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Purpose: The retrospective study was to explore the effectiveness and safety of GemOx (gemcitabine, oxaliplatin) plus sintilimab (belongs to the class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly targeting the PD-1 receptor) in relapse or refractory nodal PTCLs. Methods: Patients with nodal PTCL who initiated salvage therapy with sintilimab and GemOx between January 2020 to September 2021 were identified from the database of the hematology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. All patients received 2–4 cycles (3 weeks/cycle) of treatment of sintilimab (200 mg, I.V, D1) in combination with GemOx. Treatment response was assessed every six weeks during the salvage treatment phase. Eligible patients received maintenance therapy according to the investigator’s decision. Follow-ups were routinely conducted every three months. Results: 31 patients with r/r nodal PTCLs were enrolled, including 23 PTCL-NOS, 4 AITL, and 4 ALCL. 21 (67.7%) patients received at least two lines of therapy. 71.0% (95% CI, 53.4%-83.9%) of patients documented objective response of 2–4 cycles of sintilimab plus GemOx therapy, including 9 complete response and 13 partial response. 21 (67.7%) patients received consolidation therapy, including 5 autologous stem-cell transplantation and 12 histone deacetylase inhibitors. After a median 25.6 months follow-up, the median PFS was 22.0 (95% CI,11.8–24.7) months, and the median OS was 26.2 (95% CI, 24.4 –NA) months. 29 (93.5%) patients experienced at least one adverse event, and 26 (83.9% patients only had mild (grade 1–2) AEs.Univariable Cox regression showed the progression risk of AITL is 22.7 (3.9- 131.0, p < 0.01) times of PTCL-NOS, while the HR of ALCL was 1.14 (0.33–3.96,p = 0.833). Conclusion: Sintilimab plus GemOx showed encouraging activity and manageable toxicity for patients with r/r PTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify white matter fiber injury and network changes that may lead to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression, then a joint model was constructed based on neuropsychological scales to predict high-risk individuals for Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression among older adults with MCI. Methods: A total of 173 MCI patients were included from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI) database and randomly divided into training and testing cohorts. Forty-five progressed to AD during a 4-year follow-up period. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques extracted relevant DTI quantitative features for each patient. In addition, brain networks were constructed based on white matter fiber bundles to extract network property features. Ensemble dimensionality reduction was applied to reduce both DTI quantitative features and network features from the training cohort, and machine learning algorithms were added to construct white matter signature. In addition, 52 patients from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database were used for external validation of white matter signature. A joint model was subsequently generated by combining with scale scores, and its performance was evaluated using data from the testing cohort. Results: Based on multivariate logistic regression, clinical dementia rating and Alzheimer's disease assessment scales (CDRS and ADAS, respectively) were selected as independent predictive factors. A joint model was constructed in combination with the white matter signature. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in the training cohort were 0.938, 0.937, and 0.91, respectively, and the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in the test cohort were 0.905, 0.923, and 0.872, respectively. The Delong test showed a statistically significant difference between the joint model and CDRS or ADAS scores (P < 0.05), yet no significant difference between the joint model and the white matter signature (P = 0.341). Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that a joint model combining neuropsychological scales can be constructed by using machine learning and DTI technology to identify MCI patients who are at high-risk of progressing to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UvrC is a subunit of excinuclease ABC, which mediates nucleotide excision repair (NER) in bacteria. Our previous studies showed that transposon Tn4531 insertion in the UvrC encoding gene Riean_1413 results in reduced biofilm formation by Riemerella anatipestifer strain CH3 and attenuates virulence of strain YZb1. In this study, whether R. anatipestifer UvrC has some biological functions other than NER was investigated. Firstly, the uvrC of R. anatipestifer strain Yb2 was in-frame deleted by homologous recombination, generating deletion mutant ΔuvrC, and its complemented strain cΔuvrC was constructed based on Escherichia coli – R. anatipestifer shuttle plasmid pRES. Compared to the wild-type (WT) R. anatipestifer strain Yb2, uvrC deleted mutant ΔuvrC significantly reduced biofilm formation, tolerance to H2O2- and HOCl-induced oxidative stress, iron utilization, and adhesion to and invasion of duck embryonic hepatocytes, but not its growth curve and proteolytic activity. In addition, animal experiments showed that the LD50 value of ΔuvrC in ducklings was about 13-fold higher than that of the WT, and the bacterial loads in ΔuvrC infected ducklings were significantly lower than those in Yb2-infected ducklings, indicating uvrC deletion in R. anatipestifer attenuated virulence. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that R. anatipestifer UvrC is required for iron utilization, biofilm formation, oxidative stress tolerance and virulence of strain Yb2, demonstrating multiple functions of UvrC. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Deletion of uvrC in R. anatipestfer Yb2 significantly reduced its biofilm formation. uvrC deletion led to reduced tolerance to H2O2- and HOCl-induced oxidative stress. The iron utilization of uvrC deleted mutant was significantly reduced. The uvrC deletion in R. anatipestifer Yb2 attenuated its virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of an energy‐efficient and economical route is necessary for society to synthesize green biofuels. Herein, cobalt‐doped tungstophosphoric acid (Co‐HPW) is in‐situ impregnated in the Zr‐based metal–organic framework (MOF‐801) forming composite of Co‐HPW/MOF‐801. The chemical composition, morphology, and acidic sites of the Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 composite were analyzed through x‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), N2 physisorption, ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), pyridine‐adsorbed infrared spectra (Py‐FTIR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic performance of the as‐synthesized catalyst was explored to catalyze esterification of lauric acid (LA) with methanol. The outcomes revealed that the Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 nanocatalyst achieved a high conversion of 86.3% under the optimized reaction condition (catalyst amount of 0.15 g, temperature of 100°C, time of 4 h, and methanol/LA molar ratio of 20:1). The excellent catalytical performance is mainly due to the large BET surface area, exposure of