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Study area: Three headwater basins of the Tarim River Study focus: This study built upon existing knowledge by incorporating threshold melting temperatures into the Spatial Processes in Hydrology (SPHY) model and decomposing the streamflow changes into individual runoff components. Additional glacier retreat rate data were used to calibrate the improved SPHY, which provides better constrained estimates of glacier response to climate change. We employed bias-corrected simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models to drive the improved SPHY under four future scenarios (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5). New hydrological insights for the region: Modeling results show accelerated glacier melt in the future, with glacier volume at the end of this century projected to be less than 20% of the current level under SSP5–8.5. Furthermore, future streamflow is expected to decrease, most notably in the Karakash River basin under the SSP1–2.6 scenario. The reduction in streamflow, mainly during the summer months, results from decreased glacier melt runoff, which cannot be offset by increased rainfall runoff. Additionally, the implementation of climate change mitigation measures could delay glacier loss, but the dominant component of runoff would still shift from current glacier melt to future rainfall. Plain language summary: Global warming accelerates the hydrological cycle, altering the temporal and spatial patterns of streamflow, especially in cold regions, such as the Tarim River Basin. Understanding future streamflow changes is important for the economic development and ecological protection of this region, which will help to manage the risk of water shortages and to plan engineering works to mitigate water shortage crises. We therefore used state-of-the-art climate simulation to project future streamflow changes over three basins of the Upper Tarim River. We found that under all future scenarios, runoff will decrease in these basins. This decrease is mainly due to glacier retreat and cannot be mitigated by anticipated increases in rainfall in the future.

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential risks posed by snowdrifts, a prevalent cause of natural disasters in northern China, on railway subgrades, and to assess their risk level. As a wind-driven process of snow migration and redeposition, snowdrifts pose a significant threat to the safety of transportation infrastructures. This study focuses on the Afu Railway in Xinjiang, situated on the northern slopes of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, where it experiences periodic snowdrifts. We employed a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) to construct an integrated evaluation system for assessing the risk of snowdrift to railway subgrades. The results indicate that subgrade design parameters and regional snowfield conditions are two key metrics affecting the extent of snowdrift disasters, with topography, vegetation coverage, and wind speed also exerting certain impacts. The evaluation method of this study aligns with the results of on-site observations, verifying its accuracy and practicality, thereby providing a solid risk assessment framework for snowdrifts along the railway. The scientific and systematic hazard assessment method of railway subgrades developed in this research provides basic data and theoretical support for future research, and provides a scientific basis for relevant departments to formulate countermeasures, so as to improve the safety and reliability of railway operations.

BackgroundReversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is a new clinico-radiological syndrome. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 130 children with RESLES in China, which is the largest case series available in the literature.MethodsThe clinical data of children diagnosed as RESLES in Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital between 2017 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The 130 cases were divided into two groups: ≤ 3 years old group (group A) (n = 83) and > 3 years old group (group B) (n = 47). The chi-squared test or Fisher's test was used to evaluate the data.ResultsThe vast majority of patients (127/130 cases, 97.7%) had prodromal symptoms of infection. Preceding infections of the gastrointestinal tract were statistically more significant in group A (60/83, 72.3%) than in group B (11/47, 23.4%) (P < 0.05). Preceding infections of the respiratory tract were statistically more significant in group B (33/47, 70.2%) than in group A (17/83, 20.5%) (P < 0.05). Seizures were statistically more significant in group A (82/83, 98.8%) than in group B (24/47,51.1%) (P < 0.05). The disturbance of consciousness and headache/dizziness were statistically more significant in group B (27/47, 57.4%; 37/47, 78.7%) than in group A (3/83, 3.6%; 1/83, 1.2%), respectively (P < 0.05). Convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) were statistically more significant in group A (50/83, 60.2%) than in group B (8/47, 17.0%) (P < 0.05). However, encephalitis/encephalopathy was statistically more significant in group B (20/47, 42.6%) than in group A (10/83, 12.0%) (P < 0.05). MRI showed cytotoxic edema in typical locations (RESLES type-1 limited to the splenium of the corpus callosum and RESLES type-2 spread to the entire corpus callosum, adjacent white matter, or both). There was full recovery of the lesions of MRI in all cases from 3 days to 50 days after the initial examinations. All the children showed normal neurodevelopment.ConclusionInfection was the most common cause of RESLES. Infections of the gastrointestinal tract are common in ≤ 3 years old children, while infections of the respiratory tract are common in >3 years old children. Younger patients are more likely to develop convulsions, and older children were more likely to have symptoms with disturbance of consciousness and headache/dizziness. RESLES has characteristic MRI manifestations and a good prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the association between bilirubin levels and stroke risk.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis, reported in accordance with Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.Data sources The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases were searched from inception up to 27 February 2022.Eligibility criteria Cohort studies assessing the dose–response relationship between bilirubin levels and risk of stroke were eligible for inclusion. There were no language restrictions.Data extraction and synthesis All data from eligible studies were collected and assessed by two independent investigators. We generated pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs. We used a restricted cubic spline model for the dose–response analyses. Subsequent subgroup analyses were conducted according to stroke outcomes, follow-up duration, geographical area and size of the cohort.Results Nine articles including results from 11 cohort studies with 7835 cases of stroke and 263 596 participants met the inclusion criteria. The summarised RR of stroke comparing the highest and lowest bilirubin level was 0.85 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.99). The dose–response analysis indicated that a 15 µmol/L increment of bilirubin level was associated with an 18% lower risk of stroke (RR=0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99). For ischaemic stroke, the RR was 0.76 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.99). Significant publication bias was not detected.Conclusions Elevated bilirubin levels were associated with a decreased risk of stroke among adults.PROSPERO registration number CRD42017071497.

