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This study aimed to investigate the relationship and potential mechanisms of miR‐200c‐5p in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened using the TCGA database. Subsequently, univariate analysis was performed to identify CRC survival‐related miRNAs. Survival and receiver operator characteristic curves were generated. The target genes of miR‐200c‐5p and the relevant signaling pathways or biological processes were predicted by the miRNet database and enrichment analyses. The miR‐200c‐5p expression was detected using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit‐8, Transwell, and cell apoptosis experiments were performed to determine miR‐200c‐5p's impact on CRC cell viability, invasiveness, and apoptosis. Finally, we constructed a CRC mouse model with inhibited miR‐200c‐5p to evaluate its impact on tumors. miR‐200c‐5p was upregulated in CRC, implying a favorable prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that miR‐200c‐5p may participate in signaling pathways such as the TGF‐β signaling pathway, RIG‐I‐like receptor signaling pathway, renin‐angiotensin system, and DNA replication. miR‐200c‐5p potentially targeted mRNAs, including KCNE4 and CYP1B1, exhibiting a negative correlation with their expression. Furthermore, these mRNAs may participate in biological processes like the regulation of intracellular transport, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase regulatory activity, ubiquitin protein ligase binding, MHC class II protein complex binding, and regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway. Lastly, miR‐200c‐5p overexpression repressed the viability and invasiveness of CRC cells but promoted apoptosis. The tumor size, weight, and volume were significantly increased by inhibiting miR‐200c‐5p (p < 0.05). miR‐200c‐5p is upregulated in CRC, serving as a promising biomarker for predicting CRC prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stabilization problem for uncertain discrete‐time singular Markovian jump systems (DSMJSs) with time‐varying delays is comprehensively covered in this paper. An updated Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is presented via a discrete state decomposition method. With the help of this constructed Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, some delay‐ and mode‐dependent sufficient conditions for the open‐loop DSMJSs are derived. Based on these circumstances, a memory mode‐dependent state feedback control is used to create a closed‐loop DSMJS with parameter uncertainties that is regular and causal. And then, the stochastically admissible conditions are attained. Through the exact calculation of each decomposition component for the designed memory state feedback controller, the intended memory state feedback controller settings are determined. It should be mentioned that the algorithm suggested in this article expands the controller design's feasibility and flexibility. The numerical results show how the approach is superior to previous ones, and the given results are less conservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the finite‐time mixed H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ and passive filtering design problem for uncertain nonlinear singular systems. The parameter uncertainties are constrained by well‐defined upper bounds on their magnitudes. The objective is to design a full‐order filter to ensure that the augmented singular system to be finite‐time boundedness(FTB) with H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ and passivity performance. Firstly, a sufficient condition for achieving singular finite‐time boundedness with mixed H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ and passivity performance for uncertain nonlinear singular system is derived by introducing a free matrix. Secondly, a novel criterion is established for analyzing finite‐time H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ and passivity problem of filtering error singular system based on augmented matrix technique. Thirdly, the filtering design conditions are presented and the relevant parameters of the desired filter are determined using linear matrix inequality decoupling principle. Finally, a practical circuit system and a numerical example are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The underlying intention of this work is to devise a tracking control protocol for the nonlinear cyber‐physical systems that are prone to external disturbances, time‐varying input delays and deception attacks. To be more precise, the modified repetitive tracking controller is formulated for ensuring the asymptotic tracking outcomes of the assayed system with the aim of addressing the impacts caused by external disturbances as well as input time‐varying delays. First of all, the nonlinearities of the investigated cyber‐physical systems are efficaciously approximated by the interval type‐2 fuzzy model approach. Further, the predictor technique is utilized in this study to mitigate the influence of input delays and specifically, the extended Smith predictor approach is employed. That is, the transfer function is inserted into the conventional Smith predictor's main feedback channel. In parallel, the active disturbance rejection technique is executed to reject and estimate the external disturbance impacts on the assayed system. Notably, the improved equivalent‐input‐disturbance estimator approach is tied up and more precisely, the estimated disturbances obtained from the afore‐said estimator are incorporated into the proposed controller. Whilst the deception attacks are characterized as a stochastic distributed random variable that are governed by the Bernoulli distribution. With all of this as a backdrop, the appropriate delay‐dependent constraints are expressed in the context of linear matrix inequalities by employing the Lyapunov stability theory. In line with the predetermined criteria, the relations for computing the required gain matrices are also formulated. Ultimately, the simulation analysis is carried out using two distinct numerical examples to confirm the importance of the proposed control mechanism from the perspective of theory as well as practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anion‐counterion strategy is proposed to construct organic mono‐radical charge‐transfer cocrystals for near‐infrared photothermal conversion and solar‐driven water evaporation. Ionic compounds with halogen anions as the counterions serve as electron donors, providing the necessary electrons for efficient charge transfer with unchanged skeleton atoms and structures as well as the broad red‐shifted absorption (200–2000 nm) and unprecedented photothermal conversion efficiency (~90.5 %@808 nm) for the cocrystals. Based on these cocrystals, an excellent solar‐driven interfacial water evaporation rate up to 6.1±1.1 kg ⋅ m−2 ⋅ h−1 under 1 sun is recorded due to the comprehensive evaporation effect from the cocrystal loading in polyurethane foams and chimney addition, such performance is superior to the reported results on charge‐transfer cocrystals or other materials for solar‐driven interfacial evaporation. This prototype exhibits the great potential of cocrystals prepared by the one‐step mechanochemistry method in practical large‐scale seawater desalination applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new class of soft materials, continuous emulsion channels have been successfully stabilized solely by rough colloids, which exhibit unique capability in sterically controlling liquid–liquid interfaces. Once jammed at the interface, the roughness‐enhanced frictions can slow down the dynamics of phase separation, and the interlocking behaviors would constrain their relative motions and generate force structures that provide mechanical support for the created emulsions. Ethanol is used to ensure the particles' absorption, whose migration can modify the interfacial tension, and increase the solubility of active ingredients (e.g., curcumin). Applying rough colloids in ethanol‐containing systems opens new pathways toward the generation