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For stability control of gob-side entry (GSE) in a deep mine, surrounding rock reinforcement and roof cutting are commonly used technical methods. However, there is still a lack of scientific quantitative design guidelines for the above two methods. In this paper, taking the bearing capacity of the surrounding rock as the starting point, a mechanical model of a GSE surrounding rock structure in a deep mine is established, and a mathematical expression for the load-bearing capacity of the yield pillar and the longwall panel rib are obtained. Taking the ultimate bearing capacity of the yield pillar and longwall panel rib as metrics, the state of GSE surrounding rock is divided into four categories according to the relationship between the actual bearing load and the ultimate bearing capacity of the yield pillar and longwall panel rib. For each condition, corresponding manual control and quantitative design methods are proposed, and the control method is preliminarily applied through field engineering examples. This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the stability control of a GSE in a deep mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anaerobic, Gram-staining-negative, rod shaped, nitrogen-fixing strain designed SG202T, was isolated from paddy soil collected from Fujian Province in China. Strain SG202T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strain Sulfurospirillum multivorans DSM 12446T (98.5%). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and conserved core genes from genomes indicated that strain SG202T branched with members of the genus Sulfurospirillum. Growth was observed at 25–37 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0–10.5 (optimum 7.5), and 0–0.6% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.2%). Strain SG202T contained MK-6 as the menaquinone and C16:1ω7c (40.6%), C16:0 (33.3%), C18:1ω7c (13.6%) and C14:0 (9.0%) as the major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39.0%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG202T and its closely related species S. multivorans DSM 12446T, Sulfurospirillum halorespirans DSM 13726T, Sulfurospirillum arsenophilum DSM 10659T and Sulfurospirillum diekertiae ACSDCET were 81.3, 81.5, 84.4, 82.2% and 24.5, 24.5, 27.9, 25.2%, respectively. All these values were lower than the recommended species delineation thresholds of ANI (95–96%) and dDDH (70%). Strain SG202T possessed core genes (nifHDK) of nitrogen fixation, and nitrogenase activities (3470.45 μmol C2H4 g−1 protein h−1) was examined using the acetylene reduction assay. Based on the observed physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and genome analysis, strain SG202T is recognized as a novel species of the genus Sulfurospirillum, for which the name Sulfurospirillum oryzae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG202T (= GDMCC 1.3379T= JCM 35596T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Metro wheels running on different lines can undergo wear at different positions. This paper aims to investigate the effects of wheel wear at two typical positions, i.e. wheel flange and tread, on the dynamic performance of metro vehicles and analyzes the differences, with an aim of providing theoretical support on wheel reprofiling for different metro lines. Design/methodology/approach: Wheel profile data were measured on two actual metro lines, denoted A and B. It was observed that wheel wear on Lines A and B was concentrated on flanges and treads, respectively. A metro vehicle dynamics model was built using multibody dynamics software SIMPACK. Then it was applied to analyze the differences in effects of wheel wear at different positions on vehicle dynamic performance (VDP) for various speeds (50, 60 and 70 km/h) and line conditions (straight line, R1000m, R600m and R300m curves). Critical speed and vibration acceleration were used as indicators of VDP during linear motion (on straight track), while VDP during curvilinear motion (on curved track) was evaluated in terms of wheel/rail lateral force, wheel/rail vertical force, derailment coefficient and wheel unloading rate. Findings: First, compared to wheel profile with tread wear, wheel profile with flange wear showed better performance during linear motion. When the distance traveled reached 8 × 104 and 14 × 104 km, the vehicle's critical speed was 12.2 and 21.6% higher, respectively. The corresponding vertical and lateral vibration accelerations were 59.7 and 74.8% lower. Second, compared to wheel profile with flange wear, that with tread wear showed better performance during curvilinear motion, with smaller wheel/rail lateral force, derailment coefficient and wheel unloading rate. When the vehicle speed was 50, 60 and 70 km/h, the maximum difference in the three indicators between the two wheel profiles was 40.2, 44.7 and 23.1%, respectively. For R1000m, R600m and R300m curves, the corresponding maximum difference was 45.7, 69.0 and 44.4%, respectively. Practical implications: The results of the study can provide a guidance and theoretical support on wheel reprofiling for different metro lines. On lines with large proportions of curved sections, metro vehicles are more prone to wheel flange wear and have poorer dynamic performance during curvilinear motion. Therefore, more attention should be paid to flange lubrication and maintenance for such lines. On lines with higher proportions of straight sections, metro vehicles are more prone to tread wear and have poorer performance on straight sections. So, tread maintenance and service requires more attention for such lines. Originality/value: Existing research has focused primarily on the effects of wheel wear on VDP, but fails to consider the differences in the effects of wheel wear at different positions on VDP. In actual metro operation, the position of wheel wear can vary significantly between lines. Based on measured positions of wheel wear, this paper examines the differences in the effects of wheel wear at two typical positions, i.e. tread and flange, on VDP in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alkali, salt, and thermo-tolerant strain designated FJAT-45399T was isolated from marine sediment in Fujian Province, China. Strain FJAT-45399T was Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, and facultatively aerobic. It shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the members of the genus Shouchella. Further, the phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis also suggested strain FJAT-45399T clustered with the members of the genus Shouchella. Growth of strain FJAT-45399T was observed at 15–55 °C (optimum 45–50 °C), pH 7.0–13.0 (optimum 9.0) and 0–15% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2%). It contained MK-7 as the menaquinone. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified glycolipid (UGL) and lipid (UL). The major fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0 (22.8%), iso-C15:0 (21.3%), and anteiso-C15:0 (14.0%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 44.5%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain FJAT-45399T and the most closely related type strain Shouchella clausii DSM 8716T (ANI 94.1% and dDDH 55.4%) were both below the cut-off level for species delineation. Based on the above results, strain FJAT-45399T represents a novel species of the genus Shouchella, for which the name Shouchella tritolerans sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is FJAT-45399T (= GDMCC 1.3098T = JCM 35613T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, composite materials are widely used in high-strength and low-weight parts, such as airborne structures, military equipment, and sports devices. Since most of the serpentine pipe parts have the requirements of one-piece forming and high strength, the material of serpentine pipe parts is still mainly metal. However, the parts cannot be easily separated from the metal molds after autoclave curing is always a difficult problem in the manufacturing process, which results in failed products. The autoclave process is often long and expensive. Therefore, improving its manufacturing yield rate is very important. To solve this problem, this study employs a ceramic lost foam mold to replace the metal mold used in the autoclave process. By adjusting parameters of autoclave and modifying the curing processes in different experiments and experienced several failed experiments, workable manufacturing processes and parameters are finally obtained such that the composite material made serpentine pipe parts are successfully produced. This study investigates the causes of failed products and corresponding solutions. Moreover, the current study executed process reproducibility experiments to verify the reproducibility of the proposed method. Experimental results determine workable manufacturing processes and parameters. The results not only facilitate the production of composite material made serpentine pipe parts but also significantly reduce the production cost and increase the throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing strain, designated SG60T, was isolated from paddy soil collected in Fujian Province, China. Growth of strain SG60T was observed at 20–37 °C, pH 5.5–10.0 and 0–0.7% (w/v) NaCl. Strain SG60T showed the highest 16S rRNA sequence similarities to the type strains of Fundidesulfovibrio magnetotacticus FSS-1T (97.2%) and Fundidesulfovibrio putealis DSM 16056T (96.4%). Phylogenetic trees based on the16S rRNA sequence and genome-based phylogenomic tree constructed using 120 core genes showed that strain SG60T clustered with members of the genus Fundidesulfovibrio. