Search

Improving the wettability of coal dust is commonly used for dust control in coal mines. The wettability of coal dust can be affected by various factors. This study aims to explore the quantitative relationship between coal dust molecular structure parameters and wettability at a micro level. We selected three samples with different coal ranks, which were labeled as the Shangwan nonstick coal (BN), Zhaolou gas-fast coal (QF), and Yangquan anthracite coal (WY) respectively, and were crushed to coal dust with a particle size of less than 200 mesh (74 μm). Three different types of surfactants, i.e., alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10), sodium diethylhexyl sulfosuccinate (rapid penetrant T), and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium-chloride (1631), were used for wetting coal dust. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were conducted to obtain the microscopic molecular structure parameters of the coal samples. Then the relativity between the contact angle and 13C-NMR structural parameters/FTIR structural parameters were analyzed via the SPSS software to determine the principal factors. Finally, quantitative characterization equations describing the relationship between the wettability and molecular structure parameters of the studied samples were established through multiple linear regressions. Results revealed that under the action of different surfactants, the main factors affecting the wettability of coal dust are different. These factors mainly include quaternary carbon (\begin{document}${{f}}_{\text{al}}^{\text{}\text{H}}$\end{document}), oxygen-connecting aliphatic carbon (\begin{document}${{f}}_{\text{a}}^{\text{}\text{P}}$\end{document}), and aromatic bridge carbon (\begin{document}${{f}}_{\text{a}}^{\text{}\text{B}}$\end{document}) in 13C−NMR experiments and the ester group (−COO−), ether group (−O−), and carbonyl group (C=O) in FTIR experiments. The quantitative characterization equations established in this study provide a micro insight to understanding the affecting mechanism of coal dust wettability, which could facilitate the selection of surfactants and improve the reduction efficiency of coal dust.

Abstract Brain calcification is a critical aging-associated pathology and can cause multifaceted neurological symptoms. Cerebral phosphate homeostasis dysregulation, blood-brain barrier defects, and immune dysregulation have been implicated as major pathological processes in familial brain calcification (FBC). Here, we analyzed two brain calcification families and identified calcification co-segregated biallelic variants in the CMPK2 gene that disrupt mitochondrial functions. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from these patients showed impaired mitochondria-associated metabolism pathways. In situ hybridization and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed robust Cmpk2 expression in neurons and vascular endothelial cells (vECs), two cell types with high energy expenditure in the brain. The neurons in Cmpk2-knockout (KO) mice have fewer mitochondrial DNA copies, down-regulated mitochondrial proteins, reduced ATP production, and elevated intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) level, recapitulating the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the PBMCs isolated from the FBC patients. Morphologically, the cristae architecture of the Cmpk2-KO murine neurons was also impaired. Notably, calcification developed in a progressive manner in the homozygous Cmpk2-KO mice thalamus region as well as in the Cmpk2-knock-in mice bearing the patient mutation, thus phenocopying the calcification pathology observed in the patients. Together, our study identifies biallelic variants of CMPK2 as novel genetic factors for FBC; and demonstrates how CMPK2 deficiency alters mitochondrial structures and functions, thereby highlighting the mitochondria dysregulation as a critical pathogenic mechanism underlying brain calcification.

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive disease with increased incidence globally but without internationally licenced pharmacological therapy. Moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP/SAP) contributes predominately for its morbidities and mortality and has been managed in West China Hospital for decades using the traditional Chinese medicinal formula chaiqin chengqi decoction (CQCQD). The current study tests whether the early administration of CQCQD will result in improved clinical outcomes in predicted MSAP/SAP patients. Methods This is a single-centre, randomised, controlled, double-blind pragmatic clinical trial. AP patients aged 18–75 admitted within 72 h of onset will be assessed at admission for enrolment. We excluded the predicted mild acute pancreatitis (Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Score > 2 at admission) and severe organ failure (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] score of respiratory, cardiovascular, or renal systems > 3) at admission. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated on a 1:1 basis to CQCQD or placebo control administration based on conventional therapy. The administration of CQCQD and placebo is guided by the Acute Gastrointestinal Injury grade-based algorithm. The primary outcome measure will be the duration of respiratory failure (SOFA score of respiratory system ≥ 2) within 28 days after onset. Secondary outcome measures include occurrence of new-onset any organ failure (SOFA score of respiratory, cardiovascular, or renal system ≥ 2) and new-onset persistent organ failure (organ failure lasts > 48 h), dynamic surrogate biochemical markers and clinical severity scores, gut-centred treatment modalities, local complications status, intensive care need and duration, surgical interventions, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Follow-up will be scheduled on 6, 12, and 26 weeks after enrolment to assess AP recurrence, local complications, the requirement for surgical interventions, all-cause mortality, and patient-reported outcomes. Discussion The results of this study will provide high-quality evidence to appraise the efficacy of CQCQD for the early management of AP patients. Trial registration Chictr.org.cn Registry ( ChiCTR2000034325 ). Registered on 2 July, 2020.

