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AB 3 -type La-Mg-Ni-based hydrogen storage alloys are known for their high electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity. However, their practical application has been hindered by fast capacity degradation. Herein, we managed to improve their cycle life by synchronizing the hydrogen absorption/desorption behaviors of [A 2 B 4 ] and [AB 5 ] subunits based on a series of AB 3 -type single-phase La 0.60 R 0.12 Mg 0.28 Ni 3 (R = La, Pr, Nd, Gd) superlattice alloys. This is achieved by the preferable occupation of Pr, Nd and Gd in [A 2 B 4 ] subunits rather than [AB 5 ] subunits compared to La, which decreases the volume difference between [A 2 B 4 ] and [AB 5 ], significantly reducing the mismatch between [A 2 B 4 ] and [AB 5 ] during hydrogen absorption/desorption. Resultantly, the microstrain of the R = Gd alloy is only half that of the R = La alloy, leading to enhanced anti-pulverization and anti-oxidation/corrosion resistance, as well as an improved cycle stability. The S 100 of the R = Gd alloy is more than 15 % higher than the R = La alloy. Moreover, the plateau pressure is adjusted to a proper level, enabling an increase in the high-rate dischargeability (HRD 1500) from 53.6 % (R = La) to 66.4 % (R = Gd). This work provides impressive insights into developing high-performance superlattice hydrogen storage alloys. [Display omitted] • Single-phase AB 3 -type superlattice alloys with different RE elements are acquired. • V [A2B4] and V [AB5] are equalized by selective occupation of RE elements. • H 2 absorption/desorption of [A 2 B 4 ] and [AB 5 ] subunits are synchronized. • Not only is cycle stability greatly enhanced, but HRD is also improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a ( 3 + 1 ) -dimensional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (gKP) equation is investigated, which describes the dynamics of nonlinear waves in plasma physics and fluid dynamics. By employing the extended homoclinic test method, we construct a new family of two wave solutions, rational breather wave and rogue wave solutions of the equation. Moreover, by virtue of some ansatz functions and the Riccati equation method, its analytical bright soliton, dark soliton and traveling wave solutions are derived. Finally, we obtain its exact power series solution with the convergence analysis. In order to further understand the dynamics, we provide some graphical analysis of these solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct (IPNB) is characterized by a spectrum of diseases ranging from low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive carcinoma. In the present study, we aimed to investigate immunophenotypic features and KRAS mutations in relation to pathological subtypes and grades in Chinese patients with IPNBs. A total of 46 patients with IPNBs and 11 invasive adenocarcinomas arising in IPNBs (invasive IPNBs) were enrolled and clinicopathological data were analyzed. It was found that CK7 was expressed in 42 of the 46 neoplastic lesions. HepPar1 was expressed in 11 of the 46 noninvasive IPNBs, but not in invasive IPNBs. Additionally, CK19 was frequently expressed in both noninvasive IPNBs and invasive IPNBs. The intestinal-type IPNBs had a significantly higher percentage of MUC2 expression relative to the pancreaticobiliary ( P = 0.015) and gastric-type IPNBs ( P < 0.001). High-grade IPNBs and invasive IPNBs showed increased expression of cyclin D1, Ki-67, p53, mCEA, and CA19-9. The rate of KRAS mutation was significantly higher in high-grade IPNBs ( P = 0.001) and invasive IPNBs ( P = 0.006) than that in low- to intermediate-grade IPNBs. Additionally, KRAS mutation was significantly associated with tumor size, and Ki-67 expression. In conclusion, the expression of cyclin D, Ki-67, p53, mCEA and CA19-9 and KRAS mutation status are significantly correlated with histological grades of IPNBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a tree-ring width chronology that spans the past 4650 years, established using the recently developed eigenanalysis technique. The aim is to show whether this eigenanalysis method enables the extraction of long-term tree-growth variations that are due to climatic changes, from a large dataset comprising 1263 tree-ring width records sampled from the highlands of Western China. In order to exclude the so-called growth rate/life span association effect, tree-ring width records were sorted into six subsets, based on the life spans of the trees sampled: 200–400, 400–600, 600–800, 800–1000, 1000–1500 years old, and trees older than 1500 years. Some partial chronologies were created, by pairing the set of all tree samples (living, dead, archaeological remains) with the living trees belonging to each subset. We computed the contours of tree-growth variations (on both 100-year and longer time scales) for each subset, ending with six pairs of these partial subset chronologies. Two sums of all these partial chronologies thus yielded a record of precipitation variations over a period ranging from 2627 BCE up to 2012 CE. It was found that this record shows a high degree of similarity to the existing chronology produced using the regional curve standardization (RCS) method applied to the same dataset, indicating that the eigenvalue chronology is capable of faithfully extracting long-term climatic variations. This also confirms that the first eigenvector represents the growth pattern that is characteristic of each biologically unique tree as well as the micro-environment of each tree stand. The variations observed over the last millennium seem to be connected to a cycle of solar activity with a period of ∼200 years. However, a clear lack of correspondence between solar activity and tree growth prior to 1000 CE indicates that the recent consistency may be coincidental. We believe that the eigenanalysis technique is readily applicable to other kinds of tree-ring datasets from different parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive perceptions of patient safety culture are associated with lower rates of adverse events, but they have not been widely established in many health care organizations. