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One of the key goals of ecology is to understand how communities are assembled. The species co‐existence theory suggests that community β‐diversity is influenced by species pool and community assembly processes, such as environmental filtering, dispersal events, ecological drift and biotic interactions. However, it remains unclear whether there are similar β‐diversity patterns among different soil microbial groups and whether all these mechanisms play significant roles in mediating β‐diversity patterns. By conducting a broad survey across Chinese deserts, we aimed to address these questions by investing biological soil crusts (biocrusts). Through amplicon‐sequencing, we acquired β‐diversity data for multiple microbial groups, that is, soil total bacteria, diazotrophs, phoD‐harbouring taxa, and fungi. Our results have shown varying distance decay rates of β‐diversity across microbial groups, with soil total bacteria showing a weaker distance‐decay relationship than other groups. The impact of the species pool on community β‐diversity varied across microbial groups, with soil total bacteria and diazotrophs being significantly influenced. While the contributions of specific assembly processes to community β‐diversity patterns varied among different microbial groups, significant effects of local community assembly processes on β‐diversity patterns were consistently observed across all groups. Homogenous selection and dispersal limitation emerged as crucial processes for all groups. Precipitation and soil C:P were the key factors mediating β‐diversity for all groups. This study has substantially advanced our understanding of how the communities of multiple microbial groups are structured in desert biocrust systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the ecological impact of human activities and the space occupied by construction and arable land on the Tibetan Plateau were examined, focusing on changes in the net primary productivity (NPP) as a key indicator of ecological health. With the utilization of land use data and multiyear average NPP data from 2002 to 2020, we analyzed the effects of the conversion of zonal vegetation into construction and arable land on carbon sequestration and oxygen release in Chengguan District, Lhasa city. Our findings indicated a marked spatial difference in the NPP among different land types. Regarding the original zonal vegetation, the NPP ranged from 0.2 to 0.3 kg/m2. Construction land showed a decrease in the NPP, with values ranging from 0.16 to 0.26 kg/m2, suggesting a decrease in ecological productivity. Conversely, arable land exhibited an increase in the NPP, with average values exceeding 0.3 kg/m2. This increase suggested enhanced productivity, particularly in regions where the original zonal vegetation provided lower NPP values. However, this enhanced productivity may not necessarily indicate a positive ecological change. In fact, such increases could potentially disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences. The original zonal vegetation, with NPP values ranging from 0.12 to 0.43 kg/m2, exhibited higher ecological stability and adaptability than the other land types. This wider NPP range emphasizes the inherent resilience of native vegetation, which could sustain diverse ecological functions under varying environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate the urgent need for sustainable land use management on the Tibetan Plateau. This study highlights the importance of considering the ecological impact of land use changes in regional development strategies, ensuring the preservation and enhancement in the unique and fragile plateau ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In logical analysis of data, the feature selection step only considers selecting minimal number of features after binarization. This paper develops a nonlinear set covering model that explores the interaction between the number of selected original attributes and binarized features. Utilizing the partial derivative of pseudo-Boolean functions, we give a greedy heuristic for the nonlinear set covering problem. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated through experiments on 10 public machine learning datasets from UCI repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human tankyrase-1 is an important regulator of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and has been recognized as a druggable target of gynecologic tumors. The active site of tankyrase-1 is rich with π-electron, which contains a number of aromatic amino aid residues and can form multiple π-stacking interactions with its substrates and ligands. In this study, computational analysis revealed that aromatic residues involved in tankyrase-1’s active site are significantly responsible for the intermolecular interaction between tankyrase-1 and its inhibitor ligands. Based on the harvested information, structure-based molecular design of aromatic pentapeptide inhibitors was carried out to target tankyrase-1. The pentapeptide candidates were defined by aromatic amino acids, and their π-stacking contribution is stronger than small-molecule inhibitors. Eight pentapeptide hits were determined to have moderate or high inhibitory potency against human tankyrase-1, in which two hits FYWYH and YWFYH can inhibit the enzyme potently at sub-micromolar level. Structural analysis observed a number of face-to-face, parallel-displaced and T-shaped π-stacking interactions at tankyrase-1/pentapeptide complex interface, which co-define a complicated π-stacking network and confer both stability and specificity for the complex formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Auxin response factors (ARFs) are critical transcription factors that mediate the auxin signaling pathway and are essential for regulating plant growth. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the ARF gene family in Liriodendron chinense, a vital species in landscaping and economics. Thus, further research is needed to explore the roles of ARFs in L. chinense and their potential applications in plant development. Result: In this study, we have identified 20 LcARF genes that belong to three subfamilies in the genome of L. chinense. The analysis of their conserved domains, gene structure, and phylogeny suggests that LcARFs may be evolutionarily conserved and functionally similar to other plant ARFs. The expression of LcARFs varies in different tissues. Additionally, they are also involved in different developmental stages of somatic embryogenesis. Overexpression of LcARF1, LcARF2a, and LcARF5 led to increased activity within callus. Additionally, our promoter-GFP fusion study indicated that LcARF1 may play a role in embryogenesis. Overall, this study provides insights into the functions of LcARFs in plant development and embryogenesis, which could facilitate the improvement of somatic embryogenesis in L. chinense. Conclusion: The research findings presented in this study shed light on the regulatory roles of LcARFs in somatic embryogenesis in L. chinense and may aid in accelerating the breeding process of this tree species. By identifying the specific LcARFs involved in different stages of somatic embryogenesis, this study provides a basis for developing targeted breeding strategies aimed at optimizing somatic embryogenesis in L. chinense, which holds great potential for improving the growth and productivity of this economically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient conversion of ethane has attracted more and more attention because of the shale gas revolution. The coupling of ethane dehydrogenation (EDH) and benzene alkylation over the 1.5Pt/HZSM-5 realize high activity close to the thermodynamic equilibrium of EDH at 500 ℃ and 0.9 bar ethane partial pressure. Meanwhile, the coupled reaction shows long-term stability during 22 h with a slightly decreased ethane conversion of 0.03% per hour and as high as 42% selectivity of ethylbenzene. Based on various characterization, including XRD, HR-TEM, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, TGA, it is confirmed that the coupling reaction could convert ethylene, formed by EDH over Pt sites, to ethylbenzene via benzene alkylation over Brönsted acidic sites (BAS) subsequently, and suppressing the sintering of Pt species and coke deposition induced by aromatization and deep dehydrogenation, resulting in high activity and long-time steady state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mandibular condylar hypoplasia negatively affects patient's facial appearance and dentofacial function. Objective: To investigate the effect of local injection of the drug abaloparatide (ABL), an analogue of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), on promoting lengthening of the mandibular condyle. Methods: Thirty adolescent male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, which