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG60T and the most closely related type strain F. magnetotacticus were 78.2% and 21.6%, respectively. Strain SG60T contained MK-7 as the main respiratory quinone and anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:1ω9c, iso-C16:0 and iso-C16:1 H as the major fatty acids. Strain SG60T produced desulfoviridin and possessed genes (nifHDK) encoding functions involved in nitrogen fixation. The genomic DNA G + C content was 65.5%. Based on the observed physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and ANI and dDDH values, strain SG60T represents a novel species of the genus Fundidesulfovibrio, for which the name Fundidesulfovibrio soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG60T (= GDMCC 1.3310T = JCM 35676T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early stage of the COVID‐19 pandemic was a critical time for increasing loneliness, especially for older people. However, there is insufficient existing research on associated interventions and their effectiveness. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an 8‐week online interactive course on the loneliness, depression, social support, and quality of life (QOL) of older adults in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A single‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a community in Taiwan. Eighty‐nine participants recruited from long‐term care institutions were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 45). Participants in the experimental group received an 8‐week (Monday to Friday) intensive online interactive course, whereas those in the control group watched 8 weeks (Monday to Friday) of unidirectional online video programs. Results: Significant differences were observed in the UCLA Loneliness Scale and in both the psychological health and social relationship domains of the WHO Quality of Life‐BREF Scale. In other words, compared with those in the control group, participants in the experimental group experienced more significant improvements in the state of their loneliness as well as QOL in the psychological health and social relationship domains (without the physical health/environment domains) after taking the online interactive course. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the 8‐week online interactive course could effectively improve the loneliness, the psychological health domain, and the social relationship domain of the QOL of the older adults of a particular community during the ongoing pandemic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 91–97. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two aerobic, Gram-staining-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, thermophilic bacterial strains, designated FJAT-47801T and FJAT-47835, were isolated from the sediment collected from Zhangjiang Estuary Mangrove National Nature Reserve in Fujian Province, China. Growth was observed at 25–55 °C (optimum, 50 °C) and pH 7.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), with up to 4.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, without NaCl). Strains FJAT-47801T and FJAT-47835 showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Bacillus oleivorans (98.5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between FJAT-47801T and FJAT-47835 was 99.9% indicating they were the same species. Phylogenetic (based on 16S rRNA gene sequences) and phylogenomic (based on 120 conserved bacterial single-copy genes) trees showed that strains FJAT-47801T and FJAT-47835 should be affiliated to the genus Bacillus. The of menaquinone of strain FJAT-47801T was MK-7. The major fatty acids of strain FJAT-47801T were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C17:0, and C16:0. The major polar lipids strain FJAT-47801T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain FJAT-47801T was 39.3%. The average nucleotide identity (84.3%) and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization value (28.1%) between strain FJAT-47801T and B. oleivorans CCTCC AB 2013353T were below the cut-off level for species delineation. Based on the above results, strain FJAT-47801T represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus litorisediminis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is FJAT-47801T (=GDMCC 1.2712T = JCM 34875T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strictly anaerobic nitrogen-fixing strain, designated SG106T, was isolated from rice field. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain SG106T was closely related to the type strain of Fundidesulfovibrio magnetotacticus (97.3%). In phylogenetic (based on 16S rRNA gene sequences) and phylogenomic (constructed using a concatenated alignment of 117 conserved bacterial single-copy genes with GTDB-Tk) trees, strain SG106T clustered with members of the genus Fundidesulfovibrio. Strain SG106T grew at 20–40 °C and 0–0.4% (w/v) NaCl. Desulfoviridin was found in the strain SG106T. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain SG106T was 66.0%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG106T and the closely related F. magnetotacticus were 78.4% and 21.7%, respectively. Genome analysis showed that strain SG106T encodes genes for nitrogen fixation (nifHDK). Acetylene reduction experiments showed that the nitrogenase activity of strain SG106T could reach 224.7 μmol C2H4 g−1 protein h−1. Based on the above results, strain SG106T represents a novel species of the genus Fundidesulfovibrio, for which the name Fundidesulfovibrio agrisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG106T (= GDMCC 1.3136T = JCM 35588T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to systematically investigate the dependence of the properties of nanocomposites on the shape of nanofillers, including spherical and fibrous, and the contents and its special arrangement, polyimide (PI) as matrix, nano-silicon carbide particles (SiCp) and whisker (SiCw) as fillers were applied to prepare PI nanocomposite films by in-situ polymerization. FTIR and XRD tests verified the successful polymerization of SiC/PI nanocomposites. FESEM observations showed that both SiCp and SiCw nanofillers were uniformly dispersed in the PI matrix during in-situ polymerization and contributed to the improvements of properties. Compared with pure PI film, addition of SiC nanofillers enhanced obviously the heat resistance and the thermal stabilities of PI nanocomposites, as verified by TGA. Tensile tests indicated that the mechanical properties of PI nanocomposites enhanced with increasing SiC nanofillers. Moreover, SiCw was more prominent than SiCp in the reinforcement of PI nanocomposites. Due to the influences of dielectric properties by the changes of the spatial arrangement and the local distribution of electric field of the nanofillers in PI matrix, the dielectric constant of 3wt.%SiCp/PI and 3wt.%SiCw/PI nanocomposites reached 4.3 and 5.6, respectively. Compared with pure PI film, the dielectric constants of SiCp/PI and SiCw/PI nanocomposites were enhanced by 26% and 64%, respectively. In comparison, PI nanocomposites containing SiCw possessed higher effective permittivity than those containing SiCp under the same nanofillers concentration. This work is expected to show great significance to understand the microscopic mechanism of PI dielectric nanocomposites for high energy-storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three MOF-derived Cu-based electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction were synthesized. • Cu supported by ceria/C achieved the best selectivity toward ammonia production. • A selectivity of 73.4 % at −1.29 V vs. SHE was achieved by the Cu on ceria/C. • Cu supported by zirconia/C showed the best overall rate but the worst selectivity. • DFT calculations reveal the role of underlying supports in reducing energy barrier. Metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived copper supported by ceria/carbon, zirconia/carbon, and carbon are synthesized by thermally carbonizing a copper-installed cerium-based MOF, a copper-installed zirconium-based MOF, and a copper-based MOF constructed from the same organic building block, respectively. These materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopes, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, two-probe conductivity measurements, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. Modified electrodes of these electrocatalysts with the same areal loading of copper are prepared in order to investigate the effect of underlying supports on the resulting electrocatalytic activity of copper for the reduction of nitrate. Electrolytic experiments with these modified electrodes are conducted in neutral aqueous solutions containing 0.5 M of nitrate at various applied potentials, and product analysis is performed. The overall reaction rate, Faradaic efficiency of each product, selectivity toward the production of ammonia against the formation of nitrite, and the turnover frequency for ammonia production normalized by the amount of electrochemically addressable copper sites are thus quantified at every electrolytic condition. The copper supported by ceria/carbon exhibits the highest selectivity toward ammonia production against the formation of nitrite among all the three materials; a selectivity of 73.4 % at −1.29 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode is achieved, which