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The gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) confirmation procedure for prednisone (PS) and prednisolone (PSL) is still a great challenge for the doping control laboratory due to the many structurally similar steroids present in urinary matrices. This study aims to establish an innovative online two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography (2D-HPLC) purification method for measuring the carbon isotope ratios (CIRs) and achieving the identification of the synthetic forms of these two endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAASs). Initially, the one-dimensional chromatographic column was used to separate and purify endogenous reference compounds (ERCs), and the co-elution fluids containing PS and PSL were switched to a two-dimensional chromatographic column for further purification through an online transfer system. Then the purified compounds were analyzed using GC/C/IRMS after sample pretreatments. The results showed that the minimum detection concentration of PS and PSL reached 30 ng mL−1, and no isotope fractionation occurred during the entire collection and preparation process. This method has been validated with the WADA technical document and showed good sensitivity and selectivity, demonstrating its practical applicability for urine samples in doping control laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Songpan–Ganzi Orogenic Belt (SGOB) is bounded by the South China, North China, and Qiangtang blocks and forms the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The Tiechanghe Granite is located at the junction of the southeast margin of the SGOB and the western margin of the Yangtze Block. To elucidate the genetic relationship between the Tiechanghe Granite and the surrounding molybdenum deposits in Western Sichuan, in this study, we conducted zircon U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Os isotopic dating. The results indicate that the Tiechanghe Granite predominantly consists of monzogranite, with minor occurrences of syenogranite, while the molybdenum deposits are mainly found in skarn and quartz veins. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb ages of the Tiechanghe Granite range from 162.9 ± 0.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.31, n = 25) to 163.4 ± 0.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.85, n = 26), and the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of the pegmatite veins is 164.1 ± 0.9 Ma (MSWD = 1.3, n = 19). These ages are consistent with the weighted average Re-Os age of the Ziershi molybdenite (160.3 ± 1.6 Ma, n = 2) within the error margins. These findings and previously obtained magmatic and metallogenic ages for the region suggest that a magmatic and mineralization event involving granite, molybdenum, tungsten, and copper occurred at around 162–164 Ma in the study area. This discovery broadens the exploration perspective for mineral resources in the Jiulong area of Western Sichuan and the entirety of Western Sichuan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often make moral judgments under acute stress. Increasing studies have investigated the influence of acute stress on moral judgment, but the findings are quite divergent. This study attempted to address the inconsistency by employing a new approach, the CNI model, which disentangles the effect of three determinants of moral decision-making, sensitivity to consequences (C), sensitivity to moral norms (N), or general preference for inaction (I). Seventy-eight undergraduates (45 females and 33 males) were randomly assigned to the stress group or the control group. All participants made judgments on a set of 24 moral dilemmas. Responses to self-reported questionnaires and heart rate were recorded for assessing the levels of stress. The traditional dilemma analysis indicated that acutely stressed participants made more deontological judgments than participants in the control group. The process dissociation analysis showed that the stress group had higher deontological inclinations than the control group. Moreover, the CNI model analysis revealed that the stress group showed a stronger sensitivity to moral norms and a higher general preference for inaction than the control group. In sum, our findings resolved interpretational ambiguities of traditional analysis and extended our understanding regarding the mechanism underlying the association between acute stress and moral judgment., Author(s): Zhongquan Li [sup.1] , Liuping Gao [sup.1] , Xia Zhao [sup.1] , Bingchao Li [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.41156.37, 0000 0001 2314 964X, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, [...]

Ni-TiN composite coating is widely used as a protective coating due to its good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this study, Ni-TiN nanocomposite coatings were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition. The growth mechanism and properties of the composite coatings in ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition were studied. It was found that the surface morphology of the composite coating changed significantly with the increase in the concentration of nano TiN particles. Ultrasonic affects the selective orientation of the coating, and both lead to grain refinement. The addition of ultrasonic promotes the growth of (111) crystalline surfaces of the coating. Ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition reduced tip discharge and nanoparticle agglomeration, and the surface quality, physical and chemical properties of the nanocomposite coating were significantly improved. The microhardness of the Ni-TiN composite coating was as high as 622.4 HV, the maximum adhesion was 27.2 N, and the corrosion resistance was the best with the corrosion current density at 1.898 μA cm−2, when the amount of nano TiN was 10 g/L. This method will provide a reference for improving the growth uniformity of jet electrodeposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The network analysis method emphasizes the interaction between individual symptoms to identify shared or bridging symptoms between depression and anxiety to understand comorbidity. However, the network analysis and community detection approach have limitations in identifying causal relationships among symptoms. This study aims to address this gap by applying Bayesian network (BN) analysis to investigate potential causal relationships. Method: Data were collected from a sample of newly enrolled college students. The network structure of depression and anxiety was estimated using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7) Scale measures, respectively. Shared symptoms between depression and anxiety were identified through network analysis and clique percolation (CP) method. The causal relationships among symptoms were estimated using BN. Results: The strongest bridge symptoms, as indicated by bridge strength, include sad mood (PHQ2), motor (PHQ8), suicide (PHQ9), restlessness (GAD5), and irritability (GAD6). These bridge symptoms formed a distinct community using the CP algorithm. Sad mood (PHQ2) played an activating role, influencing other symptoms. Meanwhile, restlessness (GAD5) played a mediating role with reciprocal influences on both anxiety and depression symptoms. Motor (PHQ8), suicide (PHQ9), and irritability (GAD6) assumed recipient positions. Conclusion: BN analysis presents a valuable approach for investigating the complex interplay between symptoms in the context of comorbid depression and anxiety. It identifies two activating symptoms (i.e., sadness and worry), which serve to underscore the fundamental differences between these two disorders. Additionally, psychomotor symptoms and suicidal ideations are recognized as recipient roles, being influenced by other symptoms within the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western Sichuan Plateau (WSP), located in the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is the most strongly deformed region of the continental crust in China. Frequent tectonic movements shape the unique topography and landform of the WSP and have also produced abundant geological heritage resources. Based on the existing geological heritage survey data in Sichuan Province, the nearest index analysis method of employing a regional spatial point model was used to reveal the distribution rules and the genetic mechanism of typical geological relics in the WSP for the first time. Results indicate that the formation and distribution of geological relics in the WSP are generally controlled by tectonic movement and supplemented by the comprehensive action of external forces such as flowing water. Their distribution shows a condensed spatial distribution pattern and extends along the strike of a fault zone and river strike strip. Finally, based on the characteristics of geological relics in the WSP, some suggestions on the protection and development of regional geological relics were put forward.