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of a safety culture training program (SCTP) on enhancing the perceptions of patient safety in nurse managers. This was a quasi-experimental design. 83 nurse managers were recruited from five randomly selected 2nd level hospitals. Sixty-seven nurse managers received training under the educational SCTP. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSPSC) and Chinese Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (C-SAQ) were administered just before and six months after the educational program. The data of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, patient falls, and unplanned extubations were collected. The total positive scores of HSPSC were significantly improved and four dimensions of C-SAQ significantly increased six months after SCTP. The rate of patient falls and rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers decreased significantly six months post SCTP. In conclusion, nurse manager participation in a SCTP can enhance the perceptions of patient safety and reduce the rates of adverse events. More rigorous trials with larger numbers of participants and a control group are needed to strengthen the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the halogen substituents (F, Cl, Br, I) to explore their influence on the structures and SCO properties of the Mn(III) complexes. [Display omitted] Six mononuclear Mn(III) complexes with hexadentate Schiff-base ligand, the products of the reaction between a N,N ′-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine or triethylenetetramine and 5-X-salicylaldehyde have been synthesized: the I− salts of complexes 1 – 3 exhibit a gradual SCO behavior, [Mn(5-Cl-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]I (1) shows a nearly complete SCO with T 1/2 = 125 K, whereas [Mn(5-Br-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]I (2) and [Mn(5-I-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]I (3) show a gradual and incomplete SCO above room temperature. [Mn(5-F-sal-N-1,4,7,10)]I (4) predominantly remains HS state at all temperatures. [Mn(5-I-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]NO 3 (5) and [Mn(5-F-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]NO 3 (6) show an almost full conversion to the HS state and a more gradual SCO having the T 1/2 value of 282 K for 5 and 159 K for 6, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examine the climate significance in tree-ring chronologies retrieved from Sabina tibetica Kom. (Tibetan juniper) at two sites ranging in elevation from 4124 to 4693m above sea level (a.s.l.) in the Namling region, south Tibet. The study region is under the control of semi-arid plateau temperate climate. The samples were grouped into high- and low-elevation classes and standard ring-width chronologies for both classes were developed. Statistical analysis revealed a decreasing growth rate yet increasing chronology reliability with increasing elevation. Overall, correlation analyses showed that radial growth in S. tibetica at the study sites was controlled by similar climatic factors, regardless of elevation; these factors comprised early winter (November) and early summer (May–June) temperatures as well as annual precipitation (July–June). Slight differences in the correlation between tree growth along the elevation gradient and climate variables were examined. The correlations with early winter temperature varied from significantly positive at the low-elevation site to weakly positive at the high-elevation site, whereas the correlations between radial growth and early summer temperature increased from weakly negative at the low-elevation sites to strongly negative at the high-elevation sites. The abundant precipitation through the year may have masked variations in tree growth on different elevation aspects. Our results will aid future dendroclimatological studies of Namling tree rings in south Tibet and demonstrate the potential of S. tibetica Kom. for improving our understanding of environmental impacts on tree growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This study was to observe the difference in one-hour postload plasma glucose levels and analyze its related factors in abdominally obese men with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Design: This case–control study included 36 abdominally obese men (waist circumference≥90cm) and 31 non-abdominally obese men (waist circumference<90cm) aged 20–50years with NGT. Cases and controls were matched in age. All subjects underwent oral glucose tolerance test with 75g of oral anhydrous glucose. Results: 0.5 and 1-h postload plasma glucose levels were higher in abdominally obese group than in non-abdominally obese group (P <.05). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 and 3-h postload plasma glucose were similar in the two groups (P >.05). 