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The urgent need for next-generation concentrated solar power drives the pursuit of highly efficient, thermally stable, and scalable solar selective absorbing coatings (SSACs). So far, the commercially available nanocermet-based SSACs (such as Mo–SiO2, Mo–Al2O3, and W–Al2O3 coatings) suffer from optical performance degradation due to structural collapse under a high-temperature and weak oxidizing atmosphere. To address this challenge, the SiZrO dielectric and WZr–SiZrO nanocermet are developed and employed to construct SSACs. In order to obtain excellent optical performance [using the photothermal conversion efficiency (η) as the criterion], we first utilize theoretical simulations to determine the structural parameters of the target coatings. With this guidance, the WZr–SiZrO nanocermet-based SSACs are experimentally prepared, demonstrating high solar absorptance (96.8%), low emittance (14.0%@500 °C), and incident light angle insensitivity (0–56°). Benefiting from the improved thermal stability and oxidation resistance of the component materials, the prepared SSACs have enhanced high-temperature durability, maintaining η = 84.3% even after annealing at 650 °C in 0.2 Pa for 635 h. These results suggest that the well-designed WZr–SiZrO nanocermet-based SSAC is promising for use in high-temperature photothermal conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern South China Sea, including the Zhujiangkou Basin and the Beibuwan Basin, developed high-quality lacustrine source rocks during the Eocene rifting period. These source rocks are vital for hydrocarbon generation in the northern South China Sea. The Zhu I depression in the Zhujiangkou Basin and the Beibuwan Basin typically exhibit high abundance of C30 4-methyl steranes. However, shales in the Eocene Wenchang Formation in the Zhu III depression of the Zhujiangkou Basin contains lower quantities of high-quality lacustrine source rocks with 4-methyl steranes, which often co-elute with some pentacyclic triterpanes in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Therefore, the single 4-methylsterane parameter based on GC-MS cannot accurately distinguish organic source in the deep to semi-deep water lacustrine source rocks of the Wenchang Formation from other source rocks, thus impeding the recognition of their contributions to petroleum reservoirs. In this study, GC-MS of aliphatic hydrocarbons, palynofacies and algal identification, as well as stable carbon isotope data of organic matter were used to identify the algal species and construct the paleoclimate during deposition of the Wenchang Formation source rocks in the Zhu III depression of the Zhujiangkou Basin. It is suggested that during the Wenchang Formation period, freshwater green algae prevailed in the lake, which is likely account for the relatively low content of 4-methyl steranes in the high-quality lacustrine source rocks. Controlled by the algal species, it is proposed that the content of C30 tetracyclic polyprenoids (TPP) can better indicate the quality of the Wenchang source rocks than C30 4-methyl steranes. Consequently, a relationship between the TPP index and the quality of the lacustrine source rocks in the Wenchang Formation of the Zhu III depression was established. A higher TPP index indicates higher organic matter abundance and hydrogen index of the lacustrine source rocks. When applied to the origin analysis of oils in the Zhu III depression, it is believed that the organic-rich deep lacustrine source rocks in the Wenchang Formation made great contribution to the transitional zone crude oils in the Wenchang A and Wenchang B depressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gas sources in the eastern Cote d'Ivoire Basin (Tano Basin) are seldom reported and remain controversial due to multiple sets of potential source rocks and poorly documented geochemical characteristics of natural gases. The marine source rock potential from the Upper Albian to Turonian as well as the molecular composition and the stable carbon isotope composition of natural gases in the eastern Cote d'Ivoire Basin were studied in detail to investigate the origins of natural gases. The total organic carbon (TOC), hydrogen index (HI), and generation potential (S1 + S2) of source rocks indicate that both sapropelic source rocks and humic source rocks developed during the late Albian, whereas sapropelic source rocks developed during the Cenomanian and the Turonian. The normal order of δ13CH4 < δ13C2H6 < δ13C3H8 (δ13C1 < δ13C2 < δ13C3), the relationship between C2/C3 molar ratio and δ13C2-δ13C3, and the plot of δ13C1 versus C1/(C2+C3) collectively show that the natural gases are thermogenic due to the primary cracking of kerogen, including the typical oil-associated gases from Well D-1, the mixed oil-associated gases and coal-derived gases from Well G-1 and Well L-1. Based on the plot of δ13C1 versus δ13C2 and the established relationship between δ13C1 and equivalent vitrinite reflectance (Ro), we proposed that the natural gases are in a mature stage (Ro generally varies from 1.0% to 1.3%). Combined with results of basin modelling and oil-to-source correlation, the transitional to marine source rocks during the late Albian were thought to have made a great contribution to the natural gases. Our study will make a better understanding on petroleum system in the eastern Cote d'Ivoire Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In liquid hydrogen (LH2) delivery, submersible centrifugal pump is an important device. Its reliability and efficiency rely on the stability of the bearings. In a high‐speed range, cavitation occurs due to the hydrodynamic effect induced pressure undulation. Compared with other cryogenic fluids, cavitation in LH2 is prone to happen due to its special properties. In this paper, a cavitation model considering thermal properties of LH2 is proposed based on Rayleigh–Plesset equation. Cavitation characteristics are studied in spiral grooved thrust bearing (SGTB) lubricated by LH2. The effect of cavitation on load capacity and friction torque are investigated. The most severely‐eroded location is predicted by the distribution of mass transfer rate. The influence of bearing structure parameters is studied in respect of cavitation, load capacity and friction torque. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and range analysis results may provide a reference for optimising LH2 lubricated SGTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the photosynthetic adaptation mechanisms of wheat plants in waterlogging during the flowering stage are poorly understood. Field and pot experiments using two cultivars were conducted with three treatments: waterlogging (WL), waterlogging plus NO donor sodium nitroprusside (WLsnp), and adequate water (CK). The results indicated that the WLsnp and CK treatments exhibited significantly higher 1000‐kernel weight and yield than the WL treatment because of high photosynthetic potential(P<0.05). We found that the photosynthetic performance, including photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance (gm), carbon dioxide concentration at the carboxylation site (Cc), maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax), actual electron transfer rate (J), actual PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) and potential maximum efficiency in PSII (Fv/Fm), was significantly improved in the WLsnp treatment compared to the WL treatment, both during waterlogging and after de‐waterlogging. Little difference was observed in the photosynthetic performance between the WLsnp and CK treatments during waterlogging for cultivar YM15 and after de‐waterlogging for cultivar YM24. Further analysis indicated that gs, gm and J were identified as key physiological indicators that synergistically regulate Pn of waterlogged wheat plants. Overall, the improvement of wheat's waterlogging resistance capacity after spraying NO is mainly related to high gs, great gm, and high J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to review and synthesise the evidence of the interventions of patients' and informal caregivers' engagement in managing chronic wounds at home. The research team used a systematic review methodology based on an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews (PRISMA) and recommendations from the Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial of the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Wanfang (Chinese), and CNKI database (Chinese) were searched from inception to May 2022. The following MESH terms were used: wound healing, pressure ulcer, leg ulcer, diabetic foot, skin ulcer, surgical wound, educational, patient education, counselling, self‐care, self‐management, social support, and family caregiver. Experimental studies involving participants with chronic wounds (not at risk of wounds) and their informal caregivers were screened. Data were extracted and the narrative was synthesised from the findings of included studies. By screening the above databases, 790 studies were retrieved, and 16 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were 6 RCTs and ten non‐RCTs. Outcomes of chronic wound management included patient indicators, wound indicators, and family/caregiver indicators. Home‐based interventions of patients or informal caregivers' engagement in managing chronic wounds at home may effectively improve patient outcomes and change wound care behaviour. What's more, educational/behavioural interventions were the primary type of intervention. Multiform integration of education and skills training on wound care and aetiology‐based treatment was delivered to patients and caregivers. Besides, there are no studies entirely targeting elderly patients. Home‐based chronic wound care training was important to patients with chronic wounds and their family caregivers, which may advance wound management outcomes. However, the findings of this systematic review were based on relatively small studies. We need more exploration of self and family‐oriented interventions in the future, especially for older people affected by chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Gentiana scabra Bunge (gentian) is one of the best-known traditional Chinese medicinal plants and its dry roots and rhizomes are usually used as medicine. To our knowledge, the main active metabolites of gentian, such as gentian polysaccharide and gentiopicroside, determine the quality and pharmaceutical effect of gentian. The root-derived fungi including endophytic fungi and rhizosphere fungi are key factors which affect the secondary metabolism and the utilization of soil nutrients of gentian. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the characteristics and dynamics of root-derived fungi related to gentian, as well as their relationships with the quality of gentian. Methods: The population, diversity, and the dominant type of endophytic and rhizosphere fungi in gentian were determined by using ITS rRNA gene amplicon and sequencing methods. The potential influences of different habitats on fungi communities and the correlation between fungi communities, the main active metabolites of gentian and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: The population and diversity of endophytic and rhizosphere fungi varied with both habitats and growth stages, showing a significant difference. Among them, the predominant genera of endophytic fungi were Lecidella, Leptoshaeria and unclassified_p_Ascomycota with the relative abundance of 35.1%, 9.0% and 7.3%, respectively, while the predominant genera of rhizosphere fungi were complicated. Compared to endophytic fungi, the diversity of rhizosphere fungi was obviously affected by soil physicochemical properties, including pH, water content, alkali hydrolysis nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), etc. Additionally, we found that the accumulation of gentiopicroside was positively correlated with endophytic fungi of Epicoccum and rhizosphere fungi of Mortierella, Solicoccozyma, Talaromyces and Trichoderma. The accumulation of gentian polysaccharide was negatively correlated with endophytic fungi of Lenzites, Mucor, Myrothecium and Saccharomycopsis and rhizosphere fungi, such as Botrytis, Cadophora, Cladophora, Didymela, Fusarium, etc. Conclusions: In this work, the differences on population, diversity, and the dominant type of endophytic fungi and rhizosphere fungi in gentian were revealed. The relationship between the main active metabolites of gentian and root-derived fungi, and the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and root-derived fungi were clarified, respectively. It is believed that our work will guide to explore strategies on improving the quality of gentian by regulating soil factors and root-derived microbial community structure with microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xihu Depression in the East China Sea Shelf Basin is a large