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Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and it's of great importance to understand its underlying mechanisms and find new treatments. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an active lipid that exerts its effects through S1P receptors on the cell surface or intracellular signal, and regulates many cellular processes such as cell growth, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell survival, and so on. S1PR modulators are a class of modulators that can interact with S1PR subtypes to activate receptors or block their activity, exerting either agonist or functional antagonist effects. Many studies have shown that S1P plays a protective role in the cardiovascular system and regulates cardiac physiological functions mainly through interaction with cell surface S1P receptors (S1PRs). Therefore, S1PR modulators may play a therapeutic role in cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review five S1PRs and their functions and the progress of S1PR modulators. In addition, we focus on the effects of S1PR modulators on atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury, diabetic cardiovascular diseases, and myocarditis, which may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how disclosure type and disclosure time have impacts on organizational reputation when medical negligence occurs and whether the mechanism of concealment intention and offensiveness attribution serially mediates the relationship between stealing thunder and organizational reputation. The study also explores the moderating effects of an organizational/industrial history of crisis concealment. Based on three scenario-based experiments, the results demonstrate that, compared to a media disclosure, the self-disclosure effect elicits lower concealment intention and higher organizational reputation. The longer the disclosure time, the higher the concealment intention and the lower the organizational reputation. The findings also show that the effect of disclosure type on organizational reputation is mediated serially by concealment intention and offensiveness attribution. In addition, for hospitals with an organizational history of crisis concealment, the effect of stealing thunder on concealment intention and organizational reputation was weaker. Further, under an industrial history of crisis concealment, the public perceived lower concealment intention and higher organizational reputation when the media disclosed the current crisis case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the question of language diffusion and examine the latest attempt to popularize the Ukrainian language. This effort has been undertaken by the Ukrainian government since 1991. While sociological studies report positive dynamics in Ukrainian language dissemination, in practice, the language adoption progress might be slower than reported. We test this hypothesis using google trends web search data. We apply a Bayesian beta regression model and show that the proposed model is appropriate. The results suggest that the Ukrainian language popularization policy is successful and that the 2022 Russian invasion has considerably intensified the usage of the Ukrainian language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Township health centers play a cornerstone role in the primary healthcare in China while it's development is largely limited by the brain drain. Job satisfaction is closely related to brain drain, investigating the relevant factors of job satisfaction can provide strategies to reduce brain drain. This research was conducted in Huangpi, China. Convenience sampling methods and self-administereded questionnaires were used. We collected 1370 valid samples, with an effective rate of 97.72%. Descriptive statistics are used to describe sociodemographic information. The Pearson Chi-square statistical was used to test the binary association between job satisfaction and another categorical variable. All the sociodemographic information was applied to the binary logistic regression model using the stepwise selection method. The mean age was 36.98 (SD = 9.84), factors that affect job satisfaction include educational background (x2 = 7.99, p< 0.05), marital status (x2 = 8.96, p< 0.05, monthly income (x2 = 51.43, p< 0.01), hire form (x2 = 7.64, p< 0.05), hours worked per week (x2 = 33.48, p< 0.01), parent had a stable job (x2 = 10.65, p< 0.01). Government and management should consider the impact of current policies on job satisfaction. Increasing the welfare of healthcare staff and promoting equity are potential strategies for improving low levels of job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to explore the self-healing process or diffusion of the asphalt materials on aggregates through the experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The asphalt mastic samples were prepared with binders and fine aggregates. The microscale dynamic X-ray computed tomography was conducted to capture the self-diffusion process of the binder in the asphalt mastic controlled at 353.15 K using Advanced Photon Source beamline 2-BM. The Mean Square Displacements were analyzed to describe the self-healing behaviors of binders by an MD method. The results of tests and MD simulations show that the molecules of the asphalt model on the nanoscale at high temperatures move faster those at low temperatures. The asphalt molecules move forward to aggregate layer and expand contact area to reduce the system energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-related laboratory test interference or drug/laboratory test interactions (DLTI) are a major source of laboratory errors. DLTI is of concern with regard to both the clinical diagnosis and the monitoring of patients. Although there have been numerous reports about specific drugs that interfere with laboratory tests, there has not been a recent review on the topic. We herein provide a review of the known DLTI of US FDA-approved drugs based on a systematic search of DailyMed, a website containing the labels of US FDA-approved drugs. The labels for all human single-ingredient prescription drugs included in the database (1368) were searched using stemmed keywords and were manually reviewed for their relevance to DLTI. A total of 134 labels were positive, which indicated that the drug interferes with at least one clinical laboratory test. Antibacterial agents, psychotropic drugs and contrast media are the classes of drugs most likely to lead to DLTI. Urine was