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Background: Protein cysteine oxidation is substantially involved in various biological and pathogenic processes, but its implications in pancreatic cancer development remains poorly understood. Methods and results: In this study, we performed a global characterization of protein oxidation targets in PDAC cells through iodoTMT-based quantitative proteomics, which identified over 4300 oxidized cysteine sites in more than 2100 proteins in HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Among them, 1715 cysteine residues were shown to be differentially oxidized between HPDE6c7 and PANC-1 cells. Also, charged amino acids including aspartate, glutamate and lysine were significantly overrepresented in flanking sequences of oxidized cysteines. Differentially oxidized proteins in PANC-1 cells were enriched in multiple cancer-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Specifically, the HIF-1 signaling proteins exhibited significant oxidation alterations in PANC-1 cells, and the reduced PHD2 oxidation in human PDAC tissues was correlated with lower survival time in pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusion: These investigations provided new insights into protein oxidation-regulated signaling and biological processes during PDAC pathogenesis, which might be further explored for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work used electrical resistivity over the first 72 h of hydration to measure the impact of air, sealed, and wet curing on mortar samples at different depths. The resistivity measurements provide new insights that are not easily obtained with other techniques and provide direct insights into the moisture change. The resistivity correlates with the porosity, degree of saturation (DOS), and a novel splitting test. This work also provides important insights into how curing impacts the porosity, DOS, and strength of mortar samples at different depths. This work is the basis for future real-time sensing techniques with resistivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different transition metals (Cr/Fe/Mn/Co) derived catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 were prepared by the isovolumetric impregnation method for catalytic ozonation of acetone (C3H6O), and their catalytic activities under industrial complex conditions were investigated. Among them, CrOx/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with Cr loading of 1.5%, abbreviated as Cr1.5%, achieved the best activity, benefitting from its larger surface area, larger proportion of Cr6+/Cr, more chemically desorbed oxygen species Oβ, appropriate acidity, and superiority of low-temperature reducibility. Simulated industrial conditions were used to investigate the applicability of Cr1.5% catalysts for catalytic ozonation of acetone. Results illustrated that the optimum temperature range was 120–140 °C, with molar ratio O3/C3H6O > 6. Different C3H6O initial concentrations had less effect over the activity of Cr1.5% catalysts, with little residual ozone, confirming the applicability of Cr1.5% catalysts in industrial application. The effects of sulfur/water vapor on catalytic activity were also investigated, and satisfactory resistance to sulfur or water vapor individually was obtained. Finally, in-situ DRIFTS measurement was carried out, to explore and illustrate mechanisms of acetone catalytic ozonation pathways and sulfur/water poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) published a grading system for invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma that is closely associated with prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy specimen grading and surgery-guided grading systems for detecting invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma and to determine whether CT-guided biopsy can predict the degree of histological differentiation. Methods: In total, 130 patients with invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma who underwent CT-guided biopsy before surgical excision were retrospectively studied. Biopsy and surgical specimen pathologies were compared. Grading was performed according to different subtypes proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV), and accuracy were calculated for each subtype and grade. Results: The concordance rates of biopsy and surgical pathology subtypes and grades were 73.1% and 72.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of grade 3 were 54.8%, 100%, 100%, 87.6%, and 89.2%, respectively. Pathology grades were primarily discrepant with respect to two aspects of biopsy and surgical samples in the same patient. First, the biopsy and surgical specimen pathology findings indicated lepidic and acinar subtypes as the main subtypes in the same patient, respectively. Second, biopsy specimen histology did not find solid types; however, >20% of solid subtypes were identified in surgical pathology samples in the same patient. Conclusions: The preoperative CT-guided biopsy specimen grading system showed relatively high accuracy and could predict the prognosis of invasive non-mucinous lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical characteristics of fatty acid (FA) vesicles and their ion sensitivity as drug delivery vehicles in an ion-competitive environment have received much attention. Here, we show that in a Na+/K+ competitive ionic environment, FA vesicles undergo a cascade of periodic expansion and selective ion retention in response to osmotic attack. When the Na+/K+ ratio is altered, the expansion and volume of vesicles are affected and the ions in vesicles mix with the hyperosmotic fluid to produce a stable transmembrane potential, consistent with the Donnan effect and iontophoresis theory. Furthermore, osmotic swelling experiments suggest that FA vesicles are more easily maintained in a single Na+ or K+ solution than in a multicomponent ion competition system. As a theoretical basis for the utilization of FA vesicles in multicomponent ionic environments, we developed a core theoretical model to characterize the basic features of the volume fluctuations of FA vesicles in ion-competing environments. [Display omitted] • Fatty acid vesicles can swell or contract in an ionic environment. • Volume changes of FA vesicles are bigger in K+ than in a competing environment. • Maintaining FA vesicles in Na+ or K+ solution is simpler than in complex systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion characteristics and kinetics of straw biochars thermally pretreated via torrefaction, slow pyrolysis, or hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) and co-combusted with bituminous coal were examined in this study to explore the effects of various pretreatment methods and blending ratios on the combustion characteristics of biochars to assess potential practical applications. Non-isothermal experiments were performed using a thermogravimetry analyser. The results showed that the thermogravimetric curve of biochar obtained after