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Background: Multi‐shell diffusion characteristics may help characterize brainstem gliomas (BSGs) and predict H3K27M status. Purpose: To identify the diffusion characteristics of BSG patients and investigate the predictive values of various diffusion metrics for H3K27M status in BSG. Study Type: Prospective. Population: Eighty‐four BSG patients (median age 10.5 years [IQR 6.8–30.0 years]) were included, of whom 56 were pediatric and 28 were adult patients. Field Strength/Sequence: 3 T, multi‐shell diffusion imaging. Assessment: Diffusion kurtosis imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging analyses were performed. Age, gender, and diffusion metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity (RD), mean kurtosis (MK), axial kurtosis (AK), radial kurtosis, intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), orientation dispersion index, and isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF), were compared between H3K27M‐altered and wildtype BSG patients. Statistical Tests: Chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U test, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), step‐wise multivariable logistic regression. P‐values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: 82.4% pediatric and 57.1% adult patients carried H3K27M alteration. In the whole group, the H3K27M‐altered BSGs demonstrated higher FA, AK and lower RD, ISOVF. The combination of age and median ISOVF showed fair performance for H3K27M prediction (AUC = 0.78). In the pediatric group, H3K27M‐altered BSGs showed higher FA, AK, MK, ICVF and lower RD, MD, ISOVF. The combinations of median ISOVF, 5th percentile of FA, median MK and median MD showed excellent predictive power (AUC = 0.91). In the adult group, H3K27M‐altered BSGs showed higher ICVF and lower RD, MD. The 75th percentile of RD demonstrated fair performance for H3K27M status prediction (AUC = 0.75). Data Conclusion: Different alteration patterns of diffusion measures were identified between H3K27M‐altered and wildtype BSGs, which collectively had fair to excellent predictive value for H3K27M alteration status, especially in pediatric patients. Evidence Level: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our work, we achieved the 1.63‐inch 403‐PPI full‐color active‐matrix Micro‐LED display based on LTPS backplane, which possesses the property of >600 nits brightness, >120% NTSC, and >1,500,000:1 contrast ratio. At present, it is the highest PPI product of LTPS based Micro‐LED display in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured heterojunctions offer a promising solution to overcome the limitations of narrow absorption spectra, limited penetration depths, and potential harm to healthy cells in phototherapy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) treatment with nanomaterials. In this study, a heterostructure (PCN@HP) by decorating Hittorf's phosphorus nanorods onto biocompatible polymeric carbon nitride (PCN), enabling excitation by NIR light is designed. Compared with PCN and HP alone, the synthesized heterostructure generated localized heat upon broad absorption spectra of irradiation, boosting charge migration and separation, generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Then, via in vitro and in vivo experiments, it is confirmed that the NIR‐mediated PCN@HP heterojunction is a safe and effective approach for synchronous photothermal and photodynamic therapy treatment of ccRCC. Collectively, the PCN@HP heterojunction holds great potential as a non‐invasive synergistic, dual‐mode therapeutic nanomedicine for efficient tumor nano‐therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial ecosystems can exhibit various behaviors in response to climate change and human activities. Nonlinear and abrupt shifts in ecosystems are particularly important as they indicate substantial modifications in ecosystem structure and function, posing a threat to the provision of ecosystem services. Here we distinguish between linear, curvilinear, and abrupt shifts in ecosystem productivity from 2000 to 2020 in China's Loess Plateau. We utilize spatial Random Forest models to analyze the driving factors behind these change patterns. Our findings indicate that 84.1% of the ecosystems experienced a positive change in plant productivity, while a small proportion (2.5%) exhibited a negative change. Abrupt shifts are prevalent in both positive and negative changes in ecosystem productivity, with negative changes often manifesting as abrupt shifts (79.3%). Negative changes in plant productivity, particularly the negative abrupt shifts, are primarily associated with human activities characterized by increased nighttime light and urbanization. Land conversion to forest is linked to a curvilinear trajectory in plant productivity, characterized by nonlinear changes with acceleration. Higher water availability and a wetter environment are more likely to promote positive changes in plant productivity. Moderate warming trends contribute to abrupt positive changes in plant productivity, while high warming trends are associated with increased negative abrupt and curvilinear changes. We highlight the importance of accounting for diverse change behaviors in ecosystems for the development of targeted conservation and restoration measures. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial vegetation provides numerous benefits to humans, including soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and regulation of water flows. Understanding how vegetation responds to climate change and human activities is crucial for developing targeted conservation and restoration measures. In China's Loess Plateau, we distinguish three types of change trajectories in ecosystem productivity from 2000 to 2020: linear, curvilinear, and abrupt shifts. We find that 84.1% of the ecosystems experienced positive changes in plant productivity, and only a small portion (2.5%) experienced negative changes. Interestingly, abrupt shifts occurred in both positive and negative changes in plant productivity. Human activities, land use conversions, and climatic factors collectively shape the diverse change trajectories in ecosystem productivity. These findings underscore the importance of considering different change behaviors in vegetation ecosystems when designing conservation and restoration strategies. Key Points: Most areas of China's Loess Plateau (84.1%) experienced positive changes in plant productivityAbrupt shifts were common in positive and negative plant productivity changesHuman activities, land use conversions, and climate collectively shape the diverse trajectories in plant productivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite cylindrical shell (CCS) structure are a number of engineering applications in aerospace, civil engineering, ordnance industry, sports equipment and other fields because of their excellent mechanical properties, low density and strong design. In this study, the classification, preparation technology and mechanical test of CCS are summarized. The research on the axial compression strength of CCS is reviewed. The theory of axial compression elasticity and the strength criterion of orthotropic composite materials are analyzed, and the strength criterion is compared. Finally, the basic theory of instability and buckling is deeply analyzed, and the stability theory of CCS is analyzed in detail. In order to provide a new reference for future scientific research and engineering application, the research difficulties are given in the conclusion, and the future research direction is predicted. Highlights: Comparing and analyzing the classification, preparation technology and mechanical properties of composite cylindrical shells (CCS) comprehensively.Summarizing and analyzing the axial compression strength of CCS in depth, and analyzing the theory of axial compression elasticity and the strength criterion of orthotropic composite materials thoroughly.Analyzing the basic theory of instability and buckling in depth, and analyzing the stability theory of CCS in detail.Giving the research difficulty of composite cylindrical shell, and predicting the future development direction of CCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Left ventricular (LV) remodelling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with