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Coriolopsis trogii and Cerrena unicolor were investigated for laccase production in submerged fermentation with different nutrient medium containing metal ions and lignocellulosic materials. The maximum laccase activity of C. trogii Han751 was 8584.44 ± 98.45 U/L and was obtained from nutrient medium 7. However, the maximum laccase activity of C. unicolor Han 849 was 16144.26 ± 635.30 U/L from nutrient medium 9. Thus, the capacity of secreting laccase of C. unicolor Han 849 was superior to that of C. trogii Han751. Different fungal species have different medium components suitable for laccase production. The content of CuSO4·5H2O and MnSO4 in nutrient medium with the concentration of 0.25 g/L and 0.151 g/L, respectively, was more beneficial to C. trogii Han751 secreting laccase. However, the vital components of nutrient medium that contribute to the laccase activity of C. unicolor Han 849 were corncob, glucose, and CuSO4·5H2O, with the corresponding concentrations of 1 g/flask, 5 g/L, and 0.25 g/L, respectively. The results will contribute to the development of new methods to produce low-cost laccase.

Laccase activity secreted by Pleurotus eryngii Han 1787 and Lentinus edodes Han 1788 grown on six types of agroindustrial wastes was investigated. Maximum laccase activity of P. eryngii Han 1787 on Ulmus pumila, Juniperus formosana, Pinus tabuliformis, cottonseed shell, corncob, and leaf of corncob was nearly 5.77-fold, 2.37-fold, 2.78-fold, 2.81-fold, 11.53-fold, and 6.73-fold higher than that of L. edodes Han1788 on corresponding agroindustrial wastes. In general, the capacity of secreting laccase of P. eryngii Han 1787 was superior to that of L. edodes Han 1788. Furthermore, laccase activity of P. eryngii Han 1787 on the leaf of corncob, the corncob, Ulmus pumila, and Juniperus formosana was relatively stable during the whole fermentation process. Different fungi showed different preferences in different agroindustrial wastes to secret laccase on whole fermentation stage. The presence of leaf of corncob was useful for improving laccase activity of P. eryngii Han 1787, while L. edodes Han 1788 was more preferred to produce laccase along with the presence of Juniperus formosana. These results were preliminary conducive in laying the foundation for increasing industrial laccase-producing strains and producing low-cost laccase.

Objective To investigate the associations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic variants with SLE susceptibility, glucocorticoid (GC) efficacy and prognosis. Methods Our study was done in two stages. First, we performed whole mitochondrial genome sequencing in 100 patients and 100 controls to initially screen potential mtDNA variants associated with disease and GC efficacy. Then, we validated the results in an independent set of samples. In total, 605 SLE patients and 604 normal controls were included in our two-stage study. A two-stage efficacy study was conducted in 512 patients treated with GCs for 12 weeks. We also explored the association between mtDNA variants and SLE prognosis. Results In the combined sample, four mtDNA variants (A4833G, T5108C, G14569A, CA514-515-) were associated with SLE susceptibility (all PBH Conclusion We identified novel mtDNA genetic variants that were associated with SLE susceptibility, GC efficacy, and prognosis. Interactions between mtDNA variants and environmental factors were related to SLE risk and GC efficacy. Our findings provide important information for future understanding of the occurrence and development of SLE.

Objective Our present study intended to examine the associations of RPEL1 and miR-1307 gene polymorphisms (rs4917385 and rs7911488) with susceptibility, glucocorticoids (GCs) efficacy, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Initially, 1000 participants (500 SLE cases and 500 controls) were recruited for the case–control study. Then, 429 cases who received GCs were followed through 12 weeks to explore GCs efficacy, depression, anxiety, and HRQoL. We selected the iMLDR technique for genotyping: RPEL1: rs4917385 (G/T) and miR-1307: rs7911488 (A/G). Results The minor G allele of rs7911488 reduced the risk of SLE ( p = .024). Four haplotypes consisting of rs4917385 and rs7911488 were associated with SLE susceptibility ( p < .025). Both rs4917385 and rs7911488 were associated with anxiety symptoms and physical function (PF) in SLE patients ( p < .025). The rs4917385 was associated with depression and its improvement. No statistical significance was found between RPEL1 and miR-1307 gene polymorphisms with GCs efficacy. Meanwhile, additive interaction analysis showed a significant association between RPEL1 and miR-1307 gene polymorphisms with tea consumption in anxiety. Conclusion RPEL1 and miR-1307 gene polymorphisms (rs4917385 and rs7911488) might be related to SLE susceptibility in Chinese population. Additionally, the two polymorphisms were possibly associated with depression, anxiety, and HRQoL in Chinese SLE population.

Background and Aims This updated meta-analysis aimed to further quantify the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thus providing updated and more reliable estimates. Methods and Results We identified relevant articles by searching electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese Biological Medical Literature (CBM) published up to March 20, 2021. The pooled effect estimates and their 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were calculated using the random-effect model or the fixed-effect model. A total of 26 eligible studies were included. We found that PCOS was significantly associated with endometrial cancer (odds ratios [ OR]: 3.66, 95% CI: 2.05–6.54, P Conclusion These results indicated that PCOS is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer independent of BMI, but not for breast cancer. PCOS may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in younger women.