of novel structures and materials, where the parallel but separate functionalities provided by various phases demonstrate wide‐ranging applications, especially in delivery systems with variably soluble components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of robust stability here is carefully thought about for uncertain neutral type descriptor systems (NTDSs) with mixed delays. An augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional considering the cross information of the singular matrix and state delay derivative is constructed. With the help of the zero‐value equation technique and an improved matrix inequality, a novel delay‐dependent admissible criterion is developed to make sure of the regularity, non‐impulsiveness, and stability of the NTDSs. On this basis, the robust stability of the uncertain NTDSs is further explored, and a novel robust stability criterion is developed. These criteria have less conservatism. Through three number‐based examples, some comparisons are provided to show the superiority and effectiveness of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) is a key regulator of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), which is characterized by B‐lymphocyte hyperactivity. BAFF, also known as tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13B, is encoded by TNFSF13B. This study aimed to explore the possible relationships between five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNFSF13B (rs9514827, rs1041569, rs9514828, rs1224141, and rs12583006) and pSS susceptibility. Methods: We searched the following databases for articles on TNFSF13B polymorphism and pSS published up to January 2023: PubMed, Cochrane, Elsevier, Web of Science, CNKI, CQVIP, and WanFang. The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of genotypes and SNP alleles of TNFSF13B were investigated in patients with pSS to determine their relationships with pSS. Results: This meta‐analysis employing the fixed‐effect model comprised three studies of pSS patients and randomly selected healthy controls (HCs), revealing statistically significant relationships between pSS susceptibility and two SNPs: rs1041569 and rs12583006. Because rs1041569 was not in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium in the HC group, it was eliminated from the analysis. Conclusions: Polymorphisms in the BAFF (TNFSF13B) gene were related to vulnerability to pSS among pSS patients and HCs alike. The SNP rs12583006 was significantly related to pSS susceptibility in pSS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double‐bond photoswitching molecules typically can undergo trans→cis photoisomerization, but their photoisomerization mechanisms in the solid state have been rarely reported. Herein, the excited‐state evolutions of trans‐azobenzene (AB), trans‐stilbene (TS), and N‐benzylideneaniline (NBA) are studied to unveil the relationship between the double‐bond photoswitching molecules and the photoisomerization kinetics in the solution phase and in nanocrystal suspensions (NCS). The photoisomerization rate of NBA is the fastest among these three molecules in the solution phase due to its most apparent single‐bond feature of the central double bond in the S1 state. The free space ordered crystal configuration boosts the photoisomerization rates of AB and TS in NCS to be faster than that of the solution phase because the hindrance of the wrapping solvent is eliminated in the crystals. In contrast, when NBA is prepared into NCS, it becomes distorted into a nonplanar structure because of the asymmetrical C‐H···π interactions, resulting in NBA having a large spin‐orbital coupling (SOC) value which opens the intersystem crossing channel to generate the triplet state instead of undergoing photoisomerization in solution. Therefore, this work reveals that the crystal configuration and the molecular structure may critically determine the photophysical properties of photoswitching materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the concept of ionic charge‐transfer complexes for the Mott insulator, integer‐charge‐transfer (integer‐CT) cocrystals are designed for NIR photo‐thermal conversion (PTC). With amino‐styryl‐pyridinium dyes and F4TCNQ (7,7',8,8'‐Tetracyano‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoroquinodimethane) serving as donor/acceptor (D/A) units, integer‐CT cocrystals, including amorphous stacking "salt" and segregated stacking "ionic crystal", are synthesized by mechanochemistry and solution method, respectively. Surprisingly, the integer‐CT cocrystals are self‐assembled only through multiple D−A hydrogen bonds (C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=N, F)). Strong charge‐transfer interactions in cocrystals contribute to the strong light‐harvesting ability at 200–1500 nm. Under 808 nm laser illumination, both the "salt" and "ionic crystal" display excellent PTC efficiency beneficial from ultrafast (∼2 ps) nonradiative decay of excited states. Thus integer‐CT cocrystals are potential candidates for rapid, efficient, and scalable PTC platforms. Especially amorphous "salt" with good photo/thermal stability is highly desirable in practical large‐scale solar‐harvesting/conversion applications in water environment. This work verifies the validity of the integer‐CT cocrystal strategy, and charts a promising path to synthesize amorphous PTC materials by mechanochemical method in one‐step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to heat waves could result in adverse effects on human health, especially in male testicles. PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA) is a novel type of small non‐coding RNA, which can notably impact mRNA turnover and preserve germline maintenance in germline cells. However, piRNA's expression status when adapting to testicular heat stress remains largely unclear. Objectives: To investigate the function and mechanisms of relevant piRNAs during testicular heat stress. Materials and methods: In this study, a mouse testicular heat stress model was constructed, and the testes were removed for piRNA‐sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to discover the differential expressed piRNAs, piRNA clusters, and enriched pathways. A cell heat stress model was constructed to validate the top five upregulated piRNAs. Proliferation and apoptosis assays were utilized to validate the function of selected piRNA. Bioinformatics prediction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to illustrate the downstream mechanisms. Results: Through the bioinformatics analysis, we identified the differential expression profile and enriched pathways of piRNAs and piRNA clusters during testicular hyperthermia. Besides, piR‐020492 was proved to be upregulated in heat stress mouse testes and a germ cell model. A series of in vitro assays illustrated that an overexpression of piR‐020492 could restrain the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of mouse germ cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of piRNA‐generating genes in the testicular heat stress model and piR‐020492 targeting genes showed that the overlap pathways are adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin pathways. Validation experiments demonstrated that the key genes of AMPK and insulin pathway exhibit differential expression after an overexpression of piR‐020492 or testicular heat stress. Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, our findings revealed the expression profile of piRNAs in testicular heat stress and illustrated the function and mechanisms of piR‐020492 in germ cells, which could provide novel insights into the mechanism of hyperthermia‐induced testicular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photothermal cocrystals, integrating the advantages of intrinsic organic cocrystals and the fascinating photothermal conversion ability, hold attracted considerable interest in both basic science and practical applications, involving photoacoustic imaging, seawater desalination, and photothermal therapy, and so on. However, these organic photothermal cocrystals currently suffer individual cases discovered step by step, as well as the deep and systemic investigation in the corresponding photothermal conversion mechanisms is rarely carried out, suggesting a huge challenge for their further developments. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to investigate and explore the rational design and synthesis of high‐performance organic photothermal cocrystals for future applications. This review first and systematically summarizes the organic photothermal cocrystal in terms of molecular classification, the photothermal conversion mechanism, and their corresponding applications. The timely interpretation of the cocrystal photothermal effect will provide broad prospects for the purposeful fabrication of excellent organic photothermal cocrystals toward great efficiency, low cost, and multifunctionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The memristor is a resistive switch where its resistive state is programable based on the applied voltage or current. Memristive devices are thus capable of storing and computing information simultaneously, breaking the Von Neumann bottleneck. Since the first nanomemristor made by Hewlett‐Packard in 2008, advances so far have enabled nanostructured, low‐power, high‐durability devices that exhibit superior performance over conventional CMOS devices. Herein, the development of memristors based on different physical mechanisms is reviewed. In particular, device stability, integration density, power consumption, switching speed, retention, and endurance of memristors, that are crucial for neuromorphic computing, are discussed in detail. An overview of various neural networks with a focus on building a memristor‐based spike neural network neuromorphic computing system is then provided. Finally, the existing issues and challenges in implementing such neuromorphic computing systems are analyzed, and an outlook for brain‐like computing is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanoid robots, intelligent machines resembling the human body in shape and functions, cannot only replace humans to complete services and dangerous tasks but also deepen the own understanding of the human body in the mimicking process. Nowadays, attaching a large number of sensors to obtain more sensory information and efficient computation is the development trend for humanoid robots. Nevertheless, due to the constraints of von Neumann‐based structures, humanoid robots are facing multiple challenges, including tremendous energy consumption, latency bottlenecks, and the lack of bionic properties. Memristors, featured with high similarity to the biological elements, play an important role in mimicking the biological nervous system. The memristor‐based nervous system allows humanoid robots to obtain high energy efficiency and bionic sensing properties, which are similar properties to the biological nervous system. Herein, this article first reviews the biological nervous system and memristor‐based nervous system thoroughly, including the structures and also the functions. The applications of memristor‐based nervous systems are introduced, the difficulties that need to be overcome are put forward, and future development prospects are also discussed. This review can hopefully provide an evolutionary perspective on humanoid robots and memristor‐based nervous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discordant abundances of different immune cell subtypes is regarded to be an essential feature of tumour tissue. Direct studies in Prostate cancer (PC) of intratumoral immune heterogeneity characterized by immune cell subtype, are still lacking. Using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm, the abundance of 28 immune cells infiltration (ICI) were determined for PC. A NMF was performed to determine tumour‐sample clustering based on the abundance of ICI and PFS information. Hub genes of clusters were identified via weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). The multivariate dimensionality reduction analysis of hub genes expression matrix was carried out via principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain immune score (IS). We analysed the correlation between clustering, IS and clinical phenotype. We divided the 495 patients into clusterA (n = 193) and clusterB (n = 302) on the basis of ICI and PFS via NMF. The progression‐free survival (PFS) were better for clusterA than for clusterB (p < 0.001). Each immune cell subtypes was more abundant in clusterA than in clusterB (p < 0.001). The expression levels of CTAL‐4 and PD‐L1 were lower in clusterB than in clusterA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). We obtained 103 hub genes via WGCNA. In the training and validation cohorts, the prognosis of high IS group was worse than that of the low IS group (p < 0.05). IS had good predictive effect on 5‐year PFS. The expression of immune checkpoint genes was higher in the low IS group than in the high IS group (p < 0.01). Patients with low IS and receiving hormone therapy had better prognosis than other groups. The combination of IS and clinical characteristics including lymph node metastasis and gleason score can better differentiate patient outcomes than using it alone. IS was a practical algorithm to predict the prognosis of patients. Advanced PC patients with low IS may be more sensitive to hormone therapy. CXCL10, CXCL5, MMP1, CXCL12, CXCL11, CXCL2, STAT1, IL‐6 and TLR2 were hub genes, which may drive the homing of immune cells in tumours and promote immune cell differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, blood parameters and immunity in weaned piglets. A total of 240 (10.33 ± 0.62 kg body weight) 35‐day‐old (Duroc × Landrace × White) weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, with six replicate pens per treatment and 10 piglets per pen (five males and five females). The dietary treatments continued for 21 days and comprised a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg GCP. The results showed that the inclusion of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg GCP increased the average daily gain and decreased the feed conversion rate compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The piglets treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg GCP had a lower diarrhoeal incidence than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementation with 1000 mg/kg GCP increased the counts of white blood cells, neutrophils, red blood cells, and platelets, and elevated alkaline phosphatase, total protein, globulin, glucose, triglyceride, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and total antioxidant capacity levels (p < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde content compare with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, relative to the control group, piglets fed 500 and 1000 mg/kg GCP had significantly lower expression of interleukin‐6 mRNA in spleen (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that dietary supplementation with GCP can improve growth performance, blood parameters and immunity in weaned piglets. Our study suggests that adding 1000 mg/kg GCP to the diet had the most beneficial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a decoupled stabilized finite element method for the time–dependent Navier–Stokes/Biot problem by using the lowest equal‐order finite elements. The coupling problem is divided into two subproblems which can be solved in parallel: One is the Navier–Stokes model by treating the nonlinear term explicitly, and the other is the Biot model. In the numerical scheme, we use the implicit backward Euler method in time, while treat the coupling terms explicitly. The stability analysis and error estimates are established for the proposed fully discrete scheme. Numerical results are provided to justify the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose two mass and heat energy conservative, unconditionally stable, decoupled numerical algorithms for solving the Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes–Darcy–Boussinesq system that models thermal convection of two‐phase flows in superposed free flow and porous media. The schemes totally decouple the computation of the Cahn–Hilliard equation, the Darcy equations, the heat equation, the Navier–Stokes equations at each time step, and thus significantly reducing the computational cost. We rigorously show that the schemes are conservative and energy‐law preserving. