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• A best‒worst scaling experiment with a randomized design is applied to elicit how consumer preferences vary by knowledge gap. • A better understanding of the purchase tax exemption with caps is found to contribute to more sustainable consumption. • The potential green consumption gap exists at both the purchase stage and an earlier step when gathering policy information. • Male, income level and risk aversion are related to a deeper understanding of green product related policy incentives. To reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the transportation sector, various incentives for promoting electric vehicle (EV) uptake have been implemented worldwide. However, little attention has been given to how individuals perceive EV-related policy incentives, and a knowledge gap may reduce the effectiveness of these incentives. The aim of this study is to discern how a deep understanding of fiscal incentives can also contribute to greater environmental benefits and how green product-related policy awareness is formed in developing countries. Taking a newly released purchase tax exemption for EVs in China as an example, this study compares consumer preferences over certain attribute levels of vehicles with and without detailed policy information via a randomized group design. A best‒worst scaling profile case experiment is embedded to elicit consumer preferences and detailed information about a newly released vehicle emission standard is also provided to avoid a knowledge gap on this regulation. The result shows that compared to the group without detailed policy information, those with information about tax exemption caps are significantly less attracted to hybrid EVs, larger sized and cheap vehicles. Heterogeneous preferences are observed for the attribute levels. Income level, family size and uncertain are found to be associated with various preference through a latent class logit model. A full understanding of the tax exemption policy with caps may raise the preference for battery EVs among individuals with higher income levels and more confident with their choice, and reduce the preference for large cars among individuals from relatively larger families in particular. Self-reported knowledge about this tax exemption policy and the released vehicle emission standard is also examined before the experiment. The results indicate that the awareness of fiscal policies is greater than the awareness of the emission regulation. Individuals who are less risk averse, have higher household income levels, are from regions with more fluently standard language use, or are male are found to have a deeper understanding of these policy incentives. To enhance individual's greener vehicle related policy awareness and further shape their preference towards sustainable consumption, employing social media to transmit policy information and improving confidence in greener vehicle uptake among target populations through well designed policy incentives, especially in less developed regions might be important for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) (1 – 4), along with a biosynthetically related SL (5), have been isolated from the leaves of Magnolia grandiflora. Magrandate A (1) is notable as the first C18 homogemarane type SL, featuring a unique 1,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonan-6-one core. Compounds 2 and 3 , representing the first instances of chlorine-substituted gemarane-type SL analogs in natural products, were also identified. The structures of these isolates were elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. All isolates demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, 3 – 5 showed a significant inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production, with IC 50 values ranging from 0.79 to 4.73 μmol·L−1. Additionally, 4 and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against three cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values between 3.09 and 11.23 μmol·L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report the outcomes of the IN-DEPT trial assessing the feasibility, preliminary safety data, and 12-month outcomes of a new drug-coated balloon (DCB) product for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Chinese patients. This is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial. A total of 160 patients with superficial femoral artery (SFA) and/or proximal popliteal artery lesions were treated with a new paclitaxel-coated DCB. The preliminary effectiveness end point was 12-month primary patency. The primary safety end point was freedom from device- and procedure-related mortality over 30 days and freedom from major target limb amputation and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) within 12 months after the index procedure. In total, 160 patients presented with 162 target lesions. A total of 139 lesions (85.8%) were treated with 1 DCB, whereas the other 23 lesions (14.2%) were treated with 2 devices. The device success rate was 100%. A total of 135 subjects reached the preliminary effectiveness end point, with a 12-month primary patency rate of 84.4%. There was no 30-day device- or procedure-related death or unplanned major target limb amputation at 12 months. Five CD-TLRs (3.1%) occurred during the 12-month follow-up period. Results from the IN-DEPT SFA trial showed satisfactory feasibility and safety of the new DCB over 12 months in Chinese patients with PAD and femoropopliteal de novo lesions, including both stenoses and total occlusions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the outcomes of endovascular repair for penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) with and without intramural hematoma (IMH). Patients with PAUs who had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) or endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) at our center were enrolled. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, and anatomic characteristics were collected and analyzed to investigate the TEVAR/EVAR indications, perioperative complications, and mortality. We identified 138 patients with PAU. Of the 138 patients, 58 (42.0%) had also had IMH. Compared with the patients without IMH, the patients with IMH had had significantly greater emergency admission rates (P <.01), a larger aortic diameter (P =.03), and a greater incidence of stent-induced new entry development (P =.02). No significant differences were found in mortality or freedom from reintervention between patients with PAUs with and without IMH during follow-up. However, the cumulative survival rates calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients who had undergone TEVAR/EVAR during their first hospitalization were significantly greater than those who had undergone delayed TEVAR/EVAR during follow-up. TEVAR/EVAR was safe and effective, with encouraging outcomes for patients with PAUs with or without IMH, and can be used more aggressively for symptomatic patients. The presence of PAUs with IMH did not seem to adversely affect long-term mortality. However, but stent-induced new entry was more likely to develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The impact of the resection margin on survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be determined. This study aimed to examine the association between the width of resection margin and the presence of microvascular invasion in hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We reviewed data on 2,508 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for a solitary, hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma for operative morbidity, tumor recurrence, and overall survival. Results Microvascular invasion was identified histologically in 929 patients (37.0%). A wide margin of resection (≥1 cm, n = 384) resulted in better 5-year recurrence and overall survival versus a narrow margin of resection (<1 cm, n = 545) among patients with microvascular invasion (71.1% versus 85.9%; 44.9% versus 25.0%; both P <.001), but not in patients without microvascular invasion (P =.131,.182). Similar results were identified after propensity-score matching. A wide margin resection also had a lesser incidence of early recurrence developed within the first postoperative 24 months (58.1% versus 72.7%; P <.001). Compared with a wide resection margin, a narrow margin was associated with worse recurrence and overall survival in patients with microvascular invasion (hazard ratio: 1.50 and 1.75). In addition, a wide or a narrow resection margin had differences in the rate of grade I–III, but not grade IV complications (31.0% versus 21.7%; P =.017; 3.5% versus 1.6%; P =.147) among cirrhotic patients with microvascular invasion. Conclusion The presence of microvascular invasion was associated with a worse prognosis after resection. A wide resection margin resulted in better long-term prognoses versus a narrow resection margin among patients with hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Three contributing factors to ongoing debate on urban-rural cancer disparities. • Developed spatially resolved temporally comparable grid to measure 'rural'. • First explored fine-scale local effects of rural exposure on cancer late diagnosis. • Maps better informed precision interventions to mitigate cancer disparities. Abstract Effects of urban/rural residence on late-stage cancer have long been explored, but remained controversial. Spatial granularity of rural definition, temporal change of rurality, and local variability of such effects may contribute to inconsistent findings, but they have not been fully addressed. We proposed a spatially resolved and temporally comparable rurality index and a geographically weighted regression approach to re-examine this question. Taking Florida as an example, our analyses show that rural effects on late-stage cancer vary dramatically over locations (600-m cells). The odds ratios range from 0.9 to 1.10, and imply that one degree of rurality can increase/decrease local risk of late-stage cancer by up to 10%. Our study is an early attempt to explore local effects of rurality on cancer at a fine spatial scale, and reveals interesting patterns hidden by global multi-level analysis. The new framework and findings can better inform precision interventions to mitigate cancer disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population demand, health service supply, and the linkages between them (e.g., transport infrastructure) are important factors that determine spatial accessibility to healthcare at a place. These three factors vary differently over time and location, leading to temporal changes and spatial disparities in access to healthcare. Few analytic methods have been developed to measure local impacts of these factors on healthcare accessibility over time, which are essential to alleviating health disparities and evaluating intervention programs. We propose a spatially explicit analytic framework to measure local factor impacts over time by adopting a chain substitution method from economics. The analysis is illustrated by a case study of spatial accessibility to physicians in Florida, USA, from 1990 to 2010. For each census block group, the results show the impact of local population change, physician relocation, and road-network expansion on the loss and gain of healthcare accessibility over time. The leading impact factor are identified for each census block group through comparison, and spatial clusters of factor impacts are discovered. To the literature of healthcare accessibility, this article presents a promising start of factor impact analysis and offers new perspectives in exploring spatial processes underlying people's access to healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of the conformable thoracic endograft (Conformable TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis [CTAG]; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) for acute complicated and uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods Between February and October 2016, 52 consecutive patients with acute complicated or uncomplicated TBAD were treated with a CTAG device. We assessed safety, complications, and device conformability using intraoperative angiography and computed tomography angiography. The mean follow-up period was 8.2 ± 3.5 months (range, 4-12 months). Results All patients survived through