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The donor (BTR-Cl) and acceptor (BTP-FCl-FCl) have well-defined small molecule properties and excellent repeatability, and they can form charge transfer complexes with a wide spectral absorption range. Using density functional theory (DFT), we simulate the photoinduced charge transfer of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cell (OSC) materials modulated by the external electric field ( F ext) at the microscopic level. The excited-state properties, reorganization energy (λ), Gibbs free energy (Δ G), electron coupling matrix elements (V DA) and intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) rate dependent on F ext are systematically analyzed. The results manifest that F ext has apparent positive regulation on the charge separation rate (K CS), and V DA is the main factor affecting K CS. The synergistic effect of solvent and F ext on charge transfer process is further investigated. It is found that the charge transfer rate in solvent is lower than that in solvent-free conditions, and the charge transfer rate in chlorobenzene (CB) solvent does not change significantly under the control of F ext. At the same time, F ext has a positive effect on the charge transfer rate in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. Considering the charge transfer rate under different solvents and F ext intensities, it is found that the solvent and F ext play an essential role in determining the K CS and charge recombination rate (K CR). • The regulation of the F ext on the photoinduced charge transfer of all-small-molecule organic solar cells. • The excited state characteristics show obvious differences under different F ext strengths. • Different lowest charge-transfer states are formed due to under solvent and solvent-free conditions. • The solvent slows down the charge transfer rate of the bulk heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The change law of the charge transfer rate under the F ext is consistent with the Marcus inverted region. • Different charge-transfer states are formed due to the trifurcated structure of the acceptor. • The excited state characteristics show obvious differences under different F ext strengths. Using Marcus theory, the electric-field-dependent charge-separation dynamics of non-fullerene acceptors D/A heterojunctions are simulated. On the D/A interface, the excited-state characteristics show obvious differences under different electric field intensities, providing microscopic details of the non-fullerene D/A interface at the atomic level. For different electric field conditions, so the calculated reorganization energy ranges from 0.97 to 1 eV. By comparing other charge transfer parameters of this system, it was found that the reorganization energy mainly determines the charge-transfer rate. The results show that the charge transfer rate does exhibit a variation that depends on the electric field intensity and is consistent with the variation in the Marcus inverted region. By evaluating the rate of charge separation/recombination, it is judged that its charge separation shows significant advantages, and the trifurcated structure of the molecule also provides multiple charge transfer paths for charge separation, which contributes to the charge generation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrastive representation learning (CL) can be viewed as an anchor-based learning paradigm that learns representations by maximizing the similarity between an anchor and positive samples while reducing the similarity with negative samples. A randomly adopted data augmentation strategy generates positive and negative samples, resulting in semantic inconsistency in the learning process. The randomness may introduce additional disturbances to the original sample, thereby reversing the sample identity. Also, the negative sample demarcation strategy makes the negative samples containing semantically similar samples to the anchors, called false negative samples. Therefore, CL's maximization and reduction process cause distractors to be incorporated into the learned feature representation. In this paper, we propose a novel Semantic Consistency Regularization (SCR) method to alleviate this problem. Specifically, we introduce a new regularization item, pairwise subspace distance, to constrain the consistency of distributions across different views. Furthermore, we propose a divide-and-conquer strategy to ensure that the proposed SCR is well-suited for large mini-batch cases. Empirically, results across multiple benchmark mini and large datasets demonstrate that SCR outperforms state-of-the-art methods. Codes are available at https://github.com/PaulGHJ/SCR.git. • Focusing on the semantic inconsistency in contrastive learning. • Semantic consistency regularization alleviates the semantic inconsistency. • Pairwise subspace distance for measuring the distribution difference. • PSD is a plug and play module for contrastive learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porous Al 63 Cu 25 Fe 12 quasicrystal alloys with the surfaces and the wall of pores covered with abundant (Al 11.5 Fe 13.9 Cu 19.7)O 54.9 nanosheets were successfully fabricated through the combination of powder metallurgy and dealloying in NaOH solutions. Their compositions, microscopic morphology, and crystal structures were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. We found that the composite of porous Al 63 Cu 25 Fe 12 quasicrystal alloys and (Al 11.5 Fe 13.9 Cu 19.7)O 54.9 nanosheets shows high catalytic performances in hydrogen production by methanol steam reforming at relatively low temperatures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the catalytic mechanisms, and Cu was found to be the key element in this catalytic reaction. Graphical Abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • We fabricated successfully porous Al 63 Cu 25 Fe 12 quasicrystal alloys. • The composite of porous quasicrystals and nanosheets was prepared. • The composite shows high catalytic performances in hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of rabies exposure is high and increasing in China, leading to an urgent demand of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) clinics