HTC was similar to that of raw straw, thereby indicating similar combustion characteristics and reactivity. The average reactivity (R m) index of hydrochar and straw was 1.648 and 2.082, respectively. By contrast, the biochars produced after torrefaction or pyrolysis were more similar to bituminous coal, with the R m index of 0.696, 0.78 and 0.773, respectively. A positive interaction was observed during the char combustion stage of co-firing, with the activation energy of the blends tending towards the lower side. The catalytic effect of biomass ash was likely the predominant reason for the better interaction of pyrolytic biochar with coal. Image 1 • Combustion behaviors and kinetic of straw biochars and their co-firing were studied. • Pre-treatments include torrefaction, slow pyrolysis, or hydrothermal carbonisation. • Combustion characteristics and reactivity of hydrochar are close to those of straw. • Combustion of biochar after torrefaction or pyrolysis is similar to bituminous coal. • Positive interaction was observed during the char combustion stage of co-firing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The measured temperatures in field samples agrees with local air temperature. • A rain event impacted the DOS at 12.7 mm depth, but not the 58 mm depth until 20 h later. • The laboratory results match field measurements of ice formation calculated from resistivity and temperature. • The number of freezing events observed is approximately the same along sample depth. • The DOS are important to understand the number of damaging freeze–thaw cycles. Cementitious materials with a high degree of saturation (DOS) can develop freeze–thaw damage when exposed to freezing temperatures. However, when the DOS of the material is below a threshold value, no freeze–thaw damage should be expected. This work develops a novel way to use resistivity and temperature to measure the DOS, ice formation, and melting at different depths in an insulated mortar sample. The samples were placed at two locations with different weather conditions. The results show that the number of freeze–thaw cycles observed did not always correlate with the number of times the air temperature around a sample went below 0 °C. This highlights the importance of understanding DOS over the depth and temperature during a freezing event. The method presents a practical approach to make widespread measurements of the number of damaging freeze–thaw cycles in field concretes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenoside Rf, a tetracyclic triterpenoid only present in Panax ginseng , has been proven to relieve lipid metabolism and inflammatory reactions, which can be a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rf in the treatment of early-stage NAFLD (NAFL) by using a bioinformatics method and biological experiments. Target genes associated with NAFL were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a database repository of high-throughput gene expression data and hybridization arrays, chips, and microarrays. Subsequently, gene set enrichment analysis was performed by using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis tool. Then, the binding capacity between ginsenoside Rf and NAFL-related targets was evaluated by molecular docking. Finally, the FFA-induced HepG2 cell model treated with ginsenoside Rf was adopted to verify the effect of ginsenoside Rf and the related mechanisms. There were 41 common differentially expressed genes in the GEO dataset. Gene Ontology and Reactome pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed that many pathways could be related to the pathogenesis of NAFL, including those participating in the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, and response to lipopolysaccharide. Finally, the qRT–PCR analysis results indicated that ginsenoside Rf therapy could ameliorate the transcription of ANXA2, BAZ1A, DNMT3L and MMP9. Our research discovered the relevant mechanisms and basic pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rf in the treatment of NAFL. These results might facilitate the development of ginsenoside Rf as an alternative medication for NAFL. [Display omitted] • The pathomechanism of simple hepatic steatosis was discussed. • Ginsenoside Rf is expected to lessen lipid accumulation for hepatic simple steatosis treatment. • Twelve potential targets of ginsenoside Rf therapy for NAFL were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the Lushan M7.0 earthquake on 20 April 2013, a topic of much concern is whether events of M7 or greater could occur again on the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone. In providing evidence to answer this question, this work analyzes the tectonic relationship between the Lushan event and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and the rupture history of the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone, through field investigations of active tectonics and paleoearthquake research, and our preliminary conclusions are as follows. The activity of the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone is much different to that of its central section, and the late Quaternary activity has propagated forward to the basin in the east. The seismogenic structure of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is the central-fore-range fault system, whereas that of the 2013 Lushan event is attributed to the fore-range-range-front fault system, rather than the central fault. The southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone becomes wider towards the south with an increasing number of secondary faults, of which the individual faults exhibit much weaker surface activity. Therefore, this section is not as capable of generating a major earthquake as is the central segment. It is most likely that the 2013 earthquake fills the seismic gap around Lushan on the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control performance of conventional analytic algorithms for double-fed induction generator-based wind turbines is a fixed feature, which needs to be optimized by optimization processes. To avoid the optimization processes and update control strategies online, this paper proposes an online control algorithm based on the quantum process, deep belief networks, and reinforcement learning for double-fed induction generator-based wind turbines. The proposed approach is named quantum deep reinforcement learning, consisting of deep belief networks, one reinforcement learning framework, and multiple subsidiary reinforcement learning parts with quantum processes. The quantum deep reinforcement learning can update the control strategy online with general initialization for dynamic systems, avoid optimal local solutions, and predict the next systemic states of double-fed induction generator-based wind turbines. The proportional–integral–derivative, fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative, active disturbance rejection controller, reinforcement learning, and the quantum deep