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a decoupled modified characteristic finite element method is proposed for the time‐dependent Navier–Stokes/Biot problem. In the numerical scheme, the implicit backward Euler scheme is used for the time discretization, whereas the coupling terms are treated explicitly. At each time step, we only need to solve two decoupled problems, one is the Navier–Stokes equations solved by the modified characteristic finite element method, and the other is Biot equations. The stability and the error estimates are established for the proposed fully discrete scheme. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lurasidone is an antipsychotic drug clinically used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. During a mechanism‐based forced degradation study of lurasidone, two novel degradation products were observed under free radical‐mediated oxidative (via AIBN) and solution photolytic conditions. The structures of the two novel degradants were identified through an approach combining HPLC, LC‐MSn (n = 1, 2), preparative HPLC purification and NMR spectroscopy. The degradant formed under the free radical‐mediated condition is an oxidative degradant with half of the piperazine ring cleaved to form two formamides; a mechanism is proposed for the formation of the novel N,N′‐diformyl degradant, which should be readily applicable to other drugs that contain a piperazine moiety that is widely present in drug molecules. The degradant observed under the solution photolytic condition is identified as the photo‐induced isomer of lurasidone with the benzisothiazole ring altered into a benzothiazole ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a progressive chronic disease, the effective treatment for non‐alcoholic fibre liver disease (NAFLD) has not yet been thoroughly explored at the moment. The widespread use of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb) for its anti‐insulin resistance effect indicates that potential therapeutic value may be found in Thunb for NAFLD. Hence, this research aims to discover the latent mechanism of Thunb for NAFLD treatment. To achieve the goal of discovering the latent mechanism of Thunb for NAFLD treatment, molecular docking strategy integrated a network phamacology was adopted in the exploration. We acquire Thunb compounds with activeness from TCMSP database. We collect the putative targets of Thunb and NAFLD to generate the network. Key targets and mechanism are screened by PPI analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular docking simulation is introduced into the study as assessment method. Through network analysis and virtual screening based on molecular docking, 2 targets (AKT 1 and GSK3B) are identified as key therapeutic targets with satisfying binding affinity. Main mechanism is believed to be the biological process and pathway related to insulin resistance according to the enrichment analyses outcomes. Particularly, the P13K–AKT signalling pathway is recognized as a key pathway of the mechanism. In conclusion, the study shows that Thunb could be a potential treatment against NAFLD and may suppress insulin resistance through the P13K–AKT signalling pathway. The result of the exploration provides a novel perspective for approaching experimental exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A class of nonlinear Fokker–Planck equations with nonlocal interactions may include many important cases, such as porous medium equations with external potentials and aggregation–diffusion models. The trajectory equation of the Fokker–Plank equation can be derived based on an energetic variational approach. A structure‐preserving numerical scheme that is mass conservative, energy stable, uniquely solvable, and positivity preserving at a theoretical level has also been designed in the previous work. Moreover, the numerical scheme is shown to satisfy the discrete energetic dissipation law and preserve steady states and has been observed to be second order accurate in space and first‐order accurate time in various numerical experiments. In this work, we give the rigorous convergence analysis for the highly nonlinear numerical scheme. A careful higher order asymptotic expansion is needed to handle the highly nonlinear nature of the trajectory equation. In addition, two step error estimates (a rough estimate and a refined estimate) are necessary in the convergence proof. Different from a standard error estimate, the rough estimate is performed to control the nonlinear term. A few numerical results are also presented to verify the optimal convergence order and the preservation of equilibria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For improving the mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP), it is an effective strategy to utilize surface‐modified graphene oxide (GO) as a reinforcement. However, there is nearly no report on surface modification using rigid short‐chain grafted GO, especially with multiple reactive sites. In this work, a novel surface functionalization of GO with an amine‐rich rigid short‐chain was successfully prepared and applied as a filler for EP with simultaneously high toughness and mechanical strength. Superior toughness and mechanical strength of the resultant epoxy nanocomposite can be obtained by grafting amine‐rich rigid short‐chain onto GO (DHN‐GO) owing to the enhanced interface binding ability with the EP and the optimized dispersibility in the matrix. Compared with the pure EP, the epoxy nanocomposites at an extremely low loading (0.75 wt‰) of DHN‐GO showed excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and bending strength are increased by 28%, 37%, and 29%, respectively. This work is expected to provide more inspiration for the preparation of GO/EP composites with high toughness and mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of intensive aquaculture industry has aggravated the dangers of ammonia and nitrite in aquatic ecosystems. Probiotics have been widely used to maintain and improve water quality by removal of ammonia and nitrite in aquaculture. In this study, two facultative anaerobic strains AB15 and NB14, capable of efficient ammonia and nitrite removal, were isolated from biofloc, which acts as a natural micro‐flora storeroom in shrimp culture ponds, and were identified as Vibrio sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens, respectively. The removal efficiency of ammonia and nitrite by AB15 and NB14 was 96.8 and 89.6%, respectively. The optimum conditions of AB15 and NB14 were as follows: temperature (25°C vs. 30°C), salinity (25‰ both), initial pH (7.5 vs. 8.0), C/N ratio (15 vs. 10). The two strains had great performance on inhibiting the common pathogens (Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio splendidus, Vibrio anguillarum) in aquaculture at concentrations of 105–108 CFU/mL. Biosecurity assessment indicated that both AB15 and NB14 were harmless for survival and could be beneficial for the growth and immune enhancement of Litopenaeus vannamei. All results demonstrate that the two isolated strains have high promise for future applications of removing ammonia and nitrite and maintaining biosecurity in shrimp culture ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper revisits the problem of H∞ filter design for singular systems with interval time‐varying delays. Firstly, by state decomposition method (SDM), a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) including two augmented nonintegral terms is presented. Secondly, via the constructed LKF and the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, sufficient stability conditions with lower conservatism are achieved such that the considered singular system is admissible with specified H∞ performance level. Thirdly, a state decomposition‐recombination