for the injured. However, the spatial accessibility and inequality of rabies-exposed patients to rabies PEP clinics is less known in China. Methods: Based on rabies exposure data, PEP clinic data, and resident travel origin-destination (OD) matrix data in Guangzhou City, China, we first described the incidence of rabies exposure in Guangzhou from 2020 to 2022. Then, the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) was used to analyze the spatial accessibility of rabies-exposed patients to rabies PEP clinics in Guangzhou, and the Gini coefficient and Moran's I statistics were utilized to evaluate the inequality and clustering of accessibility scores. Results: From 2020 to 2022, a total of 524,160 cases of rabies exposure were reported in Guangzhou, and the incidence showed a significant increasing trend, with an average annual incidence of 932.0/100,000. Spatial accessibility analysis revealed that the overall spatial accessibility scores for three scenarios (threshold of driving duration [d0] = 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min) were 0.30 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.87), 0.28 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.53) and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.44), respectively. Conghua, Huangpu, Zengcheng and Nansha districts had the higher accessibility scores, while Haizhu, Liwan, and Yuexiu districts exhibited lower spatial accessibility scores. The Gini coefficient and Moran's I statistics showed that there were certain inequality and clustering in the accessibility to rabies PEP clinics in Guangzhou. Conclusions: This study clarifies the heterogeneity of spatial accessibility to rabies PEP clinics, and provide valuable insights for resource allocation to achieve the WHO target of zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electronic structures of AsF are calculated with icMRCI+Q method. • Spectroscopic constants for bound states of AsF are obtained. • The radiative lifetimes of the transitions b1Σ+0+-X 1 3Σ−0+, A 2 3Π 0 + -X 1 3Σ−0+, A 3 3Π 1 -X 1 3Σ−0+, c'1Π 1 -X 1 3Σ−0+, a1 2 -X 2 3Σ−1, b1Σ+0+-X 2 3Σ−1, A 1 3Π 0 − -X 2 3Σ−1, A 2 3Π 0 + -X 2 3Σ−1, A 3 3Π 1 -X 2 3Σ−1, A 4 3Π 2 -X 2 3Σ−1 and c'1Π 1 -X 2 3Σ−1 are computed. High-level ab initio calculation on the 22 Λ-S electronic states of AsF has been performed with all-electron Gaussian basis sets and internally contracted multireference configuration interaction method plus Davidson correction (icMRCI+Q) and scalar relativistic effect. The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) has been investigated in the calculations by using the Breit-Pauli operator. After considering the SOC, the 22 Λ-S states of AsF split into 51 Ω states related to the lowest five dissociation limits. The spectroscopic constants of the bound states were obtained, which are found in better agreement with available experimental and theoretical results. Based on the computed potential energy curves (PECs), permanent dipole moments (PDMs), transition dipole moments (TDMs), Franck-Condon factors (FCFs) and radiative lifetimes have been acquired. This work should enhance our understanding of the electronic structure and spectroscopy information of AsF radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate (MI) on Epirubicin (EPI)-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and explore its underlying mechanism. Mice were divided randomly into groups for treatments as follows: control group, EPI group (Model group), EPI + MI (25, 50 mg/kg) group. Morris water maze test were conducted to evaluate the spatial learning and memory ability. The serum and hippocampus levels of oxidative stress or inflammation were uncovered with the detection of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). As a result, treatment with MI effectively ameliorated the EPI-induced decline in the ability of spatial learning and memory. MI also significantly relieved the severity of oxidative stress or inflammation in serum and hippocampus, which was accompanied with regulating liver functional parameters. Western blot data demonstrated that administration of MI could regulate the redox-related expressions of Txnip, Trx, Nrf2, HO-1, p-IκB-α, p-NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 in EPI-stimulated hepatic encephalopathy (HE). And the potency of MI treatments on Nrf2, NF-κB expression was also confirmed with immunohistochemical analysis. Taken together, the protective effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate on EPI-induced hepatic encephalopathy might be mediated via the Txnip/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway. • The effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate on hepatic encephalopathy • Txnip/Trx expression was involved in the protective effect of Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate on Epirubicin-induced hepatic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the excavation and unloading of deep-buried soft rock tunnels, support structures often experience deformation-related disasters such as concrete cracking, steel frame bending and twisting, and primary support instability under different forms of load. Accurately calculating the load borne by the primary support structure is the key to ensuring design rationality and construction safety. Especially in layered soft surrounding rock formations, the magnitude and distribution of the loads are different from those of conventional rock and soil masses, resulting in limited applicability of existing load calculation methods to similar formations. Therefore, based on the measured deformation of the tunnel structure, while considering the different geometric forms of the primary support structure during partial excavation, this paper proposes a deformation-structure (D-S) load calculation method. By comparing the calculation results of this method and a large number of sample data for typical deep-buried layered soft rock tunnels, the reliability of the D-S load calculation method is verified. In addition, the variation law of the loads during the tunnel construction period is enunciated, and the magnitude and distribution of the loads acting on the primary support are clarified. The