more active centers from available pore structure, and simultaneous possession of high Lewis and Brønsted acidity. Furthermore, the kinetic study revealed that the reaction process was kinetically controlled and the activation energy was found to be 42.1 kJ/mol. The results suggest that the synthesized Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 nanocatalyst is an environmental greenness, low cost, and suitable for easy scale‐up for the production of biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active faults are generally defined as faults that have moved in the past and will continue to be active in the future. They are expected to cause deformation and potential disasters if they are localized close to human activities. The definition and classification of active faults are important bases for evaluating the risk. This paper summarizes and compares the history, status, and progress of their definition and classification schemes used in representative countries and regions, as well as in some relevant standards, in active fault mapping, in the construction of spatial databases, and in some other aspects. It is concluded that the current geodynamic setting, existing technical means, geological operability, application purpose, and social acceptability of active faulting hazard in a specific area comprehensively determine the selection of the definition and classification. The key parameter in defining active faults is the time limit. It usually involves four time scales, i.e., Neotectonic (post-Neogene), Quaternary, Late Quaternary, and Holocene. The definition using a short time scale, such as Late Quaternary and Holocene, is usually suitable for the plate boundary zone, which has a high strain rate, but active faults in the intraplate deformation region and stable continental region should be defined with a long time scale, such as the Quaternary and Neotectonics. In addition, the magnitude standard can determine the activity intensity of active faults, which most generally includes three classes, namely, M ≥ 5.0 damaging earthquakes, M ≥ 6.0 strong earthquakes, and M ≥ 6.5 earthquakes that may produce surface displacement or deformation. The M ≥ 5.0 earthquake is generally applicable to regional earthquake prevention and risk mitigation in many countries or regions, but the M ≥ 6.5 earthquake magnitude benchmark is generally used as the standard in rules or regulations regarding active fault avoidance. The most common classification schemes in many countries or regions are based on fault activity, which is reflected mainly by the fault slip rate and fault recurrence interval (FRI), as well as by the last activation time. However, when determining the specific quantitative parameters of the different activity levels of faults, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the differences in activity and ages of the faults in the study region, as well as the amount and validity of existing data for the purpose of classifying different active levels of faults effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the crushing efficiency of drilling machinery, laser-assisted mechanical rock-breaking technology has gained wide attention in the field of engineering construction. In this method, the weakening effect of the laser on the compressive strength of the rock is a key factor of the technology. To reveal the weakening effect of the laser on the compressive strength of rocks, standard uniaxial compression tests were carried out on irradiated rocks using a uniaxial compression testing machine. The weakening effect of laser power and irradiation time on rock strength and rock failure mode was investigated. The experimental results show that the laser power and irradiation time have similar effects on the mechanical properties of the rocks. With the increase of laser power and irradiation time, the peak stress of the specimens shows a tendency to decrease rapidly and then slowly. At the same time, the rock elastic modulus decreases and peak strain increases, and the behavior eventually transform from brittle damage to plastic damage. Melting pit holes and crack networks are the root cause of the weakness of the compressive strength. On one hand, the vertical melting pit hole provides a conical free surface, which reduces the rock deformation constraint and generates stress concentration at the bottom of the hole, so that it facilitates the splitting-tension damage of the specimen. On the other hand, the axial load induces symmetric tensile cracks in the thermal cracks, and adjacent tensile cracks interpenetrate to create a surface of tensile damage, leading to fragmentation of the specimen in the form of rock blocks, ultimately undermining the rock. This work provides an improved understanding of the effect of lasers on the compressive strength of rocks in engineering applications. Highlights: The effect of laser irradiation on the compressive strength weakening of rock was investigated. Failure modes and strength weakening mechanisms of irradiated rocks were revealed. The advantage parameters of laser-assisted rock breaking were clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the optimal threshold for measuring thyroid volume in patients with Grave's hyperthyroidism (GH) by SPECT/CT. Materials and methods: A 53 mL butterfly-shaped hollow container made of two 45-degree transparent elbows was put into a NEMA IEC phantom tank. The butterfly-shaped container and the tank were then filled with Na99mTcO4 of different radioactive concentrations, respectively, which could simulate thyroid gland with GH by different target-to-background ratios (T/B) (200:1, 600:1, 1000:1). The different T/B of planar imaging and SPECT/CT were acquired by a Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro SPECT/CT. With Thyroid software (Version 4.0) of GE-Xeleris workstation, the region of the thyroid gland in planar imaging was delineated. The thyroid area and average long diameter of both lobes were substituted into the Allen formula to calculate the thyroid volume. The calculation error was compared with the actual volume. Q-Metrix software was used to perform CT-based attenuation correction, scatter correction, resolution recovery. Ordered-subsets expectation maximization was used to reconstruct SPECT data. 