approach is first introduced to obtain a desired H∞ filter in terms of matrix component transformation technology. Finally, the validity and superiority of the results obtained are verified via two numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of diesel achieves ultra‐deepness, our understanding of its kinetics is still far from in‐depth. Therefore, herein, two lumped kinetic models for the ultra‐deep hydrodesulfurization (UHDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) are established based on experiments under a wide range of operating conditions. Meanwhile, a four‐lump kinetic model of the aromatic hydrosaturation (AHS) is erected. Our kinetic models disclose thermodynamic decisiveness in UHDS, which is unreachable beyond a temperature upper limit or a pressure lower limit. We also reveals the unexpected temperature dependence of organonitrogen inhibition to HDS, for less than 300°C this inhibition becomes even more potent despite nitrogen removal by HDN reactions. Subsequently, the HDS kinetics of total sulfur are deciphered as multi stages existed in the whole reaction coordinate. Accordingly, a four‐stage conceptual model involving mechanism and rate laws is proposed to better understand organonitrogen inhibition, thermodynamics, and kinetics in UHDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of the reliable exponential H∞ filtering (HF) is revisited for singular Markovian jump time‐delay systems (SMJTSs) accompanied by sensor failures and interval time‐varying delays. By a new mode‐dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) containing three augmented nonintegral terms, some mean‐square exponentially admissible (MSEA) conditions satisfying an H∞ performance are derived subject to state decomposition method. On this basis, a novel reliable filter design approach is first proposed for SMJTSs by means of the idea of the state decomposition and recombining. And the filter parameters we want can be obtained. Worth noting that the results presented are not only related to interval time‐varying delay and sensor failure but also to interval delay‐change‐rate. Meanwhile, the sufficient conditions established have less conservatism and lower computational complexity in comparison with the existing results. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods are verified by two numerical examples derived from some existing papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Jurassic clastic rocks in the Qiangtang Basin, northern Tibet, are generally regarded as the early sediments of the new Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin (Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous). However, little attention has been paid to the palaeoenvironment, provenance, and tectonic setting of this unit. The QZ‐16 well, located in the east of the northern Qiangtang Basin, firstly recovered the Lower Jurassic strata (Quemo Co Formation) in the Qiangtang Basin. In this paper, the whole‐rock major‐trace elemental characteristics of 34 mudstone samples and detrital zircon geochronology of one sandstone, collected from the Quemo Co Formation of the QZ‐16 well, are reported in order to infer the palaeoenvironment, provenance, and tectonic setting. Quemo Co mudstones are dominated by SiO2 and Al2O3, while Fe2O3, CaO, K2O, and MgO are the second most abundant oxides. They are generally characterized by high REE concentrations, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), marked negative Eu and Ce anomalies. The REE contents of the mudstones are mainly controlled by terrigenous detrital minerals input. The Lower Jurassic mudstones have relatively high chemical index of alteration (79.1–83.6) values, indicating moderate to high degree of chemical weathering conditions of the source area. Sr/Ba and Rb/K ratios reflect that the marine transgression impact was limited and the mudstones were generally deposited in a brackish water environment. Major, trace, and REE contents indicate that the mudstones were mainly derived from intermediate igneous rocks with subordinate felsic igneous rocks. Prominent age peaks at ca. 200 ~ 400 Ma, 700 ~ 970 Ma, 1,700 ~ 1,900 Ma, and 2,100 ~ 2,700 Ma of the detrital zircon grains suggest that the Lower Jurassic clastic rocks were derived from the Central Qiangtang and Songpan–Ganzi complex. Moreover, tectonic discrimination diagrams based on major and trace elements show that the source of the Lower Jurassic sediments were most likely derived from a collision tectonic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The focus of this work was to study glycosylamine and Amadori rearrangement products (ARPs), the two major degradants in the Maillard reactions of pharmaceutical interest, and utilize their MS2 fingerprints by liquid chromatography/high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS2) to quickly distinguish the two isomeric degradants. These two types of degradants are frequently encountered in the compatibility and stability studies of drug products containing primary or secondary amine active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are formulated with excipients consisting of reducing sugar functionalities. Methods: Vortioxetine was employed as the primary model compound to react with lactose to obtain the glycosylamine and ARP degradants of the Maillard reaction, and their MS2 spectra (MS2 fingerprints) were obtained by LC/MS2. Subsequently, the two degradants were isolated via preparative HPLC and their structures were confirmed by one‐ and two‐dimensional (1D and 2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) determination. Results: The MS2 fingerprints of the two degradants display significantly different profiles, despite the fact that many common fragments are observed. Specifically, protonated glycosylamine shows a prominent characteristic fragment of [Mvort + C2H3O]+ at m/z 341 (Mvort is the vortioxetine core), while protonated ARP shows a prominent characteristic fragment of [Mvort + CH]+ at m/z 311. Further study of the Maillard reactions between several other structurally diverse primary/secondary amines and lactose produced similar patterns. Conclusions: The study suggests that the characteristic MS2 fragment peaks and their ratios may be used to differentiate the glycosylamine and ARP degradants, the two isomeric degradants of the Maillard reaction, which are commonly encountered in finished dosage forms of pharmaceutical products containing primary and secondary amine APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma is indicated by the presence of excessive monoclonal plasma cells in bone marrow, which result in the formation of osteolytic lesions. The present study investigated SCA as anti‐proliferative agent for myeloma cells and explored the mechanism associated. Effect of SCA on viabilities of KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cells was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptotic ratio using flow cytometry. Protein expression was investigated by western blotting and expression of genes related to Notch3‐p53 signaling axis using RT‐PCR assay. Increase in SCA concentration caused a significant (P <.01) reduction in KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cell viability. The KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cell viabilities were reduced to 29% and 21%, respectively on treatment with 21 μM doses of SCA. SCA treatment of KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cells significantly (P <.05) increased apoptosis compared with untreated cells. The Bcl‐2 (26 kDa) protein expression was reduced whereas the Bax (21 kDa) and cleaved caspase‐3 levels elevated in SCA treated KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cells. Treatment with SCA significantly promoted Hes1, p53 (53 kDa) and Hey1 mRNA expression in KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cells. Treatment of KRASA12 and AMO‐1 cells with SCA led to a marked reduction in Notch3 protein expression. SCA inhibits KRASA12 and AMO‐1 myeloma cell proliferation by promoting pro‐apoptotic proteins. Moreover, SCA treatment suppressed