the clinical sample most frequently affected by DLTI. The FDA drug label is a source of information for studies of DLTI, although information is still lacking for most drugs, and additional improvements are needed for many of the existing records. Medical professionals, clinicians and laboratory staff should keep these possible interactions in mind when interpreting the results of laboratory tests, and should ensure that they obtain a complete and accurate record of all drugs being used by patients in order to anticipate potential DLTI. The development of a reporting system to address potential DLTI is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate meta-regression models are commonly used in settings where the response variable is naturally multidimensional. Such settings are common in cardiovascular and diabetes studies where the goal is to study cholesterol levels once a certain medication is given. In this setting, the natural multivariate endpoint is low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) (LDL-C, HDL-C, TG). In this article, we examine study level (aggregate) multivariate meta-data from 26 Merck sponsored double-blind, randomized, active, or placebo-controlled clinical trials on adult patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Our goal is to develop a methodology for carrying out Bayesian inference for multivariate meta-regression models with study level data when the within-study sample covariance matrixSfor the multivariate response data is partially observed. Specifically, the proposed methodology is based on postulating a multivariate random effects regression model with an unknown within-study covariance matrix Σ in which we treat the within-study sample correlations as missing data, the standard deviations of the within-study sample covariance matrixSare assumed observed, and given Σ,Sfollows a Wishart distribution. Thus, we treat the off-diagonal elements ofSas missing data, and these missing elements are sampled from the appropriate full conditional distribution in a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling scheme via a novel transformation based on partial correlations. We further propose several structures (models) for Σ, which allow for borrowing strength across different treatment arms and trials. The proposed methodology is assessed using simulated as well as real data, and the results are shown to be quite promising. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeast China, an important part of the circum–Pacific magmatic–metallogenetic belt, was characterized by late Mesozoic extensive magmatism and related metallogenesis. It is now generally accepted that this magmatism was related to subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate, and a series of tectonic models such as normal subduction, shallow subduction, and flat-slab subduction have been suggested. Here we propose a new tectonic model involving repeated slab advance–retreat of the Palaeo-Pacific plate on the basis of new geochronological and geochemical data of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic mafic rocks and Early Jurassic A-type granites in southern Jiangxi and western Fujian provinces. The results indicate that Late Triassic (ca. 228 Ma) mafic rocks are shoshonitic, formed in a post-collisional regime of the Tethyan tectonic domain. Early Jurassic (ca. 197–191 Ma) mafic rocks are sodic, emplaced in a continental arc setting coupled with the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. Early Jurassic (ca. 189 Ma) granites, occurring as a NNE-trending belt, belong to the A2group and formed in an extension setting caused by slab break-off. There are an other four A-type granite belts in southeast China, i.e. the Late Triassic, Late Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous A-type granite belts, respectively. Late Triassic (229–221 Ma) A-type granites occur as an ENE-trending belt and were coincident with the Late Triassic mafic magmatism. Late Jurassic (163–153 Ma), Early Cretaceous (136–124 Ma), and Late Cretaceous (101–91 Ma) A-type granite belts, together with the Early Jurassic (189 Ma) A-type granite belt, are all NNE-trending, parallel to the present coastline. The Late Jurassic belt is located further inland, on the west side of the Early Jurassic belt. The Early Cretaceous belt almost overlaps the Early Jurassic belt and the Late Cretaceous belt is located at the coastal area of southeast China. Integrating these observations, we propose a repeated slab-advance–retreat model for the late Mesozoic magmatic evolution of southeast China. Palaeo-Pacific plate subduction underneath southeast China initiated in the Late Triassic Rhaetian and reached southern Jiangxi by ca. 197 Ma, followed by slab rollback during 197–191 Ma and by slab break-off at ca. 189 Ma. Then slab advance was reestablished with the northwestward subduction approaching southern Hunan at ca. 178 Ma. From ca. 174 Ma, slab rollback reinitiated and gradually migrated from inland to the coastal area. This repeated slab-advance–retreat model is helpful to further understand the geodynamic mechanism of the late Mesozoic tectono-magmatism and related metallogenesis of southeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Tibet Plateau comprises a series of crustal terranes that were successively accreted to the southern margin of Eurasia attending the transition of the Palaeo- to Neo-Tethys. We present the first detailed SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotope geochemistry of three Cretaceous plutons (Kalaqigu, Aranbaotai, and Hongqilapu) from this area. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the three plutons were emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. The 114 Ma Kalaqigu pluton is composed of strongly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and granodiorite. These rocks consist of plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, and biotite, and show variable Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7098–0.7157, ϵNd(T) = –8.1 to –15.6, and ϵHf(T) = –10.2 to –19.8 (mean –14.8)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granitoids were generated by partial melting of metasedimentary basement in the normal to thickened lower-crust triggered by underplating or injection of hot mantle-derived magmas in a continental arc setting. The 110 Ma Aranbaotai pluton consists of strongly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline two-mica monzogranites. These rocks are composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, biotite, and muscovite, and also show variable Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7075–0.7144, ϵNd(T) = –9.4 to –13.3, and ϵHf(T) = –5.4 to –16.4 (mean –10.0)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites were formed by partial melting of subducted sediments at a depths of <40 km to ∼40–50 km in the collision (overthrust) zone during continental collision. The 102 Ma Hongqilapu pluton consists of metaluminous high-K calc-alkaline granodiorites. These rocks are composed of plagioclase + K-feldspar + quartz + amphibole + biotite ± clinopyroxene, and show uniform Sr–Nd and Hf (in situzircon) isotopic compositions [87Sr/86Sr (T) = 0.7078, ϵNd(T) = –7.6 to –8.0, and ϵHf(T) = –7.2 to –11.2 (mean –9.4)]. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granitoids were generated by crystal fractionation of basaltic magmas in a continental arc setting. Our new data suggest that at 114 Ma, the Karakorum terrane was still an active continental arc fuelled by the northword slab subduction of the Mesozoic Tethys; collision of the Kohistan terrane with the Karakorum terrane most likely occurred at 110 Ma, resulting in the closure of the Mesozoic Tethys; since 102 Ma, the southern Karakorum terrane hosted to a new continental arc coupled with the northward slab subduction of the Neo-Tethys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Jiangnan Orogen is located at a key tectonic position along the junction between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks. We obtained detailed major and trace elements, whole-rock Nd + zircon Hf isotope data, and U–Pb age data from several Mesozoic granites, including the Fuling (FL), Taiping–Huangshan (TH), Lingshan (LS), Sanqingshan (SQS), and Baijuhuajian intrusions in order to investigate their sources and petrogeneses related to extension in South China. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of zircon from the FL, TH, SQS, and LS bodies yield Early Cretaceous ages of 124–135 Ma. These plutons are alkali-feldspar granites to syenogranites–monzogranites, and show A-type affinities. They have high K2O and total alkali contents, and are enriched in rare earth elements (except for Eu), Zr, and other high-field-strength elements as well as high Ga/Al ratios, and are depleted in Ba and Sr. These granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (ACNK from 0.81 to 1.27). The whole-rockϵNd(T) values of −5.34 to −0.96 are coupled with zirconϵHf(T) values (from −5.3 to +4.24), and all samples plot along the mantle array. Field observations, geochronology, geochemistry, Nd isotopic, and zircon Hf isotopic compositions suggest that they formed by the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic metamorphic basement, with input from juvenile, mantle-derived materials in the shallow (<30 km) crust at high temperatures (756–965°C). These melts underwent crystal fractionation of biotite, plagioclase, and K-feldspar. The upwelling of asthenosphere triggered partial melting of the metamorphic protolith in a back-arc or intra-arc rift setting, reflecting rollback of the Pacific plate. Our research adds new geochronologic constraints on Cretaceous (135–120 Ma) A-type granites from the NE sector of the Jiangnan Orogen. Combined with previous research, we suggest that three main episodes of late Mesozoic extensional tectonism took place in South China: (1) 190–170 Ma (mainly inland), (2) 165–120 Ma (including 165–150 Ma in SE Shi-Hang, 135–120 Ma in NE Shi-Hang, and ∼125 Ma in the Lower Yangtze River Belt), and (3) 100–90 Ma (coastal area), showing an oceanwards younging trend due to the subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Kunlun orogen occupies a key position along the tectonic junction between the Pan-Asian and Tethyan domains, reflecting Proto- and Palaeo-Tethys subduction and terrane collision during early Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic time. We present the first detailed zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–O–Hf isotope geochemistry of the Qiukesu pluton and its microgranular enclaves from this multiple orogenic belt. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Qiukesu pluton was emplaced in the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma). It consists of weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and syenogranite, with initial87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7131–0.7229, ϵNd(T) of –4.1 to –5.7, δ18O of 8.0–10.8‰, and ϵHf(T) (in situzircon) of –4.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites formed by partial melting of lower-crustal granulitized metasedimentary-igneous Precambrian basement triggered by underplating of coeval mantle-derived enclave-forming intermediate magmas. Fractional crystallization of these purely crustal melts may explain the more felsic end-member granitic rocks, whereas such crustal melts plus additional input from coeval enclave-forming intermediate magma could account for the less felsic granites. The enclaves are intermediate (SiO257.6–62.2 wt.%) with high K2O (1.8–3.6 wt.%). They have initial87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7132–0.7226, ϵNd(T) of –5.0 to –6.0, δ18O of 6.9–9.9‰, and ϵHf(T) (in situzircon) of –8.1. We interpret the enclave magmas as having been derived by partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the P–T transition zone between the spinel and spinel-garnet stability fields. Our new data suggest that subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was continuous to the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma); the final closure of the Proto-Tethys occurred in the middle Silurian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dexing ore deposit, Jiangxi Province, is the largest porphyry copper deposit in China. Controversies exist regarding the ore-forming source of this deposit. We have conducted Pb isotope analyses of pyrites from the Tongchang and Fujiawu mines. Our results document consistent Pb isotopes from these two orebodies, with 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 17.954–18.320, 15.407–15.517, and 37.888–38.153, respectively. These Pb isotope ratios are consistent with those of ore-bearing adakitic porphyries but distinctly different from those of the Neoproterozoic metamorphic wall rocks, which indicates that the metals were derived from the porphyries. Based on previous S and Os isotopic data and comparisons with more than 20 Mo-bearing deposits worldwide, we further attribute the narrow range of δ34S values of sulphide minerals and high Re–187Os concentrations of associated molybdenites to a mantle origin. This large-scale copper deposit was evidently emplaced in a continental arc setting attending westward subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. Partial melting of the downgoing oceanic slab generated the adakitic magmas. The associated metals were extracted from the lithospheric mantle by these magmas during ascent through the mantle wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dexing porphyry copper deposit, part of the circum-Pacific porphyry copper ore belt, is the largest porphyry copper deposit in China. We present new LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, bulk-rock elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic as well as in situ zircon Hf isotopic geochemistry for these ore-bearing porphyries, in an attempt to better constrain their petrogenesis. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Dexing porphyries were emplaced in the early Middle Jurassic (∼171 Ma); molybdenite Re–Os dating indicates that the associated Cu–Mo mineralization was contemporaneous (∼171 Ma) with the igneous intrusion. The rocks are mainly high-K calc-alkaline and show adakitic affinities, including high Sr and low Y and Yb contents, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, and high Mg# (higher than pure crustal melts). These porphyries have initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7044−0.7047, ϵNd(T) values of –1.5 to +0.6, and ϵHf(T) (in situ zircon) values of +2.6 to +4.6. They show unusually radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions with initial 206Pb/204Pb ratios up to 18.41 and 207Pb/204Pb up to 15.61. These isotopic compositions are distinctly different from either Pacific MORB or Yangtze lower crust but are similar to the subducting sediments in the western Pacific trenches. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the Dexing porphyries were emplaced in a continental arc setting coupled with westward subduction of the palaeo-Pacific plate. Partial melting involved the subducted slab (mainly the overlying sediments), with generated melts interacting with the lithospheric mantle wedge, thereby forming the investigated high-K calc-alkaline porphyry magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of microgranitoid enclaves in granitic plutons has long been debated (hybrid magma blobs vs. refractory restites or cognate fragments). This article presents detailed petrography, SHRIMP zircon U–Pb chronology, bulk-rock major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd isotope and in situ zircon Hf isotopic geochemistry for microgranitoid enclaves within two Late Triassic granitic plutons in the Qinling orogen. Zircon U–Pb dating shows that the enclaves formed during the Carnian (222.5 ± 2.1 to 220.7 ± 1.9 Ma) coeval with their host granitoids (220.0 ± 2.0 to 218.7 ± 2.4 Ma). Field and petrological observations (e.g. double enclaves, xenocrysts, acicular apatite, and poikilitic K-feldspar or quartz) suggest that the enclaves are globules of a mantle-derived more mafic magma that was injected into and mingled with the host magma. The enclaves are mainly ultrapotassic, distinct from the host granitoids that have high-K calc-alkaline bulk-rock compositions. Although the enclaves have closely similar bulk-rock Sr–Nd isotope [initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7046–0.7056, ϵNd (T) = –0.3 to –5.0] and in situ zircon Hf isotope [ϵHf (T) = –1.5 to +2.9] ratios as the granitoids [initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7042–0.7059, ϵNd (T) = –0.6 to –6.3, ϵHf (T) = –2.2 to +1.6], chemical relationships including very different bulk-rock compositions at a given SiO2 content lead us to interpret the isotopic similarities as reflecting similar but separate isotopic source rocks. Detailed elemental and isotopic data suggest that the enclaves and the host granitoids were emplaced in a continental arc environment coupled with northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic crust. Partial melting of subducted sediments triggered by dehydration of the underlying igneous oceanic crust, with melts interacting with the overlying mantle wedge, formed high-K calc-alkaline granitic magmas, whereas partial melting of diapiric phlogopite-pyroxenites, solidified products of the same subducting sediment-derived melts, generated ultrapotassic magmas of the microgranitoid enclaves. Our new data further confirm that in the Late Triassic time the Qinling terrane was an active continental margin rather than a post-collisional regime, giving new insights into the tectonic evolution of this orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenton technologies for wastewater treatment have demonstrated their effectiveness in eliminating toxic compounds. This study examines how hydrogen peroxide concentration and ultraviolet (UV) light affects oxidation processes. However, total mineralization through these Fenton technologies is expensive compared with biological technologies. Therefore, partial chemical oxidation of toxic wastewaters with Fenton processes followed by biological units may increase the application range of Fenton technologies. Using 2,6-dimethylaniline (2,6-DMA) as the target compound, this study also investigates oxidation intermediates and their biodegradable efficiencies after treatment by Fenton, electro-Fenton and photoelectron-Fenton processes. Analytical results show that the UV light-promoting efficiency, rPE-F/rE-F, was 2.02, 2.55 and 2.67 with initial hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 15, 20 and 25 mM, respectively. We conclude that UV irradiation promoted 2,6-DMA degradation significantly. The same tendency was observed for biochemical oxygen demand/total organic carbon (BOD5/TOC) ratios for each process, meaning that 2,6-DMA can be successfully detoxified using the electro-Fenton and photoelectro-Fenton processes. Some organic intermediates aminobenzene, nitrobenzene, 2,6-dimethylphenol, phenol and oxalic acid-were detected in different oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a waste iron oxide material (BT3), which is a by-product of the fluidized-bed Fenton reaction (FBR-Fenton), for the treatment of a fluoride (F-) solution. The purpose of this study is to investigate a low-cost sorbent as a replacement for the current costly methods of removing fluoride from wastewater. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to characterize the BT3. Contact time, F- concentration (from 0.75 to 6 mmol L-1), and temperature (from 303 to 323 K) are used as operation parameters to treat the fluoride. The highest F- adsorption capacity of the BT3 adsorbent was determined to be 1.17 mmol g-1 (22.2 mg g-1) for a 6 mmol L-1 initial F- concentration at pH 3.9 ± 0.2 and 303 ± 1 K. Adsorption data were well described by the Langmuir model, and the thermodynamic constants of the adsorption process, ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°, were evaluated as -1.63 kJ mol-1 (at 303 K), -1.75 kJ mol-1, and -52.4 J mol-1 K-1, respectively. Additionally, a pseudo-second-order rate model was adopted to describe the kinetics of adsorption. BT3 could be regenerated with NaOH, and the regeneration efficiency reached 95.1% when the concentration of NaOH was 0.05 mol L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) is used to predict the cloud point of surfactants. Several structural, electronic, spatial, and thermodynamic properties are selected as descriptors to build the relationship between cloud point and the microscopic structures. These descriptors include the octanol/water partition coefficient AlogP, the total energy, the molecular density, the highest occupied orbital energy EHOMO, Dipole-y and the Dipole-z. Two methods, the multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis, were chosen to model the structure-properties relationships. The result showed that MLR analysis is better to predict the cloud point of nonionic surfactant than PLS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of CO2 and dust particles coming from power plant flue need to be captured and removed before flue is discharged into the air. In present work, absorption of carbon dioxide in aqueous N-methylidiethanolamine (MDEA) solution coupling dust suppression has been studied in an atomization absorption column, with MDEA concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5mol/L, and with atomization frequencies ranging from 50 to 80 HZ. The obtained experimental results show that absorption rate of CO2 in aqueous MDEA solution can be enhanced when the absorption process couples a dust suppression one under the condition of atomization. The reason for it is attributed to the adsorption of droplets on the solid particles which restrains the amount of entrainment and makes more droplets contact with gas so as to increase effective mass transfer area, thus resulting in the increase of CO2 absorption rate. The range of obtained enhancement factor is from 1.1 to 1.7. Mass transfer enhancement factor increases with the increase of MDEA concentration and atomization frequency at a certain range. Effective mass transfer areas and entrainment ratios suppressed have been calculated based on theoretic research. The results calculated agree with our experimental phenomena, and support the enhancement mass transfer mechanism proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a remanence detection technology and double-layer sensor crack depth quantitative method for the on-line detection of microcracks on the surface of steel wire using remanence were developed. First, an instrument and a verification experiment were designed. Second, the magnetic signal of the prefabricated crack was analysed, and a defect recognition algorithm was designed. Finally, a detection instrument was applied in the industrial field. The results indicate that the practical application of remanence detection technology is feasible, the recognition algorithm is accurate and reliable, and a minimum crack depth of 0.078 mm can be detected. The magnetic anomaly amplitude difference of the double-layer sensor is positively correlated with the crack depth. The maximum error rate of the quantitative formula for the depth obtained by the fitting method is 10.95%. However, distinguishing the tilt direction of the crack from the shape of the notch remains a challenge for remanence detection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of microemulsions in the presence of cyclohexane, Triton X-100,n-butanol, water, and task-special ionic liquid (TSIL) (1-2-aminoethyl-3-butylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) was studied at 25°C. The phase behavior of this ternary system was investigated. Three subregions (namely, water-in-oil phase, bicontinuous phase, and oil-in-water phase) were identified in the single-phase region by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique and electrical conductivity measurement. Microstructures of microemulsions with different water contents have been predicted by using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation. It was found that the DPD simulations successfully reproduce the experimental results in the article. The location of TSIL in the microemulsions was predicted by DPD simulation further. The result indicates that TSIL is more easy to locate in the surfactant and cosurfactant layer and has amphiphilicity, which provides us new insights into the potential applications of TSIL-based microemulsions in separation and new nano-scale material preparation because of the interaction of TSIL with some special components at the interface of oil and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-emulsions containing task-special ionic liquid ([NH2ebim][PF6]) were prepared by spontaneous emulsification. The stability of nano-emulsions was investigated by analysis of droplet size. The microstructure of the mixed solvent including the Triton X-100, n-butanol, and [NH2ebim][PF6] was demonstrated based on macular dynamic simulation. The results indicate that nano-emulsions are relatively stable to the droplet growth at static storage, but unstable under high centrifugal force. Simulation results from the macular dynamic calculation show that [NH2ebim][PF6] locates in the hydrophobic layer of Triton X-100 and n-butanol, which is available for enhancing CO2mass transfer in an absorption process. Nano-emulsions were used as the absorbent to absorb CO2in absorption experiments, and the absorption rates were investigated. The results show that nano-emulsion containing [NH2ebim][PF6] can enhance CO2absorption rate compared to the system that pure water was used as the absorbent. The reason is attributed to the reversible chemical reaction between [NH2ebim][PF6] and CO2on the interface of oil and water, which decreases the concentration of CO2in the bulk so as to increase the mass transfer driving force between gas and liquid. Therefore, the chemical reaction on the interface of