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% thresholds were selected to automatically delineate the volume of interest and compared with the real volume, which determinated the optimal threshold. We measured the thyroid volume of 40 GH patients using the threshold and compared the volumes obtained by planar imaging and ultrasound three-dimensional. The differences of the volumes with different T/B and thresholds were compared by the ANOVA and least significant difference t test. The volumes delineated by SPECT/CT were evaluated using ANOVA, least significant difference t test, correlation analysis and, linear regression and Bland–Altman concordance test plot. The differences and consistency of thyroid volume were compared among the above three methods. Results: There was no significant difference in the results between different T/B models (P > 0.05). The thyroid volume calculated by the planar imaging formula method was higher than the real volume, with an average overestimation of 22.81%. The volumes delineated by SPECT/CT threshold automatically decreased while the threshold increased. There were significant differences between groups with different thresholds (P < 0.001). With an average error of 3.73%, the thyroid volume analyzed by the threshold of 25% was close to the results of ultrasound measurement (P > 0.05). Thyroid volume measured by planar imaging method was significantly higher than ultrasound and SPECT/CT threshold automatic delineation method (P < 0.05). The agreement between the SPECT/CT 25% threshold and ultrasound (r = 0.956, b = 0.961) was better than that between the planar imaging and ultrasound (r = 0.590, b = 0.574). The Bland–Altman plot also showed that the thyroid volume measured by the 25% threshold automatic delineation method was in good agreement with the ultrasound measurement. Conclusions: The T/B has no effect on the measurement of thyroid volume in GH patients; planar imaging method can significantly overestimate thyroid volume in GH patients, and 25% threshold automatic delineation method can obtain more accurate thyroid volume in GH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the following Schrödinger–Newton equation - ε 2 Δ u + V (x) u = 1 ε 2 ∫ R 3 u 2 y x - y d y u , x ∈ R 3 , where ε is a positive parameter and V(x) is the potential function. We demonstrate an interesting phenomenon, which we call dichotomy, for concentrating solutions of the above Schrödinger–Newton equation. More specifically, we show the existence of infinitely many concentrating solutions which concentrate both in a bounded domain and near infinity. In addition, the non-degeneracy of the ground state is established for the above Schrödinger–Newton equation with non-constant potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of an asphalt mixture is significantly affected by the properties of its asphalt mortar, which consists of an asphalt binder, mineral fillers, fine aggregates and air voids. The aim of this work was to evaluate the correlations between the high-temperature performance of an asphalt mixture and the rheological properties of its corresponding asphalt mortar. The multisequence repeated loading (MSRL) test was used to estimate the high-temperature performance of the asphalt mixture. Six different gradations, AC-13, SMA-13, SUP-13, AC-20, SUP-20 and AC-25, and two styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt binders were considered and used to prepare the asphalt mixture specimens. The gradations and asphalt types of asphalt mortars were consistent with their asphalt mixtures. A modified multiple-stress creep–recovery (MSCR) test was proposed for evaluating the rheological properties of asphalt mortar with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Based on the basic form of the Hirsh model, a multiple regression model was established, and its coefficient of determination (R-square) was 0.96. The rheological response of the asphalt mortar presented great correlation with the high-temperature behaviour of the asphalt mixture. In addition, the MSCR indicators (nonrecoverable compliance and percent recovery) obtained at 12.8 kPa creep stress represented the rheological status of asphalt mortar in asphalt mixture well. Therefore, the mechanical behaviours of asphalt mixture at high temperature could be accurately predicted by the MSCR indicators of asphalt mortar and its coarse aggregate parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences worldwide indicate that the relationship between energy consumption and economic development is complex. Guangdong Province has experienced a more than threefold increase in GDP since 2005, but it is not clear whether rapid economic growth is at the cost of a large amount of energy consumption. In this study, we employ spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis to discover the spatial agglomeration of GDP per capita and energy intensity in Guangdong, China, from 2005 to 2018. Furthermore, panel vector autoregression coupled with a system generalized method of moments is performed to examine the dynamic causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth under the framework of the Cobb–Douglas production function. We used a multivariate model and grouped studies based on the differences in regional economic development and the results with similar research. The results show that the GDP per capita of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) is significantly higher than that of the peripheral municipalities. However, energy intensity shows an entirely different spatial distribution. The development of the regional economy depends on its own "assembling effect". In regions with significant differences in economic development, it is necessary to conduct grouping studies; otherwise, the overall results will not represent partial results. GDP explains approximately 68.3% of the total variation in energy consumption in the PRD but only approximately 34.5% of that in the peripheral municipalities. We do not confirm Granger causality between energy consumption and economic development. Guangdong can decrease its energy consumption growth without substantially sacrificing its economic growth. The contribution of this study is to propose an analytical framework of the relationship between energy consumption and economic development that integrates time and space perspectives to account for spatial effects in panel analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bimetallic Ni-Zr MOF-derived nickel-zirconium oxide (Ni-Zr-O)-impregnated silicotungstic acid (HSiW) nanocomposite catalyst (HSiW@Ni-Zr-O) was prepared via a hydrothermal procedure followed by a pyrolysis treatment, and its structural, morphological, and surface components and oxidation states were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, TPD-NH3, SEM, TEM, N2 physisorption, and XPS analyses. Then, the nanocomposite catalysts were successfully applied to the esterification of oleic acid (OA) with methanol. According to its characteristics, the obtained HSiW@Ni-Zr-O-1 catalyst would generate larger pores, a higher acidity, and active interfaces at the calcining temperature of 300 °C. Therefore, HSiW@Ni-Zr-O-1 exhibits an excellent catalytic activity of 95.2% under optimal reaction conditions. Additionally, the catalyst can be reused with a good catalytic activity after nine cycles. This study highlights the opportunity of using bimetallic MOFs as precursors to the synthesis of highly nanoporous metal oxide, which supports the larger-industrial scale production of biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) is a common weed in Chinese wheat fields, and has become troublesome due to its evolution of herbicide resistance. One black-grass population (HN-14) collected from a wheat field where herbicides were applied was suspected to be resistant (R) to mesosulfuron-methyl. This study aims to establish a cross-resistance pattern and explore potential resistance mechanisms. The results of a whole-plant dose response assay showed that the resistant (R) population had a high of resistance to mesosulfuron-methyl (33-fold); meanwhile, no synergism of P450s activity inhibitor malathion was observed. The sequencing results revealed that ALS resistance mutation Trp-574-Leu occurred in R