Song, Zeng, Yan et al. validate the E1L3N monoclonal antibody for the detection of PD-L1 in NSCLC samples. The authors show that PD-L1 scores assessed with E1L3N are concordant with the 22C3 assay and are associated with response to first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy.

This paper explores the impact of environmental regulation in the perspective of industrial resilience. By introducing and defining the concept of industrial resilience, an index system is constructed and the value of industrial resilience of China is evaluated based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2018. Considering the intensity of environmental regulation we make a discussion on the relationship of environmental regulation and industrial development, and build a spatial panel model to make a further investigation on the direct and spatial effects of environmental regulation on industrial resilience. The results showed that :(1) There was an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental regulation and resilience, and environmental regulation had a positive effect on resilience except for Beijing and Shanghai. The intensity of environmental regulation on industrial resilience in eastern is higher than that in the whole region. (2) The spatial spillover effect also present an inverted U-shaped relationship, with positive spillover effects except for Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate environmental policies according to local conditions, moderately reduce the intensity of environmental regulation in Shanghai and Beijing, and strengthen the intensity of environmental regulation in other areas.

Abstract We compute bounds on coefficients of effective operators in the Standard Model that can be inferred from observations of neutrino scattering by the COHERENT experiment. While many operators are bound extremely well by past experiments the full future data set from COHERENT will provide modest improvements for some operators.

Modern anthuriums, Anthurium andraeanum (Hort.) are among the most popular flowering plants and widely used for interior decoration. Their popularity is largely attributed to the exotic spathes with different colors. Previous studies have reported color development in red spathe cultivars, but limited information is available on key genes regulating white and green colored spathes. This study analyzed anthocyanin, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents as well as transcript differences in spathes of eight cultivars that differed in spathe colors ranging from red to white and green. Results showed that increased expression of a transcription factor AaMYB2 was associated with elevated levels of anthocyanin in spathes, but decreased expression of AaMYB2 and increased expression of AaLAR (leucoanthocyanidin reductase) and AaANR (anthocyanidin reductase) were accompanied with the accumulation of colorless proanthocyanidin, thus the white spathe. As to the green colored spathe, chlorophyll content in the green spathe cultivar was substantially higher than the other cultivars. Correspondingly, transcripts of chlorophyll biosynthesis-related genes AaHemB (porphobilinogen synthase) and AaPor (protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase) were highly upregulated but almost undetectable in white and red spathes. The increased expression of AaHemB and AaPor was correlated with the expression of transcription factor AaMYB124. Subsequently, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed their expression levels in nine additional cultivars with red, white, and green spathes. A working model for the formation of white and green spathes was proposed. White colored spathes are likely due to the decreased expression of AaMYB2 which results in increased expression of AaLAR and AaANR, and the green spathes are attributed to AaMYB124 enhanced expression of AaHemB and AaPor. Further research is warranted to test this working model.