reinforcement learning are compared under four cases, i.e., variable wind speed with step magnitude, variable wind speed with sine magnitude, voltage dropout of power grids, and both variable wind speed with random magnitude and voltage dropout of power grids. Consequently, the proposed quantum deep reinforcement learning can obtain better control performance for double-fed induction generator-based wind turbines with smaller integrated absolute error, integral squared error, and integrated time-weighted absolute error of the control error than other compared methods. • Parameters of conventional control algorithms need to be optimized offline. • An online control algorithm is proposed to avoid the optimization processes. • Quantum process and deep reinforcement learning are combined for the online method. • The method can avoid local optimal solutions and can predict next systemic states. • Higher control performance is effectively obtained for controllers of wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The problem of optimally deploying urban search and rescue (USAR) teams to disaster sites in post-disaster circumstances is formulated as a multistage stochastic program (MSP). A portion of sites requiring assistance arrive dynamically over the decision horizon and key problem characteristics are known only with uncertainty a priori. The problem seeks to identify a set of tours for USAR teams so as to maximize the total expected number of people that can be saved by attending to all or a subset of disaster sites within the disaster region. Decisions are taken dynamically over the decision horizon as situational awareness improves and survival likelihood diminishes with the aim of increasing the expected number of saved lives. To overcome the expensive computational effort associated with solving a MSP, a column generation-based strategy that consists of solving a series of interrelated two-stage stochastic programs with recourse within a shrinking time horizon is developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, an indicator of network resilience is defined that quantifies the ability of an intermodal freight transport network to recover from disruptions due to natural or human-caused disaster. The indicator considers the network's inherent ability to cope with the negative consequences of disruptions as a result of its topological and operational attributes. Furthermore, the indicator explicitly accounts for the impact of potential recovery activities that might be taken in the immediate aftermath of the disruption to meet target operational service levels while adhering to a fixed budget. A stochastic mixed-integer program is proposed for quantifying network resilience and identifying an optimal postevent course of action (i.e., set of activities) to take. To solve this mathematical program, a technique that accounts for dependencies in random link attributes based on concepts of Benders decomposition, column generation, and Monte Carlo simulation is proposed. Experiments were conducted to illustrate the resilience concept and procedure for its measurement, and to assess the role of network topology in its magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As revealed by field investigations, the co-seismic surface rupture zone of the 2010 MS7.1 Yushu earthquake, Qinghai is a characteristic sinistral strike-slip feature consisting of three distinct sinistral primary ruptures, with an overall strike of 310°--320° and a total length of 31 km. In addition, an approximately 2-km-long en-echelon tensile fissure zone was found east of Longbao Town; if this site is taken as the north end of the rupture zone, then the rupture had a total length of ~51 km. The surface rupture zone is composed of a series of fissures arranged in an en-echelon or alternating relationship between compressive bulges and tensile fissures, with a measured maximum horizontal displacement of 1.8 m. The surface rupture zone extends along the mapped Garzê-Yushu Fault, which implicates it as the seismogenic fault for this earthquake. Historically, a few earthquakes with a magnitude of about 7 have occurred along the fault, and additionally traces of paleoearthquakes are evident that characterize the short-period recurrence interval of large earthquakes here. Similar to the seismogenic process of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the Yushu earthquake is also due to the stress accumulation and release on the block boundaries resulting from the eastward expansion of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, in contrast with the Wenchuan earthquake, the Yushu earthquake had a sinistral strike-slip mechanism resulting from the uneven eastward extrusion of the Baryan Har and Sichuan-Yunnan fault blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In historical records, no earthquake of magnitude comparable with that of the Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake has ever been reported in Chengdu and Longmenshan regions. It is important, therefore, to assess if there is any evidence of prior large earthquakes in the recent geological record. In order to explore this problem, 3 trenches were excavated separately at 3 sites along the surface rupture zones in the middle segment of the Beichuan–Yingxiu Fault and Jiangyou–Guanxian Fault of the Longmenshan fault zone, and the offsets of geomorphic surfaces were measured in the trenches. The basic facts of recurrence of large earthquake on the seismogenic fault of the Wenchuan earthquake are demonstrated in this paper on the basis of the accumulated deformation amounts of old and young geomorphic surfaces as well as the paleoearthquake events revealed in the trenches. The document that at Leigu along the Beichuan–Yingxiu Fault, at Bailu along the Jiangyou–Guanxian Fault, and Xiaoyudong on a NW-trending fault, the height of fault scarp on the second terrace has a multiple relationship to that on the first terrace after the Wenchuan earthquake of 12, May. The elevation difference of the marker horizon (the yellow sandy clay bed) of the second terrace revealed in the trenches on both sides of the fault is nearly twice (or three times larger in Bailu) of that produced by the Wenchuan earthquake. These observations suggest the occurrences of paleoearthquake events with surface deformation comparable to that produced by the Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake. According to the dating data and the fact that there is no such slip of comparable paleoearthquakes in the 2300-year-long historic literature in Longmenshan region, we suggest that the penultimate event occurred between 2300aBP and 3300aBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metallic interconnects have been becoming an increasingly interesting topic in the development in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). High temperature oxidation resistant alloys are currently considered as candidate materials. Among these alloys however, different groups of alloys