heart failure and increased mortality. There was no consensus on the definition of LV remodelling, and the prognostic value of LV remodelling with different definitions has not been compared. We aimed to find the optimal definition and develop a prediction nomogram as well as online calculator that can identify patients at risk of LV remodelling. Methods and results: This prospective, observational study included 829 AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from January 2015 to January 2020. Echocardiography was performed within the 48 h of admission and at 6 months after infarction to evaluate LV remodelling, defined as a 20% increase in LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), a 15% increase in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV), or LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% at 6 months. The impact of LV remodelling on long‐term outcomes was analysed. Lasso regression was performed to screen potential predictors, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish the prediction nomogram. The area under the curve, calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to determine the discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the remodelling nomogram. The incidences of LV remodelling defined by LVEDV, LVESV and LVEF were 24.85% (n = 206), 28.71% (n = 238) and 14.60% (n = 121), respectively. Multivariable Cox regression models demonstrated that different definitions of LV remodelling were independently associated with the composite endpoint. However, only remodelling defined by LVEF was significantly connected with long‐term mortality (hazard ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.41–5.48, P = 0.003). Seven variables were selected to construct the remodelling nomogram, including diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, AMI type, stent length, N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, troponin I, and glucose. The prediction model had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.766. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis indicated consistency and better net benefit in the prediction model. Conclusions: LV remodelling defined by LVEDV, LVESV and LVEF were independent predictors for long‐term mortality or heart failure hospitalization in AMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, only remodelling defined by LVEF was suitable for predicting all‐cause death. In addition, the nomogram can provide an accurate and effective tool for the prediction of postinfarct remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based polymers demonstrate great potential for applications in flexible and wearable electronics but show low piezoelectric coefficients (e.g., −d33 < 30 pC N−1). The effective improvement for the piezoelectricity of PVDF is achieved by manipulating its semicrystalline structures. However, there is still a debate about which component is the primary contributor to piezoelectricity. Therefore, current methods to improve the piezoelectricity of PVDF can be classified into modulations of the amorphous phase, the crystalline region, and the crystalline–amorphous interface. Here, the basic principles and measurements of piezoelectric coefficients for soft polymers are first discussed. Then, three different categories of structural modulations are reviewed. In each category, the physical understanding and strategies to improve the piezoelectric performance of PVDF are discussed. In particular, the crucial role of the oriented amorphous fraction at the crystalline–amorphous interface in determining the piezoelectricity of PVDF is emphasized. At last, the future development of high performance piezoelectric polymers is outlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanking and parental verbal aggression are potentially toxic stressors that can negatively affect children's academic achievement by disrupting mental skills like executive function. Yet little empirical evidence has been provided for this mediating pathway. This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort of 2010–2011 (n = 11,421) to examine the associations between early childhood exposure to spanking and parental verbal aggression and subsequent academic achievement. We also investigated the mechanism for these associations by exploring the mediating role of executive function within those associations. Findings revealed that spanking and parental verbal aggression in kindergarten and first grade were negatively associated with reading and math scores in fifth grade, controlling for demographics and initial academic performance. Executive function (i.e., inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory) accounted for more than half (50%–57%) and more than one fourth (24%–31%) of the total effects of spanking and verbal aggression on academic achievement, respectively. Findings provide important evidence for early intervention programs aiming to promote children's academic achievement and executive function by interfering or preventing harsh discipline. Highlights: We examined the pathway from spanking and verbal aggression in early childhood to academic achievement in later school years through executive function.Path analysis results show executive function was a significant mediator in the negative associations between academic achievement in fifth grade and early exposure to spanking and aggression.Besides avoiding harsh parenting, intervention programs to support child academic achievement could also target promoting executive function development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flourishing, as an integrated conceptualization, is a specific perspective of well‐being which focuses on one's emotional status and psychosocial functioning. As flourishing is a vital determinant for the development of adolescents, this study aims to better understand extent and quality of the flourishing of left‐behind children in rural China from a strength‐based orientation rather than the traditional deficit approach. In line with an ecological system perspective, one's flourishing is intertwined with microfactors and macrofactors. Herein, this study combines social capital theory and self‐determination theory to construct an integrative framework to explore how two specific microfactors and macrofactors influence the flourishing of left‐behind children. Altogether, 995 Chinese rural adolescent respondents (57.2% [N = 573] male and 52.3% [N = 520] LBC, Mage = 12.56 years) filled out a self‐report questionnaire that included the Social Capital Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scale and Flourishing Scale. This study performed bivariate correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediation effect analysis through SPSS 26 and PROCESS 3.2 macro. Results indicate that (1) left‐behind children with more social capital experience higher levels of flourishing and (2) basic psychological needs have an indirect effect on the relationship between social capital and flourishing. The findings underscore the importance of constructing a synthetic framework to support the flourishing left‐behind children. They also indicate that the social networks and social resources for left‐behind children be expanded. Finally, results suggest that more attention should be given to fostering left‐behind children's innate growth through fulfilling their basic psychological needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain health is the humans' primary goal in achieving health and longevity. Brainstem glioma (BSG) has a high disability and mortality rate, posing a serious threat to children's brain health. Delivery of drugs to the brainstem is limited by poor tumor targeting and low blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Thus, it is a great challenge to construct intracranial drug delivery systems with strong biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and high BBB permeability for the delivery of drugs targeting BSG. Exosomes, as the next generation of novel delivery systems, have been widely used to across the BBB due to their advantages of good biocompatibility, stability, and permeability of the BBB and have made corresponding breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery for CNS diseases. This review summarizes natural, polypeptide functionalized, and physical methods‐assisted brain‐targeted exosomes‐based drug delivery systems, the drug treatment bottleneck of BSG, and highlights the potential of using a brain‐targeted exosomes‐based drug delivery system to overcome the drug treatment bottleneck of BSG. It provides new insights into using exosomes‐based drug delivery for BSG treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research examines the associations of early childhood income instability with subsequent behavioral outcomes in adolescence, paying attention to the mediating role of food insecurity. Background: Existing research has documented the rise in income instability in recent decades. Yet, few studies have addressed how income instability during early childhood may shape subsequent behavioral health outcomes in adolescence, beyond the effect of income levels. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the longitudinal link remains unexplored. Method: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted with the Fragile Families and Child Well‐being Study, a longitudinal data set following families with children in 20 large cities in the United States (N = 3,422). Results: Independent from average income levels, both incidence and frequency of negative income changes were significantly indirectly associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence. Food insecurity operated as a mediator of the association. Conclusion: The results suggest cumulative associations between income instability and children's behavioral outcomes and the substantial role of food insecurity in linking the two. Implications: Policies and programs need to promote economic stability during early childhood and to ensure food security in nurturing children's short‐ and long‐term well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) to solve carbon emission, sandstone from the Triassic Liujiagou Formation (LF) from the Ordos Basin in China was investigated using permeability tests and computed X‐ray tomography (CT) scanning. The presence of reactive minerals within the geological CO2 sequestration target storage formation can allow reaction with injected CO2, which changes the porosity and permeability of the LF beds, affecting storage effectiveness. To investigate the effect of chemical reactions on the pore structure and permeability of sandstone cores representing the LF CO2 storage, tests were conducted to analyze the changes in porosity and permeability of sandstone cores induced by CO2‐saturated brine at different reaction times (28‐day maximum reaction period). Porosity and permeability of the sandstone increased after reaction with CO2‐saturated brine due to mineral dissolution. The sandstone exhibited an increase in porosity and permeability after 15 days of reaction with CO2‐saturated brine. Moreover, there was an increase in the volume of large pores in the sandstone after the 28‐day period. The pore network of the sandstone was established through CT results, and the porosity calculated based on the obtained pore network was close to that measured in the test, demonstrating the feasibility to use CT to study the evolution of the microstructure of sandstone after long‐time exposure to CO2‐saturated brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide‐enhanced water recovery (CO2‐EWR) is a promising strategy for managing reservoir pressure build‐up and mitigating the risk of fault activation resulting from CO2 injection in deep saline aquifers. CO2‐EWR can also be employed for supplying the required water for different applications after a treatment stage for the produced saline water. In this study, a brief review on CO2‐EWR technology and its necessities are first carried out. After that, the feasibilities, advantages, and challenges of various available treatment technologies that can potentially be used to treat high total dissolved solids (TDS) brine are comprehensively assessed. Based on comprehensive evaluation on technologies, a chain desalination process, consisting of pretreatment, main treatment, and post treatment, is proposed as a strategic path for the treatment of high TDS brine extracted from the Shenhua CCS site. It is concluded that coagulation‐flocculation and gravity filtration are needed as primary stages to remove suspended particles, while membrane distillation (MD) is selected as a suitable main treatment technology for high TDS Shenhua brine. Then, MD treatment is comprehensively discussed for a small‐scale treatment of extracted Shenhua brine assuming that the pretreated brine is free of suspended solids. After presenting the heat and mass transfer equations for direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD), a mathematical thermodynamic model is programmed in EES (Engineering Equation Solver) software to briefly analyze the performance parameters of DCMD. The results indicate that the designed DCMD, in the absence of auxiliary systems and considering the inherent temperature of extracted brine from different formations, has the capability of producing 15.1 kg m−2hr of freshwater from the extracted brine of the Shihezi formation layer. In the case of employing the auxiliary system of flat‐plate collector (FPC) combined with heat exchanger (HX) to heat up the extracted Shenhua brine to the desired temperature of 80°C, the amounts of produced flux are enhanced by 133%, 72%, and 45% for the brine extracted from Liujiagou, Shiqianfeng, and Shihezi formations, respectively. Using the yearly solar radiation model in TRNSYS software, the maximum solar radiation on the tilted surface at the location of Shenhua project in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China reaches 3800 kJ m−2hr at 1 PM on April 1. Considering maximum solar radiation on the tilted surface, it is proved that a small‐surface FPC can supply the required energy to heat up the extracted brine from its inherent temperature to the desired temperature of 80°C. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a crop that is highly susceptible to the negative effects of low temperature. Low temperature can delay seed germination and cause a decrease in seed vigor, which seriously affects seedling emergence and yield. In this study, 190 maize accessions (inbred lines) with strong germination potential at normal temperature (25°C) were selected from more than 500 accessions to construct a new association mapping panel to further investigate germination under chilling stress (5°C). We re‐sequenced the genomes of the 190 diverse accessions and obtained 4,886,919 high‐quality SNPs. We then used this data to analyze population structure, perform principal components analysis, and construct a phylogenetic tree of the new maize panel. The relative germination rate (RGR) and relative germination index (RGI) are two traits that are significantly related to chilling‐tolerant germination. Genome‐wide association analysis showed that RGR and RGI shared a major QTL, and they also shared the top SNP. There were a total of 26 significant SNPs in common. These SNPs hit directly or indirectly within 37 candidate genes. Among these 37 gene candidates, eight are homologs of genes previously reported to be related to both germination and low‐temperature stress, and another 12 genes related to low‐temperature stress or other abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, oxidative, and high light stress. In addition, RGR and RGI had another 15 and 26 significant SNPs, respectively, which were associated with 17 and 92 candidate genes, respectively. Further qRT‐PCR analysis using 26 chilling‐tolerant and 22 chilling‐sensitive accessions implied that Zm00001eb272370, Zm00001eb272390, and Zm00001eb272400 associated with the top SNP, may play different roles during cold‐germination. Thus, our study not only established a new association mapping panel suitable for investigation of germination at low temperature but also provided valuable genetic resources for future studies to improve chilling‐tolerant maize varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transpiration (Tr) is the largest continental water flux. Tr is jointly affected by biophysical factors, including atmospheric demand, soil water supply, and plant physiological features, represented by potential evapotranspiration (PET), soil water content (SWC), and leaf area index (LAI) respectively. Disentangling the independent and interacting impacts of the biophysical factors on Tr provides a better understanding on the mechanism of ecohydrological controls on forest water use. In this study, taking the black locust plantation of the Loess Plateau as an example, independent contributions of the three factors and their interactions on Tr were quantified based on field observation, model development, and factorial analysis. First, sapflow density, meteorological variables, SWC, and LAI were observed during five growing seasons. Second, a coupled Tr model (R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 5.92) was established by the long‐term observed data of Tr, PET, SWC, and LAI. Finally, factorial experiment analysis showed that contributions of LAI, PET, and SWC and their interactions (PET×LAI, LAI × SWC, and PET×SWC) on Tr accounted for 50.82%, 9.77%, 9.30%, 13.88%, 13.75%, and 2.47%, respectively. The results indicated that LAI and PET×LAI had the largest independent and interacting impact on Tr of black locust. This study suggested that regulation of canopy leaf area through forest cultivation practices could reduce forest water use, which was beneficial for soil desiccation mitigation and meeting the soil water capacity for vegetation in this region. This study also provided a methodological reference for disentangling the impacts of biophysical factors on forest transpiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously showed decellularized fish swim bladder can be used as vascular patch and tube graft in rats, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have showed the capability to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in different animal models. We hypothesized that decellularized fish swim bladder patch loaded with MSCs (bioinspired patch) can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in a rat aortic patch angioplasty model. Rat MSCs were grown in vitro and flow cytometry was used to confirm their quality. 3.6 × 105 MSCs were mixed into 100 μl of sodium alginate (SA)/hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, two layers of fish swim bladders (5 mm × 5 mm) were sutured together, bioinspired patch was created by injection of hydrogel with MSCs into the space between two layers of fish swim bladder patches. Decellularized rat thoracic aorta patch was used as control. Patches were harvested at days 1 and 14 after implantation. Samples were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The decellularized rat thoracic aorta patch and the fish swim bladder patch had a similar healing process after implantation. The bioinspired patch had a similar structure like native aorta. Bioinspired patch showed a decreased neointimal thickness (p =.0053), fewer macrophages infiltration (p =.0090), and lower proliferation rate (p =.0291) compared to the double layers fish swim bladder patch group. Decellularized fish swim bladder patch loaded with MSCs can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia effectively. Although this is a preliminary animal study, it may have a potential application in large animals or clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statins are widely used lipid‐lowering drugs that cause many side effects. Withaferin‐A (WA), popularly known as Ashwagandha, an ancient Indian medicinal herb, is extracted from Withania somnifera. Anti‐atherosclerotic effect of WA has been reported. However, the mechanism remains unknown. Hence, we planned this study to investigate the WA mechanism in anti‐atherosclerosis in a rat model. High cholesterol diet (HCD) was fed to induce atherosclerosis in Sprague–Dawley male rats. Five groups (N = 6 rats/group) were fed with normal diet, HCD, WA (10 mg/kg bw)+HCD, lovastatin (LS: 10 mg/kg bw)+HCD, WA (10 mg/kg bw) respectively for 90 days. Statistical analysis was done by GraphPad Prism (version 8.0.1) using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Duncan's test with a significance level (p < 0.05). The groups were compared for lipid profiles, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic markers, and histopathological changes in the liver and aorta. Treatment with HCD increased lipid profiles, inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and lipid peroxidation. WA as well as LS treatments significantly decreased these parameters restored the antioxidant status, and reduced lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). Histopathological studies revealed that WA and LS reduced the hepatic fat and aortic plaque. WA reduced apoptosis via augmentation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway; increased B‐cell lymphoma 2 and inhibited Bcl‐2 associated X‐protein proapoptotic proteins; TNF receptor superfamily member 6, Bim, caspase‐3, and ‐9; demonstrated significant hypolipidemic and anti‐inflammatory properties against HCD induced atherosclerosis in rats through regulation of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nannochloropsis oceanica are marine microalgae that are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); in the future, they may become one of the most effective sources of EPA. The cell walls of N. oceanica contain a three‐layered dense structure called algaenan, which hinders the extraction of intracellular lipids. Here, the main variables for the enzyme pretreatment of N. oceanica are optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimal variables for enzyme pretreatment, the lipid yield and EPA content are increased to 26.9% and 20.7 g/100 g, respectively. Furthermore, lipidomics analysis is carried out utilizing ultra‐high performance liquid‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to identify the obtained lipids. After enzyme treatment, the betaine lipids (BL) content significantly increases, probably due to laccase and cellulase promoting the release of BL from membrane structure. In comparison, the hydrolysis of neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids during the enzyme treatment reduces their respective contents. The results of this study suggest that using compound enzymes to pretreat N. oceanica can effectively increase lipids extraction yields by ethanol and improve the EPA contents in lipids. Practical applications: This study indicates that enzyme pretreatment can promote the extraction of lipids, especially lipids with EPA, from N. oceanica or other marine microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging and expensive to manufacture composite cylindrical shells with characteristics such as large diameters and lengths and 0°‐fibers for applications such as bridge piers and wind power columns. In this study, a new type of cross section configuration of inner annular block and outer annular continuous fiber is proposed, and a low‐cost method is established First, the inner assembly block is pulled and extruded, and then, the outer continuous prestressed fiber is wound as the mold to apply annular compressive stress to the inner tube. Axial compression tests were carried out with Φ104 × 8 mm glass fiber‐reinforced polymer(GFRP) tubes made of pultruded standard blocks without integral forming, without external winding carbon fiber, and with an external winding layer. The results show that the mechanical properties of the pipe produced via piece‐assembling followed by winding are better than those produced via piece‐assembling without an external winding layer, which has mechanical properties similar to those of a one‐time forming member. Based on the obvious deterioration of mechanical properties, composite cylindrical shells with large diameters and lengths and 0°‐fibers can be produced at low costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In composite fibers, the compression stress perpendicular to the fiber has a significant and complex effect on the fatigue behavior of the composite. In this study, pultrusion glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates pre‐tightened teeth connection (PTTC) were subjected to fatigue tests (R = 0.2, 0.5) to examine the effect of transverse compression stress on the in‐plane shear fatigue behavior. Fatigue test results showed that the GFRP pultrusion tube PTTC of the GFRP matrix composite pultrusion tube had a low‐fatigue life and appeared to heat up; it also exhibited longitudinal cracking in the tensile fatigue test with a frequency of only 2 Hz. To explore the cause and mechanism of increase in temperature, herein, the change process and the effect of contact friction and slippage in the tensile fatigue process of the of the GFRP pultrusion tube PTTC was examined using simplified tests and numerical analyses. The findings of this study can provide insights for improving the static bearing capacity and fatigue performance of PTTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) can differentiate into osteogenic or adipogenic lineage. The mechanism governing lineage allocation of SSPCs is still not completely understood. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays an essential role in specifying osteogenic fate of mesenchymal progenitors during embryogenesis. However, it is still unclear whether Hh signaling is required for lineage allocation of SSPCs in postnatal skeleton, and whether its dysregulation is related to age‐related osteoporosis. Here, we demonstrated that Hh signaling was activated in metaphyseal SSPCs during osteogenic differentiation in the adult skeleton, and its activity decreased with aging. Inactivation of Hh signaling by genetic ablation of Smo, a key molecule in Hh signaling, in Osx‐Cre–targeted SSPCs and hypertrophic chondrocytes led to decreased bone formation and increased bone marrow adiposity, two key pathological features of age‐related osteoporosis. Moreover, we found that the bone‐fat imbalance phenotype caused by Smo deletion mainly resulted from aberrant allocation of SSPCs toward adipogenic lineage at the expense of osteogenic differentiation, but not due to accelerated transdifferentiation of chondrocytes into adipocytes. Mechanistically, we found that Hh signaling regulated osteoblast versus adipocyte fate of SSPCs partly through upregulating Wnt signaling. Thus, our results indicate that Hh signaling regulates bone homeostasis and age‐related osteoporosis by acting as a critical switch of cell fate decisions of Osx‐Cre–targeted SSPCs in mice and suggest that Hh signaling may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has gained intensive attention owing to its capability of converting solar energy into chemical fuel, that is, hydrogen. However, the PEC efficiency is severely limited by the recombination of charge carriers and slow kinetics of surface water oxidation. The exploration of efficient photoanodes is, thus, urgently demanded. Herein, a bilateral charge modulation strategy for an improved Fe2O3 photoanode is reported. Z‐scheme Fe2O3‐g‐C3N4 heterojunction is first prepared with the aim of promoting the charge separation, followed by the electrodeposition of a NiFe‐based layered double hydroxide (LDH) on it in order to concurrently slow down the hole accumulation on the electrode surface and catalyze the water oxidation. The fabricated NiFe‐LDH@Fe2O3‐g‐C3N4 electrode exhibits an enhanced photocurrent density of 0.29 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is almost five times that of the pristine Fe2O3 (0.06 mA cm−2). This work provides an appealing maneuver for improving water oxidation performance in semiconductor‐based PEC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Contrast‐induced nephropathy remains a common complication of coronary procedure and increases poor outcomes, especially in patients with heart failure. Plasma volume expansion relates to worsening prognosis of heart failure. We hypothesized that calculated plasma volume status (PVS) might provide predictive utility for contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients with heart failure undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results: We enrolled 441 patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI from 2012 to 2018. Pre‐procedural estimated PVS by the Duarte's formula (Duarte‐ePVS) and Kaplan–Hakim formula (KH‐ePVS) were calculated for all patients. CIN was defined as an absolute serum creatinine (SCr) increase ≥0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase ≥25% compared with the baseline value within 48 h of contrast medium exposure. We assessed the association between PVS and CIN in patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI. In 441 patients, 28 (6.3%) patients developed CIN. The median Duarte‐ePVS was 4.44 (3.87, 5.13) and the median KH‐ePVS was −0.03 (−0.09, 0.05). The best cutoff values for Duarte‐ePVS and KH‐ePVS to predict CIN were 4.64 (with 78.6% sensitivity and 61.7% specificity) and 0.04 (with 64.5% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity), respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, KH‐ePVS > 0.04 [odds ratio (OR) 2.685, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.012–7.123, P = 0.047] remained significantly associated with CIN whereas Duarte‐ePVS was not. Conclusions: Pre‐procedural KH‐ePVS is an independent risk factor for CIN in patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI. The best cutoff point of KH‐ePVS for predicting CIN was 0.04. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) can act as policy entrepreneurs to cope with the dilemmas in policy implementation. However, there is insufficient knowledge about whether the strategies adopted by them that SLBs in the role of policy entrepreneurs are institution sensitive. In addition, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the elements that impel and support such entrepreneurial actions. Based on China's community governance, this article attempts to clarify the strategies employed by SLBs to that result in their becoming policy entrepreneurs. It was observed that the Chinese SLBs primarily employed three strategies to act as policy entrepreneurs, which shows that different institutional contexts may shape the various strategies. This article indicates that the opportunity structure of the institution, in this case, the Chinese bureaucracy, enables SLBs to act entrepreneurially and the success of these strategies is also dependent on the SLBs' accountability and communication skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An arginine aminopeptidase from Bacillus axarquiensis SWJSX8 (BAAP) was developed for the first time. The enzyme was purified 16.6‐fold with specificity activity of 267.2 U/mg protein and a total yield of 10.5% and was estimated to be 67.0 KDa by SDS‐PAGE. It exhibited the maximum activity at 55 °C and pH 8.5 and was activated by 15–20% NaCl with 50% improvement. BAAP was a metalloaminopeptidase and showed better preference for Arg‐pNA, Leu‐pNA and Lys‐pNA amongst the substrates tested. The introduction of BAAP improved the hydrolysis degree of pumpkin seed protein hydrolysates (PSPHs) by 5.7–8.2% and significantly increased the contents of small peptides and free amino acids, while decreased the bitter intensity score of the PSPHs hydrolysed by Alcalase 2.4 L. The antioxidant capacity of the PSPHs had also been improved. The newly developed BAAP has great potential to be used in hydrolysing proteins that are rich in arginine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase‐change memory (PCM), using the fast and reversible transition between crystal and glass to store binary data, is a promising candidate for next‐generation information storage and computing technologies. Recording more than one bit of information on each memory cell, known as multilevel cell (MLC) technology, can greatly increase the data density of PCMs. In this paper, the MLC capability in a phase change material Ge‐Ga‐Sb (GGS) is explored. Using the "SET" operation with increasing voltage amplitudes on this PCM cell in a 250 nm pillar structure device, three resistance levels are achieved and can be stabilized within large operating voltage windows, allowing large tolerance of SET voltage variation which may lead to the overlap of the neighboring resistance levels. It is discovered that the additional resistance level other than "0" and "1" is enabled by compositional phase separation in the nanocrystalline GGS, as revealed via atom probe tomography and electronic microscopy. The device also shows small resistance drift (ν = 0.025) in amorphous state, about four times lower than prototypical Ge‐Sb‐Te‐based PCMs, stabilizing it against time variation. Meanwhile, high thermal stability (Tc ≈ 300 °C) in GGS‐based device can also facilitate the practical applications in some extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IFITM3-specific antibody reveals IFN preferences and slow IFN induction of the antiviral factor IFITM3 in humans Keywords: IFITM3; IFN; myeloid cells; innate immunity; viral restriction EN IFITM3 IFN myeloid cells innate immunity viral restriction 742 745 4 03/05/21 20210301 NES 210301 Using a specific antibody, we found that expression of the viral restriction factor IFITM3 differs across cell types within the immune compartment with higher expression in myeloid rather than lymphoid cells. (B) Expression of IFITM3 in myeloid and lymphoid cells in adult blood samples following 48-h stimulation with 100 U/mL IFN. (A) Expression of IFITM3 was measured by CyTOF in primary human cells from adult blood samples (n = 3) following 48-h stimulation with 100 U/mL IFN. [Extracted from the article]