is much higher than those achieved by the zirconia/carbon-supported copper (36.0 %) and carbon-supported copper (47.2 %). Density functional theory (DFT) computational studies are performed to probe the reason for such a difference in the electrocatalytic activity of copper caused by the underlying support. Findings here suggest the importance of selecting the underlying support upon the design of Cu-based electrocatalysts used for nitrate reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fracture characteristics and energy evolution of coal coupled static-dynamic loading were analyzed. • The critical energy of the coal from integrity to impact fracture was determined. • A model of the response relationship between coal fracture and energy was constructed. Deep coal is constantly subjected to high static loading, and the accompanying mining disturbances will exacerbate the energy changes in the coal specimen. This study utilized the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system to examine the critical energy required for coal impact fracture under one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) coupled static-dynamic loading. The results revealed that a sufficiently large impact disturbance was required to cause deformation of the coal specimen when the initial static energy storage was low. Additionally, the coal with higher initial static energy storage was more likely to fracture under minor impact. Compared to the 1D loading, the 3D loading resulted in a higher critical impact energy and velocity for intact coal to fracture. Additionally, a model was developed to demonstrate the inherent energy evolution of coal specimen breakage under coupled static-dynamic loading, based on the relationship between energy and coal specimen deformation. Reducing the initial energy storage, weakening the dynamic absorbed energy, and increasing the critical instability energy of the coal matrix were the primary recommendations for disaster prevention. And corresponding prevention and control measures are suggested. This research can provide a scientific foundation and guidance for predicting dynamic disasters in order to ensure safe and efficient mining engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Differences of stress transfer between HPHS and LDD were revealed. • Evaluation index for pressure relief and deformation failure in deep roadway were proposed. • Differences in the application effects of HPHS and LDD under static-dynamic loading were analyzed. High-pressure hydraulic slotting (HPHS) is a new method for relieving pressure and releasing energy in deep roadways. The similarities and differences between stress environment and deformation failure of surrounding rock in deep roadways after HPHS and large-diameter drilling (LDD) are not well understood. In this paper, a theoretical model for HPHS and a theoretical model for LDD in deep roadways were established. The changes in stress redistribution of roadway ribs after pressure relief are revealed. Three evaluation indices for pressure relief were proposed: coal stress ratio, strain energy density ratio of coal, and displacement rate of the roadway rib. The study analyzed stress environment and deformation failure characteristics of surrounding rock in deep roadways under dynamic and static loads using Flac3D. On-site engineering practice was conducted. HPHS is more effective than LDD. The findings of this research can offer guidance on mitigating and managing burst disasters in deep roadways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The type of combined effect of PFOA and 4-HBP changed from additive to synergistic from 1.25 × 10−8 M to 4 × 10−7 M. • Critical role of mTORC1 in MCF-7 cell proliferation identified by multi-omics analysis. • Molecular docking validated the binding capacity of PFOA and 4-HBP to the estrogen receptor. With the discovery of evidence that many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment influence human health, their toxic effects and mechanisms have become a hot topic of research. However, investigations into their endocrine-disrupting toxicity under combined binary exposure, especially the molecular mechanism of combined effects, have rarely been documented. In this study, two typical EDCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), were selected to examine their combined effects and molecular mechanism on MCF-7 cell proliferation at environmentally relevant exposure concentrations. We have successfully established a model to evaluate the binary combined toxic effects of endocrine disruptors, presenting combined effects in a simple and direct way. Results indicated that the combined effect changed from additive to synergistic from 1.25 × 10−8 M to 4 × 10−7 M. Metabolomics analyses suggested that exposure to PFOA and 4-HBP caused significant alterations in purine metabolism, arginine, and proline metabolism and had superimposed influences on metabolism. Enhanced combined effects were observed in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic pathways compared to exposure to PFOS and 4-HBP alone. Additionally, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are primarily involved in Biological Processes, especially protein targeting the endoplasmic reticulum, and significantly impact the oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis-related KEGG pathway. By integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses, PFOA and 4-HBP regulate purine metabolism, the TCA cycle, and endoplasmic reticulum protein synthesis in MCF-7 cells via mTORC1, which provides genetic material, protein, and energy for cell proliferation. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the ability of PFOA and 4-HBP to stably bind the estrogen receptor, indicating that they have different binding pockets. Collectively, these findings will offer new insights into understanding the mechanisms by which EDCs produce combined toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a combined preventive maintenance strategy for bearings to accomplish the failure prevention of rotating equipment. The concepts of preventive maintenance and trend chart are introduced in the beginning. Next, as an illustration, this strategy installs four accelerometers at selected locations of the equipment to acquire vibration amplitude data periodically. Only if any one of amplitudes exceeds the corresponding prescribed warning value, the acquired time-domain signal then is sent to the vibration analyzer to establish the corresponding frequency spectrum by the Fast Fourier Transform method. Contrasting the frequency of the highest amplitude among the amplitudes of harmonic frequencies in the spectrum with the calculated defect frequencies of the bearings, the defective bearing can be accurately located. Consequently, the abnormality of the defective bearing is early detected such that failure of the rotating equipment is prevented by executing preventive maintenance. At the end, the defective bearing is taken out from the monitored equipment to verify this investigation. The reliability improvement of rotating equipment is illustrated as well. This study was performed in a real workshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have been widely used in applications associated with the photovoltaic effect owing to their favorable optoelectronic characteristics. However, the interaction of the perovskite in conventional perovskite-based electronic devices with moisture in air typically leads to a low environmental stability of these devices. Therefore, in this study, we fabricated mixed dimensional 2D/3D perovskite composite active layers to enhance the environmental stability of perovskite-based phototransistors without compromising their photoelectric properties. The photoresponsivity of the optimized 2D/3D perovskite-based phototransistor (5.27 × 10−2 A/W) was observed to be 2.08 times greater than that of the 3D perovskite-based phototransistor (2.61 × 10−2 A/W). Furthermore, the 2D/3D perovskite-based phototransistor retained 90.2% and 82.3% of its photocurrent generation and photoresponsivity, respectively, after being subjected to air with 40% humidity for 14 days. These results suggest that the 2D/3D perovskite films could effectively enhance the photoelectric performance and environmental stability of perovskite-based phototransistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• M1 macrophage markers is elevated in human OA than in normal. • IL-17 facilitates MCP-1-dependent M1 macrophage polarization. • IL-17 enhances MCP-1 synthesis and promotes monocyte migration. • IL-17 activates the JAK and STAT3 signaling cascades. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a low-grade inflammatory joint illness in which monocytes migrate and infiltrate synovial tissue, differentiating into the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype. IL-17 is a proinflammatory mediator principally generated by Th17 cells, which is elevated in OA patients; nevertheless, investigators have yet to elucidate the function of IL-17 in M1 polarization during OA development. Our analysis of clinical tissues and results from the open online dataset discovered that the level of M1 macrophage markers is elevated in human OA tissue samples than in normal tissue. High-throughput screening demonstrated that MCP-1 is a potential candidate factor after IL-17 treatment in OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs). Immunohistochemistry data revealed that the level of MCP-1 is higher in humans and mice with OA than in normal tissues. IL-17 stimulation facilitates MCP-1-dependent macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype. It also appears that IL-17 enhances MCP-1 synthesis in human OASFs, enhancing monocyte migration via the JAK and STAT3 signaling cascades. Our findings indicate the IL-17/MCP-1 axis as a novel strategy for the remedy of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic spacer cations in low-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (LDPVKs) significantly affect the performance of perovskite materials and devices. Herein, we systematically examine the effects of four distinct organic spacer cations on the properties of materials and perovskite thin film transistors (TFTs). Our study explores the consequences of varying chain lengths, including butylamine (BA) and octylamine (OA), and also considers the impact of incorporating benzene rings, such as phenethylamine (PEA), as well as the influence of fluorine-substituted benzene ring side chains, as represented by fluorine-substituted phenethylamine (FPEA), within these organic spacer cations. The results show that long-chain organic cations such as alkyl-chain cations improve the stability of TFTs but does not improve its field effect mobility. Because it provides π-π stacking, the benzene ring cation improves the carrier mobility performance of LDPVKs. This significantly improves the electrical performance and stability of LDPVK TFTs, affording a field-effect mobility of 7.47 cm2/(V·s) and the threshold voltage difference between the positive and negative sweep (ΔV TH) of 0.25 V. Therefore, when designing provide a molecular design direction for selecting organic spacer cations in low-dimensional for organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, various factors should be considered to optimized. This work study guides the designing LDPVKs and improving the performances of field-effect devices in the future. [Display omitted] • The effect of organic spacer cations on the performance of perovskite thin film transistors was studied. • The field sensing effective response of low-dimensional perovskite TFTs was analyzed. • Ion migration phenomena in low-dimensional perovskites were analyzed via Kevin probe force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem of strong ground pressure behaviour under a residual coal pillar in the overlying goaf of a close-distance coal seam, this paper proposes the technology of weakening and relieving the residual coal pillar in the overlying goaf by a high-pressure water jet. Based on the geological occurrence of the No. 3 coal seam and mountain No. 4 coal seam in the Yanzishan coal mine, the high-pressure water jet pressure relief technology of residual coal pillars in the overlying goaf of close-distance coal seams was studied by theoretical analysis and field industrial tests. First, the elastic-plastic zone of the residual coal pillar and the stress distribution law of the floor are obtained by theoretical analysis, and the influence degree of the residual coal pillar on the support of the lower coal seam working face is revealed. Then, a high-pressure water jet combined with mine pressure is proposed to weaken the residual coal pillar. Finally, through the residual coal pillar hydraulic cutting mechanical model and "double-drilling double-slot" model, the high-pressure water jet drilling layout parameters are determined, and an industrial field test is carried out. The single knife cutting coal output and 38216 working face hydraulic support monitoring data show that high-pressure hydraulic slotting can weaken the strength of the coal body to a certain extent, destroy the integrity of the residual coal pillar, cut off the load transmission path of the overlying strata, and reduce the working resistance of the hydraulic support under the residual coal pillar to a certain extent, which is beneficial to the safe mining of the working face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of temperature on the dynamic mechanical behaviors and fracture characteristics of thermally treated sandstone, compressive dynamic loading experiments were performed on a series of samples using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). In the tests, the dynamic uniaxial compressive strength of the thermally treated sandstone was inversely proportional to the temperature treatment in the range of 200°C–1000°C, while the dynamic elastic modulus first increased and then gradually decreased after different temperature treatments. The results show that two classical mechanical types (i.e., Class I and Class II) are observed from the dynamic stress-strain responses of SHPB tests for thermally treated sandstone. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the microdifference of postloading microfracture characteristics in Class I and Class II behavior was identified. In Class I behavior, intercrystalline cracks (IE) are the chief form of cracks on the fracture surface of a specimen fractured by SHPB loading even though there some intracrystalline cracks may also be present. In contrast, Class II behavior results from the chief cracking type being intracrystalline cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger that transduces extracellular signals in virtually all eukaryotic cells. The soluble Beggiatoa photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase (bPAC) rapidly raises cAMP in blue light and has been used to study cAMP signaling pathways cell-autonomously. But low activity in the dark might raise resting cAMP in cells expressing bPAC, and most eukaryotic cyclases are membrane-targeted rather than soluble. Our aim was to engineer a plasma membrane-anchored PAC with no dark activity (i.e., no cAMP accumulation in the dark) that rapidly increases cAMP when illuminated. Results: Using a streamlined method based on expression in Xenopus oocytes, we compared natural PACs and confirmed bPAC as the best starting point for protein engineering efforts. We identified several modifications that reduce bPAC dark activity. Mutating a phenylalanine to tyrosine at residue 198 substantially decreased dark cyclase activity, which increased 7000-fold when illuminated. Whereas Drosophila larvae expressing bPAC in mechanosensory neurons show nocifensive-like behavior even in the dark, larvae expressing improved soluble (e.g., bPAC(R278A)) and membrane-anchored PACs exhibited nocifensive responses only when illuminated. The plasma membrane-anchored PAC (PACmn) had an undetectable dark activity which increased >4000-fold in the light. PACmn does not raise resting cAMP nor, when expressed in hippocampal neurons, affect cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) activity in the dark, but rapidly and reversibly increases cAMP and PKA activity in the soma and dendrites upon illumination. The peak responses to brief (2 s) light flashes exceed the responses to forskolin-induced activation of endogenous cyclases and return to baseline within seconds (cAMP) or ~10 min (PKA). Conclusions: PACmn is a valuable optogenetic tool for precise cell-autonomous and transient stimulation of cAMP signaling pathways in diverse cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2.5-D seismic wave numerical simulation method employs point sources from 2-D geological models, enabling the calculation of point source wavefields at pseudo-2-D computational cost. We present herein a generalized 2.5-D first-order time-domain governing equation to model seismic wave propagation in different (acoustic, elastic isotropic, and anisotropic) media, then derive different formulae that incorporate topographic free-surface and fluid–solid interfaces. Furthermore, by assigning different model parameters from point to point, accommodating different boundary conditions, and applying the finite difference approach, we achieve the numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation with just one computer program. Comparisons with 3-D analytic and numerical solutions obtained using different full-space homogeneous models (acoustic, elastic isotropic, and anisotropic) verify the correctness of the 2.5-D method. Comparison of the results with a 3-D pseudospectral method show that the proposed 2.5-D method can simulate seismic wave propagation in various media with different boundary conditions. In addition, unlike the problems encountered when using 2-D numerical solutions for real 3-D applications, the 2.5-D method can be employed directly as a forward modeling method in seismic reverse-time migration and an efficient wavefield conversion tool between practical point source data and artificial line source data for 2-D seismic full waveform inversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attapulgite is a promising adsorbent for removal of anionic dyes in water after being modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and four kinetics models and three isotherm models were used to evaluate the adsorption behavior of Congo red onto the adsorbents. It indicated that pseudo-second-order and Sips models were better to describe the adsorption data. Based on Sips model, it was confirmed that the modified attapulgite exhibited a higher adsorption capability for Congo red due to the more high-energy sites. Furthermore, high temperature and acidic environment were conducive to adsorbing Congo red on attapulgite, but the adsorption of the modified attapulgite toward Congo red was not sensitive to the temperature and pH value. A hydrophobic surface of the modified