D-S load calculation method provides a theoretical basis for load calculation in deep-buried layered soft rock tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thin screen exhibiting dynamically switchable transmission/absorption functionalities is highly desired in practice. However, a trilayer transmissive metasurface with active elements controlled in a uniform manner cannot exhibit independently controlled transmission and absorption properties due to intriguing interplays between the scattering and absorbing properties in systems exhibiting inversion symmetries. This motivates to employ the coupled‐mode theory to establish a generic phase diagram for such transmissive metasurfaces with active elements loaded in different layers tuned independently and to guide researchers design tunable metadevices with completely decoupled transmission/absorption responses. Based on such a phase diagram, a microwave metasurface is designed/fabricated with PIN diodes incorporated, and it is experimentally demonstrated that its functionality can switch from perfect transparency to perfect absorption, controlled by external voltages applied across the diodes. In addition to finding immediate applications in practice (e.g., smart radomes), the results of this study also provide a new type of tunable meta‐atom for building metasurfaces with flexible wave‐front control abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmissive metasurfaces have provided an efficient platform to manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves, but previously adopted multilayer meta-atoms are too thick and/or the design approach fully relies on brute-force simulations without physical understandings. Here, based on coupled-mode theory (CMT) analyses on multilayer meta-atoms of distinct types, it is found that meta-atoms of a specific type only allows the phase coverage over a particular range, thus suitable for polarization-control applications. However, combinations of meta-atoms with distinct types are necessary for building ultra-thin wavefront-control meta-devices requiring 360° phase coverage. Based on these physical understandings, high-efficiency meta-atoms are designed/fabricated, and used to construct three typical meta-devices, including quarter- and half-wave plates and a beam deflector. Our results elucidate the physics underlying the interplay between thicknesses and performances of transmissive metasurfaces, which can guide the realizations of miniaturized transmissive meta-devices in different frequency domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work described here was to compare intra-oral and transcutaneous ultrasonography (US) scanning and to determine the normal values of buccal mucosa thickness and echogenicity. A total of 190 volunteers underwent US examination of the buccal mucosa. The thickness of the buccal epithelial layer was recorded in 19 subjects via both intra-oral and transcutaneous methods. Overall, 171 healthy adults were examined through intra-oral US. Buccal epithelial layer measurement was unreliable via the transcutaneous method (p = 0.001). The mean time required for visualizing the buccal mucosa was 75 and 171s with intra-oral and transcutaneous US, respectively (p < 0.001). The thickness of the buccal epithelial layers significantly differed with age and sex (p < 0.001), and was positively correlated with height, weight and body surface area. Intra-oral US was proposed as a conventional method for examination of the buccal mucosa. Normal buccal epithelial thickness in adults is associated with age, sex, height, weight and body surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is one of the chronic complications of type 1 diabetes with high risk of fracture. The prevention of diabetic osteoporosis is of particular importance. Static magnetic fields (SMFs) exhibit advantages on improvement of diabetic complications. The biological effects and mechanism of SMFs on bone health of type 1 diabetic mice and functions of bone cells under high glucose have not been clearly clarified. In animal experiment, six‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were induced to type 1 diabetes and exposed to SMF of 0.4–0.7 T for 4 h/day lasting for 6 weeks. Bone mass, biomechanical strength, microarchitecture and metabolism were determined by DXA, three‐point bending assay, micro‐CT, histochemical and biochemical methods. Exposure to SMF increased BMD and BMC of femur, improved biomechanical strength with higher ultimate stress, stiffness and elastic modulus, and ameliorated the impaired bone microarchitecture in type 1 diabetic mice by decreasing Tb.Pf, Ct.Po and increasing Ct.Th. SMF enhanced bone turnover by increasing the level of markers for bone formation (OCN and Collagen I) as well as bone resorption (CTSK and NFAT2). In cellular experiment, MC3T3‐E1 cells or primary osteoblasts and RAW264.7 cells were cultured in 25 mM high glucose‐stimulated diabetic marrow microenvironment under differentiation induction and exposed to SMF. SMF promoted osteogenesis with higher ALP level and mineralization deposition in osteoblasts, and it also enhanced osteoclastogenesis with higher TRAP activity and bone resorption in osteoclasts under high glucose condition. Further, SMF increased iron content with higher FTH1 expression and regulated the redox level through activating HO‐1/Nrf2 in tibial tissues, and lowered hepatic iron accumulation by BMP6‐mediated regulation of hepcidin and lipid peroxidation in mice with type 1 diabetes. Thus, SMF may act as a potential therapy for improving bone health in type 1 diabetes with regulation on iron homeostasis metabolism and redox status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CIGS solar cells on metal substrates are shaped by an ultraviolet nanosecond laser. • Low-efficiency loss is achieved by a laser two-step scribing–cutting method. • This method has also been successfully demonstrated on curved-shaped cells. Flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) solar cells on metal substrates are susceptible to thermal effects during laser shaping, resulting in their failure. In this study, a two-step scribing–cutting approach for shaping CIGS cells on stainless steel foil