petroliferous sedimentary depression, in which oil and gas reservoirs were mainly discovered in the Pinghu Slope and the central inversion zone. The oil-gas source correlation in the Xihu Depression was analyzed by hydrocarbon generating thermal simulation data via gold-tube pyrolysis experiments. The results indicated that the oil and gas in the Xihu Depression were mainly derived from coal measure source rocks of the Eocene Pinghu Formation. Therefore, the identification of coal seams is extremely crucial for evaluating coal measure source rocks in the Pinghu Formation in the Xihu Depression. Geochemical and petrological characterization pointed to input of terrigenous organic matter and redox conditions of the depositional environment as factors that govern the ability of the coal measure source rocks in hydrocarbon generation in the Xihu Depression. In this regard, the sedimentary organic facies in the Pinghu Formation were classified into four predominantly terrigenous and one mixed-source subfacies, which all varied in carbon and hydrogen content. The coal measure source rocks in the carbon- and hydrogen-rich tidal flat-lagoon exhibited the highest hydrocarbon generation potential, whereas the mudstone in the neritic facies was the poorest in its hydrocarbon yield. These results suggested that the coal measure source rocks in the Pinghu Formation likely developed in the Hangzhou Slope and the Tiantai Slope, both representing promising sources for oil and gas exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrigenously-dominated marine shales which were deposited in the lower Eocene Pinghu Formation were thought to be a potential source rock in the Xihu Depression of the East China Sea Shelf Basin. However, the exceptionally high total organic carbon content (TOC, >6% on average) of the tidal sand ridge samples was not compatible with their sedimentary environment, indicating coal-bearing sedimentary debris may have been transferred from the coast to the ocean. In this study, new sights into the origins and supply of organic materials in the coastal environment were proposed in the neritic organic matter of the Eocene Pinghu Formation. A discriminant model was developed using plynofacies analysis data to pinpoint the source of organic materials in marine source rocks. The discrimination results suggested that marine mudstones were associated with tidal flat mudstones rather than deltaic ones. The biomarker characteristics of mudstones deposited in various environments support this assertion, indicating that the supply of plant materials in tidal flats is the primary organic matter source for the marine environment. The organic matter abundance was elevated in tidal flats due to their superior preservation conditions. Additionally, the lithological assemblage of tidal flats suggests that tidal currents can scour marshes and then transport dispersed terrigenous organic materials to neritic areas. These findings indicate that coal-bearing sedimentary debris was likely transferred from the coast to the ocean, and tidal currents are thought to be the dominant mechanism driving organic matter from the tidal to the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemical signatures of fifty-four rock samples and three supplementary drill stem test (DST) oils from the Yacheng-Sanya formations in the central Qiongdongnan Basin (CQB) were analysed. Reconstruction of the early Oligocene—early Miocene (36–16 Ma) palaeovegetation and source analyses of organic matter (OM) were conducted using aliphatic biomarkers in ancient sediments and DST oils. Both the interpreted aquatic and terrigenous OM contributed to the CQB source rocks (SRs) but had varying relative proportions. The four distribution patterns derived from n-alkanes, terpanes, and steranes are representative of four OM composition models of the Yacheng-Sanya SRs, including model A, model B, model C, and model D, which were classified based on the increasing contribution from terrigenous OM relative to aquatic OM. Some terrigenous higher plant-derived biomarkers, including oleanane, des-A-oleanane, C29ααα 20R sterane, bicadinanes, the C19/(C19 + C23) tricyclic terpane ratio, and other n-alkane-derived ratios suggest that angiosperms had increased proportions in the palaeoflora from early Oligocene to early Miocene, and the bloom of terrigenous higher plants was observed during deposition of upper Lingshui Formation to lower Sanya Formation. These findings are consistent with the incremental total organic carbon and free hydrocarbons + potential hydrocarbons (S1 + S2) in the lower Lingshui-lower Sanya strata with a significant enrichment of OM in the E3l1-N1s2 shales. The maturity- and environment-sensitive aliphatic parameters of the CQB SRs and DST oils suggest that all the samples have predominantly reached their early oil-generation windows but have not exceeded the peak oil windows, except for some immature Sanya Formation shales. In addition, most of the OM in the analysed samples was characterised by mixed OM contributions under anoxic to sub-anoxic conditions. Furthermore, terrestrial-dominant SRs were interpreted to have developed mainly in the Lingshui-Sanya formations and were deposited in sub-oxic to oxic environments, compared to the anoxic to sub-anoxic conditions of the Yacheng Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of total organic carbon content of the late Oligocene—early Miocene terrigenously-dominated marine shales in the shallower depth intervals was reported in the Ying-Qiong Basin, South China Sea. The organic enriched lower Sanya Formation shales (early Miocene) have biomarker characteristics of tropical/subtropical plants, with abundant high molecular weight n-alkanes, angiosperm-derived oleanane, rearranged oleananes I, II, II, tricyclic/tetracyclic terpanes including des-A-oleanane, X, *, Y, Z, Z1 and bicadinanes W, T, T1, R. The biomarker characteristics are suggestive of larger influx of the dominant tropical/subtropical angiosperms in flora under a warming and more humid climate during depositions of the lower Sanya Formation (early Miocene) than the older Lingshui Formation (late Oligocene). The tropical/subtropical angiosperm input was thought as the prime control of terrigenous organic matter enrichment relative to the redox condition, and the coeval sea level changes and seafloor spreading in the South China Sea. Enrichment of the terrigenous organic matter in the early Miocene shales is likely in