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The continuous decline in the birth rate can lead to a series of social and economic problems. Accurately predicting the birth rate of a region will help national and local governments to formulate more scientifically sound development policies. This paper proposes a discrete-aware model BRP-Net based on attention mechanism and LSTM, for effectively predicting the birth rate of prefecture-level cities. BRP-Net is trained using multiple variables related to comprehensive development of prefecture-level cities, covering factors such as economy, education and population structure that can influence the birth rate. Additionally, the comprehensive data of China's prefecture-level cities exhibits strong spatiotemporal specificity. Our model leverages the advantages of attention mechanism to identify the feature correlation and temporal relationships of these multi-variable time series input data. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed BRP-Net has higher accuracy and better generalization performance compared to other mainstream methods, while being able to adapt to the spatiotemporal specificity of variables between prefecture-level cities. Using BRP-Net to achieve precise and robust prediction estimates of the birth rate in prefecture-level cities can provide more effective decision-making references for local governments to formulate more accurate and reasonable fertility encouragement policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel view synthesis using implicit neural functions such as Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) has achieved significant progress recently. However, it is very computationally expensive to train a NeRF due to the disordered frequency optimization. In this paper, we propose the Pyramid NeRF, which guides the NeRF training in a 'low-frequency first, high-frequency second' style using the image pyramids and could improve the training and inference speed at 15 × and 805 × , respectively. The high training efficiency is guaranteed by (i) organized frequency-guided optimization could improve the convergency speed and efficiently reduce the training iterations and (ii) progressive subdivision, which replaces a single large multi-layer perceptron (MLP) with thousands of tiny MLPs, could significantly decrease the execution time of running MLPs. Experiments on various synthetic and real scenes verify the high efficiency of the Pyramid NeRF. Meanwhile, the structure and perceptual similarities could be better recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different probe placements on the ventral and dorsal sides of the same finger using pulse oxygen saturation monitoring. Methods: This clinical trial used a convenience sampling method in patients admitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. We enrolled 1330 patients from March to July 2018, including patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (n = 258) and in the general ward (n = 1072). Pulse oxygen saturation measurements obtained from the ventral and dorsal sides of the same finger were compared. This work adhered to the STROBE checklist requirements. Results: We found that pulse oxygen saturation measurements between the dorsal and ventral sides of a finger were not affected by different fingers, disease types, the application of a ventilator, vasoactive drugs, the conscious state of the patient or the instrument model. Conclusion: Our findings suggested no significant difference in saturation measurements with variation in the placement of the pulse oxygen saturation measurement instrument between the dorsal and ventral sides of a finger, regardless of illness severity. We believe that these results could simplify the monitoring procedures performed by nurses and eliminate worries concerning the inaccuracy of data because of varied probe positions. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Early application of digital pulse oxygen measurement in patients with early hypoxia can continuously display their blood oxygen status and can promptly detect hypoxaemia development.Some details may have an impact on clinical comprehension of pulse oximetry values, such as the signal averaging time, data sampling rates and sensor position.In clinical practice, although various medical units adopt different pulse oximeter monitoring instruments, the use of different brands of pulse oximeters requires the placement of the fingernail bed and probe on the same side during finger insertion. What is already known about this topic? In our study, we investigated whether the oxygen saturation measurements obtained from the ventral and dorsal sides of the same fingers in either hand were credible.Factors that affected the perfusion status of the fingertip (i.e. ventilator use, vasoactive drugs and coma) had no effect on the consistency of the oxygen saturation measurements obtained from the ventral and dorsal sides of the same fingers of either hand.Even when monitoring patients in, for example, fixed position, with fingers absent and with a range of different disease states, there is no difference between oxygen saturation measurements on the ventral and dorsal sides of fingers of either hand. The oxygen saturation measurements were found to be reliable. The implications of this paper: Placement of the probe on the dorsal or ventral sides of the fingers does not affect the pulse oxygen saturation measurement in patients with a range of different disease states.In clinical practice, the oxygen saturation measurement results from the ventral and dorsal sides of the same finger from either hand are credible. This finding would simplify daily nursing work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collision on reinforced concrete (RC) piers by moving vessels or vehicles is a significant issue. This paper presents the static and impact behavior of RC piers with different hollow ratios. Three specimens were statically tested to obtain the load-displacement response. Low-velocity collision on eleven RC piers was conducted under the same velocity of 2.42 m/s. The damage process, failure mode, and force response were comprehensively analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the hollow ratio plays a significant role in the failure mode and ultimate load of RC piers under static and impact loadings. For RC piers with a hollow ratio of 0 and 0.4, the global failure dominated the damage process. However, failure of piers with a hollow ratio of 0.6 was governed by the local damage near the loading point. The static load capacities of the RC piers with a hollow ratio of 0.4 and 0.6 were 1.27% and 60.5% smaller than that of the solid pier, respectively. RC piers with a higher hollow ratio or lighter drop weight suffer smaller peak impact force. The increase of the longitudinal reinforcements leads to a promotion of the peak and mean impact force. Furthermore, the numerically predicted failure modes and impact load response show satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tantalum oxide film was fabricated using an anodization process in a 0.5M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. The evolution and corrosion resistance mechanism of anodized film on the Ta surface has been investigated by experiments and theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the sample with an anodic oxidation voltage of 20V and an anodic oxidation time of 60 min (Ta 20-60) exhibits the thickest oxidation film, measuring 360.00 nm and comprising an outer porous layer and an inner dense layer. Ta 20-60 demonstrates the highest E corr value of 0.009 V and the lowest I corr value of 0.879 μA cm−2, with a minimal