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Considering the storage increasing demand of 'multi-variety, small-batch' characteristic goods, we developed a new type of compact warehouse a three-dimensional double-ended compact storage system. Compared with the traditional three-dimensional automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) and existing three-dimensional compact AS/RS model, the storage system we designed exhibits excellent characteristics such as high density, high throughput efficiency, and more flexible configuration. There are three key points in our work listed as follows. Firstly, we establish the continuous travel time model under specific operating conditions in this new three-dimensional compact warehouse. Secondly, the three-dimensional size of the storage rack is optimised. The optimal three-dimensional proportion of the storage rack is obtained based on the model's optimal solution. Finally, numerical examples are given to analyse the influence of the I/O port layouts and related parameters on the system throughput efficiency. According to the optimisation results of the system model, a more reasonable rack dimension can be designed, which can provide an effective reference for the construction of a three-dimensional double-ended compact warehouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a platform society, the realization of the public value of platforms is not only affected by goals constructed based on national interest but also closely related to the rights and interests of platform users. In this context, how a platform mediates between the interests of a country, its users, and its businesses becomes a topic worthy of discussion. Through participatory observation and in-depth interviews, this study reveals that online platforms strategically transfer public values that enjoy national policy support and have a broad popular base into their ecosystems, employing techniques such as bridging different parties, gamification management, and the masking effect to produce green users. The findings reveal the unique logic of contemporary China's platform-driven environmental protection practices and mainstream value cultivation while also highlighting the conflicts and contradictions inherent in realizing public values. This study provides a valuable perspective for understanding the Chinese platform society in terms of public value realization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxyntic gland neoplasm (OGN) is a rare subtype of gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, clinicopathological features, effectiveness and safety of endoscopic treatment, as well as the prognosis of OGN. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients pathologically diagnosed with OGN at our hospital from November 1, 2019 to May 1, 2023. A total of 36 patients with 45 lesions were identified, resulting in a disease frequency of 0.047% (36/76,832). The mean age was 55.0 ± 7.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio of about 1:1.12. Most lesions were ≤10 mm in size (84.4%), located in the upper third of the stomach (73.3%), exhibited slight elevation (75.5%), appeared whitish (55%), had dilated blood vessels on the surface (75.5%). 16 and 21 lesions were treated by precutting endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-P) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), respectively. No significant differences were found between EMR-P and ESD in terms of en bloc resection rate (100% vs 100%, p = 1.000), complete resection rate (100% vs 90.5%, p = 0.495), and curative resection rate (93.8% vs 90.5%, p = 1.000). No complications such as bleeding and perforation were observed. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period. OGN is a rare tumor with unique clinical, endoscopic, and pathological characteristics. EMR-P and ESD are deemed safe and effective for treating OGNs. The relatively faster and easier EMR-P seems at least non-inferior to ESD, especially for removal of smaller OGNs. The overall prognosis is favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced by plants responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. According to their biosynthetic sources, induced VOCs are divided into three major classes: terpenoids, phenylpropanoid/benzenoid, and fatty acid derivatives. These compounds with specific aroma characteristics importantly contribute to the aroma quality of oolong tea. Shaking and rocking is the crucial procedure for the aroma formation of oolong tea by exerting mechanical damage to fresh tea leaves. Abundant studies have been carried out to investigate the formation mechanisms of VOCs during oolong tea processing in recent years. This review systematically introduces the biosynthesis of VOCs in plants, and the volatile changes due to biotic and abiotic stresses are summarized and expatiated, using oolong tea as an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their advantages in structural stability and versatility, cysteine-rich peptides, which are secreted from the venom glands of venomous animals, constitute a naturally occurring pharmaceutical arsenal. However, the correct folding of disulfide bonds is a challenging task in the prokaryotic expression system like Escherichia coli due to the reducing environment. Here, a secretory expression plasmid pSE-G1M5-SUMO-HWTX-I for the spider neurotoxin huwentoxin-I (HWTX-I) with three disulfides as a model of cysteine-rich peptides was constructed. By utilizing the signal peptide G1M5, the fusion protein 6 × His-SUMO-HWTX-I was successfully secreted into extracellular medium of BL21(DE3). After enrichment using cation-exchange chromatography and purification utilizing the Ni-NTA column, 6 × His-SUMO-HWTX-I was digested via Ulp1 kinase to release recombinant HWTX-I (rHWTX-I), which was further purified utilizing RP-HPLC. Finally, both impurities with low and high molecular weights were completely removed. The molecular mass of rHWTX-I was identified as being 3750.8 Da, which was identical to natural HWTX-I with three disulfide bridges. Furthermore, by utilizing whole-cell patch clamp, the sodium currents of hNav1.7 could be inhibited by rHWTX-I and the IC50 value was 419 nmol/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the effect of nitrification inhibitor combined with urease inhibitor on soil N2O emission under different nitrogen application depths. We carried out a soil column simulation test under 25°C. The combination of 1% N-butyl Phosphorothioate Triamine (NBPT) and 5% Dicyandiamide (DCD) was added to the soil. Anaerobically digested pig slurry (ADPS) was used as a nitrogen source and applied to four soil depths (soil surface (0 cm), 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm, respectively). It was found that the inhibitory effects of NBPT and DCD on the soil N2O emission were significantly affected by different nitrogen application depths. When the ADPS was applied