In this paper, in pursuit of enhancing the spectral efficiency and reliability of transmission in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, a new design method, named as the generalization of quadrature index modulation (GQIM), is proposed. In GQIM system, the key and vector indications are exploited by the design of the transmitted spatial vector (TSV). Also, the transmit diversity gain by transmitting two versions produced by a three dimension (3D) symbol is achieved. More specifically, in our proposed GQIM system, an extended dimension signal constellation, so called extended 3D constellation (E3DC), is designed for the employment in the GQIM framework. Then, for achieving the transmit diversity gain, combing with the antenna indexes, the $X$ -axis, $Y$ -axis, $Z$ -axis components of two versions of the E3D symbol are constructed into four spatial vectors that are considered as candidates of the real/imaginary part of a complex TSV. Furthermore, two possible TSVs are obtained by using two adders and two key controllers with two states of 1 and $j$ . With the aid of the vector indication, one out of two possible TSVs is selected for transmission. Finally, the spectral efficiency and squared MED, the spatial index bits and computational complexity, the upper bound on the average bit error probability are analyzed. The analytical and simulation results demonstrate the correctness of GQIM and show that GQIM achieves a higher data rate and the reliability of transmission in comparison to the existing classic systems.

Abstract Objective d-Serine is a crucial endogenous co-agonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the central nervous system and can affect the function of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) system, which plays an essential role in modulating synaptic plasticity. The current study aimed to systematically evaluate the role and mechanisms of d-serine in depressive behavior in nucleus accumbens (NAc). Methods d-Serine concentration in the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model in NAc was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antidepressant-like effects of d-serine were identified using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in control mice and then assessed in CSDS model. We applied social interaction and sucrose preference tests to identify the susceptibility of CSDS model. Western blotting was further performed to assess the changes of BDNF signaling cascade in NAc after CSDS and d-serine treatment. The BDNF signaling inhibitor (K252a) was also used to clarify the antidepressant-like mechanism of d-serine. Moreover, d-serine effects on synaptic plasticity in NAc were investigated using electrophysiological methods. Results d-Serine concentration was decreased in depression susceptible mice in NAc. d-Serine injections into NAc exhibited antidepressant-like effects in FST and TST without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. d-Serine was also effective in CSDS model of depression. Moreover, d-serine down-regulated the BDNF signaling pathway in NAc during CSDS procedure. Furthermore, BDNF signaling inhibitor (K252a) enhanced the antidepressant effects of d-serine. We also found that d-serine was essential for NMDARs-dependent long-term depression (LTD). Conclusion d-Serine exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice mediated through restraining the BDNF signaling pathway and regulating synaptic plasticity in NAc.