Hes1 and Hey1 mRNA expression and targeted Notch3 expression. Therefore, SCA may be studied further for development of treatment for myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) image often contains mottle noise and streak artefacts, which seriously interfere with clinical diagnosis. In this study, the separation-based (SEPB) method is proposed for mottle noise and streak artefacts suppression and structure preservation. In it, the LDCT image is decomposed into the structural image with residual mottle noise and the streak artefacts image with residual structural details by the image decomposition structural-preserving image smoothing method. The structural image is filtered by the K-singular value decomposition algorithm to remove the residual mottle noise, and the structural details in the streak artefacts image are extracted by the morphological component analysis theory. The extracted structural details are added to the filtered structural image to get the LDCT result image. Meanwhile, in the process of extracting the structural details, the streak artefacts dictionary learned from the streak artefacts image is corrected by the local intuitional fuzzy entropy to remove its structural atoms. The experiments are conducted on the modified Shepp–Logan phantom, the pelvis phantom and the clinical abdominal data to evaluate the proposed SEPB method. Compared to several comparative denoising methods, the experimental results show that the SEPB method has better performance in subjective visual effect and objective indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a robust H∞ control problem is considered for an uncertain singular system. An active disturbance rejection method called equivalent input disturbance (EID) is used to reduce the influence of exogenous disturbances and uncertainties on the system. At the first, there exists an EID, which can produces the same effect on the system as disturbances and uncertainties do in the control channel according to the EID concept. Then, an EID estimator is constructed to estimate the influence of EID on the system. Finally, based on Lyapunov stability theory, a static output feedback‐based robust H∞ controller combined with EID estimate is designed, guaranteeing that closed‐loop system is admissible (regular, impulse‐free, and stable) with a prescribed H∞ performance level. Compared with traditional H∞ control method, H∞ control based on EID method improve the control performance of the system. A numerical example demonstrates the validity of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, two time delay dynamic models, a Time Delay Dynamical–Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (TDD‐NCP) model and Fudan‐Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) model, are introduced to track the data of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The TDD‐NCP model was developed recently by Chengąŕs group in Fudan and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE). The TDD‐NCP model introduced the time delay process into the differential equations to describe the latent period of the epidemic. The Fudan‐CDCC model was established when Wenbin Chen suggested to determine the kernel functions in the TDD‐NCP model by the public data from CDCC. By the public data of the cumulative confirmed cases in different regions in China and different countries, these models can clearly illustrate that the containment of the epidemic highly depends on early and effective isolations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Cretaceous Shengli River–Changshe Mountain marine oil shale belt, located in the northern Qiangtang Basin, Tibet, is estimated to be the largest marine oil shale resource in China. However, its palaeoweathering, provenance, and tectonic setting during the depositional history have received little interest. In this paper, 19 outcrop marine oil shale samples from the ChangsheMountain (CSM) area were studied to investigate the provenance, palaeoclimate, palaeoweathering, and tectonic setting during the marine oil shale deposition. The total organic carbon and organic sulphur contents of the CSM oil shales range from 2.2% to 13.44% and 0.19% to 1.08%, respectively. The CSM oil shale samples contain abundant carbonate (e.g., calcite and dolomite), quartz, and clay minerals. The clay minerals of the CSM oil shale samples is dominated by illite and then by smectite. Other minerals, including haematite, apatite, pyrite, baryte, and celestite, were also identified by scanning electron microscope–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer. The total rare earth element (∑REE) contents of the oil shales range from 9.01 to 105.96 ppm (average 57.56 ppm), close to the average REE contents of U.S. coals. The REE contents in oil shale samples are mainly controlled by terrigenous input. The CSM oil shales show LREE‐enriched, HREE‐depleted, with the LREE/HREE ratios ranging from 5.12 to 10.18, negative Eu anomalies (0.56–0.84) and slightly negative Ce anomalies (0.87–1.05). The chemical index of alteration values of the CSM oil shales range from 67 to 76 (average 73), indicating a moderate chemical weathering condition. Sr/Cu and Rb/Sr ratios suggest the CSM oil shales were mainly deposited under a warm and humid climate regime. Sr/Ba ratios, ranging from 0.54 to 7.84, suggest a palaeoenvironment with fluctuant salinity. Major element, trace element, and REE relationships indicate that the CSM oil shales are mainly from the felsic and intermediate igneous rocks. The REE distribution patterns of the CSM oil shales are similar to the Late Triassic Nadi Kangri felsic volcanic rocks in the Qiangtang Basin, indicating that the CSM oil shale may be derived from the Late Triassic volcanic rocks and the oil shales were mainly formed in rift tectonic setting. Favourable preservation condition (e.g., warmer palaeoclimate, higher palaeosalinity, and dysoxic to anoxic water column environment) could be the main controlling factor for organic matter accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the effects of NO2 and H2O molecules on the surface conductivity of hydrogenated diamond film, models of various adsorbates containing different molecular ratio of NO2 and H2O on hydrogenated diamond (100) surfaces were constructed. The adsorption energies, equilibrium geometries of adsorbates, density of states, and atomic Mulliken populations were studied by using first‐principles method. The results showed that H2O molecule in the adsorbate could weaken the interactions between the adsorbates and hydrogenated diamond surface significantly. Compared with H2O molecule, NO2 molecule relaxes more dramatically when adsorbed on hydrogenated diamond surface. In addition, density of states for C(100):H–2NO2, C(100):H–NO2, and C(100):H–NO2 + H2O systems are very similar to each other, which indicates an obvious peak at valence band maximum level for all the three samples. It can be attributed to mainly single occupied molecule orbital of NO2 molecule and slightly C–H bond of C(100):H substrate. When the adsorbates contain one NO2 and two H2O molecules, the peak shifts slightly into valence band, but its intensity increases significantly. All the samples exhibit p‐type surface conductivity when adsorbed with pure NO2 molecules, and the surface conductivity remains as H2O molecules added into the NO2 adsorbate layer. However, for oxygenated diamond surface, very week interactions generate between diamond surface and various adsorbates. All the oxygenated diamond (100) surfaces with various adsorbates containing different NO2 and H2O molecules on it exhibit an insulating property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cinchona alkaloid‐derived 4‐methyl/nitro benzoylthioureas were synthesized, which smoothly catalyzed the asymmetric Michael addition of pyrazolin‐5‐ones to nitroolefins. The results showed that electronic effects of substituents in the benzene ring of benzoylthioureas have subtle influences on their catalytic abilities and electron donating methyl group is favored than electron withdrawing nitro group. Preliminary Hartree‐Fock calculations revealed that in the catalytic cycle, hydrogen bond energies of the complex formed with 4‐methylbenzoylthioureas are about 0.19 to 1.56 kcal/mol higher than with the corresponding 4‐nitrobenzoylthioureas. 