density of point defects at 1.24 × 1019 cm−3, which imparts superior corrosion resistance. The calculation result shows that the growth rate of Ta anodic oxidation film is controlled by the diffusion and migration of vacancy defects. The O atom passes through one bridge site from the tetrahedral gap to another tetrahedral gap (Path 1) on the complete (110) surface has a low diffusion barrier of 0.470 eV and the shortest diffusion path of 2.04 Å, which is the most favorable path for the diffusion of O atoms. This paper offers a fresh perspective on the corrosion resistance of tantalum while furnishing guidance for improving Ta oxide film performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The knowledge that agmatine is found in the human body has existed for several years; however, its role in sepsis has not yet been studied. In the present study, we investigate the role of agmatine in the progression and treatment of sepsis.Design: Clinical/laboratory investigations.Setting: Medical centers/University-based research laboratory.Subjects: Elective ICU patients with severe sepsis and healthy volunteers; C57BL/6 mice weighing 18-22 g.Interventions: Serum agmatine level and its associations with inflammatory markers were assessed in patients with sepsis. Agmatine was administered intraperitoneally to mice before a lipopolysaccharide challenge. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine macrophages were pretreated with agmatine followed by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.Measurements and Main Results: Serum agmatine levels were significantly decreased in patients with sepsis and lipopolysaccharide-induced mice, and correlated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, procalcitonin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels. In a therapeutic experiment, exogenous agmatine attenuated the cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with sepsis and healthy controls. Agmatine also exerted a significant beneficial effect in the inflammatory response and organ damage and reduced the death rate in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice. Imidazoline I2 receptor agonist 2-benzofuran-2-yl blocked the pharmacological action of agmatine; whereas, other imidazoline receptor ligands did not. Furthermore, agmatine significantly impaired the inflammatory response by inactivating nuclear factor-κB, but not protein 38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase signaling in macrophages. Activation of imidazoline I2 receptor or knockdown of ribosomal S6 kinase 2 counteracted the effects of agmatine on phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κBα.Conclusions: Endogenous agmatine metabolism correlated with the progression of sepsis. Supplemental exogenous agmatine could ameliorate the lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammatory responses and multiple organ injuries through the imidazoline I2 receptor-ribosomal S6 kinase 2-nuclear factor-κB pathway. Agmatine could be used as both a clinical biomarker and a promising pharmaconutrient in patients with severe sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing temperature and magnetic field dependent dielectric spectroscopy, two different dielectric relaxation processes, both accompanied with prominent positive magnetodielectric (MD) effects, were observed in Pt/BiScO3-PbTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (Pt/BSPT/LSMO) heterostructure. An equivalent circuit model is established to quantitatively describe the relaxation data well. The simulation results elucidated that one relaxation process can be attributed to magnetic order associated BSPT/LSMO interfacial relaxation with abnormal dynamics feature. Another one is due to the external contact interface contributions. Both relaxation dynamics can be tuned, via magnetic field controlled localization of free interfacial charges, to induce MD effects in BSPT/LSMO interfaces and nonmagnetic Pt/BSPT contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, methanol-water co-solvent were utilized as solvents for hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for the preparation of bio-oil to achieve a higher value application of BSFL. The effects of process parameters such as reaction temperature (200–290 °C), methanol-water ratio (0:1–1:0), and methanol participation in the liquefaction reaction (3.50–9.28 wt%) on the yield and properties of bio-oils were examined. The bio-oil produced at 260 °C and a methanol-water ratio of 4:1 had a yield of 68.23%, an HHV of 34.2 MJ kg−1, an O/C ratio of 0.13, and a H/C ratio of 2.39, suggesting their potential for use as renewable energy to replace the fossil energy. When taking into account the consumption of methanol at 260 °C, the bio-oil yield was 48.69%, energy recovery was 65.35%, and energy efficiency was 56.36%. GCMS analyses demonstrated that the main components of the methanol-water ratio of 4:1 bio-oil were esters and hydrocarbons, with fewer amides (1.92%), and its composition was similar to that of biodiesel. Methanol played an important role as a solvent in improving the esterification of the acid with methanol and advancing the alcoholysis of the amide. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A colorimetric/fluorometric dual-channel probe YSQ has been developed for rapid and visual detection of Pb2+. • YSQ exhibited hypersensitive toward Pb2+ with rapid signal response (1 min). • Limit of detection (LOD) of YSQ for Pb2+ was as low as 18 nM. • YSQ could serve as a high-performance detector for Pb2+ in real environmental and biological samples. • The integration of YSQ and the smartphone provided a portable and low-cost method for Pb2+ ions detection. The development of specific and visually detectable fluorophores for the accurate and rapid Pb2+ recognization is crucial. In this study, we introduced a novel isophorone-derived fluorescent probe, (E)-2-(3-(3-formyl-4-hydroxystyryl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)malononitrile (YSQ), rationally designed for prompt and high-quality Pb2+ detection. YSQ demonstrated noticeable red emitting fluorescence enhancement upon Pb2+ interactions (upon binding, τ avg 16.7 ns, Φ 12 %) with visible color changes discernible to the naked eye in MeOH/H 2 O (v/v 9/1, pH 7.4, 0.2 mM). The probe YSQ achieved a quite low detection limit (LOD) of 18 nM and a high association constant of 2.93 × 105 M−1 towards Pb2+ using fluorescence titration. We proposed a binding mechanism of YSQ with Pb2+ ions, supported by the density functional theory (DFT/TD-DFT), 1H NMR titration experiments, IR and HRMS analysis. In addition, a simple and affordable smartphone-supported specific Pb2+ detection technique was developed with visible color changes. Furthermore, this NIR emissive properties of YSQ offered broad potential applications in actual water sample and solid analysis, bio-imaging and test strips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusions\nHIGHLIGHTSThe objective was to explore the possible relationship between the serum vitamin D level and olfactory impairment in a population of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Guizhou, China.We included 25 patients with MS and 18 healthy controls (HCs) who were recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from February 2021 to September 2021. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was used to test the patients’ sense of smell, and the level of serum 25-hydroxyethylene polyprotein D was measured.Serum vitamin D levels and UPSIT scores were significantly different between the MS group and the control group (both p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant positive correlation emerged between vitamin D levels and UPSIT scores in MS patients (r = 0.537, p = 0.021).The serum vitamin D level may be involved in the regulation of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients in Guizhou, China.Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease in China.Compared with that of healthy controls, the olfactory function of MS patients was severely impaired.Compared with healthy controls, MS patients had low vitamin D levels.A significant positive correlation emerged between vitamin D levels and UPSIT scores in MS patients.The vitamin D levels of MS patients may be associated with olfactory impairment, which may have implications for future mechanistic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient data dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is a challenging issue due to the dynamic nature of the network. To improve the performance of data dissemination, we study distributed data replication algorithms in VANETs for exchanging information and computing in an arbitrarily-connected network of vehicle nodes. To achieve low dissemination delay and improve the network performance, we control the number of message copies that can be disseminated in the network and then propose an efficient distributed data replication algorithm (EDDA). The key idea is to let the data carrier distribute the data dissemination tasks to multiple nodes to speed up the dissemination process. We calculate the number of communication stages for the network to enter into a balanced status and show that the proposed distributed algorithm can converge to a consensus in a small number of communication stages. Most of the theoretical results described in this paper are to study the complexity of network convergence. The lower bound and upper bound are also provided in the analysis of the algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed EDDA can efficiently disseminate messages to vehicles in a specific area with low dissemination delay and system overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of experimental and numerical studies was carried out to understand the microstructure and formation mechanism of kink bands in α / β two-phase titanium alloys. A deformation kink band was introduced in a Ti-9Cr alloy after uniaxial compression test. The strength changes of the α and β phases inside and outside the kink band were evaluated by nanoindentation tests. A potential hardening effect was revealed in the α phase inside the kink band, while a possible softening effect was located in the β phase at the kink boundaries. Microstructural examination of the kink band was conducted by electron backscatter diffraction measurement. The crystal rotation axis was found to be perpendicular to both the (0001) basal plane of the α phase and one of the (110) planes of the β phase. The crystallographic features were characterized by transmission electron microscopy observation, revealing a prismatic 〈 a 〉 slip that occurred during the compression to accommodate the rotations around the c-axis. Nanoindentation tests were performed on an undeformed specimen to calibrate the crystal plasticity model. A crystal plasticity finite element model was developed and {110} β -rotation-type kink bands were reproduced in the simulation and confirmed the prismatic slip activity. • During the uniaxial compression test, kink deformation was revealed in the α/β titanium two-phase alloy Ti-9Cr. • EBSD measurements, nanoindentation tests, and TEM observations were carried out on the deformed grain. • The rotation axis was found normal to the (0001) basal plane and one of the common (110) β planes. • The kink deformation was initiated by an intragranular crystal rotation accommodated by prismatic dislocations. • In the CPFEM simulation, the deformation kink bands were reproduced and confirmed the prismatic slip activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate voltage measurement of distribution networks is of great significance in power dispatching and fault diagnosis. Voltage sensors based on the spatial electric field effect do not require grounding, which provides the possibility for the distributed measurement of transmission line voltages. However, the divider ratio of suspension grounding voltage sensors is affected by the height between the sensor and the ground, as well as the distance between the sensor and the telegraph pole. In this paper, a self-calibration method based on internal capacitance transformation is proposed to realize the on-line calibration of suspension grounding voltage sensors. The calibration is accomplished by switching different parameters in the conditioning circuit, and the calibration process does not require power failure or known input excitation. In addition, the impact of electric fields in the other two phases of three-phase transmission lines on measurement through simulation research is quantified in this paper. In order to reduce the impact of interference electric fields, an equipotential shielding structure is designed. The circuit topology and probe prototype have been developed and testing has been conducted in laboratory conditions; the experimental results show that the maximum relative error of voltage amplitude is 1.65%, and the phase relative error is 0.94%. The measurement accuracy is not limited by the height to ground or the distance to the telegraph pole. In addition, in the application of an equipotential shielding probe, the maximum deviation of measured voltage is 0.7% with and without interference electric fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastic deformation of an α / β two-phase Ti-10Cr alloy with fine lamella microstructure was investigated under uniaxial compression. The material was composed of coarse equiaxed β grains with { 332 } 〈 113 〉 twins introduced by cold rolling and α precipitates after aging. The crystallographic relationship between the matrix, the twin, and the precipitates was analyzed. A combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses was carried out to investigate the microstructure and plastic deformation behavior of the Ti-10Cr alloy. During uniaxial compression tests, { 110 } β - rotation-type kinks were located in the Ti-10Cr alloy. The crystallographic and kinematical relationships among the formed deformation bands were clarified with the rank-1 connection theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellulose content in vegetable waste (VW) is high and cannot be directly digested by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). In this study, in order to treat VW using BSFL composting, kitchen waste (KW) is used as the only nutritional supplement for VW to analyze the effects of the different contents of crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), carbohydrate (3C), compost thickness (CT), and treatment time on the larval weight (LW), survival rate (SR), dry matter reduction rate (DMR), bioconversion rate (BCR), physical and chemical properties of BSFL sand and changes in the microbial community. Our results showed that when the average 3C content increased by 40%, the average LW increased by 47.6%, and the SR, DMR, BCR, and organic matter (OM) content increased by 16.82%, 8.5%, 4.77%, and 3.86%, respectively. In contrast, when the average compost thickness increased by 5 cm, the average weight of BSFL decreased by 22.64%, while the SR of larvae, DMR, BCR, OM, and total nutrients (TN + P 2 O 5 + K 2 O) decreased by 5%, 5.2%, 4.42%, 9.6%, and 0.78%, respectively. Germination test showed that BSFL sand alone could not be used as soilless culture substrate. After BSFL treatment, we found that the dominant phyla in BSFL sand were Firmicutes (95.77%), Proteobacteria (2.54%), Actinobacteria (0.74%), and Chloroflexi (0.6%). Our results indicate that BSFL composting is an effective method of treating VW, and 3C content and CT have a significant effect on BSFL composting. [Display omitted] • 3C content and CT had significant effects on LW, SR, DMR, BCR and FCR. • 3C (129.34 g), CT (5 cm) and time (10 days) are suitable for BSFL composting. • BSFL sand cannot be directly used as soilless culture substrate. • Firmicutes (95.77%) was the most abundant gate in the BSFL sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of high-power solid state amplifiers (SSAs) in accelerator facilities is increasing, and equipment failure caused by reflected power is the main risk to their long-term operation. High-power SSAs often comprise multiple power amplifier modules. Full power reflection is more likely to damage the modules in SSAs if the amplitudes of the modules are unequal. Optimization of the power combiners is an effective means for improving the stability of SSAs under high power reflection. This study analyzes the mechanisms and conditions of reflected power generation using the scattering parameters of the combiner and proposes an optimization scheme for the combiner. The simulation and experimental results show that some modules may receive reflected power as high as nearly four times the rated power of one module when the SSA meets certain conditions, which could damage the modules. The maximum reflected power can be effectively reduced and the anti-reflection ability of SSAs can be improved by optimizing the combiner parameters to suppress the maximum reflected power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a facile method for the synthesis of pure phase BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles with the microwave assistance was reported. BFO nanoparticles with high pure phase can be prepared in 20 min, which is much shorter than that of the traditional hydrothermal methods. The effect of microwave heating time on the phase purity of obtained samples was investigated in detail by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). An interesting phenomenon was observed that the pervoskite-type BFO with pure phase periodically appeared during the microwave heating process. The investigation of the magnetic properties of prepared samples also revealed the periodical formation of the pure phase BFO. The sample with a microwave heating time of 20 min shows a magnetization of 1.05 emu g−1 which is in accordance with the reported value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles with sizes of ∼35nm were deposited on the surface of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by electroless plating technique. The magnetic properties of Ni/SiNWs were investigated. The blocking temperature (T B ) of 370K was obtained and confirmed by field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) plots. The M–H hysteresis loops from 5K to 400K were measured. The saturation magnetization value was ∼4.5emu/g and the coercivity was ∼375.3Oe for the loop at 5K, respectively. While for the loop at 400K, these values were of ∼2.6emu/g and ∼33.3Oe, respectively. The temperature dependence of coercivity followed by the relation H C (T)= H C0[1−(T/T B )1/2], indicating a superparamagnetic behavior. The magnetization of superparamagnetic grains in a magnetic field H was better described by Langevin function at 400K. These novel magnetic properties of Ni/SiNWs were possibly attributed to the paramagnetic defects on the surface of SiNWs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycrystalline La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) films were prepared on SiO2/Si (001) substrates by chemical solution deposition technique. Electrical and magnetic properties of LSMO were investigated. A minimum phenomenon in resistivity is found at the low temperature () under magnetic fields from 0 T to 3 T. Kondo-like spin dependent scattering, which includes both spin polarization and grain boundary tunneling, was observed in the low-temperature electrical transport for the LSMO polycrystalline films. The temperature-dependent resistivity at low temperatures can be well fitted in the framework of elastic scattering, electron–electron (e–e) interaction, Kondo-like spin dependent scattering, and electron–phonon (e–ph) interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dielectrophoresis is a potential technique which can be employed to manipulate micro-/nano-particles, fabricate micro/nano-devices and test the properties of materials in fluid. Among the influences on dielectrophoretic manipulation, the electrode configuration that dictates the radiation pattern of electric field is a point out one. In this paper, a novel wafer-level planar micro-electrode system was designed and fabricated by rapid, low-cost micro-fabrication technologies. This low-cost platform can meet the primary needs of DEP manipulation, is ideal for mass production and can augment the accessibility of DEP devices to end-users lacking fabrication facilities or knowledge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To explore the value of the injury severity score (ISS) and the new injury severity score (NISS) for evaluating injuries and predicting complications (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and poor prognoses (in‐hospital tracheal intubation, extended length of hospital stay, ICU admission, prolonged ICU stay, and death) in patients with thoracic trauma. Methods. The data of consecutive patients with thoracic trauma who were admitted to the department of cardiothoracic surgery of a tertiary hospital between January 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected. ISS and NISS were calculated for each patient. The study outcomes were complications and poor prognoses. The differences in ISS and NISS between patients with complications and poor prognoses and patients without the abovementioned conditions were compared using the Mann‒Whitney U test. Discrimination and calibration of ISS and NISS in predicting outcomes were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and Hosmer‒Lemeshow (H‐L) statistic. Results. A total of 310 patients were included. ISS and NISS of patients with complications and poor prognoses were greater than those of patients without complications and poor prognoses, respectively. The discrimination of ISS in predicting pneumonia, respiratory failure, in‐hospital tracheal intubation, extended length of hospital stay, ICU admission, prolonged ICU stay, and death (AUCs: 0.609, 0.721, 0.848, 0.784, 0.763, 0.716, and 0.804, respectively) was not statistically significantly different from that of NISS in predicting the corresponding outcomes (AUCs: 0.628, 0.712, 0.795, 0.767, 0.750, 0.750, and 0.818, respectively). ISS showed better calibration than NISS for predicting pneumonia, respiratory failure, in‐hospital tracheal intubation, extended length of hospital stay, and ICU admission but worse calibration for predicting prolonged ICU stay and death. Conclusion. ISS and NISS are both suitable for injury evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference in discrimination between ISS and NISS, but they had different calibrations when predicting different outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an optimized design and preliminary test result of a high-power input coupler. The design is motivated by five-cell Petra-type cavities operating in the Southern Advanced Photon Sources booster. We optimize the design of the high-power input coupler from the prototype, including the window geometry redesign and multipacting analysis to meet a 250 kW operation power upgrade plan. The cooling system of the coupler is redesigned to achieve a low temperature in high-power operation. Design results fulfill the five-cell cavity operation requirement. The corresponding waveguide and coaxial transition structures are developed and tested. We also describe the coupler's coupling coefficient tests and high-power test plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Magnetic field modulated dielectric relaxation behavior of Pt/BiScO3-PbTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterostructure in metal-insulator transition region: An equivalent-circuit method" that was published online on January 19, 2012 is presented.