oil and water promotes the absorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article investigates the method that captures and fixes CO2using ionic liquid-emulsion liquid membrane (IL-ELM). IL-ELM was prepared and used to absorb CO2. Experimental results indicate that IL-ELM enhances the rate of CO2mass transfer and increases the amount of CO2absorption. Meanwhile, CaCO3fine particles are synthesized in the internal phase of IL-ELM due to the presence of Ca(OH)2solvent. Physicochemical coupling facilitating mass transfer mechanism is proposed in order to explain the enhancement mechanism by IL-ELM. The effect of operating parameters on the absorption rate was investigated, and results agree well with the prediction proposed by physicochemical coupling facilitating mass transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic nutrition index (PNI), based on the serum lymphocyte counts and albumin levels, has been introduced as a prognostic factor in various cancer. In the present study, we explore the prognostic significance of PNI in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A literature search of all publications was conducted using the Cochrane library, PubMed and Embase databases from inception to April 2020. A total of 12 studies consisting of 7,391 patients were enrolled in the present study. We found that low pretreatment PNI is significantly correlated to poor survival, including overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (P = 0.002), progression-free survival/recurrence-free survival/disease-free survival (PFS/RFS/DFS) (P < 0.001). The age (P < 0.001), clear cell histology (P = 0.044), T3–T4 (P = 0.049), and Fuhrman grade 3–4 (P = 0.024) were significantly differed in the low and high pretreatment PNI group. In summary, low pretreatment PNI was associated with adverse clinicopathological features in patients with RCC. Besides, low pretreatment PNI was also an unfavorable factor of OS, CSS, and PFS/RFS/DFS in RCC patients, which could serve as an unfavorable factor. More studies with large participants are required to verify our results. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1931702 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs@Au) based label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor is reported for determining vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cell culture media. VEGF antibodies (Ab) were modified on MNPs@Au to construct an Ab-bound magnetic complex (MNPs@Au-Ab) that was magnetically immobilized on a magnetic glassy carbon electrode (mGCE). The VEGF is captured on the MNPs@Au-Ab/mGCE, leading to increased electron-transfer resistance (Ret) utilized for the determination of VEGF. Combining the highly efficient immobilization of antibodies on magnetic nanocomposites with the high sensitivity of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, an excellent dynamic range for the VEGF concentration from 1.0 × 10−2 to 1.0 × 104 ng mL−1 was obtained with a detection limit of 2.43 pg mL−1. Quantitative determination and the investigation of the secretion of VEGF by various cells were also conducted. VEGF released by cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells and HCT116 cells) was significantly higher than for normal cells (L02 cells), which matched well with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results show that the secretion of VEGF is associated with the metastatic level of cells. The reported sensor is expected to be applied in studies of cancer and tumor metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An all-dielectric metamaterial absorber based on water resonator encapsulated in resin container is proposed. The absorber can afford the maximum absorption up to 98% at 190 GHz, as well as the wide absorption frequency range from 115 GHz to 300 GHz and a nearly 90% relative absorption bandwidth. The role of water resonator sealed in the resin shell in improving absorption capability is demonstrated by the comparison result that the proposed absorber is superior to pure water or pure resin absorber with the same dimension and interpreted by a further study on the fields and power loss density distributions. Moreover, the proposed absorber can remain excellent absorption performance even for the oblique incidence with large angles. Besides the outstanding absorption performance, the proposed absorber has the advantage of low cost endowed by the use of water, which makes it promising for EM compatibility in the millimetre-wave and high-power cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiosugars are not only playing important roles in saccharide synthesis but also occur widely in pharmaceutical agents, natural products and S-glycopeptides/proteins, and possess critical biological activities. Many methods have been developed for the syntheses of thiosugars, but most of them adopted saturated-glycosyl donors to give 1-thiosugars only. With the development of olefin-chemistry and transition metal catalysis, numerous protocols of thiosugar synthesis were developed with 1,2-unsaturated-glycosyl donors (glycals) giving different stereoselectivity and regioselectivity. In this review, we have summarized the synthetic methods of thiosugars using glycal donors based on promoters/catalysts, including main-group, transition metal, rare-earth and solid-supported catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates effects of dispersed ionic liquids on chemical absorption of CO2 in alkanolamine aqueous solution. Oil-in-water emulsion has been prepared, whose continuous phase is trethanol amine aqueous solution, and dispersed phase is an ionic liquid, 1-octyl-3methyl imidazole six phosphate fluoride. The morphololgy of dispersion has been observed by visual method. Absorption rates are linearly fitted based on experimental data. Results show that a mass transfer enhancement has been realized by ionic liquids dispersion. The collaborative action of hydrodynamic effect and shuttle effect is proved to be the main mechanism that ionic liquids dispersion enhances gas absorption. The research indicates that dispersed ionic liquids can bring some advantages, higher absorption rate, lower corrosion for equipment, and higher regeneration efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New, efficient, and a cheap method for the removal of ferrous ion from aqueous in a fluidized bed reactor was developed. Different from the adsorption process in the treatment of iron species, the immobilization of iron oxide on support media in a fluidized bed never reaches saturation. Furthermore, the immobilized iron oxide is reusable in catalysis and adsorption. Silica sand (Si) and iron oxide (SiG) were employed as support media to remove Fe(II) from aqueous in a fluidized bed reactor. The oxidation rate of Fe(II) and the immobilization rate of iron oxide are strongly depend on pH value so the variation of solution pH is considered to be the major parameter. Furthermore, the aeration effect on iron removal efficiency is investigated. 