at 15 cm, 10 cm, and on the soil surface, the combination of 1% NBPT and 5% DCD could inhibit soil N2O emission by 46.1%, 21.7%, and 34.6%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the addition of inhibitors changed the microbial paths of soil N2O production. The dominant microbial path of soil N2O production after adding inhibitors was from ammonia oxidation dominated by AOB-amoA to denitrification dominated by nirS and nirK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow and work engagement are related concepts, and both are commonly applied and studied in the workplace. This review makes an attempt to define the potential differences and relationships between flow and engagement in the workplace. Based on a systematic review of the extant positive interventions designed to enhance flow and work engagement, meaningful differences between flow and work engagement interventions were found in terms of the mechanisms of the interventions, the types of interventions, and the intervention approach (i.e. personal vs. contextual and deficit-fixing vs. strengths-building). The review concludes that flow interventions can make important contributions above and beyond work engagement interventions. The findings illuminate the conceptual and empirical differences between flow and work engagement interventions, and suggest new directions for flow and engagement intervention research in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drop-weight impact experiments are performed on a thin layer of cyclotetramethylenete tranitramineand cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) powdery explosives, which were mixed with a few large-sized explosive or NaCl salt granules. The drop-weight impact machine is equipped with the high-speed photographic systems for observing the impact process. It showed that the mixed explosives are more sensitive than pure powdery explosives. Hard salt particles could greatly enhance the burning probability of powdery explosives because frictional heat between salt particles and target explosive powders, stress concentration, and new generated fragments of large granule jointly contribute to heat accumulation at the junction of dissimilar materials. Burning front always initiates at the interface of powdery explosive and additive granule. Adiabatic shear bands were frequently observed in the mixture of ultra-fine RDX powdery explosive with RDX large granules, which mainly resulted from the softening effect of ultra-fine powders once the temperature arises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, theoretical modeling and vibration characteristics of a spinning double-blade beam assembly restricted by elastic supports are studied. Graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) reinforcement and porous foamed metal matrix are adopted to make up the assembly structure. Due to the nonuniformity of the porosity and graphene nanofillers, the material properties of the attached blades and beam are considered to change along the blade thickness and beam radius, respectively. They are obtained via the rule of mixture, the open-cell scheme and the Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model. These attached blades and beam are modeled in accordance with the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the Rayleigh beam theory, respectively. Via employing the Lagrange's equation, the equations of motion of the double-blade beam are derived. Then, the natural frequencies of the spinning nanocomposite double-blade beam are calculated by the substructure modal synthesis method and the assumed modes method. A detailed parameter analysis is performed to study the influences of dimension, distribution pattern and weight fraction of GPLs, distribution and coefficient of porosity, length and location of the blades, stiffness and location of supports, and spinning speed on the mechanical behaviors of the double-blade beam assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of congenital anaplastic astrocytoma, so as to provide diagnostic clues for it. An updated review of the literature was also carried out. Results There was a case of fetal anaplastic astrocytoma detected by ultrasound at 37 + 1 weeks of gestation. It showed that a hypoechoic mass was located in the left hemisphere with a relatively clear margin and subtle color flows. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which was taken subsequently confirmed the result of ultrasound. Intratumoral hemorrhage was observed in later follow-up and further confirmed by histological examination. The fetus was delivered vaginally at 39 + 6 weeks. The infant died 2 h after delivery due to respiration failure. The histological examination confirmed an anaplastic astrocytoma. Conclusions Congenital anaplastic astrocytoma commonly detected by ultrasound has a relatively better perinatal prognosis, especially compared with glioblastoma. Prenatal ultrasonography diagnosis accurately is of critical importance. The anaplastic astrocytoma should be considered in cases in which fetal images reveal a heterogeneous echogenic mass in the brain, especially in the presence of intratumoral hemorrhage, subtle color flow, and relatively clear margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation on vibration characteristics of graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) reinforced disk-shaft rotor with eccentric mass resting on elastic supports. The shaft is made of common metal material while the disk is made of graphene nanoplatelet reinforced material. The weight fraction of graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) is assumed to vary smoothly and continuously along the thickness direction of the disk, which leads to a functionally gradient (FG) structure. The effective properties of the disk are determined via the Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model and the rule of mixture. In accordance with the Timoshenko beam theory and Kirchhoff plate theory, the governing equations which take into account gyroscopic effect due to rotation are derived by using the Lagrange equation. The substructure modal synthesis method and the assumed modes method are utilized to obtain the natural frequencies, and the Runge-Kutta method is adopted to solve the forced vibration response of the rotor system, where the centrifugal force and gravity of an eccentric mass in the shaft are considered as generalized forces. The present analysis is validated through comparison with both experiment and finite element (FE) results. A detailed parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of the rotating speed, GPL weight fraction, GPL distribution pattern, length-to-thickness ratio and length-to-width ratio of GPLs, disk position, disk dimension, and support stiffness on vibration behaviors of the nanocomposite disk-shaft rotor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though some studies have reported navigated