plants. The results of in vitro ALS enzyme activity assays also supported that the extractable ALS from R plants were 23.22-fold resistant to mesosulfuron-methyl. In the light of the "R" resistance rating system, HN-14 has evolved RRR and RR resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, clodinafop-propargyl, haloxyfop-methyl, and fluazifop-P-butyl and R? (resistance may be developing) to pinoxaden, however remains sensitive to imazethapyr, quizalofop-P-ethyl, tralkoxydim, and isoproturon. These results indicated that the mesosulfuron-methyl resistance in the black-grass population HN-14 was driven by a target-site mechanism rather than a nontarget (at least P450s-mediated) mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article firstly introduces an emerging field of bilingual aphasia and discusses the theoretical framework and the significance of bilingual aphasia research. It then provides a review of existing research, focusing on recovery patterns, cross-linguistic transfer effects, and modulating factors in the rehabilitation of bilingual aphasia. It concludes with identification of areas for future research to advance knowledge in bilingual aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the analysis of specific energy SE and crack development characteristics, this research aims to clarify the rock breaking effect of worn TBM cutters. Based on the geometric characteristics of rock face under the action of the worn cutters, the rock breaking method affected by the ridge was proposed, and the discrete element method was used to establish a double-cutter indentation model for simulation. The blade height difference h and blade width T caused by cutter wear were used as variables, and the influence of cutting spacing and cutting sequence was considered. Study showed that the specific energy SE of rock-breaking decreased slowly with the increasing h, and then rose sharply when h exceeded the critical blade height difference hc. When the cutting distance s = 60, 70, 80 mm,the corresponding hc values were 10, 15, 15 mm, respectively. From the perspective of rock breaking process, worn cutters formed ridges on the rock surface, which affected the direction of crack development. When h < hc, the lateral cracks produced by the cutter extrusion developed in the direction of adjacent cutter inside the ridge, forming a large through rock fragment. When h > hc, the cracks emerged from the slope of the ridge, no large rock fragments were formed, resulting in a sudden increase in SE. Experimental verification showed that the simulation results were effective and can provided reference for worn TBM cutter changing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a tunnel boring machine (TBM), the cutter rock-breaking effect and mechanism are key components of the machine design and construction. Each cutter on the TBM cutterhead is affected by adjacent cutters and exhibits different rock-breaking effects under different rock-breaking sequences. Considering the influence of two adjacent cutters, the target cutter has three rock-breaking sequences, A–C, for which the target cutter cuts as the second, first, or last tool, respectively. Most previous studies considered the sequential rock-breaking method, i.e., sequence A, and ignored jumping rock-breaking, i.e., sequences B and C. To quantify the obvious differences in rock-breaking effects between jumping and sequential rock-breaking, and to analyze the jumping rock-breaking mechanism itself, a series of special experiments was performed in this work. The experiment results show that, in terms of the rock-breaking force and boreability index values, the order is sequence B > A > C. For the specific energy, when the penetration is greater than the optimal penetration of the sequence C, the order is sequence B < A < C. These differences in rock-breaking effects can be reasonably explained from the perspective of pre-damage using the crack development method. As jumping rock-breaking constitutes a considerable proportion of the TBM cutter operation, consideration of this mechanism with its unique rock-breaking characteristics provides new directions for fine-tuning the design of TBM cutterheads and selection of TBM construction parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the efficiency of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in hard rock environment, the technology of pre-grooving-assisted disc cutters for rock breaking was studied. Firstly, considering the relative position of the pre-grooving and the disc cutter, the same trajectory (SM) and different trajectory (DM) pre-grooving-assisted rock-breaking modes were proposed. Secondly, the discrete element method was used to simulate the crushing process of the pre-grooved rock by the cutter, and the rock-breaking mechanism and laws of different pre-grooving-assisted modes were revealed. Thirdly, a full-scale linear cutting experiment was conducted, which proved the correctness of the research results. Finally, suggestions for the use of the assisted rock-breaking mode were provided. Results show that the DM and SM modes achieve the effect of assisted the disc cutter in breaking the rock by promoting the tensile failure of the rock. Groove has the effect of inducing crack propagation. The groove in DM induces the crack to develop to both sides, and that in SM induces the crack to develop vertically. Compared with the complete cutting mode (CM), the SM and DM modes exhibit improved rock-breaking performance. Specifically, DM and SM are more helpful in reducing specific energy and cutting force, respectively. For the DM mode, with an increase in groove spacing, rock-breaking specific energy decreases and cutting force increases. This study provides ideas and guidance for the application of water jet pre-grooving-assisted TBM rock-breaking technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on surface water (SW) dynamics is important for understanding climate change and the impacts of human activities on water resources. This article assesses the extent and direction of SW changes in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Landsat images were used to determine the area of SW based on the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI); the center of gravity was used to map the shifting distribution of SW dynamics; and landscape indices and potential causes of the observed SW changes were explored. Although the PRD has experienced high‐intensity economic development for 30 years, the total SW areas in 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2018 were 2,608, 3,154, 3,521, and 3,613 km2, respectively. The center of gravity of SW was in Shunde, Foshan (FS), which exhibited a trend of westward expansion. Over time, the landscape pattern of SW in the PRD became increasingly fragmented, and its shape tended to be complex. The growth of fish ponds was the most obvious change, as illustrated by the increase in aquatic product production. These and other findings highlight the importance of patterns, structures, and policies in SW dynamic analyses. Wetland and agricultural policies will likely cause the maintenance or continued expansion of SW areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in response to injurious self and non-self-stimuli exerts