In this work, a recyclable and highly regioselective 1,6-hydroarylation of para -quinone methides (p -QMs) with N -heteroarenes has been developed under mild conditions. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent plays a significant role in this transformation to achieve a wide assortment of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes with high yields and excellent regioselectivity. This novel reaction is featured a very broad substrate scope and outstanding functional group tolerance and could also be scaled-up. Moreover, this Friedel-Crafts alkylation pathway is further supported by replacing HFIP with trifluoroethanol (TFE) in the control reactions. A highly regioselective 1,6-hydroarylation of para -quinone methides (p -QMs) with N -heteroarenes has been developed under mild conditions. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent plays a significant role in this transformation to achieve a wide assortment of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes with high yields and excellent regioselectivity. Moreover, this transformation can be easily extended to a gram scale-synthesis level. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acidification can occur during storage of Congou black tea. • Aroma enhancement process (AEP) accelerates acidification of black tea during storage. • AEP promotes conversion of Phenylalanine and glucose to oxalic acid, quinic acid, etc. • AEP also changes tea soup composition and increases acidification during storage. Acidification of aroma-enhanced black tea during storage was studied. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography and Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer) and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis of non-volatile substances and organic acids revealed a decrease of soluble sugars and amino acids in aroma-enhanced black tea, while an increase in organic acids such as oxalic acid, malic acid and quinic acid. Further in vitro experiments indicated that the acidification of aroma-enhanced tea during storage can be attributed to decomposition of sugars and amino acids by heating, oxidation of aromatic aldehydes. Meanwhile, the amino acids, catechins, soluble sugars and flavonoids that constitute the taste of black tea are further reduced, changing the taste composition of tea infusion and further increasing its acidity. This study revealed the reasons for black tea acidification during aroma enhancement and storage and provided a theoretical basis for improving black tea quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a key protein connecting the external environmental signals (e.g., environmental endocrine disruptor TCDD) to internal cellular processes, is involved in the activation of peripheral macrophages and inflammatory response in human body. Thus, there is widespread interest in finding compounds to anti‐inflammatory response in macrophages by targeting human AhR. Here, ensemble docking based‐virtual screening was first used to screen a library (~200,000 compounds) against human AhR ligand binding domain (LBD) and 25 compounds were identified as potential inhibitors. Then, 9 out of the 25 ligands were found to down‐regulate the mRNA expression of CYP1A1 (a downstream gene of AhR signaling) in AhR overexpressing macrophages. The most potent compound AE‐411/41415610 was selected for further study and found to reduce both mRNA and protein expressions level of CYP1A1 in mouse peritoneal macrophage. Moreover, protein chip signal pathway analysis indicated that AE‐411/41415610 play a role in regulating JAK–STAT and AKT–mTOR pathways. In sum, the discovered hits with novel scaffolds provided a starting point for future design of more effective AhR‐targeted lead compounds to regulate CYP1A1 expression of inflammatory peritoneal macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As data dissemination is of great importance for applications in connected vehicular networks (VANETs), we aim to facilitate the performance of data dissemination in this study. Consider strongly connected VANETs where a set of vehicular nodes exists to disseminate information. To reduce redundant transmissions and improve data dissemination delay, the number of data replicas that can be spread in the network is controlled. A replication-based distributed randomized algorithm is proposed, in which a balanced network status can be achieved after average operations among the nodes. In the algorithm, the data carrier distributes the dissemination tasks to multiple nodes to speed up the dissemination process such that the dissemination would be accelerated and consume less network resource. We evaluate the complexity of network convergence by analyzing the number of communication stages consumed when the network converges to a consensus. Theoretical analysis shows that the network can achieve balance quickly in the case of complete graph, which supports the real-time data dissemination in dense VANETs. Simulation results validate that the proposed algorithm can disseminate data to the vehicles within a specific area with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bare conductor in switchgear constitutes complicated air gaps, and their AC withstand characteristic will obviously affect switchgear insulation performance. In this paper, AC withstand tests of various types of air gap were carried out. The air gap samples were rod-plane air gap and 4 typical types of air gap from the bus chamber of 40.5 kV metal-enclosed switchgear. The samples were tested in climate chamber where high altitude environment was simulated. And correction of withstand voltage for switchgear air gaps at low air pressure were conducted. Test results indicate that, the withstand characteristic of 4 typical types of air gap in switchgear are different from that of rod-plane air gap. The relationship between withstand voltage Uw and air gap distance d is nonlinear. The influencing characteristic exponent n of air pressure on Uw is related with air gap type. Linearity value m and air pressure index n are independent to some degree. An equation was proposed to express the relationship of Uw with air gap distance d and altitude H, and this equation can be used to calculate the safety distance of air gaps in switchgear under low air pressure situations. The results are significant for the design and selection of switch devices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here, we report our recent progress in the design, fluid thermodynamics simulation, and high-power test of the2nd harmonic cavity for the China Spallation Neutron Source Phase II. A high-performance and large-size magnetic alloy (MA) core was developed as the load material for the radiofrequency cavity to achieve a high gradient of 40 kV/m. The water-cooling structure and cooling efficiency were studied and improved through numerical analysis and thermal experiments. The long-term stability of the cavity, especially the waterproofness of the MA cores with high heat load, was verified by high power tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-phase four-wire power cables are a primary kind of power transmission method in low-voltage distribution networks. This paper addresses the problem that calibration currents are not easily electrified during the transporting of three-phase four-wire power cable measurements, and proposes a method for obtaining the magnetic field strength distribution in the tangential direction around the cable, finally enabling online self-calibration. The simulation and experimental results show that this method can self-calibrate the sensor arrays and reconstruct the phase current waveforms in three-phase four-wire power cables without calibration currents, and this method is not affected by disturbances such as wire diameter, current amplitudes, and high-frequency harmonics. This study reduces the time and equipment costs required to calibrate the sensing module compared to related studies using calibration currents. This research offers the possibility of fusing sensing modules directly with running primary equipment, and the development of hand-held measurement devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punicalagin (PUN) is a polyphenol derived from the pomegranate peel. It has been reported to have many beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferation. However, the role of PUN in macrophage phagocytosis is currently unknown. In this study, we found that pre-treatment with PUN significantly enhanced phagocytosis by macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, KEGG enrichment analysis by RNA-sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes following PUN treatment were significantly enriched in phagocyte-related receptors, such as the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Among the C-type lectin receptor family, Mincle (Clec4e) significantly increased at the mRNA and protein level after PUN treatment, as shown by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown of Mincle in macrophages resulted in down regulation of phagocytosis. Furthermore, western blotting showed that PUN treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in macrophages at the early stage. Mincle-mediated phagocytosis by PUN was inhibited by PDTC (a NF-κB inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor). In addition, PUN pre-treatment enhanced phagocytosis by peritoneal and alveolar macrophages in vivo. After intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) , the bacterial load of peritoneal lavage fluid and peripheral blood in PUN pre-treated mice decreased significantly. Similarly, the number of bacteria in the lung tissue significantly reduced after intranasal administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Taken together, our results reveal that PUN enhances bacterial clearance in mice by activating the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and upregulating C-type lectin receptor expression to enhance phagocytosis by macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Key aroma active compounds in steamed green tea are first decoded by sensomics. • 173 aroma substances in steamed green tea are identified using multiple methods. • 8 key aroma active compounds (dimethyl sulfide, cis -jasmone, etc.) are identified. • Key compounds increased first and then decreased except for heptanal in spreading. Steamed green tea has a long history and unique aroma, but little is known about its key aroma components. In this study, 173 volatiles in steamed green tea were identified using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and headspace-solid phase microextraction plus two chromatographic columns of different polarities. Aroma extract dilution analysis revealed 48 highly aroma-active compounds with flavor dilution factors 64–1024. Internal standards were used to calculate odorant active value (OAV), and 11 OAV > 1 key aroma compounds were determined. Omission test identified eight substances, including dimethyl sulfide, (E)- β -ionone, cis -jasmone, linalool, nonanal, heptanal, isovaleraldehyde and (Z)-3-hexenol, as the key aroma active compounds of steamed green tea. With the increase of withering degree, the content of these substances increased first and then decreased except for heptanal and cis -jasmone. Moreover, the water content of 62 % was suggested to be an appropriate withering degree during the processing of steamed green tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent magnetic (2-300 K), DC Hall (10-300 K), and infrared transmission (11.5-300 K) measurements are performed on a series of p-type Hg1-xMnxTe (0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.26) single crystals in the spin-glass regime. Photoionization absorption (PIA) of acceptor-bound magnetic polarons (acceptor-BMPs) is observed to evolve with temperature, which is better accounted for by the classical oscillator model than by the quantum defect method. At low temperatures, p-type Hg1-xMnxTe manifests distinct phenomena of paramagnetic enhancement, negative magnetoresistance, and decrease of the effective binding energy and blueshift of the PIA of the acceptor-BMPs with nearly the same degree as temperature declines. A spin-splitting model is proposed, which can well reproduce the experimentally observed zero-field spin splitting of the acceptor-BMP level at low temperatures and the increase of the spin splitting as temperature drops. The results suggest that the acceptor-BMPs in Hg1-xMnxTe may have potential applications in light-driven polaronic memories, tunable far-infrared lasers, and detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric relaxation and magnetodielectric (MD) effects were observed in 0.36BiScO3-0.64PbTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films. The universal dielectric response and distribution of relaxation time modifications were introduced into the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) model. Based on modified MW model, the negative MD response at low frequencies was attributed to magnetostriction of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, while the large positive response at high frequencies mainly to the magnetoresistance of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, and these two factors canceled each other out at intermediate frequencies. Moreover, a giant room temperature MD response of 9.5% was observed, and the linear MD response at 52 kHz was ascribed to the linear magnetoresistance effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of medium‐voltage switchgear is more and more common in high altitude areas. Few relative standards about the selection of switchgear air gap in low air pressure conditions are currently available for referring. In this study, four different types of switchgear air gaps, as well as a typical rod‐plane gap, are taken as the samples, and their positive and negative lightning strike discharge characteristics under low air pressure are tested in the artificial climate chamber. The effects of the electrode structure, polarity, air pressure, humidity, and gap distance on the discharge performances are analysed as well. Research results indicate that the four switchgear air gaps and typical rod‐plane gap differs greatly in lightning impulse discharge performances and polarity effects. In low air pressure conditions, the lightning impulse breakdown voltage of either positive or negative polarity can be corrected by U50 = U50,0 × (P/P0)n. The discharge voltage under positive lightning impulse is more easily affected by air pressure than that under negative lightning impulse. Atmosphere humidity will cause dispersiveness of air‐gap lightning impulse discharge voltage, which performs to be non‐linear with a gap distance lower under 400 mm. Research results are referable for the design, selection and installation of medium‐voltage switchgear in high altitude areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calreticulin (CRT) on the cell surface that acts as an "eat me" signal is vital for macrophage-mediated programmed cell removal. The polyhydroxylated fullerenol nanoparticle (FNP) has appeared as an effective inducer to cause CRT exposure on cancer cell surface, but it failed in treating some cancer cells such as MCF-7 cells based on previous findings. Here, we carried out the 3D culture of MCF-7 cells, and interestingly found that the FNP induced CRT exposure on cells in 3D spheres via re-distributing CRT from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cell surface. Phagocytosis experiments in vitro and in vivo illustrated the combination of FNP and anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody (mAb) further enhanced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis to cancer cells. The maximal phagocytic index in vivo was about three times higher than that of the control group. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenesis experiments in mice proved that FNP could regulate the progress of MCF-7 cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). These findings expand the application of FNP in tumor therapy of anti-CD47 mAb and 3D culture can be used as a screening tool for nanomedicine. [Display omitted] • Fullerenol nanoparticle (FNP) reduces the toxicity of anti-CD47 antibodies therapy. • 3D culture enhances the sensitivity of MCF-7 cells to FNP. • FNP inhibits the progression of MCF-7 cancer stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xianglian Pill (XLP) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription applied for controlling ulcerative colitis (UC). Whereas, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present work was aimed to investigate the mechanism of XLP in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC via the Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid Differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling in mice. The major components of XLP were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The ulcerative colitis model was induced by DSS in mice. 5-Amino Salicylic Acid (5-ASA) group and XLP group were intragastrically treated. Disease activity index (DAI) and colon length were monitored and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted. Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-N and TLR4 expressions in colon tissues were visualized by immunofluorescence. TLR4 mRNA was measured by Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressions of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), active-caspase-1, GSDMD-N, TLR4, MYD88, NF-κB, p–NF–κB, and the ubiquitination of TLR4 in colon tissues were detected by Western blot. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity was examined and serum inflammatory factors Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-18 were determined by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). TLR4-/- mice were applied for verifying the mechanism of XLP attenuated DSS symptoms. The XLP treatment extended colon length, reduced DAI, and attenuated histopathological alteration in DSS-induced mice. XLP administration suppressed MPO activity and reduced the content of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-18 in serum. XLP also inhibited the expression levels of GSDMD-N, TLR4, NLRP3, active-caspase-1, MyD88, p–NF–κB/NF-κB in colon tissues of DSS-induced mice. TLR4-/- mice proved that TLR4 was involved in XLP-mediated beneficial effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. XLP might treat ulcerative colitis by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Xianglian Pill (XLP) ameliorated DSS-infuced UC in Mice. • XLP inhibited TLR4 expression through ubiquitination degradation. • XLP regulated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and was verified in TLR4-/- mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages are key responders of inflammation and are closely related with oxidative stress. Activated macrophages can enhance oxygen depletion, which causes an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leads to further excessive inflammatory response and tissue damage. Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine, has recently been shown to have neuroprotective effects based on its antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant effects of agmatine in peripheral tissues and cells, especially macrophages, remain unclear. In this study we explored the role of agmatine in mediating antioxidant effects in RAW 264.7 cells and studied its antioxidant mechanism. Our data demonstrate that agmatine is an activator of Nrf2 signaling that markedly enhances Nrf2 nuclear translocation, increases nuclear Nrf2 protein level, up-regulates the expression of the Nrf2 downstream effector HO-1, and attenuates ROS generation induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We further demonstrated that the agmatine-induced activation of Nrf2 is likely through the PI3K/Akt pathway. LY294002, a specific PI3K/Akt inhibitor, abolished agmatine-induced HO-1 up-regulation and ROS suppression significantly. Inhibiting HO-1 pathway significantly attenuated the antioxidant effect of agmatine which the products of HO-1 enzymatic activity contributed to. Furthermore, the common membrane receptors of agmatine were evaluated, revealing that α2-adrenoceptor, I1-imidazoline receptor or I2-imidazoline receptor are not required by the antioxidant properties of agmatine. Taken together, our findings revealed that agmatine has antioxidant activity against LPS-induced ROS accumulation in RAW 264.7 cells involving HO-1 expression induced by Nrf2 via PI3K/Akt pathway activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The way for arterial and venous thrombus are treated should also be varied. • Smaller system favors penetration, while larger one promotes trapping in thrombus. • Physical-matched nano-systems show advances in specific arteriovenous thrombolysis. The differences of physiology, fluid parameters and core structures of thrombus in artery and vein determine the distinct ways for arterial and venous thrombolytic treatments. As an effective drug delivery strategy, physical-matching of nano-delivery system and clot structure will lead to significant advances in specific arteriovenous thrombolysis treatment. We fabricated mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (MSNs) with different sizes (MSN-S: ∼40 nm, MSN-M: ∼70 nm, MSN-L: ∼110 nm) cloaked with platelet membrane (termed PNPs). Results demonstrated that PNP-S (small-sized PNP) exhibited the optimal penetration effect in the both carotid arterial thrombus and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rat model. However, the enrichment effects in the arterial and venous thrombus were distinct. Upon the action of blood flow shear stress, PNP-S had a better enrichment effect in the carotid arterial thrombus rat model compared with the other groups, while PNP-L (large-sized PNP) showed the best penetration and enrichment efficiency in the DVT rat model. After loading with 100 U/g urokinase (UK) (termed UNPs), large-sized UNPs (UNP-L) and small-sized UNPs (UNP-S) respectively yielded the best thrombolytic effect in the DVT and carotid arterial thrombus rat model, which was near to that of high-dose UK (200 U/g). These results revealed that the physical-matching brought by size adjustment optimized the penetration and retention of nano-delivery system in various thrombi, and