attapulgite reduced the surface tension between adsorbent and dye molecules, and electrostatic interaction played an important role for adsorption of CR on APTES/ATP. [Display omitted] • APTES modified attapulgite is an efficient adsorbent for removal of anionic dyes. • Site energy distribution theory is used to investigate the adsorption process. • Electrostatic interaction plays an important role for adsorption of CR on APTES/ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to contribute with a hierarchically enhanced recovery-based error estimator by using the Zienkiewicz–Zhu (ZZ) recovery procedure and a generalized finite element formulation. The proposed stress recovery consists in an approximation procedure that is enriched hierarchically by using partition of unity (PU) and an enrichment function. In other words, the approximation matrix used for stress field recovery employs the enriched finite element (FE) shape function. Furthermore, the edge-bubble hierarchically enriched strategy in the context of a generalized finite element approach is adopted to develop the enriched C 0 element and approximation the matrix. The error estimator based on this hierarchically enhanced recovery procedure and the generalized finite element approach is employed to solve several elastic and elastoplastic hardening benchmark problems. Moreover, the effectivity index, refinement index, recovered stress field, global error and local error, both in energy norm, are evaluated in several applications. In addition, the sensitivity of the proposed recovery procedure to a severely distorted mesh is also analysed. The results obtained by the proposed procedure is compared to other well-established recovery procedures and finite element approaches. By comparing the results, the robustness in the numerical performance, the versatility in the computational implementation and the competitivity of the proposed procedure are demonstrated in the applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision manipulation tasks often require the use of compliant grippers to handle small and delicate objects accurately. This paper proposes a novel low-cost underactuated compliant gripper with integrated position and force sensors for precision manipulation. The gripper has a millimeter-scale grasping range and can adapt to objects of varying sizes and shapes. This is made possible by a flexure motion transmission mechanism that can undergo significant deformation, an underactuated seesaw flexure mechanism, and a pair of multifunctional jaws. Analytical models based on the pseudo-rigid-body approach are developed to analyze the kinematic, static, and dynamic characteristics of the gripper design. Finite element simulations are conducted to investigate the static and dynamic performance of the gripper. The gripper prototype is fabricated using 3D printing technology for a series of experimental tests. The results of these experiments demonstrate that the developed gripper has excellent motion tracking capabilities and high motion and force resolutions, enabling precise and accurate manipulation tasks. Furthermore, the gripper is capable of successfully grasping objects of different sizes and shapes through parallel and enveloping grasps. [Display omitted] • A novel low-cost underactuated compliant gripper is proposed for precision manipulation. • A pair of multifunctional jaws is designed for both parallel and enveloping grasps. • The grasping performance of the compliant gripper is investigated experimentally. • A large grasping range with high displacement and force resolutions is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies showed a higher risk of renal disease among patients with psoriasis; however, this association has been inconsistent. Objectives: This study aimed to carry out a comparison in the probability from suffering renal diseases—including chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), glomerular disease (GD), and those resulting in death caused by other renal diseases—in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify cohort studies with reported hazard ratios (HRs) and a 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the renal outcomes among patients with psoriasis. The meta-analysis was analyzed with the random-effects modeling and was further stratified by psoriasis severity. Results: Three studies were included. Compared to controls without psoriasis, patients with psoriasis had increased risks of CKD (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20–1.96) and ESRD (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.46). The risks of CKD (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.78–2.05) and ESRD (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.71–4.34) were increased in servere psoriasis patients. Due to substantial heterogeneity across enrolled studies (I2 = 95%), the risk of CKD in mild psoriasis was insignificant (HR: 1.14, 95% CI 0.87–1.48). Two studies identified severe psoriasis were related to higher risks of IgAN and GD, whereas one study found that mild psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of death from renal disease. Conclusion: Patients with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of incident CKD, ESRD, and GD. However, we only identified two cohort studies that compared the risk of IgAN and GD in psoriasis patients to general populations. It is difficult to conclude that severe psoriasis was associated with higher risks of IgAN and GD. For mild psoriasis, the association with renal disease was less consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct Laser Writing (DLW) is widely used in microelectronics, especially in the fabrication of masks. However, due to the limitation of the laser beam, the traditional DLW method without correction or modification is no longer sufficient for the advanced technology nodes. This paper introduces research on the DLW energy simulation model and how to use it to optimize the designed pattern and demonstrates a solution that can intuitively improve the image quality of DLW. In this simulation, patterns of 300 nm line width (600 nm pitch) can be written with a relatively high image log slope. The laser spot diameter is 0.8 µm, and the wavelength is 442 nm. Besides, this model can also be used in correcting corner and edge distortion. Undoubtedly, the improvement of the quality and yield of the traditional DLW can bring great help to the field of microelectronics manufacturing and other fields that are related to DLW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salinity is harmful to crop yield and productivity. Peroxidases (PRXs) play crucial roles in H 2 O 2 scavenging. In our previous study, PRX63 significantly upregulated in tobacco plants under salt stress. Thus, in order to understand the function of PRX63 in tobacco salt response, we overexpressed this gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), investigated the morphological, physiological and proteomic profiles of NtPRX63 -overexpressing tobacco transgenic lines and wild type. The results showed that, compared with the wild type, the transgenic tobacco plants presented enhanced salt tolerance and displayed lower ROS (reactive oxygen species), malondialdehyde (MDA) and Na+ contents; higher biomass, potassium content, soluble sugar content, and peroxidase activity; and higher expression levels of NtSOD , NtPOD and NtCAT. Protein abundance analysis revealed 123 differentially expressed proteins between the transgenic and wild-type plants. These proteins were functionally classified into 18 categories and are involved in 41 metabolic pathways. Furthermore, among the 123 proteins, eight proteins involved in the ROS-scavenging system, 12 involved in photosynthesis and energy metabolism processes, two stress response proteins, one signal transduction protein and one disulfide isomerase were significantly upregulated. Furthermore, three novel proteins that may be involved in the plant salt response were also identified. The results of our study indicate that an enhanced ROS-scavenging ability, together with the expression of proteins related to energy mobilization and the stress response, functions in the confirmed salt resistance of transgenic tobacco plants. Our data provide valuable information for research on the function of NtPRX63 in tobacco in response to abiotic stress. • Tobacco NtPRX63 gene was cloned and transformed into tobacco. • Transgenic tobacco plants exhibited enhanced salt resistance. • Transgenic tobacco plants showed increased ROS eliminating ability. • ROS-scavenging and energy mobilization ability is vital for tobacco salt resistance. • Histone acetylation and deacetylation may play essential roles in tobacco salt response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green electrochemical method of preparing diacid‐disulfides has been developed, in which an S−S bond is formed by electrochemically oxidative coupling of S−H/S−H employing redox active NaI as mediator. The reactions are carried out in a simple undivided cell under constant current condition at room temperature and complete in 1.3 h to afford a series of diacid‐disulfides with up to 97 % yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed digital low-dropout regulator uses nonlinear switching control (NLSC) technique to suppress voltage ripple to less than 6 mV when the switching noise voltage of a switching regulator operating in a power-saving mode is greater than 50 mV. In addition, the NLSC technique improves the