association with the coeval peak East Asian summer monsoon intensity in the South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and results: Aromaticity is a fundamental chemical concept that has been widely used in explaining the reactivity, stability, structure, and magnetic properties of many molecules such as conjugated macrocycles, metal heterocyclic compounds, and certain metal clusters. Porphyrinoids (including porphyrin) are of particular interest in terms of diverse aromaticity. Various indices therefore have been used to predict the aromaticity of porphyrin-like macrocycles. However, the reliability of these indices for porphyinoids is always questionable. In order to assess the performance of the indices, we have selected six representative indices to predict the aromaticity of 35 porphyrinoids. The calculated values were then compared with the corresponding results obtained from experiments. Our studies suggest that the theoretical prediction by nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS), topology of the induced magnetic field (TIMF), anisotropy of the induced current density (AICD), and gauge including magnetically induced current method (GIMIC) are essentially consistent with experimental evidence in all 35 cases and thus are preferred indices. Computational and theoretical techniques: Based on density functional theory, the performance of the NICS, TIMF, AICD, GIMIC, harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA), and multicenter bond order (MCBO) indices were evaluated theoretically. Molecular geometries were optimized at the M06-2X/6-311G** level. NMR calculations using GIAO or CGST method were performed at the M06-2X/6-311G** level. The above calculations were carried out using Gaussian16 suite. The TIMF, GIMIC, HOMA, and MCBO indices were obtained using the Multiwfn program. The AICD outputs were visualized using the POV-Ray software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quinoxaline-fused octaphyrin(2.0.0.0.2.0.0.0) was synthesized by the FeCl3-induced oxidative coupling of an α-free quinoxaline-fused tetrapyrrole. This macrocycle adopts a figure-of-eight conformation in the solid state and acts as a rudimentary chemosensor in solution. The Lewis basic anions fluoride and hydroxide induce a colour change via a deprotonation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an optical method based on auto-collimation to simultaneously measure five degrees of freedom error motions of the rotary axis. The proposed method consists of the collimated lasers, beam splitters, focusing lens, quadrant photodiode detectors, a high-precision steel ball, and a special mirror fixed to the rotary axis. The mathematical model is established byoptical ray tracing, and the corresponding optical path is also simulated by OpticStudio. Meanwhile, an adjusting mechanism for X–Y micro-displacement, based on the elastic deformation of the material, is designed to adjust the installation eccentricity error of the high-precision steel ball. The calibration results of the proposed system demonstrate that the displacement errors are ±0.25 µm within the measuring range of ±10 µm, and the tilt angle errors are ±0.6 arcsec within the measuring range of ±25 arcsec. Taking a direct drive (DD) motor as the test object, the radial error motions of the rotary axis range from −3.2 to 4.1 µm, the axial error motions range from −4.9 to 4.7 µm, and the tilt error motions around the X and Y axes range from −2.8 to 1.8 arcsec and −2.6 to 2.0 arcsec, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cryogenic fluid storage and delivery, the rapid contraction and rebound of bubbles are prone to occur during bubble collapse due to the pressure saltation. With the contraction and rebound of bubbles, the pressure and temperature in the bubbles fluctuate greatly, which affects the service life of fluid machinery. During bubble contraction and rebound, there is an accompanied complex heat and mass transfer process. According to the thermal properties of cryogenic fluids, a single-bubble collapse model is proposed considering the temperature variations inside the bubble. In order to study the variation in temperature and pressure during bubble collapse in cryogenic fluids, the contraction and rebound of a single bubble in liquid hydrogen are investigated numerically under various operating pressures and supercooling degrees. The numerical results of the model indicate that there are periodic contraction and rebound of the bubble when the pressure rises suddenly. Furthermore, the periods and attenuation rates of bubbles in different media are studied and compared. For the most concerned pressure and temperature characteristics, the relationship between the peak pressure, the attenuation rate of the temperature and the dimensionless number is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of employee flourishing as a mechanism to explain the relationship between workplace spirituality and employees' innovative work behavior (IWB). Furthermore, this study investigates how the relationship between workplace spirituality and innovative behavior is moderated by employees' perceived workplace satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: Based on structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 236 millennial workers in China's service and manufacturing industries. Findings: The research findings confirmed that workplace spirituality positively predicted the innovative behavior of employees; furthermore, employee flourishing and workplace satisfaction mediated and moderated the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee innovation, respectively. Practical implications: This study's findings suggest that workplace spirituality unlocks employees' innovative behavior through a heightened sense of flourishing and enhanced sense of workplace satisfaction. Organizations are advised to foster a climate conducive of workplace spirituality by developing mutually aligned values. Moreover, organizations are advised to train leaders on workplace spirituality dimensions and foster workplace practices that facilitate self-reflection, job crafting and team building, as a means of broadening employees' emotional states and workplace satisfaction. Originality/value: Few studies have examined the mechanisms that shape employees' innovative behavior through workplace spirituality. This study fills several research gaps by extending the theoretical implications of workplace