received the injection of ABL or normal saline (the control) every 3 days in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavity. Cone‐beam computed tomography and immunohistochemistry assays were performed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks since the injection. Mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCC) and pre‐osteoblasts were treated with ABL or PBS, followed by the CCK‐8 detection, IC50, real‐time PCR assay, Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results: In vivo, compared with the control, the ABL group significantly increased the mandibular condylar process length (by 1.34 ± 0.59 mm at 6 weeks), the thickness of the cartilage layer, and enhanced the matrix synthesis. The ABL group had significant up‐regulation of SOX 9, COL II, PTHrP and PTH1R, down‐regulation of COL X in the cartilage, up‐regulation of RUNX 2, and unchanged osteoclastogenesis in the subchondral bone. In vitro, the intra‐TMJ injection of ABL promoted the MCC proliferation, with up‐regulated expression of chondrogenic genes, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation of the pre‐osteoblasts. Conclusions: Intra‐TMJ injection of abaloparatide promotes mandibular condyle lengthening in the adolescent rats via enhancing chondrogenesis in the mandibular condylar cartilage and ossification in the subchondral bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifunctional semiconductor photocatalyst with Ohmic-Schottky contact heterojunctions for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and nitrogen fixation (NF) were constructed by modifying CdS with bimetallic Co 2x Ni 2(1-x) P (xCNP) and thin layer Ti 3 C 2 (TLTC) containing -O x rich functional groups. Under the optimal conditions (2 % 0.2CNP@CdS/2% TLTC), it yielded a hydrogen evolution rate of up to 1.72 mmol h−1 and a nitrogen fixation rate of 656.82 μmol L−1 h−1, corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 59.81 %. The remarkable HER and NF properties can be attributed to the improved electron transfer efficiency of the double transition metal and the improved surface N 2 /NH 3 adsorption energy. The construction of Ohmic-Schottky contact heterojunctions reduced the HER overpotential and improved the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers. The optimized method synthesises 0.2FNP and TLTC together to form an ohmic contact Schottky heterojunction to achieve efficient photogenerated electron-hole separation and obtain high performance photocatalytic HER and NF catalysts. [Display omitted] • A simple and mild method was used to synthesize Co-doped Ni 2 P nanosheets. • Construction of ohm-Schottky heterojunctions to improve the efficiency of photogenerated carrier separation. • The composites showed excellent activity and stability in both photocatalytic hydrogen production and nitrogen fixation tests. • DFT calculations demonstrate that a small amount of Co doping improves the nitrogen adsorption energy. • DFT calculations demonstrate that bimetallic phosphides make semiconductor composites metallic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Do real-time strategy (RTS) video gamers have better attentional control? To examine this issue, we tested experienced versus inexperienced RTS video gamers on multi-object tracking tasks (MOT) and dual-MOT tasks with visual or auditory secondary tasks (dMOT). We employed a street-crossing task with a visual working memory task as a secondary task in a virtual reality (VR) environment to examine any generalized attentional advantage. Background: Similar to action video games, RTS video games require players to switch attention between multiple visual objects and views. However, whether the attentional control advantage is limited by sensory modalities or generalizes to real-life tasks remains unclear. Method: In study 1, 25 RTS video game players (SVGP) and 25 non-video game players (NVGP) completed the MOT task and two dMOT tasks. In study 2, a different sample with 25 SVGP and 25 NVGP completed a simulated street-crossing task with the visual dual task in a VR environment. Results: After controlling the effects of the speed-accuracy trade-off, SVGP showed better performance than NVGP in the MOT task and the visual dMOT task, but SVGP did not perform better in either the auditory dMOT task or the street-crossing task. Conclusion: RTS video gamers had better attentional control in visual computer tasks, but not in the auditory tasks and the VR tasks. Attentional control benefits associated with RTS video game experience may be limited by sensory modalities, and may not translate to performance benefits in real-life tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of glomerulonephritis, is one of the leading causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). It is widely believed that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of IgAN. Previous studies of IgAN have provided important insights to unravel the genetic architecture of IgAN and its potential pathogenic mechanisms. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) together have identified over 30 risk loci for IgAN, which emphasizes the importance of IgA production and regulation in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Follow-up fine-mapping studies help to elucidate the candidate causal variant and the potential pathogenic molecular pathway and provide new potential therapeutic targets. With the rapid development of next-generation sequencing technologies, linkage studies based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS)/whole-exome sequencing (WES) also identify rare variants associated with IgAN, accounting for some of the missing heritability. The complexity of pathogenesis and phenotypic variability may be better understood by integrating genetics, epigenetics, and environment. We have compiled a review summarizing the latest advancements in genetic studies on IgAN. We similarly summarized relevant studies examining the involvement of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Future directions and challenges in this field are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging features, lymph node metastasis, and genetic mutations in micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma (imaging with mixed ground‐glass nodules) ≤2 cm, to provide a more precise and refined basis for the selection of lung segment resection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 162 patients with surgically resected pathologically confirmed cancers ≤2.0 cm in diameter (50 cases of micropapillary mixed ground‐glass nodules [mGGNs], 50 cases of nonmicropapillary mGGNs, and 62 cases of micropapillary SNs [solid nodules]) was performed. mGGNs were classified into five categories according to imaging features. The distribution of these five morphologies in micropapillary with mGGN and nonmicropapillary with mGGN was analyzed. The postoperative pathology and prognosis of lymph node metastasis were also compared between micropapillary mGGNs and micropapillary with SNs. After searching the TCGA database, we demonstrated heterogeneity, high malignancy and high risk of microcapillary lung cancer cancers. Results: Different pathological subtypes of mGGN differed in morphological features (p < 0.05). The rate of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in micropapillary mGGNs than in nonmicropapillary mGGNs. In the TCGA database samples, lactate transmembrane protein activity, collagen transcription score, and fibroblast EMT score were remarkably higher in micropapillary adenocarcinoma. Other pathological subtypes had a better survival prognosis and longer disease‐free survival compared with micropapillary adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: mGGNs ≤2 cm with a micropapillary pattern have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis compared with SNs, and computed tomography (CT) imaging features can assist in their diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CDK11 is an emerging druggable target for cancer therapy due to its prevalent roles in phosphorylating critical transcription and splicing factors and in facilitating cell cycle progression in cancer cells. Like other cyclin‐dependent kinases, CDK11 requires its cognate cyclin, cyclin L1 or cyclin L2, for activation. However, little is known about how CDK11 activities might be modulated by other regulators. In this study, we show that CDK11 forms a tight complex with cyclins L1/L2 and SAP30BP, the latter of which is a poorly characterized factor. Acute degradation of SAP30BP mirrors that of CDK11 in causing widespread and strong defects in pre‐mRNA splicing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SAP30BP facilitates CDK11 kinase activities in vitro and in vivo, through ensuring the stabilities and the assembly of cyclins L1/L2 with CDK11. Together, these findings uncover SAP30BP as a critical CDK11 activator that