4‐Methylbenzoylthioureas were identified as the most effective catalysts that promoted asymmetric Michael addition of pyrazolin‐5‐ones to nitroolefins to give the S‐ or R‐products with high enantioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemistry and detrital zircon geochronology of the Quemoco sandstones from the Woruo Mountain area, North Qiangtang Basin, are analysed to discriminate their provenance and tectonic setting. The sandstones were classified as litharenite according to their geochemical data. The index of chemical variability and SiO2/Al2O3 ratio values suggest that the compositional maturity and recycling are weak to moderate. The weathering indices, such as chemical index of alteration, plagioclase index of alteration, and chemical index of weathering, and A–CN–K (Al2O3–(CaO* + Na2O)–K2O) ternary plot reflect that the source areas have undergone a weak degree of weathering. The TiO2 versus Zr, La/Th versus Hf, and Co/Th versus La/Sc bivariate diagrams and multimajor elements discrimination diagram of Quemoco sandstones indicate that the provenances were primarily derived from felsic igneous rocks and may also have less intermediate igneous source rocks. The paleocurrent data and low composition and textural maturity of the Quemoco sandstones suggested that the provenances are mainly from the southwest of the study area and with proximal source features. The U–Pb ages studied here could be divided into 8 groups: 206–219 Ma, 268–283 Ma, 446–630 Ma, 700–970 Ma, 1006–1346 Ma, 1457–1843 Ma, 2087–2214 Ma, and 2331–2587 Ma. The provenances are mainly from the Central Uplift Belt and surrounding of the study area according to the detrital zircon ages and rare earth element parameters, which are composed of Late Triassic tuff, Permian basalt, Early Ordovician granite, Cambrian granite gneiss, and Precambrian crystalline basement. Two multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagrams based on major elements show a complicated tectonic setting composed of a collision, rift, and minor arc setting for the Quemoco sandstones, which is consistent with the nature of a rifted margin during the late Late Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lunpola Basin in central Tibet is a Cenozoic lacustrine rift basin with widespread organic‐rich shale and oil shale depositions. Forty‐nine samples were collected from the Lunpola section to evaluate the controlling factors of trace‐element enrichment and mineralogical composition in the lacustrine rift basin. Minerals identified in the Lunpola section include abundant quartz, calcite, and clay minerals; minor quantities of feldspar, dolomite, siderite, and mirabilite; and trace amounts of aragonite, magnesite, salt, pyrite, hematite, zeolite, barite, amphibole, gypsum, anhydrite, anatase, galena, sphalerite, apatite, chromite, zircon, and monazite. The Lunpola shale and oil shale are enriched in trace elements B, Cr, Ni, Mo, and U, in comparison to the upper continental crust. Three processes were probably responsible for the geochemical anomalies found in the Lunpola Basin, including the detrital material input, lake water, and hydrothermal activities. Mineralogical and geochemical data show that the lake water is the dominant influences on the elevated trace element concentrations in the shale and oil shale. The depletion or enrichment of trace elements in sediments from the lacustrine rift basin is governed by general processes (e.g. anoxic environment). Additionally, hydrothermal fluids also cause remobilization of some trace elements in the Lunpola lacustrine rift basin. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allotetraploid oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.) is an agriculturally important crop. Cultivation and breeding of B. napus by humans has resulted in numerous genetically diverse morphotypes with optimized agronomic traits and ecophysiological adaptation. To further understand the genetic basis of diversification and adaptation, we report a draft genome of an Asian semi-winter oilseed rape cultivar ' ZS11' and its comprehensive genomic comparison with the genomes of the winter-type cultivar 'Darmor- bzh' as well as two progenitors. The integrated BAC-to- BAC and whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategies were effective in the assembly of repetitive regions (especially young long terminal repeats) and resulted in a high-quality genome assembly of B. napus ' ZS11'. Within a short evolutionary period (~6700 years ago), semi-winter-type ' ZS11' and the winter-type 'Darmor- bzh' maintained highly genomic collinearity. Even so, certain genetic differences were also detected in two morphotypes. Relative to 'Darmor- bzh', both two subgenomes of ' ZS11' are closely related to its progenitors, and the ' ZS11' genome harbored several specific segmental homoeologous exchanges ( HEs). Furthermore, the semi-winter-type ' ZS11' underwent potential genomic introgressions with B. rapa (Ar). Some of these genetic differences were associated with key agronomic traits. A key gene of A03. FLC3 regulating vernalization-responsive flowering time in ' ZS11' was first experienced HE, and then underwent genomic introgression event with Ar, which potentially has led to genetic differences in controlling vernalization in the semi-winter types. Our observations improved our understanding of the genetic diversity of different B. napus morphotypes and the cultivation history of semi-winter oilseed rape in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Flavonoids are frequently found as glycosylated derivatives in plant materials. To determine contents of flavonoid aglycones in these matrices, procedures for the extraction and hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides are required. The current sample preparation method is both labour and time consuming. Objective Develop a modified matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) procedure as an alternative methodology for the one-step extraction and hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides. Method HPLC-DAD was applied for demonstrating the one-step extraction and hydrolysis of flavonoids in rape bee pollen. The obtained contents of flavonoid aglycones (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) were used for the optimisation and validation of the method. Results The extraction and hydrolysis were accomplished in one step. The procedure completes in 2 h with silica gel as dispersant, a 1:2 ratio of sample to dispersant, and 60% aqueous ethanol with 0.3 M hydrochloric acid as the extraction solution. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of repeatability were less than 5%, and the recoveries at two fortified levels were between 88.3 and 104.8%. Conclusion The proposed methodology is simple and highly efficient, with good repeatability and recovery. Compared with currently available methods, the present work has advantages of using less time and labour, higher extraction efficiency, and less consumption of the acid catalyst. This method may have applications for the one-step extraction and hydrolysis of bioactive compounds from plant materials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"D-A pairs" as the basic "micro-stacking units" in cocrystals guarantee strong donor-acceptor interactions and excellent photothermal performance. Dynamics of excited states, mechanochemistry, integer-charge-transfer, intermolecular hydrogen bond, photo-thermal conversion Keywords: dynamics of excited states; mechanochemistry; integer-charge-transfer; intermolecular hydrogen bond; photo-thermal conversion EN dynamics of excited states mechanochemistry integer-charge-transfer intermolecular hydrogen bond photo-thermal conversion 1 1 1 07/25/23 20230721 NES 230721 B The Front Cover b shows integer-charge-transfer cocrystals are self-assembled via multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds with one electron transferred from donor to acceptor unit for high-efficiency (~87 %) NIR photothermal conversion. [Extracted from the article]