1-h postload plasma glucose was positively correlated with body mass index (r =0.454), waist circumference(WC) (r =0.519), systolic blood pressure (r =0.456), diastolic blood pressure (r =0.338), triglycerides (r =0.439), and negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r =−0.391), 1/fasting insulin (r =−0.459), insulinogenic index (r =−0.357) and disposition index (r =−0.602) (P <.01). In multiple regression analysis, 1-h postload plasma glucose maintained an independent association with disposition index (β =−1.367, P =.000), WC (β =0.103, P =.000) and triglycerides (β =0.185, P =.017). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the level of one-hour postload plasma glucose was elevated in abdominally obese men with NGT. Besides FPG and 2-h postload plasma glucose, we must also pay attention to the measurement of one-hour postload plasma glucose. Disposition index, WC and triglycerides were independently related factors for elevated one-hour postload plasma glucose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Operational optimization plays a vital role in ensuring the economy, security, and environmental friendliness of integrated energy systems (IES), while the nonlinear operating characteristics of energy converters have brought significant challenges to the accurate modeling and solution. Considering the nonlinear energy conversion processes, a novel adaptive piecewise linearized weighted directed graph model of IES is proposed in this paper. To accurately construct the complex energy flow relationship in IES, a weighted directed graph is first presented to describe the energy generation, conversion, storage, consumption, and demand response, thus realizing the automatic modeling of IES. On this basis, for the diverse partial-load performance of energy converters, an adaptive piecewise linearization strategy is developed to approximate the nonlinear operating characteristics of various energy converters adaptively. By taking the system operating cost, calculation time, energy mismatch, and optimization model complexity as evaluation indicators, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the numerical simulations of a typical small-scale combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system and a large-scale IES in a realistic industrial park. Compared with the constant efficiency method and the equispaced piecewise linearization method, the computational efficiency and accuracy are remarkably improved by the proposed method. • A weighted directed graph-based operational optimization model of IES is proposed. • An adaptive piecewise linearization strategy is proposed for variable efficiencies. • Numerical simulations of a typical CCHP system and a realistic IES are performed. • Effects of energy release, DR, and temperature on the operation of IES are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Brønsted acid–base composite membrane was prepared by entrapping benzimidazole in sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) by tuning the doping ratios. Their thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties and proton conductivity were investigated under the conditions for intermediate temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operation. In addition, investigation of activation energies of the SPPO–xBnIm at different relative humidity was also performed. TG–DTA curves reveal these SPPO–xBnIm composite materials had the high thermal stability. The proton conductivity of SPPO–xBnIm composite material increased with the temperature, and the highest proton conductivity of SPPO–xBnIm composite materials was found to be 8.93×10−4 S/cm at 200°C under 35% relative humidity (RH) with a “doping rate” where x =2. The SPPO–2BnIm composite membrane show higher storage moduli and loss moduli than SPPO. Tests in a hydrogen–air laboratory cell demonstrate the applicability of SPPO–2BnIm in PEMFCs at intermediate temperature under non-humidified conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scheme 1: The charging/discharging flow of ESD is regarded as an extra input terminal of subsystem nodes [34], such as the charging/discharging flow QHS of the HS shown in Fig. 5 (b), one can define a virtual storage node to represent the ESD, and the charging/discharging process of ESD is represented by charging/discharging branches. In order to integrate the ESD into the proposed approach in Subsection 3.1, the ESD is regarded as a virtual storage node and the charging/discharging process is represented by charging/discharging branches. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Blood pressure usually rises with age and most patients with essential hypertension are the elderly people. From the standpoint of physiology, the benefit of increasing blood pressure is to provide adequate oxygenation and nutrition to the brain and other critical organs. They suggest the rise of blood pressure is a compensation for critic organs’ hypoperfusion. Brain is the most vulnerable organ to over decrease of blood pressure. It must work with constant and very high blood flow. It is located at the uppermost point of the circulatory system. And cerebral hypoperfusion can effectively raise systemic blood pressure. So we deduce that brain hypoperfusion is an important reason for increased blood pressure in the elderly people. Aging-related microvascular degeneration plays an important role in development of cerebral hypoperfusion. There is a close relationship between microvascular degeneration and essential