spirituality and employee flourishing, as demonstrated by the multi-faceted role these variables play in motivating employees' innovative behavior among Chinese millennials. Additionally, this study demonstrates that higher levels of workplace satisfaction contribute to higher levels of innovative behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar simulator is an important device for simulating solar irradiation in cold black and vacuum environments and has a wide range of application prospects. In this work, a method of thermal conductivity measurement by a double specimen protection thermal plate method under vacuum conditions was proposed, and the thermal conductivity of a new thermal insulation material under a cryogenic vacuum environment was studied. By designing a vacuum adjustment device and a multi-layer insulation structure with a low outgassing rate, it is possible to adjust the vacuum pressure from 10−4 Pa to atmospheric. A temperature control and thermal conductivity test can be realized from −160 °C to 280 °C by the joint temperature control of liquid nitrogen cooling and electric heating. Then, the measurement accuracy of the device was checked by the national standard sample, the thermal conductivity of the sample was measured under different vacuum and temperature conditions, the uncertainty analysis of the device was given, and, finally, the thermal conductivity of the new material was tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acronicta rumicis Linnaeus, 1758 is a notorious lepidopteran pest species that feed on economically impotant plants, including pears, apples and peaches. The outbreak of this pest can cause severe financial losses and threatens food security. Herein, we sequenced and annotated the entire mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. rumicis. The A. rumicis mitogenome was 15,384 bp in size, containing 37 genes (13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs)) usually found in lepidopteran mitogenomes. The mitogenome's nucleotide composition was highly biased towards using A and T, with positive AT skew and negative GC skew. All PCGs were initiated by typical ATN codons, except for the cox1, which was initiated by the CGA codon. The secondary structure of trnS1 lacked the common dihydrouridine (DHU) arm and replaced by a single loop. The seven bp overlapping region 'ATGATAA' located between atp6 and atp8, and the spacer region between trnS2 and nad1 contained an 'ATACTAA' motif, which are common in other sequenced lepidopterans. The A + T rich region was 370 bp and included a 'ATAGA' motif followed by a 19 bp poly-T stretch and a (AT)10 repeats. The phylogenetic analyses using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) methods supported A. rumicis belonging to the subfamily Acronictinae. Furthermore, this study clarified a novel and monophyly relationship among Noctuidae with mitogenome data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As the high proportion of underweight pregnant women, omission of their weight gain and blood lipids management during gestation might lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the relationship between lipid profile and risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pre-pregnancy underweight women. Methods: This study was part of an ongoing cohort study including Chinese gravidas delivered from January 2015 to December 2016. Included subjects were grouped into underweight, normal-weight, and overweight by BMI before conception. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between lipid profiles during second trimester and adverse obstetric outcomes in each group. A subgroup analysis according to the gestational weight gain, in which subjects in each group were divided into above and within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, was performed. Results: A total of 6, 223 women were included. The proportion of underweight (19.3%) was similar to that of overweight women (19.4%) in South China. Peripheral total cholesterol (TC) level in underweight women was significantly higher than that in overweight women (P <0.001). After adjusting maternal age, TC level was positively correlated to the risk for large-for-gestational-age (LGA) [aOR =2.24, 95%CI (1.08, 4.63)], and negatively related to the risk for small-for-gestational age (SGA) [aOR =0.71, 95%CI (0.59, 0.85)] in underweight women, but not in normal-weight or overweight women. The subgroup analysis showed that maternal TC level was positively correlated with the risk of LGA only in underweight women who gained weight more than the IOM recommendations. Conclusion: Underweight pregnant women with high TC levels had a higher risk for LGA, especially among women whose gestational weight gain were above the IOM recommendations. Therefore, clinical management of lipids and weight gain during gestation should also be recommended for underweight women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Genome-wide transcriptomic studies on gestational tissues in labor provide molecular insights in mechanism of normal parturition. This systematic review aimed to summarize the important genes in various gestational tissues around labor onset, and to dissect the underlying molecular regulations and pathways that trigger the labor in term pregnancies. Data sources: PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2021. Study Eligibility Criteria: Untargeted genome-wide transcriptomic studies comparing the gene expression of various gestational tissues in normal term pregnant women with and without labor were included. Methods: Every differentially expressed gene was retrieved. Consistently expressed genes with same direction in different studies were identified, then gene ontology and KEGG analysis were conducted to understand molecular pathways and functions. Gene-gene association analysis was performed to determine the key regulatory gene(s) in labor onset. Results: A total of 15 studies, including 266 subjects, were included. 