The ‘Ten-year Ban on Fishing’ policy was designed by the Chinese government to protect the biodiversity of the Yangtze River basin. Fishermen are the ultimate implementers of the fishing ban policy. Therefore, a scientific compensation mechanism for fishers to stop fishing is the basis for ensuring the continuous implementation of the policy. First, we conducted a survey with 309 fishermen in eight cities along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu province. We also analyzed living conditions of fishermen before and after quitting fishing based on descriptive statistical analysis. Based on the theory of sustainable livelihood, a binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between fishermen's willingness to quit fishing and five types of livelihood capital (natural, material, human, financial, and social capital). The results showed that fishermen face severe livelihood sustainability issues after ceasing to fish and that their willingness to quit is closely related to the five types of livelihood capital. Based on this, and according to different age groups, this study constructed a compensation mechanism for retired fishermen from two aspects: monetary and social security compensation. The research results can provide a theoretical framework for other provinces in the Yangtze River basin to formulate a compensation system for fishermen.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown pathogenesis which has been gradually considered a public health challenge worldwide. Peptides derived from Rapana venosa have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, peptide LLTRAGL derived from Rapana venosa was prepared by a solid phase synthesis technique. The protective effects of LLTRAGL were studied in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced zebrafish colitis model. The underlying mechanisms of LLTRAGL were predicted and validated by transcriptome, real-time quantitative PCR assays and molecular docking. The results showed that LLTRAGL reduced the number of macrophages migrating to the intestine, enhanced the frequency and rate of intestinal peristalsis and improved intestinal inflammatory damage. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis indicated the key pathways (NOD-like receptor signal pathway and necroptosis pathway) that link the underlying protective effects of LLTRAGL’s molecular mechanisms. In addition, the related genes in these pathways exhibited different expressions after TNBS treatment. Finally, molecular docking techniques further verified the RNA-sequencing results. In summary, LLTRAGL exerted protective effects in the model of TNBS-induced colitis zebrafish. Our findings provide valuable information for the future application of LLTRAGL in IBD.

Primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) play a pivotal role in influencing small-scale fluctuations within the primordial density field, thereby enhancing the matter power spectrum within the context of the ΛCDM model at small scales. These amplified fluctuations accelerate the early formation of galactic halos and stars, which can be observed through advanced high-redshift observational techniques. Therefore, stellar mass density (SMD) observations, which provide significant opportunities for detailed studies of galaxies at small scales and high redshifts, offer a novel perspective on small-scale cosmic phenomena and constrain the characteristics of PMFs. In this study, we compile 14 SMD data points at redshifts z > 6 and derive stringent constraints on the parameters of PMFs, which include the amplitude of the magnetic field at a characteristic scale of λ = 1 Mpc, denoted as B _0 , and the spectral index of the magnetic field power spectrum, n _B . At 95% confidence level, we establish upper limits of B _0 < 4.44 nG and n _B < −2.24, along with a star formation efficiency of approximately ${f}_{* }^{0}\sim 0.1$ . If we fix n _B at specific values, such as −2.85, −2.9, and −2.95, the 95% upper limits for the amplitude of the magnetic field can be constrained to 1.33, 2.21, and 3.90 nG, respectively. Finally, we attempt to interpret recent early observations provided by the James Webb Space Telescope using the theory of PMFs and find that by selecting appropriate PMF parameters, it is possible to explain these results without significantly increasing the star formation efficiency.

In our previous study, we introduced a machine learning technique, namely Cosmic Microwave Background Foreground Subtraction with Convolutional Neural Networks ( CMBFSCNN ), for the removal of foreground contamination in cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization data. This method was successfully employed on actual observational data from the Planck mission. In this study, we extend our investigation by considering the CMB lensing effect in simulated data and utilizing the CMBFSCNN approach to recover the CMB lensing B-mode power spectrum from multifrequency observational maps. Our method is first applied to simulated data with the performance of the CMB-S4 experiment. We achieve reliable recovery of the noisy CMB Q (or U ) maps with a mean absolute difference of 0.016 ± 0.008 μ K (or 0.021 ± 0.002 μ K) for the CMB-S4 experiment. To address the residual instrumental noise in the foreground-cleaned map, we employ a “half-split maps” approach, where the entire data set is divided into two segments sharing the same sky signal but having uncorrelated noise. Using cross-correlation techniques between two recovered half-split maps, we effectively reduce instrumental noise effects at the power spectrum level. As a result, we achieve precise recovery of the CMB EE and lensing B-mode power spectra. Furthermore, we also extend our pipeline to full-sky simulated data with the performance of the LiteBIRD experiment. As expected, various foregrounds are cleanly removed from the foregrounds contamination observational maps, and recovered EE and lensing B-mode power spectra exhibit excellent agreement with the true results. Finally, we discuss the dependency of our method on the foreground models.

To investigate gravity in the nonlinear regime of cosmic structure using measurements from stage IV surveys, it is imperative to accurately compute large-scale structure observables, such as nonlinear matter power spectra, for gravity models that extend beyond general relativity. However, the theoretical predictions of nonlinear observables are typically derived from N -body simulations, which demand substantial computational resources. In this study, we introduce a novel public emulator, termed FREmu , designed to provide rapid and precise forecasts of nonlinear power spectra specifically for the Hu–Sawicki f ( R ) gravity model across scales 0.0089 h Mpc ^−1 < k < 0.5 h Mpc ^−1 and redshifts 0 < z < 3. FREmu leverages principal component analysis and artificial neural networks to establish a mapping from parameters to power spectra, utilizing training data derived from the Quijote-MG simulation suite. With a parameter space encompassing seven dimensions, including Ω _m , Ω _b , h , n _s , σ _8 , M _ν , and ${f}_{{R}_{0}}$ , the emulator achieves an accuracy exceeding 95% for the majority of cases, thus proving to be highly efficient for constraining parameters.