regulates global pre‐mRNA splicing. Synopsis: CDK11 together with its cognate cyclins L1/L2 is involved in gene regulation and cell cycle control via phosphorylation of transcription and splicing factors. Here, SAP30BP is uncovered as another key CDK11/Cyclin L activator critical for pre‐mRNA splicing. CDK11 forms a tight complex with cyclins L1/L2 and SAP30BP.SAP30BP and CDK11 play highly similar roles in global pre‐mRNA splicing.CDK11 requires SAP30BP for kinase activity in vitro and in vivo.SAP30BP ensures stabilities and assembly of cyclins L1/L2 with CDK11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of wood products has inevitably resulted in a fast accumulation of waste wood, which is commonly landfilled or recycled for energy or products with low added value. In the present study, a concept has been adopted to reuse the waste wood formwork as the core of FRP sandwich panels. The waste wood formwork has been firstly sliced into wood strips of a specific width, which are then flipped by 90o and bonded together to form a plate as the sandwich core. Such a recycling routine appears as a promising method due to (1) minimum pre-treatment for processing the waste wood; and (2) less likelihood of the hazardous chemicals leakage because of the covered GFRP skins. The flexural behavior of such sandwich panels has been evaluated through a series of three-point bending tests with the thicknesses of GFRP layer and the core plate as the main parameters. The test results indicate that the GFRP-waste wood sandwich panels failed by either rupture of the tensile GFRP sheet or crushing of the compression side. The bending stiffness and flexural strength improves with the increase in the thicknesses of the core plate and GFRP layer, and the panels with three-layer GFRP sheets have the bending stiffness and flexural strength up to 11.0 and 4.4 times higher than that of the core plate. The analytical and numerical predictions on the flexural properties of the sandwich plate show in good agreement with that from the tests, validating the adopted the models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuisance bleeding (NB) without urgent medical attention is rarely characterized despite its frequent occurrence in patients with cerebral aneurysms undergoing flow diversion (FD) who are maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). This study explored the risk factors for NB. Patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms who underwent intervention using FD (July 2018 to May 2022) and had follow-up data were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, aneurysm features and follow-up data were analysed. Bleeding complications were classified as NB, internal bleeding and alarming bleeding. NB was characterized by easy bruising, bleeding from small cuts and nonfatal petechiae and ecchymosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for NB. This study assessed 121 patients. Of these, 52 (43.0%) patients had NB. Compared with the non-bleeding group, the NB group had more females (82.7% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.003), lower smoking rate (7.7% vs. 23.2%; p = 0.027) and smaller aneurysms (6.65 mm [4.60–9.60 mm] vs. 8.82 mm [5.65–15.65 mm]; p = 0.007) and had more patients maintained on ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (90.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ticagrelor-containing DAPT regimen (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–11.87; p = 0.016) was associated with NB. These results suggest that NB is a common bleeding complaint in patients on DAPT. In patients undergoing FD, DAPT with ticagrelor was the only independent risk factor for NB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into the decentralized access of the distribution network transforms the existing structure into an active distribution network. The alteration in fault characteristics poses significant challenges to the coordinated operation of relay protection. Fault location within the distribution network plays a vital role in facilitating fault recovery and enhancing the resilience of the power system. It proves instrumental in improving the network's ability to withstand extreme disasters, thereby enhancing the reliability of power distribution. Therefore, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the voltage fault components occurring during various fault types within an active distribution network. Building upon the identified characteristics of voltage fault components, a novel approach for the longitudinal protection of active distribution networks is proposed. This method involves comparing the calculated values of voltage fault components with their actual values. The proposed approach is applicable to various fault scenarios, including short-circuit faults, line break faults, and recurring faults. It exhibits advantages such as insensitivity to the penetration of distributed power supplies and robustness in withstanding transition resistance. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, affirming its applicability to diverse protection requirements within active distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It’s all about speed and scale in the quickly evolving corporate world of today, and business executives are looking to cutting-edge technology to help them find answers to their most difficult problems. A data-driven strategy provides the means to more thoroughly comprehend, confirm, and quantify decision-making outcomes. It is possible to feel greater confidence in the decisions made by the designers in a data-driven business. So, using this essential technique, and via mathematical modeling, the nonlinear wave dispersion of a sandwich nanoshell made of a Bi-directional functionally graded (BD-FG) core, and piezoelectric patch is investigated. In the mathematical modeling, first-order shear deformation theory with moderately thick hypothesis is used to model the displacement fields of the current work for both layers. After that, compatibility conditions are presented to model interface equations between the layers. For correct and exact modeling of the current nanosystem, nonlocal strain gradient theory with length scale and nonlocal parameters is presented. For solving the nonlinear equations, the harmonic solution technic for the displacement domain, and the multiple scale method for the time domain are presented in the solution procedure section. After that, to decrease the computational cost of the current work, the data-driven solution is presented for solving the nonlinear vibration problem. Comparing the results of current work with the outcomes of data-driven solutions and another published article can verify the results. Finally, in the results section, the influences of various factors such as length scale, nonlocal, applied voltage, area of piezoelectric patch, FG power index, and geometry condition of the structure on the nonlinear phase velocity of the BD-FG nanoshell coupled with piezoelectric patch is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article investigates the forced vibration behavior of axially functionally graded (AFG) tubes under external dynamic load using a pair of Euler-Bernoulli and von-Kármán equations in combination with the modified couple stress theory. The Hamilton principle is used to obtain the linear and nonlinear partial differential (PD) governing equations and the boundary conditions. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are utilized to produce tube constructions that alter gradually throughout the length of the tube. The cross-section of the cylindrical tube was considered to be nonuniform throughout the tube length, and the porosity distribution in the radius direction was assumed to be nonuniform, resulting in the bi-directional material characteristics function. In order to solve the nonlinear motion equation, the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) was connected to the iteration technique. Following that, the computed linear and nonlinear results are thoroughly explained in order to explore the different effects on the resonance, natural frequency, and dynamic deflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the problem of decentralized adaptive tracking control for a class of interconnected nonlinear systems is investigated, in which the interconnection term in each subsystem is related to the states of all subsystems. By utilizing the backstepping controller design method and dynamic high‐gain technique, two kinds of decentralized adaptive control schemes are developed. Some dynamic parameters are introduced into the controllers to counteract the effects of interactions among subsystems. Moreover, with the aid of graph theory, it is shown that all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded. The novelty of the proposed method lies in that the tracking accuracy of each subsystem can be preset without adjusting the controller parameters. Finally, two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart drug delivery, through which the drug molecules are delivered according to the requests of human biological rhythms or by maximizing drug therapeutic effects, is highly desired in pharmaceutics. Many biomacromolecules have been exploited for this application in the past few decades, both in industry and laboratories. Biphasic release, with an intentional pulsatile release and a following extended release stage, represents a typical smart drug delivery approach, which aims to provide fast therapeutic action and a long time period of effective blood drug concentration to the patients. In this study, based on the use of a well-known biomacromolecule, i.e., cellulose acetate (CA), as the drug (acetaminophen, ATP)-based sustained release carrier, a modified coaxial electrospraying process was developed to fabricate a new kind of core–shell nanoparticle. The nanoparticles were able to furnish a pulsatile release of ATP due to the shell polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The time cost for a release of 30% was 0.32 h, whereas the core–shell particles were able to provide a 30.84-h sustained release of the 90% loaded ATP. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope results verified in terms of their round surface morphologies and the obvious core–shell double-chamber structures. ATP presented in both the core and shell sections in an amorphous state owing to its fine compatibility with CA and PVP. The controlled release mechanisms of ATP were suggested. The disclosed biomacromolecule-based process–structure–performance relationship can shed light on how to develop new sorts of advanced nano drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) are one of the most promising battery chemistries for grid‐scale renewable energy storage. However, their application is limited by issues such as Zn dendrite formation and undesirable side reactions that can occur in the presence of excess free water molecules and ions. In this study, a nanocellulose‐carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogel electrolyte is demonstrated that features stable cycling performance and high Zn2+ conductivity (26 mS cm−1), which is attributed to the material's strong mechanical strength (≈70 MPa) and water‐bonding ability. With this electrolyte, the Zn‐metal anode shows exceptional cycling stability at an ultra‐high rate, with the ability to sustain a current density as high as 80 mA cm−2 for more than 3500 cycles and a cumulative capacity of 17.6 Ah cm−2 (40 mA cm−2). Additionally, side reactions, such as hydrogen evolution and surface passivation, are substantially reduced due to the strong water‐bonding capacity of the CMC. Full Zn||MnO2 batteries fabricated with this electrolyte demonstrate excellent high‐rate performance and long‐term cycling stability (>500 cycles at 8C). These results suggest the cellulose‐CMC electrolyte as a promising low‐cost, easy‐to‐fabricate, and sustainable aqueous‐based electrolyte for ZIBs with excellent electrochemical performance that can help pave the way toward grid‐scale energy storage for renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional completion fluids used in construction of gravel-packed openhole in offshore oil and gas fields have been suffering from problems of complicated completion operation and risks of secondary formation damage. In this work, a new reservoir drill-in and completion fluid has been designed with unique direct flowback capability, in order to simplify process of well construction and highly reduce potential reservoir damage. An improved temporary plugging strategy was firstly analyzed, wherein the D90 embedding rule and low shear rate viscosity (LSRV) law that contribute significantly to the unique direct backflow property were systematically elucidated, in combination to reservoir features of oil fields in South China Sea. To realize the one-way seal on the reservoir surface, the size of embedding particles was controlled in the range of 2.7–6.7 μm, and LSRV was optimized around 30,000 mPa s. Furthermore, the reservoir drill-in and completion fluid was experimentally prepared and evaluated, and diverse application properties such as rheology, filtration, anti-contamination, inhibition, and reservoir protection were achieved in terms of standards of wellbore working fluids and trial requirements. Finally, field trial validated the applicability of reservoir drill-in and completion fluid in constructing gravel-packed openhole in offshore oil and gas fields, and the period of openhole completion reduced by about 9 h relative to that of the traditional acidizing operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose that the propagation of acoustic waves in two-dimensional space can be controlled by the design of gradient embedded paths, which is inspired by a combination of metasurfaces and the inverse method of transformation optics. The phase variation along each gradient embedded path is smooth so that there is almost no reflection below a critical frequency. More importantly, the functionalities of devices designed by our approach are frequency-independent over a pretty broad band. In our work, gradient embedded paths are realized with gradient curved waveguides. Various potential applications such as acoustic directional emitter and focus lens without chromatic aberration are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐plane microbatteries (MBs) with features of facile integration, mass customization, and especially superior electrochemical performance are urgently required for self‐powered microelectronic devices. In this work, a facile manufacturing process is employed to fabricate Zn–MnO2 MB with a 3D macroporous microelectrode. Benefiting from the high electron/ion transport path of 3D macroporous microelectrode and high mass‐loading of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐manganese dioxide (PEDOT‐MnO2) film, the MB achieves an ultrahigh capacity of 0.78 mAh cm−2 and an outstanding areal energy density of 1.02 mWh cm−2. Moreover, 3D macroporous PEDOT‐MnO2 hybrid film is achieved by one‐step electrodeposition, which effectively improves the cycling performance without reducing areal capacity or hindering the ion diffusion. Notably, the MB can stably drive an electronic timer for ≈400 min or be integrated and operated on the surface of a digital hygro‐thermometer. The MBs are capable of operating stably in the high rotation speed and vibration condition, such as applied on the surface of an axial‐flow fan. Moreover, the MB can integrate by stacking the substrate‐free microelectrodes and achieving outstanding energy density of 3.87 mWh cm−2. Therefore, the PEDOT‐MnO2//Zn MB has good prospects as a next‐generation component applied in self‐powered microelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that financially incentivizing sustainable behaviors may undermine individuals’ conformity to pro-environmental social norms, but it remains unclear why and when such a crowding out effect occurs. Using data from a quasi-experiment in Quzhou, China, this study has tested crowding out in a local incentive program for household recycling and evaluated the causal mechanisms and boundary conditions of crowding out. The reward program reduced residents’ inclination to conform to their neighbors’ recycling behaviors and persuasion, which was driven by the lowering of the first- and second-order beliefs underlying norm conformity. The crowding out effect and pathways were particularly salient among people with high levels of environmental self-identity or community social embeddedness. Moreover, framing the incentivized behavior in an environmentally beneficial way could not mitigate crowding out. Overall, the results contribute to refined theories of crowding out and have important implications for the design of environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total sleep deprivation (TSD) leads to cognitive decline; however, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) changes after TSD remain unclear. In this study, 42 healthy adult participants were subjected to 36 h of sleep deprivation (36 h TSD), and resting-state EEG data were recorded at baseline, after 24 h of sleep deprivation (24 h TSD), and after 36 h TSD. The analysis of resting-state EEG at baseline, after 24 h TSD, and after 36 h TSD using source localization analysis, power spectrum analysis, and functional connectivity analysis revealed a decrease in alpha-band power and a significant increase in delta-band power after TSD and impaired functional connectivity in the default mode network, precuneus, and inferior parietal lobule. The cortical activities of the precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, and superior parietal lobule were significantly reduced, but no difference was found between the 