136, 26, 15, 7, and 3 genes were significantly changed during labor in the myometrium (seven studies, n = 108), uterine cervix (four studies, n = 64), decidua (two studies, n = 42), amnion (two studies, n = 44) and placenta (two studies, n = 41), respectively. These genes were overrepresented in annotation terms related to inflammatory and immune responses. TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways were overrepresented in all mentioned tissues, except the placenta. IL6 was the only gene included in both pathways, the most common reported gene in all included studies, and also the gene in the central hub of molecular regulatory network. Conclusions: This systematic review identified that genes involved in immunological and inflammatory regulations are expressed in specific gestational tissues in labor. We put forward the hypothesis that IL6 might be the key gene triggering specific mechanism in different gestational tissues, eventually leading to labor onset through inducing uterine contraction, wakening fetal membranes and stimulating cervical ripening. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier [CRD42020187975]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnant women experience physical, physiological, and mental changes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a relevant indicator of psychological and physical behaviours, changing over the course of pregnancy. This study aims to assess HRQoL of pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using the The EuroQoL Group's five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) to assess the HRQoL of pregnant women, and demographic data were collected. This study was conducted in a regional university hospital in Guangzhou, China.Results: A total of 908 pregnant women were included in this study. Pregnant women in the early 2nd trimester had the highest HRQoL. The HRQoL of pregnant women rose from the 1st trimester to the early 2nd trimester, and dropped to the bottom at the late 3rd trimester due to some physical and mental changes. Reports of pain/discomfort problem were the most common (46.0%) while self-care were the least concern. More than 10% of pregnant women in the 1st trimester had health-related problems in at least one dimension of whole five dimensions. In the whole sample, the EuroQoL Group's visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) was 87.86 ± 9.16. Across the gestational stages, the HRQoL remained stable during the pregnancy but the highest value was observed in the 1st trimester (89.65 ± 10.13) while the lowest was in the late 3rd trimester (87.28 ± 9.13).Conclusions: During pregnancy, HRQoL were associated with gestational trimesters in a certain degree. HRQoL was the highest in the early 2nd trimester and then decreased to the lowest in the late 3rd trimester due to a series of physical and psychological changes. Therefore, obstetric doctors and medical institutions should give more attention and care to pregnant women in the late 3rd trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: To evaluate whether the neonatal birthweight (NBW) is associated with early postpartum glucose intolerance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,113 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus who completed an oral glucose tolerance test at 6–9 weeks postpartum between 1 April 2014 and 8 January 2020 were included in this observational prospective cohort study. They were grouped by neonatal birthweight quartiles, and the odds ratios of postpartum glucose intolerance for different levels of neonatal birthweight were assessed. Results: A lower NBW quartile was associated with an increased maternal risk of postpartum glucose intolerance after gestational diabetes mellitus. The adjusted odds ratios for maternal glucose intolerance were 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.13–2.51) in the lowest NBW quartile (NBW 1,980–2,930 g) when compared with the highest NBW quartile (NBW 3,410–4,610 g). The association between lower NBW and maternal glucose intolerance was significantly stronger in women who delivered a girl. Additionally, NBW ≥3,100 g appears to be associated with a lower risk of maternal glucose intolerance postpartum. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that low NBW is a previously unrecognized risk factor for maternal glucose intolerance after gestational diabetes in early postpartum in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: History of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and serum lipid abnormalities were associated with postpartum impaired glucose tolerance. To investigate the association between concentration of total cholesterol (TC), at the time of GDM diagnosis, and risk of postpartum glucose intolerance. Methods: Women who were diagnosed GDM with a live singleton delivery between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017 were included. Women were grouped based on the TC quartiles at the time of GDM diagnosis and had an OGTT at 6–12 weeks after delivery. The relationship between TC and the risk of postpartum glucose intolerance was assessed by COX regression. Results: A total of 845 women were in the final analysis. Higher TC quartile at diagnosis of GDM was associated with a decreased risk of postpartum glucose intolerance. Women in the highest TC quartile (>7.0 mmol L− 1) had approximately only half-risk of any postpartum glucose intolerance, compared with women in the lowest TC quartile (<5.5 mmol L− 1). Conclusions: The decreased concentration of TC, at the time of GDM diagnosis, was related to an increased risk of postpartum abnormal glucose regulation in GDM women. Therefore, because both excessively increased and decreased TC were associated with pregnancy and postpartum complications, the optimal concentration of maternal TC throughout pregnancy remained to be further researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Recent studies have suggested a possible association between microbiota and gestational diabetes (GDM). However, the results are inconsistent. Our objective was to investigate further the relationship between GDM and microbiota and verify the potential microbial marker. Methods: Two complementary approaches were used for the demonstration. First, we compared the gut microbial composition of 23 GDM patients and 26 non-GDM ethnically Chinese Han pregnant women, by using whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of their stool samples collected at the third trimester. Second, we used Q-PCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) to evaluate the gut microbial composition in the stool samples from another cohort of 150 Chinese pregnant women (113 Control and 37 GDM), to further confirm the potential microbial marker. Results: The gut microbiota of GDM women show lower albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.18) alpha diversity at the species level than non-GDM