current efficiency by reducing the quiescent current to less than 10 μA and reduces the switching power loss through variable switching frequency control. With a load step of 1–20 mA, the transient response time is 1.3 μs and the peak current efficiency is 99.8% at heavy loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the potential effects of a healthy lifestyle education provided by occupational therapists on quality of life (QoL), activities of daily living, and healthy lifestyle behavior in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.Methods: Sixty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either an occupational therapy (OT) intervention or a non-intervention group (in a 1:1 ratio). Participants in the OT intervention group were given an OT consultation based on a healthy lifestyle education handbook for CRC at discharge and at a 1-month and 3-month clinic follow-up; participants in the non-intervention group were given the same CRC education handbook only at discharge preparation without further consultation. The primary outcome was based on the QoL measured using the World Health Organization QoL-BREF (WHOOQOL-BREF). Outcomes were examined at discharge preparation as baseline and at a 1-month as well as 3-month clinic follow-up.Results: After controlling for demographic and income variables, we found statistically significant improvement in the scores on two items in the WHOQOL-BREF, including "overall quality of life" and "negative feelings" (p < 0.05) in the OT intervention group.Conclusions: OT consultation sessions based on healthy lifestyle at discharge and in the first 3 months after discharge may improve the QoL of CRC survivors.Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03521765?cond=Quality+of+Life+in+colorectal+cancer+survivors&rank=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we deduced the corresponding first‐order velocity–stress equation for curvilinear coordinates from the first‐order velocity–stress equation based on the modified Biot/squirt model for a two‐dimensional two‐phase medium. The equations are then numerically solved by an optimized high‐order non‐staggered finite difference scheme, that is, the dispersion relation preserving/optimization MacCormack scheme. To implement undulating free‐surface topography, we derive an analytical relationship between the derivatives of the particle velocity components and use the compact finite‐difference scheme plus a traction‐image method. In the undulating free surface and the undulating subsurface interface of two‐phase medium, the complex reflected wave and transmitted wave can be clearly recognized in the numerical simulation results. The simulation results show that the curvilinear‐grid finite‐difference method, which uses a body‐conforming grid to describe the undulating surface, can accurately reduce the numerical scattering effect of seismic wave propagation caused by the use of ladder‐shaped grid to fit the surfaces when undulating topography is present in a two‐phase isotropic medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-6 (PCSK6) is a secretory protein that activates corin in the heart. Higher circulating levels of corin are associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to determine the role of serum PCSK6 and corin levels in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods: In total, 565 patients who had undergone coronary angiography were enrolled. Serum PCSK6 and corin levels were determined before the administration of contrast media. In this study, coronary revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, and death were defined as cardiovascular outcomes. All patients were followed up for at least one year after coronary angiography or until the occurrence of death. Results: During a median follow-up of 691 days, 67 patients (15.7%) developed composite cardiovascular outcomes after coronary angiography, including 51 incidents of coronary revascularization, 7 instances of acute myocardial infarction, 2 acute strokes, and 15 deaths. After adjustment for demographic characteristics and all significant variables in the univariate analysis, serum levels of neither PCSK6 nor corin were associated with increased risk for cardiovascular outcomes. This correlation remained insignificant in patients with underlying hypertension, diabetes mellitus, CAD, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, in patients without CKD, higher serum PCSK6 levels were associated with increased risk for cardiovascular outcomes (hazard ratio 1.380; 95% confidence interval 1.023–1.862). Conclusions: We found no association between cardiovascular outcomes and pre-procedural serum levels of PCSK6 or corin in patients undergoing coronary angiography. However, an increased risk was seen in non-CKD patients with higher PCSK6 levels. Further studies are needed to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dual fluorescent system (green + red) was developed for cell detection in coculture. • A polymer-based 3D platform was used for high throughput drug screening. • Cytotoxicity of tamoxifen on breast cancer MCF-7 cells was evaluated. • Down-regulation effects of doxorubicin on survivin expression were assessed. A dual fluorescence system consisting of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and red fluorescent protein (Ds-red) signals was developed for monitoring cellular activities. For system validation, MCF-7 breast cancer cells were engineered to express EGFP and Ds-red, respectively. Cells were cultured in three-dimensional (3D) polymer-based scaffolds on a 40-microbioreactor platform (40-MBR) with real-time monitoring of fluorescence signals without significant background fluorescence noises from culture medium and 3D scaffold. The fluorescence kinetics study showed that both EGFP and Ds-red signals in the 3D coculture could be simultaneously detected without interference with each other. The cytotoxicity study of tamoxifen and the survivin promoter test of doxorubicin demonstrated that both EGFP and Ds-red signals provided high sensitivity to evaluate drug effectiveness. These studies suggested that the novel dual fluorescence system could provide a simple, real-time, and rapid cell detection in 3D coculture assay, which could be used for in vitro high throughput drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of burnout among live streamers remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with burnout among Chinese live streamers. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 343 full-time live streamers from 3 companies in Changsha city. Socio-demographic and occupational characteristics were collected using self-designed items. Job stress was assessed using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ-22), while supervisor and coworker support were evaluated using the last 8 items of the JCQ-22. Burnout was assessed using the 17-item Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Results: Our findings revealed that 30.6% of live streamers experienced burnout. Lower levels of education (OR = 2.65 and 3.37, p = 0,005 and 0.003), higher monthly income (OR = 10.56 and 11.25, both p = 0.003), being an entertainment-oriented streamer (OR = 2.13, p = 0.028), continuous walking during live streams (OR = 2.81, p = 0.006), significant drop in follower count (OR = 2.65, P = 0.006), live streaming during the daytime (OR = 3.75, p = 0.001), and higher support from supervisors and coworkers (OR = 3.66, p = 0.001) were positively associated with burnout. However, the effects of education and drop in followers on burnout were not significant in the multivariate logistic models (p = 0.321 and 0.988). Conclusions: Burnout among Chinese live streamers is associated with income, being an entertainment streamer, engaging in continuous walking during live streams, conducting live streams during the daytime, and experiencing excessive support from supervisors and coworkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that arises from abnormalities in cartilaginous tissue and is associated with lung metastases. Lymphangiogenesis plays an essential role in cancer metastasis. Visfatin is an adipokine reported to enhance tumor metastasis, but its relationship with VEGF-D generation and lymphangiogenesis in chondrosarcoma remains undetermined. Our results from clinical samples reveal that VEGF-D levels are markedly higher in chondrosarcoma patients than in normal individuals. Visfatin stimulation promotes VEGF-D-dependent lymphatic endothelial cell lymphangiogenesis. We also found that visfatin induces VEGF-D production by activating HIF-1α and reducing miR-2277-3p generation through the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. Importantly, visfatin controls chondrosarcoma-related lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, visfatin is a promising target in the treatment of chondrosarcoma lymphangiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Breast cancer MCF-7 and fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells cocultured in 3D microbioreactors. • Cells were engineered to express green and red fluorescent proteins for detection. • Dual fluorescence signals were used to assess cytotoxicity of antitumor drugs. • Drug resistance of MCF-7 increased significantly when cocultured with NIH-3T3. • The dual fluorescence coculture assay provides a high throughput cancer drug screening. Tumor microenvironment plays a vital role in tumor progression, metastasis and aggressiveness. The interaction between tumor and