Thirty-six out of 3425 publications were eligible for inclusion. Thirty-two performance-based measures were evaluated including 26 single-activity measures and 6 multi-activity measures. Measurement properties evaluated included internal consistency (2 measures), reliability (23 measures), measurement error (20 measures), hypotheses testing for construct validity (22 measures), and responsiveness (23 measures). On balance of the limited evidence, the walk 40 m fast-paced test and 6-minute walking test were the best rated walking tests. The 30-second chair stand test and timed up and go test were the best rated sit-to-stand tests. The Performance Tests Measures and Physical Activity Restrictions may be the suitable multi-activity measures for knee osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Further good quality research investigating the measurement properties, and in particular, the measurement error of performance-based measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral tracking system of aquatic model organism is crucial for applications in aquaculture, environment and biomedicine, as it facilitates human to monitor subject states by automatically recognizing individual identities, and quantify their movement trajectories. Previous research has been devoted to this topic, but they are still not simple and effective enough. Therefore, this work introduces a novel online monitoring system implemented by dual-camera equipment and software modules consisting of an object detector and a multi-view multi-target tracker. The tracker provides the abilities of cross-view matching, underwater 3D reconstruction, and 3D target tracking. Specifically, our solution adopts a new paradigm, called tracking by early -reconstruction, which prioritizes the 3D reconstruction of targets' coordinates on a frame-by-frame basis and then tracks them directly in 3D space rather than in a 2D image plane. This paradigm simplifies the complex multi-view tracking problem into a series of local association procedures, allowing us to achieve an online resolution through the iterative approach. To verify the effectiveness of the system, we employ zebrafish as the research subject, and evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the system on tracking benchmark, behavioral tasks and simulated data. Finally, we conducted extensive experiments and demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Bibliometric analysis of the nursing literature can provide insights into the current state and dynamics of the nursing profession. This study aimed to assess global nursing‐related research activity from 2009 to 2020. Method: The corpus of nursing papers was harvested from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The bibliometric indicators and VOSviewer mapping of the retrieved papers were presented. Results: The search found 109,782 papers, and 39.0% of papers reported funded studies. Publication numbers were increasing. The USA was the most prolific country in literature production and international collaboration in nursing studies. International cooperation in nursing research was dominated by developed regions. Among the 20 most cited articles, 75% were published in first quartile journals, and review papers received a higher number of citations than original research articles. Author keyword analysis identified 'quality of life', 'mental health', 'nursing students' education' and 'adolescent' as common nursing focus topics. Conclusions: The publication trend of nursing papers was positive. However, several problems were associated with nursing research activity, including low research funding, regionally centred research activity and inactivity of developing regions in terms of international collaborations, which need to be addressed by policy makers, nursing managers and scholars. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nursing research has developed rapidly worldwide over the years.Little is known about its overall development in recent years. What this paper adds? This study describes the nature of nursing research worldwide in terms of publication numbers, growth trend, geographic locus, international collaborations, the most productive authors, the most cited articles and author keywords analysis. The implications of this paper: The study is important for nursing scholars, managers and professionals to learn about the present status and dynamics of nursing research.The study provides important information for policymakers to allocate research grant that promotes the dissemination of nursing research into the broader scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine postnatal changes in the impaired brainstem auditory pathway in term infants after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was studied at 2–4 months of age in term infants who suffered perinatal HI. The BAER data obtained at various click rates in these infants were compared with those in age-matched normal term controls to detect any abnormalities. The infants after HI showed a slight elevation in BAER threshold. Four (9.8%) infants had threshold elevation. At 21/s clicks, there was a slight decrease in wave I latency, and a slight increase in wave III and V latencies. However, the I–V and I–III intervals in these infants were significantly increased (p <.05 and.05), whereas III–V interval was slightly increased. At higher click rates of 51 and 91/s, all BAER variables showed similar changes, with only small variations. An abnormal increase in the I–V and/or I–III intervals was seen in 4 (9.8%) infants, who were not associated with BAER threshold