There are two classes of gamma-ray transients with a duration shorter than 2 s. One consists of cosmic short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) taking place in the deep Universe via the neutron star mergers, and the other is the magnetar giant flares (GFs) with energies of ∼10 ^44 − 10 ^46 erg from “nearby” galaxies. Though the magnetar GFs and the short GRBs have rather similar temporal and spectral properties, their energies ( E _γ _,iso ) are different by quite a few orders of magnitude and hence can be distinguished supposing the host galaxies have been robustly identified. The newly observed GRB 231115A has been widely discussed as a new GF event for its high probability of being associated with M82. Here we conduct a detailed analysis of its prompt emission observed by Fermi-GBM and compare the parameters with existing observations. The prompt gamma-ray emission properties of GRB 231115A, if associated with M82, nicely follow the E _p,z – E _γ _,iso relation of the GFs, where E _p,z is the peak energy of the gamma-ray spectrum after the redshift ( z ) correction. To be a short GRB, the redshift needs to be ∼1. Though such a chance is low, the available X-ray/GeV observation upper limits are not stringent enough to further rule out this possibility. We have also discussed the prospect of convincingly establishing the magnetar origin of GRB 231115A-like events in the future.

This article presents a cloud-free snow cover dataset with a daily temporal resolution and 0.05° spatial resolution from March 2000 to February 2017 over the contiguous United States (CONUS). The dataset was developed by completely removing clouds from the original NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Snow Cover Area product (MOD10C1) through a series of spatiotemporal filters followed by the Variational Interpolation (VI) algorithm; the filters and VI algorithm were evaluated using bootstrapping test. The dataset was validated over the period with the Landsat 7 ETM+ snow cover maps in the Seattle, Minneapolis, Rocky Mountains, and Sierra Nevada regions. The resulting cloud-free snow cover captured accurately dynamic changes of snow throughout the period in terms of Probability of Detection (POD) and False Alarm Ratio (FAR) with average values of 0.955 and 0.179 for POD and FAR, respectively. The dataset provides continuous inputs of snow cover area for hydrologic studies for almost two decades. The VI algorithm can be applied in other regions given that a proper validation can be performed.

Highlights • Survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC without targetable mutations remain depressing. • Sintilimab plus docetaxel as second-line therapy improves progression-free survival outcomes. • Sintilimab plus docetaxel is safe and well-tolerated. • Patients detected with high PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (≥32.5%, median level in 30 patients) achieved significantly higher ORR, PFS and OS. • Patients detected with PD-L1

Ground movements caused by the construction of tunnels and excavation are inevitable. Estimation of such movements is a very important for risk management in tunnel design. This paper presents a case study of ground settlements induced by twin shield tunnelling in Copenhagen using analytical and numerical methods and their predictions. The predictions are compared with the monitored settlements. The comparison shows that the predictions are sufficiently conservative.