Background The undergraduate program of psychiatry has been widely established in recent years to improve the education and recruitment of psychiatrists in China. We aim to investigate the career choice of medical students majoring in psychiatry in China and the influential factors. Method This multicenter study was conducted in 26 medical schools in China from May to October of 2019. Participants included 4610 medical students majoring in psychiatry and 3857 medical students majoring in clinical medicine. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the influential factors of students’ choices of psychiatry at matriculation and as a career. Results 44.08% of psychiatry majored students gave psychiatry as a first choice at matriculation, and 56.67% of them would choose psychiatry as a career, which was in sharp contrast to the proportion of clinical medicine majored students who would choose psychiatry as a career (0.69%). Personal interest (59.61%), suggestions from family members (27.96%), and experiencing mental problems (23.19%) were main reasons for choosing psychiatry major at matriculation. Personal interest (odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87–2.40), experiencing a psychiatry clerkship (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.28–3.08), being female (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.30–1.68), experiencing mental problems (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.28–1.56), and suggestions from family members (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.08–1.46) correlated positively with students’ choice of psychiatry as career. Students who lacked psychiatry knowledge (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.29–0.85) or chose psychiatry because of lower admission scores (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.63–0.97) were less likely to choose psychiatry as a career. Conclusion More than half of psychiatry majored medical school students planned to choose psychiatry as their career, whereas very few students in the clinic medicine major would make this choice. Increasing students’ interest in psychiatry, strengthening psychiatry clerkships, and popularizing psychiatric knowledge are modifiable factors to increase the psychiatry career intention. The extent to which medical students’ attitudes toward psychiatry can be changed through medical school education and greater exposure to psychiatry will need further investigation.

This study aimed to explore the role of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in the risk, glucocorticoid (GC) effectiveness, and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its interactions with environmental factors and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) genetic polymorphisms. We first conducted a case-control study of 1198 subjects (595 SLE patients and 603 healthy controls). Subsequently, we followed up with patients to assess the effectiveness of GC treatment and the prognosis of SLE. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify mtDNAcn. Associations were estimated using logistic regression, and prognosis analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. Interactions on multiplicative and additive scales were also evaluated. Individuals with low mtDNAcn had an increased risk of SLE (P lt; 0.001). Low mtDNAcn was associated with poor GC effectiveness in patients with spicy food consumption or with arthritis (P lt; 0.05). mtDNAcn was significantly related to the prognosis of SLE in the drinking subgroup (P = 0.018). Furthermore, we found significant interactions between mtDNAcn and environmental factors/TRAP1 genetic polymorphisms on the risk, GC effectiveness, and prognosis of SLE. Our data suggest that low mtDNAcn is associated with an increased risk of SLE. Alteration of mtDNAcn may be associated with GC effectiveness and prognosis in certain subgroups of SLE. The interactions between mtDNAcn, environmental factors, and TRAP1 gene polymorphisms may jointly affect the risk, GC effectiveness, and prognosis of SLE.

Neutrophil elastase (NE) plays a pivotal role in inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying NE-mediated inflammation in obesity remains unclear. Here, we report that NE activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), stimulates actin filament (F-actin) formation, decreases intercellular junction molecule VE-cadherin expression, and increases the permeability of human arterial endothelial cells (hECs). NE also prompts degradation of VE-cadherin and its binding proteins p120- and β-catenins via MG132-sensitive proteasomes. NE stimulates phosphorylation of myosin light-chain (MLC) and its regulator myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT1), a target of Rho kinase (ROCK). Inhibitors of PAR2 and ROCK prohibit NE-induced F-actin formation, MLC phosphorylation, and VE-cadherin reduction in hECs, and impede monocyte transmigration through hEC monolayer pretreated with either neutrophils or NE. Further, administration of an NE inhibitor GW311616A significantly attenuates vascular leakage, leukocyte infiltration, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the white adipose tissue from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Likewise, NE-deficient mice are resistant to HFD-induced vascular leakage in the heart. Together, NE regulates actomyosin cytoskeleton activity and VE-cadherin expression by activating PAR2 signaling in the endothelial cells, leading to increased vascular permeability and leukocyte extravasation. Hence, inhibition of NE is a potential approach to mitigate vascular injury and leukocyte infiltration in obesity-related systemic inflammation.