substrates was developed. Electrical–thermal dual isolations were performed by laser scribing to guard against damage to the CIGS cells during the laser shaping process. The efficiency loss ratio after an ultraviolet nanosecond laser shaping decreased from an average of 80% for the one-step method to an average of < 10% for the two-step method. The efficiency loss could be further decreased with a larger cell area of > 1 cm2, which is closer to lossless laser shaping. This method was also demonstrated successfully on curved-shaped cells. This work opens up the prospect of using laser shaping in the mass manufacture of flexible CIGS solar cells on metal substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electronic structures of SnBr are calculated with MRCI+Q method. • The spin-orbit coupling effect is considered. • The predissociation mechanism of 14Σ- is discussed. • The avoided crossing phenomenon of the same symmetry is analyzed. • The lifetimes of vibrational states of 12Σ+ are evaluated. The electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of SnBr molecule are calculated by high-level multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) method. The Davidson correction (+Q) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect are investigated in the calculations. The potential energy curves (PECs) of 23 Ʌ-S states and 45 Ω states generated from those Ʌ-S states are obtained. Based on the calculated PECs, the spectroscopic constants of the bound states are evaluated, which are in good accordance with previous experimental data. At the avoided crossing point, the dipole moments (DMs) of Ʌ-S states exhibit abrupt change, which are attributed to the change of electronic configurations of those states. With the help of the calculated SO matrix elements, the interaction between 14Σ- and nearby states is analyzed, and the possible predissociation pathway of low-lying vibrational levels of 14Σ- is illuminated. In the end, transition dipole moments (TDMs) and the radiative lifetimes from the excited states to the ground state are determined. [Display omitted] The calculated potential energy curves of the Λ-S states of SnBr using MRCI+Q method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poly-GA, a dipeptide repeat protein unconventionally translated from GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansions in C9orf72, is abundant in C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (C9orf72-ALS/FTD). Although the poly-GA aggregates have been identified in C9orf72-ALS/FTD neurons, the effects on UPS (ubiquitin–proteasome system) and autophagy and their exact molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Results: Herein, our in vivo experiments indicate that the mice expressing ploy-GA with 150 repeats instead of 30 repeats exhibit significant aggregates in cells. Mice expressing 150 repeats ploy-GA shows behavioral deficits and activates autophagy in the brain. In vitro findings suggest that the poly-GA aggregates influence proteasomal by directly binding proteasome subunit PSMD2. Subsequently, the poly-GA aggregates activate phosphorylation and ubiquitination of p62 to recruit autophagosomes. Ultimately, the poly-GA aggregates lead to compensatory activation of autophagy. In vivo studies further reveal that rapamycin (autophagy activator) treatment significantly improves the degenerative symptoms and alleviates neuronal injury in mice expressing 150 repeats poly-GA. Meanwhile, rapamycin administration to mice expressing 150 repeats poly-GA reduces neuroinflammation and aggregates in the brain. Conclusion: In summary, we elucidate the relationship between poly-GA in the proteasome and autophagy: when poly-GA forms complexes with the proteasome, it recruits autophagosomes and affects proteasome function. Our study provides support for further promoting the comprehension of the pathogenesis of C9orf72, which may bring a hint for the exploration of rapamycin for the treatment of ALS/FTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, immunosuppressants have shown significant success in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop additional immunosuppressants that offer more options for patients. Toosendanin has been shown to have immunosuppressive activity in vitro as well as effects on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in vivo. Toosendanin did not induce apoptosis in activated T-cells and affect the survival rate of naive T-cells. Toosendanin did not affect the expression of CD25 or secretion of IL-2 by activated T-cells, and not affect the expression of IL-4 and INF-γ. Toosendanin did not affect the phosphorylation of STAT5, ERK, AKT, P70S6K. However, toosendanin inhibited proliferation of anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs-activated T-cells with IC50 of (10 ± 2.02) nM. Toosendanin arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, significantly inhibited IL-6 and IL-17A secretion, promoted IL-10 expression, and inhibited the P38 MAPK pathway. Finally, toosendanin significantly alleviated ConA-induced AIH in mice. In Summary, toosendanin exhibited immunosuppressive activity in vivo and in vitro. Toosendanin inhibits the proliferation of activated T-cells through the P38 MAPK signalling pathway, significantly suppresses the expression of inflammatory factors, enhances the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, and effectively alleviates ConA-induced AIH in mice, suggesting that toosendanin may be a lead compound for the development of novel immunomodulatory agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The potential energy curves of SnI are calculated with MRCI+Q method. • The spin-orbit coupling effects are taken into account in the calculation. • Spectroscopic constants of the Λ-S and Ω states of SnI are evaluated. • The predissociation mechanism of 14Σ− state is analyzed. • Radiative lifetimes of bound stat es of SnI are determined. In this work, the high-level multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) method is used to accurately calculate the electronic structure of SnI. In order to guarantee the computational precision, the Davidson correction (+Q), core-valence (CV) electrons correlations