high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a useful procedure to correct knee deformity. There is still great controversy whether navigated HTO can achieve better accuracy of limb alignment and greater clinical outcomes. Current meta-analysis was conducted to investigate whether better radiographic outcomes and clinical outcomes could be acquired in navigated HTO compared with the conventional procedure. We conducted a literature search in the electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We identified studies published before August 2020. We also checked the references of the related articles for any relevant studies. We strictly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematics reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines in this review. This research was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Fourteen articles were included, involving 1399 knees. Our meta-analysis indicated that patients undergoing navigated HTO had significantly better outcomes in outliers of aimed limb alignment (RD=−0.24, 95% CI: =−0.34 to −0.13, p < 0.01), outliers of aimed tibial posterior slope (TPS) (RD=−0.41, 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.30, p < 0.01), Range of Motion (ROM) (MD = 6.37, 95%CI: 0.83–11.91, p = 0.02), and American knee society knee score (AKS knee score) (MD = 3.88, 95%CI: 1.37–6.39, p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in Lysholm score (MD = 1.30, 95%CI: −0.31 to 2.90, p = 0.11), American knee society function score (AKS function score) (RD = 1.42, 95%CI: −0.15 to 2.99, p = 0.08), complications (RD=−0.01, 95% CI: = −0.05 to 0.04, p = 0.77), delayed union (RD=−0.01, 95% CI: = −0.02 to 0.03, p = 0.59), and reoperation (RD = 0, 95% CI: −0.09 to 0.10, p = 0.98) between the two groups. The operation time in the navigated group was 15.46 min longer than in the conventional group. Navigated HTO provided more accurate and reproducible radiographic outcomes in the correction of the malalignment than conventional techniques, and there is no difference in the risk of complications compared with conventional HTO. However, it is unclear whether navigation HTO can achieve better clinical results. More randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with high quality, large sample size, and sufficient follow-up period are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fangcang hospitals, as tentative hospitals built to treat a huge turnover of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, have played a pivotal role to slow down the pandemic spread in China in 2020. However, anxiety and sleep disorders remain tough to address during the treatments. In this study, group psychological intervention in combination with pulmonary rehabilitation exercises were conducted in the trial group for the patients with mild COVID-19 infections in a Fangcang Hospital to mitigate the patients' anxiety and sleep disorders, while conventional nursing methods were done in the control group, with 70 randomly picked patients in each group. Effects were assessed through questionnaire method using state anxiety questionnaire (SAI) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale (PQSI) rating investigation. Results showed that both SAI and PSQI scores of the trial group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The SAI scores of the trial group and the control group were 38.5 ± 13.2 and 45.8 ± 10.4 points (t = 3.600, P < 0.001), respectively, and the PSQI scores were 5.6 ± 3.0 and 7.1 ± 3.0 points (t = 2.982, P < 0.01), respectively. Our methods have significant advantages over conventional nursing methods to mitigate anxiety and sleep disorders for the patients with mild COVID-19 infections in the Fangcang Hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate role and clinical significance of CDK13 in breast cancer patients. A total of 189 cases of breast cancer were enrolled during March 2013 to March 2015. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used for measurement of CDK13, HIF-1α and beclin1. Clinical characteristics of age, BMI, TNM stage, pathological types, and tumor diameter, were recorded. Patients' 5-year overall survival and recurrence were followed up. All patients were followed up for 5 years or to the last follow-up. The expression levels of CDK13 and HIF-1αin breast cancer tissues were up-regulated and beclin1 was down-regulated than in the paracancerous non-tumor tissues. CDK13 was positively correlated with HIF-1α and negatively correlated with beclin1 in breast cancer tissues. The patients with higher expression of CDK13 showed significantly higher rates of TNM III–IV, higher rates of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and larger tumor size. The mortality and recurrence rates were higher in high expression CDK13 patients than in low CDK13 expression patients, however with no significant difference. K–M curve showed patients with higher CDK13 showed lower 5-year overall survival and lower disease-free survival time, however with no significant difference. CDK13 was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues, and patients with higher CDK13 had poorer clinical outcomes. Further studies are still needed to reveal the clinical significance of CDK13 in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to perform free vibration and buckling analyses of circular cylindrical shells made of three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam. Three kinds of porosity distribution are considered including two kinds of symmetrical distribution and uniform distribution. The Kirchhoff-Love shell theory is utilized to establish the mathematical model of 3D graphene foam (3D-GF) shells. Natural frequencies and buckling loads of the shells under various boundary conditions are obtained via the Rayleigh-Ritz method in conjunction with Chebyshev polynomials. Results show that the mechanical characteristics of the 3D-GF shells are significantly affected by the porosity coefficient and porosity distribution. Moreover, the effect of porosity coefficient is closely related to boundary conditions of the shells. It is also shown that as the porosity coefficient increases, the porosity distribution effect on the mechanical characteristics of 3D-GF shells becomes increasingly significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was to investigate whether long-term amlodipine-based combination therapy attenuates seasonal variation of office blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Methods: The data of 206 patients recruited in the Nanchang site of CHIEF trial were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received an amlodipine-based therapy for three years after reaching target BP with a 12-week titration treatment. Among them, 106 patients received amlodipine plus amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (AA group) and 100 received amlodipine plus telmisartan (AT group) therapies. These patients