24 h and 36 h TSD groups. This may indicate that TSD caused some damage to the participants, but this damage temporarily slowed during the 24 h to 36 h TSD period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc-ion batteries are considered as promising energy storage devices for large-scale energy storage due to the simple operation, low cost, and high safety, while their performances are determined by the cathode materials' properties. Polypyrrole (PPy) can be used as the cathode material of zinc-ion battery, however, its poor cyclic stability limits the practical application. Considering the fact that electrolytes containing zinc ions are used in zinc ion batteries, the PPy cathode material has been electrodeposited on carbon cloth (CC) by using ZnSO4 solution as electrolyte (PPy-ZS/CC). The results show that PPy/CC-ZS exhibits higher specific capacity and cyclic stability than the electrode prepared in NaH2PO4 solution because the participation of ZnSO4 in the deposition process makes PPy-ZS more suitable for the ZnSO4 electrolyte of batteries. The specific capacity of the PPy-ZS has been increased by 24 mAh g−1 compared with the capacity of PPy deposited in the NaH2PO4 system; after the 1000-cycle test, the capacity retention is 80%. Furthermore, PPy-ZS's specific capacity can reach 167 mAh g−1 at 0.05A g−1 when the battery is assembled in 2.0 mol L−1 ZnSO4 + 70 mmol L−1 NH4I electrolyte. After 2000 repeated charge/discharge tests at 4.5 A g−1, Zn//PPy-I-ZS still maintains 75% of the initial capacity, showing quite good stability. It provides an effective method to improve the performance of PPy-based cathode material in Zn-ion battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of three different aging methods (traditional dry aging, wet aging in vacuum shrink pack and dry aging in a highly moisture-permeable bag), discusses the effects of aging on beef which focus on the formation of taste-active compounds and aroma-active compounds and texture changes, and speculates the role of microbes. All these three aging methods can improve the aroma, flavor and texture of beef to varying degrees. It is concluded that the improvement in the taste during aging may be attributed to the following three aspects: First, the release of reducing sugars from the transition of glycogen and ATP; Second, the formation of free amino acids (FAAs) and peptides through proteolysis; Third, IMP, GMP, inosine and hypoxanthine which are produced by the degradation of nucleotides. The improvement of aroma is related to the volatile aroma-active components, which are produced by the thermal oxidation/degradation of fatty acids and the Maillard reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars during aging. And the change of texture is mainly owing to the degradation of cytoskeletal myofibrin and collagen with intramural connective tissue in meat by the endogenous proteolysis system. The role of microorganism in aging will be the main direction of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO-CL) is one of the most popular cold light sources, yet the drawback of aggregation-caused quenching limits their use. Here, we report a new kind of efficient bifunctional emitter derived from salicylic acid, which not only exhibits typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) character but also has the ability to catalyze the CL process under basic conditions based on base sensitivity. By taking advantage of these unique features, we successfully confine the CL process on the surface of solid bases and provide a high-contrast visualization of CL emission. This method allows most of the common basic salts like sodium carbonate to be invisible encryption information ink and PO-CL solution to be a decryption tool to visualize the hidden information. The current study opens up an appealing way for the development of multifunction CL emitters for information encryption and decryption applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing excess PbI2 has proven to be an effective in situ passivation strategy for enhancing efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Nevertheless, the photoinstability and hysteresis are still tough issues owing to the photolysis nature of PbI2. Moreover, the humidity‐related degradation of perovskite films is also a difficult territory to cover in such an in situ passivation strategy. Herein, a synergistic strategy is reported via initiatively inducing vertical graded PbI2 distribution (GPD) in the whole perovskite film and capping a cis‐Ru(H2dcbpy)(dnbpy)(NCS)2 (Z907) internal encapsulation (IE) layer on the surface to ameliorate the above issues. The GPD design can enhance luminescence, prolong carrier lifetimes, ascertaining the improvement of efficiency and elimination of photoinstability in the PSCs. Besides, the introduced IE layer not only can promote the moisture and thermal resistance, but also inhibit Pb leakage and ion migration in the PSCs. Through the synergetic regulations, the resultant PSCs exhibit an impressive open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.253 V, fill factor of 81.25%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.28%. Moreover, the PSCs maintain 91% of its initial PCE at relative humidity of 85% after 500 h aging and 94% under continuous heating at 85 °C after 750 h aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Assessing the spatial occupation and ecological impact of human activities in Chengguan district, Lhasa city, Tibetan Plateau" published in Scientific Reports. The correction addresses an error in Figure 2a of the original article, where a letter 'C' was incorrectly added to the panel. The corrected version of the article is now available. The article provides an overview of the research area, including the Tibetan Plateau, the city of Lhasa, and the land use distribution map of Chengguan District. The authors used ArcGIS Pro software and data from the Second National Land Survey of the Tibet Autonomous Region to create the map, which shows the spatial distribution of different land categories within the specified region. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore differences between psychological resilience and problem-solving ability in grade one junior middle school adolescents with and without suicidal ideation, focusing on the relationship between these factors and suicidal ideation. Methods: Ninety-nine adolescents (aged 10 to 14) were divided into Suicidal Ideation (SI, n = 49) and Non-Suicidal Ideation (NSI, n = 50) grouped by the Self-rating Idea of Suicide Scale (SIOSS). The Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS) and Tower of Hanoi task (TOH) were applied to assess psychological resilience and problem-solving ability, respectively. Results: The SI group scored significantly lower than the NSI group on PRS (p < 0.001) and performed more poorly on TOH than the NSI group, with more mistakes in the number of errors index (p < 0.001) and requiring a longer time in the task completion time index (p < 0.05). Among all the participants in this study, a significant negative correlation was observed between PRS and SIOSS (r = − 0.413, p < 0.01). The sub-dimensions of PRS including emotional control, family support, and interpersonal assistance were significantly negatively correlated with the SIOSS total score (r = − 0.361, − 0.360, − 0.382; p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study profiled the characteristics and differences in psychological resilience and problem-solving ability between adolescents with and without suicidal ideation. The data suggested adolescents with SI might have deficits in psychological resilience and problem-solving ability, which may serve as potential targets for suicide intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed–release dimethyl fumarate (DMF), Tecfidera®, is approved globally for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The disposition of DMF was determined in humans after administration of a single oral dose of [14C]DMF, and the total recovery was estimated to be between 58.4% to 75.0%, primarily through expired air. The absorption of [14C]DMF-derived radioactivity was rapid, with Tmax at 1h postdose. Glucose was the predominant circulating metabolite, accounting for ∼60% of the total extractable radioactivity. Cysteine and N-acetylcysteine conjugates of mono- or di-methyl succinate were found to be the major urinary metabolites. In vitro studies showed that [14C]DMF was mainly metabolised to MMF, and fumarase exclusively converted fumaric acid to malic acid and did not catalyse the conversion of fumaric acid esters to malic acid. DMF was observed to bind with human serum albumin through Michael addition to the Cys-34 residue when exposed to human plasma. These findings indicate that DMF undergoes metabolism via hydrolysis, GSH conjugation, and the TCA cycle, leading to the formation of citric acid, CO2, and