and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect are also considered. According to the calculated potential energy curves (PECs) of the Λ-S states and Ω states, the spectroscopic constants of the bound states are estimated. The interaction of crossing states are investigated, and with the aid of calculated SO matrix elements, the predissociation pathways of 14Σ− state are revealed. In addition, the transition dipole moments (TDMs) and Franck-Condon factors (FCFs) from the excited states to the ground state are determined. Finally, the radiative lifetimes of bound states are calculated, and the influences of SOC effect on radiative lifetimes are illuminated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM-CSs) have become the most published type of TCM observational study; however, the research scope of current TCM-CSs is unknown. A scoping review of the literature was performed. A descriptive approach to summarize the core study characteristics was prepared, along with structured tables and figures to identify salient points of similarities and differences noted across studies. The reporting quality of TCM-CSs was assessed according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) cross-sectional checklist. Eight databases (Embase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, AMED, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP) were systematically searched for TCM-CSs published up until 20 January 2020. The literature screening and evaluating were independently conducted by two researchers. When there was disagreement, a third-party senior researcher made the judgment. A total of 198 TCM-CSs published between 1997 and 2019 were included, 160 English studies and 38 Chinese studies, respectively. More TCM-CSs were published in each successive year. The journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published more TCM-CSs (24) than any other journal. Most TCM-CSs were conducted in mainland China (81, 40.9%), followed by Taiwan, China (44, 22.2%) and HKSAR, China (19, 9.6%). The most commonly used sampling method was purposive sampling (94, 47.5%), following by convenience sampling (60, 30.3%). The research topics can be summarized in four major categories as follows: constitution-related research (11.1%), TCM pattern-related research (18.7%), TCM intervention-related research (55.1%), and others (15.6%). The average sufficient reporting rate of included TCM-CSs according to the STROBE cross-sectional checklist was 45.6%. Papers written in English reported 9 items (items 2, 4, 14a, 16a, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22) more frequently than papers written in Chinese. The number of TCM-CSs is increasing. Research topics are diverse; however, the reporting quality is unsatisfactory. In particular, TCM-CSs need greater transparency and standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigate order batch picking optimization problems from the perspective of storage system. • Establish the order batch picking optimization model especially considering multi-location storage systems. • Propose an order batching optimization algorithm package to deal with multi-scenarioproblems. • Investigate the efficiency of each combination of algorithms and recommend the promising ones. To improve the operational efficiency of e-commerce warehouses, multi-location storage systems which means each stock keeping unit can be stored in multiple locations or a location can contain multiple stock keeping units, have been developed and applied in practice. When orders are picked in a batch, how to select the picking location from storage locations holding the identical stock keeping unit obviously affects how far the pickers must travel to complete the picking tasks. However, few works have systematically studied how to optimize order batch picking from the perspective of different storage systems. This paper formulated the order batch picking optimization problems for three typical storage systems and developed the algorithm package including location interval distance algorithm, location selection algorithm, routing algorithm and order batching algorithm to tackle them. Our work is particularly capable to covering the situation of multi-location storage system. The numerical experiment results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm combinations is satisfactory to solve the problems with different size both in solution quality and computation efficiency. The applicable algorithm combinations used in practice are also recommended by comparative analysis. Our study can provide valuable decision reference to warehouse managers for operating batch picking system especially under multi-location scenarios efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static magnetic fields (SMFs) exhibit significant effect on health care. However, the effect of SMF on hepatic metabolism and function in obesity and diabetes are still unknown. Liver is not only the main site for glucolipid metabolism but also the core part for iron metabolism regulation. Dysregulations of iron metabolism and redox status are risk factors for the development of hepatic injury and affect glucolipid metabolism in obesity and diabetes. Mice of HFD-induced obesity and HFD/streptozocin-induced diabetes were exposed to a moderate-intensity SMF (0.4–0.7 T, direction: upward, 4 h/day, 8 weeks). Results showed that SMF attenuated hepatic damage by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis in obese and diabetic mice. SMF had no effects on improving glucose/insulin tolerance but regulated proteins (GLUT1 and GLUT4) and genes (G6pc , Pdk4 , Gys2 and Pkl) participating in glucose metabolism with phosphorylation of Akt/AMPK/GSK3β. SMF also reduced lipid droplets accumulation through decreasing Plin2 and Plin5 and regulated lipid metabolism with elevated hepatic expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα in obese mice. In addition, SMF decreased hepatic iron deposition with lower FTH1 expression and modulated systematic iron homeostasis via BMP6-mediated regulation of hepcidin. Moreover, SMF balanced hepatic redox status with regulation on mitochondrial function and MAPKs/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Finally, we found that SMF