were followed up every three months. The difference between the highest and lowest values of outdoor temperature in each three months was calculated as the seasonal temperature difference (T-d) and seasonal BP difference was calculated in the similar way. BP control rates in each season were calculated. Results: In the three years, the highest SBP and DBP values occurred in winter and the lowest values in summer. As a result, the BP control rate in summer was the highest and that in winter was the lowest, especially for SBP. Although T-d levels were similar during three following-up years, the seasonal SBP/DBP differences in 2011 were significantly lower than 2009 (10.03 ± 5.74/6.96 ± 3.72 vs 14.36 ± 8.19/9.78 ± 5.21 mmHg, P <.05), suggesting seasonal variation in BP was obviously reduced. Meanwhile, similar change was observed in AA and AT groups. Conclusions: Besides lower BP effectively, long-term amlodipine-based combination therapy could alleviate the seasonal BP variation in high-risk hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One luminescent Cd2+ coordination polymer, {[Cd(tbca)(H2O)]}n (1) (Htbca = 4'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid), has been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Structural analysis revealed that 1 was a 3D framework with a 3,6-connected rtl topology. Fluorescence titration experiments demonstrated that 1 was an excellent multi-functional probe for metal ions and amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volume resuscitation is an important early treatment for haemorrhagic shock. Haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) can expand the volume and provide oxygen for tissues. Vascular leakage is common complication in the process of haemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of HBOC (a bovine-derived, cross-linked tetramer haemoglobin oxygen-carrying solution, 0.5 g/L) on vascular leakage in rats after haemorrhagic shock. A haemorrhagic shock rat model and hypoxic vascular endothelial cells (VECs) were used. The role of intercellular junctions and endothelial glycocalyx in the protective effects of HBOC and the relationship with mitochondrial function were analysed. After haemorrhagic shock, the pulmonary vascular permeability to FITC-BSA, Evans Blue was increased, endothelial glycocalyx was destroyed and the expression of intercellular junction proteins was decreased. After haemorrhagic shock, a small volume of HBOC solution (6 ml/kg) protected pulmonary vascular permeability, increased structural thickness of endothelial glycocalyx, the levels of its components and increased expression levels of the intercellular junction proteins ZO-1, VE-cadherin and occludin. Moreover, HBOC significantly increased oxygen delivery and consumption in rats, improved VEC mitochondrial function and structure. In conclusion, HBOC mitigates endothelial leakage by protecting endothelial glycocalyx and intercellular junctions through improving mitochondrial function and tissue oxygen delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

XingNaoJing injection (XNJ), extracted from a traditional compound Chinese medicine Angong niuhuang pill, is well known for treating stroke in the clinic, but the specific effects and mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the mechanistic basis for the protective effect of XNJ on cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Five groups of 10 SD rats underwent 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 h reperfusion. XNJ at 10 and 15 mL/kg was intraperitoneally administered 24 h before ischaemia and at the onset of reperfusion respectively. The silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor EX527 was intracerebroventricularly injected 0.5 h before reperfusion. Cerebral infarction size, neurological scores, morphological changes, and expression levels of inflammatory mediators and SIRT1 were measured. Furthermore, human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were subjected to 3 h oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by 24 h reoxygenation to mimic cerebral I/R in vitro. EX527 pre-treatment occurred 1 h before OGD. SIRT1 and inflammatory mediator levels were analyzed. Both XNJ doses significantly decreased cerebral infarct area (40.11% vs. 19.66% and 9.87%) and improved neurological scores and morphological changes. Inflammatory mediator levels were remarkably decreased in both model systems after XNJ treatment. XNJ also enhanced SIRT1 expression. Notably, the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 attenuated the XNJ-mediated decrease in inflammation in vivo and in vitro. XNJ improved cerebral I/R injury through inhibiting the inflammatory response via the SIRT1 pathway, which may be a useful target in treating cerebral I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stemonae Radix, a medicinal and edible herb, has been reported to possess various pharmacological effects. In the present study, Stemonae Radix was fermented by fungi to improve the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. The results showed that Stemonae Radix fermented by Mucor circinelloides T2-12 exhibited two-folds more antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities than non-fermented material. The increased activity might be ascribed to the improvement of total phenolic content, hydrolyzation of glucosides and esters of phenolics and metabolism of saccharides according to ultraviolet and nuclear paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This paper suggested that fermenting Stemonae Radix with M. circinelloides T2-12 is effective to increase antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects and Stemonae Radix fermented by M. circinelloides T2-12 might be newly alternative of natural antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor. The present study is the first to report that pure strain fermentation processing is effective in improving the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of Stemonae Radix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new xanthone glycosides (1–2), together with seven known analogues (3–9), were isolated from whole herb of Swertia punicea. The structures of these metabolites were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with data reported in the literature. In an in vitro test, all isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. The results revealed that all of them showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.237 to 3.319 mM. Compounds 3, 4, and 5 (IC50 values in the range 1.237–1.987 mM) displayed more potent anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control, indomethacin (IC50 value of 2.004 mM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 3-position substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ligand, 4-(2-chloroimidazo[1,2-a] pyridine-3-carboxamido)phthalic acid (H2L), was conveniently synthesized and acts as a three-connecting