elevation. At 2–4 months of age, around 20% of the infants after perinatal HI showed a moderate degree of either peripheral or central impairment of the brainstem auditor pathway. Monitoring postnatal changes could provide valuable information for postnatal care of infants after perinatal HI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifunctional ionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing Lewis acid sites (unsaturated metal sites) and halide ions (Cl−, Br−, and I−) have attracted increasing attention due to their extra high activity for the cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides. Herein, a novel microporous MOF (1‐Eu), namely, [Eu3(L)2(HCOO)(H2O)5]·14H2O (H4L = 2,6‐di(2,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐4‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)pyridine), has been synthesized by using a new bipyridyl‐based tetracarboxylate ligands (H4L). Structural analyses show that 1‐Eu is a 3D framework in which 1D chains with alternating triple and single carboxylate bridges are interlinked by the L ligands and contains microporous channels with uncoordinated pyridyl N atoms, which are easy to be modified by N‐methylation. Therefore, three bifunctional N‐methylation 1‐Eu MOFs, 1‐Eu‐MeX (X = Cl−, Br−, and I−), were successfully prepared from the 1‐Eu MOF by a postsynthetic modification (PSM) method. 1‐Eu‐MeX can efficiently catalyze the cycloaddition reaction without any cocatalyst and solvent. Among them, the 1‐Eu‐MeI catalyst displays the highest catalytic performance. Our work thus represents a rare demonstration of ionic MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for efficient CO2 fixation with epoxides. More significantly, 1‐Eu‐MeX are the first reported Eu‐based ionic MOFs with the bipyridyl‐based tetracarboxylate ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) technology is an efficient and clean method to utilize biomass wastes. But the real biomass is complicated, bringing difficulties for the research of reaction pathway. In this paper, xylose was selected as a model compound for hemicellulose and the experiment was conducted in quartz reactors. The degradation pathway of xylose in supercritical water (SCW) was discussed. The main intermediates included phenols, furans, arenes, organic acids, ketones and alcohols. Phenols and arenes were difficult to be gasified while furans, organic acids, ketones and alcohols could be easily gasified. The degradation pathways of glucose and guaiacol as model compounds for cellulose and lignin in SCW have also been discussed in previous studies. By comparing the experimental data, it is found that guaiacol was more difficult to be gasified than glucose and xylose. The main organics in residual liquid of xylose and glucose were furans, cyclic ketones, open-chain compounds, phenols and arenes while that of guaiacol were phenols, arenes and open-chain compounds. The degradation of phenols and arenes was the key step of SCWG of biomass model compounds. [Display omitted] • Degradation pathway of xylose in SCW was proposed. • Gasification processes of xylose, glucose and guaiacol in SCW were compared. • Key step to increase CGE and HGE of biomass model compounds was raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) mainly relies on precious metal complexes thanks to their high intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiencies, excited state energies, and lifetimes, while complexes of abundant first‐row transition metals are only rarely utilized and with often moderate UC quantum yields. [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ (bpmp=2,6‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)pyridine) containing earth‐abundant chromium possesses an absorption band suitable for green light excitation, a doublet excited state energy matching the triplet energy of 9,10‐diphenyl anthracene (DPA), a close to millisecond excited state lifetime, and high photostability. Combined ISC and doublet‐triplet energy transfer from excited [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ to DPA gives 3DPA with close‐to‐unity quantum yield. TTA of 3DPA furnishes green‐to‐blue UC with a quantum yield of 12.0 % (close to the theoretical maximum). Sterically less‐hindered anthracenes undergo a [4+4] cycloaddition with [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ and green light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) mainly relies on precious metal complexes thanks to their high intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiencies, excited state energies, and lifetimes, while complexes of abundant first‐row transition metals are only rarely utilized and with often moderate UC quantum yields. [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ (bpmp=2,6‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)pyridine) containing earth‐abundant chromium possesses an absorption band suitable for green light excitation, a doublet excited state energy matching the triplet energy of 9,10‐diphenyl anthracene (DPA), a close to millisecond excited state lifetime, and high photostability. Combined ISC and doublet‐triplet energy transfer from excited [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ to DPA gives 3DPA with close‐to‐unity quantum yield. TTA of 3DPA furnishes green‐to‐blue UC with a quantum yield of 12.0 % (close to the theoretical maximum). Sterically less‐hindered anthracenes undergo a [4+4] cycloaddition with [Cr(bpmp)2]3+ and green light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To conduct an overview, evaluation, and synthesis of measurement properties of