detrimental effects on neurons, which may lead to cognitive impairment. Luteolin, a typical kind of natural flavonoid in honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and Herba Schizonepetae, is widely recognized to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant against peripheral inflammation. However, its protective effect against inflammation-induced cognitive impairment is currently unknown. In this paper, we investigated the relief potential of luteolin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation and its possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. In this study, luteolin ameliorated LPS-induced cognitive impairments, indicated by behavioral performance of neuroinflammatory model mice in Morris water maze tests. Protein analyses and histological examination also revealed protective effect of luteolin against neuronal damage, through inhibiting overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in both hippocampus and cortex of mice. We also observed luteolin in vitro significantly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide. Taken together, these results demonstrated luteolin was effective in alleviating cognitive impairment and limited neuronal damage via inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, suggesting luteolin is potential for further therapeutic research of neuroinflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe and long lifespan batteries facilitate the development of portable electronics and electric vehicles. Owing to the low-cost, naturally abundance, and trivalent charge carrier of aluminum with the highest theoretical volumetric capacity, rechargeable aqueous aluminum-ion-based batteries are considered as promising next-generation secondary batteries. However, traditional electrolytes and frequent collapse of the host structure of electrode materials greatly jeopardize the cycle stability of the batteries. Here, we develop a novel hydrogel-based electrolyte coupled with stable layered intercalation electrodes for the first time to fabricate a highly safe and flexible rechargeable hybrid Al3+/H+ battery. The as-fabricated hybrid-ion battery (HIB) delivers a high specific capacity of 125 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 and exhibits an unprecedented super long-term cycling stability with no capacity fading over 10,000 cycles at 2 A·g−1. In addition, the hydrogel-based electrolyte possesses smart function of thermoresponsive switching, which can effectively prevent thermal runaway for the batteries. The unprecedented long cycle stability, highly intrinsic safety as well as low-cost indicate that the flexible aqueous HIBs are promising for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces a support vector regression (SVR) method to predict the cutting forces acting on the constant cross section (CCS) disc cutter, including the normal force (FN) and rolling force (FR), based on linear cutting machine (LCM) test data. To improve the prediction effect, an improved SVR-Outlier Detection (SVR-OD) method and an Additional Input Variable (AIV) method are proposed. After removing the outliers, 148 typical LCM test samples form the training set. Here, 70 samples from the Hangzhou No.2 Water Supply Channel constitute the test set. The prediction results show that the Root-mean-squared Relative Error (RMRE) values of the normal force and rolling force are 19.5% and 24.8%, respectively, and the corresponding determination coefficients are 0.845 and 0.807, respectively. For the prediction of the peak cutting force with an important reference to tunnel boring machine (TBM) design, the proportions of samples with an Absolute Relative Error (ARE) value of less than 20% for FN and FR are 9/10 and 7/7, respectively. The above prediction results are better than those of the common SVR method; thus, the developed method can effectively simulate the cutting force required by a rock mass with good integrity. The cutting force prediction using LCM test data is feasible and practical. In addition, the comparison of the prediction results between the improved SVR and common SVR methods shows that the improved SVR-OD and AIV methods play an active role in improving the prediction accuracy of the SVR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical characteristics and stress state caused by water jet loading are influenced by many factors that have restricted studies on the jet mechanism. Using the basic theory of elasticity and fluid dynamics, the mechanical effects of water jet loading are analyzed. Based on the simplified jet distribution pressure, the elastic analytical solution of the stress distribution in a semi-infinite plane under the jet distribution pressure is derived, and the stress distribution characteristics are discussed. In addition, the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion served as a fracture criterion, enabling establishment of the relationship between jet pressure and rock strength. The results indicate that the compressive stress is symmetrically distributed around the jet axis with the maximum at the center. Conversely, the shear stress is Anti-symmetrically distributed around the jet axis with the maximum at the point (0.5r, ± 0.65r). The initial fracture of rock under the impact of water jet is mainly shear compression failure. The Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion is useful for estimating the relationships between the rock failure zone diameter with the water jet impact pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of land use/land cover (LULC) types may affect the thermal environment of urban zones. In this study, the urban zones of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) were examined to explore the spatiotemporal variations in land surface temperature (LST) from 2001 to 2017, as well as the relationships between LST and various influencing factors. Landscape pattern analysis was undertaken to explore the correlation between patch metrics and LST with resolutions from 100 m to 1 km. The results showed that (1) the high-temperature zones were mainly distributed on built-up land; the area of LST hot spots increased from 16% (2001) to 23% (2017). (2) The mean LST of each LULC type was calculated, indicating that the temperature of forestland was more than 5 °C lower than that of built-up land. (3) The landscape patterns of different land use types exhibited various effects on LST in terms of magnitude and importance. Considering the significance of the landscape indexes, it is necessary to avoid a large-scale layout of a single built-up land type when planning an urban environment. It is thus recommended that multiple contiguous forestlands be planned to mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effects. Furthermore, the landscape patterns and structure of different LULC types have various effects on LST and need to be explored in fine detail. This study helped reveal the impact of different LULC types on LST and provides urban planners in the PRD with optional schemes for mitigating the impacts of urbanization on the UHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flourishing development of multifunctional flexible electronics cannot leave the beneficial role of nature, which provides continuous inspiration