surrounding stromal cells, especially fibroblasts, is closely related to antitumor drug sensitivity. We developed a novel 3-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor model with the coculture of breast cancer MCF-7 and mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells simulating the in vivo tumor microenvironment for cancer drug screening. MCF-7 and NIH-3T3 cells were engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein and red fluorescence protein, respectively. These cells were cocultured in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrous matrices as 3D scaffolds in microbioreactors modified from a 384-well plate, and their growth was monitored in real time by the dual fluorescence signals measured with a plate reader. The 3D coculture was used to evaluate cytotoxicity or IC 50 of three antitumor drugs: tamoxifen, oxaliplatin and cisplatin. In general, the drug resistance or IC 50 of MCF-7 increased significantly when cocultured with NIH-3T3. These drugs also showed lower cytotoxicity to NIH-3T3 cells, versus MCF-7 cells, confirming that they are cancer-specific agents and relatively harmless to non-cancerous cells. The dual fluorescence 3D coculture assay can provide a reliable high throughput platform for screening cancer drugs whose efficacy may be impacted by fibroblasts in tumor stroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depressive emotions can lead to subsequent unhealthy behaviors such as Internet addiction, especially in female adolescents; therefore, studies that examine the relationships among depression, health‑related behaviors, and Internet addiction in female adolescents are warranted. Purpose: To examine (1) the relationship between depression and health-related behaviors and (2) the relationship between depression and Internet addiction. Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted using a structured questionnaire to measure depression, health-related behaviors, and Internet addiction in female adolescents. The data were collected from students of a junior college in southern Taiwan using convenience sampling to select the participants. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: demographics, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results: The final sample comprised 503 female junior college students, with the participants mainly aged between 15 to 22 years (mean age = 17.30 years, SD = 1.34). Regarding the HPLP scores, the overall score, nutrition subscale score, and self-actualization subscale score were significantly and negatively associated with the CES-D depression score (p < 0.05–0.01). In other words, depression level was lower in students who exhibited more healthy behaviors, put more emphasis on dietary health, and had higher levels of self-admiration and confidence toward life. Regarding the IAT scores, the overall score and six domain scores were all positively associated (p < 0.01) to the CES-D depression score. In other words, the higher an individual’s Internet addiction score was, the higher her depression level was. Conclusions: The results confirmed the relationship between depression, health-related behaviors, and Internet addiction. The cultivation of health-related behaviors may help in lowering depressive symptoms. Teenagers with depression have higher risks of developing Internet addiction, and such addiction is likely to affect their daily functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiconductor plants on the top of high-tech industrial chain hire many packaging workers to carry out miscellaneous packing tasks for various product orders from different companies and countries. Under tremendous workload the quality of life (QoL) of such packaging workers need to be concerned. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing their QoL. This study recruited 247 packing workers (162 male and 85 female; mean age: 35.6 years old) in 2015 and 2016 from a semiconductor plant in Taiwan by convenience sampling. The questionnaire comprised four parts: demographics, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), an occupational burnout inventory and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF were defined as outcome variables. Predictive factors included gender (reference: male), age (reference: ≤ 35), BMI (reference: ≤ 25), educational level (reference: below university), marital/partner status (reference: married/cohabiting), years of work (reference: ≤ 5), work shift (reference: day shift), personal burnout, work-related burnout, over-commitment to work and the number of body parts with discomfort (0–9). The findings showed that physical QoL was negatively correlated with night -shift work, personal burnout, and number of body parts with discomfort. Psychological QoL was negatively correlated with night shift work and personal burnout. Environment QoL was negatively correlated with being male, night shift work and personal burnout. The results showed that the QoL among the packaging workers could be improved by reducing musculoskeletal discomfort, personal burnout and by improving work schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early fluid resuscitation is a key aspect in the successful management of critically ill patients, but the optimal goal for volume control after the acute stage of critical illness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of bioimpedance spectrometry for fluid management in critically ill patients. Methods: In this prospective observational study, patients who consented to participate were screened within the first 24 hours of admission to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) from February 4, 2015, to January 31, 2016. Information on demographics, comorbidities, primary reasons for admission, baseline laboratory data, and ventilator or inotropic use were documented. Data of fluid intake, fluid output, and body weight were recorded for the first 3 days of ICU admission. Bioimpedance spectrometry was performed on the first and third days after ICU admission. All participants were followed until death or hospital discharge. Results: Of the 140 enrolled patients (median age: 70 years, interquartile range: 60-77 years), 23 (16.4%) patients died during hospitalization. Independent predictors of hospital mortality were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (per 1 point increase, odds ratio [OR]: 1.101) and overhydration (OH) volume on the first day (per 1 L increase, OR: 1.216). Compared to normal OH status (OH volume between −1 and 1 L), hyper OH status (OH volume < −1 L) on the third day after ICU admission was an independent predictor of hospital death (OR: 7.609). Normal OH status on the third day was associated with greater numbers of ICU-free and ventilator-free days. Conclusion: Bioimpedance spectrometry can be used to predict outcomes in critically ill patients. Increased OH volume on day 1 and hyper OH volume on day 3 of ICU admission are associated with a greater risk of hospital mortality. Volume status on day 3 is associated with durations of ventilator use and ICU stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study examined variations in the degree of smartphone use behavior among male and female adolescents as well as the association between various degrees of smartphone use behavior and the vitality and mental health of each gender. Participants: A total of 218 adolescents were recruited from a junior college in September 2014. Methods: All the participants were asked to answer questionnaires on smartphone use. Results: The findings showed that adolescent females as compared with adolescent males exhibited significantly higher degrees of smartphone dependence and smartphone influence. Positive correlations were observed between the duration of smartphone use on weekends and the vitality/mental health of the male adolescents; negative correlations were found between smartphone dependence and the vitality/mental health of males. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that adolescent females are deeply affected by their smartphone use. Smartphone dependence may decrease the vitality and mental health of male adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 3‐Phosphinoylindoles are important components of biological active natural products and materials in pharmaceuticals. Herein, a new approach for the synthesis of 3‐phosphinoylindoles has been established by a Rh(III)‐catalyzed cyclization from readily accessible (2‐azidostyryl)diphenylphosphine oxides. This intramolecular transformation occurs through a unique phosphine oxide group migration and offers a straightforward route to rebuild sp2 C−P bond and construct the indole ring in single step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To monitor the concentration of harmful gas methane (CH4) in the tunnel in real time, a high‐sensitivity measurement method for CH4 trace gas based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is designed in this paper. An interband cascade laser with the emission wavelength of 3.29 μm was used to target noninterference CH4 lines at 3038.5 cm−1. To diminish the background noise of the sensor system, wavelength modulation spectroscopy combined with a second harmonic measurement technique was used in this work. Finally, 1.83 parts per billion in volume (ppbv) minimum measurement limit (MML) was obtained with a 4 s integration time based on an Allan‐Werle variance analysis, and the MML can be further improvedto ∼0.4 ppbv by increasing the integration time up to 104 s. Indoor