Introduction Plant resources gathered from the wild are important sources of livelihood needs, especially for low-income populations living in remote areas, who rely on these plants for food, fuelwood, medicine and building materials. Yadong County is a valley at the border between the China, India and Bhutan in southern Tibet. Yadong is rich in biodiversity and culture, but ethnobotanical knowledge has not been systematically studied. This study aimed to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of Tibetans in Yadong County. Methods Ethnobotanical data were documented through free listings, key informant interviews, and semi-structured interviews during fieldwork. The culture importance index (CI) and informant consensus factor index (FIC) were used as the quantitative indices. Results In total, 163 informants (46 women and 117 men). A total of 3,031 use reports and 121 plant species belonging to 52 families and 91 genera were included. These use reports were then classified into 20 categories belonging to 9 major categories. The utilisation category that containing the most plant species was food, followed by economic, medicine, animal feed, social uses, other uses, environmental uses, materials and fuels. Among the economic plants, 32 medicinal plants are traditionally used in the local region. Plants with high CI included Fritillaria cirrhosa, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Betula utilis, Rheum nobile, and Urtica hyperborean. Conclusion This research demonstrates the diversity of the types and functions of Yadong Tibetan traditional plant knowledge. Knowledge of edible and medicinal plants in this area is prominent, reflecting the ability to cope with the lack of fruits and vegetables and basic family medical care. There were exchanges between the traditional plant culture in the study area and its surroundings. With socioeconomic development, the commercial value of medicinal plants has increased, and locals are also seeking ways to adoptsustainable development to cope with the excessive consumption of plant resources.

Background The wooden bowl is an important symbol of the Tibetan cultures, yet, in China, little has been documented regarding the raw materials used to make these items as well as their cultural significance in Tibet. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of plants used to make wooden bowls to understand their sustainability, cultural significance, and current status of related traditional knowledge in Gyirong Town, which is one of the most famous places for wooden bowl making. Materials and methods Between 2019 and 2021, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations were used to conduct ethnobotanical field surveys in Gyirong Valley. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. In this study, we utilized a use-report (UR) to reflect the number of mentions of a species by locals. Results Our results show that 16 different plants are used during the wooden bowl making process, of which nine are used as raw materials, three for dyeing, and four for varnishing. Although communities rely heavily on these plants, good management and collection methods were observed. We also documented the use of Fallopia denticulata as a red dye and four species of Impatiens as wood varnishes for the first time. Conclusion The wooden bowl craftsmen and their housewives have a wealth of traditional knowledge of using plants to make wooden bowls in Gyirong Town. And the wooden bowls are now also offering benefits to the locals as well. The government and local people are committed to the protection and development of traditional knowledge related to wooden bowls, and this knowledge maintains a healthy degree of vitality. This research can provide insights into the vitality of traditional handicrafts that are facing challenges and promote their protection.

Graphene oxide-ZnS (GOZS) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by solvothermal method. The microstructure, morphology and nonlinear optical properties of the obtained GOZS nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, Mapping, UV–vis and open aperture Z-scan test. The results show that ZnS particles with a diameter of about 20 nm are evenly distributed on the GO surface. And GOZS exhibited enhanced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting (OL) action under ultrafast (1030 nm, 340 fs) excitation. The theoretical nonlinear coefficients of GO, ZnS, GOZS(4:5), GOZS(2:5) and GOZS(1:5) at 20.8 GW/cm2 are calculated as 27.6 cm/GW, 25.4 cm/GW, 554.9 cm/GW, 193.3 cm/GW and 117.1 cm/GW, respectively. The nonlinear performance of GOZS is 5–22 times higher than that of pure GO and ZnS, making it a potential optical limiting material. These results may be useful to design GOZS composites with better OL properties.

Background: The wooden bowl is an important symbol of the Tibetan cultures, yet, in China, little has been documented regarding the raw materials used to make these items as well as their cultural significance in Tibet. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of plants used to make wooden bowls to understand their sustainability, cultural significance, and current status of related traditional knowledge in Gyirong Town, which is one of the most famous places for wooden bowl making.Materials and methods: Between 2019 and 2021, key informant interviews, semi-stuctured interviews, and participatory observations were used to conduct ethnobotanical field surveys in Gyirong Valley. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. In this study, we utilised a use-report (UR) and relative frequency citation (RFC) to evaluate the value and importance of the species used to make the wooden bowls..Results: Our results show that 16 different plants are used during the wooden bowl making process, of which nine are used as raw materials, three for dyeing, and four for varnishing. Although communities rely heavily on these plants, good management and collection methods were observed. We also recorded the use of Fallopia denticulata as a red dye and four species of Impatiens as wood lacquers for the first time.Conclusion: We found no significant difference in the knowledge of the traditional use of plants among people of different ages and genders in Gyirong; traditional knowledge is widespread among family members and among different villages. The government and local people are committed to the protection and development of traditional knowledge related to wooden bowls, and this knowledge maintains a healthy degree of vitality. This research can provide insights into the vitality of traditional handicrafts that are facing challenges and promote their protection.

Background Folk plant nomenclature is a part of knowledge of indigenous people often used to distinguish plant species. This study aimed to document the folk botanical nomenclature of the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, which has not been systematically investigated to date. The results of this study will assist in conserving biodiversity and the language of the Yi people and will promote the transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. Methods An ethnobotanical survey of plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, was conducted from September 2019 to August 2021. Semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews were conducted to collect and document ethnobotanical information, which was then used to analyse the folk botanical nomenclature of the Yi people. In addition, the folk names of plants used by the Xiaoliangshan Yi community were compared with those of the Yi people living in the Daliangshan, where the environment is considerably different. Results In this study, 266 informants were interviewed, and the names of 228 indigenous plants were extracted from 3088 use reports. The nomenclature used by the local Yi people is based on plant characteristics, plant habitat, plant use, and the local culture. By comparing the folk plant names of the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan with those of the Yi people in Daliangshan, we found that the plant names of the two places have some similarities and also with their own unique characters. The important folk plant names of the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan usually have a monosyllable non-binomial structure or have "Image missing" and "divine attributes" in their names. Conclusions The Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich and diverse knowledge of plant naming determined by cultural, and environmental factors. The botanical nomenclature of the Yi people has distinct rules and characteristics, and the plant naming directly includes important plants that they believe to be used and protected, which is of great significance to the protection of biodiversity.