Objective To explore the effect of lnc000727 on the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) into osteoblasts. Methods Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of lnc000727. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) method was used to determine the differentiation of osteoblasts. The expression of lnc000727 in hBM-MSCs was over-expressed or inhibited by liposome transfection. The osteogenic differentiation markers Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), and pontin were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Pontin (OPN) mRNA and protein expression. The expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was analyzed. Results During the differentiation of hBM-MSCs osteoblasts, the expression of lnc000727 and ALP activity increased significantly(P＜0.05). Inhibition of lnc000727 could down-regulate ALP activity and inhibit the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers RUNX2, OCN, OPN and the expression of Wnt and β-catenin (P＜0.05); over-expression of lnc000727 could up-regulate ALP activity and promote the expressions of osteogenic differentiation markers RUNX2, OCN and OPN, and the expressions of Wnt and β-catenin (P＜0.05). Conclusions Lnc000727 promotes the differentiation of hBM-MSCs into osteoblasts, thereby inhibits the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are highly conserved in eukaryotes, regulating various cellular processes. The MAPK kinases (MKKs) are dual specificity kinases, serving as convergence and divergence points of the tripartite MAPK cascades. Here, we investigate the biochemical characteristics and three-dimensional structure of MKK5 in Arabidopsis (AtMKK5). The recombinant full-length AtMKK5 is phosphorylated and can activate its physiological substrate AtMPK6. There is a conserved kinase interacting motif (KIM) at the N-terminus of AtMKK5, indispensable for specific recognition of AtMPK6. The kinase domain of AtMKK5 adopts active conformation, of which the extended activation segment is stabilized by the phosphorylated Ser221 and Thr215 residues. In line with sequence divergence from other MKKs, the αD and αK helices are missing in AtMKK5, suggesting that the AtMKK5 may adopt distinct modes of upstream kinase/substrate binding. Our data shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of MKK activation and substrate recognition, which may help design specific inhibitors targeting human and plant MKKs.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases. The rapid and accurate microbiological detection of the MTBC is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been shown to be a promising and satisfying application of detection in infectious diseases. However, relevant research about the difference in MTBC detection by mNGS between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung biopsy tissue specimens remains scarce. Methods We used mNGS to detect pathogens in BALF and lung biopsy tissue obtained by CT-guide percutaneous lung puncture (CPLP) or radial endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial lung biopsy (R-EBUS-TBLB) from 443 hospitalized patients in mainland China suspected of pulmonary infections between May 1, 2019 and October 31, 2021. Aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mNGS for detecting MTBC and explore differences in the microbial composition in the 2 specimen types. Results Among the 443 patients, 46 patients finally were diagnosed with TB, of which 36 patients were detected as MTBC positive by mNGS (8.93%). Striking differences were noticed in the higher detection efficiency of lung biopsy tissue compared with BALF (P = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the 2 specimen types in the relative abundance among the 27 pathogens detected by mNGS from the 36 patients. Conclusions This study demonstrates that mNGS could offer an effective detection method of MTBC in BALF or lung tissue biopsy samples in patients suspected of TB infections. When it comes to the situations that BALF samples have limited value to catch pathogens for special lesion sites or the patients have contraindications to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedures, lung biopsy tissue is an optional specimen for MTBC detection by mNGS. However, whether lung tissue-mNGS is superior to BALF-mNGS in patients with MTBC infection requires further prospective multicenter randomized controlled studies with more cases.

Insect carboxylesterases (CXEs) can be expressed in multiple tissues and play crucial roles in detoxifying xenobiotic insecticides and degrading olfactory cues. Therefore, they have been considered as an important target for development of eco-friendly insect pest management strategies. Despite extensive investigation in most insect species, limited information on CXEs in sibling moth species is currently available. The Ectropis obliqua Prout and Ectropis grisescens Warren are two closely related tea geometrid species, which share the same host of tea plant but differ in geographical distribution, sex pheromone composition, and symbiotic bacteria abundance, providing an excellent mode species for studies of functional diversity of orthologous CXEs. In this study, we focused on EoblCXE14 due to its previously reported non-chemosensory organs-biased expression. First, the EoblCXE14 orthologous gene EgriCXE14 was cloned and sequence characteristics analysis showed that they share a conserved motif and phylogenetic relationship. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was then used to compare the expression profiles between two Ectropis spp. The results showed that EoblCXE14 was predominately expressed in E. obliqua larvae, whereas EgriCXE14 was abundant in E. grisescens at multiple developmental stages. Interestingly, both orthologous CXEs were highly expressed in larval midgut, but the expression level of EoblCXE14 in E. obliqua midgut was significantly higher than that of EgriCXE14 in E. grisescens midgut. In addition, the potential effect of symbiotic bacteria Wolbachia on the CXE14 was examined. This study is the first to provide comparative expression profiles of orthologous CXE genes in two sibling geometrid moth species and the results will help further elucidate CXEs functions and identify a potential target for tea geometrid pest control.