activated hepatic autophagy and enhanced lipophagy by upregulating PNPLA2 expression in obese and diabetic mice. Our results demonstrated that SMF significantly ameliorated the development of hepatic injury in obese and diabetic mice by inhibiting inflammatory level, improving glycolipid metabolism, regulating iron metabolism, balancing redox level and activating autophagy. [Display omitted] • SMF attenuated hepatic damage, regulated glucose metabolism and reduced lipid droplets in obese and diabetic mice. • SMF decreased hepatic iron deposition and modulated systemic iron metabolism through BMP6–mediated regulation of hepcidin in obese and diabetic mice. • SMF decreased hepatic oxidative level, increased antioxidant defense and improved mitochondrial function with activation of MAPKs/Nrf2 /HO-1 antioxidant pathway in obese and diabetic mice. • SMF activated hepatic autophagy to promote lipophagy in obese and diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In article number 1800081, Lei Zhou, Lin Chen, and co‐workers propose an alternative approach to realize high‐efficiency transmission‐mode metasurfaces to control electromagnetic wave‐fronts, based on hyperbolic metamaterial waveguides. An anomalous refracted beam is realized with a conversion efficiency of 42.9% in the microwave region and 77.9% in the near infrared region. This work may advance a new class of research to develop electromagnetic waves functional devices based on hyperbolic metamaterials, particularly at high frequencies, with the existing fabrication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metasurfaces have shown great potential to reshape the wavefront of electromagnetic (EM) waves, but transmissive meta‐devices face challenges of low‐efficiency and/or fabrication complexities. Here, an alternative approach to realize high‐efficiency transmission‐mode meta‐devices to control EM wavefronts, based on hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) waveguides supporting tailored spoof surface plasmons (SSPs) on their side walls, is proposed. By manipulating the dispersions of SSPs through adjusting the HMM geometrical parameters, the phases of EM waves passing through such waveguides, which enables the design of meta‐devices with desired transmission‐phase profiles for particular wave‐manipulation applications, can be controlled. Microwave experiments are implemented to demonstrate two wave‐control effects based on the mechanism, that is, beam‐deflection and focusing, and a maximum conversion efficiency of 42.9% is achieved for the anomalous refracted beam. By scaling down the HMM meta‐devices, the proposal herein is applicable to optical frequencies and in principle promises significantly raised conversion efficiencies. The scheme herein can offer a higher effective refractive index and more tunable dispersion without using high‐index dielectric materials, and thus can serve as an effective and robust approach to make high‐efficiency transmissive meta‐devices with diversified functionalities. Hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) meta‐devices are proposed to construct high‐efficiency transmissive metasurfaces for wavefront manipulation over the entire spectral regimes without the requirement of high‐index materials. HMM meta‐devices enable an anomalous refracted beam for linearly polarized and circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with conversion efficiencies of 42.9% in the microwave region and 77.9% in the near infrared region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic animals are now recognized to be major hosts of potentially pathogenic Laribacter hongkongensis. A comparative study was carried out among extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing L. hongkongensis isolated from frogs (47 isolates) and fish (41 isolates) to examine phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles, integrons, virulence factors, and genetic relatedness. Isolates from frogs showed a higher incidence of antibiotic resistance compared with those from fish for most of the antimicrobials tested, especially trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and streptomycin. Multidrug-resistant strains were also found more frequently among frog isolates (5.44 traits on average) than among fish isolates (3.29 traits). In frog isolates, class 1 integrons and the resistance genes sul1, sul2, tetA, tetR, and aac(6′)-Ib-cr showed a clearly higher incidence compared with isolates from fish. In contrast, blaTEM-1 was higher in fish isolates than in frog isolates. Correlation analysis showed that sul1, sul2, tetA, and tetR were significantly associated with class 1 integrons in frog isolates. The correlations indicated a potential co-selection risk of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In addition, the distribution of three virulence-associated determinants for the type IV bundle-forming pili gene (bfpA), ferric aerobactin receptor gene (iucD), and iron-responsive element gene (ireA) was markedly higher in strains isolated from frogs than in those isolated from fish. No obvious genetic relatedness was observed between both populations. The large differences found in the incidence of antibiotic resistance, integrons along with the multiple resistance genes, virulence factors, and genetic fingerprints determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggest a high degree of antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity potential of ESBL-producing L. hongkongensis from isolates found in frogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in triggering self-specific responses. Conversely, tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs), a specialized subset, induce tolerance and negatively regulate autoreactive responses. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor developed by Pfizer for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is probable to be a promising candidate for inducing tolDCs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of tolDCs induced by tofacitinib in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein- (MOG-) specific experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model and to investigate their effects on Th17/Treg balance in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our results revealed that tofacitinib-treated DCs maintained a steady semimature phenotype with a low level of proinflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules. DCs treated by tofacitinib also induced antigen-specific T cells hyporesponsiveness in a concentration-dependent manner. Upon intravenous injection into EAE mice, MOG pulsed tolDCs significantly dampened disease activity, and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) disturbed Th17/Treg balance with a remarkable decrease of Th1/Th17 cells and an increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Overall, DCs modified by tofacitinib exhibited a typical tolerogenic phenotype, and the antigen-specific tolDCs may represent a new avenue of research for the development of future clinical treatments for MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel scopariusicide derivatives were designed and synthesized starting from the main diterpenoid from the aerial parts of Isodon scoparius. Sis-25 was the most effective compound among them. The potential mechanism(s) of its immunosuppressive activity in vitro , as well as its effects on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction and imiquimod-induced dermatitis in vivo were investigated in this study. Sis-25 inhibited anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs, PHA or alloantigen-induced T cell proliferation without obvious cytotoxicity. Sis-25 was a highly selective inhibitor of GSK3-β and inhibited the mTOR/p70S6K pathway but not the PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK/ERK 1/2 and JAK3/STAT5 pathways. Furthermore, Sis-25 significantly inhibited IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 expression but not IL-10 expression in activated T cells. Finally, Sis-25 treatment mitigated the DNFB-induced DTH reaction and ameliorated imiquimod-induced dermatitis. In summary, Sis-25 exerted significant immunosuppressive activity by targeting GSK3β in vitro and in vivo. Sis-25 may guide the design of new drugs for more effective and safer treatments of autoimmune diseases and provide new insight into developing utilizations of Isodon scoparius. [Display omitted] • Sis-25 inhibits T cell proliferation without obvious cytotoxicity. • Sis-25 is identified as a highly selective inhibitor of GSK3-β. • Inhibition of GSK3-β by its inhibitor LiCl or SB415286 promotes T cell activation, but inhibits T cell proliferation. • Sis-25 treatment mitigates DNFB-induced DTH reaction and ameliorates imiquimod-induced dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The clinical sera showed higher neutralizing activity against Sabin 1 and 3 pseudovirus. • The clinical sera showed higher neutralizing activity against wild-type 2 pseudovirus. • The pseudovirus-based neutralizing assay could substitute the live virus assay. The cost-effectiveness of the Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine derived from the Sabin strains (S-IPV) and its reduced biosecurity risks during its manufacture make it the vaccine of choice over the IPVs derived from wild-type polioviruses. However, it is difficult to evaluate whether S-IPVs can achieve wild-type poliovirus containment in China, making its development there less attractive. To facilitate the development and adoption of S-IPVs in China, the aim of this study was to develop an alternative neutralizing assay using either a polio pseudovirus derived from a Sabin strain (S-pNA) or one derived from a wild-type strain (w-pNA) to replace the conventional neutralizing assay which uses live polioviruses. A total of 100 sera were collected from children immunized with an oral poliovirus vaccine and their antibody titers were assessed by both the S-pNA and w-pNA. The results showed that this method was feasible for the quantification of neutralizing antibody activities in the sera of the vaccinated individuals. The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test indicated that the neutralizing antibody titers obtained against the Sabin strains were higher than those obtained with the wild-type strains for types 1 and 3, while for type 2, the titers against the wild-type strains were higher than those against the Sabin strains (p < 0.001 for all three types). It is hoped that this assay could be used to assess whether immune sera by the S-IPV possess adequate neutralizing capacity against both attenuated and wild-type poliovirus strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithocarpus polystachyus leaves have been used as tea beverage and folk medicine for healthy care in the Southwest of China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anticancer activity of Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd leaf aqueous extract (LPAE) and to explore the possible mechanism of its activity. Growth inhibition effects of LPAE breast cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. The possible mechanism of its activity was analyzed with cell biological and molecular biological assays. After LPAE treatment, the proliferation and colony formation of cancer cells decreased; apoptotic cells increased; DNA fragmentations were evident; mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, Bax, and caspase-3 genes increased and expressions of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 genes decreased; in vivo experiment, LPAE inhibited human beast cancer growth. The findings in this experimental study suggested that LPAE has potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibits the cancer growth in vivo, and its mechanism of activity might be associated with apoptosis induction of cancer cells through upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, Bax, and capase-3 genes and downregulation of the expressions of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• The accurate electronic structures of HgI are calculated with MRCI+Q method. • The spin-orbit coupling effect is included in the calculation. • Spectroscopic constants for bound states of HgI are obtained. • Radiative lifetimes of B2Σ+ 1/2 , C2Π 1/2 and D2Π 3/2 of HgI are determined. • The perturbations on the vibrational levels of the C2Π state are analyzed. The multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) method with inclusion of Davidson correction (+ Q) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects is adopted to compute the electronic structures of the low-lying states of HgI. The potential energy curves (PECs) of 14 Λ-S states correlated with the first and second dissociation limits together with 30 low-lying Ω states are calculated. The spectroscopic constants of bound states are obtained, which agree well with the available experimental values. With the assistance of calculated SOC matrix elements, the perturbations on the vibrational levels of the C2Π caused by nearby state are analyzed. Finally, the spontaneous radiative lifetimes of bound states are evaluated, which are in consistence with existing measurements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facile synthesis of a composite catalyst consisting of faceted nanoparticles supported on porous Al-Cu-Fe oxide. • As-prepared catalyst exhibits excellent SRM performance at low temperatures. • Cu plays a crucial role in the catalytic reaction. The steam reforming of methanol (SRM) to generate hydrogen is a potentially viable means of reducing the present reliance on fossil fuels. Although Cu-based catalysts are commonly employed to promote the SRM, obtaining more efficient catalytic performance at low temperatures remains challenging. Herein, we report a one-step dealloying route to the synthesis of a composite catalyst comprising a porous substrate and polyhedral Cu-Fe oxide nanoparticles. When applied to the SRM, this composite exhibited a hydrogen yield of 364.33 mL·kg−1·s−1 under atmospheric pressure at temperatures as low as 493 K, together with a methanol conversion of 89.86% and negligible carbon monoxide generation. Analyses of the metal valences in this catalyst indicated that elemental Cu played a crucial role in the catalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor in humans, with a uniformly poor prognosis. Hypoxia is a predominant feature in GBM and its microenvironment; it is associated with the tumor growth, progression and resistance to conventional therapy of cancers. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are the master regulators of the transcriptional response to hypoxia in tumor cells and their microenvironment. Numerous studies indicated that hypoxia and HIFs played pivotal roles in the initiation, progression, therapy resistance and recurrence of GBM and maintained the phenotype of glioma stem cells (GSCs), which makes the prognosis of GBM patients worse. This review summarized the current research advance of hypoxia and HIFs in GBM progression and therapeutic implications, which will provide a better understanding of the contribution of hypoxia and HIFs to GBM initiation and progression and highlight that HIFs might be taken as the attractive molecular target approaches for GBM therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitophagy process is tightly associated with various age-dependent diseases in mammals. The roles of miRNAs (miRNAs) in the PINK1-mediated mitophagy process are not fully understood. Here we discovered that miR-34a-5p suppresses PINK1 expression directly though two post-transcriptional non-classical binding modes, resulting in inhibition of PINK1-mediated mitophagy process. For in vivo experiments, brains were dissected from 8 weeks old and 40 weeks old C57BL/6 male mice to measure miR-34a-5p expression and PINK1 expression. For in vitro experiments, overexpression of miR-34a-5p mimics in HEK293 cells was performed to investigate the effect of miR-34a-5p on PINK1 expression and its regulatory mechanism, parkin recruitment and mitophagy process. The level of miR-34a-5p was upregulated and the level of PINK1 mRNA was downregulated in brains of aged mice. Both the 3′-untranslated region (3'UTR) and the Coding DNA sequence (CDS) of PINK1 mRNA were bound to the non-seed region of miR-34a-5p, rather than the seed region, resulting in a decrease in PINK1 expression. Endogenous miR-34a-5p knockout increased PINK1 expression. Further results indicated that miR-34a-5p inhibits mitophagy process by reduction of PINK1. miR-34a-5p hinders phosphorylated Ser65-ubiquitin (pS65-Ub) accumulation, prevents the mitochondrial recruitment of Parkin, attenuates ubiquitination and delays the clearance of damaged mitochondria. We firstly found that miR-34a-5p suppresses PINK1 directly and further regulates mitophagy through non-canonical modes. This finding hints at a crucial role of miR-34a-5p implicated in accelerating the pathogenesis of age-related neurological diseases. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel strategy named "mimotope" was offered to achieve the identification of epitopes recognized by PV mAbs. • From mimotope strategy through bio-panning and "in silico" prediction by bioinformatics tools, a target region of epitope recognized by mAb 1G10. • We propose 1G10 could be used for in-house potency ELISA kit or developing national and international standards in the future. Following the recommended use of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine from Sabin strains (sIPV) by the WHO, a D antigen-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1G10 that recognized the human poliovirus type 1 Sabin strain (PV-I Sabin) was produced for D-antigen potency evaluation on sIPV. Study of the mAb 1G10 showed that it recognized a discontinuous conformational epitope of PV-I Sabin antigen. To identify this epitope quickly, easily and cost-effectively, clues to the epitope's identity were first obtained by employing a novel mimotope strategy based on a phage display library and "in silico" prediction. Then, the conformation of the epitope region, including the amino acid sequence, neutralizing sites, and location of this epitope, was identified using several classic epitope-mapping methods such as synthesized peptides analysis, neutralization assay and site-directed mutagenesis. The mimotope strategy may offer some guidance for achieving epitope identification in a more feasible and effective way. This mAb could be used in an in-house or national and international standard IPV D-antigen potency ELISA kit in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]