Background. Interest in the study of the optical and electrophysical properties of nanotubes is due to their properties such as the band gap depending on the symmetry of the nanotube structure and good electrical conductivity, which makes them promising materials for nanoelectronics. The most of the available methods for creating such structures involve the production of nanotubes in the form of whole arrays with a significant dispersion of their characteristic sizes. Therefore, the most important task is to study the effect of size dispersion on the optical properties of a nanotube beam. The purpose of this work is to study theoretically the influence of the dispersion of spiral nanotubes’ radius on the macroscopic quantum effects arising from the anisotropic transfer of the photon momentum to the electronic subsystem. Materials and methods. A cylindrical nanotube with infinitely thin walls was considered as a model. The spiral symmetry of the nanotube was described by means of an extended spiral perturbation modeled by the δ-potential. The calculation of the photon fascination EMFand the EMF arising due to the heating of the electron system by the Joule heat was performed in the quadrupole approximation taking into account the dispersion of the radii of the nanotubes. Results. A theoretical study of the dispersion influence of the spiral nanotubes’ characteristic dimensions on macroscopic quantum effects in a longitudinal magnetic field is carried out. An analytical formula is obtained for the photon fascination EMF in a standing electromagnetic wave taking into account the dispersion of characteristic dimensions in an array of spiral nanotubes. An analytical formula is obtained for the EMF arising due to the heating of the electron system by the Joule heat of the photon fascination current of electrons flowing through the nanotube in a longitudinal magnetic field, taking into account the dispersion of the characteristic dimensions of spiral nanotubes in the array. The dispersion influence of the characteristic dimensions of spiral nanotubes in an array on macroscopic quantum effects is investigated. Conclusions. It is shown that in real arrays of nanotubes, where the dispersion of their radius plays a significant role, the effect of suppression of the macroscopic quantum effect associated with the EMF of the photon drag of electrons in a standing electromagnetic wave is possible. It is shown that with an increase in the root-mean-square deviation, the EMF associated with the heating of the electron system by the Joule heat of the photon drag current flowing through the nanotube is suppressed, which is caused by a significant spread in the characteristic radius of spiral nanotubes.

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by multi‐system injuries and overproduction of autoantibodies. There are many genetic studies on SLE, but no report has considered the relationship between cytoplasmic dynein and SLE susceptibility. Objectives Our study intends to investigate whether DYNC1H1 gene SNP/CNV is related to SLE susceptibility, GCs efficacy, HRQOL, anxiety, and depression in Chinese SLE patients. Methods A total of 502 cases and 544 healthy controls were recruited into the case‐control study, and 472 subjects from the case group were followed up for 12 weeks to evaluate GCs efficacy, HRQOL, anxiety, and depression. Multiplex SNaPshot technique was applied to genotype the seven SNPs of DYNC1H1, and AccuCopyTM method was conducted to quantify the copy number of DYNC1H1. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using HAMA and HAMD‐24 scales, respectively. The SF‐36 scale was used to assess HRQOL. Results The significant association between SNP rs1190606 and SLE susceptibility was displayed in the dominant model (PBH = 0.004) as well as its allele model (PBH = 0.004). We also found that SNP rs2273440 was related to photosensitization symptom in SLE patients (PBH = 0.032). In the follow‐up study, SNP rs11160668 was connected with the improvement of BP in male patients (PBH = 0.011). However, no association of DYNC1H1 gene with GCs efficacy, anxiety, and depression was found. No CNV in DYNC1H1 was detected. Conclusions The study suggests that DYNC1H1 gene polymorphisms may have an effect on SLE susceptibility and BP improvement of HRQOL in Chinese SLE patients., In allele analysis, the frequency of allele G of rs1190606 in SLE patients was significantly higher than that in controls (39.14% vs 31.89%; P = 5.30×10‐4, PBH = 0.004). In genetic polymorphism analysis, rs1190606 was associated with the susceptibility of SLE (dominant model: Padj = 5.75×10‐4, PBH = 0.004).

Graphene-structure GeSe2 nano-films (NFMs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition. The synthesized GeSe2 NFMs were characterized by using various techniques such as SEM and XRD. Our work provi...