demonstrate different advantages and disadvantages, and few if any can completely satisfy the stringent requirements for the application. To integrate the advantages and avoid the disadvantages of different groups of alloys, clad metal has been proposed for SOFC interconnect applications and interconnect structures. This paper gives a brief overview of the cladding approach and its applications, and discuss the viability of this technology to fabricate the metallic layered-structure interconnects. To examine the feasibility of this approach, the austenitic Ni-base alloy Haynes 230 and the ferritic stainless steel AL 453 were selected as examples and manufactured into a clad metal. Its suitability as an interconnect construction material was investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (NE Tibetan Plateau) exhibits active geological structures and has experienced multiple strong earthquakes, with M ≥ 7, throughout history. Particularly noteworthy is the 1920 M81/2 earthquake in the Haiyuan region that occurred a century ago and is documented as one of the deadliest earthquakes. Consequently, analyzing seismic risks in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau holds significant importance. The b value, a crucial parameter for seismic activity, plays a pivotal role in seismic hazard analyses. This study calculates the spatial b values in this region based on earthquake catalogs since 1970. The study area encompasses several major active faults, and due to variations in b values across different fault types, traditional grid-search methods may introduce significant errors in calculating the spatial b value within complex fault systems. To address this, we employed the hierarchical space–time point–process (HIST-PPM) method proposed by Ogata. This method avoids partitioning earthquake samples, optimizes parameters using Akaike's Bayesian Information Criterion (ABIC) with entropy maximization, and theoretically allows for a higher spatial resolution and more accurate b value calculations. The results indicate a high spatial heterogeneity in b values within the study area. The northwestern and southeastern regions exhibit higher b values. Along the Haiyuan fault zone, the central rupture zone of the Haiyuan earthquake has relatively higher b values than other regions of this fault zone, which is possibly related to the sufficient release of stress during the main rupture of the Haiyuan earthquake. The b values vary from high in the west to low in the east along the Zhongwei fault. On the West Qinling fault zone, the epicenter of the recent Minxian–Zhangxian earthquake is associated with a low b value. In general, regions with low b values correspond well to areas with moderate–strong seismic events in the past 50 years. The spatial differences in b values may reflect variances in seismic hazards among fault zones and regions within the same fault zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Major fractions in EfOM controlling NF membranes fouling were identified. • An index predicting NF fouling propensity by EfOM was developed. • The established FSI could effectively instruct NF pretreatment. Effluent organic matter (EfOM) is one of the major foulants responsible for the occurrence of membrane fouling during advanced wastewater treatment using nanofiltration (NF) technology. In this present study, we have reported a simple fouling indicator based on the properties of fractional fluorescence and molecular weight, termed as fluorescence-size-index (FSI), to predict the fouling propensity of NF when filtrating EfOM. Specifically, EfOM collected from twenty-one real sewage samples were first analyzed to quantify their fluorescent compositions and concentrations. The results showed that the EfOM consisted mainly of humic-like substances, soluble organism metabolites and fulvic-like substances, characterized by small-molecule organic matters (<5 kDa) and hydrophobic fractions. Second, the major NF fouling fractions of EfOM were determined based on their fluorescent properties. It was observed that small-molecule hydrophobic components with humic-like fluorescence properties continuously influenced the flux decline rate throughout the whole operation, while macromolecular hydrophilic components with fluorescent properties of apparent aromatic hydrocarbon proteins were primarily responsible for the initial, rapid flux decline. Furthermore, the constructed FSI has proven to be useful in guiding the selection of pretreatment methods for preventing NF fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bohai Bay Basin (BBB) is the largest Cenozoic rifted basin in eastern China, which exhibited a multi-episodic behavior. A 2D multi-episodic finite extension model is employed to estimate the stretching factor and strain rate for each rift episode along six seismic profiles. The modeling is based on a reconstruction of pre-rift crustal and lithospheric thicknesses, and is calibrated with the present-day heat flow and Moho depth. The pre-rift thicknesses of the crust and lithosphere are determined to be 34-39 and 80-105 km. The stretching factors range from 1.28 to 1.97, with a peak in the middle-to-late Eocene during which the average strain rate reached 1.1 × 10 s. Our analyses show that the centers of stretching migrated generally from south to north and from west to east during the Cenozoic. The results also indicate an inverse relationship between variations of the average strain rate and the relative motion rate between Pacific plate and Eurasian plate. Combining the results of the previous studies with ours, we infer that the changing subduction rate of the Pacific plate accompanied by episodic eastward retreat of the subduction zone plays important roles in the episodic extension of the BBB and eastward migration of the centers of stretching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault bends can serve as fault segment boundaries and are used in seismic hazard assessment. Recent studies addressing whether rupture propagation would be arrested at such structural complexities have commonly focused on computational modeling. However, multi-cycle paleoseismic rupture observations through fault bends have seldom been reported. In this study, we used trenching and radiocarbon dating to reveal paleoseismic rupture histories on the southern segment of the Anninghe fault (ANHF) along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau to explore multi-cycle surface rupture behavior at an extensional fault bend (with an angle of about 30°) at Xichang between the ANHF and Zemuhe fault (ZMHF). Specifically, nine trenches were opened in a fault depression at Maoheshan site and five paleoseismic events were identified. These have been named E1 through E5 respectively corresponding to events at 1400–935 BCE, 420–875 CE, 830–1360 CE, 1295–1715 CE, and 1790 CE–Present. After comparison with the historical records of earthquakes around Xichang and previous paleoseismic results, we suggest that the five