Screening high-tolerant microorganisms to cadmium (Cd) and revealing their bio-obstruction mechanism could be significant for Cd regulation from farmland to the food chain. We examined the tolerance and bio-removal efficiency of Cd ions of two bacterial strains, Pseudomonas putida 23483 and Bacillus sp. GY16, and measured the accumulation of Cd ions in rice tissues and its different chemical forms in soil. The results showed that the two strains had high tolerance to Cd, but the removal efficiency was decreased successively with increasing Cd concentrations (0.05 to 5 mg kg−1). Cell-sorption accounted for the major proportion of Cd removal compared with excreta binding in both strains, which was conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetics. At the subcellular level, Cd was mostly taken up by the cell mantle and cell wall, and only a small amount entered into the cytomembrane and cytoplasmic with time progressed (0 to 24 h) in each concentration. The cell mantle and cell wall sorption decreased with increasing Cd concentration, especially in the cytomembrane and cytoplasmic. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis verified that Cd ions were attached to the cell surface, and the functional groups of C-H, C-N, C=O, N-H, and O-H in the cell surface may participate in cell-sorption process tested by the FTIR analysis. Furthermore, inoculation of the two strains significantly decreased Cd accumulation in rice straw and grain but increased in the root, increased Cd enrichment ratio in root from soil, decreased Cd translocation ratio from root to straw and grain, and increased the Cd concentrations of Fe–Mn binding form and residual form in rhizosphere soil. This study highlights that the two strains mainly removed Cd ions in solution through biosorption and passivated soil Cd as Fe–Mn combined form ascribe to its characteristics of manganese-oxidizing, eventually achieving bio-obstruction of Cd from soil to rice grain.

Copper azide with high density was successfully synthesized by in-situ reaction of nanoporous copper (NPC) precursor with HN3 gaseous. NPC with pore size of about 529 nm has been prepared by electroless plating using polystyrene (PS) as templates. The copper shells thickness of NPC was controlled by adjusting the PS loading amount. The effects of copper shell on the morphology, structure and density of copper azide were investigated. The conversion increased from 87.12% to 95.31% when copper shell thickness decrease from 100 to 50 nm. Meanwhile, the density of copper azide prepared by 529 nm NPC for 24 h was up to 2.38 g/cm3. The hollow structure of this NPC was filled by swelling of copper azide which guaranteed enough filling volume for keeping the same shape as well as improving the charge density. Moreover, HNS-IV explosive was successfully initiated by copper azide with minimum charge thickness of 0.55 mm, showing that copper azide prepared has excellent initiation performance, which has more advantages in the application of miniaturized explosive systems.

Abstract Background Due to the extensive development of assisted reproductive technology, the number of twin pregnancies has increased significantly over recent decades. Twin pregnancy is the most representative type of multiple pregnancies and is associated with high infant morbidity and mortality. Perinatal complications of twin pregnancy are also markedly increased compared with those of single pregnancy. Transabdominal selective reduction (SR) is a remedial intervention. This study aimed to research the adverse outcomes of transabdominal selective reduction of twin pregnancy and the correlation between the reduction week and pregnancy outcomes. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the adverse outcomes of the transabdominal selective reduction of twin pregnancy and the correlation between the reduction week and pregnancy outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study of the transabdominal reduction of twin pregnancy was conducted in a single prenatal diagnosis medical centre from September 2012 to October 2020. According to chorionicity, women with twin pregnancies were divided into 2 groups: dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancies and monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies. Women with DC twin pregnancies underwent potassium chloride reduction, and those with MC twin pregnancies underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The reduction indications included pregnancy complications, foetal abnormalities, and maternal factors. The perinatal outcomes of different chorionic twins after reduction were analysed. Each foetus with an adverse outcome was included. The relative relationship between the reduction weeks and delivery weeks of twins was examined by correlation analysis. Results A total of 161 women were included in this study. A total of 112 women had DC twin pregnancies, and 49 women had MC twin pregnancies. Preterm delivery rates were significantly higher in the MC twin reduction group than in the DC twin reduction group prior to 37 weeks (53.1% vs. 29.5%, P = 0.004). The mean gestational age at delivery of the foetuses in the DC twin group that underwent SR was significantly older than that of those in the MC twin group that underwent SR (36.9 ± 4.0 vs. 33.5 ± 6.6 weeks, P = 0.001). The number of DC twins that underwent SR and were delivered after 37 weeks was obviously greater than that of the MC twins that underwent SR (70.5% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.004). The foetal survival rate was 95.5% in the DC twin reduction group and 77.6% in the MC twin reduction group. If the indication of TTTS was not included, there was no significant difference in the foetal survival rate of the DC and MC twin reduction groups (95.5% vs. 86.2%, P = 0.160). Cotwin death 1 week after reduction was greater in the MC group (6.1% vs. 0%, P = 0.027). Compared to other indications, this finding indicated that a significantly lower proportion of women remained undelivered after selective reduction with the indication of TTTS. There was a significant negative correlation between the reduction weeks and delivery weeks of the two groups (P