instruments assessing balance of COPD patients. Electronic searches were performed in Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to the end of April 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instrument checklist, and rated the overall quality level of evidence was graded based upon a modified Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Finally, 12 instruments were included. The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test were the most frequently used tools to evaluate balance. None of 12 instruments provide any information regarding cross-cultural validation or criterion validation. High-quality studies exploring measurement properties with a focus on the criterion validity and cross-cultural validity of balance measurements in COPD patients are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial and temporal distributions of total organic carbon (TOC) in the Jiulong River Estuary (JRE) were determined using data collected during three cruises in summer 2010, autumn 2010, and spring 2011. The TOC concentration influencing factors were identified, and the export fluxes were calculated. TOC concentration ranges were 0.73–4.17 mg/L in summer, 0.90–5.32 mg/L in autumn, and 1.78–8.03 mg/L in spring, respectively. TOC concentrations of the surface water and nearshore area were higher than those of the bottom water and offshore area, respectively, and the maximum TOC content occurred in the JRE upper reaches. The TOC concentration decreased with increasing salinity and exhibited a significant positive correlation with petroleum and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), indicating the influence of terrestrial input. A weak relationship between TOC and chlorophyll-a indicated that phytoplankton was not the dominant source of TOC. TOC fluxes discharged into the JRE were 50.39 × 103 t/a in 2010 and 46.08 × 103 t/a in 2011, and those transported into the sea were 38.46 × 103 t/a in 2010 and 33.66 × 103 t/a in 2011, respectively, accounting for approximately 75% of the total estuary fluxes. This study elucidates the biogeochemical processes of estuarine organic carbon and provides a quantitative basis for the land–sea integration of carbon dioxide emission reduction and sink increase projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular ruby analogue [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd=N,N'‐dimethyl‐N,N'‐dipyridine‐2‐ylpyridine‐2,6‐diamine) exhibits near infrared (NIR) emission with a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield ΦPL of 11 % and a lifetime of 898 μs in deaerated water at room temperature. While ligand‐based control of the photophysical properties has received much attention, influences of the counter anions and microenvironment are still underexplored. In this study, the luminescence properties of the molecular ruby were systematically examined for the counter anions Cl−, Br−, [BF4]−, [PF6]−, [BPh4]−, and [BArF24]− in acetonitrile (MeCN) solution, in crystals, and embedded into polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNP). Stern‐Volmer analyses of the oxygen quenching studies in the intensity and lifetime domain showed the highest oxygen sensitivity of the complexes with the counter anions of [BF4]− and [BArF24]−, which also revealed the longest luminescence lifetimes. Embedding [Cr(ddpd)2][PF6]3 in PSNPs and shielding with poly(vinyl alcohol) yields a strongly NIR‐emissive oxygen‐insensitive material with a record ΦPL of 15.2 % under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Excessive alcohol consumption predisposes drinkers to develop alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Although cardiomyocyte loss is the hallmark of cardiomyopathy, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study examined the potential mechanism of alcohol‐induced cardiomyocyte death in a mouse model of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Methods: We established the alcoholic cardiomyopathy mouse model using C57BL/6J mice and confirmed it via echocardiography and histological examination. The cardiac ceramide content and profile were analyzed with a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer. The molecular mechanism underlying the accumulation of ceramide due to chronic alcohol consumption and ceramide‐induced cardiomyocyte death were investigated by in vivo and in vitro models. Finally, we established a TLR4 mutation model to explore the function of TLR4 in CH3/HeJ mice. Results: Cardiac lipotoxicity that followed alcohol exposure resulted mainly in C16:0‐, C18:0‐, and C24:1‐ceramide aggregation. Genes encoding the sphingosine hydrolysis enzymes (SMPD1 and SMPD2) rather than de novo synthetic biomarkers were markedly upregulated. Exogenous ceramide mimics (C6‐ceramide) werenderlying the accumulation of ceramide observed to cause H9C2 cardiomyocyte‐like cell death, which was consistent with results under palmate acid (PA) treatment. As a ceramide precursor, PA induces intracellular ceramide generation through TLR4 signaling, which can be abolished by an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of TLR4 attenuated PA‐induced cell death and corresponding ceramide production. Moreover, global mutation of TLR4 in CH3/HeJ mice significantly reduced the accumulation of C24:0, C24:1, OH_C24:1, and total ceramide following alcohol challenge. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that ceramide accumulation plays a crucial role in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, effects that are partially mediated through the TLR4‐dependent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]