Supra‐maximum surgical tumor resection without neurological damage is highly valuable for treatment and prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We developed a GBM‐specific fluorescence probe using IRDye800CW (peak absorption/emission, 778/795 nm) and bombesin (BBN), which (IRDye800‐BBN) targets the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor, and evaluated the image‐guided resection efficiency, sensitivity, specificity, and survivability. Twenty‐nine patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled. Sixteen hours preoperatively, IRDye800‐BBN (1 mg in 20 ml sterile water) was intravenously administered. A customized fluorescence surgical navigation system was used intraoperatively. Postoperatively, enhanced magnetic resonance images were used to assess the residual tumor volume, calculate the resection extent, and confirm whether complete resection was achieved. Tumor tissues and nonfluorescent brain tissue in adjacent noneloquent boundary areas were harvested and assessed for diagnostic accuracy. Complete resection was achieved in 82.76% of patients. The median extent of resection was 100% (range, 90.6–100%). Eighty‐nine samples were harvested, including 70 fluorescence‐positive and 19 fluorescence‐negative samples. The sensitivity and specificity of IRDye800‐BBN were 94.44% (95% CI, 85.65–98.21%) and 88.24% (95% CI, 62.25–97.94%), respectively. Twenty‐five patients were followed up (median, 13.5 [3.1–36.0] months), and 14 had died. The mean preoperative and immediate and 6‐month postoperative Karnofsky performance scores were 77.9 ± 11.8, 71.3 ± 19.2, and 82.6 ± 14.7, respectively. The median overall and progression‐free survival were 23.1 and 14.1 months, respectively. In conclusion, GBM‐specific fluorescent IRDye800‐BBN can help neurosurgeons identify the tumor boundary with sensitivity and specificity, and may improve survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: aneurysm; case report; hemifacial spasm; microvascular decompression EN aneurysm case report hemifacial spasm microvascular decompression 307 309 3 01/11/22 20220201 NES 220201 Preoperative MRI results showed a vascular anomaly at the REZ of the left facial nerve (Figure A) and an anomaly at the internal auditory canal (Figure B). To treat a small LA aneurysm, aneurysm neck clipping with a miniature aneurysm clip is an option. [Extracted from the article]

The study aimed to investigate the role of miR‐124‐3p and its potential molecular mechanism in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The expression of miR‐124‐3p and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 4 (MAP2K4) in human thyroid follicular epithelial cell line (NTHY‐ORI3‐1) and human papillary thyroid carcinoma cell lines (SW1736, BCPAP, TPC‐1 and K1) was measured by RT‐qPCR. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK‐8, while cell cycle and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry. Invasive ability and migrative ability were measured by transwell assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the levels of relative proteins. In vivo, TPC‐1 cells transfected with miR‐124‐3p mimic were subcutaneously injected into the flank of the mice to form tumour. After successful modelling, mice were divided into two groups (n = 10): Control group and miR‐124‐3p mimic group. The present study showed that miR‐124‐3p was lowly expressed, while MAP2K4 was highly expressed in PTC cell lines. Besides, miR‐124‐3p targeted MAP2K4 and negatively regulated MAP2K4 in TPC‐1 cells. In addition, miR‐124‐3p inhibited the proliferation and motility, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of TPC‐1 cells by inactivating MAP2K4/JNK/JunD pathway. Furthermore, miR‐124‐3p inhibited tumour formation by downregulating MAP2K4 level in vivo. In conclusion, the study provided a novel molecular mechanism of miR‐124‐3p in the progress of PTC. Significance of the study: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most important pathological type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 80% of thyroid cancer. miR‐124‐3p exhibited significant inhibitory role in the transformation and development of malignant tumours. However, in PTC, the roles and its potential molecular mechanism are unclear. Here, the study investigated the roles of miR‐124‐3p in the progress of PTC and its potential molecular mechanism. We found that miR‐124‐3p inhibited the proliferation and motility, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in PTC cells. This study provided a novel molecular mechanism of miR‐124‐3p in the progress of PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extant literature has attested to the importance of poverty on child well‐being generally using a unidimensional approach. Researchers have yet to establish solid evidence on how multiple dimensions of poverty (e.g., depth, volatility, and spells of exposure) might be associated with children's socioemotional well‐being during their early school years. Building upon Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory, this study used latent class analysis to identify poverty patterns by incorporating multiple dimensions of poverty and investigated the relationship between multidimensional poverty patterns and children's socioemotional trajectories from kindergarten through fifth grade. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (ECLS‐K), a longitudinal dataset featuring a nationally representative cohort of children in the United States (N ≈ 20,090), the analysis identified seven poverty groups. Each group exhibited a unique poverty or economic pattern that incorporates the three poverty dimensions. Growth‐curve results indicate that multidimensional poverty patterns were significantly associated with externalizing and internalizing behaviors both at kindergarten and over time by fifth grade. Children with the acutest form of economic deprivation—extreme poverty, volatile income, and multiple spells of poverty exposure—were reported to have the worst outcomes. The significant variations in children's socioemotional trajectories due to different poverty patterns highlight the importance of poverty reduction and prevention strategies corresponding to those patterns for optimal effect. This study suggests a focus not just on helping families exit poverty temporarily, but on improving their economic security as a way to nurture children's socioemotional well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aseptic prosthetic loosening due to wear particle–induced inflammatory osteolysis is the main cause of failure for artificial joint replacement. The inflammatory response and the production of pro‐osteoclastic factors lead to elevation of osteoclast formation and excessive activity results in extensive bone destruction around the bone‐implant interface. Here we showed that Nepetin, a natural bioactive flavonoid with proven anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative properties, potently inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation, formation and bone resorption in vitro, and protected mice against the deleterious effects of titanium particle–induced calvarial osteolysis in vivo. Mechanistically, Nepetin attenuated RANKL‐induced activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways and TRAF6‐dependent ubiquitination of Beclin 1 which is necessary for the induction of autophagy. In brief, our study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of Nepetin against osteoclast‐mediated osteolytic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DRP) is