This study presents the deep removal of copper (II) from the simulated cobalt electrolyte using fabricated polystyrene-supported 2-aminomethylpyridine chelating resin (PS-AMP) in a fixed-bed. The effects of bed height (7.0–14.0 cm), feed flow rate (4.5–9.0 mL/min), initial copper (II) concentration of the feed (250–1000 mg/L), feed temperature (25–40 °C) and the value of pH (2.0–4.0) on the adsorption process of the PS-AMP resin were investigated. The experimental data showed that the PS-AMP resin can deeply eliminate copper (II) from the simulated cobalt electrolyte. The bed height, feed flow rate, initial copper (II) concentration of the feed, feed temperature and feed pH value which corresponded to the highest removal of copper (II) were 7.0 cm with 35 mm of the column diameter, 4.5 mL/min, 40 °C, 1000 mg/L and 4.0, respectively. The breakthrough capacity, the saturated capacity of the column and the mass ratio of Cu/Co (g/g) in the saturated resin were correspondingly 16.51 mg/g dry resin, 61.72 mg/g dry resin and 37.67 under the optimal experimental conditions. The copper (II) breakthrough curves were fitted by the empirical models of Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adam-Bohart, respectively. The Thomas model was found to be the most suitable one for predicting how the concentration of copper (II) in the effluent changes with the adsorption time.

Graphene-CuO nanocomposites were synthesized by the solvothermal method, and graphene (G) were prepared for comparison. The morphologies and structures of samples were investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were tested by the Z-scan technology with 1030 nm laser pulses (340 fs, 1000 Hz). The analyse demonstrates that the NLO properties of the graphene-CuO nanocomposites are significantly enhanced compared with graphene, the doping of CuO increases the time of the electron transfer and the photon transition, suppress the recombination between electrons and holes, and prolong the working time of the free carrier, ultimately enhance the nonlinear optical properties of nanocomposites. The results provide a facile approach of doping CuO in graphene to obtain nanocomposites with excellent NLO properties, and the nanocomposites exhibited potential applications in optical devices such as optical switch and optical sensors, etc.

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of two new Ag(I) and Cu(I)-based coordination polymers (CPs) with the chemical formulas of [Ag(bipp)(ClO4)]n (1, bipp = bis(4-pyridyl) propane) and [Cu2(bib)(CN)](NO3)(H2O)2 (2, bib = 4,4′-bisimidazolylbiphenyl). The molecular structures of the as-prepared CPs were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and their phase purities have been confirmed via the power X-day diffraction analysis. The crystal structure analysis reveals that the both CPs reveal 1D chain-like structures and their frameworks are stabilized via the π–π interactions and H-bonding interactions. Furthermore, the size of the two CPs could be easily downsized into the nanometer via a simple reflux treatment. In connection to these, the as-prepared two nanostructural CPs were tested for their in vitro anticancer activities against three human brain tumor cell lines (SF17, SF767 and F126) via the MTT assay.

Since the successful test of the first buried hill well in 2013, five major buried hill structural belts have obtained the oil and gas discovery. Well drilling and sidewall coring analysis on the rocks of buried hill zone indicate that 2 categories, 14 sub-categories and 30 types of rock types could be divided in Bongor Basin, Chad. So how to identify the Basement lithology is the most critical and primary problem in this area. Based on lithological qualitative identification, core scale logging method is applied in order to establish lithological quantitative classification standard of conventional well logging for Bongor buried hill. By using the dominant lithology identification technology, combined with oil testing and imaging logging, the coincidence rate of Basement logging interpretation is improved.

Analogues of vertebrate natriuretic peptides (NPs) present in plants, termed plant natriuretic peptides (PNPs), comprise a novel class of hormones that systemically affect salt and water balance and responses to plant pathogens. Several lines of evidence indicate that Arabidopsis thaliana PNP (AtPNP-A) affects cellular redox homeostasis, which is also typical for the signaling of its vertebrate analogues, but the molecular mechanism(s) of this effect remains elusive. Here we report identification of catalase 2 (CAT2), an antioxidant enzyme, as an interactor of AtPNP-A. The full-length AtPNP-A recombinant protein and the biologically active fragment of AtPNP-A bind specifically to CAT2 in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses, while a biologically inactive scrambled peptide does not. In vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) showed that CAT2 interacts with AtPNP-A in chloroplasts. Furthermore, CAT2 activity is lower in homozygous atpnp-a knockdown compared with wild type plants, and atpnp-a knockdown plants phenocopy CAT2-deficient plants in their sensitivity to elevated H2O2, which is consistent with a direct modulatory effect of the PNP on the activity of CAT2 and hence H2O2 homeostasis. Our work underlines the critical role of AtPNP-A in modulating the activity of CAT2 and highlights a mechanism of fine-tuning plant responses to adverse conditions by PNPs.

In response to the irreversible aging trend, the Taiwan government has promoted the Long-Term Care (LTC) policy 1.0 launched in 2007 and the LTC policy 2.0 reform since 2016. This study aimed to explore the utilization of formal home and community-based care under LTC policy 1.0 to add scientific support for the on-going LTC policy 2.0 reform. Methods: By using Andersen and Aday&rsquo, s behavioral model of healthcare utilization, the long-term care dataset was analyzed from 2013 to 2016. A total of 101,457 care recipients were identified after data cleaning. Results: The results revealed that about 40.7% of the care recipients stayed in the care system for more than two years. A common factor influencing the length of home and community-based services (HCBS) utilization period included need factors, where more dependent recipients leave the LTC system regardless of their socio-economic status. However, the utilization period of non-low-income households is significantly affected by the level of service resources. Conclusion: For long-term care needs, the phenomenon of a short utilization period was concerning. This study adds information which suggests policy should reconsider care capacity and quality, especially for moderate to severely dependent recipients. This will allow for better understanding to help maintain care recipients in their own communities to achieve the goal of having an aging in place policy.