Loneliness has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, the extent of this relationship remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the strength of the relationship between loneliness and dementia using a meta-analysis approach. PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Internet databases were systematically searched for potentially included studies from inception up to 17 February 2022. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A literature search identified 16 cohort studies (published in 15 articles), among which 4,625 dementia cases and 62,345 individuals were selected for further meta-analysis. Loneliness was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.32–2.23; P < 0.001) and dementia (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16–1.31; P < 0.00001). However, no significant association between loneliness and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.97–1.87; P = 0.080) or vascular dementia (VaD) (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.51–1.99; P = 0.973) was observed. Results revealed that loneliness might increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Early interventions that limit loneliness may reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Electron transport layer (ETL) plays an undeniable role in improving the performance of n-i-p planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is known as a promising ETL material for perovskite solar cell. In this work, the effect of annealing temperature on optical, electrical, and surface morphology of the electron-beam (EB)-evaporated TiO2 ETL, and consequently on the performance of perovskite solar cell, was investigated. It was found that annealing treatment at an optimized temperature of 480 °C considerably improved the surface smoothness, density of grain boundaries, and carrier mobility of TiO2 film, which resulted in nearly 10-fold improvement in power conversion efficiency (11.16%) in comparison with the unannealed device (1.08%). The improvement in performance of the optimized PSC is attributed to the acceleration of charge carrier extraction, as well as suppression of the recombination at the ETL/Perovskite interface.

Abstract Background The present study aimed to quantitate the wear of the highly transparent Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) ceramic monolithic zirconia crown on the enamel in vivo and discuss the prone position of the wear and the underlying mechanism. Methods A total of 43 patients with 43 posterior teeth were selected for full zirconia crown restoration and examined immediately, at 6 months, and at 1 year after restoration. During the follow-up visit, the fine impression of the patients’ monolithic zirconia crowns, the antagonist teeth, the corresponding contralateral natural teeth, the super plaster cast, and epoxy resin model was ontained. The model of epoxy resin was observed under a stereo microscope, and the microstructure parts were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results After 1 year, the mean depth and volume of wearing of the monolithic zirconia crown were the smallest (all P

Objective: Vascular dementia is the second leading cause of dementia, which is strongly associated with diabetes. Ectopic expression of miR-133a in endothelial cells is involved in endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Whether berberine, as a natural product in Coptis chinensis, improves vascular dementia induced by diabetes remains unknown. Methods: Diabetes and subsequent vascular dementia were induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/day) for five consecutive days. The expression of miR-133a was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The learning and memory were evaluated by step-down, step-through, and morris water maze (MWM) tests. Results: In streptozotocin-injected rats, hyperglycemia dramatically induced miR-133a ectopic expressions in vascular endothelium, reduced GTPCH1 gene expressions and BH4 levels, which were reversed by berberine administration (1.0 g/kg/day, 8 weeks). Hyperglycemia also inhibited acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in middle cerebral artery and reduced blood supply to the brain, which were bypassed by berberine. Ex vivo studies indicated that miR-133a agomirs abolished these beneficial effects of berberine on acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, while supplement of L-sepiapterin prevented endothelial dysfunction in middle cerebral artery isolated from rats. By performing step-down, step-through, and MWM tests, we observed that hyperglycemia significantly caused the impairments of learning and memory in streptozotocin-injected rats. Importantly, these aberrant phenotypes in diabetic rats were normalized by berberine therapy. Finally, berberine reduced miR-133a expression, and increased both BH4 levels and NO production in cultured endothelial cells treated with high glucose. Conclusion: Berberine improves vascular dementia in diabetes, which is possibly related to the suppression of miR-133a ectopic expression in endothelial cells.

This paper investigates the compressive strength loss of wollastonite modified magnesium ammonium phosphate cement (MAPC) and magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) paste after exposure to NaCl freeze-thaw cycles, alternation of dry-wet (water medium and 3 % NaCl medium), H2SO4 and NaOH corrosion. The compressive strength loss was applied to characterize the corrosion degree of specimens. Results indicated that the addition of wollastonite has a positive effect on the resistance to NaCl freeze-thaw cycles, alternation of dry-wet, H2SO4 and NaOH corrosion. The number of NaCl freeze-thaw cycles, alternation of dry-wet and the immersing days in H2SO4 and NaOH solutions led to the acceleration of corrosion. NaCl freeze-thaw cycles and alternation of dry-wet had a little corrosive effect on the wollastonite modified magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) pastes. However, wollastonite modified MPC pastes were seriously corroded by the immersion of H2SO4 and NaOH solution. MKPC showed the lower compressive strength loss when the samples were exposed to NaCl freeze-thaw cycles and dry-wet cycles in NaCl solution. While, in the condition of dry-wet cycles in water, MAPC behaved a lower compressive strength loss. Additionally, MAPC performed a higher compressive strength loss in H2SO4 corrosion environment than that of MKPC. On the other hand, MKPC showed better resistance to compressive strength attenuation.