seismic events are constrained at: 1365 BCE–935 BCE, 814 CE, 950 CE- 1145 CE, 1536 CE and 1850 CE, respectively. The average recurrence interval of earthquakes along the southern segment of the ANHF is about 700–800 yr. Furthermore, the evidence indicates that surface-faulting events along the southern segment of the ANHF appear to be unevenly spaced in time. Moreover, based on comparisons of seismic events along the ANHF and ZMHF, we find that two fault segments simultaneous ruptured during the 814 CE and 1850 CE earthquakes, event E3 and the 1536 CE earthquake ruptured the ANHF but not rupture the ZMHF. We suggest that the Xichang fault bend is not a persistent fault boundary, indicating that extensional fault bends with an angle of about 30° may not effectively terminate seismic ruptures on strike-slip faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (M W 7.9) ruptured two large thrust faults within the Longmenshan fault zone (along the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau): the Beichuan-Yingxiu Fault and the Guanxian-Jiangyou Fault. Previously, coseismic displacements, including vertical and horizontal slip along the surface rupture, have been investigated in detail, along with far-field horizontal shortening, estimated using GPS measurements. However, the distribution of near-field horizontal shortening across the surface rupture is relatively ambiguous because there are few markers in the earthquake zone and very few appropriate landforms for surveying. Palinspastic restoration of paleoseismic trench logs, as an alternative approach, may compensate for these deficiencies and reflect true deformation types and shortening across the surface rupture. We present several methods for estimating shortening based on the genesis of earthquake scarps. The results demonstrate that the shortening ranges from 2.5m to 0.6m for localities along the Guanxian-Jiangyou Fault with the highest values at the southwestern end. Along the Beichuan-Yingxiu Fault, near-field shortening ranges from 1.3m to 3.4m with two maxima toward the NE and SW ends of the fault, near the towns of Shenxigou and Leigu — these locations correlate with the two most heavily damaged regions. Horizontal shortening on the Guanxian-Jiangyou Fault is generally less than that across the Beichuan-Yingxiu Fault. Based on the distribution of near-field horizontal shortening from trenching across surface rupturing, the maximum near-field horizontal shortening across the surface rupture for the Wenchuan earthquake is ∼5.3m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease, there is no radical cure. Traditional Chinese medicine has accumulated a lot of clinical experience in the treatment of psoriasis and developed a variety of treatment methods, among which Yinxieling optimization formula (PSORI-CM01) have a definite clinical effect in the treatment of psoriasis, but their mechanism of action is still unclear. To investigate the molecular mechanism of the PSORI-CM01 in the treatment of psoriasis. Firstly, potential active compounds and key signaling pathways of PSORI-CM01 were explored by the systems pharmacology method. Then MTT assay was used to screen the potentially active compounds of PSORI-CM01, and explore the combined effects of potentially active compounds. The regulation of potentially active compounds on inflammatory factors were evaluated by a Human Th17 Magnetic Bead Panel. The regulation of PSORI-CM01 on key targets in the key signaling pathways were explored by qRT-PCR method. Finally, the molecular mechanism of PSORI-CM01 in the treatment of psoriasis was explained by the systems pharmacology method. The potentially active compounds of PSORI-CM01 included gallic acid, liquiritigenin, rosmarinic acid, syringic acid, isoliquiritin apioside, caffeic acid, naringenin, cryptochlorogenic acid, (+)-taxifolin, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, fraxin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, lithospermic acid, isoliquiritigenin, salviandic acid B, octahydrocurcumin, catechin, syringaldehyde, methyl rosmarinate, paeonol, protocatechuic acid, astilbin, isoastilbin, isofraxidin and zederone. Both antagonistic and synergistic effects were determined in the combinations of active compounds. Most of the active compounds up-regulated IL-2, IL-6, IL-9 and TNF-α, and down-regulated IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-27. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway would be the key signaling pathway of PSORI-CM01. The qRT-PCR results showed that its compounds can effectively regulate the expression of key targets in this pathway. The molecular mechanism of PSORI-CM01 for treating psoriasis would be mediated by regulating the network of inflammatory factors through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We estimate fluid fluxes using 5-year multi-depth temperature data at 6 locations. • Flux changes after two earthquakes in near and intermediate fields are identified. • Fluid flow changes mimic distribution of coseismic volume-strain in the near-field. Heat as a groundwater tracer has potential application in identifying earthquake-induced changes in fluid flow. Since convective heat transport modifies the phase and amplitude of periodic oscillations under pure heat conduction condition, temporal variation of groundwater flux can thus be derived from multi-depth periodic temperature signals. Here we present groundwater flux changes after two large earthquakes nearby, determined from in situ bedrock temperature measurements in the Xianshuihe fault zone, at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Five-year temperature time series at six different locations are recorded by high sensitivity temperature sensors (10−4 K) installed at various depths ranging from 0 to 20 m. Groundwater fluxes are estimated through time-varying amplitudes and phases of the annual oscillations, extracted from the Dynamic Harmonic Regression technique. Results show different hydrological responses to these two earthquakes. After the 2013 M s 7.0 Lushan earthquake, sustained rise in upward flux was revealed at all locations in the intermediate-field, contradicting to the modeled coseismic static dilatational strains. However, groundwater flux patterns after the 2014 M s 6.3 Kangding earthquake are consistent with the coseismic volumetric strain distribution of a quadrantal pattern of this event. We propose that enhanced hydraulic permeability by dynamic stress might cause the increased upward fluid flux after the Lushan earthquake in the intermediate-field, while coseismic static volumetric strain may account for the hydrological changes after the Kangding earthquake in the near-field. This is the first time that temperature–time series are used to quantify continuous earthquake-related changes in groundwater fluxes. In situ temperature monitoring can provide insights into earthquake-driven hydrologic responses, and also offer additional information to identify temporal changes in crustal strain