This paper concerns new continuum phenomenological model for epitaxial thin-film growth with three different forms of the Ehrlich-Schwoebel current. Two of these forms were first proposed by Politi and Villain 1996 and then studied by Evans, Thiel, and Bartelt 2006. The other one is completely new. Energy structure and properties of the new model are studied. Following the techniques used in Li and Liu 2003, we present rigorous analysis of the well-posedness, regularity, and time stability for the new model. We also studied both the global and the local behavior of the surface roughness in the growth process. By using a convex-concave time-splitting scheme, one can naturally build unconditionally stable semi-implicit numerical discretizations with linear implicit parts, which is much easier to implement than conventional models requiring nonlinear implicit parts. Despite this fundamental difference in the model, numerical experiments show that the nonlinear morphological instability of the new model agrees well with results of other models published before which indicates that the new model correctly captures the essential morphological states in the thin-film growth process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dimethoxycurcumin ( DMC) is a lipophilic analog of curcumin, an effective treatment for colon cancer, which has greater chemical and metabolic stability. Chemotherapy treatments, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), play a key role in the current management of colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the antitumor efficacy of DMC in combination with 5-Fu in SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cells. CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of DMC and 5-Fu on cancer cells proliferation, and the combination index was calculated. The influence of DMC and 5-Fu on cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species ( ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential in SW480 and SW620 cells was determined using flow cytometry, and the related signaling pathways were detected by western blot. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe endoplasmic reticulum expansion. DMC- and/or 5-Fu-induced apoptosis, stimulated G0/G1 phase arrest, increased ROS levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced endoplasmic reticulum expansion. The induction of apoptosis is involved in the increasing of Bax and cytochrome c and decreasing of Bcl2 expressions. Increased production of ROS was accompanied by upregulation of CHOP and Noxa. Combination therapy of DMC and 5-Fu had increased efficacy on the above pathways compared with either drug alone. Based on the calculated IC50, combination treatment with DMC and 5-Fu had an additive antitumor effect in both cell lines. Combined treatment with DMC and 5-Fu led to an additive antitumor effect in colon cancer cells that was related to apoptosis induction, G0/G1 phase arrest, increased ROS production, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced endoplasmic reticulum expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mangxiang Formation black shales are the most important hydrocarbon source rocks in the Wuyu Basin. Trace and rare earth element (REEs) of the black shales from the Wuyu Basin were studied in order to understand their depositional environments and palaeoclimate. Thirty one black shale samples from the Wuyu Basin were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence. The black shales are characterized by moderate SiO2 (52.55-58.73%) contents and medium K2O/Na2O (2.21-4.83) ratio values but relatively high MgO + Fe2O3 (5.8-6.91%) and Al2O3 (15.1-17.5%) contents. The Chemical Weathering Index of Alternation (CIA) ranges from 57 to 70, together with medium Th/U (2.66-4.97) ratio values, reflecting a weak to moderate degree of chemical weathering of the source area. The palaeoredox condition of black shale was slightly oxic (or dysoxic) during black shale deposition as evidenced by slightly Ce anomalies (0.92-0.99) and Mn enrichment (EF = 1.6). The moderate palaeosalinity values (9.32‰-17.75‰), together with medium B/Ga (3.90-5.57) ratio values, indicate a brackish water environment. The palaeoclimate index ∑(Fe + Mn + Cr + Ni + V + Co)/∑(Ca + Mg + Sr + Ba + K + Na) ranges from 0.28 to 0.50 and low Sr/Ba (0.15-1.22) ratio values, indicating a semiarid to semimoist climatic condition during the sedimentation of the black shale. The high ω(La)N/ω(Yb)N ratio values (1.02-1.09) indicate a fast sedimentary rate during black shale deposition. In this study, a preservation model of the Mangxiang Formation black shale was established. The model indicates that excellent preservation may be the major controlling factor for the accumulation of organic matter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Jurassic black shales are the most important source rocks in the Qiangtang Basin, Tibet. These black shales may provide a useful example for understanding the sedimentary conditions during the early Jurassic in the eastern Tethys. Thirty-two black-shale samples were collected from the Qiangtang Basin to reconstruct the depositional environments during the early Jurassic in the eastern Tethys. The palaeoclimate index Σ(Fe + Mn + Cr + Ni + V + Co)/Σ(Ca + Mg + Sr + Ba + K + Na) varies between 0.58 and 1.14, together with low Sr/Ba (0.20-0.60) and Sr/Cu (1.68-7.88) ratios, indicating a warm humid to semi-humid climatic condition during black-shale deposition. The early Jurassic black shales exhibit slight Ce anomalies (0.89-0.94) and Mn enrichment (EF = 1.2), suggesting a slightly oxic depositional environment. The conditions of the sedimentary water system during black-shale deposition were apparently brackish as evidenced by middle B/Ga (3.96-5.73) and Th/U (3.96-6.51) ratios. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacred lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera) is an ornamental plant that is also used for food and medicine. This basal eudicot species is especially important from an evolutionary perspective, as it occupies a critical phylogenetic position in flowering plants. Here we report the draft genome of a wild strain of sacred lotus. The assembled genome is 792 Mb, which is approximately 85-90% of genome size estimates. We annotated 392 Mb of repeat sequences and 36 385 protein-coding genes within the genome. Using these sequence data, we constructed a phylogenetic tree and confirmed the basal location of sacred lotus within eudicots. Importantly, we found evidence for a relatively recent whole-genome duplication event; any indication of the ancient paleo-hexaploid event was, however, absent. Genomic analysis revealed evidence of positive selection within 28 embryo-defective genes and one annexin gene that may be related to the long-term viability of sacred lotus seed. We also identified a significant expansion of starch synthase genes, which probably elevated starch levels within the rhizome of sacred lotus. Sequencing this strain of sacred lotus thus provided important insights into the evolution of flowering plant and revealed genetic mechanisms that influence seed dormancy and starch synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-conserved splitting finite-difference time-domain (EC-S-FDTD) method has recently been proposed to solve the Maxwell equations with second order accuracy while numerically keep the L2 energy conservation laws of the equations. In this paper, the EC-S-FDTD scheme for the 3D Maxwell equations is proved to be energy-conserved and unconditionally stable in the discrete H1 norm. The EC-S-FDTD scheme is of second-order accuracy both in time step and spatial steps, which suggests the super-convergence of this scheme in the discrete H1 norm. And the divergence of the electric field of the EC-S-FDTD scheme in the discrete L2 norm is second-order accurate. Numerical experiments confirm our theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]