in their material, structural, and functional designs. During the evolution of flexible electronics, some originated from nature, some were even beyond nature, and others were implantable or biodegradable eventually to nature. Therefore, the relationship between flexible electronics and nature is undoubtedly vital since harmony between nature and technology evolution would promote the sustainable development. Herein, materials selection and functionality design for flexible electronics that are mostly inspired from nature are first introduced with certain functionality even beyond nature. Then, frontier advances on flexible electronics including the main individual components (i.e., energy (the power source) and the sensor (the electric load)) are presented from nature, beyond nature, and to nature with the aim of enlightening the harmonious relationship between the modern electronics technology and nature. Finally, critical issues in next‐generation flexible electronics are discussed to provide possible solutions and new insights in prospective exploration directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yarn batteries are extensively used in portable, flexible and wearable electronics due to their tiny volume, good flexibility and maximum compatibility with textiles. However, both the flammable organic electrolyte and the hydrogel electrolyte are not capable of solving safety issues. In this work, a poly(ionic liquid)(PIL)‐based ionogel was synthesized as an electrolyte with both superior flame resistance and high ionic conductivity. The flexible Li4Ti5O12//LiFePO4 yarn battery based on the ionogel not only has the safety characteristic of incombustibility, but also guarantees stable electrochemical properties under cold and hot weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this investigation is the stress evolution characteristics of rock impacted by transverse plain water jet (PWJ), including the application of stress evolution in the interpretation of the laws of breaking rocks (including artificial rock). Based on the semi-infinite plane theory, an analytical solution of the stress evolution of rock subjected to transverse jet loading is obtained, and the evolution of the stress state variable F of the rock microelement based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion is also obtained. Then, elastic brittle failure and elastic-brittle damage of rock microelements are analyzed. Besides, an expression of the damage variable D based on elastic-brittle failure assumption is proposed. The analysis shows that the peak values of the F evolution curve determines the failure of the rock microelement based on the elastic-brittle failure hypothesis. The area SF surrounded by the evolution curve F and the line (F = F0) is positively correlated with the damage variable D, which can be used to qualitatively explain the time dependence of breaking rock using a transverse PWJ. In addition, the method based on damage variable D presented in this paper shows great potential in quantitative analysis of time dependence of rock failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term use of tolfenamic acid inevitably causes side effects, including gastric ulcer and hepatotoxicity. Curcumin is generally recognized to be anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective. Herein, we investigated the combinational effects of tolfenamic acid and curcumin and possible mechanism in a TPA‐induced inflammation mouse model. Combinational use of tolfenamic acid (100 mg/kg) and curcumin (100 mg/kg) by oral administration reduced dermal inflammation represented by ear edema and lymphocytic infiltration. Moreover, curcumin dispersed in polyvinyl pyrrolidone showed stronger synergistic effect. The beneficial effect of the coadministration was also reproduced in PKC/Akt/IKK/NF‐κB signaling pathways. Notably, hepatoprotective and gastroprotective effect was exhibited by the reverse of body weight loss and NF‐κB downregulation in the liver, and by increased Spleen Index of mice. These results suggested combination administration of tolfenamic acid with curcumin enhances anti‐inflammatory efficacy and reduces hepatic/gastric toxicity, which indicates dietary uptake of curcumin may facilitate the function of tolfenamic acid. Practical applications: Curcumin, a representative polyphenolic compound, is one of the main constituents of dietary spice turmeric which has been widely consumed throughout the world, especially in Asia. The beneficial aspect of combination use of curcumin in enhancing anti‐inflammatory effect and reducing hepatic/gastric toxicity of NSAID drug tolfenamic acid in mice has been explored. It might be anticipated as a potential naturally derived bioactive constituent in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intrinsically highly stretchable and compressible Zn–air rechargeable battery with good electrochemical performance was fabricated for the first time. It exhibits the merits of 300% intrinsic stretchability and 85% intrinsic compressibility with excellently retained electrochemical performance, a decrease in catalyst cost of 40 times, the fewest number of components and facile fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A 2.4 V high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB was fabricated, and superiors performances were achieved: extremely flat charging/discharging voltage plateaus (1.9/1.8 V), the smallest plateau voltage gap of 0.1 V, high energy density of 120 Wh kg−1, high power density of 3700 W kg−1, and excellent rate capability of 25 C. The battery posed application potential in wearable electronics with extreme safety against tough destructions including hammering, sewing, punching, and soaking.Flexible rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attentions in the energy storage field due to their high safety, environmental friendliness, and outstanding electrochemical performance while the exploration of high-voltage aqueous ZIBs with excellent rate capability is still a great challenge for the further application them in flexible and wearable electronics. Herein, we fabricated a 2.4 V high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB, being among the highest voltage reported in aqueous ZIBs. Moreover, it exhibits extremely flat charging/discharging voltage platforms and the dropout voltage is only 0.1 V, which is the smallest gap in all aqueous batteries to our best knowledge. Furthermore, the prepared ZIB performs high rate capability of 25 C and energy density of 120 Wh kg−1 and exhibits excellent safety under various destructive conditions including hammering, sewing, punching, and soaking. These extraordinary results indicate the great application potential of our high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB in wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐healing is a concept to imitate the healing of biological damage and is considered to be an important property of next‐generation smart materials. With a huge breakthrough of self‐healing materials in recent years, many devices with integrated self‐healing ability are promising due to their intelligence and durability. Among them, self‐healing batteries have attracted ever‐growing interest due to their remarkable electrochemical