and outdoor environmental data of CH4 acquired using the TDLAS sensor system are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the therapeutic effects of microRNA-21 (miR-21) knockdown (KD) for acute thoracic spinal cord contusion using a mouse model. Forty C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: mice in the sham-operated (Sham) group received surgical procedure without spinal cord contusion; the spinal cord injury (SCI) group mice underwent spinal cord contusion without treatment; mice in the miR-21 KD group underwent spinal cord contusion followed by a single dose subdural injection of miR-21 KD vectors (1 × 107 TU); and the negative control (NC) group mice were given subdural injection of comparable amount of NC vectors (1 × 107 TU) after spinal cord contusion. The Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) was employed to assess hindlimb motor functions. Hematoxylin-eosin and Luxol fast blue staining were performed to evaluate pathologic changes in spinal cord tissues. Peripheral blood serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA expression of Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blotting was performed to analyze the AKT signaling pathway. KD of miRNA-21 effectively improved the BMS scores at day 14 post-surgery compared with the SCI group (p < 0.01). The spinal cord tissue in the miR-21 KD group displayed the most overt histologic signs of recovery, with axonal regeneration and the recovery of neuronal morphology at day 14 post-surgery. Significantly alleviation of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β was also found in sera from the miR-21 inhibition group in comparison to others, whereas BDNF gene expression was upregulated following miR-21 KD (p < 0.01). Further, significantly decreased AKT phosphorylation activity was illustrated in the miR-21 KD group (p < 0.001). The data suggest that miR-21 KD significantly reduces the inflammatory response at the damaged spinal cord site and promotes motor functional recovery. The treatment also elevated expression of BDNF, a neurotrophin participating in nerve regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Investigate whether rAAV‐anginex gene therapy combined with radiotherapy could decrease growth and pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma in mice and examine the mechanisms involved in this therapeutic strategy. During in vitro experiment, multiple treatment regimes (rAAV‐eGFP, radiotherapy, rAAV‐anginex, combination therapy) were applied to determine effects on proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) and G‐292 osteosarcoma cells. During in vivo analysis, the same multiple treatment regimes were applied to osteosarcoma tumor‐bearing mice. Use microcomputed tomography to evaluate tumor size. Eight weeks after tumor cell inoculation, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the therapeutic efficacy according to microvessel density (MVD), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Metastasis of lungs was also evaluated by measuring number of metastatic nodules and wet weight of metastases. The proliferation of ECs and the tumor volumes in combination therapy group were inhibited more effectively than the other three groups at end point (P < 0.05). Cell clone assay showed anginex had radiosensitization effect on ECs. Immunohistochemistry showed tumors from mice treated with combination therapy exhibited the lowest MVD and proliferation rate, with highest apoptosis rate, as confirmed by IHC staining for CD34 and PCNA and TUNEL assays (P < 0.05). Combination therapy also induced the fewest metastatic nodules and lowest wet weights of the lungs (P < 0.05). rAAV‐anginex combined with radiotherapy induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells and inhibited tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis on the experimental osteosarcoma models. We conclude that the primary mechanism of this process may be due to sensitizing effect of anginex to radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are life-threatening disease. However, there are only few epidemiologic studies of SJS/TEN from China. To analyze the clinical characteristics, causality, and outcome of treatment for SJS/TEN in China, we reviewed case reports of patients with SJS/TEN from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database from 2006 to 2016 and patients with SJS/TEN who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University during the same period. There were 166 patients enrolled, including 70 SJS, 2 SJS/TEN overlap, and 94 TEN. The most common offending drugs were antibiotics (29.5%) and anticonvulsants (24.1%). Carbamazepine, allopurinol, and penicillins were the most common single offending drugs (17.5%, 9.6%, and 7.2%). Chinese patent medicines accounted for 5.4%. There were 76 (45.8%) patients receiving systemic steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in combination therapy, especially for TEN (80.3%), and others were treated with systemic steroids alone. Mortality rate of combination treatment comparing with steroid alone in TEN patients had no statistical significance. In conclusion, carbamazepine and allopurinol were the leading causative drugs for SJS/TEN in China. Combination of IVIG and steroids is a common treatment for TEN, but its efficacy in improving mortality needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Located hundreds of kilometres offshore of continental mainland Asia, the extremely high level of land vertebrate endemism in the East Asian Island Arc provides an excellent opportunity to test hypotheses regarding biogeographic processes and speciation. In this study, we aim to test alternative explanations for lineage diversification (vicariance versus dispersal models), and further develop a temporal framework for diversification in our focal taxon, which is consistent with the known age of these islands. We achieve these tests by investigating the historical biogeography of the Okinawa tree lizard ( Japalura polygonata), one of the few widely-distributed reptiles across this archipelago. Location The East Asian Island Arc: (1) Central Ryukyu (Amami and Okinawa groups); (2) Southern Ryukyu (Miyako and Yaeyama groups); (3) Taiwan and adjacent islands. Methods A total of 246 tissues were sampled from 10 localities in the Ryukyu archipelago and 17 localities in Taiwan, covering the entire distributional range of this species, including all subspecies. DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b, 16S ribosomal RNA, nuclear BACH-1 and RAG-1 genes (total: 4,684 bp) were obtained from these samples. We used maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods to infer phylogeny and divergence time, and used a model-fitting method of biogeographical inference to estimate ancestral range evolution. Results Multiple lines of evidence combine to identify a general pattern of dispersal-mediated diversification northward through the archipelago, following initial dispersal from Taiwan. These included (1) a phylogenetic estimate, revealing a sequential, south-to-north branching pattern; (2) ancestral range estimation, inferring multiple overseas dispersals and subsequent colonization of new landmasses; and (3) a reduction in genetic variation observed in successively-diverging lineages, decreasing from Taiwan northward, towards more remote islands. These results provide strong statistical support for an interpretation of successive bouts of dispersal via the powerful, well-documented, south-to-north Kuroshio Current. Estimation of divergence times suggests that most clades in southern Ryukyu and Taiwan diverged early, giving rise to lineages that have remained isolated, and that more recently-diverged lineages then colonized northward to subsequently occupy the landmasses of the Central Ryukyu archipelago. Main conclusions Our general inference of biogeographic history in Japalura polygonata suggested that this species originated on Taiwan and the Yaeyama group, and arrived at its current distribution in Miyako, Okinawa, Toku and Amami islands by a series of stepping-stone dispersals, which we report for the first time for a terrestrial vertebrate endemic to this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione (GSH), the major non-enzymatic antioxidant, plays a critical role in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) neutralization. Moreover, GSH is required for the self-renewal maintenance of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and is highly accumulated in undifferentiated cells. Among 8 GSH biosynthesis-related enzymes, we found CHAC2 is highly enriched in undifferentiated hESCs. CHAC2 downregulation in hESCs efficiently decreased the levels of GSH and blocked self-renewal. The self-renewal of sh-CHAC2 cells can be rescued by GSH supplement. CHAC2 downregulation promoted mesoderm differentiation and hampered both teratoma formation and the expression of Nrf2 and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL). Notably, CHAC1 knockdown restored the self-renewability of CHAC2-downregulated cells. Although both CHAC1 and CHAC2 purified protein alone showed the catalytic activities to GSH, our data extraordinarily revealed that CHAC2 prevented CHAC1-mediated GSH degradation, which suggests that CHAC2 competes with CHAC1 to maintain GSH homeostasis. This is the first report to demonstrate that CHAC2 is critical for GSH maintenance and the novel roles of the CHAC family in hESC renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]