Basement exploration was long ignored due to its poor reservoir properties in basins of Central African Rift System (CARS). As one of Meso-Cenozoic rift basins in CARS, Bongor basin experienced intensive structural inversion during the Santonian Squeeze Event, which resulted in its unique structural features and improved reservoir properties of basement favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation. During the initial rifting stage, high-quality lacustrine shale in M and P Fm. were deposited in several deep half-grabens in Bongor basin. The P and M Fm. shale are characterized by good kerogen type, high TOC and huge thickness, which act as the main source rocks in the basin. The basement is mainly composed of pre-Cambrian granite, granite gneiss and granodiorite, which experienced long-period of weathering and was strongly fractured during Santonian Squeeze Event. Buried hills can be classified based on their location, vertical relief and overlying strata. The widespread and thick M Fm. shale covers most of basement uplifts between small half-grabens, acting as excellent caps rock. Hydrocarbon accumulation conditions show that the early buried hills located by the hydrocarbon enriched depressions are the most favorable targets. Based on this understanding, the recommended prospect LE-2 succeeded and became the first basement discovery in Bongor basin. The following four large buried hill discoveries represented by the BC-1 further strengthened this understanding. The breakthrough does not only reveal a good hydrocarbon potential in Bongor basin, but also provides an important reference for basement exploration in other basins of CARS.

Bongor basin of Chad is a Mesozoic rift basin of Central African Shear Zone (CASZ). The straitigraphies include the pre-Cambrian basement, the lower Cretaceous (P/M/K/R/B Fm.) and a few Cenozoic straitigraphies. The lower assemblage composed by P Fm. and M Fm. is one of the main exploratory straitigraphy in the basin. During the lower assemblage deposition Bongor basin was in initial stage and experienced intensive faulting. Accordingly, in P Fm. Bongor basin was composed of many individual sub-sags. It was not until M Fm. these sub-sags had a monolithic lake level. Among these sub-sags, BN sub-sag has the biggest resource potential.

With the purpose of identifying novel selective κ opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists as potential antidepressants from nepenthone analogues, starting from N -nor- N -cyclopropylmethyl-nepenthone (SLL-020ACP), a highly selective and potent KOR agonist, a series of 7 β -methyl-nepenthone analogues was conceived, synthesized and assayed on opioid receptors based on the concept of hybridization. According to the pharmacological results, the functional reversal observed in orvinol analogues by introduction of 7 β -methyl substituent could not be reproduced in nepenthone analogues. Alternatively, introduction of 7 β -methyl substituent was associated with substantial loss of both subtype selectivity and potency but not efficacy for nepenthone analogues, which was not found in 7 β -methyl orvinol analogues. Surprisingly, SLL-603, a 7 β -methyl analogue of SLL-020ACP, was identified to be a KOR full agonist. The possible molecular mechanism for the heterogeneity in activity cliff was also investigated. In conclusion, 7 β -methyl substituent was a structural locus associated with activity cliff and demonstrated as a pharmacological heterogeneity between nepenthone and orvinol analogues that warrants further investigations.

The third-order optical nonlinearities of Ag2Se nanocrystals were investigated by using Z-scan techniques. Large optical susceptibility χ(3) with the imaginary and real parts of 5.0 × 10−11 esu and −(3.0 ± 0.2) × 10−9 esu has been obtained under 1 mW laser excitation, which is believed to originate from the intrinsic nonlinearity of Ag2Se nanocrystals. When 150 mW excitation power was applied, multiple diffraction rings were observed. The kinetic imaging results demonstrate that the rings originate from the self-phase modulations caused by the intrinsic nonlinearity and the thermal effect.

A facile one-pot strategy was developed to prepare ultrastable monodispersed Ag nanoclusters (NCs) in aqueous solution by using ISOBAM-104, as a stabilizing agent. The as-prepared Ag NCs with an average size of 1.3 nm, which can be preserved in water solution for more than one year under ambient conditions without obvious agglomeration, exhibited excellent antibacterial activities for E. coli (DH5α), compared to most of the previously reported results.

High crystallinity and few layers of carbon nitride (g-C3N4) can increase carrier migration rate and photocatalytic activity sites, which is beneficial to enhance the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride. Herein, we synthesized high-crystalline g-C3N4 nanosheets with a facile method of closed self-assembly strategy without adding any template and other auxiliary materials. XRD and HRTEM exhibited that high-crystalline g-C3N4 was synthesized, the average thickness and specific surface area of the high-crystalline g-C3N4 nanosheets were 4.8 nm and 95.10 m2g−1, respectively. Due to the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and low charge-transfer resistance, high-crystalline g-C3N4 nanosheets demonstrated much better photocatalytic activity (8116 μmol h−1 g−1) than that of bulk g-C3N4, exhibiting 6-folds of enhancement on hydrogen evolution. Beneficial from its good photocatalytic activity and convenient fabrication method, it is anticipated that high-crystalline g-C3N4 nanosheets will find more applications in the renewable energy fields.