eventually enabled specific and effective arteriovenous thrombolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to study the difference of anti-collision performance between precast segmental piers and conventional monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) piers. A reduced scale model was used, and the dynamic responses of piers with different structures under impact were compared and analyzed. The nonlinear finite element (FE) model of pier impact was established and numerical simulation of the impact responses and the failure mode of piers was carried out. The research results indicated that under impact, the failure mode of monolithic pier is tension bending failure, and for the segmental piers, the shear slip and concrete crushing in the impact segment occur mainly. The test results also indicated that the segmental piers are more flexible than monolithic piers, which leads to the peak impact force of the segmental pier reduced by 21.25% and 6.55%, respectively, under the impact of rigid head and ship bow compared to that on the monolithic pier. The study also found that segmented piers have better deformation capability and less residual displacement, but fail to show good self-reset capability. The results of FE calculation match well with the test results, which verifies the applicability and reliability of the FE model used in this paper. • The horizontal impact tests were performed to compare the resistance capacity of precast segmental pier and monolithic pier. • Rigid head and ship bow collision on piers were considered respectively. • A detailed numerical model of the precast segmental column is generated and validated with testing data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tracking and positioning of transmission lines is a key element for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to achieve autonomous inspection of transmission lines. Current methods are vulnerable to weather and environmental factors, have high costs, and have difficulties in data processing. Therefore, this paper proposes a transmission line tracking and localization method based on the electric field sensor array, which calculates the current UAV's heading angle deflection angle, the distance between the transmission line and the UAV, and the elevation angle, providing a new idea to solve the problem of UAV inspection of transmission lines. At the same time, the electric field distribution of different arrangements of three-phase transmission lines was analyzed using COMSOL to determine the flight area of the UAV. By comparing the electric field distribution of the UAV flight area and single-phase transmission lines, it was verified that the current method is also applicable in the three-phase transmission line scenario, and it was further verified that the sensor array used can sense the change of the UAV position in the flight area, indicating that the electric field sensor array can realize the transmission line tracking and localization of transmission lines. The experimental results showed that, in the three-phase transmission line scenario, when the sensor array moves along the transmission straight wire, the maximum absolute error of the heading angle deflection angle calculated according to this method was 8.2°, the maximum absolute error of the distance between the array and the transmission line was 19.3 cm, and the maximum absolute error of the elevation angle was 11.37°; the error was within a reasonable range and can be used for the UAV to realize autonomous inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The magnetodielectric properties of BSPT/LSMO multiferroic composite thin films were investigated through the measurement of the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant under different magnetic fields at room temperature. The magnetodielectric (MD) response showed strong frequency dependence: at 100 Hz, the MD response remained negative and the maximum value of −1.1% was obtained; at 52 kHz, the dielectric constant first decreased and then rose linearly with the magnetic field until the giant room temperature positive MD effect of 9.5% was derived under 7 T. The observed unique MD effects for BSPT/LSMO were attributed to the co-contributions of the magnetostriction and magnetoresistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pb0.7Sr0.3TiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (PST/LSMO) thin film has been deposited on Si substrate by chemical solution deposition. Obvious changes in dielectric constant and loss as functions of frequency and magnetic field were observed in PST/LSMO thin film. By applying both dc bias electric and magnetic fields, apparent dielectric anomalies were observed in the 'butterfly-hysteresis' curves. These effects may be useful for practical application. The mechanism for the magnetocapacitance effects in PST/LSMO is rationalized by combining the Maxwell-Wagner capacitor model and the magnetoresistivity and magnetostriction of the LSMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jiao Mei Gu (JMG), Cayratia albifolia C.L.Li, is a type of Dong plant widely growing in Dong autonomous counties, Hunan province, China. As a type of traditional herbal medicine, the root of JMG plant has been used to treat inflammatory-related diseases such as arthritis because of its prominent anti-inflammatory effects in Dong medicine. This work investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of the water extract from the root of JMG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory models. Endotoxemia was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (20 mg/kg), meanwhile intraperitoneal administration of safe doses of JMG. The survival curve of mice was determined. Serum inflammatory cytokines were detected by the Bio-Plex Mouse Cytokine 23-Plex Panel Kit and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 6 h after drug treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of important organs was completed at 24 h after treatment. The mechanism of inflammatory action was investigated in vitro on LPS-stimulated macrophages. Macrophage inflammation was then induced using 10 μg/mL LPS. The anti-inflammatory effect of JMG was investigated by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and ELISA. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was determined using western blotting, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunocytochemistry. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of JMG was verified by survival experiments in vivo and by bacterial culture experiments in vitro. A 200 mg/kg water extract of JMG was safe for mice and had a significant protective effect on LPS-induced sepsis. Organ damage of heart, liver, lung and kidney was also significantly reduced at 24 h in the JMG group, when compared with the LPS group. The serum MIP-1α (CCL-3), MIP-1β (CCL-4), IL-1β, and TNFα cytokines were significantly decreased at 6 h in the JMG group, when compared with the LPS group. In a similar manner, 0.2μg/ml JMG significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels of MIP-1α (CCL-3), MIP-1β (CCL-4), IL-1β, and TNFα in LPS-stimulated macrophage. JMG treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and reduced nuclear transduction, thus reducing transcriptional activity. At the same time, we showed that JMG had no protective effect on Escherichia coli -induced sepsis, as well as no antimicrobial activity. Our results showed that a water-soluble extract of JMG inhibited LPS-induced inflammation via attenuating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides an important rationale for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]