performance and broad application prospects. In this article, the state‐of‐the‐art progress in self‐healing materials and batteries are summarized. First, this review introduces the main self‐healing mechanisms and corresponding materials. Second, various self‐healing batteries including micro and macro self‐healing, are discussed, about their self‐healing principles, fabrication techniques, and self‐healing performances. Finally, existing challenges and future opportunities are discussed in this thriving field. Self‐healing is a concept to imitate the healing of biological damage and is considered to be an important property of next‐generation smart materials. Healing mechanism, synthesis strategy and efficiency are important features of self‐healing. The development of self‐healing materials and batteries are comprehensively reviewed, and evaluations and prospects are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2000, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) has increased by more than eight‐fold. Experiences throughout the world indicate that the impacts of economic development on vegetation are particularly important. This study analyzed the variations in vegetation coverage in the PRD from 2000 to 2016. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data were employed, whereas climate data, GDP, and population were also used as influencing factors. Topographic factors were introduced to explain the spatial vegetation patterns, and the impacts of human activities on vegetation were explored. The results revealed (a) the overall vegetation coverage in the PRD showed an increasing trend, and the overall average NDVI increased by 0.0033/a. (b) The spatial pattern did not change greatly, but the high and low NDVI values moved to low elevations and shallow topographic slopes where human activities were prevalent. This trend resulted in increased NDVI values in 38% of the area of the PRD (p < 0.01). (c) There was a positive correlation between NDVI and economic growth (GDP, population), with correlation coefficients greater than 0.8 (p < 0.01). NDVI is influenced by climate change and human activities (such as afforestation, resident lifestyles, and economic development policies). This study reveals that with good policies, both rapid economic development and vegetation coverage improvements can be simultaneously achieved in a region. The findings of this study are crucial for the sustainable development of the mega‐urban agglomerations of the PRD and Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Grand Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary record in the Late Palaeoproterozoic‐Neoproterozoic Bayan Obo rift belt can provide critical insight into tectonic evolution of Columbia and the North China Craton. In this study, we present new U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopic analyses from the Bayan Obo Group, the Mesoproterozoic kimberlite, and gabbro to constrain the depositional age and potential provenance information of the Bayan Obo Group. We show that the Dulahala‐Jianshan, Bilute, and Baiyinbaolage formations were deposited at ca. 1.81–1.7 Ga, ca. 1.58–1.35 Ga, and ca. 1.25–1.0 Ga, respectively. Our data suggest the following potential provenance for sediments within the Bayan Obo Group: (a) The Khondalite Belt, Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton to the south were the most potential provenance of the Dulahala and Jianshan formations during the initial deposition of Bayan Obo Group; (b) The Yinshan Block, and crystalline basement complex of the North China Craton, and local intermediate‐acid igneous rocks were the most potential provenance of the Bilute Formation; and (c) the local gabbro and volcanic rocks were the most potential provenance of the Baiyinbaolage Formation. Based on regional geologic constraints and the sedimentary history, we propose that the Northern Marginal Rift System probably represented several distinct rifting events. Furthermore, the Bayan Obo and Huade rift belts were active more recently than 1.0 Ga, which suggests that these rift systems were not only related to the rifting of the Columbia supercontinent. We propose that the Bayan Obo rift belt also records the rifting related to the breakup of Rodinia with the deposition of Qingbaikou System (Tonian) strata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Self‐healing solid‐state aqueous rechargeable NiCo||Zn batteries are inherently safe and have a high energy density and mechanical robustness. However, the self‐healability of solid‐state batteries has only been realized by a few studies in which electron/ion‐inactive self‐healable substrates are utilized. This arises from the lack of self‐healable electrolytes. Now an intrinsically self‐healing battery has been designed that utilizes a new electrolyte that is intrinsically self‐healable. Sodium polyacrylate hydrogel chains are crosslinked by ferric ions to promote dynamic reconstruction of an integral network. These non‐covalent crosslinkers can form ionic bonds to reconnect damaged surfaces when the hydrogel is cut off, providing an ultimate solution to the intrinsic self‐healability problem of batteries. As a result, this NiCo||Zn battery with this hydrogel electrolyte can be autonomically self‐healed with over 87 % of capacity retained after 4 cycles of breaking/healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Self‐healing solid‐state aqueous rechargeable NiCo||Zn batteries are inherently safe and have a high energy density and mechanical robustness. However, the self‐healability of solid‐state batteries has only been realized by a few studies in which electron/ion‐inactive self‐healable substrates are utilized. This arises from the lack of self‐healable electrolytes. Now an intrinsically self‐healing battery has been designed that utilizes a new electrolyte that is intrinsically self‐healable. Sodium polyacrylate hydrogel chains are crosslinked by ferric ions to promote dynamic reconstruction of an integral network. These non‐covalent crosslinkers can form ionic bonds to reconnect damaged surfaces when the hydrogel is cut off, providing an ultimate solution to the intrinsic self‐healability problem of batteries. As a result, this NiCo||Zn battery with this hydrogel electrolyte can be autonomically self‐healed with over 87 % of capacity retained after 4 cycles of breaking/healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rechargeable battery with both flexibility and electrochromism integrated into a single apparatus is a major component for smart flexible electronics. However, suitable electrode materials with electrochromic properties are still being searched for. Here, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, we realize a flexible, electrochromic and rechargeable battery by successfully matching electrochromic polypyrrole (PPy, as cathode) with zinc (Zn, as anode). The fabricated rechargeable Zn//PPy battery delivers a high capacity of 123 mA h gPPy−1. It possesses flexibility and an electrochromic capability of turning from black to yellow when the voltage changes from 1.2 to 0 V. Therefore, the battery exhibits a unique function of a short circuit chromatic warning which turns yellow at 0 V. Our battery, uniquely combined with these multiple smart features, represents