97% of total iron was removed at pH 8 in the presence of SiG and 87% of total iron was removed at pH 6 in the presence of Si. When the initial pH was adjusted to 6 and was not adjusted during the reactions, the optimum total iron removal efficiency (97%) was found. The air aeration was provided to keep the dissolved oxygen in constant. Aeration air accelerates the oxidation of ferrous ion, but does not improve the total iron removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study of spray drying was carried out aimed at improvement of the phospholipid microencapsulation process. Three kinds of wall materials, maltodextrin blended with sodium caseinate, gelatin, and soy protein, respectively, were used to prepare phospholipid emulsion. Through examining the emulsion stability, a stable emulsion with the sodium caseinate contained system was obtained under 2.5 of mass ratio between maltodextrin and sodium caseinate, 70-80°C of emulsification temperature, 2.5% of emulsifier concentration, and 40 MPa of homogenization pressure. Phospholipid microcapsules with a mean size of 62 µm in apparent geometric diameter and good fluidity, dispersion, and dissolubility were prepared under 140°C of air inlet temperature, 30°C of feed temperature, and 20% of solids concentration. Up to 90% of phospholipid microencapsulation efficiency is achieved. In addition, phospholipid microcapsules have good dissolubility, fine appearance, and excellent fluidity and dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) gene family, which is known to participate in cellular processes, is one of the most conserved plant-specific gene families that regulate signal transduction in eukaryotic organisms. However, the PP2C gene family of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. has not yet been systematically characterized. In this study, 76 PP2C genes of G. uralensis (GuPP2Cs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis divided these GuPP2Cs into 12 subfamilies. The gene structure and protein motifs of the GuPP2Cs were then analysed. The analysis of the transcriptomic data of the GuPP2Cs revealed that nine genes were highly sensitive to abscisic acid (ABA) stress and might respond to ABA treatment. These nine genes were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study provides a foundation for future studies on the functional PP2C genes of G. uralensis and the improvement of the cultivation and quality of G. uralensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have concentrated on the prevalence and related factors of depression and falls among the elderly living in rural communities of Guangzhou. A total of 335 participants aged ≥60 years were recruited by simple random sampling method. A structural equation model was applied to determine interrelationships between depression, falls and other variables. As high as 27.5% and 23.3% participants had reported depressive symptoms and falls, respectively. The path analysis showed the total effect (β = −0.58) of depression on quality of life (QOL) consisted of a direct effect (β = −0.51) and an indirect effect (β = −0.07), which was mediated by family function and number of falls, and the R2 was 0.36. The model fit indices were χ2/df = 1.096, P > 0.05, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.017, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.998 and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.999. Depression and falls were prevalent among the elderly living in rural communities of Guangzhou city. Pay attention to strengthen family function and prevent falls may prevent depression and improve the QOL among the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive neoplasm. Targeted therapy has been proven to be a promising way for cancer therapy. Here, we report a novel anti-CD147 antibody for esophageal cancer therapy, which is a chimeric antibody with modified glycoform in Fc region. Methods: ADCC assay was used to explore the antitumor efficacy of Metuzumab against esophageal cancer in vitro. Wound healing assay and Boyden Chamber invasion assay were performed to explore whether Metuzumab could inhibit migration and invasion of esophageal cancer in vitro. Insulin-like growth factors 1 (IGF-1) and PI3k/Akt was assayed for elaborating antagonistic mechanism of Metuzumab in migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells. Subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model was used to investigate the antitumor efficacy of Metuzumab against esophageal cancer in vivo. The esophageal cancer tissue microarrays (TMA) was examined for identification of association of CD147 with lymph node metastasis, and the footpad xenograft nude mouse model was used to explore whether Metuzumab could inhibit lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer in vivo. Results: The results showed that Metuzumab exhibited higher ADCC compared to the wild type antibody cHAb18. Metuzumab inhibited migration and invasion of esophageal cancer through blockade of CD147 in vitro. The results of Western blot showed Metuzumab might inhibit migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells through suppressing activation of PI3k/Akt and expression of IGF-1. Experiments in vivo showed that Metuzumab exhibited significant antitumor efficacy and inhibited lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer in xenograft models. The immunochemical staining of TMA showed CD147 was high-expressed on various kinds of esophageal cancer tissues and associated with the grade of lymph node-metastasis. Conclusions: The in vitro and in vivo study demonstrated dual effects of Metuzumab in effectively mediating ADCC by activating effector cells, and inhibiting metastasis of esophageal cancer through blockade the function of CD147, providing justification for moving Metuzumab forward to clinical development in esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a disease where increased bone weakness increases the risk of a broken bone. Until a broken bone occurs, there are typically no symptoms. Osteoporosis affects more than 75 million people in the United States, Europe and Japan. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is primarily determined by measuring bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, but for men under 50 years of age, premenopausal women should not be made on the basis of densitometric criteria alone. Bone biomarkers are a useful tool in detecting osteoporotic. A two-step dual-label time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) was developed for the simultaneous detection of serum C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) of Type I procollagen in a single run. The performance of this assay was first evaluated using clinical serum samples, and then compared with commercialized kits. The sensitivity of this assay for β-CTX was 1 ng/L (dynamic range, 0-1000 ng/L), and the sensitivity for P1NP detection was 1 μg/L (dynamic range, 1-1000 μg/L). High correlation coefficients (R) were obtained between the present dual-label TRFIA and commercially available kits (R = 0.99 for β-CTX and P1NP). The present dual-label TRFIA has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in clinical sample analysis. It is a good alternative to the single-label diagnostic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pressures vary by geographic location and will lead to differentiation in life history traits according to which maximize fitness. Life history theory predicts that harsh environments are likely to select for larger egg or offspring size, and for a stronger trade-off between offspring size and number. To test this prediction, we compared life history traits among 11 plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) populations at different altitudes. We found that females with a concomitant increase in body size produce larger eggs and more offspring in warm environments than females in cold environments do. Moreover, females from two natural populations produced offspring of different sizes between years. The decreasing resource allocation to current offspring size and number may increase survival and future fecundity in harsh environments. Thus, there may be a trade-off between mortality and fecundity in different environments. In addition to body size, we suggest that temperature plays an important role in shaping maternal investment variation in R. kukunoris across geographical gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple cropping systems are beneficial for grain yields. Monitoring the spatial and temporal variations in cropping systems is important for evaluating food production and making scientific decisions for agricultural development. Satellite-derived NDVI time series can describe crop metrics (e.g., seeding, jointing, and harvesting) and can be used to obtain cropping information. In this study, rather than statistical data, MODIS NDVI time-series data at a resolution of 250 m for 2000, 2005, and 2010 were used to extract the cropping index in Shandong province. A method combining the spline interpolation and HANTS algorithms was proposed to reconstruct high-quality NDVI time series. The results showed that the proposed method can compensate for the weaknesses of the individual algorithms and effectively reduce the noise in NDVI time series. The NDVI-derived cropping index using the proposed method showed a high degree of consistency with statistical data and field sample data. The errors in the cropping index were due to land use changes and mixed crop types within a pixel. Croplands with 2 crops per year were mainly located mainly in the western plain, whereas croplands with 1 crop were found throughout Shandong province, most predominantly in the north, the middle mountainous regions, and the eastern hilly regions. The cropping index was largest in 2000 and smallest in 2010. The interannual variations are caused mainly by social and economic factors such as economic profit and crop rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide a basis for evaluating the prognosis of small left heart system development in fetuses, we analyzed its related factors.Methods: The fetal echocardiogram was performed in 3859 pregnant women, and then small left heart system development was identified in 69 fetuses. The data of prenatal and postnatal echocardiograms, postnatal cardiac surgical treatment, chromosome and autopsy after induced labor were analyzed in the 69 fetuses.Results: Except 1320 cases losing follow-up, 2539 cases had complete data. Among the 2539 cases, small left heart system development was identified in 69 fetuses. Of the 69 fetuses, 12 had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 20 premature closure of foramen ovale, 13 total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, 2 common pulmonary vein lumen atresia, 21 aortic coarctation or interruption and 1 right pulmonary hypoplasia. Among the 69 fetuses, chromosome abnormality was found in 7.Conclusion: There are many etiological factors causing small left heart system development. The prognosis is poor in the fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, common pulmonary vein lumen atresia, pulmonary hypoplasia, other malformations or/and chromosome abnormality. Fetal echocardiography combined with chromosome examination can provide important bases for making diagnosis and evaluating the prognosis regarding small left heart system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete chloroplast sequence ofDendrobium officinale, an endangered and economically important traditional Chinese medicine, was reported and characterized. The genome size is 152,018 bp, with 37.5% GC content. A pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,284 bp are separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 84,944 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 14,506 bp). The complete cp DNA contains 83 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Fourteen genes contained one or two introns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study that analyzes the rarity of TP53 mutation in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) which is the most aggressive myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). It states that 50 patients with PMF were involved in the study for TP53 mutations wherein their archival bone marrow DNA were retrieved for cytogenetics, immunophenotypic and molecular evaluations. Results reveal that PMF is the weakest prognosis in patients with MPN with an estimated 5 years median survival.