a retinal disease caused by diabetes mellitus, which is categorized by microvascular lesions present in the retina such as vascular leakage, vascular proliferation, and retinal ischemia. The plan of the present study was to the synthesis of Cyperus rotundus‐loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (CR‐ZnONPs) which was confirmed by the various characterization methods such as UV‐vis spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction. Also, the effect of CR‐ZnONPs on DRP‐induced rats was determined by food intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, insulin, retina thickness, inner nuclear layer (INL), outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the status of oxidative stress marker genes (heme oxygenase‐1 [HO‐1] and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor‐2 [Nrf2]) and inflammatory marker (procaspase‐1, cleaved‐caspase‐1, interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐18, and ASC) expressions were examined by using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis techniques. We noted that the synthesized CR‐ZnONPs have a crystalline structure, spherical shape, and present various functional groups. The administration of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced DRP rats were increased in the levels of HbA1c, FBG, food intake, LPO, and reduced levels of insulin, SOD, GPx, and CAT. In addition, the gene and protein expression showed the downregulation of HO‐1 and Nrf2 and upregulation of procaspase‐1, IL‐1β, cleaved‐caspase‐1, IL‐18, and ASC in diabetic rats. Moreover, further histopathological analysis of retinal tissues again confirmed the results of biochemical parameters. In contrast, the DRP rats treated with CR‐ZnONPs significantly brought down all the parameters to normal, which indicated that the CR‐ZnONPs have better antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and selective removal of micropollutants from water is important for the reuse of water resources. Despite hollow frameworks with specific functionalized porous walls for the selective adsorption based on a series of interactions, tailoring a stable shape of nanometer‐ and micrometer‐sized architectures for the removal of specific pollutants remains a challenge. Here, exactly controlled sheets, tubes, and spherical frameworks were presented from the crosslinking of supramolecular colloids in polar solvents. The frameworks strongly depended on the architecture of original supramolecular colloids. As the entropy of colloids increased, the initial laminar framework rolled up into hollow tubules, and then further curled into hollow spheres. These shape‐persistent frameworks showed unprecedented selectivity as well as specific recognition for the shape of pollutants, thus contributing to efficient pollutant separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the daily setup, interfraction motion, variability in the junction areas, and dosimetric effect in craniospinal irradiation (CSI) patients. Methods: Fifteen CSI patients who had undergone split‐field IMRT were followed in the study. Previous, middle, and posttreatment, each target volume position was evaluated using the ExacTrac system. Interfraction and intrafraction motions, the margin of the junction in adjacent targets volumes, and the dosimetric effect of the longitudinal residual error were analyzed. Results: The lowest attainment rate within the tolerance of the initial setup error was 66.79% in six directions. The values of the initial error were within 15 mm (SD 4.5 mm) in the translation direction and 5° (SD 1.3°) in the rotation direction after the transposition of the treatment isocenter. With the guidance of the ExacTrac system, the interfraction and intrafraction residual errors were almost within the tolerance after correction, the margin of CTV‐to‐PCTV was in the range of target expansion criteria. The residual longitudinal errors resulted in only slight changes in the mean doses of PGTV and PCTV, while the maximum dose of the spinal cord increased by 16.1%. The patients did not exhibit any side‐effects by the overall treatment during the follow‐up period. Conclusions: Position correction is necessary after setup and the transposition of the treatment isocenter. Intra‐fraction motion in the lateral direction should be monitored throughout treatment. The position errors in junction areas are almost within the tolerance after correction. The patients did not exhibit any side‐effects by the overall treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overwhelming number of interrogations reveals the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diverse malignancies, little is unveiled about lncRNAs participation in the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The study aimed to monitor the role and responsible mechanism of LUCAT1 in AAA. The cellular function of LUCAT1 on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation and apoptosis were examined through the conduction of CCK‐8, EdU, TUNEL, and caspase‐3 activity assays. LUCAT1 depletion was observed to boost SMCs proliferation or suppress SMCs apoptosis. The opposite results on SMCs proliferation and apoptosis were achieved in response to LUCAT1 promotion. The abundance of LUCAT1 in the cytoplasm was ascertained by subcellular fractionation and FISH analyses on the basis of LncLocator prediction. The binding of LUCAT1 to miR‐199a‐5p predicted by DIANA and starbase was certified by luciferase reporter assay and RIP analysis. Besides, multiple prediction tools unveiled the interaction between miR‐199a‐5p and myelin regulatory factor (MYRF). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction uncovered the suppressive effect of miR‐199a‐5p and the positive regulation of LUCAT1 on MYRF expression. Rescue experiments revealed that LUCAT1 depletion pose suppression on SMCs apoptosis and MYRF elevation abrogated this suppression induced by LUCAT1 inhibition. These findings unmasked that the pro‐apoptosis impact of LUCAT1 in SMCs via directly targeting miR‐199a‐5p to elevate MYRF expression, which may provide valuable information on AAA prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study employs a combination of detailed simulations and reduced‐complexity models in the Well Leakage Analysis Tool (WLAT), developed by the National Risk Assessment Partnership (NRAP), US Department of Energy, to investigate how the rates of CO2 and brine leakage through an abandoned well under geologic CO2 storage conditions are affected by various factors. The factors considered in this study include depth of well penetration into the storage system, location relative to the point of injection, and effective permeability of the abandoned well. Location is the primary factor used to identify high‐ and low‐risk abandoned wells. For the typical CO2 injection scenario considered in this study, the potential impact of CO2 and brine leakage through an abandoned well is very low if the abandoned well is 6.2 km or further away from the CO2 injector. Due to the buoyancy of CO2 relative to formation brine, wells intersecting (i.e., accepting flow from) the top of the above‐zone monitoring interval (AZMI), which is the interval immediately above the seal, have a higher chance to become a pathway for CO2 than wells intersecting the bottom of the AZMI. If the permeability of an abandoned well is 10−14 m2 or less, the risk of CO2 and brine leakage through the well becomes very low. Due to the combined effect of pressure increase and buoyancy, the CO2 leakage rate is higher than brine leakage rate within the CO2 plume extent. Specific values reported in this study are site‐specific results and cannot be regarded as general findings. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced bone resorption and bone formation are vital for bone homeostasis. Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption in this process can cause a variety of bone disorders including osteoporosis, aseptic prosthetic loosening and tumor associated bone destruction. Bulleyaconitine A (BLA) is a natural compound that has been widely used for pain treatment but its role in osteolysis has not yet been investigated. In this study, we verified for the first time that BLA inhibited osteoclast formation, the mRNA expression of osteoclast‐related genes and osteoclastic bone resorption by inhibiting NF‐κB signal pathway and downstream NFATc1 expression. Meanwhile, BLA had a stimulatory effect in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Furthermore, BLA showed preventive effect in Ti particle‐induced osteolysis model in vivo. Together, all our data demonstrated that BLA suppressed osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteoblastogenesis via suppressing NF‐κB signal pathway and could be an alternative therapeutic choice against bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating the three‐dimensional (3D) motion from sparse laser point clouds is a highly challenging endeavour facing computer and robotic vision engineers. In this study, a novel method is proposed for robustly estimating the scene flow from a laser scanner assisted by a camera. Conditional random field (CRF) is constructed by a spatial structure of point clouds, the energy of which is minimised by a synchronous calibrated image. With the high frame rate of a laser scanner, the authors' method allows for estimating the potential motion field as the CRF label. The authors ran an experiment on a public dataset to demonstrate that their method can accurately estimate rigid motion in outdoor scenes. They also tested the method on a laser scanner and omni‐directional camera system to find that it also accurately estimates the rigid and semi‐rigid motion of objects in a controlled indoor environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical model was developed using CrunchFlow to simulate reactive transport and porosity and permeability changes of sandstone and carbonate rock samples taken from the Lower Tuscaloosa Formation and the Selma Chalk Formation, Jackson County, MS, USA. The model predicted a permeability decrease from 2190 mD to 2038 mD for the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone sample in a static batch reactor after 180 days of exposure to CO2-saturated brine, which is consistent with measured permeability results. The model predicted a negligible permeability change from 2.00 mD to 2.08 mD for the Selma Chalk carbonate sample after 180 days of exposure to CO2-saturated brine. Based on model prediction, key mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions in the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone sample include dissolution of quartz, chlorite, and feldspar, as well as precipitation of amorphous silica and kaolinite. For the Selma Chalk carbonate sample, key predicted reactions include dissolution of calcite, quartz and chlorite, and precipitation of kaolinite and amorphous silica. Initial porosity, initial feldspar content and the exponent n value (related to pore structure and tortuosity) used in permeability calculations were three important factors affecting permeability evolution of sandstone samples under CO2 sequestration conditions. The small permeability change predicted for both the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone and the Selma Chalk caprock after exposure to CO2-saturated brine suggests that poro-permeability changes during CO2 injection into the Lower Tuscaloosa Formation are not likely to significantly affect reservoir and seal quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Lung ultrasound detection of B-lines has become a simple, semiquantitative, noninvasive tool for evaluating pulmonary congestion in heart failure (HF) patients. This study compared the correlation of B-lines with E/eʹ, NT-proBNP, and ejection fraction (EF) in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods Eighty-two consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute decompensated HF were divided into two groups: preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF, EF≥50%, n=32) and reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF, EF<50%, n=50). Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate associations of B-lines with E/eʹ, NT-proBNP, and EF in the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare B-lines with the E/eʹ ratio. Results Results revealed no significant differences were observed in the B-lines between the HFpEF and HFrEF groups. However, compared with the control group, B-lines were significantly increased in the HFpEF and HFrEF groups ( P<.05). The B-lines were positively correlated with E/eʹ (r=0.742, r=0.52) and NT-proBNP (r=0.678, r=0.417) but were negatively correlated with EF (r=−0.365, r=−0.337), and the correlation coefficients were higher in the HFpEF group than in the HFrEF group. In ROC analyses, considering E/eʹ ≥14 as a reference, B-lines yielded a C-statistic value of 0.94 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 83%) in the HFpEF group and 0.84 (sensitivity 86%, specificity 78%) in the HFrEF group. Conclusions B-lines were significantly correlated with the more established parameters of ADHF. The correlation between B-lines and E/eʹ was better, especially in the HFpEF group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional means of assessing representativeness of conservation value in protected areas depend on measures of structural biodiversity. The effectiveness of priority conservation areas at representing critical natural capital (CNC) (i.e., an essential and renewable subset of natural capital) remains largely unknown. We analyzed the representativeness of CNC-conservation priority areas in national nature reserves (i.e., nature reserves under jurisdiction of the central government with large spatial distribution across the provinces) in China with a new biophysical-based composite indicator approach. With this approach, we integrated the net primary production of vegetation, topography, soil, and climate variables to map and rank terrestrial ecosystems capacities to generate CNC. National nature reserves accounted for 6.7% of CNC-conservation priority areas across China. Considerable gaps (35.2%) existed between overall (or potential) CNC representativeness nationally and CNC representation in national reserves, and there was significant spatial heterogeneity of representativeness in CNC-conservation priority areas at the regional and provincial levels. For example, the best and worst representations were, respectively, 13.0% and 1.6% regionally and 28.9% and 0.0% provincially. Policy in China is transitioning toward the goal of an ecologically sustainable civilization. We identified CNC-conservation priority areas and conservation gaps and thus contribute to the policy goals of optimization of the national nature reserve network and the demarcation of areas critical to improving the representativeness and conservation of highly functioning areas of natural capital. Moreover, our method for assessing representation of CNC can be easily adapted to other large-scale networks of conservation areas because few data are needed, and our model is relatively simple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The study was conducted to examine esophageal and gastric cardia precursor progression. Methods After population-based baseline screening, 145 precursor and 335 chronic inflammation cases were endoscopically surveyed for six years. Results Surveillance of interval and baseline diagnoses for 18 severe dysplasia ( SD) cases later detected were: 13, 23, 39, and 44 months since a diagnosis of chronic inflammation in four cases; 6, 6, 6, 11, 13, 16, 16, and 23 months since mild dysplasia (m D) diagnoses in eight; and 6, 9, 10, 13, 18, and 48 months since moderate dysplasia ( MD) diagnoses in six. Rates for 11 carcinoma in situ ( Cis) cases later detected were: 7 and 18 months since basal cell hyperplasia ( Bch) diagnoses in two; and 6, 6, 9, 13, 13, 18, 35, 44, and 50 months since MD diagnoses in nine. In 10 cancer cases later detected, rates were: 6, 6, 7, 18, 19, 34, 36, and 48 months since SD diagnoses in eight cases with submucosal carcinoma; 46 months since MD diagnosis in a T2 N0 M0 carcinoma case; and 52 months since Bch diagnosis in another T2 N0 M0 case. Conclusion Esophageal and gastric cardia precursors are heterogeneous. Male gender, advanced age, family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, and multifocal dysplasia are significant independent predictors for progression, and Bch/m D, MD, and SD constitute three distinctive entities regarding the risk of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]