hypertension. The degenerative changes in microcirculation are found in essential hypertension. Essential hypertension and microvascular degeneration may share similar risk factors. Thus, we hypothesize that aging-related cerebral microvascular degeneration is an important cause of essential hypertension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The integrated energy system (IES) has attracted great attention for its significant role in energy efficiency improvement, energy conservation and emission reduction, in which the modeling naturally becomes a hot topic in related fields. In this study, a matrix modeling method based on graph theory is proposed for the multi-energy flows of IES, where the energy converters and subsystems are abstracted into branches and nodes so as to construct a weighted directed graph model of IES with the establishment of an energy balance equation. Energy storage devices are also integrated into the proposed method by defining virtual storage nodes and charging/discharging branches, and the model of IES is established in a unified matrix form. In case studies, the superiorities of the proposed method in complexity, computational efficiency and flexibility are demonstrated in comparison with a number of state-of-the-art approaches. The computational burden of the operational optimization for the IES including energy storage devices is significantly reduced, and the economic benefits of various energy storage devices are evaluated. • A tractable matrix modeling approach for integrated energy system is proposed. • The relationship of energy flow is logically elaborated with weighted directed graph. • Energy storage is scientifically incorporated into the proposed method. • Operational optimization of a typical integrated energy system is thoroughly studied. • Performance of the proposed method is verified compared with related approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under investigation in this work is a generalized ( 3 + 1 )-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation, which can describe many nonlinear phenomena in fluid dynamics. By virtue of Bell’s polynomials, an effective and straightforward way is presented to explicitly construct its bilinear form and soliton solutions. Furthermore, based on the bilinear formalism, a direct method is employed to explicitly construct its rogue wave solutions with an ansätz function. Finally, the interaction phenomena between rogue waves and solitary waves are presented with a detailed derivation. The results can be used to enrich the dynamical behavior of higher dimensional nonlinear wave fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the homoclinic breather limit method is employed to find the breather wave and the rational rogue wave solutions of the ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional Ito equation. Moreover, based on its bilinear form, the solitary wave solutions of the equation are also presented with a detailed derivation. The dynamic behaviors of breather waves, rogue waves and solitary waves are analyzed with some graphics, respectively. The results imply that the extreme behavior of the breather solitary wave yields the rogue wave for the ( 2 + 1 )-dimensional Ito equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) derived parameters vs anthropometric obesity indices in the assessment of early atherosclerosis in abdominally obese men. Methods: This case–control study included 44 abdominally obese men (waist circumference≥90cm) and 30 non-abdominally obese men (waist circumference<90cm) who were between 20 and 50 years of age. All subjects were of the Han ethnicity. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was used as a surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. In the first multiple linear regression model, body fat distribution was assessed by anthropometric obesity indices, while in the second one it was quantified by DEXA-derived parameters. Results: CIMT (0.74±0.11 vs 0.67±0.04mm) were significantly higher in the abdominally obese men than in the non-abdominally obese men (P <0.01). CIMT was positively correlated with anthropometric obesity indices (r: 0.352–0.488, P <0.01) and the indices from DEXA(r: 0.244–0.482, P <0.05). The correlation coefficients of anthropometric obesity indices and the indices from DEXA were highest for waist to height ratio and trunk fat mass, respectively. In model 1, 23.8% of the total variance of CIMT was due to waist to height ratio. In model 2, trunk fat mass explained 23.2% of the total variance of CIMT. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the importance of characterizing body fat distribution in identifying early atherosclerosis. Body fat distribution evaluated by dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry was associated with CIMT, but was not superior to anthropometric measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Droughts events have long-lasting effects on economic and social activities, particularly in the semi-arid region of northern China. In this study, four tree ring-width chronologies were developed based on lived Qilian Juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) trees in the southeast Qilian Mountains, China. The four chronologies were developed from 164 cores (82 trees) for the northern marginal of the Asian summer monsoon in China. Tree growth of this area is sensitive to moisture variability of the growth season. During the last 260 years, there had been extreme growth depressions