The partitioning of the urban water supply network can significantly enhance water supply quality. Nonetheless, the bulk of the recently deployed partition approaches overlooked the question of whether the district's fluctuation regulation of flow data is consistent. When the district is modified, it most likely leads to an increase in pressure at a node. To tackle the problem, the flow data from a city's water supply network was evaluated in this article. The random forest approach was also used to extract time-domain characteristics from flow data, and the water supply network split was optimized using the random forest-hierarchical clustering (RF-HC) strategy. Finally, the results were examined and compared. The results suggest that the RF-HC-based water supply network partition technique can better meet the aim of consistent flow changes in the district, as well as offer a theoretical foundation and technological support for the optimal dispatch of press concerning the water supply network. HIGHLIGHTS This paper realized the variables of the degree of flow change in single day.; An optimized hierarchical clustering algorithm based on random forest is proposed.; Take actual coordinate information as calculation parameters.; The result could be helpful with the optimal dispatch of press.;

Both preventing the production of waste and achieving high atom economy are fundamental principles of green chemistry. Herein, the first example of a 100% atom economical construction of hydroxyalkylated N-heteroarenes, done through recyclable decatungstate-photocatalyzed tandem cyclization/self-hydrogenation of isocyanides with equimolar amounts of aldehydes without exogenous hydrogen reagent and under byproduct-free conditions, was developed. Mechanistic studies revealed that three sequential hydrogen atom transfer processes might be involved in this reaction and all the leaving hydrogens as hydrogen sources were incorporated into the target hydroxyalkylated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminous materials with a rapid lifetime response have garnered significant interest in sensing technology. In this work, the transition element Mn doped phosphor Sr2TiO4:Mn4+ was synthesized by a traditional high temperature solid phase method. The emission peak of Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ aligns closely with the absorption peak of phytochrome Pfr. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra and lifetime of Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ were examined within the temperature range of 273–323 K. The temperature sensing characteristics based on the lifetime were analyzed, and the maximum relative sensitivity was 14.93% K−1 at 309 K. The high sensitivity of the Sr2TiO4:0.009Mn4+ phosphor makes it a promising material for temperature sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the approximately 20 million patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) worldwide, the vast majority can benefit from surgery to minimize seizure reduction and neurological impairment. Precise preoperative localization of epileptogenic zone (EZ) and complete resection of the lesions can influence the postoperative prognosis. However, precise localization of EZ is difficult, and the structural and functional alterations in the brain caused by DRE vary by etiology. Neuroimaging has emerged as an approach to identify the seizure‐inducing structural and functional changes in the brain, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have become routine noninvasive imaging tools for preoperative evaluation of DRE in many epilepsy treatment centers. Multimodal neuroimaging offers unique advantages in detecting EZ, especially in improving the detection rate of patients with negative MRI or PET findings. This approach can characterize the brain imaging characteristics of patients with DRE caused by different etiologies, serving as a bridge between clinical and pathological findings and providing a basis for individualized clinical treatment plans. In addition to the integration of multimodal imaging modalities and the development of special scanning sequences and image post‐processing techniques for early and precise localization of EZ, the application of deep machine learning for extracting image features and deep learning‐based artificial intelligence have gradually improved diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. These improvements can provide clinical assistance for precisely outlining the scope of EZ and indicating the relationship between EZ and functional brain areas, thereby enabling standardized and precise surgery and ensuring good prognosis. However, most existing studies have limitations imposed by factors such as their small sample sizes or hypothesis‐based study designs. Therefore, we believe that the application of neuroimaging and post‐processing techniques in DRE requires further development and that more efficient and accurate imaging techniques are urgently needed in clinical practice. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve compounds, including eleven bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids (1 − 11), and one bacillibactin (12) were identified from marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sydowii SCSIO 41041 isolated from Creseis acicula. The chemical structures were elucidated by the basis of spectroscopic evidences, including HRESIMS, NMR and optical rotation. Biologically, all compounds were evaluated for their acetyl cholin-esterase (AChE) enzyme, pancreatic lipase (PL) enzyme, neuraminidase (NA) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitory activities. Compound 12 displayed significant inhibitory activity against neuraminidase (NA) with an IC50 value of 24.0 μM, which was equivalent to the positive drug oseltamivir phosphate (IC50 value of 20.0 μM). And the NA inhibitory activity was confirmed by molecular docking analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to create artificial enzymes that capitalize on pnictogen bonding, a σ‐hole interaction that is essentially absent in biocatalysis. For this purpose, stibine catalysts were equipped with a biotin derivative and combined with streptavidin mutants to identify an efficient transfer hydrogenation catalyst for the reduction of a fluorogenic quinoline substrate. Increased catalytic activity from wild‐type streptavidin to the best mutants coincides with the depth of the σ hole on the Sb(V) center, and the emergence of saturation kinetic behavior. Michaelis–Menten analysis reveals transition‐state recognition in the low micromolar range, more than three orders of magnitude stronger than the millimolar substrate recognition. Carboxylates preferred by the best mutants contribute to transition‐state recognition by hydrogen‐bonded ion pairing and anion‐π interactions with the emerging pyridinium product. The emergence of challenging stereoselectivity in aqueous systems further emphasizes compatibility of pnictogen bonding with higher order systems catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase that is highly conserved from yeast to human and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. Regulators of calcineurin (RCANs) are a family of endogenous calcineurin regulators, which are capable of inhibiting the catalytic activity of calcineurin in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we first characterized the biochemical properties of yeast calcineurin and its endogenous regulator Rcn1, a yeast homolog of RCAN1. Our data show that Rcn1 inhibits yeast calcineurin toward pNPP substrate with a noncompetitive mode; and Rcn1 binds cooperatively to yeast calcineurin through multiple low‐affinity interactions at several docking regions. Next, we reinvestigated the mechanism underlying the inhibition of mammalian calcineurin by RCAN1 using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods. In contrast to previous observations, RCAN1 noncompetitively inhibits calcineurin phosphatase activity toward both pNPP and phospho‐RII peptide substrates by targeting the enzyme active site in part. Re‐analysis of previously reported kinetic data reveals that the RCAN1 concentrations used were too low to distinguish between the inhibition mechanisms [Chan B et al. (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102, 13075]. The results presented in this study provide new insights into the interaction between calcineurin and RCAN1/Rcn1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural robustness is defined by the international engineering community as the capabilities of structural systems that enable them to survive unforeseen or unusual circumstances. In order to highlight the unforeseen and unusual characteristics of wind hazards, this study introduces the concept of structural robustness into the wind-resistant design and evaluation of bridges and proposes the robustness evaluation of aerodynamic flutter and aerostatic torsional stability of long-span bridges. Furthermore, the return period of the design wind speed that a bridge can resist is used to represent wind-resistant robustness. Aiming at the problem of aerodynamic and aerostatic stability, the analysis methods of aerodynamic flutter stability robustness and aerostatic torsional stability robustness of long-span suspension bridges are respectively established. Based on the established methods of aerodynamic flutter stability and aerostatic torsional stability robustness evaluation, robustness analysis is carried out on eight completed long-span suspension bridges and two long-span suspension bridges to be built. The evaluation method proposed in this study makes it possible to measure the ability of bridge structures to resist multiple disasters using the same index.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses pose heavy burdens on public-health systems. Synthetic biology holds great potential for artificially controlling their replication, a strategy that could be used to attenuate infectious viruses but is still in the exploratory stage. Herein, we used the genetic-code expansion technique to convert Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a prototypical RNA virus, into a controllable EV71 strain carrying the unnatural amino acid (UAA) Nε-2-azidoethyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine (NAEK), which we termed an EV71-NAEK virus. After NAEK supplementation, EV71-NAEK could recapitulate an authentic NAEK time- and dose-dependent infection in vitro, which could serve as a novel method to manipulate virulent viruses in conventional laboratories. We further validated the prophylactic effect of EV71-NAEK in two mouse models. In susceptible parent mice, vaccination with EV71-NAEK elicited a strong immune response and protected their neonatal offspring from lethal challenges similar to that of commercial vaccines. Meanwhile, in transgenic mice harboring a PylRS-tRNACUAPyl pair, substantial elements of genetic-code expansion technology, EV71-NAEK evoked an adjustable neutralizing-antibody response in a strictly external NAEK dose-dependent manner. These findings suggested that EV71-NAEK could be the basis of a feasible immunization program for populations with different levels of immunity. Moreover, we expanded the strategy to generate controllable coxsackieviruses for conceptual verification. In combination, these results could underlie a competent strategy for attenuating viruses and priming the immune system via artificial control, which might be a promising direction for the development of amenable vaccine candidates and be broadly applied to other RNA viruses.