T-shaped building block. Based on this ligand, two isostructural coordination polymers, [ML(H2O)]n (M = Zn (1) and Co (2)) with a rare one-dimensional (1D) ladder-like chain structure, were solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. There exist hydrogen bond and lone-pair–π interactions between two adjacent ladder chains. Compared to the H2L ligand, coordination polymer 1 reveals a blue-shifted emission stemming from ligand-to-metal charge transfer, meanwhile, coordination polymer 2 presents a dominant antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the carboxylate anion (COO−) in coordination polymers 1 and 2 could be protonated into carboxylic acid (–COOH), upon exposure to HCl vapor. As a result, coordination polymers 1 and 2 display reversible luminescent switching in the response to acid-base vapor stimuli, which mainly originates from the conversion between lone-pair–π and cation–π interactions mediated by the protonation-deprotonation processes. Such stimulus-responsive conversion between lone-pair–π and cation–π interactions is first reported in coordination polymers, and provides a promising approach to design and construct smart coordination polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of its high stability, good wear resistance, and high mechanical hardness, SiC is widely used in various mechanical parts as a protective film. However, there have been few reports published on the preparation of SiC films by pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. In this work, SiC films were deposited onto glass and ceramic substrates from a sintered SiC target through pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. The influence of the variation of the power pulse frequency (0 kHz, 50 kHz, 150 kHz, 250 kHz, and 300 kHz) on the film's performance was studied. The surface morphology, structural characteristics, hardness, and adhesion strength of the deposited SiC films were investigated here. The results show that all the deposited films adhered well to the substrate. They were smooth, compact, and presented an amorphous structure. The film hardness was found to increase as the pulse frequency was increased. When the pulse frequency was 250 kHz, the resulting SiC film possessed optimal mechanical properties with a hardness of 25.74 GPa (measured using a nanometer indentation instrument) and an adhesion strength of about 36 N (measured by scratch tester). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new benzylated alkamide, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-9Z-oleamide (1), along with two known ones (2 and 3) were isolated from the roots of Lepidium meyenii collected from Lijiang, Yunnan Province of China. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and the new compound further confirmed by a one-step synthesis. All the isolated alkamides were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. However, no significant activities were detected at concentrations up to 40 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the thermo-hygro-mechanical bending and vibration of functionally graded material (FGM) microbeams with microporosity defect are investigated. The mathematical model of the system is developed by using the sinusoidal beam theory and the modified couple stress theory. Based on Hamilton's principle, the governing equations and boundary conditions of imperfect FGM microbeams are derived. Then, Navier's method is utilized to calculate the deflections and natural frequencies of the system. Analytical results are presented to illustrate the effects of the microporosity volume fraction, the microporosity distribution type, the power-law index, the temperature and the moisture on the static bending and free vibration of imperfect FGM microbeams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the combination of social media and e-commerce, consumers usually gather all kind of available information for making their final purchase decisions online. From the perspective of interpersonal interaction, we proposed similarity (including external similarity and internal similarity) is an important peripheral informational processing route for consumers to make decisions. Built on the theories of similarity extrapolation, trust transfer and parasocial interaction (PSI), we examined whether similarity could enhance PSI relationship between consumers and the intention to do the social shopping and social sharing. The findings of PLS analysis in this study demonstrated that both external similarity and internal similarity significantly affected consumers' PSI relationship forming and trust transfer, which in turn exerted profound impacts on consumers' social commerce behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine whether beryllium toxicity was associated with mitochondria apoptosis pathway in SD rats. Methods: Thirty-two SD rats were given an intratracheal instillation dose of 10 g/l beryllium oxide (0.5 ml per rat). Additional 32 rats were given an intratracheal instillation dose of 0.9% normal saline (0.5 ml per rat). The percentage of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, the expression level of apoptosis related genes and proteins, including bcl2, Bax and Caspase-3 were detected. Results: The average of percentage of apoptosis, the expression of caspase-3, bax, and cytochrome c were decreased significantly in lung tissues from rats exposed to beryllium oxide compared to normal controls. The expression of bcl2 and ADP were increased significantly at 80 d after exposure. Conclusions: We conclude that inhibition of apoptosis by beryllium oxide involves mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in rat model of beryllium oxide-induced pulmonary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to find the relationship between dietary nitrite and risk of esophageal cancer, and determine the amount of nitrite intake to establish the oral highest daily intake to prevent the occurrence of esophageal cancer. Duplicate portions of three-consecutive-day diets were collected from 100 patients with esophageal precancerous lesions and 100 controls. The average nitrite daily intakes for esophageal precancerous lesions and normal people were 15.72 mg/d and 11.11 mg/d. The median nitrite daily intakes for cases and controls were 8.76 mg/d and 5.33 mg/d. Positive association was observed between the risk of esophageal precancerous lesions and dietary nitrite intake (p = 0.035). An increased risk of esophageal precancerous lesions was observed for cases or controls in the highest intake quartile of nitrite (highest vs. lowest quartile odds ratio (OR) = 2.256, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.012-5.026). These results suggest that dietary nitrite intake may influence the risk of esophageal cancer; populations with high incidence of esophageal cancer should take control of nitrite intake as one of the measures to prevent esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an introductory review of the physics of topological quantum matter with cold atoms. Topological quantum phases, originally discovered and investigated in condensed matter physics, have recently been explored in a range of different systems, which produced both fascinating physics findings and exciting opportunities for applications. Among the physical systems that have been considered to realize and probe these intriguing phases, ultracold atoms become promising platforms due to their high flexibility and controllability. Quantum simulation of topological phases with cold atomic gases is a rapidly evolving field, and recent theoretical and experimental developments reveal that some toy models originally proposed in condensed matter physics have been realized with this artificial quantum system. The purpose of this article is to introduce these developments. The article begins with a tutorial review of topological invariants and the methods to control parameters in the Hamiltonians of neutral atoms. Next, topological quantum phases in optical lattices are introduced in some detail, especially several celebrated models, such as the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, the Hofstadter-Harper model, the Haldane model and the Kane-Mele model. The theoretical proposals and experimental implementations of these models are discussed. Notably, many of these models cannot be directly realized in conventional solid-state experiments. The newly developed methods for probing the intrinsic properties of the topological phases in cold-atom systems are also reviewed. Finally, some topological phases with cold atoms in the continuum and in the presence of interactions are discussed, and an outlook on future work is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Change and innovation are increasingly critical to organizational survival, as well as sustained success. While it is common to discuss mistakes as critical components of the learning process, how can organizations balance the detrimental costs of workplace mistakes with the beneficial outcomes of increased risk-taking and innovation? This cross-regional comparative research investigates the relationship between employee perceptions of leadership style, mindset (fixed versus growth), and orientation to error learning in a sample of 554 employees recruited in Europe, China, and the US. We examine the relationship between a leader’s perceived style - transformational, transactional, laissez-faire, and aversive leadership - follower mindset, and attitudes toward error learning. Our results suggest that transformational leadership fosters significantly more positive attitudes toward employee error learning, while laissez-faire and aversive leadership styles actively inhibit employee error learning. Somewhat surprisingly, in two of the three samples, laissez-faire leadership showed the strongest and most negative effect on error learning orientation, although followers with fixed mindsets reported being less likely to learn from errors regardless of leadership style. Our findings examine the relationship between leadership style and employee error learning and highlight that inattentive leaders may be particularly destructive in work settings that seek to develop creativity and innovation as part of the organizational change process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, oleiferasaponins D1-D5 (1-5), were isolated from the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera Abel. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-5 were evaluated against five human tumor cell lines (HCT-116, HepG2, BGC-823, NCI-H1650, and A2780). Compounds 1-2 exhibited cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 3.31 to 10.23 μM. Compounds 3-5 showed moderate cytotoxic activities toward the tested cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a delivery system which can effectively carry hydrophobic drugs and have pH response is becoming necessary. Here we demonstrate that through preparation of β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CDP), a hydrophobic drug molecule of ibuprofen (IBU) was incorporated into our prepared β-CDP inner cavities, aiming to improve the poor water solubility of IBU. A core-shell capsule structure has been designed for achieving the drug pH targeted and sustained release. This delivery system was built with polysaccharide polymer of Sodium alginate (SA), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) by physical cross-linking. The drug pH-response control release is this hydrogel system’s chief merit, which has potential value for synthesizing enteric capsule. Besides, due to our simple preparing strategy, optimal conditions can be readily determined and the synthesis process can be accurately controlled, leading to consistent and reproducible hydrogel capsules. In addition, phase-solubility method was used to investigate the solubilization effect of IBU by β-CDP. SEM was used to prove the forming of core and shell structure. FT-IR and1H-NMR were also used to perform structural characteristics. By the technique of UV determination, the pH targeted and sustained release study were also performed. The results have proved that our prepared polysaccharide hydrogel capsule delivery system has potential applications as oral drugs delivery in the field of biomedical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, we investigated larval settlement and metamorphosis of the invasive foulerMytilopsis salleiexposed to ions, neurotransmitters and blockers inhibiting their respective actions. Excess K+effectively induced larval settlement and metamorphosis, while the voltage-gated potassium channel blocker, TEA, significantly inhibited the K+inducing effect, suggesting that a voltage-gated potassium channel may play a role inM. salleisettlement and metamorphosis. Excess Ca2+did not induce larval settlement and metamorphosis, while Mg2+andinhibited both. Among the neurotransmitters, GABA did not induceM. salleilarvae to settle and metamorphose at 10−6–10−4 M concentrations, while 5 × 10−5–10−4 Ml-DOPA (a dopamine precursor), 5 × 10−6–10−4 M dopamine (an epinephrine precursor) and 5 × 10−5–10−4 M epinephrine significantly induced larval settlement and metamorphosis, indicating the presence of an epinephrine biosynthesis pathway in this species and its role in the regulation of larval settlement and metamorphosis. Furthermore, the inducing effect of dopamine onM. salleisettlement and metamorphosis was inhibited by SCH23390, a selective D1 dopamine receptor antagonist. Similarly, the inducing effect of epinephrine was inhibited by chlorpromazine, anα1-adrenergic antagonist, suggesting that the D1 dopamine receptor andα1-adrenoceptor may play active roles in the processes of settlement and metamorphosis ofM. salleilarvae. Here, we have shown for the first time the responses of larval settlement and metamorphosis of dreissenid mussels to