Graphene has excellent thirdorder nonlinear optical (NLO) properties due to its unique electronic band structure and wideband gap tunability. This paper focuses on the research progress of graphene and its composite materials in nonlinear optics in recent years. In this review, recent results on graphene (or graphene oxide)–metal nanoparticles (G-MNPs), graphene–metal–oxide nanoparticles (G-MONPs), graphene–metal sulfide nanoparticles (G-MSNPs), and graphene–organic molecular composites (G-OM) have been discussed. In addition, the enhancement mechanism of nonlinear absorption (NLA) and optical limiting (OL) have also been covered.

Supported and colloidal single-atom catalysts (SACs), which possess excellent catalytic properties, are particularly important in both fundamental studies and practical applications. The progress made in the preparation methods, characterization, catalytic performances and mechanisms of SACs anchored to metal oxides, two-dimensional materials and the surface of metal nanoclusters (NCs) are reviewed. The different techniques for SAC fabrication, including conventional solution methods based on co-precipitation, incipient wetness co-impregnation, and the chemical vapor deposition method, as well as the newer atom layer deposition (ALD) and galvanic replacement methods, are summarized. The main results from experimental and theoretical studies of various catalytic reactions over SACs, including oxidation reactions, hydrogenation, water gas shift, photocatalytic H2 evolution and electrochemical reactions, are also discussed. Moreover, the electronic properties of the single atoms and their interactions with the supports are described to assist in understanding the origin of the high catalytic activity and selectivity of SACs. Finally, possible future research directions of SACs and their applications are proposed.

The poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-protected AgRh nanoparticles (NPs) with various solution concentration (0.66, 1.32, 1.98 mM/L) were prepared by a simple route based on dropwise addition of KBH4 (Reducing agent). Their morphology analysis and structures were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Femtosecond laser pulse-based single-beam Z-scan technology was employed to investigate the third-order nonlinear optical response of AgRh BNPs aqueous dispersions for the first time. As-prepared alloy-structured AgRh BNPs showed a higher third-order nonlinear optical response than Ag nanoparticles. The results indicate that the sign of nonlinear refractive index of AgRh nanoparticles is negative. The third-order nonlinear optical response of different solution concentration samples can be ascribed to the electromagnetic coupling in the near field. The fabrication of such bimetallic nanopa...

Primary rotating flow (PRF) and secondary rotating stream (SRS) are two basic rotating flow patterns. We compared their mixing performances via the iodine transfer process from CCl4 to water. When the mixing power consumptions of the SRS mixer and PRF blender were approximated, the maximum value of KαSRS exceeded 71.7 s−1. K α ‾ SRS was higher than K α ‾ PRF 3 orders of magnitude, but the total energy consumption of the SRS mixer was lower than that of the PRF blender 2 orders of magnitude. It was also found that K α ‾ SRS increased sharply with the decrease of τ, which is consistent with the typical characteristics of Higee technology. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to simulate the pressure and flow field distributions of SRS. Based on the analysis of the velocity distribution mappings, it is concluded that SRS spontaneously generates intensive convection and vigorous shear stress under the reversing high-gravity field. The curve of KαSRS versus semi-circle channels is composed of a peak line and a wave line. In theory, we systematically illustrated the reasons for the high efficiency of SRS from four perspectives: time mixing, thermodynamics, momentum and mass transfers, opposite energy flows. Having many advantages and potentials, SRS will be widely explored and applied in chemical engineering field.

This study aimed to analyze how restorative care is implemented in long-term care facilities and factors associated with resident outcomes in Taiwan. A one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted in 24 long-term care facilities by collecting a sample of 310 participants at the baseline and 210 at six months. Participants were residents aged 65 or over, and were being constrained, used diapers, or were bedridden, or a combination of these. Their physical and mental functions were measured using Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Mean differences in the outcomes were analyzed, and mixed effect models were used to examine influencing factors. The results showed that most of the participants had good family support. However, participants with better family support were more likely to drop out. Improvements were found in the residents&rsquo, outcomes on physical function, depression and quality of life. Social support was a significant influencing factor on most of the outcomes. In conclusion, restorative care was found to have positive effects on residents&rsquo, physical function and helped maintain mental function. Sufficient support and communication between participants, families, and staff in facilities are key factors leading to positive outcomes.

To design an oral health self-efficacy scale for patients with dental implants and to evaluate their reliability and validity.Based on literature review, we designed and developed a self-efficacy energy table that met the characteristics of implant patients. The scale consisted of 16 items which were divided into 3 dimensions, including self-efficacy of dental implant surgery, self-efficacy of postoperative supportive care, and self-efficacy of oral hygiene habits. The reliability and validity of the scale were evaluated by factor analysis in 102 outpatients with dental implants using SPSS 13.3 software package.A total of 4 common factors were extracted from the scale, and the cumulative contribution rate was 75.35%. The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.910, and the retest correlation coefficient was 0.882, which belonged to high-signal scale.The oral health self-efficacy energy scale for implant patients with independent design has high reliability and validity. It can provide targeted guidance for oral health education for implant patients and improve the success rate of implant surgery.