or hydraulic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exact prevalence of mirror syndrome remains unclear, and the precise clinical features need to be disclosed. We retrospectively reviewed 85 cases of foetal hydrops from a total of 98,484 deliveries. Of these 16 showed mirror syndrome, while 69 did not. The incidence of mirror syndrome among all deliveries was 0.0162%, while that among patients with foetal hydrops was 23.2%. Maternal symptoms of mirror syndrome included anaemia (n = 15), hypertension (n = 7), proteinuria (n = 8), pulmonary oedema (n = 3), cardiac failure (n = 2) and HELLP syndrome (n = 2). Placental thickness, placental weight and amniotic fluid index were significantly different between the groups. In the mirror syndrome group, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and D-dimer levels were significantly higher (p <.05), whereas haemoglobin, serum albumin levels, haematocrit value and platelet count were significantly lower (p <.05). Elevated uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer levels may be useful as predictors of mirror syndrome. What is already known on this subject? As mirror syndrome is uncommon and under-diagnosed, its exact incidence is not yet clear, and most publications are case reports or reviews of case reports. What the results of this study add? The incidence of mirror syndrome among all deliveries was 0.0162%, while that among patients with foetal hydrops was 23.2%. Pregnant women who develop mirror syndrome may show severe complications of pregnancy. Attention should be paid to the further progress of the condition. Placental thickness, placental weight and amniotic fluid index were significantly different between those with mirror syndrome and those without. In the mirror syndrome group, the uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and D-dimer levels were significantly higher (p <.05), whereas haemoglobin level, haematocrit value, platelet count and serum albumin level were significantly lower (p <.05). What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Mirror syndrome is not rare among patients with foetal hydrops. Elevated uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer levels may be useful as predictors of mirror syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the shortcomings of biomass, such as poor fuel characteristics and high alkali metal content, two typical herbs (rice straw and sesame stalk) were processed by pretreatments combining water washing and carbonisation (T-W: water washing after torrefaction; W-T: torrefaction after water washing; and HTC: hydrothermal carbonisation), and the effects on PM 10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less) emissions were determined. For both biomasses, PM 1 was mainly composed of K, Cl, and S, and all three pretreatments perform well in its reduction (HTC > W-T > T-W). The emission reduction effect on PM 1 was determined by the removal extent of the above elements by various pretreatments. Regarding PM 1–10 , for rice straw, its emission only increased after HTC, and the other two pretreatments did not change substantially. As for sesame stalk, its emissions increased significantly after the three pretreatments. The change in the mineral content of the sample and the degree of fragmentation during combustion together determined the effect of pretreatment on PM 1–10 emission. Based on equal energy input, the three pretreatments performed better on PM 10 reductions for both typical herbs. • Two typical herbs were pretreated with combining water washing and carbonisation. • PM 1 emission reduction is codetermined by the removal extent of K/Na and Cl/S. • Among three combinations, hydrothermal carbonisation performs best on PM 1 emission. • The emission reduction effect on PM 1 – 10 varies depending on the type of herbs. • Based on energy, three treatments have obvious emission reduction effects on PM 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permeability, which is an important property that controls the transportation processes in the shallow crust, is known to change during large earthquakes. Several studies have independently documented changes in permeability or groundwater motion through water level, streamflow, water temperature, and geochemical observations. In this study, we first compared water level data from three wells located in the Longmenshan Fault zone, where the 2008 M w 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake occurred. We then analyzed the changes in aquifer permeability associated with the 2021 M w 7.4 Maduo earthquake, which occurred 640 km away from the study area, using water-level tidal response and multi-depth temperature observations from one of the three wells. Tidal response analysis of water-level data indicated a great increase in the phase shift of the M 2 wave from negative to positive, reflecting an enhancement in vertical permeability of the aquifer due to the Maduo earthquake. Multi-depth temperature observations indicated that the co-seismic water temperature increased successively from deeper to shallower depths, indicating the upward migration of the water (at a transient rate of 1.5–2.3 × 10−2 m/s) in observation section. The results indicated that our method is effective for studying changes in the permeability of groundwater motion in an aquifer related to an earthquake. • We combined water-level tidal response and multi-depth temperature observations. • The studied well was located on Longmenshan Fault zone affected by Maduo Earthquake. • Water-level tidal analysis indicated enhanced vertical permeability. • Multi-depth temperature observations indicated upward migration of the water. • Our method identifies permeability changes/groundwater motion during earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linderane (LDR) and norisoboldine (NOR) are two typical active compounds in Lindera aggregate (Sims.) Kosterm. In this study, a new method of sequential extraction of LDR and NOR from L. aggregate was developed by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ionic liquid-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) for the first time. The suitable SFE with CO2 conditions for LDR were 60 min dynamic extraction time, 40°C temperature and 30 MPa pressure. And the optimal IL-UAE factors for NOR were 2.06 mol/L 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim] Br) aqueous solution, 44 mL/g liquid-solid ratio, and 67 min ultrasonic time. Compared with the traditional extraction process, the sequential methods not only can obtain higher extraction efficiency, but also can realize the selective extraction for two different kinds of constituents with less consumption of traditional organic solvent. In addition, this environmentally friendly method could be used in a large-scale industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is overexpressed in several varieties of carcinoma, including breast cancer. WH701 (Ala-Thr-Ala-Gln-Ser-Ala-Tyr-Gly), which was