in the years 1877–1878 and 1928, indicating large-scale droughts had occurred in the study area. These extreme drought events had a devastating effect not only on hydrology and agriculture, but also on society and economics. Extreme droughts in 1877–1878 and in 1928 occurring in the study region and most of China were triggered by different climate regimes. The former drought distribution pattern was probably attributable to El Niño events, while the latter was associated with warm and cold air masses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A tree-ring width chronology of 528 years was developed from Tibetan junipers (Juniperus tibetica Kom.) from south-central Tibet in western China. The correlation and response analysis displays high correlation between tree-ring width and observed mean annual precipitation series during the period 1960–2008. Based on a linear regression model, an annual (prior July to current June) precipitation series from AD 1480 to 2008 was reconstructed. This is the first well-calibrated precipitation reconstruction for south-central Tibet. The results show that periods of wet years occurred in AD 1480–1535, 1626–1639, 1651–1671, 1704–1798, 1845–1872, 1888–1907, 1917–1940 and after 1994, whereas relatively dry periods prevailed during AD 1536–1625, 1640–1650, 1672–1703, 1799–1844, 1873–1887, 1908–1916 and 1914–1993. The dry intervals in AD 1500s–1550s, 1710s–1800s, 1850s–1870s and 1900s–1920s, and the wet intervals in AD 1550s–1630s, 1680s–1720s, 1800s–1850s and 1960s–1990s occurred contemporaneously in northeastern Tibet, reflecting regional climatic variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crystal structures and magnetic properties of three Mn(III) Schiff-base complexes [Mn(3-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 ·H 2 O (1) , [Mn(4-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 ·H 2 O (2) and [Mn(5-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 (3) have been studied. Complexes 1 and 2 show gradual SCO behavior. The transition temperatures of 2 is 98 K higher than that of 1. Due to the absence of crystallizing solvent water molecule, complex 3 maintains a HS state in the test temperature range. [Display omitted] Spin crossover (SCO), as a molecular bistable phenomenon, has attracted extensive interest. In this paper, the syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of three Mn(III) hexadentate Schiff-base complexes [Mn(3-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 ·H 2 O (1) , [Mn(4-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 ·H 2 O (2) and [Mn(5-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF 6 (3) have been reported. The substituent positions of ligands and solvent molecules have a cooperative effect on SCO behavior. Complex 1 shows a complete SCO between the high-spin (HS, S = 2) and low-spin (LS, S = 1) states without thermal hysteresis, and complex 2 shows a gradual incomplete SCO behavior. The transition temperatures of 2 (T 1/2 = 241 K) is 98 K higher than that of 1 (T 1/2 = 143 K), which indicates that the ligand field strength of (4-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)2– is stronger than that of (3-OMe-sal-N-1,5,8,12)2–. Due to the absence of crystallizing solvent water molecule, complex 3 maintains a HS state in the test temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial implant-associated infections predominantly contribute to the failure of prosthesis implantation. The local biofilm microenvironment (BME), characterized by its hyperacidic condition and high hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) level, inhibits the host's immune response, thereby facilitating recurrent infections. Here, a Janus PEGylated CuS nanoparticle (CuPen) armed engineered Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) denoted as LC@CuPen, is proposed to interfere with bacterial metabolism and arouse macrophage antibiofilm function. Once LC@CuPen reached the BME, NIR irradiation-activated mild heat damages L. casei and biofilm structure. Meanwhile, the BME-responsive LC@CuPen can catalyze local H 2 O 2 to produce toxic •OH, whereas in normal tissues, the effect of •OH production is greatly reduced due to the higher pH and lower H 2 O 2 concentration. The released bacteriocin from damaged L. casei can destroy the bacterial membrane to enhance the penetration of •OH into damaged biofilm. Excessive •OH interferes with normal bacterial metabolism, resulting in reduced resistance of bacteria to heat stress. Finally, under the action of mild heat treatment, the bacterial biofilm lysed and died. Furthermore, the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in LC@CuPen can induce M1 polarization of macrophages through NF-κB pathway and promote the release of inflammatory factors. Inflammatory factors enhance the migration of macrophages to the site of infection and phagocytose bacteria, thereby inhibiting the recurrence of infection. Generally, this engineered L. casei program presents a novel perspective for the treatment of bacterial implant-associated infections and serves as a valuable reference for future clinical applications of engineered probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Single crystals of 3-D microporous gallium phosphates: Ga 2 Fe(PO 4) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ·H 2 O (1) and Ga 2 Co(PO 4) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ·H 2 O (2) are ionothermally synthesized. The optimal ionothermal synthesis ratio is Ga 2 O 3 :6P 2 O 5 :3.6HF:3Co(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O:40[Bmim]Br. The experiment results show that 2 can sustain until 460 °C and exhibits antiferromagnetic property. The surface area of 2 is 7.323 m2/g. Abstract Two microporous gallium phosphates substituted by Fe and Co: NH 4 [Ga 2 Fe(PO 4) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ] (1) and NH 4 [Ga 2 Co(PO 4) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ] (2) have been ionothermally synthesized by using the ionic liquid [Bmim]Br as structure-directing agent and solvent. X-ray single crystal diffractions show that 1 and 2 are isostructural and possess 3D channel filled by ammonium groups. The morphologies of compounds 1 and 2 are characterized by scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Effects of P 2 O 5 /Ga 2 O 3 ratio on the crystallization of compound 2 are investigated. The optimal synthesis condition with the molar composition of Ga 2 O 3 :6P 2 O 5 :3.6HF:3Co salt:40[Bmim]Br is determined, and X-ray powder diffraction indicates that the compound 2 is pure crystalline phase under the optimal conditions. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that the framework of 2 collapses at temperatures above 460 °C. Compound 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic property by magnetic test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Isothermal hot compression tests were conducted to study the flow behavior of TC4-DT titanium alloy. [•] Constitutive equation incorporating the compensation of strain was developed. [•] Deviation appeared between predicted data and experimental data above the strain rate of 0.1s−1. [•] A modified constitutive equation considering the compensation of strain rate and temperature increment was carried out. [•] The new modified constitutive equation showed the high prediction capabilities of the modified constitutive equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in Han adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. Methods: Step 1: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3937 Han adolescents. IFG was defined as a fasting glucose of 5.6 to 7.0 mmol/l. Measurements included anthropometric measurements, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum lipids. Step 2: We identified 60 adolescents with IFG from the IFG group using a random number table, and 60 adolescents with normal fasting glucose (NFG) were matched for age and gender with the random IFG sample. Serum true insulin (TI) was further measured. Results: (1) The prevalence of IFG was 3.5% and was similar in boys and girls (3.9% vs. 3.1%, P=.177). The prevalence of IFG in adolescents with a family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD) was higher than in adolescents without FHD (6.3% vs. 2.5%, P=.000). (2) In logistic regression, the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents with IFG was 1.889 (95% CI: 1.125–3.171, P=.016) times compared with adolescents with NFG adjusted by age and gender. (3) Multiple linear regression analysis using FPG as the dependent variable showed that waist circumference (β=0.003, P=.000) was a significant independent predictor. (4) In Step 2, the IFG group showed significantly higher levels of lnTI and lnHOMA-IR than the NFG group (P<.01). FPG was a significant independent predictor for lnTI (β=0.478, P=.000) and lnHOMA-IR (β=0.671, P=.000). Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of IFG in Han adolescents. Genetic susceptibility and abdominal obesity were the main factors causing adolescent IFG. Adolescents with IFG increased the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A multi-functional RHL@BP/ISL nanocomposite characterized with BP protection, high capability of drug loading, mucus layer penetration, acid responsive and NIR control release of payloads was developed. • Oral formulation with simply prepared procedures. • Efficient NIR and acid-promoted release of ISL. • Preeminent activity against drug-resistant HP separated from patients. Oral administration remains the main treatment for H. pylori infection, but the acidic environment of the stomach, the biofilm and drug resistance of H. pylori severely impair the antibacterial effect of orally clinical drugs. Here, a multifunctional nanodrug, composed of rhamnolipid-assisted black phosphorus nanocomposite (RHL@BP), is engineered for drug resistant H. pylori (H. pylori-R) treatment. The nanosystem is utilized to efficiently deliver isolinderalactone (ISL), a kind of sesquiterpenoids compound purified from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibiting significantly enhanced antibacterial ability against H. pylori-R under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The acid sensitivity of BP and photothermal instability of RHL could trigger the controlled and efficient release of ISL, exhibiting significant synergistic antibacterial activity against H. pylori-R in combined with NIR irradiation. In an H. pylori-R infected mice model, the amount of remnant H. pylori-R in the combination of RHL@BP/ISL and NIR irradiation without antacid group was significantly lower than that of in the conventional triple therapy group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the multifunctional RHL@BP/ISL demonstrated a comprehensive application of acid sensitivity, biofilm eradication, antibacterial agent and photothermal to treat H. pylori-R , providing a newly potential strategy for clinical treatment of H. pylori-R infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]