water. These ubiquitous and well-conserved metabolism pathways minimise the risk of drug-drug interactions and reduce variability related to pharmacogenetics and ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal decision-making regarding investments is important. In this study, we examine how an individual aims to find optimal investment policies to overcome a benchmarked opponent during their lifetime. The individual evaluates the trade-off between the achievement of a performance goal and the risk of a shortfall. The dynamic programming method is applied in this study. When the individual's lifetime follows an exponential distribution, the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation is an ordinary differential equation, and the explicit optimal policies for several important performance functions are derived. When the lifetime follows a general distribution, the HJB equation is a parabolic partial differential equation, and a Markov chain approximating numerical scheme is presented to estimate the value function. We further illustrate the numerical method when the random lifetime follows the Gompertz–Makeham distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present a new parsimonious method for joint mean-covariance modeling based on M-estimation and nonconcave penalty. In this paper, the robustness of the proposed model was aimed at addressing the issue when the working matrix is misspecified and a spot of outliers exist in the dataset. The proposed approach outperforms the traditional method in robustness and variable selections for longitudinal data analysis, particularly when the dataset contains a spot of outliers. The simulation results back up the theoretical findings, and the methodology is further illustrated via an analysis of a real progesterone data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's central government has chosen the real estate industry as a pillar industry for achieving rapid economic growth. Local city governments also generally enlarge their scales of urban real estate investment to boost their political performance within the Chinese promotion tournament. To identify and separate the governmental interactive strategy of a particular city from the spatial dependence effects of urban real estate investment in its neighboring cities, we applied empirical data to various spatial econometric models with different spatial weighting matrices that incorporated the physical distances between cities and the differences in their population sizes and administrative divisions. There is evidence of spatial dependence effects. In terms of both population size and administrative divisions, these effects are mainly the result of governmental interactive strategies in addition to the First Law of Geography. Such strategies are positive and complementary because a city makes corresponding decisions to increase its real estate investments as its neighboring cities increase their scales of urban real estate investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial cognition facilitates the successful completion of specific cognitive tasks through lateral processing and neuroplasticity. Long-term training in table tennis induces neural processing efficiency in the visuospatial cognitive processing cortex of athletes. However, the lateralization characteristics and neural mechanisms of visual–spatial cognitive processing in table tennis players in non-sport domains are unclear. This study utilized event-related potentials to investigate differences in the spatial cognition abilities of regular college students (controls) and table tennis players. A total of 48 participants (28 controls; 20 s-level national table tennis players) completed spatial cognitive tasks while electroencephalography data were recorded. Task performance was better in the table tennis group than in the control group (reaction time: P < 0.001; correct number/sec: P = 0.043), P3 amplitude was greater in the table tennis group (P = 0.040), spatial cognition showed obvious lateralization characteristics (P < 0.001), table tennis players showed a more obvious right-hemisphere advantage, and the P3 amplitude in the right hemisphere was significantly greater in table tennis athletes than in the control group. (P = 0.044). Our findings demonstrate a right-hemisphere advantage in spatial cognition. Long-term training strengthened the visual–spatial processing ability of table tennis players, and this advantage effect was reflected in the neuroplasticity of the right hemisphere (the dominant hemisphere for spatial processing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yinqiao powder, with significant anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects, is a classical formula for the treatment of febrile diseases in China. During the SARS period in 2003, Yinqiao powder showed a good antipyretic effect. It also plays a major role in the treatment for COVID-19 in China. Although there are many studies on the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of Yinqiao powder, there are few studies on the quality standard system of it. In our study, a systematic quality evaluation method of Yinqiao powder combining HPLC fingerprint with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) based on network pharmacology and UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS was established for the first time. In the UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS experiment, a total of 53 compounds were identified in the extract solution of Yinqiao powder. In addition, 33 blood components were characterized, 23 of which were prototypes. The results of network pharmacology analysis showed that Yinqiao powder may inhibit inflammatory responses by suppressing IL-6, CXCL2, TNFα, NF-κB, etc., in the treatment of COVID-19. The HPLC fingerprint analysis of Yinqiao powder was conducted at 237 nm and 29 characteristic peaks were matched, 11 of which were identified. Forsythoside A was selected as the internal standard reference and double-wavelength (237 nm and 327 nm) was established in QAMS experiment. The repeatability was well under different conditions, and the results measured by QAMS were consisted with that of the external standard method (ESM), indicating that the QAMS method was reliable and accurate. The quality evaluation method of Yinqiao powder would be helpful to evaluate the intrinsic quality of Yinqiao powder more comprehensively, which is conducive to improve the quality standard of Yinqiao powder and provide a beneficial guarantee for the clinical treatment of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aerobic, yellow-pigmented and Gram-stain-negative strain, designated as O-35 T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment collected in Dangjiang Town, the southern China. Colonies of strain O-35 T were circular with 0.5–1.0 mm in diameter, convex and smooth. Cells of strain O-35 T were coccoid-shaped, non-spore forming, non-motile and the strain could reduce nitrate. Growth of strain O-35 T was observed at 15–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.0–9.5 (optimum 7.5–8.0) and in 0.5–5.0% NaCl (optimum 2%, w/v). Strain O-35 T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence identities of 97.3–97.5% with Sphingomicrobium lutaoense CC-TBT-3 T and Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum AH-M8T, higher than the rest of Sphingomicrobium type strains. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and the core-genome sequences demonstrated that strain O-35 T was affiliated within the genus Sphingomicrobium. Overall genome relatedness index calculations revealed that strain O-35 T had < 75.8% of average nucleotide identity and < 19.2% of digital DNA–DNA hybridization values with Sphingomicrobium type strains. The sole isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were summed feature 8, summed feature 3, C16:0 and C18:1 2-OH. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified phospholipid. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic properties, strain O-35 T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingomicrobium, for which the name Sphingomicrobium nitratireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is O-35 T (= KCTC 92308 T = MCCC 1K07589T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piston performance has an important on vehicle reliability, efficiency, and exhaust emissions. Application of the thermal barrier coating is an effective method for preventing heat transfer from combustion chamber to the substrate. The numerical model of thermal barrier coating piston is established by using finite element method, and a comprehensive thermal-mechanical result is given to determine the influence of ceramic thickness on ceramic layer and substrate. Compared with uncoated piston, the maximum temperature of substrate decreased by 3.34%, 4.09%, 5.19%, 5.95%, and 6.69%, corresponding to ceramic thicknesses of 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.35 mm. The maximum thermal stress decreases from 78 MPa to 73 MPa. For ceramic layer of the thermal barrier coating piston, the maximum temperature appears at the top surface of the ceramic layer, while the maximum thermal stress occurs at the bottom of the ceramic layer. As the ceramics thickness increases from 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm, the maximum temperature of the ceramic layer increases from 322 °C to 377 °C, while the maximum thermal stress decreases from 95 MPa to 89 MPa. Thermal-mechanical coupled stress analysis shows that the maximum coupling stress occurs at the pinhole and its value does not change significantly. The thickness of the ceramic layer has little effect on the pinhole, but has a great influence on the ceramic layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To compare intrasession agreement and repeatability of wavefront aberration measurements from three different aberrometers obtained using Hartmann–Shack, ray tracing and automated retinoscopy methods, as well as their interdevice agreement. Methods: Three consecutive measurements were obtained using the Pentacam AXL Wave, the iTrace and the OPD‐Scan III in 47 eyes of 47 patients. Wavefront refractions, root mean square of total aberrations (RMS total), RMS of higher‐order aberrations (HOA) and second‐, third‐ and fourth‐order HOAs were exported for 4‐mm pupils. Wavefront refractions were converted into vector components: M, J0 and J45. Intrasession agreement and repeatability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and repeatability coefficients (RCs); interdevice agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. Results: The intrasession agreement and repeatability of RMS HOA were comparable between the three devices; both the Pentacam AXL Wave and the OPD‐Scan III had better intrasession agreement and repeatability for the RMS total than the iTrace (p ≤ 0.02). Intrasession repeatability for the majority of second‐ and third‐order aberrations was better on the Pentacam AXL Wave than on the iTrace (p ≤ 0.01) and OPD‐Scan III (p ≤ 0.04), although their agreement and repeatability in spherical aberration were comparable (p ≥ 0.24). Significant systematic differences and proportional bias were detected for almost all refraction power vectors and Zernike coefficients among the three devices. Conclusions: In this study, all three devices provided good‐to‐excellent agreement for aberration measurements. Most of the individual Zernike's components were not exchangeable between different aberrometers. Their relative intrasession performance in agreement and repeatability varied significantly across different ocular aberration parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are detrimentally weakened by carrier loss at the perovskite/charge transport layers (CTLs) interfaces. Herein, a dual interfacial modification strategy via placing Nb2CTx nanosheets with tailored optoelectrical properties induced by manipulating surface terminal groups at both perovskite/CTLs interfaces is employed. Such tactics not only concurrently implement carrier mobility enhancement of CTLs and interface energy‐levels offsets reduction. More importantly, electrical simulation indicates that the Nb2CTx with O terminal groups located at grain boundaries of the perovskite layer, can more efficiently conduct hole current to the hole transport layer, therefore achieving charge‐carrier transport balance in device. As a result, the synergy effect effectively elevates both the VOC and FF of the cells, reaching maximum values of 1.253 V and 81.07%, respectively, finally delivering progressively increased device power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.11% with negligible hysteresis. This PCE value ranks in the highest values to date for PSCs employing MXenes materials. Moreover, the optimized devices show better thermal and light stability than control devices. This work demonstrates a simple and effective dual interfacial modification method utilizing Nb2CTx for photovoltaic field, involving photodetectors, light‐emitting diodes, sensors, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels containing thermosensitive polymers such as poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (P(NIPAm)) may contract during heating and show great promise in fields ranging from soft robotics to thermosensitive biosensors. However, these gels often exhibit low stiffness, tensile strength, and mechanical toughness, limiting their applicability. Through copolymerization of P(NIPAm) with poly(Acrylic acid) (P(AAc)) and introduction of ferric ions (Fe3+) that coordinate with functional groups along the P(AAc) chains, here a thermoresponsive hydrogel with enhanced mechanical extensibility, strength, and toughness is introduced. Using both experimentation and constitutive modeling, it is found that increasing the ratio of m(AAc):m(NIPAm) in the prepolymer decreases strength and toughness but improves extensibility. In contrast, increasing Fe3+ concentration generally improves strength and toughness with little decrease in extensibility. Due to reversible coordination of the Fe3+ bonds, these gels display excellent recovery of mechanical strength during cyclic loading and self‐healing ability. While thermosensitive contraction imbued by the underlying P(NIPAm) decreases slightly with increased Fe3+ concentration, the temperature transition range is widened and shifted upward toward that of human body temperature (between 30 and 40 °C), perhaps rendering these gels suitable as in vivo biosensors. Finally, these gels display excellent adsorptive properties with a variety of materials, rendering them possible candidates in adhesive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distance running is a rapidly growing leisure practice among urban Chinese adults. This study explores female runners' experiences in Shanghai through life story interviews with 14 female runners. We analyzed their stories for cultural narrative resources and gendered life scripts used in the construction of running identities and practices. Although all interviewees constructed running within narratives of health, ideal body and achievement, women also storied running as a liberating and autonomy-boosting activity. Yet, despite their privileged status as educated urban citizens, they had to negotiate essentialist gender discourses and initially lacked self-confidence in sports. They constructed their achievements as exceptional, rather than as something that all Chinese women could do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, has attracted attention worldwide owing to its pharmacological properties, including antitumor, cardiovascular protective, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The current diosgenin analysis methods have the disadvantages of long analysis time and low sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to establish an efficient, sensitive ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach for pharmacokinetic analysis of diosgenin amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) using tanshinone IIA as an internal standard (IS). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered diosgenin ASD, and orbital blood samples were collected for analysis. Protein precipitation was performed with methanol-acetonitrile (50 : 50, v/v), and the analytes were separated under isocratic elution by applying acetonitrile and 0.03% formic acid aqueous solution at a ratio of 80 : 20 as the mobile phase. MS with positive electron spray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring modes was applied to determine diosgenin and IS with m/z 415.2⟶271.2 and m/z 295.2⟶277.1, respectively. This approach showed a low limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/ml for diosgenin and could detect this molecule at a concentration range of 0.5 to 1,500 ng/ml (r = 0.99725). The approach was found to have intra- and inter-day precision values ranging from 1.42% to 6.91% and from 1.25% to 3.68%, respectively. Additionally, the method showed an accuracy of -6.54 to 4.71%. The recoveries of diosgenin and tanshinone IIA were 85.81–100.27% and 98.29%, respectively, with negligible matrix effects. Diosgenin and IS were stable under multiple storage conditions. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the Cmax and AUC0⟶t of diosgenin ASD were significantly higher than those of the bulk drug. A sensitive, simple, UPLC-MS/MS analysis approach was established and used for the pharmacokinetic analysis of diosgenin ASD in rats after oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Amorphous carbon is adopted to protect VO 2 from the dissolution in alkaline electrolyte. • The insertion of Co2+ boosts the internal structure stability of vanadium oxide. • Dual engineering strategy is realized via the hydrothermal method and annealing process. • The unique starfruit-like morphology is beneficial for the diffusion of ions. The vanadium dioxide (VO 2 (D)), with ultra-high theoretical capacitance, has been considered as a boon for electrode materials of advanced supercapacitors (SCs). However, the VO 2 has a series of shortcomings such as poor electrical conductivity, severe structural damage, and rapid capacity fading during cycles, resulting in unsatisfactory electrochemical performance. Herein, the Co2+ pre-intercalation and amorphous carbon confined vanadium dioxide (CoxVO 2 @C) with starfruit-like nanostructure is synthesized on a conductive Ni foam substrate via a versatile and cost-effective method. As a cathode for SCs, the obtained CoxVO 2 @C not only enables a small amount of Co2+ pre-intercalation layer to offer faster ion diffusion kinetics for VO 2 , but also utilizes a high-conductivity amorphous carbon to protect VO 2 from dissolution in an alkaline electrolyte, thereby exhibiting the ultrahigh specific capacitance up to 4440.0 mF cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2 (525.2 F g−1 at 2 A g−1) and the prominent long-term stability performance of the electrode. Benefited from these excellent characteristics, a high-performance CoxVO 2 @C//V 2 O 3 hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device with an operating voltage of 1.7 V is further assembled. The HSC device delivers a superior energy density of 102.3 W h kg−1 at a power density of 6.1 kW kg−1, manifesting its practical feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication after hip fracture surgery that is associated with various short- and long-term outcomes. The mechanism of POD may be associated with the oxidative stress process. Uric acid has been shown to provide a neuroprotective effect in various neurodegenerative diseases through its antioxidant properties. However, it is unclear whether lower preoperative serum uric acid levels are associated with the development of POD after hip fracture surgery. Therefore, this study assessed the association of lower preoperative uric acid levels in patients with POD during hospitalization. Methods: This is a matched retrospective case-control study that included 96 older patients (≥65 y) who underwent hip fracture surgery. POD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Patients diagnosed with POD (cases) were matched 1:1 with patients without POD (controls) on the basis of age, sex, and anesthesia type. The relationship between preoperative uric acid and POD was analyzed by multivariable analysis. Results: The POD and non-POD groups each had 48 patients. In the univariate analysis, lower log preoperative serum uric acid value, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and cerebrovascular disease were more likely in patients with POD than in those with no POD. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis showed that lower log preoperative serum uric acid (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.028; confidence interval [CI], 0.001–0.844; p = 0.040), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (aOR, 1.314; 95% CI, 1.053–1.638; p = 0.015), and increased surgery duration (aOR, 1.034; 95% CI, 1.004–1.065; p = 0.024) were associated with increased risk of POD. Conclusions: Lower preoperative serum uric acid levels may be an independent risk factor for POD after adjustment for possible confounding factors. However, large prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. A retrospective study was conducted to explore the role and clinical value of optimized fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler parameters in the diagnosis and prognosis monitoring of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods. Pregnant women admitted to our hospital for delivery from March 2019 to June 2021 were included in the study. There were 372 singleton pregnant women who voluntarily underwent ultrasound and Doppler examinations with informed consent for the study. The AT/ET ratio of the middle segment of the main pulmonary artery, the middle part of the left (or right) pulmonary artery, and the proximal segment of the intrapulmonary artery was measured by ultrasonic Doppler. According to the outcome of the newborn, it was divided into NRDS group (n =90) and non-NRDS group (n =282) to compare the differences of fetal AT/ET ratio at three Doppler sampling locations and the differences of fetal AT/ET ratio in different gestational weeks. Using Pearson's correlation analysis, the correlation among the Doppler parameters of fetal main pulmonary artery, the ratio of AT and AT/ET, gestational weeks, and the efficiency of prenatal prediction of NRDS was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). In addition, the diagnostic efficiency of fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler parameter AT/ET ratio and amniotic fluid method for prenatal prediction of NRDS was compared. Results. Compared with the non-NRDS group, the gestational age, gestational age at delivery, and birth weight in the NRDS group were significantly lower than those in the non-NRDS group. The 1 min Apgar score of newborns was less than 7, and the proportion of newborns transferred to NICU was significantly higher than that in the control group. Compared with non-NRDS group, AT was significantly shortened, AT/ET ratio was significantly decreased, and ET was significantly prolonged in NRDS group. The fetal aortic blood flow parameters AT, ET, and AT/ET ratio in different gestational weeks were significantly different among the three groups. The AT/ET ratio in the middle segment of the aorta in NRDS group was lower than that in non-NRDS group. The ratio of AT/ET was still correlated with the occurrence of postpartum NRDS. The AUC value of NRDS predicted by AT/ET ratio was 0.984. In the combined determination of amniotic fluid Lh and S ratio and PG, the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal prediction of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome was 100.005%, 98.43%, and 95.56%, respectively. The accuracy of fetal aortic AT/ET ratio in prenatal prediction of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome was 100.005%, 95.28%, and 95.57%, respectively. The order of Kappa coefficient from high to low was amniotic fluid PG/L/S ratio, fetal main pulmonary artery blood flow parameter AT/ET ratio, amniotic fluid L/S ratio, OD650, amniotic fluid PG, and foam test. Conclusion. Fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler AT/ET ratio may be a very potential parameter for prenatal noninvasive prediction of NRDS. The fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler flow spectrum may be a very potential alternative to amniocentesis to evaluate FLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Heavy metals, a nonnegligible pollutant, have significant effects on human health, and they are related to reproductive dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether serum heavy metal levels were related to PCOS and the association of increased heavy metals with endocrine, lipid-metabolism and inflammatory characteristics and pregnancy outcomes. 80 subjects (40 with PCOS and 40 for control) were selected to analyze their clinical characteristics and serum heavy metal concentrations. Serum chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) were significantly higher in PCOS patients. Cr was positively correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH) (ρ = 0.240 and P = 0.033) and negatively correlated with prolactin (PRL) (ρ = −0.248 and P = 0.032), Hg was positively correlated with LH (ρ = 0.446 and P < 0.001), testosterone (T) (ρ = 0.300 and P = 0.008), androstenedione (A) (ρ = 0.316 and P = 0.006), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (ρ = 0.344 and P = 0.002), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (ρ = 0.248 and P = 0.026), and Cu was found to be positively correlated with low-density lipids (LDL) (ρ = 0.264 and P = 0.021), IL-6 (ρ = 0.295 and P = 0.008), TNF-α (ρ = 0.336 and P = 0.002) and white blood cells (WBC) count (ρ = 0.300 and P = 0.008). Cu levels were significantly higher in nonpregnant patients than in pregnant patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatments. In conclusion, the present study shows that PCOS patients exhibited increased serum Cr, Hg and Cu levels, which were related to some sex hormones and lipid-metabolism disturbances and inflammatory cytokines releases, and elevated Cu levels were related to pregnancy failure, suggesting that these heavy metals may provide valuable information to predict PCOS. [Display omitted] • PCOS patients exhibited higher serum Cr, Hg and Cu levels than the control group. • Cr, Hg and Cu were related to hormones, lipid and inflammatory disturbances. • Elevated Cu levels were related to pregnancy failure in women received IVF-ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]