Abstract Background Aseptic loosening of artificial hip joint is a major complication affecting the long-term use of the artificial hip joint, and is the main cause of joint replacement failure. However, the mechanism of aseptic loosening of THR has not yet cleared. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of DANCR in osteoblast differentiation (OD). Methods We detected the expressions of DANCR and FOXO1 in clinical samples and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The effects of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on OD of MSCs were examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. The expressions of OD markers were measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The mechanism of DANCR in OD was detected by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and ubiquitination assays. Results Compared with the surrounding normal tissues, DANCR expression was up-regulated and FOXO1 expression was down-regulated in periprosthetic tissues. PMMA suppressed ALP activity, increased DANCR expression, and decreased the expressions of FOXO1, Runx2, Osterix (Ostx) and osteocalcin (OCN). ARS staining showed that PMMA inhibited the OD of MSCs. Knockdown of DANCR attenuated the inhibitory effect of PMMA on OD. Knockdown of FOXO1 could reverse the effect of si-DANC. RNA pull-down and RIP assay implicated that DANCR bound to FOXO1. Ubiquitination assay indicated that si-DANCR could repress Skp2-mediated ubiquitination of FOXO1. Conclusion LncRNA DANCR could inhibit OD by regulating FOXO1 expression.

Abstract This paper demonstrates the lasing and transport properties of a green conjugated polymer, namely POFP. High photoluminescence yields and excellent electron transport of POFP film make it promising for gain media. Low threshold value of 4.0 μJ/cm2 for amplified spontaneous emissions under a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 355 nm was obtained, as well as a high Q-factor of 159. An inverted waveguide microcavity scheme has been developed to fabricate diode-pumped organic solid lasers (OSLs) using POFP. Gain narrowing with significant radiance increase was observed in the devices, giving evidence of the interference enhancement induced by microcavity and the lasing properties of POFP.

The study reported was intended to improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings, using a method of sodium roasting that uses boron-bearing tailings as the raw material and Na2CO3 as the sodium agent. The effects of the roasting temperature and Na2CO3 amount on the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings are mainly evaluated. The morphology and composition of the samples after sodium roasting are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that sodium roasting can significantly improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings. Under the optimal conditions where roasting temperature is 950°C, Na2CO3 amount is five times the theoretical amount and roasting time is 2 h, the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings is up to 86.78%. Based on the analysis of the characterization results and the mechanism analysis of the sodium roasting process, the main reason for the increase of leaching rate is the reaction between Na2O produced by the decomposition of Na2CO3 and the boron in boron-bearing tailings resulting in soluble sodium borate. The results provide a scientific basis for the efficient comprehensive use of boron-bearing tailings.

BackgroundConsiderable controversy exists on the association between retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and stroke risk. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the relationship between RVO and stroke risk. Methods and ResultsPubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library databases were searched for cohort studies with data on RVO and stroke risk. Studies that reported adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs of stroke associated with RVO were included. Stratified analyses were conducted according to key characteristics. A total of 5 articles including results from 6 prospective cohort studies with 431 cases of stroke and 37 471 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors, participants with RVO at baseline were considerably more associated with a greater incidence of stroke risk (combined RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.19–1.90), compared to participants without RVO. The results were more pronounced for stroke (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.24–2.37) in the stratified with a stroke history. The risk of stroke was nonsignificant in male subjects (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.96–1.49) and in female subjects (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.64–1.34). The presence of both central RVO (RR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.46–2.48) and branch RVO (RR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.18–2.72) was associated with increased risk of stroke. Stratifying by age, the associations between RVO and risk of stroke were similar between the age range in the cohorts that ranged from 50 to 59 years and 60 to 69 years. ConclusionsExposure to RVO was associated with an increased risk of stroke, especially in subjects aged between 50 and 69 years. Future studies on the effect of RVO treatment and modifiable risk factor reduction on stroke risk in RVO patients are warranted.