the follow-up period. No endoleaks, retrograde aortic dissection, distal new entry tear, stroke, or paraplegia was observed postoperatively. Two patients (3.8%) experienced minor wound hematomas without further treatment. Eleven patients (21.2%) underwent a chimney technique to rebuild supra-arch vessels. A bird-beak configuration was observed in seven (13.5%) patients, five of whom underwent a chimney technique. Analysis of aortic remodeling showed that the minimal true lumen area significantly increased in both complicated and uncomplicated acute TBAD ( P < .001 and P = .047, respectively). Likewise, the maximal false lumen area significantly decreased in uncomplicated dissection ( P = .006), but no change in maximal false lumen area was detected in complicated dissection ( P = .32). Conclusions Early outcomes indicate that the CTAG device provides reliable clinical effectiveness and excellent conformability in treating acute complicated and uncomplicated TBAD without risk of major complications. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to evaluate longer term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in the therapeutic strategies, the survival rate in the past decades of patients with breast cancer remains unsatisfactory. Growing evidence has demonstrated that Curcumae Rhizoma , called Ezhu in Chinese, showed various pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It has been widely used in Chinese medicine to treat many types of human cancer. To comprehensively summarize and analyze the effects of active substances in Curcumae Rhizoma on breast cancer malignant phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms, as well as discuss its medicinal value and future perspectives. We used " Curcumae Rhizoma " or the name of crude extracts and bioactive components in Curcumae Rhizoma in combination with "breast cancer" as key words. Studies focusing on their anti-breast cancer activities and mechanisms of action were extracted from Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases up to October 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline was followed. Crude extracts and 7 main bioactive phytochemicals (curcumol, β-elemene, furanodiene, furanodienone, germacrone, curdione and curcumin) isolated from Curcumae Rhizoma have shown many anti-breast cancer pharmacological properties, including inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness, reversing chemoresistance, and inducing cell apoptosis, cycle arrest and ferroptosis. The mechanisms of action were involved in regulating MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vivo and clinical studies demonstrated that these compounds exhibited high anti-tumor efficacy and safety against breast cancer. These findings provide strong evidence that Curcumae Rhizoma acts as a rich source of phytochemicals and has robust anti-breast cancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is an effective means of preventing infectious diseases, including those caused by Helicobacter pylori . In this study, we constructed a novel multi-epitope vaccine, CTB-UE, composed of the cholera toxin B subunit and tandem copies of the B and Th cell epitopes from the H. pylori urease A and B subunits. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the multi-epitope vaccine CTB-UE against H. pylori infection in a Mongolian gerbil model and studied its immuno-protective mechanisms. The experimental results indicated that urease activity, H. pylori colonisation density, the levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum, and the levels of COX-2 and NAP in gastric tissue were significantly lower and the IgG level in the serum and the IFN-γ level in spleen lymphocytes were significantly higher in the vaccinated group compared with the model control group; additionally, gastric mucosal inflammation was notably alleviated following vaccination. The results showed that CTB-UE had a good therapeutic effect on H. pylori infection. The immuno-protective mechanism was closely related to the immune response mediated by microRNA-155, the expression of which was strongly up-regulated after CTB-UE administration. The expression levels of the microRNA-155 target proteins IFN-γRα, AID, and PU.1 were significantly down-regulated; these results indicated that CTB-UE induced an immune response biased towards Th1 cells by up-regulating microRNA-155 to inhibit IFN-γRα expression and induced a humoral immune response towards B cells by up-regulating microRNA-155 to inhibit PU.1 and AID expression. These results demonstrate that the multi-epitope vaccine CTB-UE may be a promising therapeutic vaccine against H. pylori infection and is a new therapeutic tool for human use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to contribute to filling the knowledge gap in public opinion and knowledge about forest and its certification in Japan, as well as to identify key elements and the possible role of public opinion within integrated bottom-up policies, bridging the sectors of forest, environment and energy. For the study 1930 questionnaires were disseminated in a small town in early 2007. Results from the statistical analysis indicated that forest was perceived as an ecosystem with a protective function against e.g. soil erosion or flooding, rather than a place that might serve for wood production and providing jobs. Forest certification and bioenergy from forest were identified as key elements for future integrated bottom-up policies that need to concentrate on facilitating the linkage between forestry and renewable energy as well as on promoting environmentally sound management and forest certification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the design of the Thorium-based Advanced CANDU Reactor (TACR), the moderator system is used to remove the moderator heat in normal operations and to remove the residual heat in accidents. The numerical methods to analyze the heat transfer in the moderator calandria are required. In this paper, the moderator calandria is analyzed by using two types of numerical methods, an unstructured grid method and an unstructured grid porous method. Both methods use collocated unstructured grids and a new average filter method to eliminate the non-physical checkerboard pressure. The unstructured grid porous method introduces the porous method to consider the large tube bundles in the calandria. It is concluded that both methods are effective to analyze the thermal performance in the TACR calandria. Four different designs of the calandria are analyzed and are compared. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Studies have revealed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, genetic aberration, and environmental factors are of importance in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), although the definite mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of our study is to investigate using tissue microarray analysis whether differential expression of EBV-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER-1) and several tumor-related genes were associated with NPC carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were performed on tissue microarrays containing 148 NPCs and 164 noncancerous nasopharyngeal epithelia (NPE) with different morphologic features. We found that overexpressions of EBER-1 hybridization signals, p53, p21ras, and bcl-2 proteins and loss expressions of p16 and p27 proteins were significantly increased in NPC tissues compared with normal NPE and hyperplastic NPE (P ≤ .001). The overexpressions of EBER-1 and p53 (P < .001) and the loss expressions of P16 (P < .001) and P27 (P = .005) were also significantly higher and more frequently observed in NPC than in dysplastic NPE. The positive expression of EBER-1 hybridization signals in NPC had significant associations with overexpressions of p53 (P < .001), p21ras (P = .041), and bcl-2 proteins (P < .001) and loss expression of p16 protein (P = .001). Further analysis confirmed that the abnormal expression of p53, p16, and p27 proteins occurred in the earliest stage of nasopharyngeal epithelial carcinogenesis. In the final logistic regression analysis model, the positive hybridization signals of EBER-1 and the abnormal expression of p53, p16, and p27 proteins were independent contributions for nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis, and EBER-1 was the most significant, independent predictor of nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis (hazard ratio = 13.412, 95% confidence interval 6.179-29.111, P < .001). In conclusion, EBV infection, together with overexpressions of p53, and loss expressions of p16 and p27 proteins are involved in the multistep process of human nasopharyngeal epithelial carcinogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aims to investigate the heterogeneous preferences for ecological services, cultural services and facilities, and information-related facilities in an urban wetland park in Xixi National Wetland Park, China, and explore choice inconsistencies among individuals via a multi-profile best-worst scaling choice experiment. Face-to-face surveys were conducted in the winter 2018 and summer 2019, and 397 valid questionnaires collected. Random parameter logit models and generalized multinomial logit models with relaxed assumptions regarding the correlations among the utility coefficients were applied to capture the heterogeneous preferences and analyze the factors shaping the preferences. The respondents' choice strategies for the best and worst options were found to be inconsistent, but valuable information was still obtained. The results indicate the following. Biodiversity improvement is ranked the most important on average, followed by information-related facilities, cultural facilities and services. The confidence intervals of the average willingness to pay across the best- and worst- option models are USD4.30 to USD4.74(biodiversity improvement), USD1.64 to USD3.35(information-related facilities) and USD1.83 to USD2.04 (cultural facilities and services). Based on these estimations, the aggregated compensating surplus of the highest improvement strategy is USD13.09∼25.25 million per year. However, heterogeneous preferences were also found. Visitors with higher income value water quality higher. Residence and traveling style also contribute to the formation of preferences. Albeit choice inconsistency exists in almost all the models, visitors without children aged under 18 years old were less confused and need better information-related facilities and cultural services with smaller variances. Additionally, the results indicate that public policy may shape individuals' preferences for natural conservation and management options. These findings add new evidence to the literature that identifies park users' heterogeneous preferences and contribute to an understanding of the trade-offs between conservation and tourism development in urban wetland park designs in the developing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols were isolated from Hypericum monogynum. • Hypermogins A–D (1 – 4) were characterized by an unusual 6,5,5-tricyclic system. • All compounds exhibited significant reversal activity on MCF-7/ADR. Four highly modified polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with an unusual 6,5,5-tricyclic system, hypermogins A–D (1 – 4), together with one known analogue (5), were isolated from the flowers of Hypericum monogynum. From a possible biogenic synthesis pathway analysis, compounds 2 and 3 could be obtained by oxidation of a double bond and hydrolysis for 1 and 5. In addition, compound 3 might undergo a pinacol rearrangement to produce compound 4. The structures of the isolates were determined by comprehensive MS, NMR spectroscopy and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All compounds significantly reversed multidrug resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• KCR inhibits cell viability of erythroleukemia cells. • KCR promotes cell apoptosis of erythroleukemia cells. • KCR induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest of erythroleukemia cells. • KCR promotes megakaryocytic differentiation in erythroleukemia cells. • KCR exerts anti-erythroleukemia through activation of PKCδ/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Kaempferol-3- O -rhamnoside (KOR) has multiple potency involved in anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. However, the potential roles of KOR and the analogues isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus in anti-erythroleukemia remain unclear. In the present study, KOR and the two analogues (Kaempferol-3- O -(4″- O -acetyl- a -L-rhamnopyranoside) (KLR) and (kaempferol-3- O - α -L-(4″- E -p-coumaroyl) rhamnoside) (KCR) were isolated from leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. Cell viability assay showed that KCR exerted an excellent anti-erythroleukemia activity. We observed that KCR not only significantly increased the percentage of G2 phase and apoptotic cells compared with control group, but also induced megakaryocytic differentiation in HEL and K562 cells by flow cytometry, indicating that KCR might inhibit cell proliferation through inducing differentiation-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanism investigation revealed that KCR treatment obviously increased phosphorylation levels of PKCδ and ERK1/2 as well as GATA1 expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that KCR induces megakaryocytic differentiation and suppresses leukemogenesis at least partly through activation of PKCδ/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in erythroleukemia cells. KCR may also serve as a promising natural compound for human erythroleukemia treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Stent graft (SG)-induced new entry (SINE) and retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) are serious device-related complications occurring after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and may lead to endograft-related complications including retrograde dissection and death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for the development of RTAD and SINE after TEVAR for TBAD and to identify the complications associated with this. Methods From April 2005 to October 2013, there were 997 patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD; 852 were followed up (0-6 years; mean, 2.6 years), and 59 SINEs developed in 53 patients. The oversizing ratio and incidence of RTAD and SINE were compared between proximal bare stent (PBS) and non-PBS groups and RTAD and SINE and non-RTAD and non-SINE groups. The baseline characteristics and SG configurational factors potentially affecting both RTAD and distal SINE were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference between PBS and non-PBS groups in the incidence of RTAD. A greater oversizing ratio was related to a higher distal SINE rate. SINE was seen more frequently in smokers and in patients with hypertension, Marfan syndrome, and TEVAR in the chronic phase and less frequently in complicated dissection cases. Device-related factors for SINE were SG with a connecting bar and SG length <165 mm. The SG length <165 mm increased the overall proximal and distal SINE incidence in multivariate analysis. Conclusions The presence of a PBS is not associated with a higher RTAD rate, whereas the use of an SG with a connecting bar and length <165 mm increases the risk of RTAD and SINE after TEVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of the tumour markers carcinoembryonic (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) would be helpful in predicting the prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) who underwent resection. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinico-pathological features and survival of 390 patients with GBC who were treated between January 2003 and December 2013. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the prognostic ability of tumour markers. Combinations of preoperative CEA and CA19-9 were tested as potential prognostic factors. Results The evaluation of preoperative CEA and CA19-9 showed that patients with both tumour markers within the normal range had the best prognosis with a median survival of 27 months and R0 rate of 86%. Patients with both tumour markers elevated had the poorest prognosis and lower R0 rate (p < 0.001). The combination of CEA and CA19-9 was an independent risk factor for overall survival. The AUROC at 5 years of combination of CEA and CA19-9 was 0.798, which was similar to CEA (0.765) or CA19-9 (0.771) alone (p = 0.103, p = 0.147). Conclusions A combination of an elevated preoperative CEA and CA19-9 was associated with a worse prognosis for patients with GBC who underwent resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate estimation of state-of-health (SOH) is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of lithium-ion battery systems. However, the intimate coupling between SOH and state-of-charge (SOC) is often overlooked in existing estimation methods, leading to inaccurate estimates. To address this, we propose a linear parameter-varying (LPV) battery model that captures both gradual capacity degradation and rapid dynamic changes. This model integrates traditional linear models with emerging nonlinear models, providing a comprehensive online SOH estimation framework that effectively separates the effects of SOC in the LPV model structure. The model parameters are identified using a subspace algorithm with accelerated aging data. The proposed method is validated by accelerated aging experiments on two sets of battery samples, one for model development and another for model validation. The experimental data show that the LPV battery model can achieve high SOH estimation accuracy, with an average error of 2.85 % and 5.51 % for SOH, and 0.63 % and 1.20 % for capacity, respectively. The method also shows the advantages of being easy to implement and highly generalizable, making it suitable for different battery types and application scenarios. [Display omitted] • An LPV modeling framework for battery's online SOH estimation is proposed. • Accelerated aging experiments are conducted to quantify the battery's aging process. • The LPV battery model tracks both aging and dynamic processes accurately. • The subspace algorithm achieves precise identification of the LPV battery model. • SOC serves as the key scheduling variable for decoupling SOC and SOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum monogynum L. (Hypericaceae) has been used as a folk Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory related diseases. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a crucial target for the development of agents to treat inflammation. To search for anti-inflammatory compounds from traditional Chinese medicines, a chemical constituent study along with COX-2 inhibitory activity analysis was performed for this plant. In this study, sixteen chemical monomers, including three undescribed oxidative degradation polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs, hypemoins C–E), two undescribed PPAPs (hypemoins A and B), and 11 known compounds, were identified from the flowers of H. monogynum. Their structures were characterized by HRESIMS, NMR techniques, ECD, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Four flavonoid derivatives showed remarkable COX-2 inhibitory activities, with IC 50 values ranging from 0.220 ± 0.006 to 1.655 ± 0.098 μM. Among these compounds, the possible recognition mechanism between quercetin 3-(6″-O-caffeoyl)-β-3-D-galactoside and COX-2 was predicted by molecular docking analysis. Moreover, the multidrug resistance reversal activities for the selected compounds were evaluated. Sixteen chemical monomers, including three undescribed oxidative degradation polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs, hypemoins C–E), two undescribed PPAPs (hypemoins A and B), and 11 phenol derivatives were discovered from the flowers of Hypericum monogynum. Four flavonoids showed remarkably COX-2 inhibitory activities with IC 50 values ranging from 0.220 ± 0.006 to 1.655 ± 0.098 μM. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed compounds were isolated from Hypericum monogynum. • Four flavonoids showed remarkably COX-2 inhibitory activities. • The possible recognition mechanism was predicted by molecular docking. • The multidrug resistance reversal activity was also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Paraboea rufescens led to the isolation of a new compound Paraboside C (1) and eight known compounds, which including two phenylpropanoid glycosides (2 and 3), two glycosides (4 and 5), three triterpenoids (6–8), and one ethyl cyclohexanol derivative (9). Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, UV, IR and ECD experiments) and comparison with literature data. Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited significant neuroprotective activities against corticosterone induced PC12 cells, which presenting a dose-dependent effect. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds were also been discussed. [Display omitted] • 9 compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Paraboea rufescens. • Compound 1 was a new phenylpropanoid glycoside. • Compounds 3 – 9 were isolated from P. rufescens for the first time. • Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited significant neuroprotective activities. • The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is featured by the growth impediment and apoptosis surge of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are suggested to affect cellular behaviors including cell growth and apoptosis. This study concentrated on unraveling the emerging role of miR-28-5p in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Previously, miR-28-5p was reported to be highly expressed in AAA. Functional assays were utilized to determine the role of miR-28-5p in VSMC apoptosis. To narrow down the downstream mRNAs, bioinformatics methods were utilized. The interaction between miR-28-5p and GRIA4 (glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 4) or LYPD3 (LY6/PLAUR domain containing 3) was explored. Candidate circRNAs (circular RNAs) of miR-28-5p were identified. Rescue analyses validated function of circCBFB (core-binding factor subunit beta)/miR-28-5p/GRIA4/LYPD3 axis in VSMC apoptosis and growth. MiR-28-5p acted as an apoptosis driver while circCBFB, GRIA4 and LYPD3 exerted anti-apoptosis effects in VSMCs. Mechanically, GRIA4 and LYPD3 were suppressed by miR-28-5p. Moreover, circCBFB served as a sponge of miR-28-5p, releasing GRIA4 and LYPD3 from miR-28-5p suppression. Functionally, GRIA4, LYPD3 and miR-28-5p were required in circCBFB-mediated VSMC apoptosis. This work unveiled an innovative axis of circCBFB/miR-28-5p/GRIA4/LYPD3 in VSMC apoptosis, exerting its potential in providing new thoughts in AAA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose an integrated system with dual input gearbox and hybrid energy storage system. • Investigate the power loss and battery lifespan via real-time energy control strategy. • Evaluate the performance of the integrated system in terms of Life-cycle cost. • Mixed-integer multi-objective genetic algorithm is applied in parameter optimization. • Pareto solutions are achieved to balance the cost, energy loss and battery lifespan. Transportation sector is one of the major sources of pollutants as it contributes more than 80% of CO, while almost all HC and 90% of NOx and PM. Although battery electric vehicles are well-known for reducing environmental pollution, the driving range and battery lifespan put a significant barrier to its large-scale commercialization. In this study, an integrated system, which includes an uninterrupted dual input transmission and hybrid energy storage system, is proposed to improve energy efficiency and extend battery lifespan. Given the limitations of dynamic programming in practice, a real-time optimal control strategy is designed to evaluate the power loss and battery capacity degradation of the proposed integrated system based on detailed mathematical models of individual powertrain components. To achieve a desirable trade-off between battery degradation, energy consumption, and acquisition cost, a mixed-integer multi-objective genetic algorithm is implemented to optimize the parameters of the hybrid energy storage system, while Pareto principal is adopted to find the proper solution according to different purposes. The simulation results reveal that the proposed integrated system shows the potential of saving 15.85%–20.82% of the energy consumption in typical driving cycles and more than 22.61%–31.11% Life-cycle cost compared with the single-ratio transmission-based battery electric vehicles. The selected Pareto front can further enhance Life-cycle cost from 26.53% to 28.13% in the HWFET cycle. It can be concluded that the integrated uninterrupted dual input transmission and hybrid energy storage system not only can improve motor efficiency and reduce energy consumption, it also can extend the battery lifespan to decrease Life-cycle cost compared to conventional single-ratio battery-only EV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation on the fruits of Zanthoxylum motuoense have led to the isolation of a new flavonolignan (1), together with three known flavonoids (2 - 4), as well as five alkylamides (5 – 9). Their structures were determined by NMR, IR, UV, CD spectra and HRESIMS data. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed. The neuroprotective activity of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Compound 6 showed a significant protective effect against corticosterone-induced neuronal damage at 20 μmol/L. [Display omitted] • Nine compounds were isolated from the fruits of Zanthoxylum Motuoense. • Compounds 1 was identified as a new flavonolignan. • All the compounds were isolated from Z. motuoense for the first time. • Alkylamides could be recognized as a typical biomarker for Zanthoxylum genus and Rutaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy-duty mining haul truck (MHT) with hundreds tonnage could emit hundreds of times emissions over a passenger vehicle. The heavy burden of emissions and continuous global warming force the mining industry seeking clean powertrain solutions for MHT. This research optimizes several emerging clean powertrain solutions for a typical 240 tonnage MHT using integrated design and control optimization method, and compares the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission to the benchmark MHT with a diesel engine and diesel-electric drive. The well-established components model and optimal control theory support the integrated optimization under given operation profile. Currently, the battery electric solution could cut 63 percent usage cost incorporated with the lithium-ion battery degradation cost and reduce 21 percent well-to-wheel CO 2 emission, making the battery electric solution a competitive candidate. Though the hydrogen fuel cell emits 26 percent less CO2 emission than the diesel counterpart, the high investment cost and degradation cost hinder its wide application. Further improvement of hydrogen production, capital cost and durability of fuel cell, and fast-charging of lithium-ion battery could release huge potential in cleaner MHT. The study provides an approach to quantitatively compare clean powertrain solutions and identify the optimal powertrain parameters for cleaner MHT. • Establish the clean MHT powertrain model to support the optimization and analysis. • Propose integrated components size design and EMS optimization method for clean MHT. • Compare the benefits from fuel economy, usage cost, and carbon dioxide emissions. • Identifying the emission and usage cost reduction potential of battery and hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intrahepatic recurrence is a significant problem for patients who have undergone a hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors and evaluate the management of early and late recurrence of solitary HCC after curative resection. Methods Included in this study were 816 patients with solitary HCC who underwent a curative partial hepatectomy. Intrahepatic recurrence in these patients was followed up retrospectively. Prognosis and therapy for the recurrence were investigated and analysed. Results Early and late intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 423 patients and 199 patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a tumour diameter >5 cm, the absence of a tumour capsule and the presence of microvascular invasion were correlated with early recurrence, whereas cirrhosis and alpha-fetal protein >400 μg/l were independent risk factors contributing to late recurrence. The 5-year survival of HCC patients with early recurrence was significantly lower than that of patients with late recurrence. Further curative treatment for intrahepatic recurrence offered a 5-year overall survival of 56.0%, which was better than alternative management. Conclusion Early and late recurrences of solitary HCC after curative resection are associated with different predictive factors. The time to recurrence and further curative treatment after recurrence were the best predictors of survival post recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyze the in situ BECCS capacity for green-field bioenergy plants in South Korea. The technical assessment is used to support a policy discussion on the suitability of BECCS as a mitigation tool. We examined the technical potential of bioenergy production from domestic forest biomass. In a first step, the biophysical global forestry model (G4M) was applied to estimate biomass availability. In a second step, the results from G4M were used as input data to the engineering model BeWhere, which optimizes scaling and location of combined heat and power plants (CHP). The geographically explicit locations and capacities obtained for forest-based bioenergy plants were then overlaid with a geological suitability map for carbon storage. From this, a theoretical potential for in situ BECCS was derived. Results indicate that, given the abundant forest cover in South Korea, there is substantial potential for bioenergy production, which could contribute not only to substituting emissions from fossil fuels but also to meeting the targets of the country's commitments under any climate change mitigation agreement. However, there seems to be only limited potential for direct in situ carbon storage in South Korea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Design analysis is one of the main difficulties during the research and design of SCWRs. Currently, the development of safety analysis code for SCWR is still in its infancy all around the world, and very few computer codes could carry out the trans-critical calculations where significant changes in water properties would take place. In this paper, a safety analysis code SCTRAN for SCWRs has