identified by phage display, can specifically bind to TNFR1. In this study, we labeled WH701 with 18F and investigated its tumor diagnostic value. WH701 was synthesized by standard Fmoc-solid phase synthetic protocols and conjugated by NOTA-NHS. NOTA-WH701 was radiolabeled with 18F using NOTA-AlF chelation reaction. The tumor target properties were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using MCF-7 xenografts and inflammation models. [18F]AlF-NOTA-WH701 was labeled in 25 min with a decay-corrected yield of 38.1 ± 4.8% (n = 5) and a specific activity of 10.4-13.0 GBq/μmol. WH701 had relatively high affinity for MCF-7 cells in vitro and [18F]AlF-NOTA-WH701 displayed relatively high tumor uptake in vivo. The tumor to muscle ratio was 4.25 ± 0.56 at 30 min post-injection (p.i.); further, there was a significant difference between the tumor/muscle and inflammation/muscle (3.22 ± 0.56) ratio, which could differentiate the tumor and inflammation. The tumor uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-WH701 could be inhibited by 71.1% by unlabeled WH701 at 30 min p.i. We have developed a promising PET tracer [18F]AlF-NOTA-WH701 for the noninvasive detection of breast cancer in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical and instrumental records of large earthquakes within the southeastern region of the Tibetan Plateau appeared to show an irregular and complex behaviour in the seismic activity over a relatively short-time period. However, whether this kind of earthquake behaviour can be extrapolated over long-time periods is not well addressed. Herein, we present about an 8000 yr earthquake record using palaeoseismological techniques from the Zemuhe fault (ZMHF) to assess the earthquake behaviour and show the complexity of faulting within the region of the Tibetan Plateau. The ZMHF along with the Anninghe (ANHF) and Xiaojiang (XJF) faults, form the N–S-striking active fault zone at the tectonic boundary of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In the historical record, a large earthquake occurred in 1850 AD at M 7.5 along the ZMHF, with a coseismic left-lateral displacement of 3.6–4.8 m along the Daqingliangzi section where we excavated several trenches in a small triangular-shaped sag pond. We analyse the depositional sequences and deformation evidence in the trenches to recreate the sequence of earthquakes that occurred from the early Holocene until the present. From trenching and 14C ages, five palaeoseismic events are identified and named Z through V from youngest to oldest at 1370 AD–present, 690–940 AD, 5900–1400 BC, 6590–6350 BC and 7380–7110 BC. We associate two young events Y and Z with the historical records of 814 AD M 7 and 1850 AD M 7.5, respectively. Moreover, integrated palaeoearthquake results on ages of one event occurred slightly younger than 1700–1100 BC and 1540–1270 BC from previous palaeoseismic studies, we further constrain the age of event X at 1700–1400 BC. The average recurrence interval of earthquakes at the Daqingliangzi section on the ZMHF is about 2300 yr. The recurrence interval of palaeoseismic events during the early Holocene and late Holocene is shorter than that of the middle-Holocene. The interval between event V and W is 1030–520 yr, 2514–2214 yr between X and Y and 1036 yr between Y and Z; however, the recurrence interval between W and X is much longer at 5190–4650 yr. Holocene surface-faulting events along the ZMHF appear to be unevenly spaced in time. The irregular recurrence intervals of earthquakes on the ZMHF might be related to complexity of fault interactions in the left-lateral fault system located along the eastern and northern boundaries of the Sichuan-Yunnan block and may indicate regional irregularities of large earthquakes within the southeastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trenching is a primary technique on paleoseismology to reveal evidence of surface deformation produced by large earthquakes. A good trenching site requires completeness of geologic recording on paleoseismic events and corresponding reliable dating from radiocarbon samples. Based on three-dimension trenching, we show a structure of a small triangular pull-apart basin at the Daqingliangzi section on the Zemuhe fault, then explore interrelation between paleoseismic surface rupturing and evolution of the pull-apart basin, and give a corresponding identification model. Sedimentary boundary of the pull-apart basin is tightly bounded by two branch faults, which produced multiple paleoseismic events with deformation of some large fissures in sequence. Strata are thinner at north of the pull-apart basin, however thicker at south. These above characteristics show that evolution of the pull-apart basin is a continuous sedimentation process accompanying extensional deformation produced by multiple paleoseismic events. Small pull-apart basins are favorable sites for trenching and paleoseismic study on active strike-slip faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diethyl 2,3-dicyano-2,3-diphenylsuccinate (DCDPS) was applied to initiate reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of 4-vinylpyridine (VP) in 2-propanol with CuCl2 and 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazamacrocyclotetradecane (Me6[14]aneN4) as catalyst and ligand for the first time. First-order kinetics of the polymerization rate with respect to the monomer concentration, linear increase of the molecular weight with monomer conversion and a polydispersity index in the range of 1.15–1.28 were indicatives of controlled radical polymerization. Use of Me6[14]aneN4 as the ligand had many advantages over the use of hexamethyl tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6-TREN) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy). A slower polymerization rate and a broad polydispersity index were observed using CuBr2 instead of CuCl2 as catalyst. The block copolymer PVP-b-PAN was obtained via a conventional ATRP process in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) using the resulting poly (4-vinylpyridine) as macroinitiator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive gestational disease appearing during second trimester of pregnancy. Free radicals are released by the placenta in this condition that may cause oxidative damage. This study was designed to determine the serum ferritin (SF) levels in maternal blood, fetal umbilical cord blood and placenta and the changes associated with oxidative stress as well as cell apoptosis to understand the pathogenesis of PE. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study recruited 60 pregnant females with severe PE and assigned into early and late onset PE groups. Another n = 60 cases of normal pregnant females with similar gestational weeks were selected in the control group. Maternal serum and fetal umbilical cord blood ferritin levels were determined by automatic biochemical immunoassay system. Reverse transcription real-time fluorescence, Western blot and colorimetry were used to determine mRNA expression levels of ferritin and ferritin heavy chain, relative expression of ferritin and superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, respectively. Results: Mean age was 30.89 ± 5.65 and 31.79 ± 5.06 years in early and late onset PE groups respectively. Serum uric acid and creatinine levels of both PE groups were significantly higher than the normal pregnant females. SF levels were also higher in the participants of PE groups. However, the mRNA and ferritin protein levels in placental tissue were significantly lower in PE groups while comparing to controls. The cleaved caspase-3 protein, GSH-Px and MDA levels were significantly higher in both PE groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The alterations in factors related to oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in placental tissue may be helpful to understand the pathogenesis of PE and may provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathological characteristics of Parkinson's disease (PD) include dopaminergic neuron damage, specifically disorders caused by dopamine synthesis, in vivo. Plastrum testudinis extract (PTE) and its bioactive ingredient ethyl stearate (PubChem CID: 8122) were reported to be correlated with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which is a biomarker of dopaminergic neurons. This suggests that PTE and its small-molecule active ingredient ethyl stearate have potential for development as a therapeutic drug for PD. In this study, we treated 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced model rats and PC12 cells with PTE. The mechanism of action of PTE and ethyl stearate was investigated by western blotting, bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and siRNA transfection. PTE effectively upregulated the TH expression and downregulated the alpha-synuclein expression in both the substantia nigra and the striatum of the midbrain in a PD model rat. The PC12 cell model showed that both PTE and its active monomer ethyl stearate significantly promoted TH expression and blocked alpha-synuclein, agreeing with the in vivo results. BSP showed that PTE and ethyl stearate increased the methylation level of the Snca intron 1 region. These findings suggest that some of the protective effects of PTE on dopaminergic neurons are mediated by ethyl stearate. The mechanism of ethyl stearate may involve disrupting the abnormal aggregation of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) with alpha-synuclein by releasing DNMT1, upregulating Snca intron 1 CpG island methylation, and ultimately, reducing the expression of alpha-synuclein. [Display omitted] • PTE can improve the rotation behavior of the rat PD model. • Ethyl stearate is the main neuroprotective ingredient of PTE. • Ethyl stearate eliminate the abnormal aggregation of DNMT1 and alpha-synuclein. • Ethyl stearate protects dopaminergic neurons by increasing Snca methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite thermal infrared remote sensing has received worldwide attention in the exploration for earthquake precursors; however, this method faces great controversy. Obtaining repeatable phenomena related to earthquakes is helpful to reduce this controversy. In this paper, a total of 15 or 17 years of Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Aqua and MODIS/Terra satellite remote sensing land surface temperature (LST) products is selected to analyze the temperature changes before and after the Mw 7.9 earthquake in Nepal on 25 April 2015 and to explore possible thermal information associated with this earthquake. Major findings are given as follows: (1) from the time course, the temperature slowly cooled before the earthquake, reached a minimum at the time of the earthquake, and returned to normal after the earthquake. Since these changes were initiated before the earthquake, they may even have been precursors to the Nepal earthquake. (2) From the space distribution, the cooling areas correspond to the seismogenic structure during the earthquake. These cooling areas are distributed along the Himalayas and are approximately 1300 km long. The widths of the East and West sides are slightly different, with an average temperature decrease of 5.6 °C. For these cooling areas, the Western section is approximately 90 km wide and 500 km long; the East side is approximately 190 km wide and 800 km long. The Western side of the cooling strips appeared before the earthquake. In short, these kinds of spatial and temporal changes are tectonically related to the earthquake and may have been caused by the tectonic activity associated with the Nepal earthquake. This process began before the earthquake and therefore might even be potentially premonitory information associated with the Nepal earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two typical biochars are processed by sequential extraction procedures. • H 2 O washing and NH 4 Ac washing processes can reduce PM 1 emission. • HCl washing process would only significantly reduce the PM 1-10 emission. • PM 1 emissions are linearly related to water-soluble/ion-exchangeable K, Cl and S. • PM 1-10 emissions have great relationship with acid-soluble components (e.g., Ca). In order to control PM 10 (of an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less) emissions from biochar combustion, the effects of various occurrence modes of inorganic components on PM 10 formation are investigated. Two typical biochars (torrefied willow and wheat) were processed through sequential extraction procedures followed by combustion experiments in a high-temperature drop-tube furnace at 1400 °C. The generated particulate matter was characterised. The PM 1 emissions during air combustion were linearly related to the content of K/Cl/S in water-soluble/ion-exchangeable forms, which are easily vaporised. The nucleation and coagulation of KCl/K 2 SO 4 in gaseous species forming most of the PM 1 resulted in the above-mentioned strong correlation. The PM 1-10 emissions had a not very good linear relationship with the various forms of inorganic elements, and they were mainly related to the acid-soluble components. The catalysed sintering of CaO and coalescence/fragmentation of Ca-containing minerals formed most of the PM 1-10 (torrefied willow). The Ca in torrefied willow mainly exists in an acid-soluble form, which interfered with the effect of other elements. The coalescence/fragmentation of Si-containing minerals in torrefied wheat generated most of the PM 1-10. After various washing procedures, the different forms of Ca/K were removed and the silicate decreased during combustion, leading to a weakness in coalescence. This led to the above-mentioned relationship. When the combustion atmosphere was switched to oxy-fuel mode, the great contribution of acid-soluble Ca to PM 1-10 (torrefied willow)/water-soluble K to PM 1 (torrefied wheat) still exists, indicating that they were less affected by the combustion conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]