women. However, the species-level beta-diversity or between-sample diversity measured by Bray–Curtis distance shows significant differences (p < 2.2e−16) between the two groups. The species Bacteroides dorei positively correlated with both OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) 0-Hour (p = 0.0099) and OGTT 1-Hour (p = 0.0070). There is a similar trend between Bacteroides sp. 3_1_33FAA and both OGTT 0-Hour (p = 0.014) and OGTT 1-Hour (p = 0.0101) response variables. The species Alistipes putredinis negatively correlated with OGTT 1-Hour (p = 0.0172) and OGTT 2-Hour (p = 0.0147). Q-PCR validation further confirmed the association between the glucose tolerance loci of Bacteroides dorei and OGTT response. Conclusions: Gut microbiome is related to the diabetic status of Chinese women during pregnancy. Specific species such as Bacteroides dorei associate with glucose response and could be potential monitoring and therapeutic microbial markers for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: To summarize the development of the criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in China, and investigate how different GDM diagnostic criteria influence the national prevalence of GDM, the national health system and the economic burden of GDM in China. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively using data from women undergoing a 2‐h, 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 gestational weeks in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) from January 2011 to December 2017, the prevalence rate of GDM and its impacts on the national health system were evaluated using different criteria (the 7th edition textbook criteria, National Diabetes Data Group 1979, World Health Organization 1985, European Association for the Study of Diabetes 1996, Japan 2002, American Diabetes Association [ADA] 2011 [International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups], and National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence 2015). Results: The incidence rates of GDM based on the ADA 2011 and National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence 2015 were, respectively, 22.94% (P < 0.01) and 21.72% (P < 0.01), over threefold higher than implementing the 7th edition textbook criteria (P < 0.001). On the contrary, the incidence rates of GDM diagnosed with the National Diabetes Data Group 1979 and World Health Organization 1985 guidelines were significantly less than the 7th edition textbook criteria (P < 0.001). From 2001 to 2016, the estimated national cost of treating GDM rose from ¥3.9 billion to ¥27.4 billion after implementing the ADA 2011 guidelines. Conclusions: With the implementation of ADA 2011 (International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups) guidelines, there are fewer adverse perinatal outcomes and cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the long term, but the medical costs increased significantly, and the cost‐effectiveness of diagnostic criteria in China is still yet to be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)19 has been shown to improve glycemic homeostasis and lipid metabolism in animal models. In humans, decreased FGF19 level has been described in diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of FGF19 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. Materials and Methods: Samples for measurement were obtained from 20 women with GDM and 25 healthy controls. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of FGF19, FGF21 and co‐receptor β‐klotho (KLB) in the placenta, rectus muscle and subcutaneous fat tissues were quantified by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Women with GDM had significantly lower mRNA and protein expressions of FGF19 than control women in the placenta (mRNA 0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.72 ± 0.09; protein 0.34 ± 0.13 vs 0.85 ± 0.20) and rectus muscle (mRNA 0.83 ± 0.11 vs 1.28 ± 0.19; protein 0.78 ± 0.24 vs 1.23 ± 0.39). However, there were no significant differences between GDM women and controls with respect to the expression levels of FGF21 and β‐klotho in the placenta and rectus muscle. There were almost no detectable FGF19 and FGF21 expressions in subcutaneous fat tissue. Furthermore, β‐klotho expression levels were not different between the GDM and control group in subcutaneous fat. Conclusions: FGF19 expressions are decreased in the placenta and rectus muscle of women with GDM. This might contribute to the pathophysiology or development of GDM. FGF19 expressions are decreased in GDM women's placenta and rectus muscle. This may contribute to the pathophysiology or development of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aortic media realized Windkessel vessel functions and maintain sustained ventricle ejection balance during cardiac circle. Wheatstone bridge circuit piezoresistive strain sensor had desirable sensing properties to investigate aortic cushion features. In this study, Wheatstone bridge sensor was used to evaluate quick stretching-induced aortic efficient cushions and spontaneous myogenic contractions. Mice aortic specimens were loosely hooked and stabilized to mm stainless steel pin and strain sensor, whereas the other side was hooked and shows increasing specimen length. Specimen isometric tension and rhythmic spontaneous myogenic contraction were recorded. Isometric tension and spontaneous myogenic response at initial length ( and ultimate length ( were evaluated. Aortic specimen significantly eliminated mechanical rigid oscillations. The recovery to baseline time was significantly shortened at (ms and ms at and , respectively, but ms and ms in no-load test). High Ca incubation prolonged the recovery time to baseline at and (ms and ms, respectively) and suggested Ca decreased efficient cushion. Moreover, strain sensor successfully recorded the enhanced rhythmic spontaneous myogenic contractions in isometric specimen. Wheatstone bridge circuit sensor reflected the significance of efficient cushions under mechanical preload, which absolutely captured rhythmic myogenic contractions of mice aortic specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In innovation networks, firm innovation performance is affected by external tie strength and internal knowledge absorptive capacity. This study aims to empirically examine the path relationship between tie strength, absorptive capacity and firm innovation performance in Chinese manufacturing industries, thus enhance our understanding on the mechanism between innovation network and innovation performance.Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a survey among Chinese manufacturers in four industries (textile and garment, household appliance, IT and electronics and motor vehicle assemblers) that are located in North, East, Central and South China, respectively, with a valid response from 278 manufacturers. Structural equation model is used to analyze the results.Findings This study demonstrates that in Chinese Manufacturing industry, tie strength is positively related to innovation performance. The authors also find that absorptive capacity has a positive impact on innovation performance and it mediates the relationship between tie strength and innovation performance. Then, the authors analyze the effect of ownership, industry and sub-region, and the results show that in private firms and traditional manufacturers, and the firms located in North and Eastern China, tie strength has no direct effect on innovation outcomes, but it can influence innovation indirectly through absorptive capacity.Originality/value This study further supports that in Chinese guanxi culture, strong ties with other innovation partners can improve the firm’s absorptive capacity and thus improve innovation performance. The results also suggest that a firm’s absorptive capacity has a significant mediating effect on the relationship between tie strength and innovation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supported catalyst was synthesized on the mesoporous materials with ionic liquid modified by the silicontungstic acid (HSiW-IL/SBA-15). A series of characterization, such as XRD, N adsorption desorption, SEM, TEM and XPS analysis showed that HSiW was successfully immobilized onto the IL modified SBA-15 and maintained the SBA-15 mesoporous structure. Compared with HSiW and HSiW/SBA-15, the catalyst HSiW-IL/SBA-15 had excellent catalytic activity for oxidative desulfurization of fuels. After analysis, the high activity of HSiW-IL/SBA-15 was attributed to the catalyst with large specific surface area, pore size and hydrophobic performance, which had a better wettability for fuel. The catalyst had a good recycling performance, and the sulfur removal still remained 96.4 % after eight times cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-free graphene-like boron nitride (BN) samples were prepared and applied as adsorbents for removing dibenzothiophene (DBT) in model oil. The results showed that the graphene-like BN exhibited a remarkable adsorption performance. The adsorption capacity could reach 28.17 mg S g−1 adsorbent. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of the number of BN layers, DBT initial concentration, and temperature on DBT adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to study the adsorption of DBT on BN. The kinetic results showed that the adsorption process was best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to prove that the Lewis acid–base interaction plays an important role in removing DBT over graphene-like BN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional mesoporous Mo-SiO2 materials were synthesized by a one-pot and facile room-temperature procedure, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, diffuse reflectance spectra, and BET analysis. The experimental results demonstrated that the mesoporous materials presented a high dispersion of molybdenum species and excellent catalytic activity for the removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) without organic solvents as extractants. The catalytic performance on different sulfur-containing compounds was also investigated in detail. After recycling for eight times, the removal of the oxidation desulfurization system could still reach high values. GC-MS analysis detected the oxidation product of DBT. A mechanism was proposed for the absorptive oxidation process of sulfur compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new method of aloe-emodin separation and purification that is based on the simplex optimization method of an acetone-ammonium sulfate aqueous double-phase system. We investigated the partitioning trends and conditions of this double-phase system and identified an optimized double-phase recipe for aloe-emodin separation and purification. With this recipe, aloe-emodin was extracted at a purity of 95.23%. The simplex method reported here only requires simple equipment, and mild experimental conditions. The operations are cheap and easy, and produce products with high purity and yield. Thus, the simplex optimization method is effective in optimizing aqueous double-phase systems for industrialized production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloin, isoaloeresin D, and aloenin-2′-p-coumaroyl ester were separated and purified fromAloe barbadensisMill by one step of high-speed counter-current chromatography for the first time. The separation was performed with an optimized two-phase solvent system composed of hexane-ethyl acetate- acetone-water (0.2:5:1.5:5, v/v/v/v), using the lower phase as the mobile phase in the head-to-tail elution mode. The revolution speed of the separation column, flow rate of the mobile phase, and UV detection wavelength were 860 rpm, 1.5 mL · min−1, and 300 nm, respectively. In a one-step operation, 51.9 mg of aloin, 23.1 mg of isoaloeresin D, and 6.5 mg of aloenin-2′-p-coumaroyl ester could be obtained from 161.7 mg of dried acetone extract at purities of 99.2%, 98.5%, and 95.6%, respectively, as determined by HPLC using area normalization method. The partial separation of aloin A and aloin B was also obtained. The structures of these compounds were identified by high resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS), UV, IR, and NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional physical and numerical model of the basic pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) was developed. The compressible and oscillating fluid flow and heat transfer phenomenon in the pulse tube were numerically investigated using a self-developed code. Some cross-section average parameter variations such as velocity, temperature and pressure wave during one cycle were revealed. The variations of velocity and temperature distributions in the pulse tube were also analyzed in detail for further understanding of the working process and refrigeration mechanism of PTRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]