Carotenoids have good biological activity in antioxidant, anti-aging and scavenging harmful free radicals. In this study, we screened a strain that produced carotenoids, and selected a stress condition which significantly improved carotenoids content. The strain was identified as

The excellent conductive surface electronic states of topological insulators make them suitable candidates for the next generation optoelectronic devices. Moreover, their unique semiconducting properties are favorable for building heterojunctions with other semiconductors. Here, we fabricated a low cost and broadband self-powered photodetector based on Sb

A series of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was prepared in situ with different cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) in an alkaline aqueous solution. The nanoparticle sizes can be well controlled by CB[n]s (n = 5, 6, 7, 8) with different ring sizes. The packing densities of CB[5&ndash, 8] and free surface area on AuNPs were determined. A direct relationship was found between the ring size and packing density of CB[n]s with respect to the AuNP-catalyzed reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4. The larger particle size and higher surface coverage of bigger CB[n]-capped AuNPs significantly decreased the catalytic activity. Furthermore, this work could lead to new applications that utilize AuNPs under an overlayer of CB[n]s for catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery.

We successfully obtained the Mo2N nano-films after the high-temperature nitriding of the Mo films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. Currently, this is the first report that Mo2N nano-films were obtained by direct nitriding with Mo films. The prepared Mo2N films were characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS. Besides the influence of different power and deposition time on the crystal structure of the Mo2N nano-films were analyzed. Compared with other preparation methods, this method formed a Mo2N nano-film with a strict stoichiometric ratio of Mo:N = 2:1, no non-stoichiometric or N-rich Mo2N films have been formed during the nitridation process. The Mo2N nano-films exhibited a superconducting effect at 3.8 K.

This analysis of clinical data from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites was conducted to guide further clinical work.From June 2008 to June 2019, 15 SLE patients (14 females and 1 male) with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites were hospitalized at the Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Sixty SLE patients without chylothorax and chylous ascites were randomly selected as controls. Patients', clinical data was investigated.The mean age of onset of chylothorax and/or chylous ascites in patients with SLE was 35.7 ± 3.7 years (range, 15-69 years). The mean disease duration of chylothorax and/or chylous ascites in patients with SLE was 13.7 ± 3.4 months (range, 1-48 months). Patients with chylothorax and/or chylous ascites were always diagnosed at later stages of SLE compared with the controls. Among cases, glomerulonephritis and hematologic system involvement were the most common complications. Anti-Sjogren's syndrome antigen A antibody was positive in 7 cases (46.7%). Among cases, direct lymphangiography was performed in 13 patients, indicating thoracic duct outlet obstruction or a poor backflow at the terminal of the thoracic duct. Subsequently, 13 patients were treated with corticosteroids, combined with immunosuppressants in 11 patients and thoracic duct surgery in 6 patients. Eleven patients were followed up for 0.5 to 7.0 years. One patient died of infection. Eight patients (53.3%) achieved remission.Chylothorax and/or chylous ascites are rare complications of SLE. An early diagnosis and timely initiation of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and surgery are critical to relieve symptoms and to improve prognosis.

Co–Au alloy Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are formed by sequential ion implantation of Co and Au into silica glass at room temperature. The ion ranges of Au ions implantation process have been displayed to show the ion distribution. We have used the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been used to study the local structural information of bimetallic nanoparticles. With the increase of Au ion implantation, the local environments of Co ions are changed enormously. Hence, three oscillations, respectively, Co–O, Co–Co and Co–Au coordination are determined.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a vital factor in maintaining the biological function of monocyte–macrophage lineage. It is expressed in many tumor tissues and cancer cells. Recent findings indicate that macrophage colony-stimulating factor might contribute to chemoresistance, but the precise mechanisms are unclear. This study was to explore the effect of macrophage colony-stimulating factor on doxorubicin resistance in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the possible mechanism. In the study, the human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, were transfected with macrophage colony-stimulating factor. We document that cytoplasmic macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces doxorubicin resistance and inhibits apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Further studies demonstrated that cytoplasmic macrophage colony-stimulating factor-mediated apoptosis inhibition was dependent on the activation of PI3K/Akt/Survivin pathway. More importantly, we found that macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced autophagic cell death in doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 cells. Taken together, we show for the first time that macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced doxorubicin resistance is associated with the changes in cell death response with defective apoptosis and promotion of autophagic cell death.

The electron tunneling through a nonmagnetic heterostructure modulated by both the in-plane magnetic field and the δ -doping has been investigated in detail using the transfer-matrix method. The numerical results indicate that, in such a nonmagnetic device, one can obtain the considerable spin polarization which is dependent on the in-plane magnetic field and the δ -doping as well as the wave vector in the plane of the barrier. Thus, we can design the spintronic devices based on nonmagnetic heterostructures controlled by the in-plane magnetic field and the δ -doping as well as the wave vector.