been developed based on code RETRAN-02, the best estimate code used for safety analysis of light water reactors. The ability of SCTRAN code to simulate transients where both supercritical and subcritical regimes are encountered has been verified by comparing with APROS and RELAP5-3D codes. Furthermore, the LOFA and LOCA transients for the CGNPC SCWR design were analyzed with SCTRAN code. The characteristics and performance of the passive safety systems applied to CGNPC SCWR were evaluated. The results show that: (1) The SCTRAN computer code developed in this study is capable to perform design analysis for SCWRs; (2) During LOFA and LOCA accidents in a CGNPC SCWR, the passive safety systems would significantly mitigate the consequences of these transients and enhance the inherent safety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel type of fuel assemblies with double rows of fuel rods between water rods is proposed and optimized for a supercritical light water reactor design. It brings improved neutron moderation and lower local power peak. Gadolinium is introduced as burnable poison to reduce excess reactivity at the beginning of the fuel cycle. The optimizations for the fuel rods with gadolinium are performed in the present paper. SS316L is used for fuel rod cladding and structural material. In order to reduce the amount of SS316L because of its high thermal neutron absorption, honeycomb structure filled with thermal isolation is introduced to replace the solid stainless steel. The two-pass water flow scheme is chosen with more fuel assemblies for downward flow. Fuel in-core loading pattern and control rod clusters pattern are designed to flatten power distribution at inner regions to enhance coolant outlet temperature. Axial fuel enrichment is zoned into three regions to control axial power peak, which might affect maximum cladding surface temperature. An equilibrium core is then analyzed based on neutronics/thermal-hydraulics coupling model. The numerical results indicate that a high average coolant outlet temperature of 500 °C is achieved with a maximum cladding surface temperature less than 650 °C. The void reactivity effects of moderator and coolant are negative throughout the cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Chronic peripheral arterial occlusion (CPAO) is a progressive disease that is associated with a variety of symptoms, the 4 most common being a sensation of coolness in the limbs, intermittent claudication (in which pain occurs on walking), limb pain (which occurs spontaneously at rest), and ischemic leg ulcers. Beraprost sodium is an oral prostaglandin I2 analogue that may ameliorate these symptoms.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of beraprost sodium and ticlopidine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with CPAO in China.Methods: In this multicenter, single-blind, controlled study, patients with CPAO were randomly assigned to receive beraprost 120-μg tablet TID or ticlopidine 500-mg tablet BID, both administered orally. The clinical efficacy of the drugs was assessed using the 4 main symptoms of CPAO. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) also was measured as a clinical pharmacologic procedure. Adverse events were assessed throughout the study.Results: A total of 124 patients (96 men, 28 women; mean [SD] age, 65 [12] years) were enrolled in 3 hospitals. Data from 119 patients (93 men, 26 women; mean [SD] age, 65 [12] years) were included in the efficacy analysis (64 and 55 patients in the beraprost and ticlopidine groups, respectively). Although all 4 symptoms of CPAO were ameliorated after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment with both drugs, only the cool sensation was significantly improved with beraprost compared with ticlopidine at 6 weeks (P<0.05). ABI was significantly increased with both beraprost and ticlopidine at 6 weeks versus baseline (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively), suggesting that this pharmacologic action may have led to their beneficial effect on various symptoms. The tolerability analysis included 123 patients (65 and 58 patients in the beraprost and ticlopidine groups, respectively). The numbers of patients who (1) experienced adverse events (AEs), (2) experienced adverse drug reactions, and (3) withdrew due to AEs were significantly smaller in the beraprost group than in the ticlopidine group (P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.05, respectively).Conclusions: In this study population of patients with CPAO, beraprost ameliorated cool sensation in the limbs, intermittent claudication, limb pain, and ischemic/leg ulcers. Beraprost was more efficacious in relieving CPAO symptoms and was better tolerated than ticlopidine. Beraprost may be useful for the treatment of patients with CPAO, but more studies are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Six rocaglaol derivatives were isolated from Dysoxylum gotadhora , and those compounds showed good cytotoxic activity with IC 50 values ranging from 10 to 350 ng/mL against five different cancer cells. Obviously, further total synthesis of rocaglaol derivatives for medical chemistry study is of great significance. Then, twenty six rocaglaol derivatives including 25 new compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines: human colon cancer cells (HCT116), colorectal cancer stem cells (P6C), and human red leukocyte leukemia cells (HEL), using MTT assay. Most of derivatives showed good cytotoxic activities, with the lowest IC 50 being 3.2 nM for HEL cells, which was 169 times stronger than that of the positive control (doxorubicin). Further mechanism study indicated that 11k could significantly suppress MAPK pathway in HCT116 cells, which may responsible for induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. [Display omitted] • Six rocaglaol derivatives were isolated from Dysoxylum gotadhora. • Those compounds showed good cytotoxic activity. • Twenty six rocaglaol derivatives were designed and synthesized. • The most active compound showed 169 times stronger than that of the positive control. • 11k could significantly suppress MAPK pathway in HCT116 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]