pharmacologically active compounds. The results provide new insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying larval settlement and metamorphosis ofM. sallei, which may be useful to develop effective strategies to control this invasive fouling organism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Carbonization of magnetic polymer microspheres is one of the methods for the preparation of magnetic carbon materials. Fe3O4magnetic particle characteristics considerably influence the magnetic content and size distribution of magnetic polymer microspheres. The characteristics of Fe3O4nanoparticles modified by oleic acid (OA) and undecylenic acid (UA) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic laser light scattering, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry, vibrating sample magnetometer, and water contact angle. Fe3O4nanoparticles modified by OA and UA are nearly spherical and exhibit superparamagnetism. Fe3O4particle size and saturation magnetization are slightly influenced by the OA and UA composition. OA and UA both are chemically adsorbed onto Fe3O4as bidentate chelates. OA shows easier adsorption onto Fe3O4than UA. OA groups have an expanded arrangement on OA@Fe3O4, whereas UA groups have a condensed arrangement on UA@Fe3O4. Particle lipophilicity decreases and particle clustering increases with decreasing OA content and increasing UA content on OA-UA@Fe3O4nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical field control of laser beams is realized through photo-aligned liquid crystals. A dynamic micro-lithography system combined with a polarization-sensitive alignment agent is utilized to perform arbitrary fine liquid crystal alignment. Fork gratings are fabricated to generate high quality optical vortices. Forked polarization gratings with space-variant liquid crystal azimuthal orientations are proposed and corresponding optical vortices with arbitrary azimuthal and radial indices are demonstrated in high efficiency. Moreover, Airy masks for polarization selective Airy beam generation and polarization converters suitable for arbitrary vector beams are fabricated. This technology drastically enhances the capability of optical field control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the fantastic properties and diverse applications of specific beams, optical beam shaping has attracted intensive attentions recently. Generally, these beams can be converted from Gaussian beams via particular spatial amplitude or phase control. In this work, we present a liquid crystal photopatterning technique based on dynamic microlithography with a polarisation-sensitive photoalignment agent. This technique enables the accurate, arbitrary and reconfigurable azimuthal angle control of liquid crystals, thus providing a powerful approach for the manipulation of light. By this means, the tailoring of arbitrary fine microstructures with binary or continuously space-variant liquid crystal azimuthal orientations are demonstrated. We briefly review our recent work on some specially designed patterns and corresponding specific optical fields. High-quality vortex beams, vector beams and Airy beams are generated with unprecedented flexibility in the design and control of light wavefront. Besides high efficiency, good electrical switchability and broad wavelength tolerance, the proposed devices also exhibit merits of compact size, low cost, dynamic mode conversion and polarisation controllable energy distribution, and are available for short pulse and intense light modulation. This work may pave a bright way towards beam shaping and bring new possibilities for the design of novel advanced liquid crystal photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Opisthotropis kuatunensis is classified in the family Natricidae and is widespread in southern China. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the circular mitochondrial genome of O. kuatunensis from the Fujian Province, China. The complete mitogenome is 17,279 bp in length, and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNA, 1 non-coding region of an L-strand replication origin and 2 control regions (D-loop1 and D-loop2). Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mitochondrial genome supported Opisthotropis as monophyletic and sister to Nerodia and fully resolved O. kuatunensis on a branch with O. latouchii. This study contributes to the systematics, phylogeny and taxonomy of the Natricidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sequenced the complete 17,209 bp mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Gonyosoma frenatum (Squamata: Colubridae) using next-generation sequencing. It consists of 13 PCGs, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, one non-coding region of an L-strand replication origin, and two control regions. The overall nucleotide composition was 34.7% of A, 24.8% of T, 12.3% of G, and 28.1% of C. The result of the phylogenetic analysis showed that G. frenatum, a member of Colubridae, is sister to other New World and Old World ratsnakes. The new data could help better understand the phylogenetic status of the genus Gonyosoma and the evolutionary history of Colubridae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-22α-angeloyloxyolean-12-ene-15α,16α,28-triol(1) and 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21β-acetyl-22α-angeloyloxyolean-12-ene-16α,28-diol (2) were isolated from the stems ofCamellia oleiferaAbel. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The cytotoxic activities of compounds1–2were evaluated against five human tumour cell lines (HCT-8, BGC-823, A5049, and A2780). Compounds1–2showed cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines, with IC50values ranging from 3.15 to 7.32 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pseudanoplocephala crawfordiis one of the important zoonotic cestodes causing economic significance and public health concern. In the present study, the phylogenetic position ofP. crawfordiisolated from pigs was re-inferred using molecular markers of internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and partial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (pnad1) mitochondrial DNA. The lengths of ITS1, ITS2 rDNA and pnad1 were 757 bp, 628 bp and 458 bp, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS1, ITS2 rDNA and pnad1 betweenP. crawfordiandHymenolepisspecies were smaller than that between cestodes within genusHymenolepis. Phylogenetic analyses based on three gene fragments showed thatP. crawfordiwas grouped into cluster ofHymenolepisspecies. These results suggested thatP. crawfordiwould be one member of genusHymenolepisbut not in a new genusPseudanoplocephala. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Second-sphere coordination refers to any intermolecular interactions with the ligands directly bound to the primary coordination sphere of a metal ion. Four supramolecular complexes, 0.5[L·2H]2+·0.5[MCl4]2−·[CH3OH]·0.5[CH2Cl2] (M = Co, crystal1; M = Mn, crystal2), 0.5[L·2H]2+·0.5[ZnBr4]2−·[CH3OH]·0.5[CH2Cl2] (crystal3), and 0.5[L·2H]2+·0.5[Cu2Br4]2−·H2O (crystal4), based on naphthalene-based ligand N,N,N′,N′-tetra-p-methylnaphthyl-ethanediamine (L), have been synthesized. X-ray analysis reveals that1–3are isostructural, in which the methanol molecules are bridges, connecting the protonatedLand metal chloride anions via N–H⋯O and O–H⋯Cl (Br) interactions to construct the host framework, and forming X-shaped cavity accessible for the inclusion of weakly polar guest molecules of dichloromethane. Dichloromethane is connected with the host framework through van der Waals forces. In4, a dinuclear anion [Cu2Br4]2−is connected with the ligand through N–H⋯Br interactions, in which the water molecules are accommodated between chains formed by the ligand and [Cu2Br4]2−. Structure stability, thermal analysis, and photoluminescent properties were studied for1–4. X-shaped host framework formed by second-sphere coordination strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new isocoumarins, terrecoumarins A–C (1–3), together with six known isocoumarins (4–9) were isolated from the fermentation products of the fungusPenicillium oxalicum0403. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities of1–9were evaluated. The results revealed that compound1showed high anti-TMV activity with inhibition rate 25.4 ± 3.5%. Other compounds also showed weak activity with inhibition rate in the range of 11.3–18.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Barklice in the genus Lepinotus (Psocoptera: Trogiidae) are small, soft-bodied stored-product pests that are difficult to control. We sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Lepinotus sp. The mt genome of Lepinotus sp. is 16,299 bp in size with 74.4% A + T content. The gene order was highly conserved in some of the Trogimorpha barklice. Two types of tandem repeat units were identified in CR of Lepinotus sp. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Trogiidae species was the sister group to Lepidopsocidae barklice, and the suborder Troctomorpha was polyphyletic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partition behaviors of some dyes, anthraquinones, and tanshiones in two kinds of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been investigated. The partition constants (K) of ionic dyes and rhein in the first kind of ATPSs are dependent on hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. A correlation forKas a function of the concentration ratio of total surfactant ions and surface net charge ratio of aggregates between the two coexisting phases has been proposed. Almost 100% of water-insoluble electroneutral extract accumulates in surfactant-rich phase of the first kind of ATPS due to hydrophobic interaction.Kof emodin in the second kind of ATPSs is correlated by the same model regardless of electrostatic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The carbon fibres were used to enhance the materials by selected laser sintering. Gas phase oxidation, dense nitric acid and the coupling reagent processing together with dense nitric acid were adopted to modify carbon fibres, the microstructure of carbon fibres surface after treatment were analysed by SEM, and the strength of the composites was tested. The results demonstrate that the carbon fibre modified by 65-68% KHNO3 + 1% KH550 is considered as the optimal method. With the increase of carbon fibres content, the strength of the composite increases first and then decreases within a certain range. When the carbon fibres content at 3 wt-%, the green strength and the post-curing strength reached 0·87 and 9·614 MPa respectively, and the rate increased by 55·21 and 32·17% compared to the unreinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An orthogonal experiment L9(33) for evaluation of the extraction of flavonoids from onion by hot water extraction method, ethanol extraction method, and ultrasonic extraction method and their determination by means of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was carried out. The main orders for the affecting factors in three methods were as following during the extraction process: (a) hot water extraction method: the extraction time > the proportion of liquid and materials > the extraction temperature; (b) ethanol extraction method: the extraction temperature > the extraction time > the proportion of liquid and materials; and (c) ultrasonic extraction method: the extraction time > solvent volume fraction > the proportion of liquid and materials. The results showed that the ethanol extraction method was determined the best extraction method, and the best extraction results were obtained when the samples were determined by a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method with a diode array detector (RP-HPLC–DAD) for each method. A reversed phase EclipseXDB-C18 column and isocratic elution were used during the analysis, and the detection wavelength was set at 270 nm. In addition, the method was thoroughly validated; its precision (as RSD) ranged from 0.22% to 0.31%, and satisfactory recoveries varied between 98.67% and 99.66%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GaN luminescence, induced by ultraviolet light under/after inductively coupled plasma exposure, has been measuredin situandex situ. After the plasma exposure, both near-band edge (NBE) and yellow luminescence (YL) intensities decrease. The decay times of NBE and YL in thein situmeasurement are shorter than those of theex situmeasurement on account of the temperature rise induced by the plasma. On the other hand, with increasing plasma power, the decay times decrease. It is considered that this decrease is strongly related to non-radiative defects introduced by the Ar plasma. The results suggest thatin situphotoluminescence monitoring can be used to reveal plasma-induced damage at GaN surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To identify Pomacea canaliculata and P. insularum using a molecular approach, the partial sequences of mitochondrial (mt) adenosine triphosphate subunit 6 (p atp6) genes of two apple snails species from eight provinces of China were obtained. The intra-specific variations in mt p atp6 within P. canaliculata were 0-4.5%, and no sequence difference in this region was observed within P. insularum. However, high inter-specific variations between P. canaliculata and P. insularum were detected, with sequence differences of 8.9-10.1%. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of mt p atp6 revealed that P. canaliculata and P. insularum were grouped in different clades, but the genetic trees could not reveal geographically genetic relationships of P. canaliculata isolates from different origins. These findings will provide basic information for further study of molecular epidemiology and control of Pomacea invasion in China as well as in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]