solid progress in smart flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An all-in-one configured supercapacitor which is intrinsically compressible and stretchable is fabricated via one-step deposition of electrocapacitive nanocomposites onto two sides of a compressible and stretchable polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel electrolyte. The supercapacitor affords a large degree of compression (up to 60% strain) without affecting the electrochemical performance. The exact same device also sustains stretching up to 150% strain, and meanwhile effectively powers an LED bulb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel alkaline group, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) with four tertiary amine groups and β-hydrogen-absent structure, has been employed as mono-quaternization reagent to prepare HMTA mono-quaternized polysulfone anion exchange membranes (PSF-QuOH AEMs). Analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations, mono-quaternized HMTA shows a superior aggregating ability by strong electrostatic interaction with hydroxide to suppress water swelling even at high IECs. In particular, the PSF-QuOH membrane with a high IEC of 2.23 mmol g−1 exhibits a low swelling ratio of 21% even at 60 °C. The resulting high concentration of cationic groups and the interactions between multiple hydrogen atoms in HMTA and hydroxide/water are helpful to induce the formation of the continuous and efficient hydrogen-bond networks, promoting ionic transport. High hydroxide conductivity of 35 mS cm−1 is achieved at 20 °C. Excellent swelling resistance also benefits the mechanical and chemical stabilities of the PSF-QuOH membranes. A considerable mechanical strength of 17.7 MPa is observed in the fully hydrated membrane. The hydroxide conductivity is stable at around 86% of the initial value after 1 M KOH immersion at 60 °C for 168 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is traditionally called the Xing’an Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB). Ordovician intrusive rocks exposed in the XMOB, from north to south, are the Abaga-East Ujimqin Qi-Duobaoshan belt, the Sonid Zuoqi-West Ujimqin Qi belt, and the Damaoqi-Baimaimiao-Tulinkai belt, respectively. Zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data are presented for the intrusive rocks in East Ujimqin Qi and West Ujimqin Qi, Inner Mongolia. The intrusive rocks from East Ujimqin Qi consist of gabbro, diorite, and granodiorite. LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages range 446 to 461 Ma. Geochemical data suggest that the gabbros and diorites from East Ujimqin are a tholeiitic series, both of arc-related and N-MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) signature, indicating a back-arc basin setting. The granodiorites have a shoshonitic series and arc-related signature. Rare earth element (REE) patterns and trace element characteristics suggest gabbros, diorites, and granodiorites are petrogenetically correlated. These intrusive rocks from East Ujimqin Qi have high light REE, Th, and U concentrations, suggesting the effect of middle–upper continental crustal contamination. Major oxides display positive or negative correlations, with increasing MgO or SiO2,indicating that fractional crystallization occurred during magma evolution. Geochemical data of diorite from West Ujimqin Qi indicate a tholeiitic series, arc-related signature. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 441.8 ± 1.5 Ma. Integrated with the regionally exposed Mid–Late Ordovician plutons and metasedimentary strata, we concluded that the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean (PAO) that occurred beneath the southern margin of the South Mongolian Micro-continent along the Sonid Zuoqi-Xilinhot gave rise to early Palaeozoic igneous rocks from the Abaga–East Ujimqin Qi–Duobaoshan and the Sonid Zuoqi–West Ujimqin Qi belts. Southward subduction beneath the North China Craton generated the Damaoqi–Baimaimiao–Tulinkai belt. The results support the bidirectional subduction model of the PAO in the early Palaeozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (SPPESK) composite membranes are fabricated through electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method with chitosan (CS) and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) to enhance the proton conductivity and stability. The results demonstrate that LbL self-assembly has different effects on the SPPESK membrane substrates with different sulfonation degrees (DSs). It elevates proton conductivity of the SPPESK membrane of lower DS and enhances swelling stability of the SPPESK membrane of higher DS. For instance, at 80°C, proton conductivity of the SPPESK0.74/(CS/PWA)1 membrane (lower DS) increases by 16%-96.49 mS cm−1, and swelling ratio of the SPPESK1.01/(CS/PWA)3 membrane (higher DS) decreases from 58 to 29%. Attribute to the electrostatic interaction and ion cross-linking networks, permeability of the SPPESK0.74/(CS/PWA)3 membrane and the SPPESK1.01/(CS/PWA)5 membrane are reduced by 45 and 30%, respectively. The results indicate that the LbL self-assembly has broadened the available DS range for fuel cell applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 132, 42867. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel integrally thin skinned asymmetric anion exchange membrane (ISAAEM) with sufficiently low ion exchange capacity (IEC) was proposed to improve the chemical stability of AEMs for vanadium flow batteries (VFBs). The ISAAEM with an IEC of 0.72 meq. g−1 showed low area resistance, slight VO2+ crossover and good electrochemical performance in VFBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A 2.4 V high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB was fabricated, and superiors performances were achieved: extremely flat charging/discharging voltage plateaus (1.9/1.8 V), the smallest plateau voltage gap of 0.1 V, high energy density of 120 Wh kg−1, high power density of 3700 W kg−1, and excellent rate capability of 25 C. The battery posed application potential in wearable electronics with extreme safety against tough destructions including hammering, sewing, punching, and soaking. Flexible rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attentions in the energy storage field due to their high safety, environmental friendliness, and outstanding electrochemical performance while the exploration of high-voltage aqueous ZIBs with excellent rate capability is still a great challenge for the further application them in flexible and wearable electronics. Herein, we fabricated a 2.4 V high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB, being among the highest voltage reported in aqueous ZIBs. Moreover, it exhibits extremely flat charging/discharging voltage platforms and the dropout voltage is only 0.1 V, which is the smallest gap in all aqueous batteries to our best knowledge. Furthermore, the prepared ZIB performs high rate capability of 25 C and energy density of 120 Wh kg−1 and exhibits excellent safety under various destructive conditions including hammering, sewing, punching, and soaking. These extraordinary results indicate the great application potential of our high-voltage flexible aqueous ZIB in wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]